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BBM, Sara banner final polls Still top OCTA survey to replicate wide leads in Pulse, Publicus, Laylo

OCTA SURVEY FROM APRIL 22 TO 25 PRESIDENTIAL

VICE PRESIDENTIAL PH

MARCOS, Bongbong

DUTERTE, Sara

ROBREDO, Leni

SOTTO, Vicente

DOMAGOSO, Isko

PANGILINAN, Kiko

PACQUIAO, Manny

ONG, Willie

LACSON, Ping

ATIENZA, Lito

MANGONDATO, Faisal 1

LOPEZ, Manny

0.1

GONZALES, Norberto

0.2

BELLO, Walden

0.03

DE GUZMAN, Leody

0.2

SERAPIO, Carlos

0.001

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

ITH three days to go before the May 9 national elections, presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. maintained his wide lead over his rivals with a 58 percent voter preference rating in the final survey of OCTA Research.

The survey, also likely the last to be released by major polling firms ahead of Monday's elections, was conducted from April 22 to 25 with a sample size of 2,400 respondents and a margin of error of +/- 2 percent. Marcos gained one percentage point from his 57-percent voter preference rating in OCTA's April 2 to 6 survey. Next page

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 80 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Comelec: Failure of election is not an option By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured voters Thursday that a scenario of the May 9 elections failing is "not an option" amid reports of defective vote counting machines (VCM) just four days before Monday's polls. Earlier, the camp of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo to answer the issue on the supposed malfunctioning VCMs. Comelec reiterated it is all set for the national and local elections, saying the partial and unofficial quick count of votes

MAY 9 NOW A HOLIDAY PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has declared May 9 as a special non-working holiday throughout the country due to the elections, the Palace said Thursday. Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1357, declaring May 9 a holiday to allow Filipinos "to properly exercise their right to vote" in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

PDP-Laban, 9 others named major parties By Vito Barcelo, Joel E. Zurbano, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declared the splintered PDP-Laban as the dominant majority party, even though it did not field its own candidate for president this year, while the Nacionalista Party was designated the dominant minority party.

Duterte picks Danao acting police chief PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has named Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. officer in charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Thursday. Danao will replace Police Gen. Dionardo Carlos, who retires on May 8, a day before the national and local elections. In a statement, Año emphasized the importance of Danao’s appointment, given its closeness to May 9. Next page

APRIL INFLATION HITS 3-YEAR HIGH BUSINESS / A8

‘US INTEL HELPED TARGET GENERALS’ WORLD / A6

Under Comelec rules, poll watchers of the dominant majority and dominant minority parties will be given preference if the space in the canvassing or consolidation center is insufficient. The Comelec also identified 10 major political parties: the National Unity Party, Aksyon Demokratiko, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Liberal Party, United Nationalist Alliance, Lakas-CMD, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma, Akbayan, Next page

READY TO POLL. Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez (left) sits with (from left) Commissioners George Garcia, Aimee Ferolino, and Marlon Casquejo in answering questions during a press conference at the Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday. Meanwhile, National Printing Office (NPO) workers in Quezon City unload ballot boxes from a delivery truck to distribute to different polling precincts in Metro Manila (inset). Danny Pata and Mike De Juan

may already indicate a presidential and vice-presidential winner two to three days after the election day. “For president and vice president, it’s Congress jointly canvassing the result for president and vice president, and Congress will resume session on May 23 to officially count or canvass the results for president and vice president,” Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said. In a separate briefing, Casquejo said Comelec “is in control of these elections” following a statement of Vic Rodriguez, spokesman of Marcos, seeking answers regarding alleged "VCM breakdowns left and right." He pointed out that Casquejo has been silent on the issue. “Hindi tayo magkakaproblema [sa makina]. Ang daming repair hubs… Naitawid natin 'yung 2019 elections na mas maraming defective VCMs," Casquejo told reporters. Next page

PH debt soars to P12.68t, Palace vows ‘for good use’ THE Philippines has recorded P12.68 trilOut of the total, 30.1 percent was lion in outstanding debt as of end-March sourced externally, while 69.9 percent this year, compared to the P12.09 trillion were from domestic borrowings, the BTr recorded in the previous month, the Bu- said in a statement. reau of Treasury said Thursday. Domestic debt reached P8.87 trillion,

higher by 5.4 percent compared to Febru- said. ary. Meanwhile, Malacanang gave assurExternal debt was at P3.81 trillion for ances the country's borrowings would be the month, or 3.6 percent higher com- put to good use, particularly to fund the pared to the previous month, the agency Next page

‘Poblacion Girl’ faces criminal raps for breaking hotel quarantine rules By Willie Casas THE Makati City Prosecutor's Office has recommended criminal charges against “Poblacion Girl,” a Filipina traveler who violated COVID-19 quarantine rules in December to party. The prosecutor's office said it found probable cause to charge Gwyneth Anne Chua of violating Republic Act 11332 or the "Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act." A guard at the Berjaya Hotel where Chua was staying was also chargedfor helping her leave the quarantine facility.

Complaints were also filed against other Berjaya Hotel employees, as well as Chua's parents and boyfriend, but these were dismissed for lack of probable cause and insufficient evidence. The prosecutor's office said the evidence against the other hotel employees failed to show that they knowingly allowed Chua to leave the hotel premises. On Dec. 23, 2021, Chua was seen partying in Poblacion, Makati, just two days into her mandatory quarantine at the Berjaya Hotel after arriving from the United States. She later tested positive for COVID-19. Next page

BINAY IN LAGUNA. Former Vice President Jejomar Binay (right), who is running for senator in the May 9 polls, thanks the Laguna Muslim Association Inc. and Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez (not in picture) for welcoming him to the province on Thursday, the penultimate day for campaigning for both national and local positions.

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

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‘Revoke US visas of De Lima’s jailers’ By Macon Ramos-Araneta

“All those who were involved— directly or indirectly, in this grand design to besmirch the reputation of Sen. De Lima and to demolish her politically for her crusade to eliminate social injustice in the Philippines— have utterly failed their mission. Now, they

must be held accountable for what they have tried, but again failed, to do with Sen. De Lima. Justice must be served now,” Pangilinan said. Pangilinan, chairman of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, also

thanked Senators Edward Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations East-Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). These US senators on May 3 renewed calls for De Lima’s immediate release following the withdrawal of statements made by two key state witnesses. The American lawmakers said “the recent recanting by key witnesses of allegations made against Senator Leila De Lima warrant her immediate release. Clearly, the bogus charges against her were, as we suspected all along, politically-motivated and based on false

BBM,...

to III with 22 percent, Sen. Francis Pangilinan with 16 percent, Doc Willie Ong with 4 percent, and Lito Atienza with 1 percent. Like Marcos, Duterte-Carpio was also the top pick across all geographical areas (National Capital Region, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao), socio-economic classes (ABC, D and E), and age groups. Given the survey's margin of error of +/-2 percent, the senatorial candidates that made it to the winning circle are Raffy Tulfo (63 percent), Mark Villar (55 percent), Loren Legarda (51 percent), Miguel Zubiri (49 percent), Francis Escudero (46 percent), Robin Padilla (44 percent), Alan Cayetano (40 percent), Sherwin Gatchalian (39 percent), Joey Villanueva (36 percent), Jinggoy Estrada (33 percent), and JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros and Jojo Binay at 31 percent each. According to Marcos spokesman Vic

Rodriguez, the OCTA survey was a “most welcome” development. “Our internal target remains the same —to reach 70 percent. If the number of respondents will increase, I'm sure—I've seen the trajectory of BBM and Sara— it's still on an upward trend and there's a chance that we will be able to meet our 70 percent target come election day," Rodriguez said. OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David, in an interview with CNN, said it was “mathematically still possible” for changes to happen on May 9. “We do not want to declare a winner based on survey results –otherwise, why should people vote? There are people who decide on the day itself. Sometimes, the outcome can be surprising,” he said. “So, we are not saying the fight is over. Let us go out and vote,” David added. Marcos and Duterte-Carpio have

been consistently topping pre-election surveys, including the latest from Pulse Asia this week where the former senator logged a 56-percent voters preference rating while the Davao City mayor had 55 percent. Robredo took the second spot in the April 16 to 21 Pulse Asia survey, followed by Pacquiao, Domagoso, and Lacson. At second spot in the vice-presidential race was Sotto, followed by Pangilinan, Ong, Manny Lopez and Atienza. In the Laylo Research survey conducted from April 14 to 20, Marcos saw his rating climb to 64 percent, up by three percentage points from his March rating, giving him a 43-point lead over Robredo. The influential Iglesia Ni Cristo, which counts at least two million voting members, earlier this week endorsed the UniTeam tandem of Marcos and DuterteCarpio. Rey E. Requejo

as one single political party for purposes of determining the dominant majority party, dominant minority party, and the 10 major national parties," the Comelec resolution stated. For this purpose, the Commission en banc treated them as one single political party. Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said that they will release the resolution on the PDP-Laban factions soon. The Comelec on Thursday said at least 52 percent or more than 37 million of the 65.7 million voters for the May 9 national elections are “young voters.” According to Comelec data, a total of 65,721,230 Filipino citizens have registered for the forthcoming elections, which includes 32,076,993 male voters and 33,644,237 female voters. Out of that total, 31.41 million voters are in the age group of 18-40, classified as the youth vote. The poll body said that for the May 9, 2022 elections there are more than 65.7 million Filipinos registered, higher than Comelec's target of 59 million. The Comelec’s Information Technology Department said that

in October last year, the last month for registration, there were a total of 4,094,614 young adult Filipinos who were newly registered voters. Most of the first-time voters are women at 2,156,657 while 1,937,957 are men. Meanwhile, there are more than 28.7 million voters who belong to the 42 years old and above age range, with at least 10.2 million senior citizens are expected to vote on May 9, including 4.5 million men and 5.6 million women over 60 years old. Comelec records also showed that the regions where most voters reside are the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Region with 9,192,205 registered individuals and the National Capital Region (NCR) which has a total of 7,301,393. For Calabarzon or Region 4-A, most of the 9.1 million voters are from Cavite with 2,302,353, Laguna with 2,044,796, and Batangas with 1,819,071. For NCR, most are from Quezon City with 1,403,895, Manila City with 1,112,081, Caloocan City with 700,279, Makati City with 458,362, and Pasig City with 457,370.

Region 3 or Central Luzon with 7,289,055 voters, Region 7 or Central Visayas with 5,202,289, and Region 6 or Western Visayas with 5,026,305. In other developments: • The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it will be sending at least 90 personnel to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at the vicinity of Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City during the canvassing of votes for the national elections. • State-run People’s Television Network (PTV) said it would go on air for an integrated simulcast nationwide with other government networks starting May 9. This is the government media’s largest and most comprehensive coverage of the national and local elections. • Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez urged the House of Representatives and the Senate to now prepare for the canvassing of presidential and vicepresidential votes to be cast in Monday’s elections, to ensure the smooth and expeditious transmission of certificates of canvass from provinces and independent cities to Congress. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

gued that the current debt level remains manageable. Michael Ricafort, chief economist at RCBC, said that in the coming months, the government’s outstanding debt could still reach new record highs in view of additional government borrowings, especially to frontload the borrowing requirements before the elections. The weak peso-dollar exchange rate, among the weakest in 2.5 years or since August 2019, also partly increased the peso equivalent of the government’s foreign debts, he said. Ricafort added that interest payments for new borrowings could also rise as central banks around the world raise interest rates, with local/US/global long-term interest rates at new pre-pandemic highs. But he also said that measures to further re-open the economy towards greater normalcy would help narrow the country’s budget deficit and help also temper the growth in the government’s debt stock. Last month, Duterte justified the country's debt increase noting that the government had been forced to borrow money due to a lack of fund sources. He said there was nothing wrong with borrowing money, so long as there were no irregularities in government spending. Duterte even enjoined local governments to borrow money but reminded them to make sure that would not be used for corrupt activities. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the volume of borrowings accumulated due to the pandemic is understandable given the need to boost financing amidst the drop in revenues because of the lockdowns. Vito Barcelo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Duterte... “As OIC of the PNP, Danao’s first order of the day is to ensure that all security preparations are in place and all police units are mobilized and on alert so that the country will have a peaceful, orderly and honest elections,” Año said. As commander of the National Security Task Force on National and Local Elections, Danao has been involved in the planning and security preparations for the polls from the start, Año said. The Constitution states that the President can only make temporary appointments within 60 days before the national elections. The PNP said Thursday that it has put all its stations nationwide on full alert as part of efforts to secure the May 9 national and local elections. “We are all systems go. We have placed all police stations nationwide on full alert status,” Carlos said in a statement. As part of its election security preparations, the PNP on Wednesday simultaneously opened the "National Election Monitoring and Action Center" (NEMAC), and Regional Election Monitoring and Action Centers (REMACs). Carlos said the NEMAC and REMACs will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the PNP Security Task Force NLE 2022 that will provide an updated report of all incidents related to election and security activities undertaken by the police. He said that standby forces and quick reaction teams will be stationed on a 24-

hour basis at the command posts in their respective headquarters. "We will stand strong, we will finish strong, and we will perform professionally for peaceful elections. The 225,000 strong men and women of the PNP are with the Comelec (Commission on Elections) to make sure that we guard the votes of our Filipino nation. That is a commitment.” “And to the Filipino people, your PNP will be there in all polling centers and polling precincts to make sure that your votes will be counted," Carlos said. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is also ready to secure the elections with its police counterparts on election day. "The AFP is prepared, we are ready, we have done the planning, we have done the organization, and we have set up our monitoring command centers. We are declaring a 'red alert' by Friday so that we ensure that all AFP personnel across the country are accounted for by their commanders and ready for the election on Monday," AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino said. He also assured the public that the AFP is strong and capable enough to perform its mandate of securing the May 9 elections. Also on Thursday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he favors filing disqualification petitions against candidates paying “permits to campaign and win” to communist rebel groups. He said he agreed with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) that candidates paying these fees can be disqualified.

“Our projection is that cases may remain low in NCR as long as we are careful. Now, we’re averaging less than or around 100 cases per day in NCR. But we are looking at different scenarios,” OCTA fellow Guido David said. Health authorities recently detected the first case of Omicron BA.2.12 in country in Baguio City in a 52-yearold Finnish female who arrived from Finland on April 2. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the BA.2.12 Omicron

sublineage is more transmissible but is not as severe as the original Omicron variant that had caused a surge in COVID-19 infections in the country in January. The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday recorded 159 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the nationwide total to 3,686,375. The Philippines’ active case count further decreased to 4,692, the data posted on DOH’s website indicated. A total of 3,621,244 people have been

counted as recoveries, while the death toll climbed to 60,439, the DOH said. The regions with the most cases in the past two weeks were the National Capital Region with 978 infections, Region 4-A with 354, and Region 3 with 212. The DOH said at least 16,889 individuals were tested, while 305 testing labs submitted data on May 3. The DOH said that the bed occupancy in the country was 15.7 percent, with 5,152 beds occupied.

ICE-PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Sen. Francis Pangilinan called on the United States government Thursday to revoke the visas and freeze the US-based property and financial interest of all Filipinos directly and indirectly involved in “fabricating” drug charges which led to the imprisonment of opposition Sen. Leila de Lima.

From A1

His closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, logged 25 percent, followed by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” with 8 percent, Sen. Manny Pacquiao with 5 percent, and Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson with 2 percent. Marcos was the top pick across all geographical areas (National Capital Region, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao), socio-economic classes (ABC, D and E), and age groups. His running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, likewise retained her dominance in the vice-presidential preference poll with 56 percent, one percentage point lower from OCTA's April 2 to 6 survey. At second place was Sen. Vicente Sot-

PDP-Laban... From A1

and Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino. The 10 major political parties will be entitled to one official watcher in every polling place and canvassing center. Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said the dominant parties and 10 major political parties will also have access to the transparency server in the May 2022 polls. Others who have access to the transparency server are the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (citizens arm), and the media. Both PDP Laban President Secretary Alfonso Cusi and the party chairman Senator Aquilino Pimentel III filed separate petitions for accreditation as dominant majority party, dominant minority party and 10 major national parties. The party had split over which candidate to back for the presidential election. "Pending resolution of the petition... filed by [the] Cusi wing of the PDPLaban, the PDP-Laban shall be treated

PH... From A1

country’s fight against the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar made this remark after the Bureau of the Treasury reported that state liabilities were up 4.8 percent or P586.29 billion higher than the debt recorded in the previous month. “We assure our people that the country’s borrowings, which put the county’s outstanding debt to more than P12-T, as end of March 2022, shall be put into good use and utilized effectively and efficiently,” Andanar said. He said borrowings were necessary to drive economic growth and ensure immediate funding for emergencies like the pandemic. “Recent borrowings would be for our COVID-19 response and recovery and resiliency efforts. We need to sustain our country’s long-term socioeconomic growth and development,” he added. Since assuming power in the latter half of 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte had more than doubled the country’s debt from just P5.95 trillion at the end of June 2016. The country has been borrowing heavily in the last few years due to its COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, and the administration's infrastructure program launched prior to the pandemic. Recent borrowings brought debt-toGDP ratio to 60.5 percent in 2021 from 39.6 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic. But economic managers have ar-

‘Poblacion... From A1

Fifteen of her contacts were also infected. The incident earned Chua the nickname "Poblacion Girl." Meanwhile, the independent OCTA Research group said COVID-19 cases could go up to 1,000 a day after the May 9 elections, given the threat from variants or sub-variants of the coronavirus.

From A1

information.” “That she has lost five years in jail due to these spurious charges is a travesty. She should be released immediately, and any remaining charges should be dropped without further delay,” the senators said in a statement released in Washington D.C. on May 3. But former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, who succeeded de Lima as DOJ chief, denied in an online media briefing Wednesday that the allegations he and his subordinates coerced former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos to implicate detained de Lima, now running for reelection under the team of Vice President Leni Robredo and Pangilinan. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

NCR cops told to get rid of e-sabong By Joel E. Zurbano THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Thursday reiterated its call to all police commanders to eradicate “e-sabong” games in compliance with a directive from President Duterte stopping the online cockfighting operation. “The NCRPO will implement the order of our President and we shall ensure that no such operation exists in our area of responsibility. This is a stern call to all the commanders on the ground to see that this order is being carried out,” said Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad. “Those who do not follow this order of our dear President will face the severity of the law to be enforced by the NCRPO. So, I call on everyone to voluntarily stop this kind of work and let us abide by the law,” he added. Natividad said the innate culture of the Philippine National Police goes against gambling in all of its forms. “In fact, even before this, no less than our Chief PNP ordered for all personnel to cease from engaging in this e-sabong,” he said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Labor group PM presses P100 wage hike THE labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) has reiterated its call for a P100 wage hike, citing continuous increases in the prices of petroleum products and basic commodities. “P100 is wage recovery, not a real increase in salaries. The rising inflation rate further erodes real wages. The National Wages and Productivity Commission’s own data shows that as of February 2022, the P537 minimum wage in Metro Manila is worth only P494 due to inflation since 2018,” Rene Magtubo, PM national chair said. The wage hike was among the demands raised by the PM and other labor groups in the nationwide Labor Day activities on May 1. The group also asked that an emergency session of Congress tackle a legislated wage hike. “The regional wage boards are useless. Instead, workers want Congress to pass a law mandating a P100 across-the-board wage increase, even for those receiving salaries above the minimum wage since everyone has been affected by inflation,” Magtubo said. Vito Barcelo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Comelec:... From A1

[We will not have problems with the voting machines. There are many repair hubs… and we pulled through with the 2019 elections with many more defective VCMs.] Casquejo reported that out of the 70,924 VCMs subjected to the final testing and sealing (FTS) as of Thursday, only 355 were returned to repair hubs over various issues. Still, Rodriguez said in a statement Thursday: “We would like Commissioner Marlon Casquejo to answer circulating reports of a looming delay in the conduct of elections scenario.” “Why is Casquejo, as commissioner in charge of the election, conspicuously silent and not being forthright and forthcoming on what is really happening relative to its (Comelec) preparations. Why is he not reporting on the malfunctioning, nonworking and defective VCMs?” Rodriguez added. The Marcos spokesman said the Comelec official should report before the public the capacity of regional offices to troubleshoot malfunctioning machines. Meanwhile, the country’s new senators may be proclaimed by May 15 to 16, Garcia said. “Senators, based on our experience, since the 2010 computerized election, usually po mga [around] May 15 to May 16, we can already proclaim our senators,” Garcia said. This developed as the Comelec assured the public there will be no foreign intervention in the May 9 national elections. Garcia said that while foreign media are allowed to cover the elections, the Comelec reminded foreign observers to follow the poll body’s rules or be arrested and deported. The poll body has accredited around 300 election observers from other countries. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente also warned foreigners found supporting any candidates in the coming national and local elections they could be arrested and deported for interfering in the conduct of a political exercise exclusive to Filipino voters. For local positions, the Comelec may already proclaim the winners as early as the evening of the election day on May 9 up to May 10, according to Garcia. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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Gov’t must spend for birth control tools—Pulse Asia M By Willie Casas

AJORITY of Filipinos believed that it is important for the government to allocate adequate public funding for modern methods of family planning.

A survey conducted last March by Pulse Asia showed that 88 percent of the respondents said it was crucial that the government “allocates funds for modern methods of family planning, such as pills, IUD, ligation, condom, and vasectomy.” The interviews were conducted across geographic areas and socio-economic classes, with 60 percent of Metro Manilans saying that the government should ﬁnance the acquisition of birth control materials, 60 percent of the people in the Visayas region and 55 percent of the Mindanao residents sharing the same opinion. Public sentiment on the allocation of government funds for modern methods

of family planning remained basically unchanged between February 2016 and March 2022, both at the national level and in the various survey sub-groupings. In the March 2022 poll, nearly all (9799 percent) of the respondents from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Eastern Visayas (Region 8), Davao Region (Region 11), and Caraga Region (Region 13), as well as members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and the Waray ethnic groups had the same conviction. “The results of this survey conﬁrm our call on the government for adequate funding for modern family planning should be among the top priorities when it comes to

crafting the national budget. We need to ensure that the government is able to support the choices of Filipino women and couples, particularly during the pandemic, when many are choosing to delay childbearing because of uncertainties in our current situation,” said Romeo Dongeto, executive director of the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD). The March 2022 Pulse Asia survey also revealed that a large majority of Filipino adults believed that men and women are equally capable of taking leadership roles in organizations, government agencies, and the national governance. Large majorities across the four main geographic areas and socioeconomic classes hold this view. For 84 percent of Filipino adults, men and women are equally capable of taking on leadership roles.

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Megawide, partners bag P17.75b subway project A PHILIPPINE-JAPANESE consortium has bagged the contract for the construction of a P P17.75-billion underground stations and a tunnel connecting Ortigas North and Ortigas South. The consortium consisted of Megawide Construction Corp. and Tokyu Construction, and Tobishima Corp. “As the Joint Venture’s Filipino partner, we are honored for the opportunity to once again participate in our country’s infrastructure development. We thank the government for giving priority to this project which will be a game changer for the metro’s mass public transportation,” Edgar Saavedra, Megawide chairman and chief executive said. “Megawide and our partners Tokyu and Tobishima represent expertise, innovation and commitment in our respective ﬁelds and nations, which we believe will be critical to the success of this pioneering venture,” he added. In 2020, Megawide together with its joint venture partners Dong Ah and Hyundai Engineering of Korea secured the contract for Package 1 of the Malolos Clark Railway Project, which is now under construction. Earlier, Megawide said it also participated in several packages of the North South Commuter Line that will run from Manila to Calamba, Laguna that will complete its rail system expertise to elevated, underground, and at grade. Darwin Amojelar

Bus owners warn vs. likely transport crisis in NCR AN UMBRELLA organization of bus operators warns against possible shortage of buses in Metro Manila if the government continued to enforce the vehicle phase-out program. The Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa sa Pambansang Bus ng Pilipinas, Inc. (NSNPBP) called for the suspension of the vehicle phase-out program, as well as the consolidation and route rationalization programs. “I understand they just cut the route based on a Google map. The program does not consider the viability of routes,” said NSNPBP president Vincent Rondaris during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) general membership meeting on Wednesday. Rondaris said when an application for a route was made, its economic value should be ascertained. “You cannot keep on cutting or modifying routes without considering this. By simply cutting routes without prior study or on-ground assessment, the operator’s viability is diminished,” he added. Othel V. Campos

PH needs political reforms—think tank

MOTHER’S DAY EXHIBIT. What’s a better way to observe Mother’s Day than to put up an art exhibit dubbed “Ugoy” by Kristine Lim, shown with her uncle Sammie Lim as her first and foremost admirer and supporter. The exhibit opened on Wednesday at the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila. Danny Pata

“DECADES of personalistic governance are responsible for the corrosion of political institutions in the Philippines, and unless radical structural, political and electoral reforms are pursued, we will steer toward decay, with the nation-state isolated as ever from the people it is supposed to serve.” This is the gist of the special paper, “Lessons and prospects in Philippine political governance: cutting across regimes from Marcos to Duterte,” presented by Dr. Rizal Buendia, a prominent political analyst and non-resident fellow of the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute, at an online forum organized by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute. “Philippine governance has divided national and local government along lines of personal, organizational, and political interests that consequently endangered

national unity and nationhood,”. Buendia said in his study. In his paper, Buendia analyzed governance under seven Presidents spanning more than 50 years in terms of transparency and accountability, electoral politics, political party system, political participation, and populist politics. The study yielded several conclusions – ﬁrst, that the lengthy absence or inadequate mechanism and national policies in addressing transparency and accountability has not controlled nor resolved corruption in government. Second, that the country’s political institutions have been corroded by personality-based governance. Third, that the party system has been weakened by dynastic and clan-based electoral politics and non-principle/ideological based political parties.

Fourth, that political participation has been hijacked by patronage politics and elitism. Lastly, that populist politics has threatened and restricted democratic rule. “We need an enlargement of social and political structures and institutions that encourage the ampliﬁcation of democratic rule,” he said. Dr. Buendia said that country needs (1) policies that bolster a transparent and accountable government to address graft and corruption; (2) a mass-based electoral system to reduce and neutralize the power of the elite, the privileged, and the powerful, (3) a resilient multiparty system based on platforms, programs, principles, and ideologies to fortify representative democracy; and the (4) institutionalization of holistic governance to thwart and to impede the fragmentation of society.

News

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

Bulacan TODAs organize province-wide ride for BBM By Maricel V. Cruz

PING VISITS NEGROS. Presidential candidate Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson is convinced he can defy the projection of survey outfit, Pulse Asia, that he will receive ‘zero votes’ from Visayas and Mindanao because of the positive feedback he got from voters in the Negros Island Region, which he visited on Wednesday

MORE than one thousand tricycle operators and drivers in Bulacan Tuesday conducted a province-wide ride in support of the presidential and vice-presidential tandem of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. The event, dubbed “Sabayang TODA Ride for BBM and Sara,” was organized by PDP-Laban stalwart and San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes who is a staunch supporter of the Marcos-Duterte tandem. She earlier vowed an “overwhelming win” for Marcos and Duterte in her city in the May 9 polls. More than 1,000 members of different Tricycle and Operators Drivers Associations (TODA) in Bulacan joined the ride that took place in at least 24 cities and towns all over Bulacan. These areas included SJDM, Norzaga-

Lacson: ‘No regrets’ in prexy bid By Macon Ramos-Araneta

O MATTER how lonely, no matter how tough, presidential candidate Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson expressed no regrets in his journey this 2022 election season, which, for the most part, sought to enlighten Filipinos about the challenges of public service.

Lacson opened up about his life as a “lonely crusader,” fighting against the ills of government with a few allies but often on his own. Despite the difficulties, however, he knows he has proven himself right and he is still standing. “All my life, all my public service life, I always go against the tide. Some-

how in so many ways, even if I’m alone, I am really fighting. I was the only one who fought against pork barrel, and I was proven right in the end, that the pork barrel system was constitutionally infirm,” Lacson said. “In so many battles that I had participated in, even when I was still in the police service or the armed forc-

es, somehow na-pro-prove ko naman ‘yung sarili ko (I was able to prove myself),” he added. Lacson was answering a reporter’s question if he was still up to the challenge of competing in the upcoming May 9 elections. Lacson said he and senatorial aspirant Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Piñol are aware of the realities of the situation but they are not disappointed with the decisions they made, especially in terms of going against political traditions. Piñol meanwhile praised Lacson for being ‘very honest’ about himself. The former Agriculture secretary also gave him credit for being consistent in his

campaign against corruption, which was reflected on his selection of senatorial candidates, who readily joined his cause. “How can we effectively campaign against corruption if the people we are with have (graft) cases? And here I am, proud to tell you that the person I am with, I can scream about anti-corruption because he has a clean (track) record,” he said. Aside from Piñol, Lacson also handpicked public health advocate Dr. Minguita Padilla and former PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar as potential future senators who are also part of his ticket with running-mate Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III.

IN BRIEF

MILF bares favored senators for elections COTABATO CITY—After endorsing Vice President Leni Robredo for the May 9, 2022 Presidential race, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has endorsed 12 candidates for senator. Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim, chairman of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), said the party came up with the consensus to support the candidacy of 12 senatorial aspirants, after much deliberation at a top policymaking level of the party. He named 12 UBJP bets to the 12 senatorial slots, across national party lines. They are: Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri; Actor Robin Padilla; Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian; Risa Hontiveros; Jel “Tesdaman” Villanueva; Richard Gordon; Loren Legarda; Mark Villar; Samira Gutoc; Chel Diokno; Herbert “Bistek” Bautista; and JV Ejercito. Ebrahim said the regional party makes choices of candidates, according to what they believe would protect and preserve the gains of the Bangsamoro Peace Process. Nash B. Maulana

1K dole out is fake news, says Gonzales DEPUTY Speaker and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II on Thursday dismissed as “fake news” reports which said his office will distribute P1,000. “This is fake news. It’s not true. Someone received this text. We have already coordinated with the barangays to tell whoever will get the certificate of indigency for it to say it’s fake and it’s not true,” Gonzales told House reporters referring to a text message circulating that his office through a certain Boy Anong will distribute P1,000 in his office at ten in the morning today, Friday. Gonzales warned the public against such type of fraud which is intended to sow chaos and mislead the public. Gonzales said that based on the fraudulent text message, any person who wishes to claim the P1,000 may just present the text message “This is obviously fake news. There is no truth to that. But we have reported this to proper authorities, and that proper coordination have been made to abort this.. to tell the people that this is a hoax,” Gonzales added. He added the fraudulent text message also advised the public who received the said text message to bring with them original barangay indigency, photocopy of government-issued identification card ballpen and Madaluyong’s QR code. Maricel V. Cruz

More than 100 families get land titles in QC AT LEAST 100 families from four homeowner’s associations in Barangay Gulod in Quezon City have received their land titles, through the direct sale and direct purchase program facilitated by their barangay. With help of the barangay, the beneficiaries were able to finally buy the land where they resided for decades from private landowners. Based on the report of the Housing Community Development and Resettlement Department, since July 2019, the city has been able to give security of land tenure to over 17,000 underprivileged beneficiaries through the city’s land acquisition and socialized housing program. The department also cited that more families have benefited at a faster rate than any time before. The city has established various land acquisition programs to ramp up and effectively address the housing needs of the residents: the direct sale and direct purchase program, and usufruct agreement for lands owned by other government agencies. Rio N. Araja

‘END FINANCING FOR FOSSIL FUELS.’ Members of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice protest at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Ortigas, Pasig City on May 5 to call for an end to all financing for fossil fuels and the cancellation of ADB sovereign loans that bankrolled fossil fuel projects. Jimmy A. Domingo

Isko wants to show gratitude in Tondo miting de avance By Rey E. Requejo AKSYON Demokratiko standard-bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso on Wednesday said holding Team Isko’s miting de avance in Moriones, Tondo this Saturday is his way of showing gratitude to neighbors, friends and residents in the area where he started his journey as a public servant. “I am indebted to the people of Tondo wherever I am in the world of public service. That’s where I started, that’s

where I’ll end the fight. I started there (as a councilor) and I’ll end (my presidential campaign) there. I will give that to the Tondo people in return. That’s the reason behind it. I just want to see them,” Moreno told reporters on the sidelines of a town hall meeting in Barangay Mambaling in Cebu City. Moreno was reacting to a question by members of the media why he chose Tondo to end his 90-day presidential campaign and what was the possible symbolism behind it.

Tondo is known for being one of the poorest and most underdeveloped areas of the country. Many of the city’s slums are found in this area and it is also the location of the notorious but now closed landfill, the infamous Smokey Mountain. “Moriones is the common thing. The northern part of Tondo is easy to get by jeep. If it’s here in the southern part of Tondo, you can still walk to Zaragoza. It’s close to the center because we made a garden,” Moreno explained.

ray, Angat, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Baliuag, Bustos, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Malolos, Hagonoy, Paombong, Guiguinto, Bulakan, Balagtas, Bocaue, Sta. Maria, Pandi, Marilao, Meycauayan, Obando, among others. Each of the TODAs in the participating cities and towns ensured that their members joined in the ride. The group created a long line of tricycles as they passed by major thoroughfares. Robes expressed gratitude for the successful event saying that it is a form of solidarity and support for the call for unity of the BBM-Sara tandem. “Here in Bulacan, there is a big support for BBM and Sara and it is our way to show that, especially to their call for unity. I am glad to support this endeavor because this is also my way of showing my support to their call and the call of every Filipino behind their tandem,” Robes said.

Kiko to voters: Think about the future in May 9 polls CEBU CITY—With only five days left before voting, vice presidential aspirant Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Wednesday evening reminded the 65 million Filipino voters of their power to change for the better the political landscape in the Philippines, telling them not to waste this opportunity to elect competent leaders. Citing the slow government response on COVID-19, Pangilinan urged the attendees of the CEBUyass! campaign caravan at the Southwestern University to be forward-looking. Pangilinan also urged voters to base their decisions on excellent track records and clean governance. He warned that the future of every citizen will be affected, should voters make the mistake of voting for a politician who failed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and politicians who are corrupt. He said everything—from education, jobs, tourism, and the future generation—are at stake in the May 9 elections. Speaking about COVID, Pangilinan said since the first case was recorded last January 21, 2022, the Philippines now tallied a total of 3,686,375 cases of COVID-19 as of writing. Of this number, 60,439 died. The poor COVID-19 response also led to a series of hard lockdowns, leaving many Filipinos jobless and hungry with minimal government support. As the country reels from the negative effects of the pandemic, Pangilinan said that Filipinos have an opportunity to put a stop to this by voting based on their conscience. Four days before the May 9 election, Akbayan Partylist launched a “Cinco de Mayo” national house-tohouse campaign in a final push for the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Kiko Pangilinan. In Quezon City, Akbayan women members meanwhile wore Santacruzan “Rosas de Mayo” gowns to woo voters residing in different communities to vote for the Leni-Kiko tandem. Akbayan said that they are making “one last push” before the Leni-Kiko Miting de Avance scheduled on May 7.

Manicani residents appeal to DU30 for jobs RESIDENTS of Manicani Island in Easter Samar gather together to write to President Rodrigo Duterte, hoping to catch the government’s attention about the jobs situation in the islands, or the lack of it. If most Filipino laborers will take advantage of the yearly celebration of Labor Day to talk about increased compensations, labor rights, or better employment conditions, the men in Manicani are making noise to remind the government that there are no jobs at all in the island. “Life is rough for us because there are no opportunities for a regular income here in Manicani and the pandemic has made the situation even worse, we hear that mining was finally allowed again in the island and we want to tell the president that we look forward to it and if he can make it happen right away,” says Herminigeldo B. Badilla, Jr., a barangay leader in Manicani. Badilla used to have a good job before he came back to the island to be with his family so he knows the differ-

ence between having a regular income and having nothing at all. On March 4, after 15 years of legal and social processing to secure pertinent permits, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has finally given the go signal to Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corportion (NAC), to resume its mining operations in Manicani. “We’ve waited for so long, mining operations in adjacent islands have been operating for years and we have been waiting for the same jobs to come here in Manicani and we are ready for it because we deserve it,” Badilla said. Manicani Island is a community of about 620 households. The fathers/ husbands, all 40 of them who gathered to talk about the need for jobs, also talked about responsible mining. They have attended countless consultations with HMC for many years. They know how to ask the right questions pertaining to corporate responsibility, safety, security, economic free-

AN APPEAL FOR JOBS. Residents of Manicani Island in Easter Samar gather

together to write to President Rodrigo Duterte about the lack of jobs in the islands. After 15 years of legal and social processing to secure pertinent permits, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has finally given the go signal to Hinatuan Mining Corp. to resume its mining operations in Manicani.

dom, and protecting the environment. “The residents are made aware of their rights and of the mining company’s responsibilities, it’s the transparency that these ‘heads of families’ appreciate the most from all that HMC is doing here but they urgently need job too because their children are suffer-

ing,” Allan Bandoy, Jr., HMC’s Community Development Officer, said Bandoy says HMC has a dynamic relationship with the communities in the island and he says that’s what makes his job easier and rewarding because the residents are willing and ready to talk and open to discussions.

Opinion

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Expedited rules in criminal cases investigation. The sworn statements and affidavits shall be supplemented by additional direct examination, if allowed by the court (Rule III(B), Section 2, Expedited Rules). Unlike in regular procedure, the court in criminal RSP cases shall not issue a warrant of arrest against the accused, except for failure to appear despite notice by the court. Release of the person arrested under the RSP shall either be on bail, on the accused’s own recognizance or that of a responsible citizen of the community (Rule III(B), Section 4, Expedited Rules). Recognizance is an undertaking by an accused or responsible person that the former will appear in court. If the warrant of arrest cannot be served because the accused’s whereabouts are unknown, the court shall issue an order archiving the case. This order shall be issued after a return or report is filed by the law enforcement agency showing its failure to locate the accused, or after six months have elapsed from the issuance of the warrant of arrest (Rule III(B), Section 4, Expedited Rules). The notice of arraignment and pre-trial shall require the attendance of the private complainant, the accused, their respective counsels and witnesses, and the law enforcement agents assigned to the case. Before the accused is arraigned, the court shall inquire about the possibility of a plea bargain between the parties (Rule III(B), Section 5, Expedited Rules). If the accused pleads guilty to the original charge or the lesser offense as a result of a plea bargain offer, the court shall sentence the accused. If the accused pleads not guilty, the court shall conduct the Pre-Trial Conference. Admissions to be taken against the accused must be in writing and signed by the accused and counsel either in the Pre-Trial Order or the Minutes of the Pre-Trial Conference (Rule III(B), Section 5, Expedited Rules). At the trial, the direct examination of witnesses shall consist of the duly subscribed written statements given to law enforcement agents, the affidavits submitted before the investigating officer, or their judicial affidavits; subject to cross, re-direct, and re-cross examinations. The affidavit of the affiant who fails to appear in court to testify shall not be considered as competent evidence for the party presenting the affidavit (Rule III(B), Section 6, Expedited Rules). The prosecution and defense shall each have sixty (60) calendar days to complete its evidence presentation. The prosecution will be required to present evidence ahead of the defense. On the last day of each of their presentations of evidence, the presenting party shall orally offer the evidence, and the other party will be allowed to make oral comments. Thereafter, the court shall orally resolve the offer of evidence (Rule III(B), Section 6, Expedited Rules). Postponements of hearings will be allowed only for acts of God, force majeure, or the physical inability of the counsel or witness to appear. Any authorized postponement shall not extend the period for presentation of a party’s evidence. In effect, the party who sought the postponement shall only have the remaining trial dates assigned to him or her to complete the presentation of evidence (Rule III(B), Section 6, Expedited Rules). The court shall promulgate the judgment no later than thirty calendar days from the court’s action on the last presenting party’s offer of evidence (Rule III(B), Section 7, Expedited Rules). The accused, if convicted, may appeal by filing a notice of appeal together with the proof of payment of filing fees with the First Level Court that rendered the judgment or final order, within fifteen calendar days from receipt thereof (Rule III(C), Section 1, Expedited Rules).

THE Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts (Expedited Rules) (A.M. No. 08-8-7-SC) included revisions on the Rule on Summary Procedure (RSP) in criminal cases. The revisions “[took] into account the recent developments in procedural and substantive law and jurisprudence, as well as technological advancements”. An interesting innovation in the Expedited Rules is the discretion given to the courts to determine whether the conduct of a videoconference hearing is practicable and beneficial to the fair, speedy and efficient administration of justice. The court may, on its own initiative or upon a motion, set the case for a videoconference hearing at any stage of the proceedings (Rule II, Section 3, Expedited Rules). Under the Expedited Rules, the Metropolitan Trial Courts and Municipal Trial Courts (First Level Courts) continue to have criminal jurisdiction over the following cases: (a) violations of traffic laws, rules and regulations; (b) violations of the rental law; (c) violations of municipal and city ordinances; and (d) violations of Batas Pambansa (BP) Blg. 22 or the Bouncing Checks Law. (Rule I(B), Expedited Rules).

The accused continue to enjoy rights. However, the criminal jurisdiction of the First Level Courts was expanded to cover offenses wherein the penalty of imprisonment does not exceed 1 year, or where the fine does not to exceed P50,000, or both, regardless of other imposable penalties. For offenses involving damage to property through criminal negligence, the RSP shall apply if the imposable fine does not exceed P150,000.00 (Rule I(B)(5), Expedited Rules). If the criminal case is commenced by a complaint, the court may, after examination of the complaint and the judicial affidavits and other evidence, dismiss the case outright for lack of probable cause. However, if commenced by information, the court shall issue an order requiring the accused to submit a judicial counter-affidavit with the accompanying judicial affidavits of witnesses and other evidence (Rule III(B), Section 2, Expedited Rules). The accused’s judicial counter-affidavit should be filed in court and served to the private complainant and the public prosecutor within fifteen calendar days from the receipt of the order. The judicial affidavit or judicial counter-affidavit must be prepared earnestly by the parties because it shall take the place of their direct testimonies (Rule III(B), Section 2, Expedited Rules). Upon receipt of the judicial counteraffidavit or once its period to submit has elapsed, the court shall determine the existence of probable cause. If probable cause exists, the court shall set the case for arraignment and pre-trial. However, if no probable cause exists, the court shall order the dismissal of the case and the immediate release of the detained accused (Rule III(B), Section 3, Expedited Rules). On the other hand, the prosecution may, in lieu of judicial affidavits, submit: (a) the complainant and the witnesses’ written sworn statements prepared by the law enforcement agents, or (b) the affidavits filed by the contending parties with the public prosecutor during preliminary

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EDITORIAL

Interest rate hikes are pushing India’s inflation and food prices higher. Indonesia compounded the supply problem when the major producer ordered a complete ban on palm oil exports last week. The interest rates in the Philippines will soon follow the trajectory paths of the US Fed and other central banks. Aside from curbing spending by inducing consumers to save, higher interest rates will make the US dollar more attractive. Capital f light can ensue if the Philippine peso offers lower yields than the greenback. The inf lation rate in the Philippines, meanwhile, is similarly surging, climbing 4.9 percent in April from 4 percent in March. The inf lation in the Philippines is not as severe as the 8.5 percent in the US and nearly 7 percent in India. But rising food, transport and utility prices will soon prompt the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to rein in the inf lation rate through higher interest rates. Allowing the inf lation rate to surge for a longer time will just erode the value of one’s hard earned money.

business activities. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sent global oil prices above $100 per barrel and restricted the supply of wheat and corn, both major commodity exports of the warring nations.

LOBAL central banks of late are raising their interest rates one after another. It is their response to arrest galloping inflation, which in the end will reduce the purchasing power of consumers and dampen economic growth—or worse lead to recession.

Allowing the inflation rate to surge for a longer time will just erode the value of one’s hard earned money.

The US Federal Reserve has just hiked its borrowing costs by half a point, the biggest since 2000 and larger than the normal quarter-ofa-point increase. The US central bank is aiming to reduce the nation’s inflation rate, which hit 8.5 percent in March this year, the fastest pace since 1981. Several factors are contributing to higher inflation in the US and the rest of the world. A re-opened economy has sent consumers spending faster than they did during the height of the pandemic when there were little

The strict lockdown in China’s major cities is contributing to higher prices. The no-COVID policy of China has shut down its industrial factories, resulting in the disruption of the global supply link. Other commodities are also in short supply. India’s central announced a surprise rate hike ahead of the US Fed, also because of rising inflation brought about by the war in Ukraine. The spike in crude prices and now the shortages of edible oils in Europe caused by the Ukraine war

My list of candidates who do not deserve to be elected CANDIDATES for public office are subject to press criticism. Here’s my list of candidates who should not be voted for on election day. Leni Robredo is an absolute misfit for the presidency. This lawyer who passed the Bar examination only on her second attempt is incompetent, underhanded, pretentious and deceptive, and will resort to anything, including telling outright lies and disseminating gossip, just to become president. Robredo pretends to be an “independent” candidate for president. She is not honest enough to admit that she is actually the candidate of the very unpopular Liberal Party. The communists are openly campaigning for Robredo. Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso is as ambitious and pretentious as Robredo. In 2019, in just his first year as Mayor of Manila, Moreno was already busy touring the country to campaign for the presidency. Moreno is an absentee mayor and apparently still draws his full monthly salary. He was recently sued in the Office of the Ombudsman for selling the Divisoria Public Market to a private corporation when voters weren’t looking. Manny Pacquiao is absolutely unfit for any public office, the presidency in particular. Television comedian and vice presidential wanna-be Vicente “Tito” Sotto III should answer public queries about his alleged involvement in the socalled Pepsi Paloma case. Sotto even tried to censor online stories about the incident. We cannot afford a vice president who has too many skeletons in his political closet. Now to the senatorial candidates. In April 2019, the Supreme Court

The cost of electricity in the Philippines remains very expensive today because Sherwin Gatchalian has been using his office as senator to harass potential investors in the power industry in the Philippines. Chel Diokno is an unethical lawyer. In 2019, the Supreme Court actually scolded Diokno for pretending to be the lawyer of some poor fishermen when the truth is the fishermen never even hired him as their lawyer. Like Risa Hontiveros, Diokno’s sympathies are with the communists. Leila de Lima is facing criminal raps for having allegedly received bribes from drug lords detained at the national penitentiary during her time as Justice Secretary. Her continued detention at Camp Crame has been upheld by the Supreme Court. When he became a soldier, Antonio Trillanes IV took a solemn oath to defend the duly-elected government of the Philippines. Despite that oath, Trillanes twice attempted to overthrow the government under then President Gloria Arroyo. His backroom politics as a senator paved the way for China to seize islets and shoals in the West Philippine Sea. In 2016, the Ombudsman rendered final judgment declaring Joel Villanueva disqualified from holding public office for misusing P10-million in public funds. Villanueva thinks he is beyond the law and insists that he cannot be held accountable for any misuse of government money. His family controls a powerful Christian sect, known for its use of religious activities for partisan political ends. Filipinos who want the best for the Philippines should not vote for any of the foregoing politicians.

affirmed the conviction of Raffy Tulfo for libel, a crime involving moral turpitude. Under the Omnibus Election Code, a person convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude is disqualified from running for public office within five years from the time of the finality of his conviction. Why the Commission on Elections has not disqualified Tulfo is a big anomaly.

They are subject to criticism. Jejomar Binay still has to explain to the taxpayers why the Makati city government under the watch of his family’s political dynasty spent P2.29billion to construct a car park that’s not even worth half of the entire amount. The corresponding graft case against Binay and his son is currently pending in the Office of the Ombudsman. Even the Commission on Audit has ordered them to refund to the government the P2.29-billion. Alan Peter Cayetano reneges on his promises. After being installed House Speaker in June 2019, Cayetano promised to step down in 2020 for Lord Allan Velasco. When 2020 came, Cayetano changed his mind, so the members of the House voted to unseat Cayetano. Minutes after he was unseated, Cayetano “resigned” as House Speaker. When the two-faced Francis “Chiz” Escudero ran for vice president (and lost) in 2019, he criticized the Marcos family, but kept silent about the fact that the Escuderos were political allies of President Ferdinand Marcos at the height of the latter’s power.

The women scientists forgotten by history By Isabelle Tourne FRENCH doctor and researcher Marthe Gautier, who died over the weekend, was one of a long line of women scientists who greatly contributed to scientific discovery only to see the credit go to their male colleagues. Here are just a few of the women scientists whose work was forgotten by history. Marthe Gautier Gautier, who died at the age of 96 on Saturday, discovered that people with Down’s syndrome had an extra chromosome in 1958. But when she was unable to identify the exact chromosome with her lower-power microscope, she “naively” lent her slides to geneticist Jerome Lejeune, she told the Science journal in 2014. She was then “shocked” to see the discovery of the extra chromosome 21 published in research six month later,

with Lejeune’s name first and hers second — and her name misspelled. It was not until 1994 that the ethics committee of France’s INSERM medical research institute said Lejeune was unlikely to have played the “dominant” role in the discovery. Rosalind Franklin British chemist Rosalind Franklin’s experimental work led to her famous 1952 X-ray image “Photo 51”, which helped unlock the discovery of the DNA double helix. But Francis Crick and James Watson were working on a similar theory at the time, and their research was published ahead of Franklin’s in the same journal, leading many to think her study merely supported theirs. Crick and Watson won the Nobel Prize for Medicine for the discovery in 1962 — Franklin had died four years earlier at the age of just 37. In a letter from 1961 that emerged in

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2013, Crick acknowledged the importance of her work in determining “certain features” of the molecule.

They greatly contributed to scientific discovery only to see the credit go to their male colleagues. Jocelyn Bell Burnell British astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered the first radio pulsars when she was a postgraduate student in 1967. But it was her thesis supervisor and another male astronomer who won 1974’s Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery. Lise Meitner Austrian-Swedish physicist Lise

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Meitner was one of the key people responsible for discovering nuclear fission, leading to Albert Einstein dubbing her the “German Marie Curie”. However it was her long-term collaborator Otto Hahn who won the 1944 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery. Chien-Shiung Wu Chinese-American physicist ChienShiung Wu worked on the Manhattan Project and conducted the “Wu experiment”, which overturned what had been previously considered a fundamental law of nature — the conservation of parity. But again it was her male colleagues who won the 1975 Nobel Physics prize for the research. Her work earned her the nickname “Chinese Madame Curie”. And so on The list could go — and the women scientists named above are merely those

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whose contributions have been belatedly recognised decades later. The contributions of male scientists’ wives, mothers and daughters are also believed to have long been overlooked, including that of Einstein’s first wife, mathematician and physicist Mileva Maric. In 1993 American historian Margaret Rossiter dubbed the systematic suppression of women’s contributions to scientific progress the “Matilda effect”, after US rights activist Matilda Joslyn Gage. Even today the role played by women in scientific history is underrepresented in school textbooks, French historian Natalie PigeardMicault told AFP. “It gives the impression that scientific research is limited to a handful of women,” she said, pointing to how Marie Curie was always an “exceptional” reference point. AFP

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‘US intel helped target Russian generals’ I ntelligence provided by the United States has helped the Ukrainian military target several Russian generals since Moscow’s invasion, the New York Times reported Wednesday.

Citing multiple senior US officials, the newspaper said that of the approximately dozen Russian generals killed by Ukrainian forces, “many” had been targeted with the help of US intelligence. The US National Security Council slammed the assertion that the United States was helping Ukraine kill Russian generals as “irresponsible.” “The United States provides battlefield intelligence to help the Ukrainians defend their country,” NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson told AFP in an email. “We do not provide intelligence with the intent to kill Russian generals.” The heavy loss of high-ranking Russian military officers has stunned Western security officials, who last confirmed an official tally of seven generals in late March, though Ukraine has since announced more. In March, Western officials had cited low morale as a reason Russian generals would be so close to the front. They also pointed to potential communications and logistics issues on the Russian side, which could lead senior officers to use unencrypted channels and expose themselves to Ukrainian forces. But the report by the New York Times points to direct assistance from

the United States and other Western intelligence services as a major factor in the Ukrainian success. The daily said the United States had provided details on the Russian military’s mobile headquarters, which frequently change location, and that Ukrainian forces used that information in tandem with their own to conduct attacks on senior Russian officers. President Joe Biden’s administration has kept the military intelligence it is providing to Ukraine under wraps out of concern it could compromise its sources as well as be taken as a sign by Russia of direct hostility. Earlier in the conflict, the Pentagon was similarly cautious about noting that only “defensive” weapons and equipment were being provided to Ukraine. But it has since announced shipments of offensive weapons like heavy artillery, helicopters and attack drones. It has also talked of training Ukrainian troops, including in Germany, to use the weapons they are receiving. And instead of saying, as it did in February, that it wants only to help Ukraine survive, Washington now says its goal in the war is to debilitate Russia for the long term. “We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it can’t do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine,” US Secretary of AFFIDAVIT AFFIDAVIT OF OF SELFADJUDICATION SELFADJUDICATION BY BY SOLE SOLE HEIR HEIR Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that the the estate estate of of the the late late CHARMAINE CHARMAINE Notice Defense Lloyd Austin said after a GONZALES CARANDANG CARANDANG and and Remm Remm Gonzales Gonzales Carandang Carandang GONZALES visit to Kyiv in late April. who died died on on May May 10, 10, 2015 2015 and and December December 24, 24, 2016 2016 respectively respectively who in the the City City of of Mandaluyong Mandaluyong Philippines Philippines have have been been extrajudicially extrajudicially in The Pentagon did not immedisettled to to Carl Carl John John G. G. Carandang. Carandang. settled ately respond to requests for comThe The deceased deceased left left aa Parcel Parcel of of Land Land with with TCT TCT No. No. 008-2013000009. 008-2013000009. ment on the Times report. AFP This This Settlement Settlement under under Notary Notary Public Public ATTY ATTY JAN JAN RURIK RURIK D. D. PADIERNOS PADIERNOS as as per per Doc. Doc. No. No. 210, 210, Page Page No. No. 42, 42, Book Book No. No. 10, 10, Series Series of of 2022. 2022. (MStandard-Apr. (MStandard-Apr. 29, 29, May May 66 && 13, 13, 2022) 2022)

REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF OF THE THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REGIONAL REGIONAL TRIAL TRIAL COURT COURT NATIONAL NATIONAL CAPITAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL JUDICIAL REGION REGION BRANCH BRANCH 106 106 QUEZON QUEZON CITY CITY DEXTER DEXTER D. D. ABANTO, ABANTO, Petitioner, Petitioner, -versus-versus-

R-QZN-21-04425 R-QZN-21-04425 CV CV For: For: Declaration Declaration of of Nullity Nullity of of Marriage Pursuant Pursuant to to Article Article 36 36 Marriage of the the Family Family Code Code of

KATHERINE SANGLA SANGLA YY -ABANTO, -ABANTO, KATHERINE Local Civil Civil Registrar Registrar of of Antipolo Antipolo City City Local and the the Philippine Philippine Statistics Statistics Authority, Authority, and Respondent, Respondent, x---------------------------------------------------x x---------------------------------------------------x

ORDER ORDER OF OF SUMMONS SUMMONS BY BY PUBLICATION PUBLICATION

In In aa verified verified Petition Petition for for Declaration Declaration of of Nullity Nullity of of Marriage Marriage filed filed on on June June 7, 7, 2021 2021 ,, petitioner petitioner prays prays that that after after due due hearing hearing his his marriage marriage to to the the respondent respondent which which was was solemnized solemnized on on February February 17, 17, 2011 2011 ,, by by Hon. Hon. Danilo Danilo O. O. Leyble, Leyble, City City Mayor, Mayor, Antipolo Antipolo City, City, be be declared declared NULL NULL AND AND VOID, VOID, AB AB INITIO, INITIO, on on the the ground ground of of psychological psychological incapacity incapacity of of both both parties. parties. Summons Summons was was issued issued on on November November 2, 2, 2021. 2021. The The Officers Officers Return Return dated dated December December 6, 6, 2021 2021 states states that that respondent respondent is is now now in in Dubai Dubai since since sometime sometime in in June June 2021. 2021. On On February February 2, 2, 2022, 2022, petitioner petitioner filed filed aa Motion Motion for for Leave Leave of of Court Court to to Serve Serve Summons Summons by by Publication Publication praying praying that that the the service service of of summons summons be be effected effected upon upon the the respondent respondent by by publication publication which which was was granted, granted, per per Order Order dated dated February February 28, 28, 2022 2022 of of the the court. court. NOW, NOW, THEREFORE, THEREFORE, respondent respondent KATHERINE KATHERINE SANGLAYSANGLAYABANTO, ABANTO, whose whose last last known known address address is is at at No. No. 110 110 Gen. Gen. Luna Luna Street, Street, Barangay Barangay San San Roque, Roque, Antipolo Antipolo City, City, is is hereby hereby summoned summoned and and required required to to file file with with the the Regional Regional Trial Trial Court, Court, Branch Branch 106, 106, Quezon Quezon City, City, National National Capital Capital Judicial Judicial Region, Region, Bulwagan Bulwagan ng ng Katarungan, Katarungan, Quezon Quezon City, City, her her answer answer to to the the petition petition in in the the instant instant case case within within THIRTY THIRTY (30) (30) DAYS DAYS from from the the last last date date of of publication publication of of this this summons. summons. In In the the event event of of failure failure to to do do so, so, this this court court shall shall direct direct the the Public Public Prosecutor Prosecutor to to conduct conduct an an investigation investigation to to determine determine whether whether or or not not collusion collusion exists exists between between the the parties parties in in the the filing filing of of the the instant instant petition; petition; and and ifif itit is is determined determined that that there there is is no no such such collusion, collusion, the the petitioner petitioner shall shall be be allowed allowed to to present present his his evidence evidence in in support support of of the the petition. petition. Let this this Order Order be be published published once once aa week week for for two two (2) (2) consecutive consecutive Let weeks in in “Manila “Manila Standard”, Standard”, aa newspaper newspaper of of national national circulation, circulation, weeks pursuant to to P.D. P.D. No.1079, No.1079, at at the the expense expense of of the the petitioner. petitioner. pursuant Likewise, let let aa copy copy of of the the summons summons as as well well as as aa copy copy of of the the Likewise, petition be be deposited deposited in in the the Post Post Office, Office, postage postage pre-paid pre-paid and and petition sent by by registered registered mail mail to to the the respondent respondent at at her her last last known known sent address also also at at the the expense expense of of the the petitioner, petitioner, and and for for petitioner petitioner to to address submit to to this this court court proof proof of of compliance compliance herewith. herewith. submit SO ORDERED. ORDERED. SO Quezon City, City, March March 8, 8, 2022. 2022. Quezon NLP/trc NLP/trc OSG OSG ACP ACP Dexter D. D. Abanto Abanto Dexter Katherine Sanglay-Abanto Sanglay-Abanto Katherine Atty. Karl Karl Daniel Daniel E. E. Buban Buban Atty.

(Sgd.) NOEL NOEL L. L. PAREL PAREL (Sgd.) Judge Judge

Moscow ceasefire starts at besieged Mariupol

A RUSSIAN-ANNOUNCED ceasefire was due to begin Thursday at the besieged steel plant in the devastated Ukrainian city of Mariupol, to allow civilians to flee even as its defenders vowed to fight to the end. The three-day halt in Russia’s attack on the Azovstal steelworks was announced as EU member states debated a proposed ban on Russian oil, REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF OF THE THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES the bloc’s toughest move yet REGIONAL REGIONAL TRIAL TRIAL COURT COURT over Moscow’s invasion of its NATIONAL NATIONAL CAPITAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL JUDICIAL REGION REGION BRANCH BRANCH 89 89 –– QUEZON QUEZON CITY CITY neighbour. E-mail E-mail address: address: rtc1qzn089@judiciary.gov.ph rtc1qzn089@judiciary.gov.ph The EU also pledged to “sigContact Contact Number Number 0956-614-3135 0956-614-3135 nificantly increase” support for

DEXTER DEXTER D. D. ABANTO, ABANTO, Petitioner, Petitioner, Civil Civil Case Case No.R-QZN-21-04425 No.R-QZN-21-04425 CV CV For: For: Declaration Declaration of of Nullity Nullity of of Marriage Marriage Pursuant Pursuant to to Article Article 36 36 of of the the Family Family Code Code

KATHERINE KATHERINE SANGLAY-ABANTO, SANGLAY-ABANTO, Local Local Civil Civil Registrar Registrar of of Antipolo Antipolo City City And And the the Philippine Philippine Statistics Statistics Authority, Authority, Respondents. Respondents. xx ------------------------------------------------x ------------------------------------------------x

ORDER ORDER

AA Motion Motion for for Leave Leave of of Court Court to to Serve Serve Summons Summons by by Publication Publication was was filed filed by by petitioner, petitioner, through through counsel. counsel. In In the the Officers Officers Return Return dated dated December December 6, 6, 2021 2021 summons summons was was not not served served for for the the reason reason that that the the respondent respondent is is now now in in Dubai Dubai since since sometime sometime in in June June 2021, 2021, as as per per information information of of Ms. Ms. Jacqueline Jacqueline Lubrica, Lubrica, cousin cousin of of the the respondent. respondent. The The 1997 1997 Rules Rules of of Civil Civil Procedure Procedure provide provide that that when when the the defendant defendant does does not not reside reside and and is is not not found found in in the the Philippines, Philippines, and and the the action action affects affects the the personal personal status status of of the the plaintiff, plaintiff, service service of of summons summons may, may, by by leave leave of of court, court, be be effected effected by by publication publication in in aa newspaper newspaper of of national national circulation circulation in in such such places, places, and and aa copy copy of of the the summons summons and and the the order order of of the the court court shall shall be be sent sent by by registered registered mail mail to to the the last last known known address address of of defendant defendant {Rule {Rule 14, 14, Section Section 15}. 15}. Also, Also, the the Rule Rule on on Declaration Declaration of of Absolute Absolute Nullity Nullity of of Void Void Marriages Marriages provides provides that that when when respondent respondent cannot cannot be be located located at at his/her his/her given given address address or or his his whereabouts whereabouts are are unknown unknown and and cannot cannot be be ascertained ascertained by by diligent diligent inquiry, inquiry, summons summons may may be be effected effected on on him/her him/her by by publication, publication, with with aa copy copy of of the the summons summons be be sent sent to to him/her him/her by by registered registered mail mail at at his/her his/her last last known known address address {Section {Section 6, 6, A.M. A.M. No. No. 02-11-10-SC} 02-11-10-SC}

SP. SP. PROC. PROC. NO. NO. R-QZN-22-00819-SP R-QZN-22-00819-SP JEAN JEAN ELLA ELLA P. P. ICO, ICO, Petitioner. Petitioner. x-------------------------------------------------x x-------------------------------------------------x NOTICE NOTICE OF OF HEARING HEARING Filed Filed by by petitioner petitioner through through counsel counsel is is aa verified verified Amended Amended Petition Petition for for Approval Approval of of Guardianship Guardianship Bond. Bond. Finding Finding the the verified verified Amended Amended Petition Petition to to be be sufficient sufficient in in form form and and substance, substance, the the same same is is given given due due course. course. Set Set this this case case for for hearing hearing on on June June 14, 14, 2022 2022 at at 2:00 2:00 o’clock o’clock in in the the afternoon afternoon at at the the Session Session Hall Hall of of this this Court Court at at Room Room 401, 401, Hall Hall of of Justice-Annex, Justice-Annex, City City Hall Hall Compound, Compound, Quezon Quezon City. City. Any Any interested interested persons persons may may appear appear on on said said date, date, time time and and place, place, and and show show cause, cause, ifif any, any, why why the the petition petition should should not not be be granted. granted. Let Let this this Notice Notice of of Hearing Hearing be be published published once once in in aa newspaper newspaper of of general general circulation circulation in in the the Philippines, Philippines, particularly particularly in in Quezon Quezon City, City, Metro Metro Manila, Manila, at at the the expense expense of of petitioner petitioner to to be be determined determined by by raffled. raffled. SO SO ORDERED. ORDERED. Given Given this this April April 6, 6, 2022 2022 at at Quezon Quezon City. City. (Sgd.) (Sgd.) CECILYN CECILYN E. E. BURGOS-VILLAVERT BURGOS-VILLAVERT Presiding Presiding Judge Judge (MStandard (MStandard -- May May 6, 6, 2022) 2022) REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF OF THE THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REGIONAL REGIONAL TRIAL TRIAL COURT COURT NATIONAL NATIONAL CAPITAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL JUDICIAL REGION REGION BRANCH BRANCH 104, 104, QUEZON QUEZON CITY CITY Room Room 507, 507, Hall Hall of of Justice JusticeAnnex, Annex, Quezon Quezon City City Hall Hall Compound, Compound, Diliman, Diliman, Quezon Quezon City City Email EmailAddress: Address: rtc1qzn104@Judiciary.gov.ph/Landline: rtc1qzn104@Judiciary.gov.ph/Landline: 8.35.45.227 8.35.45.227

REGALIA REGALIA PARK PARK TOWERS, TOWERS, Petitioner, Petitioner, -versus-versus-

WHEREAS, WHEREAS, under under the the Writ Writ of of Execution Execution issued issued by by the the Hon. Hon. Catherine Catherine P. P. Manodon, Manodon, Judge, Judge, Regional Regional Trial Trial Court, Court, Branch Branch 104, 104, Quezon Quezon City, City, in in the the above-entitled above-entitled case, case, against against the the defendant, defendant, Dollegene Dollegene San San Felipe Felipe for for the the recovery recovery by by way way of of restraint restraint of of the the sum sum of of Three Three Hundred Hundred Ninety Ninety Seven Seven Thousand Thousand and and Fifty-Five Fifty-Five Pesos Pesos and and 57/100 57/100 Pesos Pesos (P397,455.57) (P397,455.57) representing representing the the unpaid unpaid obligation obligation as as of of December December 31, 31, 2017, 2017, and and 20 20 (20%) (20%) percent percent of of the the total total amount amount due due as as and and by by way way of of attorney’s attorney’s fees, fees, and and the the cost cost of of suit, suit, Philippine Philippine Currency, Currency, aa levy levy was was made made on on November November 23, 23, 2021, 2021, under under the the Writ Writ of of Execution, Execution, on on the the rights, rights, interests, interests, shares, shares, and and participation participation of of herein herein defendant defendant Dollegene Dollegene San San Felipe, Felipe, which which property property is is more more particularly particularly described described as as follows, follows, to to wit: wit: CONDOMINIUM CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE CERTIFICATE OF OF TITLE TITLE NO. NO. N-35021 N-35021 “Unit “Unit 808 808 (Tower (Tower B) B) -- aa commercial commercial condominium condominium unit unit located located Flr. Level Level of of the the Regalia Regalia Park Park -- Phase Phase 22 (Tower (Tower B) B) at at the the 88thth Flr. containing containing an an area area of of 29.60 29.60 sq.m., sq.m., more more or or less” less” NOW NOW THEREFORE, THEREFORE, under under the the said said writ writ and and in in accordance accordance with with Sec. Sec. 15, 15, Rule Rule 39 39 of of the the Rules Rules of of Court, Court, the the undersigned undersigned Sheriff Sheriff will will sell sell at at PUBLIC PUBLICAUCTION, AUCTION, to to the the highest highest bidder, bidder, for for CASH CASH and and in in Philippine Philippine Currency Currency on on May May 27, 27, 2022, 2022, at at 10:00 10:00 a.m. a.m. or or soon soon thereafter thereafter at at the the main main entrance entrance of of the the Hall Hall of of Justice Justice Building Building Annex, Annex, Diliman, Diliman, Quezon Quezon City, City, on on the the rights, rights, interest, interest, shares shares and and participation participation of of defendant defendant Dollegene Dollegene San San Felipe Felipe in in the the aboveabovedescribed described real real property property in in order order to to satisfy satisfy the the Writ Writ of of Execution. Execution. PROSPECTIVE PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS BIDDERS are are hereby hereby enjoined enjoined to to see see and and investigate investigate the the title title of of the the above-described above-described property property and and the the encumbrances encumbrances thereon thereon ifif any any there there be. be. IfIf the the auction auction could could not not take take place place on on the the said said date date due due to to aa fortuitous fortuitous event event or or ifif the the aforesaid aforesaid date date is is declared declared aa non-working non-working holiday, holiday, itit shall shall be be held held on on June June 3, 3, 2022 2022 at at the the same same time time and and place place without without further further notice. notice. Quezon Quezon City, City, Metro Metro Manila, Manila, April April 27, 27, 2022. 2022. (Sgd.) (Sgd.) ERWIN ERWIN CACHERO CACHERO Sheriff Sheriff IV IV WARNING: WARNING: ItIt is is absolutely absolutely prohibited prohibited to to remove, remove, deface deface or or destroy destroy this this Notice Notice of of Sale Sale on on or or before before the the date date of of Sale Sale under under penalty penalty of of law. law. *Rule *Rule 29, 29, Sec. Sec. 13 13

Let Let an an Order Order of of Summons Summons by by Publication Publication be be issued. issued. SO SO ORDERED. ORDERED. Quezon Quezon City, City, February February 28, 28, 2022. 2022.

REGALIA REGALIA GROUP GROUP CORPORATION CORPORATION 150 150 P. P. Tuazon Tuazon AA venue, venue, Cubao, Cubao, QC QC

NLP/trc:: NLP/trc:: OSG, OSG, Petitioner, Petitioner, Atty. Atty. Buban Buban

(Sgd.) (Sgd.) NOEL NOEL L. L. PAREL PAREL Judge Judge

(MStandard (MStandard --Apr. Apr. 29 29 && May May 6, 6, 2022) 2022)

A MAN AND HIS DOG. Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives with his dog Dilyn at the Methodist Hall in central London to cast his vote in local elections on May 5, 2022. Polls opened across the UK in local and regional elections that could prove historic in Northern Ireland and heap further pressure on Johnson. AFP

R-QZN-16-10263-CV R-QZN-16-10263-CV

REGALIA REGALIA GROUP GROUP CORPORATION CORPORATION and and DOLLEGENE DOLLEGENE SAN SAN FELIPE, FELIPE, Respondents. Respondents. x----------------------------------------------------x x----------------------------------------------------x

CC: CC: TAPALES TAPALES PRODON PRODON WEE-TOE WEE-TOE TATEL TATEL & & RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ LAW LAW OFFICES OFFICES G/F G/F One One Breatriz Breatriz Tower Tower Aurora Aurora Boulevard Boulevard cor. cor. Lauan Lauan Street, Street, Cubao, Cubao, QC QC

WHEREFORE, WHEREFORE, the the Motion Motion for for Leave Leave of of Court Court to to Serve Serve Summons Summons by by Publication Publication is is granted. granted.

Ukrainian neighbour Moldova, where a series of attacks in a Russia-backed separatist region has sparked fears a war that has killed thousands could spread more than two months after it began. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said the bloc would “phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year,” a move that would still not touch its huge gas exports. But within hours, Hungary – whose populist leader Viktor Orban is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s few

EU partners – said it could not support the plan “in this form” as it would “completely destroy” the security of its energy supply. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba hit back that EU countries blocking an oil embargo would be “complicit” in Russia’s crimes in Ukraine. Ukraine’s allies have sent money and, increasingly, heavy weapons to Kyiv to help it defend itself in a war US President Joe Biden has framed as a historic battle for democracy. Biden said Wednesday he was “open” to imposing more sanctions on Russia

IN IN RE: RE: PETITION PETITION FOR FOR APPROVAL APPROVAL OF OF GUARDIANSHIP GUARDIANSHIP BOND, BOND,

NOTICE NOTICE OF OF SALE SALE ON ON EXECUTION EXECUTION OF OF REAL REAL PROPERTY PROPERTY

REPUBLIC REPUBLIC OF OF THE THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REGIONAL REGIONAL TRIAL TRIAL COURT COURT NATIONAL NATIONAL CAPITAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL JUDICIAL REGION REGION BRANCH BRANCH 106, 106, QUEZON QUEZON CITY CITY (rtc2gzn106@judiciary.gov.ph (rtc2gzn106@judiciary.gov.ph 8639-6019) 8639-6019)

-versus-versus-

WAR FATALITY. An orthodox priest conducts a service by the coffin of Ukrainian serviceman Ruslan Borovyk, who was killed in combat with Russian troops, after his funeral service in St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral in Kyiv on May 4, 2022. AFP

DOLLEGENE DOLLEGENE SAN SAN FELIPE FELIPE Block Block 14 14 Lot Lot 30 30 and and 32, 32, La La Joya. Joya. Sta. Sta. Rosa, Rosa, Laguna Laguna (MStandard (MStandard -- Apr. Apr. 29, 29, && May May 6, 6, 2022) 2022)

Millions in Beijing urged to work from home to fight virus outbreak MILLIONS of people in Beijing returned to work Thursday, many remotely, with scores of subway stations shut after a national holiday muted by the coronavirus curbs. Chinese authorities have pressed on with their zero-COVID policy involving lockdowns and mass testing as they battle the biggest outbreak since the early days of the pandemic, with entire neighbourhoods in the capital sealed over handfuls of infections. Beijing reported 50 local virus cases on Thursday, a day after it said people in its most populous district Chaoyang should work from home. Those in the area, home to around 3.5 million, who need to visit their offices were encouraged to drive themselves and avoid gatherings. Another Beijing district Tongzhou has also encouraged residents to work at home, while dozens of subway stations across the city remained closed. Some employees were seen returning to their buildings on Thursday in Chaoyang, scanning their health codes that permit entry to venues. Beijing is treading cautiously after an extended lockdown in Shanghai, China’s largest city, led to food shortages and public anger. Shanghai – the epicenter of the latest outbreak – reported more than 4,600 mostly asymptomatic infections on Thursday. The moves followed an unusually quiet Labor Day holiday, with the capital banning dining at restaurants and shutting down gyms. Domestic tourism revenues over the five-day break were down by more than 40 percent from a year ago, according to official data. More than 40 cities in China were implementing full or partial lockdowns, or measures restricting mobility as of May 3, according to Nomura estimates. Key cities such as Hangzhou and Beijing have also ordered more regular COVID testing. Some curbs were being loosened, however, with Beijing announcing Wednesday that international travellers can be released from quarantine after 10 days in a centralized facility and a week of home isolation, down from a total of 21 days. AFP

IN BRIEF Kenya’s factories of disinformation

IN A nondescript office north of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, social media influencer Ian James Mwai constantly glances at his two mobile phones, wary of missing an opportunity to promote the political party he works for. The 23-year-old is in the vanguard of the growing ranks of influencers feverishly punching keyboards and hoping to tilt the outcome of the country’s high-stakes elections, which are less than 100 days away. The rising dominance of platforms like Twitter and Facebook has opened up a new front in Kenyan politics, with candidates desperate to draw the attention of the country’s 12 million social media users. “This election is going to be very close,” Mwai told AFP. “Any politician who chooses to ignore social media is a fool.” Demographics are a key factor behind the drive: Kenya’s population is estimated to be 50 million, more than half of them under 35. Six million youngsters will also become eligible to vote this year as they come of age. It has spawned a new industry – packed with online personalities who parrot politicians’ views, create false narratives, deflect criticism and promote viral conspiracies. And they offer clients something invaluable: plausible deniability. “There are so many teams and personnel out there and you cannot control what they put online,” said Mwai. “My team is ethical,” the social media strategist hastily adds, referring to the 70 influencers under his wing. AFP

Cop accused of raping child gang-rape victim

AN INDIAN police officer has been arrested after being accused of raping a 13-year-old girl who went to his station to report she had been gang-raped. The alleged incident is the latest to spotlight the high levels of sexual violence in the world’s largest democracy, where a woman is raped every 18 minutes on average. The girl is also a member of India’s Dalit community, which has long suffered from marginalization and violence at the hands of higher castes while getting little help from police. According to her father, she was gangraped by four men last month over several days. But when she attempted to file a complaint last week, the station house officer in charge raped her, according to an NGO now providing her with counseling. Police said the officer was arrested on Wednesday along with four other people and the girl’s aunt, who was reportedly inside the station house room when she was attacked. Twenty-nine other officials present at the police station in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh at the time of the alleged assault have been suspended from duty. News of the incident has triggered outrage on Indian social media. “If police stations are not safe for women, then where will they go to complain?” tweeted Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a senior member of the opposition Congress party. “Has the [Uttar Pradesh] government seriously thought about increasing the deployment of female officers in police stations to make them safe for women?” AFP

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US Fed makes big rate hike to battle inflation

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TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

PHR

1.31

0.31

31.00%

2 3

SLF BHI

2250 0.076

464 0.013

25.98% 20.63%

4 5 6 7

WEB PRIM VITA RLT

2.95 1.34 0.63 0.245

0.35 0.13 0.06 0.023

13.46% 10.74% 10.53% 10.36%

BKR

2.09

0.17

8.85%

9 10

BCOR FOOD

5.99 0.63

0.48 0.05

8.71% 8.62%

TOP LOSERS 1 MHC 2 ROX

LAST PRICE CHANGE 0.315 -0.05 1.15 -0.09

% CHANGE -13.70% -7.26%

3 4

CIC RFM

19.16 4.12

-0.8 -0.17

-4.01% -3.96%

PIZZA

7.82

-0.32

-3.93%

6 7

JFCPB LAND

960.5 0.78

-38.5 -0.03

-3.85% -3.70%

8 9 10

WIN EW ACEX

0.27 7.78 16

-0.01 -0.27 -0.54

-3.57% -3.35% -3.26%

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1 SM 2 CNVRG

VOLUME 663,360 18,533,200

VALUE (PHP) 571,477,370 558,120,180

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354,993,378 315,428,300 205,521,064

6 7 8 9 10

URC GLO TEL BPI ALI

1,568,750 70,745 87,110 1,682,670 4,381,700

174,430,525 167,239,940 167,087,710 163,115,044 143,391,000

OPEC+ members to agree on slight oil output increase VIENNA, Austria--OPEC+ members meeting on Thursday are expected to agree a marginal increase in oil production, bolstered by risks to demand amid coronavirus restrictions in China. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also added to supply concerns, which have increased with Europe’s announced moves on a potential Russian oil embargo. Prices soared on Wednesday, with Brent North Sea crude closing above $110 a barrel, its highest level in two and a half weeks. But analysts said the new surge would not shake the 13 members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), led by Riyadh, and their 10 partners led by Moscow. “It is likely that OPEC will stick with its plan despite ongoing instability relating to the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” XTB analyst Walid Kudmani told AFP, citing “prospects of falling demand due to widespread lockdowns seen in China as a result of rising COVID cases.” As in previous months, the cartel is likely to open the taps at 432,000 barrels per day for June, a strategy begun in the spring of 2021 when the economy began recovering after the drastic cuts imposed amid the shock of the pandemic. The talks will begin with technical discussions at the ministerial committee meeting at 1100 GMT in Vienna, the headquarters of the cartel. Largely spared for two years, China in recent weeks has been battling its worst coronavirus outbreak since the spring of 2020 which has strained its zero-COVID strategy. Beijing on Wednesday closed dozens of metro stations and residents fear their city will be locked down, as is already the case in Shanghai, the country’s largest city with 25 million people. “The slowing activity in China is certainly a factor that will justify their decision to stay pat, faced with the mounting international pressure to increase production to address the worsening global energy crisis,” Ipek Ozkardeskaya, an analyst at Swissquote bank, told AFP. AFP

Workers move produce outside a market in Washington, DC, on May 4, 2022. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised the benchmark lending rate by a half percentage point in its ongoing effort to contain the highest inflation in four decades. AFP

Stock market rallies; Globe, Converge rise

TOCKS rose Thursday along with the rest of Asian markets, after the US Federal Reserve played down chances of a huge interest rate hike in the near future.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 66.19 points, or 1 percent, to 6,868.92 on a value turnover of P5.7 billion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 140 to 59, with 37 issues unchanged. Globe Telecom Inc. of the Ayala Group, the second-biggest telecommunications firm, surged 7.5 percent to P2,388, while fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. advanced 6.4 percent to P30. PLDT Inc. of the Indonesia’s Salim Group, the largest telecom company, gained 2.3 percent at P1,932, while SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group added 1.4 percent to P861. The rest of Asian markets rallied Thursday, while oil extended gains as the European Union moved to ban imports from Russia. US central bank officials announced an expected half-point lift in borrowing costs—the biggest since 2000—as part of its battle to rein in inflation, while unveiling a timetable to

offload its vast bond holdings. However, traders were given some much-needed cheer when Fed boss Jerome Powell said a 75 basis-point rise, which had been flagged by many observers, was not “not something the committee is actively considering.” While he flagged more 50-point hikes to come, the news fueled a rally on Wall Street, where all three main indexes piled on around three percent thanks to a surge in tech firms, which are most susceptible to higher rates. “This was a reflection of relief, as investors came into the meeting fearful that the committee would be overly aggressive in tightening monetary policy,” said Clara Cheong of JP Morgan Asset Management. She added that if inflation began showing signs of slowing, it could allow the Fed to be less aggressive as it treads a fine line between containing prices and nurturing the postpandemic economic recovery. “It remains to be seen if the Fed can pull off this fine balancing act and orchestrate a soft landing, but for now we believe that the US economy is in a strong enough position to weather higher rates,” Cheong said. “There is still, however, a risk that an overly aggressive approach can run the risk of tipping the economy into a mild recession in 2023.” With AFP

Romania Black Sea port is now Ukraine’s export hub Workers assist the loading of corn on to a ship at Pier 80 in the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania on May 3, 2022. The Romanian port seeks to become an export hub for neighboring Ukraine after Russia’s invasion cut off its sea routes. AFP

WASHINGTON, United States—The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced its biggest rate hike since 2000, with a half percentage point increase as it works to crush soaring US inflation. With inflation at the highest rate in four decades, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sent a message directly to the American people, expressing concern for the pain caused by rising prices, and pledging to use all available tools to bring them down. But he told reporters he remains confident the economy is strong enough to withstand rate increases without tipping into a recession. After a quarter-point hike in March, the US central bank’s policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) pushed the benchmark interest rate above 0.75 percent as it works to cool the economy, and confirmed more increases “will be appropriate.” The hike will raise the costs of all types of borrowing, from mortgages to credit cards to car loans, cooling demand and business activity. Inflation has become an overriding concern after the world’s largest economy saw annual consumer prices surge 8.5 percent over the 12 months to March—the biggest jump since December 1981. Policymakers continue to believe inflation will gradually return to the Fed’s two-percent target as it raises borrowing costs, but in a statement following the conclusion of its twoday meeting, the FOMC said it will be “highly attentive to inflation risks.” In an unusual move, Powell opened his news conference speaking to the American people. “Inflation is much too high. And we understand the hardship that is causing,” he said, promising to use all tools available to bring it down “expeditiously.” He acknowledged that higher interest rates also bring their share of pain, but “everyone would be better off if we can get this job done. The sooner, the better.” AFP REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES National Capital Judicial Region Regional Trial Court Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila Branch 211

UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES Mortgagee, -versus-

CASE No. FRE-MC22-1385 For: Extra-Judicial Foreclosure of Real Estate Mortgage under Act No. 3135, as Amended by Act No. 4118

MAGDALENA V. VILLANUEVA and ARIES NICHOL TANGLAO Mortgagors, x----------------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4118 filed by UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, Mortgagee, against MAGDALENA V. VILLANUEVA and ARIES NICHOL TANGLAO, Mortgagors, with residence and postal address at 186 National Road, O’donnel, Capas, Tarlac, to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness, which as of March 18, 2022 amounts to TWO MILLION SIX THOUSAND SEVENTY FIVE PESOS, and 15/100 (Php 2,006,075.15), Philippine Currency, plus interest, attorney’s fees, sheriff’s fees and other expenses for the foreclosure and sale, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong City or his duly authorized deputy will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder for cash and in Philippine Currency on the 24th day of May, 2022 at 9:00 o’clock A.M., or soon thereafter infront of the main entrance of the Hall of Justice Building, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City, the following described real estate property together with all the improvements existing thereon, to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No. 008-2020010793 IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the unit identified and described as:

By Mihaela Rodina CONSTANTA, Romania—Like a giant elephant trunk, a huge hose sweeps above the hold of a ship in Romania’s Black Sea port of Constanta, spilling tons of corn into the vessel before it sets sail. Russia’s blockade of Ukraine’s seaports has forced the country’s exporters to look for alternatives to move their precious cargo. So now the country’s grain is loaded onto trains, lorries or barges in the small Danube ports of Reni and Izmail in the southwest, for transport to the Romanian port. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has transformed Constanta into a vital maritime export hub for Ukraine’s crops. Before the war, Ukraine exported 4.5 million tons of agricultural produce per month through its ports-–12 percent of the world’s wheat, 15 percent of its corn and 50 percent of its sunflower oil. “We need to make sure the grain gets to consumers’ tables without delay to avoid the risk of famine,” said Viorel Panait, chief executive of Comvex, which handles Constanta’s bulk raw materials. “We hope to accelerate the pace... because, given the unfortunate situa-

tion that our Ukrainian neighbors are going through, we must help them as much as we can,” he told AFP. ‘Opportunity’ Neighboring Bulgaria said this week it was willing to help export Ukrainian grain from its Black Sea port of Varna—and is getting to work upgrading its infrastructure. In the meantime, Constanta is moving the cargo as fast as it can. The Lady Dimine, the ship being loaded with corn, is the second grain vessel since last week to moor at Pier 80, bound for Portugal once loaded. The first ship, loaded with 70,000 tons of Ukrainian corn, left Constanta last Friday, and a third is scheduled in six days. That first ship, carrying a 70,000ton cargo, took 49 trains or barges to fill up, said Panait. Loading such vessels in a port that was not properly equipped would mean thousands of trucks clogging up the roads, he added. Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Constanta had overtaken France’s Le Havre last year to become Europe’s hub for grain exports, said the port’s director, Florin Goidea. Now, he said: “Our goal is to ship the goods as quickly as possible and thus support the Ukrainian economy.” His office offered a breathtaking

view of the work at the dockside, bristling with cranes and ship loaders. “The war in Ukraine is a challenge but also an opportunity,” Goidea said. Projects in pipeline To meet that challenge, Romania’s government has come up with two projects to unblock road traffic and facilitate the flow of cargo to the port. First, it plans by the end of the year to have fixed up 95 railway lines dating back to the communist era, blocked for years by hundreds of rusting wagons. The 200-million-lei (40 million euros) project should allow Constanta to match or even beat the record of 67.5 million tons of goods in transit recorded in 2021, said Goidea. The transport ministry is also seeking bids for work to re-open a fivekilometer (three-mile) railway line, more than 200 kilometers to the north of Constanta. That line would connect Giurgiulesti in Moldova—wedged between Romania and Ukraine—to Galati on the Danube, in eastern Romania. That short crossover is crucial, as they share the same railway track gauge used in the former Soviet Union, making it easier to transport goods. The renovation of the track is planned for this summer. At Constanta meanwhile, traffic in the other direction has stalled. AFP

FLOOR UNIT TYPE FLOOR AREA (SQ.M.) TOTAL AREA (SQ.M.)

: : : : :

14 J STUDIO 23.76 23.76

OF THE “ AXIS RESIDENCES TOWER A” CONDOMINIUM PROJECT In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE 14803; 22726 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with an area of (TEN THOUSAND SIXTY ONE (10,061) Square Meter, is registered in the name of: Owner Address:

: MAGDALENA VISTAN VILLANUEVA, Filipino, Single, of Legal Age No. 186 National Road, O’donnel, Capas, Tarlac 2315 Philippines

“All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.” “In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on May 31, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. without prior notice.” Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the said Real Estate Property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be. Mandaluyong City, April 12, 2022. FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF By: (Sgd.) NICANOR A. DE RAMOS Sheriff IV RTC-Branch 211 Sheriff-in-Charge WARNING: It is absolute prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or Before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of law. Copy furnished: UNION BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES Union Bank Plaza Building Meralco Avenue cor Onyx and Sapphire Roads Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila MAGDALENA V. VILLANUEVA No. 186 National Road, O’donnel Capas, Tarlac, (MStandard – Apr. 22, 29 & May 6, 2022)

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

Globe Telecom booked record profit of P13.7b in first quarter By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc., the secondbiggest telecommunications firm, on Thursday said net income rose 86 percent in the first quarter of the year, boosted by its mobile business and one-time gain from the partial sale of its data center business. The company, a unit of the Ayala Group, said net profit reached an all-time hight of P13.7 billion in the January-to-March period, higher than P7.3 billion reported a year ago. Core net income, which excludes the impact of non-recurring charges, and foreign exchange and mark-tomarket charges, ended at P5.1 billion in the quarter, down from P7.4 billion last year. “We are pleased with our performance in the first quarter, as the top-line growth momentum was sustained. We saw encouraging results particularly in the mobile business as the government continuously eased pandemic restrictions and the economy opened up,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu. “We are likewise optimistic about the growth prospects for the new ventures in Globe’s expanding portfolio. We believe that our ceaseless innovation through various digital platforms, backed by the growing investment in our data network will strengthen our leadership in the digital space,” he added. Globe started the first three months of 2022 with a new record-high consolidated service revenue of P39.2 billion, up 4 percent from P37.8 billion reported a year ago, and even surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Mobile business revenues as of end-March grew 2 percent to P26.88 billion from last year’s P26.3 billion, mostly coming from the prepaid brands. Total mobile revenues comprised 69 percent of the total service sales, with total mobile subscriber base now reaching 87.4 million, or 10 percent higher from the year earlier.

Meralco mulls over negotiated bidding of 180-MW supply By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, is considering a negotiated bidding of its 180-megawatt baseload supply requirement following the failure of the second round of the Competitive Selection Process. The Third-Party Bids and Awards Committee (TPBAC) declared the second round of CSP a failure as it did not receive any expression of interest from a prospective bidder by the April 29 deadline. Under the revised CSP rules, an auction is declared a failure if the TPBAC received less than two offers. The TPBAC further said since there was no outstanding dispute on the first and second rounds of CSP of the contract, the distribution utility might enter into direct negotiation of the 180-MW contract capacity requirement, also as provided by the revised CSP rules. “We are now considering all our options, including negotiating with a potential supplier, to cover the 180-MW supply requirement from May to July 2022,” said Jose Ronald Valles, Meralco’s head of regulatory management office. “This CSP was meant to mitigate the exposure of our customers to additional generation costs associated with running Malampaya gas-reliant plants on expensive liquid fuel,” he said. The 180-MW supply forms part of the 350-MW power requirement that Meralco needs to augment its available supply during the dry months. It is meant to cover the output of plants affected by the inability of the Malampaya field to supply adequate natural gas fuel. Meralco in February signed a power supply agreement with South Premiere Power Corp. following a CSP for the initial 170-MW of peaking power requirement. It submitted the PSA to the ERC for approval.

Business April inflation climbed to 3-year high of 4.9% By Julito G. Rada

HE inflation rate in April climbed to 4.9 percent from 4 percent a month ago, the fastest in more than three years, due to higher prices of food, transport, oil and electricity, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Thursday. The April inflation was also faster than the 4.1 percent a year ago. The figure brought the average inflation rate in the first four months to 3.7 percent, or near the upper end of the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent. Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said in an email to Manila Standard the April inflation was the fastest since 5.2 percent in December 2018. PSA said the rate was the highest “since January 2019 [of 4.4 percent].”

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the April 2022 inflation of 4.9 percent was within the BSP’s forecast range of 4.2 to 5.0 percent for the month. “The inflation outturn is consistent with the BSP’s assessment that inflation will remain elevated over the near term due to the continued volatility in global oil and non-oil prices, reflecting largely the continued impact of the conflict in Ukraine on global commodities market,” said Diokno. “Inflation could settle above the government’s target range in 2022, before decelerating back to target in 2023 as supply-side pressures ease. While there are signs that inflation expectation is higher for 2022, it remains broadly anchored to the target in 2023,” he said. Diokno said inflation risks were tilted to the upside in 2022, but broadly balanced for 2023. Upside risks over the near term continue to emanate from the shortage in domestic food supply as well as from the potential impact of higher oil prices on transport fares. Meanwhile, Diokno said the downside risks are linked mainly to the lingering threat of COVID-19 infections, as the emergence of new variants could temper the global economic recovery and prompt

the reimposition of containment measures. “Latest assessment also indicates that domestic economic activity has gained stronger traction with the easing of remaining mobility restrictions. However, heightened geopolitical tensions and a resurgence in COVID-19 infections in some countries have also clouded the outlook for global economic growth,” Diokno said. He said the Monetary Board would review its assessment of the inflation outlook and macroeconomic prospects with the release of the first-quarter GDP growth figures, along with evidence of possible second-round effects and developments in inflation expectations during the monetary policy meeting on May 19, 2022. Ricafort attributed the faster April inflation to the damage of typhoon Agaton in southern Philippines that temporarily led to higher prices of food and other basic commodities, on top of higher prices of imported commodities amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict for more than two months. “As a result, year-on-year inflation could reach a little over 5 percent by MayJune 2022 and could average at least 4.5 percent for full year 2022, especially if the Russia-Ukraine conflict drags on,” Ricafort said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, May 5, 2022

66.19 PTS. 6,868.92

TOTAL VOLUME

1,061,355,447

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES

79,075 5,684,281,042.51 140

DECLINES

UNCHANGED

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.4600

Japan

Yen

0.007742

0.4061

Pound

1.263500

66.2832

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127411

6.6840

Switzerland

Franc

1.028172

53.9379

Canada

Dollar

0.784991

41.1806

Singapore

Dollar

0.727802

38.1805

Australia

Dollar

0.725400

38.0545

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

139.1697

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266610

13.9864

Brunei

Dollar

0.725163

38.0421

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029053

1.5241

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.2842

Euro

1.062600

55.7440

Korea

Won

0.000799

0.0419

China

Yuan

0.151309

7.9377

India

Rupee

0.013114

0.6880

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.229779

12.0542

New Zealand

Dollar

0.654200

34.3193

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034162

1.7921 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

NGCP allowed to post P51.471b in revenues

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) an interim maximum annual revenue (iMAR) of P51.471 billion from 2020 onwards. The newly-approved iMAR, which reflects a utility firm’s profitability, is higher than P47.052 billion approved in April 2020 but whose implementation was suspended due to the pandemic. “With the increase in its MAR, NGCP will be able to address its capex requirements in terms of load growth, generation capacity additions, and compliance to rules and regulations, resulting to a better performance in terms of system reliability, security, and integrity of the grid,” the ERC decision said. However, the new iMAR is lower than the proposed iMAR of P58.846 billion sought by transmission operator NGCP. The ERC said in its March 23 order the approval provides fair and reasonable interim transmission rates that will serve the public interest. It also signals the efficient utilization of transmission facilities that will ultimately redound to the best interest and benefit of the public, it said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Phoenix upbeat on LPG business

GO LOKAL STORE. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez (center) graces the launching of the first-ever ‘inline’ Go Lokal store at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, along with other DTI and Ayala Malls executives. With Lopez are (from his left) Christopher Maglanoc, president of Ayala Malls; AC Legarda, vice president of Ayala Malls; and France Eusebio, general manager of Ayala Malls by the Bay. From his right are Ma. Roma Agsunod, owner of Common Room PH and Go Lokal store operator; and Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion directors Marievic Bonoan] and Rosario Liwanag.

PLDT bullish, increases capital expenditures this year to P85b PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications firm, said Thursday it raised capital expenditures this year to support its home broadband and data center businesses. PLDT revised its capex guidance for 2022 to P85 billion from the original P76 billion to P80 billion. PLDT said the increase in capex would support updated requirements for the Home broadband and data center businesses, additional upgrades of the tower and their passive infrastructure assets covered by sale and leaseback transactions. PLDT Group recently announced a P77-billion sale and leaseback deal in connection with 5,907 towers and related passive telecom infrastructure. The company reported a net income of

P9.07 billion in the first quarter, up 56 percent from P6.80 billion in the same period last year. Core income, excluding the impact of asset sales and Voyager Innovations, reached P8.2 billion, up 9 percent from P7.5 billion in the same period last year. PLDT’s service revenues amounted to P47.97 billion in the first quarter, up 5 percent from P45.67 billion in the same period last year. Total Home service revenues increased 25 percent year-on-year to an all-time high P13.6 billion in the first quarter of the year. Enterprise revenues touched an all time high of P11.2 billion, up 7 percent from the same period in 2021, while individual wireless revenues hit P20.4 billion.

PLDT and Smart president and chief executive of Alfredo Panlilio said it PLDT was on track to meet its targets for the rest of 2022, with service revenues expected to post mid-single digit growth. “This growth in service revenues will be underpinned by our continued rollout of fiber ports and LTE/5G, our data center expansion, and our commitment to delivering the best customer experience,” he added. PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the company must be steadfast in its goal to deliver its core income target and achieve positive free cash flow. “I am encouraged with our strong start for 2022 as we once again posted a record high in revenues, improved EBITDA and increased Telco Core,” Pangilinan said. Darwin G. Amojelar

PHOENIX Petroleum Philippines Inc. is upbeat on its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business this year as the country moves toward economic recovery. “We are seeing sustained economic recovery with the easing of restrictions, which benefits our commercial LPG, and sustained household consumption,” said Phoenix president Henry Albert Fadullon in a statement. “Amid the ongoing pandemic and unprecedented uncertainties, Phoenix’s commitment to prudent management of resources and cost discipline and in bringing the best services and product offering to our communities are pushing us further and driving our growth,” he said. The company’s LPG business posted a 14 percent volume growth in 2021. The growth of Phoenix LPG Philippines Inc. in the last five years was driven by the company’s expansion in Luzon, which now accounts for 32 percent of the total volume from a mere 5 percent since Phoenix acquired the business. Sales volume in Visayas and Mindanao, meanwhile, is getting a boost from its emerging canister business. Alena Mae S. Flores

Gogo Xpress bares app to sellers, buyers

LOGISTICS start-up Gogo Xpress announced plans to help 3 million sellers deliver their goods this year to over 40 million buyers using its app. 1Gogo Xpress president and chief operating officer Mia Bulatao said the app is always innovating with new tools that will benefit both sellers and customers. “As of today, we have successfully connected almost 1.5 million casual social sellers to over 20 million buyers. As an e-commerce tech and logistics company, we offer seller tools that provide a hassle-free way of doing business,” said Bulatao said at the official launch of Gogo Xpress Wednesday. Gogo Xpress is a unit of emerging ecommerce solutions provider QuadX Inc. The company specializes in the digital marketplace, cross-border e-Logistics and e-Commerce payment processing. QuadX supports 3 main digital platforms, namely ShippingCart, XPay and GoGo Xpress. One of the recent innovations introduced by QuadX is the GoBenta storefront where sellers can customize their store names and upload their own brand logos. GoBenta is an enhancement to GoGo Xpress’s Sell-A-Product feature. Othel V. Campos

SEC approves IPOs of VistaREIT and Raslag By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the initial public offerings of VistaREIT Inc. of the Villar Group and Raslag Corp. worth a combined P9.87 billion. The SEC in a statement Thursday it cleared the P9.17-billion maiden offering of VistaREIT involving the sale of up to 3.33 billion common shares plus over-allotment shares of up to 333,750 million in common stocks to be sold at a maximum price of P2.50 apiece. VREIT, the real estate investment trust company of Vista Land Inc., will have an initial portfolio of 10 community malls and two office buildings with an aggregate gross leasable area of 256,404 square meters. The malls are located in Vista Land’s integrated developments, which serve as a one-stop shop for its residents in

Las Piñas City, Bacoor City, General Trias City, Imus City, Municipality of Tanza, Antipolo City, San Jose Del Monte, San Fernando and Talisay City, Cebu. The office buildings are located in Taguig City and Bacoor City. Post-IPO, VistaREIT will have a public float of 48.95 percent while the rest of shareholders will retain 51.05 percent. VistaREIT expects to conduct the IPO from May 10 to 16 and debut on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on May 26, based on the latest timetable the company submitted to the SEC. The company engaged BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., PNB Capital and Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp.as joint lead underwriters of the offering, with Abacus Capital and Investment Corp. as participating underwriter.

SBMA INITIATIVE. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Rolen Paulino (right) and Indigo Distribution Corp. general manager Gerard Galang (left) discuss a proposal to set up an electric transport system inside SBMA economic zone as part of a new initiative on renewable energy projects in the area. The proposal includes setting up solar and electric charging stations inside SBMA to support and promote electric vehicle adoption for private and public transportation.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

PH opens SEA Games’ campaign in beach handball, men’s football T

HE opening ceremony for the 31st Southeast Asian Games is slated Thursday next week, but two Philippine teams—football and beach handball— plunge into competition in separate venues this Friday. The men’s beach handball squad faces Thailand at 4 p.m. at the Tuan Chau Resort Ha Long in Quang Ninh, while the football team battles Timor Leste in Group A action set for 4 p.m. at the 20,000-seating Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho. Both are Hanoi times. Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino wished the beach handball and men’s football athletes good luck as they start the country’s bid to defend its overall title in the SEA Games that were originally

scheduled last November but were postponed because of the pandemic. “To our ‘Fighting Team Philippines,’ I wish you good luck,” said Tolentino, who’ll fly to Hanoi on Wednesday, a day before the opening ceremony at the 40,000-seat My Dinh Stadium, the same venue where Vietnam opened its initial hosting of the biennial games in 2003. Tolentino, however, reminded the 641-strong Team Philippines to stay safe from Covid-19. Three athletes tested positive after their RT-PCR tests and accord-

ing to Tolentino, two of them were cleared after a second test while the third has yet to yield a negative result. Their identities and sports were not disclosed. Formalities for the kickboxing events also start with the medical examinations, weigh-in and technical meetings on Friday with the competitions set for Sunday at the Bac Ninh stadium, some 100 kms away from the main hub Hanoi. Philippine Handball Federation coach and training director Joanna Franquelli said the target is to improve on the bronze medal finish at the 2019 SEA Games in Subic. “We have a chance for another podium finish but everything is unpredictable,” Franquelli said on Thursday. “I’m just hoping we execute our game plan against anybody.” After Thailand, the Philippines faces

Vietnam on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Singapore on Sunday at 4 p.m. On May 9, the Philippines will again meet Thailand also at 4 p.m., then Vietnam the following day at 5 p.m. and Singapore on the last day at 4 p.m. The 10-member team is composed of Jamael Pangandaman, Josef Maximillan Valdez, Mark Vincent Dubouzet, Andrew Michael Harris, Rey Joshua Tabuzo, Manuel Lasangue Jr., Dhane Miguelle Varela, Van Jacob Baccay, John Michael Pasco and Daryoush Zandi. They are also coached by Aurora Adriano, Luzviminda Pacubas and Tomas Luis Telan. The beach handball final is set on May 11. The Azkals under-23 team of head coach Norman Fegidero are up for a stiff challenge from defending champion Viet-

nam on Sunday at 8 p.m., followed Myanmar on Tuesday at 4 p.m. They play indonesia on May 13 at 4 p.m. to conclude the group stage. Football competitions in the SEA Games are restricted to under-23 but each country could field two athletes from its seniors squad. Stephan Schrock, 35, and Joven Bedic Hervas, 31, lead the team composed of Enrique Fernandez, Enrico Alañanon, Scott Philip Galang, Francis Palogan, Jaime Domingo, Christian Mangaron, Sandro Miguel Sison, Geri Veliganio, Jacob Reyes, Matt Ocampo, Miguel Antonio Pangcog, Quincy Boltron, Jayvee Solon, Yrick Rapisura, Jermi Navarro, Dennis Salazar, Oliver Saludares, and Oskari Kekkonen. The Philippines is hoping to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1991.

Top-seeded Heat burn Sixers again; Suns up 2-0 LOS ANGELES—The top-seeded Miami Heat overpowered the undermanned Philadelphia 76ers 119-103 on Wednesday to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven NBA Eastern Conference playoff series. Bam Adebayo scored 23 points and pulled down nine rebounds and Jimmy Butler added 22 and 12 assists as the Heat again proved too much for a Sixers team missing star center Joel Embiid, who suffered a concussion and orbital fracture in Philadelphia’s seriesclinching win over the Toronto Raptors. Tyrese Maxey scored a game-high 34 points for Philadelphia, Tobias Harris added 21 and James Harden had 20. But three-time scoring champion Harden was held to just four points in the second half, as the Heat, who trailed briefly in the first quarter but led 60-52 at halftime, cruised to victory. Tyler Herro, the league’s sixth man of the year, scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half off the bench and made three of his five three-point attempts for Miami. Victor Oladipo came off the bench to score 19 points and was an even more efficient three-of-four from beyond the arc as the Heat made 14 three-pointers. The Sixers, meanwhile, struggled from three-point range, connecting on just eight of their 30 attempts. Miami point guard Kyle Lowry missed a fourth straight game with a left hamstring strain, but Butler said the depth of the Heat, and the injuries they dealt with during the season, meant plenty of players

Fernandez inspires athletes to win medals HANOI—Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Ramon Fernandez boosted the confidence of Filipino athletes from beach handball, and kickboxing in their quest to capture medals in the 31st Southeast Asian Games here. Fernandez, the Team Philippines’ chef de mission to the Games, visited the billeting areas of these sports and inspired the Filipino athletes with an inspirational talk for them to compete at the highest level and make the country proud. “Our athletes have prepared well for the SEA Games, and I trust that all of them will put in their best effort to deliver those medals,’’ said Fernandez. The PSC staff likewise distributed the allowances of the teams and assured that the government sports agency will provide the assistance the athletes and coaches need. The men’s football team has also arrived in Hanoi. Teams from women’s football, kurash/judo, rowing, and diving are set to arrive on Friday, six days before the opening ceremony of the Hanoi, Vietnam Games on May 12. The PSC has been funding the entire participation of the 879-strong Philippine delegation, including 641 athletes and 238 officials gearing up to corner a large chunk of the gold medals at stake in 39 of the 40 sports in the SEA Games program.

were ready to step up. Meanwhile, Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns poured it on in the fourth quarter, pulling away for a 129-109 victory over the Dallas Mavericks and a commanding 2-0 lead in their NBA playoff series. Paul scored 14 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter as Western Conference top seeds Phoenix broke open a close game, withstanding a 35-point performance from Mavericks star Luka Doncic. “When guys are in and out of the lineup year long and guys fill in, it’s like nobody’s gone,” he said. “They’re so comfortable, so confident—they know they belong in this league. “This is the brightest lights, the biggest stage, and they’re ready for it.” But Butler knows the real test will come when the Heat travel to Philadelphia for games three and four starting on Friday. “It’s going to be crazy,” he said. “They’ve got some of the best fans in the league, but we’ve got a job to do. “We did what we were supposed to do at home. The series really starts when you take it to the road,” Butler added. The Sixers will need more than fan support in Philadelphia, but it’s not clear when Embiid might return. He must complete the incremental concussion protocol, gradually increasing physical activity and training, to be cleared to play. “He’s got so many steps to go through,” Sixers coach Doc Rivers said. “I don’t think he’s cleared any of them right now. So we just have to wait and see.” AFP

Victor Oladipo of the Miami Heat passes the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. AFP

Baldwin: A tossup between Archers, Maroons By Peter Atencio FOR Ateneo Blue Eagles’ coach Tab Baldwin, both the La Salle Green Archers and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons have equal chances of reaching the finals of the 84th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament. Baldwin feels that the Fighting Maroons can’t still be counted out in their Final Four rubber match with the Green Archers at 6 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena. “I still think it’s a toss-up, I still think that perhaps UP might be the smallest of favorites in the game, because certainly, they will now have that motivation of having lost the game, and but I wouldn’t put any money on it if I had tons of it. I wouldn’t put money on the outcome of this game,” said Baldwin.

weathered a late rally to The Ateneo mentor put away the Maroons, 83expressed his thoughts Game Today (Friday) 80, in their first Final Four on who their opponents At the Mall of Asia Arena showdown on Wednesday. could be in the finals af6 p.m. – DLSU vs UP “We’re happy that we ter the three-time defendwon the ball game. But we ing champion Blue Eagles earned their fifth-straight championship just have to realize also that we only tied the appearance on Wednesday evening with series. So there’s still one more game, and their 85-72 crushing of the fourth-seed Far we just have to go back to the drawing board after this, and we just have to plan, and be Eastern University Tamaraws. The Eagles, with BJ Andrade making 16 ready for the comeback of UP on Friday,” points on 7-of-9 shooting in the clash with said Pumaren. The Green Archers feel they only have FEU, are in very high spirits after having a small amount of momentum after diswon 40 of their last 41 games since 2018. The Green Archers, who are seeking rupting UP’s five -game winning streak. On the other hand, UP coach Goldwin their 17th finals’ appearance since 2017, are expecting another tough battle with the Monteverde said he is familiar with the situation that his team is in, considering that he’s Fighting Maroons. And coach Derrick Pumaren knows been through many battles as a high school that it’s not yet over after the Archers, who coach, having guided a squad like the Nation-

UST volleybelles sweep FEU Lady Tams UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas swept Far Eastern University, 2523, 25-20, 25-21, in the opening match of the UAAP Season 84 women’s volleyball tournament, Thursday at the SN Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Eya Laure finished with 14 points – 13 of which coming from attacks – along with nine excellent digs while Cams Victoria converted 11 attacks for 12 points in the win that gave the Golden Tigresses an early advantage in the standings. “Medyo shaky ‘yung performance namin though nanalo naman. Pero masyadong marami ‘yung unforced errors namin

UST’s Eya Laure celebrates a point.

al University Bullpups to a number of junior division honors. And the Maroons, he believes, will be able to bounce back in their rubber match with the Green Archers. “First time din nangyari sa amin, may mga games din kami before na ‘di namin makuha masyado ‘yung rhythm na gusto namin. Minsan nangyayari ‘yan. Ang importante right now is just to know, makita namin where to adjust. Sa ganitong klaseng season, wala ka naman panahon para sumama pa loob mo. We need to bounce back, and be ready for Friday’s game,” said Monteverde. It is still not clear if one of the Maroons’ key players in CJ Cansino will play. Cansino did not see action against the Archers due to a bone bruise that he a sustained following UP’s upset win over the Blue Eagles last Sunday.

na kailangan namin i-correct pero luckily nanalo nga kami ng straight sets,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes. Magi Mangulabnan delivered two consecutive aces while Eya Laure put on the finishing touches in a 5-1 rally that handed the Golden Tigresses their biggest lead of the set at 10 points, 17-7, in the third and final set. The Lady Tamaraws did not go down without a fight with Jean Asis delivering a quick to slice UST’s advantage to just four, 1822. However, that proved to be it for FEU as Laure and Ysa Jimenez punched in the finishing blows. “Kasi nga ‘yung every error na nagagawa naman ng player is narerecover naman nila pero medyo mahaba yung balik ni FEU, almost six points yung nakuha sa amin

so hindi kami nakabalik agad,” bared Reyes. “Hopefully by next game maging mas consistent na ‘yung trabaho ng mga players para bukas naman go back to the drawing board lang kami para i-polish ‘yung mga dapat i-polish at i-correct ‘yung mga lapses namin.” UST lost Imee Hernandez in the middle of the opening set with the score at 12-9 after a bad landing caused her to sprain her left ankle. “Bad landing lang siya kasi mag isa siya. Ano naman, hopefully grade one lang ‘yung sprain and makabalik siya hopefully by next week kasi ‘yung Sabado medyo suntok sa buwan na pero nandiyan naman ‘yung mga strength and conditioning coaches namin saka yung physical therapist,” said Reyes.

Sports

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

Verstappen hopes to ignore hype, win first F1 Miami GP

IAMI— World champion Max Verstappen will seek to ignore all the hype and razzmatazz this weekend when he bids to trim Charles Leclerc’s lead with a third win of the season at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix.

Fresh from victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix where he led Sergio Perez home in a resounding Red Bull one-two, the 24-year-old Dutchman arrives in Florida trailing championship leader Leclerc of Ferrari by 27 points. After four races, both drivers know there is a long way to go in the title race and will be aware that their longawaited Formula One duel has captured the imagination ahead of Sunday’s keenlyanticipated contest. Round five of the new era battle between a younger generation of racers takes place at the self-styled Miami International Autodrome, a fast street track built around car parks at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The stadium is, by rich irony, home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins whose name serves to remind F1’s bruised drivers of the pain generated by their new ground effect cars this season as they bump up and down, ‘porpoising’ at high speeds on the straights. “It is an exciting new challenge and a step into the unknown,” said Toto Wolff,

Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen steers during the Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari race track in Imola, Italy. AFP

team boss of champions Mercedes whose cars have suffered extreme porpoising this year. “The track looks demanding, with a real mix of low and high-speed corners, and it’s set to be a spectacular showcase for the sport to a growing US fan-base. We’re set for a fantastic event.”

Nadal wins in Madrid on return from injury MADRID—Rafael Nadal enjoyed a winning return after a six-week injury break, opening his Madrid campaign with a 6-1, 7-6(7/4) success over Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic on Wednesday. The Spanish star had been sidelined with a rib injury since his Indian Wells final defeat in March but showed little sign of rust as he skipped into the third round. Nadal said his preparation for the tournament was “non-existent” due to his rib problem limiting his ability to train and was thrilled by how well he played against one of the most in-form players of the season. “Today I was able to play one hour, 55 minutes against an opponent that was playing really well in these last months, so a really good victory, a lot of value to it,” said the 35-year-old Mallorcan. “It helps me a lot to reach my final goal, which is to recover my previous health and previous fitness. I’m very excited about it.” The 22-year-old Kecmanovic entered the match carrying the secondhighest tally of wins on tour this season—his 23 victories placing him just one behind Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal, a three-time title winner in 2022, improved to 21-1 for the year and now plays Belgian qualifier David Goffin.

After a fairly routine opening set and a brief rain delay, Nadal faced significant resistance from the world number 32, who was broken in game five of the second set but struck back immediately as he started to find his range from the baseline. Nadal found an opening at 5-5 and broke on his first opportunity, thanks to a long backhand from Kecmanovic. The number three seed could not serve out the win though, dropping serve as Kecmanovic forced a tie-break. The pair were neck and neck, gifting each other mini-breaks before Nadal finally secured the win in just under two hours with an ace. Second-seeded Alexander Zverev began his title defence with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win over former US Open champion Marin Cilic. The German is a two-time Madrid champion and now owns a 16-2 win-loss record at the Caja Magica. Fourth seed Tsitsipas beat French wildcard Lucas Pouille 6-3, 6-4, while Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime both won in straight sets. British ninth seed Cameron Norrie edged past John Isner 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 to advance to a last-16 clash with teenage star Alcaraz, but fifth seed Casper Ruud lost in three sets to Dusan Lajovic. AFP

Good luck, Pilipinas!

THE Philippines’ Men’s U-23 National Football Team will begin its campaign in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam against Timor Leste today at the Viet Tai Stadium in the northern midland province of Phu Tho. As always, the team is looking forward to advance beyond the group stage after more more than three decades of frustration of not being able to contend for a medal in the biennial games. Just like in the previous games, the U-23 team is stacked against tough teams led by host and defending champion Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and Timor Leste in Group A. To say that the path to the medal round is tough will be an understatement. The game versus Timor Leste is difficult and it will not get easier from there as stronger teams are waiting to pounce on the Filipinos who are coming from the do-

mestic league and a friendly. After Timor-Leste, the country will face host Vietnam on Sunday, May 8; Myanmar on Tuesday, May 10; and Indonesia on Friday, May 13, to wrap up its group fixtures. “Our modest aspiration is to win as many games as we can. Of course, Vietnam is there so we have to temper our expectations. Ok naman ang preparation ng team and hopefully, we can make some surprises in the competition,” said Nonong Araneta, the Philippine Football Federation chief. Araneta said the addition of veteran and Azkals’ icon Stephen Schrock in the team will definitely be an advantage for the young and relatively untested Pinoy side going up against mostly professional players in the region. Schrock will be suiting up for his second consecutive SEA Games and will bring with him tons of experience and veteran smarts to the team. “Actually Schrocky (Schrock) brings inspiration to the team. He will be playing for the number 9 position, sa taas, and I think yung skills ni Schrock can be problems to the opposing teams,” Araneta added. Araneta, however, is not pitting all of his hopes on Schrock alone. He believes the rest of the team will step up to give their

The race will be the first of two in America this year, adding to the successful United States Grand Prix held in Austin, Texas, and pre-event hype has drawn suggestions that it will be F1’s answer to the Super Bowl, complete with A-list celebrities and vast crowded hospitality areas.

A third American race in Las Vegas is scheduled to join the calendar next year. “I think this weekend is going to be pretty crazy,” said Verstappen. “I’m looking forward to the racing—I’ve driven the track on the simulator and we’ve practiced and prepared as much as we can without visiting in real life. AFP

Manila, Cebu Chooks head to Mongolia for FIBA 3x3 THERE will be no rest for Cebu and Manila Chooks. The two Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 squads will be heading to Mongolia on Wednesday evening to compete in the FIBA 3x3 Ulaanbaatar Super Quest. The level eight-FIBA 3x3 tournament will take place from May 6-7 with the pool stages taking place on opening day while the knockout playoffs will happen a day later. Five Mongolian team, namely Ulaanbaatar, Zaisan, Sansar, and Amgalan, along with Japanese squad Yokohama. Composing Cebu Chooks are Philippines top players Mac Tallo, Zach Huang, Brandon Ramirez, and Cameroonian Mike Nzeusseu. Manila Chooks, meanwhile, will have Chico Lanete, Dennis Santos, Ron Dennison, and Nigerian Henry Iloka. Grateful is Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas to Mongolia’s Organizing Committee for helping secure the visas of Nzeusseu and Iloka. The two almost did not make the trip. “We would like to extend our gratitude to the LOC of this tournament for their swift action in helping hasten the process of getting the visas of Mike Harry and Henry,” said Mascariñas. “That act showed that 3x3 is more than just a competition, it’s a brotherhood.” Cebu is grouped with Ulaanbaatar (8:30PM), Amgalan (4:50PM), and Yokohama (5:40PM) in Pool A. Meanwhile, Manila will take on Zaisan (4:25PM), Sansar (8:05PM), and Zavkhan (6:05PM) in Pool B. Zaisan and Sansar both competed in last weekend’s Chooksto-Go FIBA 3x3 Asia Pacific Super Quest with Manila beating Zaisan in the pool phase, 21-17.

Pioneer Adhesives ‘Pinta ng Tibay’ 2022 is on CONTINUING its initiative to support Filipino boat makers, Pioneer Adhesives, Inc., the makers of leading brand Pioneer Epoxy, announced the opening of its annual “Pinta ng Tibay” Pintura Challenge. The Pintura Challenge 2022 will run from May 4 to July 30, 2022, and is open to boat makers, boat owners, contractors and enthusiasts. Interested groups, may join online by filling out the registration form with the necessary details (Participant’s Name, Address, Email Address, and Contact Number). This year’s theme, “Makulay na Yamang Dagat,” aims to challenge the creativity of participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and instill the beauty and richness of the Philippine underwater marine habitat. Entries with lewd, political, discriminating and offensive designs or texts will be disqualified. The boat painting contest is open to water vessels (racing, fishing, recreation-

al, passenger and tourist boats) made of wood, fiberglass or fiber glass encapsulated, and allows the collaboration with an artist or painter in creating and executing the design. Painting should be done by brush, roller and spray via compressor. Entries must use Pioneer Marine Quick Dry Enamel (PMQDE) and Pearl Glaze as paint or combination of both for the entire boat. PMQDE is a general purpose, high-gloss and quick-drying enamel paint. Pearl Glaze, on the other hand, is a two component, epoxy-based resin. Receipt as proof of purchase must be uploaded and non-compliance will disqualify the entry. Communities and groups are welcome and encouraged to participate, and may use the group’s name, or a representative, to register. Groups or individuals are allowed a maximum of only 3 entries. Participants can register, upload a maximum of 4 photos per entry, and submit their receipts at microsite. pioneer-adhesives.com.

Submission of entries is only until August 5, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. This year, the 50 winners stand to win a total of P600,000 in cash and prizes. The overall champion will bring home P70,000 cash, the 2nd Placer gets P60,000, and P50,000 is reserved for the 3rd Placer. The competition has revitalized interest in boat designing as proven by the growing number of participants. Last year, the contest drew almost a thousand registered participants, with a total 370 participants from different regions making it to the finals. While boatmaking is a highly technical process, Pioneer’s “PINTA NG TIBAY 2022” Pintura Challenge aims to bring out the innate artistry and creativity of Filipino boat makers while imparting the vital message of protecting and preserving the Philippine natural underwater habitat. Last year’s winner was William Sillar from Masbate, who was declared Overall Champion.

William Sillar from Masbate all on the pitch. “Maaganda naman ang preparation ng team. Most of them have played before the under-23 competitions and I have seen them play in the Copa Alcantara. Nakita ko naman ang kakayahan nila, ‘yung fitness nila, ‘yung physical conditioning. They have prepared for the SEA Games with tough games against professional teams in the country. I have high hopes for them,” Araneta explained. Joining Schrock on the squad are Oliver Bias, Dennis Chung, Miguel Mendoza, Sandro Reyes, Oskari Kekkonen, Scott Woods, James Rosquillo, Matt Ocampo, Quincy Kammeraad, Enrico Mangaoang, Jermi Darapan, Geri Rey, Francis Tacardon, Jayvee Kallukaran, Jacob Peña, Enrique Linares and veteran Jovin Bedic. “We’ll take it one game a time, but our objective is to be in the semifinals of the SEA Games. I’m very happy to have all the players in the team and having Shrocky on board will help the the team reach our objective,” said head coach Norman Fegidero in a social media post. Aside from the men’s, the country is also sending its Women’s team in the competitions where the Malditas are no longer considered pushovers owing to their historic feat of qualifying to the Women’s FIFA World Cup next year. “One step at a time muna for them but goal

is to qualify first for the knockout stage. If we qualify for the semifinals, we will probably play against Thailand which we have played before and I believe, mas maganda ang confidence ng women’s team natin,” Araneta said. The Malditas are also coming from impressive wins in international friendlies against Fiji and Tonga. The Malditas will play Vietnam on May 9 and Cambodia on May 11 at the Cam Phase Stadium in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh. Both games will be played at 7 p.m. Vietnam time. Araneta revealed that the SEA Games is just the start of several months of football frenzy in and out of the country. The PFF president said the preparations are already underway for the Under-19 competitions wherein members of the Under-19 women’s national team, set to compete in Indonesia, will be picked. The PFF will also prepare for the Under-16 tournament, the ASEAN Championships that the country is set to host. “So far, our friendlies areset for the women’s team on June 16 in Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 24th and the 26th. Preparation namin yan sa AFF Championship and the Asian Games in September,” Araneta revealed. Aside from the several competitions lined up for the Malditas, the Azkals, too, will seek to book their place in the 2023 Asian Cup in China by joining the third and last leg of the

Qualifiers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia next month. Along with the domestic league, football is very much alive in the coming months and until the Women’s World Cup next year in Australia and New Zealand. But first things first. We would like to wish the U-23, the Malditas, the Azkals and the rest of the Philippine delegation to the Hanoi SEA Games that will officially start on May 12 and will run until May 23, 2022 all the luck and best wishes that they will continue to make us proud. May they continue to play to the best of their abilities, with utmost respect for their opponents and the discipline needed to thrive under pressure and circumstances of performing before a hostile crowd. I also wish for the best for the country as well as we are set to elect our next leader who will steer us in the most important tournament in this crucial period of our history. The next six years is not a game left to chances, petty reasonings, lapses in judgment and wanton disregard of our history. Brain farts, too, are not excusable. We need and must elect the best possible leaders for our beloved Pilipinas, our future and for our loved ones on Monday. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@ yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

Vince Rillon, Angeli Khang gamble in ‘Pusoy’ A

RE you willing to bet everything for money and power? This is the question that Viva Films and award-winning director and producer Brillante Mendoza would like to answer in the new film Pusoy.

Attendees at the first Philippine Fashion Circle Awards 2022 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila

A salute to Philippine fashion THE first Philippine Fashion Tracy Maureen Perez, Circle Awards 2022, A Salute Miss Eco International to Philippine Fashion, was 2022 Kathleen Paton, Bb. successfully held at the Grand Pilipinas Grand International Ballroom of Okada Manila on May 2021 Samantha Panlilio, 2. The star-studded fashion event, Miss Earth 2017 Karen produced and presented by Virgie Ibasco, Mutya ng Pilipinas Monton and Richard Hiñola, in 1999 Ritchie Ocampo, Mrs. collaboration with Designer Circle Pacific Continental 2022 Philippines, headed by Johnny Michelle Lucas, and Miss Abad, paid tribute to departed World 1973 first runner up Filipino fashion icons and the new Evangeline Pascual. prolific designers. ••• Fashion icons, Ben Farrales, the Dean of Binibining Pilipinas 2022 Philippine Fashion, and Pitoy Moreno, Asia’s Search kicks off Fashion, led the posthumous honorees that THE Binibining Pilipinas 2022 search kicked included Aureo Alonzo, Danilo Franco, Cesar off with the announcement of the forty lovely Gaupo, Eddie Baddeo, Ito Curata, Arielle official candidates. Returning beauties include Agasang, and Rocky Gathercole. last year’s first runner up Gabrielle Basiano, Frederick Peralta was presented with Karen Laurrie Mendoza, Graziella Lehman, a Lifetime Achievement Award. Designers Jashmin Dimaculangan, and Jane Darren awarded were Renee Salud, Fanny Serrano, Genobisa. Miss Tourism International 2019 Cyrille Michael Cinco, Albert Andra-da, Oscar Peralta, Francis Libiran, Edwin Uy, Dave Payumo, Miss Eco Teen International 2020 Ocampo, Dong Omaga Diaz, Andrew Badiola, Roberta Angela Tamondong, former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Diana Mackey, and former and Danny dela Cuesta, among others. Rodin Gilbert Flores of Kagandahang Flores Wowowin co-host Nicole ‘Hipon’ Budol are also Beauty Camp was awarded Model Discoverer on the list. and Beauty Queen Maker for 2022. The rest are Anna Valencia Lakrini, Anne Beauty queens honorees were Miss De Mesa, Chelsea Fernandez, Christine International 1979 Melanie Marquez, Miss Juliane Opiaza, Diana Pinto, Eiffel Rosalita, Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Elda Louise Aznar, Esel Mae Pabilaran, World 1973 first runner up Evangeline Pascual, Ethel Abellanosa, Fatima Kate Bisan, Gracia Noble Queen of the Universe 2020 Melanie Elizabeth Mendoza, Ina Patrcia Malaluan, Veneracion, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2019 Janine Navarro, Jasmine Omay, Jeriza Uy, Emma Mary Tiglao, Elite Mrs. Philippines Jessica Rose Mcewen, Joanna Day, Joanna International 2021 Ginevive Antigua Louw, Marie Rabe, Joanna Ricci Alajar, Krizzia Lynn Mrs. Tourism Ambassador International 2020 Moreno, Leslie Avila, Maria Isabel David, Myla Villagonzalo Tsutaichi, beauty queen and Mariella Esguerra, Mary Justinne Punsalang, broadcaster Nina Taduran, and Mrs. Universe Natasha Ellema Jung, Nicole Borromeo, Nyca Philippines 2019 Gerone Olorocisimo. Mae Bernardo, Patricia Ann Tan, Patricia Go, A fashion show for a cause was also held Stacey Daniella Gabriel, and Yllana Marie featuring the Aduana. The winners will creations of compete in Miss Philippine International, Miss Fashion Circle Intercontinental, modeled by Miss Globe, beauty queens and Miss Grand that included International Miss World pageants. Philippines 2021 The contestants of Binibining Pilipinas 2022

The film is the story of Popoy (Vince Rillon), an ambitious young bodyguard who works at one of the most notorious gambling dens owned by Rodolfo (Baron Geisler), a combative and disagreeable man and managed by Xandra (Janelle Tee), Rodolfo’s mistress. Popoy works hard for Rodolfo, but he also dreams of taking over the gambling den one day. He finally gets the Vince Rillon push he needs when he falls in love with Mika (Angeli Khang), Rodolfo’s new mistress. When Rodolfo kills a powerful politician’s son, the gang needs to raise a huge amount of money to be given to a general for their protection. When their lives are put in grave danger, they begin questioning their loyalty to the gang. “The film is different from the previous projects I made. My character is really interesting and there’s a lot of action,” Vince said of his new screen project. Angeli, on the other hand, said that despite being an action drama film, the audience can look forward to the intimate scenes that she and Vince share in the Philip Giordano-directed film project. “I share some passionate scenes with Vince here. Very professional si Vince. Maganda ang rapport namin,” the sexy actress said. Produced by one of the most prominent and important Filipino filmmakers today, who’s widely known as the 62nd Cannes Film Festival Best Director, Brillante Mendoza, Pusoy streams on May 27 only on Vivamax. Angeli Khang (left) and Vince Rillon share some intimate scenes in the movie ‘Pusoy’

GMA Pictures signs landmark deal with Viva Films KAPUSO viewers are in for another treat when it comes to their favorite movies and shows starring the most in-demand stars in the industry as GMA Pictures officially signed a joint venture agreement with Viva Films last April 29. Present during the virtual signing were GMA Network Films, Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, and First Vice President for Program Management Department Jose Mari R. Abacan. In attendance from Viva were Viva Communications, Inc. Chairman and CEO Vicente Del Rosario, Jr., Viva Communications, Inc. President and COO Vincent Del Rosario, Viva Artists Agency,

Inc. President and COO Veronique Del Rosario-Corpus, and Viva Communications, Inc. SVP for Content Creation and Development Valerie S. Del Rosario. Gozon-Valdes shares how this event strengthens the bond between the two giants in filmmaking, “Whenever we work with Viva, it’s always a joy, everything runs very smoothly. We love partnering with them. This joint venture agreement just strengthens our partnership, so we hope to be able to give the viewers quality movies, especially the theaters are starting to open, and people are starting to go to the cinema.”

…are talking about

Abacan expresses his excitement with the consistent partnership with Viva, “Matagal na kaming gumagawa ng pelikula together, this time pinaiigting lang namin ang partnership with Viva and para mas makadami tayo ng content na gagawin and hopefully this movie partnership will actually grow into other GMA Pictures signs promising deal with Viva Films to create more content for viewers platforms.” Del Rosario, Jr. content to the Filipino audience, considers GMA an ally in providing quality “We’ve been talking about this even during the pandemic time. It’s good that we’ve finalized a new agreement although we’ve done a lot of films with GMA. All are very successful. This is just a continuation of that previous and good venture with them. I’d like to say Axel Que that this is a very strong partnership Fashion designer Axel Que exposed and hopefully we create a lot of good Miss Lapu-Lapu, Sashi Chiesa, for movies combining the great talents of not paying her the full amount for the GMA and Viva.” national costume she wore in the Miss Lastly, Mr. Vincent Del Rosario is Universe Philippines pageant on April grateful for GMA Network’s endless 30. Things went south when Chiesa’s trust in Viva Films, “We’re very mother went on a social media tirade excited with the partnership. We’ve that accused Que of bullying them for been working together with GMA for more money. The entire issue sounds a long time. The exciting part is to be like a big misunderstanding between able to work with friends like Annette both parties that became messy and Joey because we have the same with the involvement of social media and the Miss Universe creative wavelength. Hopefully, this Philippines organization. Hopefully, they’ll settle the issue partnership is the start of the many without further drama. projects that we’ll be doing together.”

PEOPLE

Jennylyn Mercado A few days before Mother’s Day, Jennylyn gave birth to her first child with Dennis Trillo. The celebrity power couple is now enjoying their private time with “Baby D” and is melting the public’s hearts. Baby D is Jennylyn’s second child, her first one is a son with her former partner Patrick Garcia. The actress remains just as nurturing towards her new daughter, and that’s what makes people admire her more.

Alodia Gosengfiao Her presence at the premiere of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, complete in an eyecatching outfit, of course, wasn’t the only talk of the town as she was seen with her rumored boyfriend, entrepreneur Christopher Quimbo. Alodia captioned the Instagram video of their first public appearance together with “Our first movie date?” further sparking rumors about their so-called relationship.

...are not talking about

Loren Legarda Reading her son’s open letter of grief hurt. Lorenzo Legarda Leviste expressed his deepest emotions about his mother’s decision to run under the UniTeam slate. It painted the lawmaker in a new light, one that left people questioning her integrity as a politician. However, people were inspired by Lorenzo’s moral compass and how he fought for the truth, even if it means going against his mother. We need more of the younger generation brave enough to fight for what they believe in.

Angeli Khang

ABS-CBN’s ‘Halalan’ coverage goes digital ABS-CBN News will provide the latest and most up-to-date election news and deep-dive analysis via the marathon livestreaming of Halalan 2022: The ABS-CBN News Special Coverage on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel starting at 5:00 a.m. on May 9 (Monday) until 12:00 nn on May 10 (Tuesday). ABS-CBN News is ready to serve the Filipinos wherever they may be with realtime updates and breaking stories as they witness another historic election day on the most subscribed Filipino news channel on YouTube with 13.6 million subscribers and over nine billion views, as well as on news. abs-cbn.com, which is one of the world’s top publishers on Facebook for March 2022, according to social media analytics platform NewsWhip. Leading the way in bringing the truth and fighting disinformation on this important day are media icons Noli “Kabayan” De Castro, Henry Omaga-Diaz, and Karen Davila, who will be first on deck at 5:00 a.m. on election morning, followed by Alvin Elchico and Bernadette Sembrano from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn. Also ready to bring the latest news from polling precincts and updates on the candidates and the election results with the help of ABS-CBN News reporters, regional stringers, and partners are Tony Velasquez, Johnson Manabat, Peter Musngi, Danny Buenafe, Doris Bigornia, ABS-CBN North America news bureau head TJ Manotoc, Lexi Schulze, and Raine Musngi. The special coverage will give way to ABSCBN’s flagship newscast TV Patrol from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will continue until the following day on May 10 (Tuesday). ABS-CBN Data Analytics Team head Edson Guido, subject matter experts, anchors Rica Lazo, Tina Marasigan, and Denice Dinsay, and the Bayan Patrollers of “Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo” will also be joining to deep dive into various election topics and issues throughout the day. Meanwhile, Filipinos can monitor and keep track of the count after the polls on the ABS-CBN News’ election results site www. halalanresults.abs-cbn.com, which will go live on May 9. Despite the challenges and limitations, ABS-CBN News’ nonstop coverage will also be streamed simultaneously on other digital platforms such as the ABS-CBN News Facebook page and TikTok account (@ abscbnnews). It will also be available on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube, except during the timeslot of It’s Showtime. Meanwhile, the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), led by anchors Karmina Constantino, Michelle Ong, Ron Cruz, Raine Musngi, Stanley Palisada, TJ Manotoc, Lexi Schulze, and Denice Dinsay will also stream its own marathon coverage from May 9 and 10 on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel, the ANC YouTube channel, and ANC Facebook page. TeleRadyo, on the other hand, will jumpstart its reportage earlier on May 8, Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with Zen Hernandez, Christian Esguerra, Peter Musngi, Danny Buenafe, Alvin Elchico, and Doris Bigornia, with audio streaming on the TeleRadyo YouTube channel. ABS-CBN News partnered with over 50 organizations for its comprehensive “Halalan 2022” marathon coverage to help ensure a clean, peaceful, and honest elections. Follow the 2022 elections special coverage on ABSCBN News’ digital and TV platforms

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022

That superhero kind of love N

OT all superheroes wear capes. Some are in cotton house dresses (a.k.a. the Pinoy duster) doing the most mundane things. This holds true for me who grew up with a stay-at-home mom running the household and wearing different hats. Just like in fairy tales, I witnessed how a mother magically transforms into different characters. Growing up, charged by her “batteries” (imagine a head full of hair curlers), my superhero called Mama is also a nurse, teacher, baker, financial manager, driver, carpenter, therapist, and coach rolled into one. She always seems to do things with ease and bursting energy. I soon realized that her main power source is love, as cheesy as that may sound. My Mama has taught me that the

The author’s mom Susan (left) with her eldest child Ron

Love comes in different forms and mothers often show them the best

Our mothers are just like superheroes, minus the cape Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there

most basic insights on love are the easiest to miss. Love is in the simplest things Love is in the way Mama sews that hole in my shabby shirt that she knows is too precious for me to turn into a rag. It is also in deliberately not stirring the water in my drink too well knowing I look forward to having the powdered milk that settles at the bottom of a cup. Love is in Mama getting an extra spoon even when Papa said he would skip dessert. She knows him too well to know he will likely change his mind. Love is in doing the smallest things with the biggest impact.

Love is being present While many would argue that quality beats quantity when it comes to time, Mama has shown that her willingness to allot a huge chunk of her time for me speaks volumes about love. Love is in showing interest in what I have to say no matter how trivial or shallow it may be and in knowing when to ask “What’s wrong?” before I could even say anything. It is in knowing my friends by name and remembering the tiniest details about them. Love is being selfless A mother puts her life at risk whenever she gives birth. Mama has extended that act of selflessness by sacrificing her personal time and

opportunities for work. Love is in how she does things with joy and asks for nothing in return. With all the love lessons she taught by chance, Mama is undoubtedly a cut above the rest. While she excels in anything she gets herself into, it is still

mothering that she does best. Happy Mother’s Day to my Mama and all the mothers out there. For your random thoughts, email the author at randomrepublika@gmail. com.

Thoughtful offerings for moms at City of Dreams Take mom on an enticing culinary journey of authentic Chinese flavors at China Blue

Enjoy heartwarming recipes at the Brasserie on 3

Conrad Manila celebrates Mother’s Day

CONRAD Manila celebrates all hardfor the ideal Mother’s Day present. Pamper the queen of the house working moms this Mother’s Day, May 8, with luxurious head-to-toe treatments with epicurean indulgences at its awardat Conrad Spa. Delicately crafted winning dining restaurants and wellness to revitalize and re-energize, each pampering at Conrad Spa. treatment is complemented by a Inspired by mom’s favorite’ Signature Afternoon High Tea selection heartwarming recipes, Brasserie on 3 featuring fresh brews and homemade invites moms to ‘leave the cooking to us’ sweets and pastries for the ultimate as Executive Sous Chef Patricia Mesina bayside R&R. delicately curates a flavorful ensemble. China Blue by Jereme Leung’s For inquiries or reservations, Executive Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor takes mom on an enticing culinary journey Mother’s Day Flower Jelly Mini Cakes from Bru please call +632 8833 9999 or email conradmanila@conradhotels.com. of authentic Chinese flavors on Mother’s Coffee Bar Follow ConradManilaPH (Facebook) Day. Discover superior and contemporary and @conradmanila (Instagram) flavors masterfully presented in an artful Bru Coffee Bar’s Mother’s Day Flower foodscape with a set menu. Jelly Mini Cakes among other colorful to learn more about Conrad Manila’s Make mom’s day extra special with creations and sweets by the pastry team promotions and offers.

Summer fun at SM Megamall’s Play Park IT’S SUMMER fun for family and The unicorn-themed mini golf course friends as SM Megamall transforms its is perfect for kids who love fun yet Mega Fashion Hall into an indoor Mega educational activities. Have a ping-pong Play Park with activity areas and picture- party with friends, then take Instagramperfect spots for kids and kids-at-heart. perfect photos in the swing play area The Mega Play Park, which will be with pink butterfly neon lights. Likewise, open until May 10, features interactive bring back fun childhood memories while stations including 3D MEGA letters, a playing on a neon-colored seesaw with a giant doll lounge, a bunny garden with a burst of colors in the background. tic-tac-toe zone, a unicorn-themed mini golf course, and play areas for ping-pong, the seesaw, and swing. A giant blinking bunny welcomes mallgoers at the Mega Play Park. In front of the bunny garden is a lifesize tic-tac-toe board with bunny and egg-shaped shooters where friends can practice their decisionmaking skills while having fun. An interactive 3D MEGA giant letter installation is a perfect spot for group shots. Mallgoers can also chill at the giant doll lounge and strike a pose while sitting on oversized chairs with colorful SM Megamall transforms its Mega Fashion Hall paper boho lanterns as background. event area to an indoor Mega PlayPark

Honor moms the sweet way with Cafe Society’s delightfully stylish confections

FROM dining specials at award-winning restaurants to family-friendly activities and endearing gift options, mothers are spoilt for choice on how their loved ones can fête them on their special day at City of Dreams Manila, with the diverse offerings the integrated resort has thoughtfully curated in honor of the occasion. Crystal Dragon Certain to win mom’s heart are the exquisite Cantonese and regional Chinese specialties at Crystal Dragon. The restaurant presents a special Mother’s Day ala carte menu available for lunch and dinner until May 10. On their special day on May 8, moms get a sweet surprise at the end of the meal. Nobu Manila The restaurant’s famed brunch offering is a sure way to indulge moms with varied choices of Nobu classic dishes that meld Japanese and Peruvian flavors, temptingly laid out on a buffet counter and also brought to the table via a special a la carte menu. The brunch buffet price starts at P2,950 net per person for the standard package, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. Haliya Moms will be impressed with the modern take on Filipino food at Haliya, where standout dishes are creatively reinterpreted, amid a refined setting. From the appetizers to mains and desserts, the restaurant’s dishes are meant to be enjoyed by up to four persons.

Take your Instagram-perfect photo in the swing play area

Café Society Nothing compares to a sweet gift to brighten the occasion. From dainty

handmade chocolates to stylish pastries and confections, Café Society has curated delightful gift choices available until May 8. Sophisticated chocolate rose bouquets, flower meringues, hazelnut praline passion fruit cake, and choco cream bun almond among other confections will surely elicit smiles from moms. DreamPlay Playdates at DreamPlay are made more special on May 8 as kids get a chance to surprise moms with an endearing note and a handmade heart-shaped cookie for Mother’s Day. Children with participating tickets can join the card-making activity at the play space’s Dream Tales library, and the baking session at Cooking with Gingy. After these activities, make the most out of the occasion and enjoy the interactive play space’s 11 immersive attractions spread across DreamPlay’s 5,000 square-meter space. Nüwa and Nobu Spa A well-deserved pampering session at Nüwa Spa, the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rated spa in the country, promises the ultimate relaxation for moms. The tranquil oasis provides bespoke treatments that spell a deeply relaxing and personalized spa journey for the mind, body, and spirit. Rendered by professionally trained therapists, Nüwa Spa’s treatments are designed with nature’s healing framework which takes into consideration one’s constitution, the changing of seasons, the flow of chi, one’s emotions, and more. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@ cod-manila.com. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.