Manila Standard - 2022 June 13 - Monday by Manila Standard

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MARCOS CALLS FOR FREEDOM FROM COVID, ‘CANCEL CULTURE’ By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism Sunday that the Philippines can hurdle the challenges it is facing because of the Filipinos’ intellect and resilience. "Freedom from the occupier, from the effects of the pandemic, or from fragmentation. The qualities needed to rise up and be successful are inherent

in our blood,” Marcos said, in his vlog uploaded on his YouTube channel on Sunday. Marcos's statement came as the country commemorated its 124th Independence Day. Marcos said that the qualities that the country’s heroes exhibited over a century ago are the same ones that will help Filipinos be free from the challenges facing the country.

“Talent, genius, bravery, and above all, love for our own Philippines have been the foundation of our freedom from then until now,” he said. Marcos cited the country’s liberation from the threats of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He assured the public that he and his economic team were already thinking of ways to help affected sectors recover from the effects of the health crisis.

"The welfare of our workers, of our small businesses, the various other sectors that until now have not returned to normal, that is what we continue to discuss with all the best experts we can talk to,” the President-elect said. Marcos said he was pleased that many countries, particularly those from Southeast Asia, have pledged to help the Philippines recover from the pandemic. Next page

Sara urges people to unite vs. external, internal threats INCOMING Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio urged Filipinos to honor the sacrifices of martyred freedom fighters by being united in ensuring the country “shall never again be brought to our knees” by external threats or internal challenges. “Let us honor the sacrifices of our martyrs

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 117 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Fight for PH rights in WPS’

Duterte stands pat in defending sovereignty thru diplomacy, not war

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said the Philippines would never ive up fighting for its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea—but ruled out war with China. “(Chinese) President Xi Jinping is my friend, and we have talked a lot in the many visits that I did in the past years,” Duterte said in a mix of Filipino and English. “But I made it clear to him that we cannot give up sovereignty over the waters in the Philippine Sea, including the exclusive economic zone because it's vital for our national life.” Meanwhile, Duterte on Sunday led the country’s 124th Ind pendence Day rites at Rizal Park, Manila City. This was his last time celebrating the occasion

LAST RITE. President Rodrigo Duterte leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument during the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebration themed 'Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas' in Rizal Park, Manila on Sunday. Presidential Photo

VP, CJ, senators extol sacrifices for liberty By Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja

MESSAGES. As Vice President Leni Robredo delivers her Independence Day message via video, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo takes the podium at the Bonifacio Shrine in Caloocan City on Sunday. Andrew Rabulan

Mt. Bulusan erupts anew, more blasts feared BULUSAN Volcano erupted anew Sunday, spewing a huge column of ash into the sky and blanketing parts of Sorsogon still recovering from last week's blast. The phreatic eruption at 3:37 a.m. lasted 18 minutes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Next page

TOP government officials marked the country's 124th Independence Day by acknowledging the sacrifices of the past as the common thread that binds all Filipinos together and emphasizing the need to move forward as a unified nation. “Every year, we commemorate the path we took to get to the moment the Philippine flag was first waved: The struggle, the names of those who sacrificed, the deep love for country,” said Vice President Leni Robredo. “This is our history, which threads together those who fought before, those who were lost, and those who were fortunate enough to witness the declaration of independence in Kawit.” “It is a thread that can never be broken

as the country’s chief executive and the first time to attend the commemoration at Rizal Park. He will be replaced by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 30. During the event, Duterte took part in the flag-raising ceremony and wreathlaying ceremonies along with other Cabinet officials. In a speech during the commissioning of the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Melchora Aquino at Pier 15 of South Harbor in Manila, the President said he could not find “a very cogent reason” why war should break out between the Next page two countries.

DTI MULLS REQUESTS TO DELIST SRP ITEMS NEWS / A2

RODY WANTS TO PRESS WAR VS. ILLEGAL DRUGS NEWS / A4

Romualdez challenges all to be heroes for the nation By Rio N. Araja HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Sunday called on all allies and foes to unite, set aside politics, and be heroes for the Next page

FLAG RAISING. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (left) leads the Raising of the Flag during the 124th Independence Day Anniversary at Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. Also pictured are Kawit Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo (right) and Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla. Ver Noveno

Quezon beauty is Ms. Global, first for PH By Eton Concepcion THE Philippines’ Shane Quintana Tormes bested 71 contestants from around the world to win Miss Global 2022 during the live finals held Saturday night at the Nusa Dua Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia. The 29-year-old singer and event host

from Atimonan, Quezon province was also named Miss Talent, as her victory coincided with the Philippines’ 124th Independence Day anniversary. Malaysia’s Sandra Lim finished as first runner-up, while Australia’s Brooke Rankin was named second runner-up. Miss Lithuania Sandra Boris and Miss Next page

45 BI officers sacked over ‘pastillas’ scam ASH AGAIN. This handout photo taken on June 12 and received courtesy of Mylene Ganton Sierra shows Bulusan volcano spewing ash as seen from Irosin town, in Sorsogon. AFP

THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of 45 personnel of the Bureau of Immigration who were allegedly involved in the so-called “pastillas” scheme. Under the scheme, immigration officers allowed the illegal entry of foreign

nationals at the airport without instituting the necessary checks, screening, or profiling, as is standard for arriving nonFilipinos. The Ombudsman found the officials Next page

Miss Global Shane Quintana Tormes

News

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

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DTI mulls requests to trim SRP list The agency acted on the request based on reports and recommendations from the Consumer Policy and Advocacy Board, the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), and regional offices.

The DTI refused to disclose the number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) that face delisting. However, the agency has prepared a draft department administrative order (DAO) to provide guidelines for listing and

delisting products in the SRP list. The agency expects all stakeholders to join the virtual public consultation on SRP listing and delisting on June 14, 2022, with DTI and other national agencies on June 14, 2022, and on June 15, 2022, with the business sector and general public. According to the draft DAO, considerations for delisting involve the recent consumer demand trend; the product’s saleability; affordability measured by the least percentage of purchases; non-availability of SKUs due to stocks depletion or phase-out of the product; frequency of replenishment and stock inventory of

‘Fight...

dated Beijing's nine-dash line claim over most of the South China Sea. China refuses to acknowledge the arbitral ruling. MRRV 9702, named after Melchora Aquino, popularly known as “Tandang Sora” and Mother of Katipunan, is one of the two largest white ships acquired by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the PCG through its Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase 2. It is ready to conduct sustained maritime patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, including the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise. Similar to BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), the MRRV 9702 is modeled after the Japan Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class vessel that has a maximum speed of 24 nautical miles per hour and endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles. He also witnessed the high-speed pass of FA-50PH jet fighters, which were used in combat air operations during the 2017 battle to liberate Marawi City from the control of the Maute-ISIS Group terror-

ists in 2017. Duterte did not deliver any speech during the Luneta event but later released an official message through his office. In his message, he acknowledged the lessons that could be learned from the past but reminded Filipinos to give as much importance to the present. “The shared narrative that we have weaved throughout history has never ceased in teaching us what values to hold and which lessons to remember. While we draw strength from learning about our past, we must continue believing that there is still wisdom to be gained from our present choices, decisions, and actions so we can shape a better future for our people,” he said. Duterte also emphasized that in nation-building, liberties are there to make people “wiser and not to prove that we are always right or better.” “Even in exercising our most cherished freedoms, our differences can move us to engage in healthy yet meaningful discourse without sowing hatred and division, as well as push our country towards the right direction,” he added.

Duterte reiterated his call for Filipinos to join hands and work together for the benefit of the country and people. “In the spirit of patriotism and love of the motherland exemplified by those who came before us, let us come together in unity for the glory and triumph of the Filipino nation,” he said. After the flag raising and wreath-laying ceremonies, Duterte stayed and talked to the members of the diplomatic corps for at least 45 minutes. He then approached and greeted the audience and other event participants, including members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. In 2017, Duterte was supposed to commemorate his first Independence Day as president at Rizal Park but later decided to skip it because he was not feeling well. He celebrated the 120th and 121st Independence Days at the historic balcony of Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite in 2018 and the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, respectively. Vito Barcelo and Francisco Tuyay

thinking that broughtanger, disgust, and division among Filipinos.” "Whether it is ‘cancel culture,’ discrimination, violent hate crimes, all of that is no longer acceptable in our modern times. All of that hurts our society and slows down our recovery and development,” he said. “I hope we do not succumb to such thinking. Extend our respect, acceptance, and understanding for each other,” he said.

Sara...

us to enjoy the freedoms we have today,” she said. For her part, outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said she hopes her successor will continue the projects her office started. In her radio program, Robredo said they are "positively conducting" transition meetings with the team of DuterteCarpio. "I hope what we started will be continued. We've had several transition meetings. They were okay. The incoming team is receptive,” Robredo said. Robredo also said preparations are in place for the launch of the Angat Buhay NGO on July 1. "The Angat Buhay NGO is undergoing registration. We hope that everything will be okay by July 1. We want everything to be above board,” she said. Robredo lost to Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the May 9 presidential race. “Nothing's going to change in my job. What I will probably lose are my ceremonial functions. But in terms of my advocacy, it will stay the same,” she said.

By Othel V. Campos

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering delisting several products from the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin following several requests from Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPC) manufacturers to remove their products from the SRP list.

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Duterte said Filipinos would suffer if a war broke out between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea. “We cannot afford to fight with China. We cannot win and we will lose, and the population will suffer. The Filipino nation will be in a tight situation in wondering how to go about navigating geopolitical issues in Europe and here in Taiwan. So, I’m praying that this will be sorted out by just talking,” he said. Duterte, who leaves office on June 30, said he hoped the PCG would give him a ride to the West Philippine Sea as a civilian to assert the country's claim over the waters. He said such a move would not have any ramifications because by then he would be a civilian. On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it lodged against China after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invali-

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“The relationship formed by this group is important to protect our peace and tranquility in the region, and trade and other interests that will benefit our country,” Marcos said. The President-elect also said he aspires to see the Philippines freed from “backward, judgmental, and destructive

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—even now, it holds together Filipinos who dream of a better life, regardless of stature, wherever in the world they may be,” she said. But victory is not achieved without sacrifice, courage, and perseverance, she said. “We are called to forge on, aware of all that we have had to go through as a unified nation. As ordinary citizens, there is much we can do. Be open and loving; help those in need. Affirm what is right and true and assert the truths of our history. Find inspiration in one another, and from those who came before. Stand firm on a story that can never be changed, stolen, erased— a story that binds us according to a collective past, and gives us the strength to march towards a collective future.” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Sunday led the flag-raising ceremony at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City during the celebration of Independence Day. In his speech, Gesmundo stressed the “importance of progress and individual dignity” in the Filipinos’ efforts to attain genuine freedom and independence. “Freedom will only be meaningful if it is towards the development of the whole community and not just a few. Freedom will only be complete if every Filipino has dignity regardless of his status in life,” Gesmundo said. The top magistrate said the judiciary is one with the nation in commemorating the 124th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence and urged everyone “to preserve and nurture the rights and the freedom that Filipinos have so gallantly fought for.” Gesmundo also paid tribute to “every Filipino hero, whether known or unknown in the annals of Philippine history, who contributed to the country’s struggle to gain its independence.” Senators on Sunday expressed their desire to unite the country and uplift the

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impairing road visibility and forcing airlines to cancel flights. On June 5, Mount Bulusan sent a grey plume shooting up at least one kilometer and covered 10 villages with ash. Residents of Juban town in Sorsogon, still reeling from last week's eruption, were woken up Sunday by the volcano's thundering. "I thought it was just raining, but

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by working together as one Filipino nation, to ensure that we shall never again be brought to our knees – not by external forces, not by disease, not by the differences that threaten to divide us as a nation,” Duterte-Carpio said in her message during the celebration in Davao City to mark the country’s 124th Independence Day. “We must unshackle ourselves from our fears and learn from the past in order to rise up and face the challenges of the future, with resolve, with hope, and with trust in our fellow Filipinos,” she added. Duterte-Carpio underscored how Filipinos are characterized by “love for family, sense of community, and resilience, enduring through difficulties with pride and integrity.” “As we celebrate our independence and sovereignty as a nation, let us remember the brave men and women who came before us, who fought through the trials and tribulations of their own time, and whose love for the country has allowed

finished goods; continued availability of the BNPC, whichever is applicable, in the retail shelves. The DTI recognizes the need to allow market forces to determine the movement in prices, parallel to movements in supply and demand. “Players in the industry can compete among each other and gain reasonable profits through increased efficiency and greater production, which can lead to supply and lower prices while ensuring physical and economic access to BNPCs, as well as to protect consumers from trade malpractices,” the draft DAO read. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Duque: DOH did ’very well’ in its COVID response By Willie Casas THE Department of Health (DOH) did “very well” in the COVID-19 pandemic response despite its limited resources, Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a television program. “I won’t say that we did very good or that we did excellently. For me, we did very well, given our limitations… given our resources. Both capital and human resources,” Duque said during the latest episode of “The Mangahas Interviews.” If the assessment will be based on statistics, Duque said the Philippines’ COVID-19 programs fared well compared to the response of first-world countries like the United States and G20 memberstates. In other developments: • The DOH has urged the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take a holistic approach in the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC), for the benefit of the people. • The DOH has already identified all the close contacts of the country's Omicron subvariant cases, noting that all of them were asymptomatic but some are still recovering. • THE Quezon City government has raised its COVID-19 early warning level to yellow status after it recorded an average of 26 cases per day this week. The City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit, apart from the jump in average daily cases, observed two other indicators as of June 9. • Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is appealing to Angeleños to work hand-in-hand with the city government to finally end the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping their face masks on in public. Despite being a “small, middleincome country”, the Philippine government was able to control its cases and successfully roll out its nationwide vaccination project, Duque stressed. “We’re not like America that is militarily superior… has research and development, scientific advancements… basically anything you can think of. But look at their fatalities. In America, there are one million... in the UK, hundreds of thousands have died,” he said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

life of Filipinos. Neophyte Senator Robin Padilla celebrated Independence Day at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City where he led the flagraising ceremony. He said Filipinos should discard divisiveness and face the country’s problems as one. Returning Senator Francis Escudero encouraged Filipinos to be deserving of the freedom that heroes fought for. “We are still faced with many challenges,” he said in Filipino. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over and there are so many things left to do to bring back a stable economy. We will only succeed against these challenges if we unite as one country.” Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said he hopes every Filipino will continue valuing and safeguarding independence. "As today we remember all those who fought for, suffered, and sacrificed, some even their lives, for the independence, freedoms, and liberties we enjoy today, let us also aspire to be free from poverty, injustice, abuse, inequality, lawlessness, health, and economic crises. May we, in solidarity, all work for these so that we may achieve these within our children’s lifetime," Pimentel said on social media. In another social media post, Senator Grace Poe said the freedom fought for, should be remembered, and treasured as a united country while Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said in a statement that they will work to free Filipinos from poverty, hunger, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Filipinos have always found a middle ground to collaborate in good faith which, Senator Risa Hontiveros said, is the true spirit of nation-building under a democracy. "As we embark on a new administration, such as the task before us, once again: to plough and build the Philippines we, the Filipino people, deserve. A country full of promise and possibility, a country proud of her rich heritage and history, a country deeply loved by her people," she said in a statement.

Brazil Natalia Gurgel were 3rd and 4th runners-up, respectively. During the question-and-answer portion, Tormes was asked to interpret a quote by American actress Angelina Jolie: “Every day we choose who we are by how we define ourselves.” “We define ourselves by how we act in the community, how we help others. We don’t define ourselves as individuals,” she said. Prior to the event in Bali, no competitions were held in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Single mother Jessica da Silva of the United Arab Emirates, however, was proclaimed the 2021 winner, the first solo parent to receive the crown. The Miss Global pageant accepts single mothers and aspirants up to 35 years old to expand the scope of those who can qualify for an international beauty title.

nation as the country held its 124th commemoration of Independence Day. “In the coming days, we are being called again to action and service. Not to bear arms against a foreign invader, but to heed the call of unity by the incoming administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.” “We are asked to reach out to our fellow Filipinos, friends and foes alike, and appeal to them to link arms for nation-building,” Romualdez said in a speech yesterday morning as guest of honor during an Independence Day celebration in Kawit, Cavite. "The challenge to all of us is too difficult. We have been polarized as a nation due to political differences. Even families were torn apart by loyalties to opposing candidates in the last elections. The ‘cancel culture’ has reached our shores and wrought havoc on relationships among friends,” he said. The lawmaker led the wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of General Emilio Aguinaldo. Romualdez, Lakas-CMD president who also served as one of incoming Vice President Sara Duterte's campaign managers, said now is the time to set aside politics and work together toward building a strong nation founded on freedom, justice, and democracy. “My countrymen, let us face the challenge of heroism. Let us face these challenges with heads up high and with strong conviction to secure our victory. Be heroes in our own little way. Each one of us has a great role to play in making this nation great again,” he added. The Leyte representative is a lawyer from University of the Philippines and president of the Philippine Constitution Association.

when I looked outside there was ash everywhere," resident Antonio Habitan told AFP. "Our river was once clear but now it is ash-colored." “The ashfall is now quite scattered and is not just concentrated in one barangay,” said Sorsogon Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office public information officer Arian Aguallo. No casualties were reported, but Phivolcs raised the alert level to one on the five-level system, indicating "lowlevel unrest." "We still can't say that it is over. It's

still possible that this eruption could be followed by another one, that's why we need to be careful with the Bulusan volcano," Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum told dzBB. Emergency workers were deployed to clean ash-laden roads and guide drivers struggling to see oncoming vehicles. The Manila International Airport Authority recorded at least eight domestic flights that were canceled due to Bulusan's activity. The affected flights were Cebu Pacific (5J) 325/326, Manila-Legazpi-Manila;

earthquakes caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano were recorded while plumes reaching 150 meters high have also been observed. Entry into the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone is strictly prohibited. Bulusan volcano has been active in recent years, with a dozen similar eruptions recorded in 2016 and 2017. The Philippines is located in the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has over 20 active volcanoes. Rio N. Araja with AFP

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“administratively liable for grave misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.” Those who have already been separated from public office prior to the decision will be fined equivalent to one year’s worth of salary, the Ombudsman said. Earlier, the Department of Justice sacked 18 Immigration officers and employees for their involvement in the scheme. Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesman Neil Bainto said the respondents were found to have facilitated

and allowed the arrival and departure of Chinese nationals without undergoing appropriate immigration formalities “for a consideration”—in the form of peso bills rolled in paper to resemble “pastillas de leche,” a popular local milk-based candy. Some Chinese nationals allegedly entered the Philippines as tourists, and later worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations hubs, paying immigration personnel around P10,000 each. The DOJ dismissal order covered, among others, BI overall head of Border Control Intelligence Unit Erwin Ortañez and Terminal Head-Travel Control and Enforcement Unit Glenn Ford Comia.

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CebGo (DG) 6111/6112, Manila-NagaManila; and PAL Express (2P) 2923/2924 and 2P 2919/2920, Manila-LegazpiManila. Juban's local disaster office said 366 people were in emergency shelters, with most evacuated days before the eruption due to a series of volcanic earthquakes. Phivolcs earlier warned that the increased seismic activity or number of volcanic quakes observed may indicate that a phreatic eruption could occur. For the past 24 hours, 136 volcanic

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DMW cannot touch POEA 2022 budget, DBM asserts

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

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OATH-TAKING IN KAWIT, CAVITE. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep.

Martin Romualdez (2nd right) administer the Oath of Office for the Kawit Cavite Town elected officials led by Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo (3rd right) during the oath-taking ceremony coinciding the 124th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit Cavite. (inset) Romualdez also led the Wreath Laying Ceremony on the tomb of President Emilio Aguinaldo during the ceremonies. Ver Noveno

Duterte wants to continue drug war

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he will continue the “war” against illegal drugs even after he steps down from ofﬁce on June 30.

Duterte, speaking during the commissioning of the Barko ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas Melchora Aquino, the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) Multi-Role Response Vessel 9702, however did not disclose how he’ll continue doing so. “I will continue to operate. Those who want to do drugs, we’re talking about lives here. Either you kill me or I will kill you. Simple as that,” Duterte, quoted in a GMA News report said. I will not allow illegal drugs. Even as a former President, I will not let drugs run the society and destroy the lives of our children. I will kill you. I don’t care,” he said. Duterte also said he is not bothered by

on June 30, 2016, records said. Several human rights groups however insist that the actual number could be between 12,000 to 30,000. Duterte also urged his daughter, Vice President-elect “Inday” Sara Duterte, to ensure the continuation of anti-illegal drugs programs in schools. This, after Sara announced last month that she has accepted the offer to become Education secretary under the incoming administration of Presidentelect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Inday Sara earlier said she wants to improve the welfare and quality of education in the country during her sixyear term. She previously expressed her interest to lead the Department of National Defense but eventually gave it up to avoid any possible

the criticisms thrown at him due to the alleged extrajudicial killings under his administration, GMA News reported. (The responsibility is mine alone. Just do your job),” he added, urging law enforcers not to be afraid of the International Criminal Court (ICC). An ICC probe investigations stemmed from the complaint of the families of those killed in the drug war and human rights advocates. The probe however was deferred in November 2021 upon the request of the Philippine government. More 6,000 drug suspects have been killed during the police’s anti-drug operations since Duterte assumed office

“intrigue” that could break the team between her and Marcos Jr. Duterte explained that the youth are among the most vulnerable and the most affected by illegal drug use. “You deal with a lot of kids in the Department of Education. Do not ever allow contamination there. If you have to do it, do it,” he said He added that he took it upon himself to launch his administration’s aggressive crackdown on illegal drugs because “nobody would do it for us.” Duterte warned anew of dangers in the use and sale of illegal narcotics, noting that this will destroy the country and will lead to “dysfunctional” families. He also appealed to the police and military to sustain the momentum in the government’s fight against illegal drugs.

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) cannot touch the 2022 budget of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). This was the assertion made by the Department of Budget Management (DBM) after DMW Secretary Abdullah Mama-o, who has barely weeks in office, sought to disburse the remaining funds of the POEA this year. In a letter to Mama-o, DBM officer-in-charge Tina Rose Marie Canda told the DMW it has no authority to use the POEA budget because the agency is not yet fully constituted. Still possessing such authority instead is the POEA, Canda said in the letter dated May 31, 2022. “With respect to the authority to utilize the FY 2022 POEA budget, it is emphasized that the DMW shall be fully constituted if the conditions under Section 23 of RA No. 11641, as reiterated under Section 56 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are complied with,” Canda explained. The law identifies three conditions for the DMW to be fully constituted. They are 1) an appropriation in the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA), 2) an effective IRR, and 3) a staffing pattern. However, Canda said the appropriation in the FY 2023 GAA and staffing pattern of DMW are still in process. “Since it did not meet the clear requirements of the law, there will be no complete transfer of funds unless and until now the DMW is fully constituted,” she explained. Considering the mentioned premises, Canda said it follows that the POEA, whose functions are supposed to be assumed by DMW when the latter becomes operational, will not outrightly lose its authority to use its 2022 budget.

Villar welcomes signing of EO on coco fund release for farmers By Macon Ramos-Araneta

COLORS OF THE FLAG. SM City Marikina commemorates 124th Philippine Independence Day with a mood room of lights and cloth weaving-inspired installation by traditional local weavers portraying the Philippine Flag colors. (inset) Families visit the mood room of lights as part of the Independence Day celebrations at SM City Marikina. Norman Cruz, Danny Pata

SEN. Cynthia A. Villar said President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of the executive order (EO) approving the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) is a “welcome development” as it would result in the release of a P75-billion trust fund from coco levy assets to bankroll the development of the coconut industry, benefitting 3.5 million farmers. Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act, authored by Villar, was signed into law on February 26, 2021 and became effective on March 13, 2021. “This marked the fulfillment of President Duterte’s promise to return the coco levy funds to their true and rightful owners – the coconut farmers,” said Villar, chairperson of the Senate Agriculture and Food Committee. Under EO 172, President Duterte approved the Coconut Farmers and Industry Develop-

ment Plan (CFIDP), which was mandated to be prepared by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) under RA 11524, aimed at boosting the competitiveness of coconut farmers in the country. Villar said the Philippines is the world’s second-largest producer of coconuts next to Indonesia. Davao Region is still the top coconutproducer which contributed 14.4 percent to the country’s total production. Zamboanga Peninsula followed with 13.6 percent and then Northern Mindanao with 12.9 percent. By island group, Luzon produces 20 percent, Visayas 34 percent, and Mindanao 46 percent of our coconut output. As of December 31, 2020, the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) estimated the total coco levy cash assets at P113.88 billion, of which P76.4 billion is cash. “We thank President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) for this legacy that he will leave to the Philippines’ coconut industry and the Filipino farmers and farm workers,” Villlar said.

Go says he is Cayetano hails Supreme Court decision on tobacco regulation ‘open’ to 1987 Charter change SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, has expressed his openness to amending the 1987 Constitution, noting that it had stayed unchanged for 35 years. However, he stressed that the revisions must be made in the best interest of the Filipino people. For advocating for charter change, Go said he believes that now is the best time to do so while the government transitions into a fresh term. “If we need to amend the Constitution and to have a charter change, it will be best now and not during the end of a term,” he said. “Now when the term of an elected official is still fresh. Let us start now and carefully look into it,” he said. Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte had urged the next administration to begin the process of possibly amending the Constitution. Among which is President Duterte’s specific proposal to fix the party-list system, saying that the current setup is being abused by leftist organizations. Go, on the other hand, reiterated that any suggested amendment must benefit the Filipino people and not the politicians. He said that he will oppose reforms that are only aimed at benefiting a chosen few. Go also said that Duterte himself had been advocating for the government to switch to a federal-parliamentary system in order to give regions greater autonomy and attain equitable economic development across the country. Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Supreme Court ruling sustaining the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate cigarettes and tobacco products is a “major victory” for advocates of tobacco control and public health, Sen. Pia Cayetano said. It may have taken 13 years, but Cayetano noted that it’s these victories that remind her to keep fighting the good fight. “It’s what makes my job worthwhile,” she said.

Cayetano recalled that 13 years ago, she sponsored and defended what became the FDA Act of 2009. RA 9711 mandated the FDA to regulate all products affecting health, including cigarettes and tobacco. The tobacco industry rejected FDA’s authority and went to court to prevent the FDA from regulating them. “The health hazards of tobacco cannot be denied, and are backed by strong medical evidence,” Cayetano said.

CHR welcomes Carlos’ stand on government red-tagging By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has welcomed the statement of incoming National Security Adviser, Dr. Clarita Carlos urging the end of the practice of red-tagging, also known as red-baiting, especially those from government agencies and its representatives. In its Report on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in the Philippines (2020, https://bit.ly/3zu0UwX), the CHR, citing former UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, Philip Alson, describes red-tagging or red-baiting as the “vilification, labeling, or guilty by association” that “involves the characterization of most groups on the left of the political spectrum as ‘front organiza-

tions’ for armed groups whose aim is to destroy democracy” and as “enemies of the State” making them as legitimate targets. In the past, however, human rights defenders, activists, media, advocacy groups, and sectoral representatives among others have also been at the receiving end of red-tagging. “CHR has long since cautioned against the harms of red-tagging which range from harassment and intrusion to one’s right to privacy, to graver ones that include unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, injuries, and even killings,” executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said. “Instituting a policy barring red-tagging will go a long way in protecting the life, liberty, and security of various individuals and groups, especially those unfairly labeled,” she added.

“It is common sense that these products be subjected to strict regulation by a competent health authority,” she added. After a long judicial process, she said the SC has ruled in their favor by affirming FDA’s jurisdiction over cigarettes and tobacco products. As principal sponsor of RA 9711 and later, as an intervenor in this case along with Sen. Franklin Drilon, Cayetano commended the SC for this landmark decision.

DOLOMITE BEACH REOPENING. People flock

to the dolomite beach in Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard during the reopening of the area on Sunday. People are still not allowed to swim in the area. (Inset) Visitors celebrate Philippine Independence Day along the dolomite beach during its opening day on Sunday, as part of the country’s celebration of Independence Day. Danny Pata, Norman Cruz

Furthermore, Cayetano related that this triumph wouldn’t have happened without the guidance and support of my fellow health advocates, including the late health secretary, Dr. Alberto Romualdez. It can be recalled that Cayetano went to the SC to file her motion to intervene in the DOH and FDA case against the Philippine Tobacco Institute to uphold the FDA Law of 2009. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion A crisis president

I RESUME column-writing on the day after our commemoration of Independence Day. In the frenzy of the last campaign and thereafter, while observing the first actions and pronouncements of the incoming administration, many of us seem to have overlooked that today, as I write, is the 124th anniversary of the Aguinaldo proclamation in Kawit, Cavite. Friends in the diplomatic circle keep telling me that ours is still a young nation, that political maturity and a culture of nationhood takes time. They sometimes point to the experience of their own countries as examples. The French consider the Fall of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 as the day they began the long and arduous, at times violent experience with democratic governance. Spain, with a long monarchical history and even conquest by Islamic rulers, briefly flirted with a republican system for five years in 1931 until a civil war where thousands died ushered in the Franco dictatorship, and not until 1976 did the country transition to a parliamentary democracy. Closer to home, Singapore became an independent nation only in 1965, after being divorced from the Malay federation that was borne after imperial Britain gave up its Southeast Asian colonies. And while “democratic space” is restricted, Lee Kuan Yew, armed with vision and political will like no other in the region’s contemporary history, transformed his tiny nation into a world-class economic powerhouse. Do these examples show that we are indeed a “young” nation, still grappling with a sense of identity, trapped in paroxysms of “change” that become nothing more than a return to a feudal political setup and an oligarchic economic praxis? Or is there something deeply aberrant or damaged, one might say, with our own culture? But enough of these for the moment. For now, the victors of May 9 rejoice at their unprecedented triumph, and the president-elect is carefully choosing the men and women who will steer the country with him for the next six years. And so far, so good. Assembling a group of experienced technocrats from different previous administrations to form his economic team shows that President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. realizes quite well the enormity of the economic crisis facing the country. Ben Diokno of Cory, Erap and Rody comes with a wealth of experience in economic planning and public finance. Arsi Balisacan, who became P-Noy’s NEDA director-general and later sat as chair of the newlyformed Philippine Competition Commission for all the six years of Rody, shares the same economic thinking as Ben. So does Philip Medalla who was Erap’s NEDA director, and has been a Monetary Board director since then through three successive administrations. Former UP President Fred Pascual is a respected trade relations specialist and able administrator, and is a great fit for the Trade and Industry portfolio. Christina Garcia-Frasco is well aware of the practical aspects of tourism, coming as she does from a family that has governed Cebu well for many years, and recognizes tourism as its main economic driver. I have always maintained that tourism can be, and should be, considered a major economic pillar, given our islands’ natural beauty and the innate hospitality of most of our people. Having a young local executive who can combine right policy directions with effective use of LGU’s could well be the spur we need to boost tourism, and catch up with Thailand, Malaysia, even Vietnam. We await with bated breath who Marcos Jr. will name to the agriculture, energy and transportation departments. These three, along with DICT (where the new appointee, Ivan Uy, is an excellent choice) and DBM are vital cogs in the economic management team. Not only are the previously named departments the most important implementing arms of economic policy; they are also the immediate answers to an economic crisis like no other we have experienced in our lifetime. The new president wades into office with a clarion call for unity, but in truth, it will be in the anvil of crisis where his call for unity will be forged.

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

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EDITORIAL

This paper has been persistently stressing the problem of food insecurity more than any other in traditional media, pounding into the national consciousness the need to prepare for what this writer described as a “perfect storm” in an article published here last May 23. This will be the new government’s big headache in the coming months, well into the next two to three years, as no less than the United Nations has warned. Even before the Russo-Ukraine war started, the signs of impending food crises were already staring us in the face. The effects of climate change on food production, several outbreaks of swine and bird disease, logistical problems on top of the impact of the lockdowns brought about by the pandemic, have now been exacerbated by the economic impact of four months of conflict in Eastern Europe. Aside from petrol and its derivatives like fertilizers, wheat, maize, cooking oils, sugar prices have shot to the roof in recent months. Its cascading effects on the production of food are incalculable. Its slow but sure substitution impact on the price of rice and pulses has begun. Our major source of rice imports, Vietnam and Thailand, are in talks about a “common price” for

The new president wades into office with a clarion call for unity, but in truth, it will be in the anvil of crisis where his call for unity will be forged the major Asian staple food, and these two supply 90 to 95 percent of our rice imports, which in turn constitutes 15 percent of total consumption requirements. And while increasing agricultural output, especially of rice and corn, is the long-term solution to realize food security, this cannot be achieved in the short-term. In truth, we are expecting lower palay harvests this coming season with the tripled cost of inorganic fertilizers and the diseconomies of scale in our farm sector. Expect the same in sugar, in vegetables, in meat and poultry, even in fish. It will not be easy to look for a perfect fit for the Department of Agriculture. And there are fundamental problems of economic philosophies between our economic team and the agricultural sector. Who can best balance these interests and policy approaches will need likewise competent team support in the Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries (BFAR), the NFA, the Food Terminal, both of which Marcos Sr. founded, likewise the Bureau of Animal Industry and ancillary agencies. Of course, there is the immediate problem of fuel, which impacts on everything, electricity and mobility most of all. While the Department of Energy has no power to stop the tidal wave of world crude shooting up beyond $120 per barrel, it can do much to incentivize more power plants, especially alternative clean energy projects, something we have failed to do in the last decade or so. Again, we need experienced and effective managers in the energy sector, including the Energy Regulatory Commission. Much has been said about our huge public debt. That would certainly dampen our ability to borrow more, so that government can stimulate the economy and answer pressing public needs. To our relief, most of that debt is domestic rather than foreign. But rising interest costs will discourage both domestic and foreign investments, even as massive inflationary pressures will require constrictive monetary tools. President-elect Marcos Jr’s newly-formed team of financial managers are up to the task, which has given the business community both relief and assurance. It’s the devil and the deep blue sea insofar as balancing growth versus tempering inflation, but, mercifully, we are far from being a Sri Lanka, a Cuba, an Argentina or Brazil. Consumer spending is not expected to increase, another sign of stagflation which even now may already be upon the economy. What some call “revenge spending” after repeated lockdowns is true only for the moneyed. Full text at www.manilastandard.net

Independence and freedom

24 years ago, on June 12, 1896, we declared independence from Spain after 400 years of colonial rule. But this independence was shortlived, as the country soon found itself a colony again at the turn of the 20th century, this time of the United States, through the Treaty of Paris.

The American colonial period stretched for more than more than four decades, broken only by four years of Japanese occupation, before the nation declared itself independent again in 1946. Independence today means many things other than freedom from colonial domination. When we speak of independence today, we refer to an entity, the Philippine Republic, that is free to run its own affairs. Independence has allowed us to build a government structure and political institutions that suit our particular characteristics as a nation and as a people.

We have a government that can make decisions on its own, without interference by other nations or by foreign institutions. And we have a people who are free to choose what kind of political, economic and social system they want to have based on their own history, culture and traditions. We now have a fully functional republic anchored on democratic ideals and a system of checks and balances.

Beyond the enjoyment of formal political independence, there is the imperative to give full play to the substantive aspects of freedom Our people are free to choose their leaders from the national level down to the smallest political unit—the barangay—in free and fair elections. And the country stands proud among the international community, and freely relates

ing content that has successfully gained appeal and patronage to a global audience. On the other hand, the 2018 Creative Economy Outlook reported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimated the Philippines creative goods exported at $3.23 million and created $912 million in terms of creative services. When clustered with the Asia-Pacific this is only 2 percent of the region’s output.

ON THURSDAY, June 9, I had the immense pleasure of introducing outgoing Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjaimin E. Diokno as guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Manila. Ben Diokno’s reputation precedes him. He is prominent. He is a public figure. He has achieved many things—from simply to good to truly great. He has done great service to our country and people in the course of a distinguished professional career spanning more than half a century. Ben Diokno wants to do more as President Bongbong Marcos’s secretary at the Department of Finance (DOF). BBM is the fourth president he will serve. What does it take to achieve the many things? In a word, gravitas. It means seriousness or solemnity of manner. Sa Tagalog: dating (accent on second syllable). Firstly, Ben is a serious scholar. This gives him maturity and authority of intellect. Scholarship is nothing without two other attributes: one, passion for excellence and, two, love of people and country. These two attributes Ben has plenty of, so plentiful one cannot measure it with ordinary metrics of performance. His leaving as BSP chief means a loss of P20 million in annual salary, to making do with P2.5 million pay a year at DOF. His passion is like that of the Taal Volcano (he hails from Taal, Batangas, by the way) —seemingly calm on the surface but seething underneath, with occasional outbursts of energy, wisdom, and brilliance—on issues that straddle politics, good governance, and money, especially other people’s money. He has awesome educational credentials: BA in Public Administration, UP 1968; Masters in Public Administration, UP 1970; Master of Arts in Political Economy, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, 1976; and PhD in Economics, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 1981. As a young man of 38, as Budget undersecretary of Cory Aquino, he helped design the 1986 Tax Reform Program which simplified income taxation and introduced the value added tax. In 1981, he helped design the Local Government Code of the Philippines. As President Estrada’s budget secretary, from

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But still, our potential is there because of the creative ability of Filipinos. So many have garnered international accolades on fortunes on their own with government merely playing cheering squad. IPOPHL’s vision of developing a creative economy as a major economic growth engine will indeed start with the protection of the intellectual property rights of Filipino talent rampantly violated by online piracy.

These staggering figures of online theft directly affects the whole value chain of the creative industry which is not just the businesses of video producers, distributors and aggregators but more so the livelihood of the talent and production crew who are mostly employed on a gig basis.

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with other countries on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. Beyond the enjoyment of formal political independence, however, there is the imperative to give full play to the substantive aspects of freedom. This means extending full protection to human rights and giving the widest possible leeway for the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom to peacefully assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances, among others. At the same time, we face the grim reality of roughly one-fourth of all Filipinos still living in poverty. We must pursue more aggressively the war against poverty and uplift the standards of living of those standing on the margins of society. We must intensify efforts to ensure freedom from poverty, hunger, ignorance and disease by creating jobs, achieving food security, and improving the welfare and over-all quality of life of the people. On the 124th year of Philippine independence, we believe that real freedom consists not only in asserting our sovereignty as a nation, but more important, in giving our people the means by which we can all face the future with hope, dignity and confidence.

Ben Diokno 1998 to 2001, he introduced transparency in the allocation and spending of public money. Called the WYSWIG—the acronym for what you see is what you get—the system simplified budget fund releases. He reformed government procurement using information and communications technology. As President Duterte’s budget secretary, he pursued an expansionary fiscal policy to finance investments in human capital and physical infrastructure. He coined the mantra “The Golden Age of Infrastructure” or what is commonly known as Build, Build, Build, ushered the Philippines into the Modern Age because the Duterte administration poured P5 trillion into infra.

Diokno’s boldness transformed the economy, transformed the people, transformed the Philippines In the meantime, in his short stint as BSP governor, he enabled more than 30 million Filipinos to have a bank account, thanks to the power of digitalization. He will also use that power to curb red tape, cut corruption, and improve governance. He kept the Philippine banking system liquid, stable, and proactive. At BSP, Ben became the World’s Greatest Central Banker. When the century’s worst pandemic struck, he acted swiftly and resolutely. He poured an unprecedented P2.3 trillion into the financial system to help the economy recover. He lent P540 billion to the Duterte government for it to procure vaccines and give ayuda to the needy and the displaced. He said: “We searched for solutions and acted boldly in the face of difficult situations.” His boldness transformed the economy, transformed the people, transformed the Philippines. No other government official, in fact, no other individual Filipino, has done more to help our people and our economy to recover during the pandemic.

The Potential of a Creative Economy THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has launched a year-long celebration of its 25th anniversary, highlighting the potential of harnessing intellectual property assets as the country works towards economic recovery from the pandemic crisis. IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba in a statement said their vision is “to see a progressive Philippines that uses intellectual property assets for inclusive economic and social development.” To understand what and how important intellectual property assets are as a major contributor to an economy, let’s look at how South Korea developed what they call “Hallyu” or “Korean Wave” which, according to a 2012 report of the Korea Creative Industry, had a total value of $5.02 billion in cultural exports. A great example is the globally popular K-Pop group BTS which produced $4.9 billion in sales in 2020. This is from just one seven-member group of a huge Korean entertainment industry produc-

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

According to the 2020 report by Media partners Asia, our already struggling video industry suffered P1 billion in potential revenue losses from online pirates illegally streaming their movies thru various platforms on the internet. The legitimate streaming industry also lost an estimated P6.3 billion. These staggering figures of online theft directly affects the whole value chain of the creative industry which is not just the businesses of video producers, distributors and aggregators but more so the livelihood of the talent and production crew who are mostly employed on a gig basis. While the fast innovation of cloud-based technologies and digitization greatly lowers production cost and gives market access to all internet users of the planet, what was an analogue mode of producing video and audio content for more than a century has now become a limitless digital picking field of online criminals who have created canny illegal streaming sites to lure away patrons from legitimate platforms. This digital phantom of a menace must be stopped if we are to prevent a collapse of our

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

From the depths of despair with 16.9 percent economic decline Quarter2 of 2020, the worst slump in the country’s history, the economy has strongly recovered, with an impressive 8.3 percent growth in the first quarter of 2022. He made our currency plastic, tactile, metallic, luminous, and waterproof; and put animals and flora and images of nature on it. Like the sampaguita, eagle, the South Sea pearl, the Tubbataha Reef. More than seven out of every 10 Filipinos are fully vaccinated. That means herd immunity. That herd immunity restored the health of Filipinos and restored the health of the economy as Filipinos resumed spending money—to go out, to dine, to shop, or simply to enjoy everyday pleasure outdoor. And the Philippines has proved its resilience. It has retained its investment grade ratings. This should lead to cheap cost of capital, more jobs, more financial stability, and among the highest growth rates in Asia and in the world of emerging economies. Ben became World’s Best Central Banker while barely one year in office. Imagine, what he can do, as the next Secretary of Finance, managing the freest democracy in Asia, the 12th largest consumer market on earth, and one of the greatest races of the world—the Filipino. So far, Ben is gung-ho about his job as the next DOF chief. As head of BBM’s economic team, he has made many big promises – to cut inflation down from the current 5 percent, to 4.6 percent for the whole of 2022, and to between 2 and 4 percent in 2023; to cut the government deficit at a percentage of GDP or value of economic output, from 7 percent to 3 percent by the end of BBM’s presidency; to make Filipinos become middle income with single digit poverty incidence also during the same period; and to continue pouring money into Build, Build, Build, the education, and health of the people. He does not seem focused on imposing new and higher taxes. But he wants to keep the present excise taxes on fuel and other refined petroleum products. Excise tax and VAT collections this year could amount to P105.9 billion. Instead of giving up much of that tax money, Ben Diokno wants targeted assistance to vulnerable sectors like the jeepney drivers, fishermen and farmers. Besides, he fears that once the excise taxes are reduced or given up, they become permanently gone. biznewsasia@gmail.com

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Feeling entitled distressed creative industry. In the latest published statement of CitizenWatch Philippines, our co-convenor Atty Tim Abejo is calling on the incoming lawmakers of the 19th Congress to empower IPOPHL with powers to “implement rolling site blocking to effectively purge online pirates who violate intellectual property and threaten the viability of the creative industry.”

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News

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2021

Lorenzana faints in Luneta rites; calls on PH to back new leaders DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was in stable condition after fainting during the Independence Day celebration at the Rizal Park in Manila on Sunday, officials said. Earlier, as the Philippines celebrated its 124th Independence Day, Lorenzana called on all Filipinos to cooperate with the country’s new leaders for a better future. “In this period of transition, may we continue to work together with our new set of leaders to realize the hopes and dreams of our forefathers for our nation,” the outgoing Department of National Defense chief said in a statement Sunday. In another statement, Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Lorenzana’s fainting may have been caused by fatigue due to his “hectic schedule during the last few weeks and extreme temperatures in Luneta.” Lorenzana, 73, had just arrived early Sunday morning from Singapore, where

he attended the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue and met with his foreign counterparts. “The Secretary also traveled recently to South Korea and other parts of the Philippines, while overseeing the defense operations of the country and transition to a new administration,” Andolong said. The defense secretary has since been advised to rest, Department of Defense Executive Assistant Peter Paul Galvez said. Lorenzana was among the members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet who joined Sunday’s Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park. Sunday’s ceremony was the last time Duterte attended as the country’s chief executive. Lorenzana, borrowing a quote from Elias, a major character in Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, also said those who are blessed to experience freedom should not fail to remember those who have fought and fallen for it.

HE’S ALL RIGHT. In a handout photo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (inset) flashes the thumbs-up sign from his hospital bed after he fainted at the Independence Day rites (main picture) at Rizal Park in Manila on Sunday, June 12. DND photo/Danny Pata

Rody thanks Japanese support in finishing MM subway project O UTGOING President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Sunday expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for supporting the Philippines’ economic development as he cited the Asian neighbor’s efforts to complete the country’s first-ever Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).

“May I express my gratitude again to the Japanese government for partnering with the Philippines to make this dream a reality. I am also grateful to have the Japan International Cooperation Agency as an ally in nation-building, particularly in initiatives that will benefit our citizens and accelerate our

country’s economic development,” Duterte said in a speech. The President, after witnessing the lowering of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) of MMSP at the MMSP Compound in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City, said he wondered why Japan seemed to love the Philippines.

“I cannot seem to fathom the love of the Japanese people for this republic. There are so many projects going on in the country and being pushed and sponsored by the JICA. That is their overseas assistance,” he added. The Japanese government, he said, practically treated the Philippines as part of its own. “Japan has continued to help us to the extent that even in Davao City, the new highway and the bridge and everything, it would seem really that we are a part of the Japanese government. It is as if we are one province. We are the —you know, being treated as almost a part of Japan that should be developed in due time,” he said.

In February, the Philippines and Japan signed the 253.3-billion yen (P112.1 billion) loan agreement for the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1. This is the second tranche of the official development assistance loan which follows Tokyo’s first tranche of funding of 104.53 billion yen, which was signed in March 2018. The funding agreement carries an interest rate of 0.1 percent per annum and a repayment period of 40 years, inclusive of a 12-year grace period. “You know if that is the obligation, it’s really ‘gratis’ already. It’s a gift from the Japanese people to the people of the Philippines,” Duterte added.

28k jobseekers flock to Kalayaan job fairs offering 151k vacancies

RIZAL IN SHOES. Hand-painted shoes showing the culture of different towns in Rizal anchor this year’s Independence Day theme ‘Kalayaan 2022: Pag-suong sa Hamon Ng Panibagong Bukas’ at SM City Taytay in Rizal on Sunday. The display is part of the Inter-town Shoe Art competition in celebration of 121st Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal and 124th Philippines Independence Day. Danny Pata and Norman Cruz

OVER 28,600 jobseekers took advantage of the 151,000 local and overseas employment opportunities during the nationwide Trabaho Negosyo Kabuhayan Job and Business Fair in observance of Independence Day or Araw ng Kalayaan on Sunday, June 12. Of this number, 2,405 applicants were assured of immediate employment, while close to 9,537 others were considered as near-hires, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said, citing a report from the Bureau of Local Employment. In another statement, Bello said the government “fought hard to set Filipinos free from the bondage of joblessness.” Leading the celebration of the 124th Independence Day of the Philippines yesterday at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Malolos, Bulacan, Bello said the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte ‘moved heaven and

earth’ to promote the welfare of Filipino workers. “Right from the beginning of his term, President Duterte made employment one of his top priorities, ensuring that jobs and businesses go hand in hand under an atmosphere of industrial peace in six years,” the Labor chief said. “And when the Covid 19 pandemic struck in 2019, the government made sure it was there to rescue our workers here and abroad from the debilitating impacts of the outbreak,” he said. In his video message, Duterte lauded Filipino workers for their ability to use their skills and knowledge, calling on the labor sector to rely on learnings of the past to defeat hardships. “I also urge our countrymen to translate their love to real acts of goodwill to fellowmen so that we can have a more harmonious and more progressive Philippines,” the President added.

Post Office releases NITAS, SKAL Makati laud, support Frasco as new Tourism secretary GOMBURZA stamps on PH Freedom Day IN OBSERVANCE of the 124th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) launched the commemorative Stamps to mark the 150th anniversary of the martyrdom of Fathers Mariano Gomes, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, collectively known as GOMBURZA. “The stamps illustrate the sacrifices and heroism of Fathers Gomes, Burgos, and Zamora who gave their lives for freedom,” Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said. The priests also served as an inspiration for the country’s National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s historic work, El Filibusterismo. On Feb. 17, 1872, a Spanish courtmartial found three secular priests, Jose Burgos, Mariano Gomes, and Jacinto Zamora, guilty of treason as the instigators of a mutiny in the Cavite navy yard. They were sentenced to public execution by garrote in the same year. This year’s Independence Day celebration carries the theme, “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning”). Considered a national holiday among Filipinos, the annual observance of Philippine Independence Day was signed into law by former President Diosdado Macapagal through Republic Act No. 4166 on Aug. 4, 1964.

Garcia-Frasco

THE Network of Independent Travel Agencies (NITAS) and SKAL International Makati, both under the leadership of Chairman Robert “Bobby” Lim Joseph Jr., expressed their support for the appointment of Liloan, Cebu Mayor-Elect Christina Garcia-Frasco as the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT). Frasco is the daughter of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and was the campaign spokeswoman of Vice President-Elect Sara Duterte-Carpio. “Your appointment as the new Secretary of Tourism is great news for our country, particularly to the travel and tours industry,” Joseph told Frasco in a recent message.

“Under your leadership, I am confident the country’s tourism industry will boost and recover, and that the Philippines will become one of Asia’s top tourism destinations once again,” he added. SKAL International Makati is a member of SKAL International, the world’s largest global network of tourism professionals promoting tourism and friendship worldwide. NITAS, on the other hand, is a nationwide organization of licensed travel agencies, tour operators, and related businesses that aims to promote the growth and development of the travel industry.

Duque repeats DOH stand on face mask use to curb COVID By Willie Casas WEARING a face mask is one of the most appropriate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III stressed Sunday. This was as the Department of Health (DOH) again discouraged local governments from veering away from the country’s health protocols, telling them there should be only one rule that they must follow as the country battles the pandemic. The DOH’s warning came after the provincial government of Cebu allowed the lifting of face masks outdoors but kept them in closed areas and for individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Duque, citing the survey from Johns Hopkins University, noted that the compliance of Filipinos with wearing face masks is around 91 percent to 96 percent, which means that 9 out of 10 Filipinos wear face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Duque said that it is one of the appropriate measures in place amid the pandemic. The wearing of face mask is also a minimum requirement of public health protocols that is aimed at curbing the spread of the viral disease and is found to be effective despite the “superspreader events” that were held in the past months, he said. “For me this is one of the most appropriate responses to this pandemic, our masking in particular and the minimum public health standards that we prioritize social distancing, hand hygiene, now adequate ventilation the airflow so these are the things I think until now even though many superspreader events have passed remember we had caravans, rallies, elections, Holy Week, [and] Ramadan,” he said in The Mangahas Interviews. Duque had hoped that the incoming Marcos administration will continue the face mask mandate even if the number of COVID-19 cases dropped to less than 200 recently. President Rodrigo Duterte had said the mandatory wearing of face masks will not be lifted in the Philippines until the end of his term. “The next administration should continue it… do not remove it completely,” Duque said. “All local governments, all of us, there is only one protocol we must follow. We need to work together so that we can achieve the new normal,” DOH Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said in a public briefing.

Lazatin orders shutdown of MRF in Angeles ANGELES CITY—Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. has ordered the complete closure of the temporary Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Barangay Mining in this city beginning June 15. Lazatin said this during his meeting with Chief Adviser and Tactician IC Calaguas, City Engineer and concurrent Environmental Management System Head Donato Dizon, and Pipo Soliman of the MRF. The mayor explained the city will no longer use an MRF. Instead, all of the waste that will be collected will go straight to the sanitary landfill in Porac town. “We have coordinated with Porac on this,” Lazatin said.

According to Dizon, dump trucks from Angeles will head straight to the landfill on the same day as the garbage collection. “That is the arrangement, whatever day the garbage trucks collect trash from the barangays, they will bring it straight to Porac. Mayor Lazatin has ordered us not to use the MRF,” he said. Lazatin continues to encourage Angeleños to practice proper waste segregation. Aside from this, the Walang Plastikan: Plastik Palit Bigas Project launched by the mayor continues to operate via schedule in the city’s 33 barangays. Angeles, through the efforts of Lazatin, also acquired a Bilis Walis truck and plastic shredding machines, both firsts in Pampanga province. Butch Gunio

FLAG’S FINAL REST. Members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines burn worn-out flags in front of the Rizal Monument in Luneta during Independence Day on Sunday. According to Section 14 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, worn-out flags shall not be thrown away ‘but shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration.’ Danny Pata

World

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022 || mst.daydesk@gmail.com

VOWS TO ‘FIGHT TO THE VERY END’

China to stop Taiwanese independence ‘at all costs’

HINA will “fight to the very end” to stop Taiwanese independence, the country’s defense minister vowed Sunday, stoking already soaring tensions with the United States over the island. The superpowers are locked in a growing war of words over the selfruled, democratic island, which Beijing views as part of its territory awaiting reunification. Frequent Chinese aerial incursions near Taiwan have raised the diplomatic temperature, and on Saturday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin accused Beijing of “destabilizing” military activity in a speech to the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit. Defense Minister Wei Fenghe hit back in a fiery address at the same event, saying Beijing had “no choice” but to fight if attempts are made to separate Taiwan from China.

“We will fight at all costs, and we will fight to the very end,” he said. “No one should ever underestimate the resolve and ability of the Chinese armed forces to safeguard its territorial integrity.” “Those who pursue Taiwanese independence in an attempt to split China will definitely come to no good end,” he added. Wei urged Washington to “stop smearing and containing China... stop interfering in China’s internal affairs and stop harming China’s interests.” But he also struck a more conciliatory tone at points, calling for a “stable” China-US relationship, which he said was “vital for global peace.” During his address, Austin stressed the importance of “fully open lines of communication with China’s defense leaders” in avoiding miscalculations. The pair held their first face-to-face talks on the sidelines of the summit in Singapore on Friday, during which they clashed over Taiwan. Tensions over Taiwan have escalated in particular due to increasing Chinese military aircraft incursions into the island’s air defense identification zone

(ADIZ). President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a question, he said Washington would defend Taiwan militarily if it was attacked by China. The White House has since insisted its policy of “strategic ambiguity” over whether or not it would intervene had not changed. The dispute is just the latest between Washington and Beijing, who have clashed over everything from the South China Sea to human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. China’s expansive claims to the sea, through which trillions of dollars in shipping trade passes annually, have stoked tensions with rival claimants, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. China, whose historical claims were rejected in a landmark 2016 Hague ruling, has been accused of flying its planes and sailing its boats close to the coastlines of rival claimants, and of intercepting patrol planes in international airspace in a dangerous fashion. AFP

Volunteers and children take part in an awareness rally to mark ‘World Day Against Child Labor’ in Chennai, India on June 12, 2022. AFP

FRANCE began voting in the first round of parliamentary elections on Sunday, with a resurgent and newly unified left seeking to thwart President Emmanuel Macron’s plans for reform. Elections for the 577 seats in the lower house National Assembly are a two-round process, with the shape of the new parliament becoming clear only after the second round on June 19. The ballots provide a crucial coda to April’s presidential election, when Macron won a second term and pledged a transformative new era after a first mandate dominated by protests, the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s war against Ukraine. Polls opened at 8:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) in mainland France, after voters in overseas territories cast ballots earlier in the weekend. After a dismal performance in April, the French left has united in a coalition for what its leader Jean-Luc Melenchon dubs “the third round” of the presidential elections. Opinion polls show the president’s centrist alliance, Ensemble (Together), and Melenchon’s NUPES coalition of hard left, Socialists, Communists and Greens neck-and-neck in the popular vote. But France’s constituency-based parliamentary system and the tworound election means that the seat breakdown will be another matter, and much will depend on turnout in the second round. The abstention rate is predicted to be well over 50 percent in the first round, in what would be a new record for elections already marked by feeble participation in recent years. If the president’s alliance retains an overall majority, Macron will be able to carry on governing as before. AFP

of the Russian version of a former McDonald’s restaurant before the opening ceremony in Moscow on June 12, 2022. Former McDonald’s restaurants in Russia have been renamed ‘Vkusno i tochka’ (‘Delicious. Full Stop’), replete with a new logo to replace the Golden Arches. The US McDonald’s fast-food giant announced on May 16 that it would exit Russia in the wake of Moscow’s Ukraine offensive. Three days later, Russian businessman Alexander Govor, who had been a licensee of the chain, bought the 850-restaurant operation. AFP

Russian strike wounds at least 22 in western Ukraine

HIDDEN VICTIMS.

Left alliance to challenge PM Macron’s reform plan

MCDONALD’S RENAMED. An employee stands in front of the menu counter

AT LEAST 22 people were wounded when Russia struck the western Ukrainian town of Chortkiv, the regional governor said on Sunday. The strike was a rare attack in the west of the country. “Yesterday at 19:46 (1645 GMT) Chortkiv was hit by four missiles, all fired from the Black Sea,” Volodymyr Trush said in a Facebook post. He said all 22 people wounded, who included seven women and a 12-year-old, had been hospitalized. Trush, governor of the Ternopil region where Chortkiv is located, said “a military installation was partially destroyed” in the attack “and residential buildings were damaged.” Chortkiv, which was home to nearly 30,000 people before the Russian invasion, is located 140 kilometers (around 90 miles) north of the border with Romania and 200 kilometers southeast of Lviv, the largest city in western Ukraine. Unlike eastern and southern Ukraine, which have borne the brunt of Russian firepower since Moscow invaded on February 24, the west of the country has only seen sporadic attacks. Russian strikes in the west tend to target military installations housing weapons and military equipment supplied by Western powers. AFP

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka to give weekly fuel quotas amid acute shortage CRISIS-HIT Sri Lanka announced weekly fuel quotas for motorists on Sunday, as an acute shortage worsened and longer queues formed outside the few pumping stations still operating. Energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera said the state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation was struggling to finance oil imports, while consumption had shot up due to shortages of electricity and liquefied petroleum gas. “We have no choice but to register consumers at filling stations and give them a guaranteed weekly quota until

we are able to strengthen the financial situation,” the minister said. “I hope to have this system in place by the first week of July.” He did not say how much fuel motorists will be allowed to buy under the new system. Sri Lanka has been struggling with its worst economic crisis in decades, with the country unable to import basic necessities such as food, fuel and medication due to a lack of foreign exchange reserves. In mid-April, the government ordered

all fuel stations not to pump more than four liters of petrol for a motorcycle, five for a three-wheeler and 19.5 liters of gasoline or diesel for cars and SUVs. Under that system, many motorists would top up, drain fuel into cans to build a buffer stock, and then return to the queue for more. This week, queues at fuel stations had become longer, with hundreds of cars and thousands of motorcycles waiting in line, sometimes for days. Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka received a shipment of Russian crude oil to be

refined on the island, but the finished product from the Sapugaskanda refinery was less than a tenth of the country’s daily requirement. Around 90,000 tons of Siberian light crude were sent to Sri Lanka’s lone refinery after the shipment was acquired on credit from Dubai-based intermediary Coral Energy last month. The Sri Lankan government has also approached Moscow’s envoy in Colombo to help secure direct supplies of Russian oil, Energy Minister Wijesekera said. AFP

Is AI the future of art? Field attracts huge interest, even bigger price tags

GENERATIVE ART. Argentinian artist Sofia Crespo holds one of her works as she poses for a photo at the Estrela Garden in Lisbon. Crespo creates her works with the help of artificial intelligence. AFP

TO MANY they are art’s next big thing —digital images of jellyfish pulsing and blurring in a dark pink sea, or dozens of butterflies fusing together into a single organism. The Argentine artist Sofia Crespo, who created the works with the help of artificial intelligence, is part of the “generative art” movement, where humans create rules for computers which then use algorithms to generate new forms, ideas and patterns. The field has begun to attract huge interest among art collectors – and even bigger price tags at auction. US artist and programmer Robbie Barrat—a prodigy still only 22 years old—sold a work called “Nude Portrait#7Frame#64” at Sotheby’s in March for £630,000 ($821,000). That came almost four years after French collective Obvious sold a work at Christie’s titled “Edmond de Belamy”—largely based on Barrat’s code —for $432,500. Collector Jason Bailey told AFP that generative art was “like a ballet between humans and machines.”

Overcoming hate, Brazilian heads to Trans Miss Universe in Thailand LOOKING resplendent in a bejeweled red ball gown, Brazilian beauty queen Eloa Rodrigues knows how lucky she is: in the world’s deadliest country for trans people, she is daring to live out her dreams. The slender, striking 29-year-old from the Rio de Janeiro suburbs is leaving Sunday to represent Brazil at Miss International Queen in Thailand, the pageant considered the “Trans Miss Universe.” She considers herself a fortunate “outlier,” given where she comes from: the poor, violent city of Sao Goncalo,

across the bay from Rio, in the country that has set the record for murders of trans people for the past 14 years. Rodrigues, the reigning queen of Brazil’s top trans pageant, was raised by her aunt and grandmother in a loving, accepting home, and has had the opportunity to study at university, pursue modeling and acting, and now jet halfway around the world to the famed beach resort of Pattaya. But it is still difficult for a black trans woman like her to dream in Brazil, she says.

“I went through a lot of very difficult processes to get where I am today,” she tells AFP as she prepares lunch in their comfortable, roomy home, whose beige walls are decorated with family photos – and, in Rodrigues’ room, her trophy collection. “There were times I came very close to giving it all up, even came close to abandoning life itself.” Rodrigues, who studies social sciences at Fluminense Federal University, is reluctant to go into detail about her childhood and transition. AFP

But the nascent scene could already be on the verge of a major shake-up, as tech companies begin to release AI tools that can whip up pho- to-realistic images in seconds. Artists in Germany and the United States blazed a trail in computergenerated art during the 1960s. AFP Eloa Rodrigues

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

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

IN BRIEF

Sluggish stock market trading seen this week

TRADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to remain volatile this week amid concerns about high inflation and rate and a possible slowdown in economic growth. Analysts said investors are anticipating economic headwinds brought about by the spike in commodity and fuel prices, which could push inflation and interest rates higher. These factors are dampening investors7 sentiments over the near term to medium period as these could lead to an economic slowdown. If markets continue to fall, analysts are expecting the index to test the 6,300 level. Online brokerage firm research analyst Niel Andrew Maderaje said investors are now awaiting if the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will raise key policy rates in its upcoming meeting later this month. “Global developments, such as new COVID-19 lockdowns imposed in China and US inflation rate for the month of May also added to investors worries,” said Maderaje. Jenniffer B. Austria The PSEI last week sank 3.1 percent to 6,530.04, while the broader All Shares Index dropped 2.5 percent after a global selloff. All major sub-indices ended in red, led by mining and oil which dropped by 4.9 percent; holding firms which slumped 4.4 percent; services which fell 4.2 percent; financials which declined 2.2 percent; property which lost 1.8 percent; and industrials which slipped 1.5 percent.

Business PSE hiking minimum public float on 30 index firms to 20% By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Philippine Stock Exchange will raise the minimum public float requirement on 30-member index stocks to 20 percent from 15 percent, a top executive said over the weekend.

Monzon said in a presentation in a recent forum the PSE would also revive the proposal requiring all listed companies to maintain a minimum public ownership of 25 percent. He said these moves would improve market liquidity. The Philippine Stock Exchange index or PSEi, which consists of the

30 largest and most active common stocks, serves as the barometer of the local market. Companies that qualify for inclusion in the bellwether PSEi are those with a free float level of at least 15 percent, belonging to the top 25 percent by median daily value per month for at least nine of 12 months and are among the highest in terms of market capitalization. Monzon said the PSE would implement the 20-percent minimum free float for PSEi member companies in the next index review in December. This move could affect several PSEimember firms including San Miguel Corp., AC Energy Corp. and Emperador Inc. San Miguel’s public float is at 15.98 percent, while public ownerships of ACEN and Emperador stand at 15.9 percent and 15.01 percent, respectively.

All other listed firms are required to maintain a minimum public float of 10 percent. Companies planning to hold an initial public offering should have a minimum public float of 20 percent. The PSE earlier shelved the proposal to increase the minimum public float because of market volatility. Monzon said the market liquidity in the local bourse remained low compared to other exchanges in the Southeast Asian region. Data showed the average daily turnover in the local stock exchange is about $130.6 million, compared to $573 million in Malaysia, $886.4 million in Indonesia, $1 billion in Vietnam, $1 billion in Singapore and $2.5 billion in Thailand. The local market participation is also small relative to the Philippine population, accounting for only 1.4 percent.

United Arab Emirates, PH sign trade accord

THE Philippine and United Arab Emirates signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) on June 9, 2022, paving the way for the entry of P7.1-billion worth of investments into the Philippines and 2,500 job opportunities for Filipinos. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the newly-signed IPPA would allow Philippines access to UAE’s over $1.6-trillion sovereign wealth fund (SWF) and lead to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE. “The IPPA will boost of investments between the countries and the CEPA will also pave the way for the Philippines’ enhanced access to the broader Middle Eastern region and could be UAE’s strategic hub in the Southeast Asian market,” said Lopez. Four of the world’s largest funds are based in the UAE—the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Mubadala Investment Company and the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC. Othel V. Campos

Manila Water eyes more water districts

MANILA Water Company Inc., a unit of the Razon Group of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., is looking at more partnerships with local water districts within the year as part of an aggressive expansion program. “We’d like to close a few deals before the end of the year. We’re coming up to the end of the first half. Hopefully, if we can swing it at least one before the end of the year,” said MWCI chief administrative officer Roberto Locsin over the weekend. Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc. (MWPV), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MWCI, in March took over Davao Del Norte Water Infrastructure Company Inc. (Davao Water). Locsin said the new partnerships “could be a water district, there could be bulk supply so if you look at the water value chain, we have water supply, we have water distribution, sanitation, sewage, and other services.” The official said the company was also looking at overseas expansion opportunities, specifically in areas where Razon’s port businesses operate. Alena Mae S. Flores

CEBU BUSINESS MONTH. Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc. renews its partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the Cebu Business Month 2022 with the theme ‘GO Cebu.’ Attending the partnership renewal contract signing are (from left) ETPI executive account manager Deogracias Nazareno, ETPI head of Visayas regional operations Rafael Castellano, CBM 2022 overall chairperson Brigitte Carmel Limand and CCC executive director May Elizabeth Ybañez.

PH, Thailand sign agreement to resolve cigarette trade dispute By Othel v. Campos THE Philippines and Thailand signed a bilateral understanding on agreed procedures to resolve the decade-long trade dispute involving Philippine exports of cigarettes to Thailand. The World Trade Organization facilitated the June 7 meeting on the comprehensive settlement of the dispute in Thailand-Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines (DS 371). Both parties said in a joint statement the procedure should be consistent with relevant bilateral treaties, ASEAN treaties and values, WTO law and agreements, including the Customs Valuation Agreement, WTO Dispute Settlement Body Rulings and Recommendations and domestic laws

and regulations. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez commended both parties for successful conclusion of the WTO facilitator-assisted process to resolve the trade dispute. “This bilateral understanding shows the good faith and strong commitment among ASEAN partners to resolve their differences and support the WTO’s rulesbased dispute settlement system. Thailand and its agencies of government including its judicial branch have shown positive progress towards upholding WTO rules and the Customs Valuation Agreement,” Lopez said. Lopez thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue for their support throughout the decade-long arbitration.

Lopez said that if not for the ruling of the Thai Appellate Court, the case could have dragged on for another 10 years or more. The Thai Appellate Court affirmed with finality the acquittal of Philip Morris Thailand employees in a case related to imports of cigarettes from the Philippines, while also reducing civil penalties and other fines that could have discouraged greater trade between the Philippines and Thailand. The Philippines and Thailand, represented by their permanent representatives to the WTO in Geneva, Ambassador Manuel Teehankee and Ambassador Pimchanok Pitfield, signed the dispute understanding agreement under the WTO’s Customs and Fiscal Measures on Cigarettes from the Philippines (DS 371).

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, June 10, 2022

-228.55 PTS. 6,530.04

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES

661,178,412 77,385 6,018,429,787.51 45

DECLINES UNCHANGED

131 40

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.9450

Japan

Yen

0.007441

0.3940

Pound

1.250100

66.1865

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127408

6.7456

Switzerland

Franc

1.019784

53.9925

Canada

Dollar

0.787526

41.6956

Singapore

Dollar

0.723275

38.2938

Australia

Dollar

0.709800

37.5804

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653294

140.4787

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266581

14.1141

Brunei

Dollar

0.720669

38.1558

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.028944

1.5324

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.4162

Euro

1.062000

56.2276

Korea

Won

0.000791

0.0419

China

Yuan

0.149432

7.9117

India

Rupee

0.012853

0.6805

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.227687

12.0549

New Zealand

Dollar

0.638500

33.8054

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033839

1.7916 Source: BSP

8990 Holdings acquiring 68% of Cebu developer MASS housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. said over the weekend it is acquiring a majority, or 68 percent, of the outstanding common shares of Cebu-based Piccadilly Premier Land Inc. The country’s leading affordable housing developer said it signed an investment agreement on June 9 with Piccadilly, RDAK Land Inc., Acrissor Development Corp. and certain individuals on the acquisition of the shares. 8990 said in a statement it would pay P88.28 million in cash for the transaction, with 50 percent payable upon execution of the investment agreement. It said the balance would be settled upon issuance by the Bureau of Internal Revenue of the certificate authorizing registration of the shares and the full transfer of all assets. It said the agreement comes with an understanding that RDAK and Acrissor will also assign certain assets and receivables to Piccadilly. These assets include the Bayanihan Flats Mactan 1 and Bayanihan Flats Mactan 2 projects. The three firms are established property developers that completed affordable projects in Cebu City. 8990 president and chief executive Anthony Vincent Sotto expressed satisfaction over the acquisition. “While it is too early to tell how much this acquisition will contribute to our revenues, we are excited and optimistic with this transaction. Their existing portfolio of affordable-priced projects is expected to complement our current slate of projects and broaden 8990’s reach in property development,” Sotto said. 8990 Holdings reported an unaudited net income of P1.9 billion in the first quarter, up by 22.7 percent from a year ago as gross revenues climbed 16.7 percent to P5.22 billion. Sotto, citing the strong first-quarter performance, expressed confidence the company’s upcoming projects would meet the needs of its key mass housing client base.

Peso still stable despite inflationary pressures, US Fed actions—Finance By Julito G. Rada

CONSTRUCTION FAIR. Top officials of the Philconstruct Events, Exhibitions and Conferences Corp. lead activities on the first Philconstruct Luzon 2022 Hybrid Edition at the SMX Convention Center Clark. PEECC is supported by partner organizations such as Philippine Construction Association, Association of Carriers and Equipment Lessors Inc., Department of Trade and Industry and others that participated in the three-day event. Over 200 trade exhibitors showcased their top-notch products and equipment in the biggest and most anticipated construction trade show series in the Philippines.

THE peso remains stable, backed by the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals and despite external headwinds from tighter monetary policy actions by the US Federal Reserve and inflationary pressures from heightened global fuel prices, the Department of Finance said over the weekend. The DoF said in an economic bulletin on Asian currencies over the weekend that the Philippine peso continued to be in the middle of the pack of the most stable currencies in Asia as the region recovered from the pandemic and imports of capital goods soared. The peso depreciated 5.4 percent in

2021, ending the year at ₱50.77 against the US dollar from ₱48.04 at the end of 2020. It is ranked as the 8th strongest among 11 Asian currencies in one of the most open and fastest recovering economies in the world. Three currencies including the Japanese yen, the Thai baht and the South Korean won depreciated faster. “Like other currencies in the region, the local currency weakened vis-àvis the dollar in 2022. Year-to-date, the peso depreciated by 2.70 percent against the dollar, lower than the average year-to-date 4.67 percent depreciation of the group,” DoF said. The peso in 2022 was one of the strongest Asian currencies, ranking second only to the Vietnamese dong.

Cavitex on track to finish P12.64-b C5 Link project next year that will benefit an estimated 15,000 motorists By Darwin G. Amojelar CAVITEX Infrastructure Corp. said it is on track to complete the P12.64 billion Cavitex C5 Link project by next year. CIC officials and the Toll Regulatory Board earlier this week inspected the progress of the 1.6-kilometer flyover extension that will soon connect to the operational 2.2-km Cavitex C5 Link flyover, providing convenient access for motorists bound to SLEX/C5 from Merville and vice versa.

The segment as of today has achieved more than 95-percent completion. “We are pleased to see the progress of the Cavitex C5 Link. We look forward to it serving an estimated 15,000 motorists, helping lessen their travel time from SLEX to Pasay, Taguig and Parañaque, thereby helping decongest some of our local roads” said TRB executive director Alvin Carullo. Meanwhile, construction of its other segment, Segment 2 Cavitex R1 Expressway to Sucat Interchange) is in full swing

having reached more than 30-percent completion. Once the segment connects CAVITEX to its Sucat Interchange, motorist travel time between the two areas will be reduced by as much as 30 minutes, bypassing traffic from Sucat Road and Quirino Avenue. “With CAVITEX C5 Link flyover extension opening soon, we urge our motorists to have an Easytrip RFID installed and use it when traveling through our expressways, such as Cavitex and Cavitex

C5 Link for seamless travel, and avoiding long queues at the cash lanes,” said CIC president and general manager Raul Ignacio. Once the entire Cavitex C5 Link project is completed in 2023, the 7.7-km expressway will benefit more than 50,000 motorists. It will reduce travel time from Cavitex to Makati, Taguig, and Pasay in under 45 minutes, while helping decongest EDSA, MIA Road., Roxas Boulevard and other major thoroughfares.

CIC, the concessionaire of Cavitex and Cavitex C5 Link, is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the toll road development arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Aside from Cavitex and Cavitex C5 Link, MPTC holds the concession rights for Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the NLEX Connector Road, and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

Sports

PSI: Gebbie injury forced Isleta out of PH team THE Philippine Swimming Inc. said it has originally included Chloe Isleta in the national roster for the 19th FINA World Championships. But everything changed when the PSI learned that one of their qualified swimmers, Luke Gebbie, got injured and won’t make it. “This put PSI in a predicament as the same FINA BL 9.6.3.2b indicates that with only two athletes achieving a Standard Entry Time, the four athletes sent to the Championships will have to be broken down as two men, and two women,” said PSI president Lani Velasco in a statement. Velasco explained that with Gebbie backing out, they could not submit Isleta as an entry because there has to be two qualifiers in the 100-meter event. Despite efforts of PSI to seek an exception from FINA, the request was denied. PSI was only allowed to replace Luke with Jonathan Cook. On June 9, 2022, the PSI updated its roster for the World Championships to include Jasmine Alkhaldi in the women’s 50-meter freestyle, and Miranda Renner in the women’s 50-meter butterfly. Cook was listed as a qualifier in the men’s 200m Breaststroke as a Universality entry. “PSI emphasizes that it intended to send Chloe to the championships but was forced to pull her out only due to Luke’s unfortunate injury. There was no preferential treatment given to any athlete and, to the best of its efforts, PSI provided all its athletes with as much opportunity to qualify as FINA made possible,” said Velasco, who took note that “the mother of Chloe has been trying to rally people who are not members of PSI to protest PSI’s decision to pull out Chloe. “She has even been trying to get the government involved. This will only create unnecessary turmoil in the community,” said Velasco. “PSI is concerned what effect this will have on Chloe and the other athletes involved. It only wants its athletes to be focused on what they are supposed to be doing— training harder to improve on their performances. There are plenty more opportunities for Chloe and the other athletes to represent the country and PSI looks forward to that,” added Velasco. Peter Atencio

Batangas showed depth as its bench contributed 73 points against only 24 from its Marikina counterparts.

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

Members of the TNT Tropang Giga are shown with coaches, officials and PBA commissioner Willie Marcial after extending their dominance in the PBA 3x3 Third Conference with a fourth straight title.

Castro saves day as TNT Giga turns back Converge, 86 to 83 By Peter Atencio

DRIVING layup from Jayson Castro and two charities from Mac Alejandro saved the defending champion TNT Tropang Giga from what could have been another humiliating upset on Sunday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Their heroics propped the Tropang Giga to a face-saving 86-83 triumph over newbie Converge Fibr Xers, 86-83, sending them to their second triumph in three outings. Coach Chot Reyes heaved a sigh of relief after Castro outran his defender and sank the putback in the last 2.6 seconds to hand back the upperhand to the Tropang Giga for the ninth and

final time, 84-83. The Fiber Xers missed their second winning chance after Ben Adamos turned the ball over on a bad pass, and Alejandro converted two charities off Maverick Ahanmisi’s foul. Castro went on to lead the Tropang Giga with 17 points. His heroics came after RK Ilagan

missed a big chance to win the game for the Fiber Xers. “Ironically, we were fortunate that they missed their free throws, and we pulled off a double, thanks to this guy beside me,” said Reyes, who was with Castro when he talked about the Tropang Giga’s big win. Ilagan, whose big plays on Friday allowed Converge to turn back the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots, 8982, only had two points as he put the Fiber Xers ahead in the final 22.9 seconds, 83-82. But Ilagan missed two freebies after getting fouled in the 9.3-second mark by Kelly Williams, allowing the Tropang Giga to turn the tables on Converge. Mike Tolomia finished with 17 points for the Fiber Xers, who fell to

Rock ‘n’ Roll run listup ends Tuesday THE ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series expects a huge registration turnout as listup ends tomorrow (Tuesday, June 14) at www. runrocknroll.com.manila and at various on-site venues. A merry mix of entries, from regular campaigners to the weekend and recreational runners, make up the roster of participants to the first RnR race staged in Southeast Asia on June 19 at the Rizal Park, all geared up for a novel fun run that will also feature Manila’s sights and historical markers. Registration is at Garmin stores (through cash and Gcash mode of payment) at Glorietta I, SM Mall of

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

Asia, SM Megamall, The Podium, Ayala Vertis North, SM North, SM Aura, Uptown and Alabang Town Center. Fees are priced at P950 for 5K, P1,850 for 10K, P2,450 for halfmarathon and P2,650 for the 42K run. For the Remix Challenge, rates are P3,600 for marathon +5K, P4,100 for marathon +10K, P3,800 for halfmarathon +5K and P3,400 for halfmarathon +10K. The day-long event, held as part of the city’s 450th founding anniversary which mixes running and endurance with partying and a concert that will run through midnight, is the world’s

largest running series annually staged in various countries around the world. “The City of Manila provides exciting opportunities for both our runners and our brand,” said Jeff Edwards, managing director of the Asia Region for organizing The IRONMAN Group. “We are proud that we can a part of showcasing and highlighting what the city has to offer the runners and their support crews who travel to the area.” It will also be held under strict health and safety protocols. Meanwhile, run kit claiming and the health and fitness expo will start Wednesday till Friday from 11 a.m. to

7 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mehan Garden. On race day, the 10K and the 5K races will fire off at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., respectively, while the 42K and 21K runs will start at 5 p.m. The event, backed by ASICS as title sponsor, Gatorade as official hydration partner and Alaska, Lightwater, Regent and Sante with the Philippine Star, One Sports, Cignal and Sportograf. com as media partners, will have runners pass through the National Museum complex, Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral, Manila City Hall, the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the Jones Bridge and Chinatown in Binondo.

Gaming solutions firm OKBet backs MPBL 4th season MORE opportunities are presenting itself for many talented basketball talents. Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League president Kenneth Duremdes said this as the organization formalized a yearlong partnership with OKBet, a multiindustry company, which provides leisure, entertainment and gaming solutions. “We have been gone for two years. We are after the welfare of the players here,” said Duremdes following a signing agreement with OKBet representative, Atty. Victoria Gilera at Okada Manila in Parañaque City. The company will now assume the title sponsorship of the MPBL, which now has an ongoing fourth season that started last April 25. Three of 22 participating teams will also be backed by OKBet, namely the Marikina Shoemasters, the Gensan Warriors and the Sarangani Marlins.

“This partnership with OKBet is an opportunity for the league, which from the start, wants to give players a chance to show their talents,” added Duremdes. So far, the Sarangani Marlins are in the lead with their fourth straight win, tied with the Bacolod Bingo Plus and the Batangas Embassy Chills. Meanwhile, Batangas City Embassy Chill pulled away in the fourth quarter before coasting along to beat Marikina, 99-93, late Saturday and gain a share of the lead in the MPBL at the Batangas City Coliseum. Now being coached by Cholo Villanueva, Batangas appears ready to make another titlerun, the way the Athletics did in the MPBL’s inaugural season in 2018. Other games saw Imus Bandera subdue the Manila Stars, 97-91, in overtime and Rizal Golden Coolers hand the skidding Pampanga Giant Lanterns another beating, 76-65. Manila still fell to 1-4. Peter Atencio

their second loss in three matches. The win also allowed the Tropang Giga to bounce back after bowing to the Blackwater Elite Bossing, 78-85, last Thursday. TNT faces the NLEX Road Warriors, while Converge (1-2) takes on the Meralco Bolts on Thursday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The scores: TNT 86 – Castro 17, Khobuntin 15, Rosario 13, Pogoy 12, Alejandro 10, Erram 9, Reyes 6, K. Williams 4, Heruela 0, Marcelo 0, GanuelasRosser 0. Converge 83 – Tolomia 17, Racal 15, Ahanmisi 15, Arana 9, Teng 8, Hill 4, Ambohot 5, Adamos 2, DiGregorio 2, Bulanadi 2, Murrell 2, Ilagan 2. Quarters: 24-12, 40-36, 63-57, 86-83.

PBA Press Corps holds Awards Night on June 21 THE PBA Press Corps holds it traditional Awards Night face-to-face for the first time in three years, staging the event on June 21 at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center. Nine individual awards will be handed out for those who stood out during the recent Season 46 of the league, including the coveted Coach of the Year plum. Barangay Ginebra’s Tim Cone and Chot Reyes of TNT Tropang Giga are vying for the highest award given to coaches and named after the late great Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan. The group of men and women regularly covering the PBA beat last held its awards night in 2019 during the 25th anniversary of the annual event before the global pandemic forced the group to cancel the affair in 2020. Last year, a special edition of the gala night was held virtually, with Cone being named as Outstanding Coach for winning the Philippine Cup during the league’s lone conference of the 2020 season held for the first time inside a bubble. Other than the Coach of the Year, awards also to be given are the Executive of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Mr. Quality Minutes, and the Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year. Completing the list of honorees are the All-Rookie Team, Scoring Champion, and Order of Merit, which is given to the individual who earned the most number of Player of the Week honor handed out by the Press Corps.

Sports

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

Rape suit vs football star Ronaldo dismissed LOS ANGELES—A US district judge has dismissed a rape lawsuit against football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, castigating the legal team behind the complaint. Judge Jennifer Dorsey threw out the case brought by Kathryn Mayorga, a former model and teacher, who alleged she was assaulted by the Portuguese soccer star in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. The 37-year-old Manchester United player has always denied the allegations and maintained that the relationship with Mayorga was completely consensual. In a 42-page ruling released Friday, the judge accused Mayorga’s attorneys of “abuses and flagrant circumvention of the proper litigation process” and said that as a result, “Mayorga loses her opportunity to pursue this case.” Her attorneys had actually moved to dismiss the case voluntarily last month, US media said, but Dorsey decided that their repeated use of illicitly obtained confidential documents meant the case had to be dismissed “with prejudice”—meaning it cannot be Ronaldo revived. “Nothing less than a with-prejudice dismissal will purge the taint that has permeated this case from its very inception and preserve the integrity of the litigation process,” Dorsey wrote. A criminal case based on the rape allegation against the Manchester United forward was dropped in 2019, with a district attorney saying it “cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt” that a sexual assault occurred. But Mayorga, who waived her right to anonymity, also took up a civil action seeking millions in damages. She filed a complaint in 2018 alleging she was sexually assaulted by Ronaldo, who strongly denied the accusations. Mayorga said that while she had agreed to a financial settlement with Ronaldo shortly after the alleged incident -- reportedly for $375,000 -- her emotional trauma at the time did not allow her to participate in the mediation process. But in trying to revive the case, Dorsey found, Mayorga’s lawyer Leslie Stovall made repeated use of “cyber-hacked attorney-client privileged documents.” Those documents included “internal emails between Ronaldo’s lawyers discussing settlement strategies and potential liability” and were “emblazoned with notices that their contents contain attorney-client communications,” the judge wrote. Stovall’s use of the documents was “bad faith,” the judge ruled, “and simply disqualifying Stovall will not cure the prejudice to Ronaldo, because the misappropriated documents and their confidential contents have been woven into the very fabric of Mayorga’s claims.” Ronaldo is one of the biggest stars of world football and is a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player. AFP

Patrombon seeks top finish at Mati Open

Norwegian mountainer Kristin Harila (left) poses for a picture at the summit of Mount Makalu (height 8463 meters). The Norwegian climber is on track to beat the time record for summiting the world’s 14 highest peaks, in a quest to change how the mountaineering industry views women athletes. AFP

Norwegian climber eyes 14 peaks record K ATHMANDU, Nepal—A Norwegian climber is on track to beat the time record for summiting the globe’s 14 highest peaks, part of her quest to change how the mountaineering world views women athletes.

Kristin Harila has already climbed six mountains over 8,000 metres (26,250 feet) high, including Everest, in the last two months. The 36-year-old hopes to match or surpass Nepali adventurer Nirmal Purja and his groundbreaking 2019 record of six months and six days, an achievement that smashed the previous record and was profiled in a popular Netflix documentary. “In history and until now, it has been the strong macho men going out climbing mountains,” Harila told AFP this week. “When I talk to people that are not in this sport, they believe that men are more capable than women... If we are going to change, we need to get attention and show that women are just as capable.” Male climbers and guides far outnumber women in the top tier of the sport, with only a handful of women mountaineers getting attention and sponsorships for their expeditions. Out of nearly a thousand climbers who visited Nepal’s famed Himalayan peaks this year, only around a fifth were women, according to Nepali government data.

Harila’s first notable climb was on Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro in 2015, but she made headlines last year for becoming the fastest woman to travel between the summits of Everest and Mount Lhotse in Nepal. She accomplished that feat in 12 hours, but broke her own record this year, knocking four hours off her time. But neither record was enough to convince major sponsors to back her current endeavour. “There are lots of girls and women (who want) to climb, they want to have the sponsorship from the brands,” she said. “It’s easier for the brands to believe in what the men are presenting.” The former cross-country skier was able to find support from Bremont Watches and some other brands, but still had to sell her apartment to fund the project, she said. ‘Inspire women’ Only around 40 people in history have summited all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre-plus peaks. None have come close to Nirmal Pur-

Mo Donegal wins Belmont; Rich Strike finishes 6th NEW YORK—Mo Donegal won the 154th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, giving trainer Todd Pletcher a one-two finish ahead of stablemate Nest in the 1 1/2-mile event as Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike finished sixth. Pletcher claimed a fourth Belmont triumph after wins with Rags to Riches in 2007, Palace Malice in 2013 and Tapwrit in 2017. Fifth in the Kentucky Derby, Mo Donegal went off as the 5-2 favorite with Irad Ortiz in the irons. He swept past early pace-setter We the People and powered down the stretch for the win. The filly Nest, ridden by Irad’s brother Jose Ortiz, stumbled out of the gate but also closed strong to take second ahead of Skippylongstocking. “We were really pleased with the way both horses were training,” Pletcher said. “It was sort of deja vu when Next stumbled, but she recovered and got in good position and I thought both horses

travelled great the whole way.” It was an emotional win for Mike Repole, the New York native who is a coowner of both Mo Donegal and Nest. “This is my Derby,” Repole said. “This has been a dream that I’ve had for 40 years. This is the biggest goal I had in my racing life, and I just accomplished it, and I ran one-two. “I used to cut out of school and it made me an entrepreneur. I used to bet $20 and that’s a lot of pressure when you had to pay back your parents. I’m always going to be Mike from Queens. This is New York’s biggest race and to win it here, with my family and friends and 70 people here, this will be a big winner’s circle.” We the People, saddled by USbased French trainer Rodolphe Brisset and ridden by French jockey Flavien Prat, broke smartly from the first gate and led for almost a mile before finishing fourth. Rich Strike, who stunned the

ja’s 2019 expedition. He demolished the previous record for accomplishing the feat with supplemental oxygen, set by Poland’s Jerzy Kukuczka in the 1980s at seven years, 11 months and 14 days. Harila said the Nepali climber was an “inspiration”. “But for me, it is not a competition against him, I don’t care much about that,” she added. Nonetheless, she climbed her first six peaks in just 29 days, accompanied by her Nepali guides Pasdawa and Dawa Ongju Sherpa, breaking an earlier record set by Purja. “She is a very strong and determined climber. The first phase has been record-breaking,” Lakpa Sherpa of 8K Expeditions, Harila’s expedition organizer, told AFP. The team is now preparing to leave for Pakistan to climb their next five mountains, including K2 and the 8,126 metre (26,660 foot) Nanga Parbat, while she raises more funds for the expedition. Maya Sherpa, the president of the Everest Summiteers Association, said Harila’s project was a welcome effort to bring more women into the maledominated climbing world. “Climbers like her are very important to set an example,” Sherpa said. AFP

JESON Patrombon sets for grand return to the local tennis stage, headlining a stellar cast in the PPSPEPP City of Mati Open, which unwraps today (Monday, June 13) at the City of Mati Tennis Club in Davao Oriental. Sixteen of the country’s leading players are in the 32-player cast with Patrombon back in the hunt after missing the last Open event, the Fr. Suarez Open ruled by Johnny Arcilla, to help spearhead the country’s campaign in the recent Hanoi SEA Games. He and partner Casey Alcantara, however, failed to keep the men’s doubles gold they captured in the 2019 Manila SEAG although they yielded it to compatriots Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales. Still, the multi-titled 29-year-old Iligan City ace remains the top draw in the week-long tournament held in conjunction with Mati’s 15th anniversary celebrations with the hosts, led by Mayor Michelle Rabat, guaranteeing a successful staging of the biggest tennis event in the province’s capital city. The seasoned Arcilla is also in the fold, his confidence bolstered by his straight-set romp over Leander Lazaro in last month’s Fr. Suarez Cup in Malabon City with the likes of Vicente Anasta, Joshua Kinaadman, Fritz Verdad, Noel Damian Jr., Norman Enriquez and Lazaro spicing up the chase for the top P40,000 purse in the event co-organized by City of Mati Tennis Club president Rosendo Linsag. “Gathering these elite players not only promotes the sport but also inspires and motivates the youth to have a direct connection to participation,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro, whose longest-running nationwide junior circuit continues to develop and train future stars. Also out to spring a surprise or two against the top guns are Nilo Ledama, Jarell Edangga, Jose Maria Pague, Jelic Amazona, john Alejandre, Eric Tangub, Alexis Acabo and Brent Cortes. Patrombon is also teaming up with Anasta in the men’s doubles with Arcilla partnering with Damian, Lazaro linking up with Verdad and Kinaadman joining forces with Amazona in the hunt for the top P30,000 prize.

Mo Donegal with Irad Ortiz, Jr. up wins the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. AFP

racing world with a Kentucky Derby victory as an 80-1 longshot, couldn’t repeat the magic. Breaking from the fourth post in the eight-horse field with Venezuelan Sonny Leon again aboard, Rich Strike trailed the field early and unlike at Churchill Downs five weeks ago couldn’t find a way through and finished sixth. “I guess we made a mistake not putting him on the fence,” trainer Eric Reed said of the decision not to have Leon take Rich Strike to the rail, hop-

ing instead to “give him a good, open run where he could take off.” He said Rich Strike “was not aggressive” running in the middle of the track and never dug in for a late move. “I think we made a tactical error,” Reed said. “We’ll have to teach him how to run around horses.” After his Kentucky Derby upset, Rich Strike sat out the Preakness Stakes, won by Early Voting over heavily favored Epicenter— neither of which ran in the Belmont. AFP

Families of 9/11 victims outraged at US LIV Golf players

Players practice on the driving range ahead of ahead of the forthcoming LIV Golf Invitational Series event at The Centurion Club in St Albans, north of London. AFP

BROOKLINE—The chair of a September 11, 2001, attacks victims’ families group says members are outraged by the “betrayal” of US golfers playing in the Saudifunded LIV Golf Invitational Series. The comments from Terry Strada, the widow of a 9/11 victim, were made in a public letter Friday to agents of such major champions as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed. “Please rethink your membership in this Saudi enterprise,” Strada wrote. “We urge you to reconsider so that you can stand with us and send a message to the Kingdom: you cannot buy respect, you must earn it.” All have been confirmed as signing with the rebel series, which offers the richest purses in golf history, after departing the US PGA Tour.

All are set to play in the upcoming US Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, which is organized by the US Golf Association. “Our community wishes to express our outrage at your partnership with LIV Golf and remind you of the responsibility that your new business partner, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shoulders for providing the financial support and logistical support that enabled the terrorists to attack our nation and kill our loved ones,” Strada wrote. “Much to our disappointment, you appear pleased to be in business with them. Given Saudi Arabia’s role in the death of our loved ones and those injured on 9/11— your fellow Americans—we are angered that you are so willing to help the Saudis cover up this history in their request for ‘respectability.’”

Strada has been active in the group that has sued Saudi Arabia for complicity in the 9/11 attacks in which almost 3,000 people died, something the Saudi government has denied. But Strada said US golfers who opt to play in the new series have betrayed the victims’ families. “Please, do not insult our loved ones’ memories and take the pathetic position, as one of your foreign colleagues did last week, claiming you are ‘just golfers playing a game’ or blandly treating the evils of the Saudi regime as ‘human rights’ concerns. You’re all Americans, keenly aware of the death and destruction of September 11. “Whether it was the appeal of millions of dollars of hard cash or just the opportunity to prosecute your professional grievances with the PGA, you have sold us out.” AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

Justin Bieber cancels tour due to facial paralysis Canadian pop artist Justin Bieber is diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, causing his face paralysis

OR music listening pleasure, no doubt, sound quality matters. And with the advent of Personalized Spatial Audio, media consumers can easily be transported into a whole new different level of listening experience. And such experience is what OPM band Ben&Ben wanted their fans to have with the release of a new campaign video in partnership with Apple Music’s Spatial Audio feature, powered by mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The video features the band exploring the dynamic head-tracking tech – which enables listeners to have an even more precise and immersive listening experience tuned just for them – the way it is designed to be enjoyed. So, imagine streaming the songs of Ben&Ben and having this feeling as if you are actually with the band. A must-try for all Smart subscribers, Apple Music stands out in the field of music streaming services not only because of the lengthy six-month trial, but also because of exclusive features that provide an unmatched streaming and listening experience no matter what device you’re using. Apple Music has also added a wide selection of songs that can now be heard with Spatial Audio, which allows subscribers to listen in surround sound with the use of compatible headphones and earphones. The service delivers an out-ofthis-world listening experience apart from the Lossless Audio feature that upgrades the listening experience to a whole new level. Apple Music now boasts a library of over 90 million songs—and counting— from all your favorite musical artists and

ARIAS ALWIN IGNACIO WRITING about him in the past tense is most difficult. My mind and heart reject it. I still cannot understand why this thunderbolt and lightning kind of a surprise transpired. There are movies in my mind now, beautifully photographed, of course, filled with events and moments shared. The boisterous laughter during storytelling time. The la eleganza and extravaganza drag sense of fashion. How passionate he is with his love affair with the movies in particular and the whole of Pinoy showbiz in general. My eyes are red because of tears. He treated me not just as an entertainment writer but as a friend. That is why this reality, shatters my heart. Where do I begin as I write this farewell to the Kween, Mark Shandii Bacolod? We personally met at the premiere night of Best Partee Ever. From then on, in his capacity as producer of Oro, What Home Feels Like, Double Twisting, Double Back, Culion, Love In The End of The World, and Papa What Is Love, he made stories about these films, their stars, and of course, about him. In between these motion pictures, our friendship was forged and I became part of a select few people in the entertainment media who did not only share the usual pleasantries during press conferences, he regaled me with bits and pieces of his highflying, rainbow-colored life. His out-of-thecamera persona is more interesting, and the many small and big reveals he was more than willing to divulge are priceless. Even if at times, we do not see each other as often because of his busy schedules, when I meet again, it was always easy to pick up where we left off. Best food even if it was just an audition. On a film and TV set, on set, everyone got attention, tenderness, and love plus the proper amount of talent fees that are commensurate to their expertise. He always said: “I’ve worked my way up so I know the struggles of the crew and staff, I do not want that they feel deprived. Sa mga project ko, lahat ay given the star treatment.” How he gushed about his favorite Carlos Siguion Reyna film, Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin: “Even there was a theatricality to it, I so loved the movie especially the acting of Maricel Soriano and Snooky Serna. Their choreographed fight scene, the best. And that Soriano and Robert Arevalo scene, ang sakit nun! Tagos!” He respected and worshipped Ricky Lee, whom he considered his screenplay writing mentor. He had an on-and-off friendship with the Superstar Nora Aunor. He had

GLOBAL pop star Justin Bieber on Friday told fans in a video posted to Instagram that he’s been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which is causing him partial facial paralysis. The 28-year-old pop singer recently announced he was pausing his Justice World Tour due to illness, hours before his

first slated concert in Toronto. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a complication of shingles that occurs when an outbreak impacts the facial nerve near one ear. In addition to facial paralysis, it can cause hearing loss. “As you can see, this eye is not blinking, I can’t smile on this side of my face, this nostril will not move,” Bieber

explained in a video. “So, there´s full paralysis on this side of my face. So for those who are frustrated by my cancellations of the next shows, I’m just physically, obviously, not capable of doing them. This is pretty serious, as you can see.” The “Peaches” singer said he was doing facial exercises

and taking time to “rest and relax and get back to 100 percent so I can do what I was born to do.” He did not give an estimated timeline for his recovery. It’s the third instance Bieber’s tour has been postponed, the first two due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP

Revolutionizing audio experience with Ben&Ben music acts spanning every genre you can think of, whether it’s Western pop, Kpop, OPM, and more. And what’s even better is that this extensive catalog of tracks is all in highquality Lossless Audio, capturing every note and element, and delivering them in a crisp, clear sound that elevates your listening and vibing. It’s easier for Smart subscribers to avail of the free six-month trial subscription to Apple Music. All they have to do is log into their updated GigaLife App and activate the Apple Music offer on the app’s home screen. Once successfully signed up for an Apple Music account, subscribers can use it on all their devices, not just on their smartphones. Ben&Ben and Smart go way back when the band provided the theme song to one of Smart’s biggest campaigns, “Inevitable,” back in February 2021. Earlier this year, Smart streamed the group’s “Kuwaderno” concert via the GigaPlay App. Stream the new video here:https://youtu. be/mU42FiymB9k

Experience a different level of listening to Ben&Ben’s music with Smart

Ben&Ben frontmen Miguel (left) and Paolo Guico

Ben&Ben wants their fans to experience Personalized Spatial Audio with the help of Smart

Apple Music allows subscribers to listen to Ben&Ben and other songs in surround sound using compatible devices

Farewell to Calum Scott drops ‘Heaven’ remix with Darren Espanto ‘The Kween’ By Patricia Taculao

Indie film director Mark Shandii Bacolod

so many guffaw-inducing tales about the “People’s National Artist” is without an important piece of Philippine showbusiness history. He loved the Philippines’s Meryl Streep, Irma Adlawan, and hearing Bacolod talk in great lengths about La Adlawan would convince any listener why the actress originally from the theater is so fitting to be labeled as “Irma, the Great.” His film Love That In The End World was his homage to the many colorful people he met and the scintillating relationships that he experienced as a true blue femme fairy. When he imparts about love and love, romance, you are made aware that in his entanglements, nothing is half baked, his being, soul, heart, and passion, are invested in it. For him, everything about love is going for broke, loving until you hurt and bleed, “Basta ang importante diva, nagmamamahal ka. At totoo ang pagmamahal mo. At ang mahal mo, mahal ka siempre.” All these closeness with this and that person and the anecdotes about a certain Steve, Johnny, or whoever, were amusing, some even bordered to is that for real levels. When his love litany shifts to what seems like a reveal laced with drama and his eyes turning misty, expect a comic punch line and that “Cheka!’’ followed immediately by an exuberant guffaw. Wow! Death by ataque de corazon, is how Bacolod left the universe, while in a shoot in Thailand. He left all the people that he loves, with a wealth of memories. There are films, TV, and online projects that we can watch, he also gave us that. Above all, there are actors, artists, and production under his care and guidance, his lasting gifts and living legacies to Pinoy Tinsel Town, are a whole talented lot. “Gone, love is never gone. As we travel on love is what we’ll remember…” says the lyrics of “What I Did For Love” and yes Kween Mark Shandii Bacolod, we will always remember you with all our love.

ENGLISH singer-songwriter Calum Scott is back to serenade his fans with another heartfelt ballad titled “Heaven.” The new single, armed with meaningful lyrics and an enchanting melody, again showcases Calum’s powerful vocals while highlighting a healthy relationship where two people have respect and admiration toward each other. It also encourages listeners to live in the present and appreciate what they have with their significant others. However, Calum isn’t the only artist who stole the limelight with his new single, as four other Southeast Asian artists lent their voices to add depth to the single. Among the talented artists selected to perform alongside Calum in “Heaven” is Darren Espanto, a Filipino-Canadian singer who rose to fame after appearing in the reality singing competition The Voice Kids in 2014. “I feel so honored to be a part of this project. Calum and I have only been able to talk a few times, but I’ve always been a fan of his music,” Darren said during the online media conference for “Heaven.” He added that working on a project like “Heaven,” where he gets to work with artists, seems unreal. For Darren, the collaboration was something that he never

Darren is among the four artists who lends his voice to the new version of 'Heaven'

The 'Heaven' remix is Calum's way of giving back to his fans in Asia

imagined would happen, even though it was confirmed late. Calum, on the other hand, finds Darren relatable because they both had similar career trajectories in the music industry, beginning with joining singing competitions in their respective countries. The English artist became known worldwide after competing in Britain’s Got Talent, where he sang his version of Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” “Darren has given his voice to this song and has produced such a unique, beautiful version of it. I’m just so proud to have worked with him,” Calum said. The Voice Kids alum shares the same sentiments with Calum, adding that their connection comes from their passion for music.

Joining Darren in the lineup are three other artists who Calum handpicked to perform “Heaven,” including Diana Danielle from Malaysia, Hoàng Duyên from Vietnam, and Lyodra from Indonesia. The collaboration between the Southeast Asian artists stems from Calum’s goal to give back to his fans in the region. “My music seemed to resonate well across Asia even though it’s a territory I haven’t much time in before…Asia’s been a massive supporter of mine over the years, so I wanted to do something special,” Calum said. Fortunately, “Heaven” also provided Calum with the means to find the artists he selected because they shared videos of them dueting the song on TikTok. “These four incredible artists were my picks for ‘Heaven,’ and each of them has brought an amazing uniqueness to the song,” Calum shared. As for his Filipino fans, Calum feels that he has a strong fanbase in the country and hopes to spend more time in the country to connect with them better. “Heaven,” which dropped on June 9, also serves as a bridge for Calum’s sophomore album, Bridge. Although the single is already released, the English singersongwriter decided to re-release it as a different version where the Southeast Asian artists lend their voices.

GMA Regional TV and Synergy executive attends Broadcast Asia 2022 AS GMA Network continues to strengthen and level up its programs and various initiatives, GMA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso represented the country’s media giant at the Broadcast Asia 2022 held in Singapore from June 1 to 3. Dubbed as “Asia’s Largest Broadcast Technology Stage,” Broadcast Asia brings together the most influential regional broadcasters, media, and entertainment professionals to discuss the latest trends in the business of broadcast media, broadcast technology, content and production, esports and gaming, and investments. Joining Amoroso as GMA’s contingent were GMA Regional TV and Synergy Assistant Vice President for Local Content Production Marivic Araneta, Assistant Vice President for Local Sales Ann Marie Tan, and Systems and Support Senior Manager Gigi Lolarga. Amoroso and his team also visited Mediacorp—Singapore’s national media network and one of Asia’s largest content creators—where they were personally welcomed by Mediacorp CEO Tham Loke

Kheng, Chief Content Officer Virginia Lim, and Head of Content Distribution Jesslyn Wong. The GMA contingent was given a personalized tour of the Mediacorp Campus at the heart of Singapore, including its newsroom, news studios and suites, and its state-of-the-art video and audio postproduction facilities. “I appreciate the warm welcome of Mediacorp, especially by its CEO Tham Loke Kheng. With its trailblazing Channel News Asia, which they have positioned as an alternative to Western-based international media in its presentation of news from an Asian perspective, GMA Regional TV is inspired by Mediacorp’s leadership innovations, highlighted by their slogan create, connect, and inspire, across multiple platforms. We look forward to the possibility of a collaboration with them,” said Amoroso. Amoroso is in charge of the operations, content and production, and business development of GMA Network’s regional arm, GMA Regional TV (RTV). He oversees the Network’s regional stations and offices located in North Central Luzon (GMA Dagupan and GMA Ilocos), Southern Luzon

GMA Regional TV and Synergy First Vice President and Head Oliver Victor Amoroso and his team visit Mediacorp – Singapore’s national media network and one of Asia's largest content creators

(GMA Batangas), Bicol Region (GMA Bicol), Central and Eastern Visayas (GMA Cebu), Western Visayas (GMA Iloilo and GMA Bacolod), Northern Mindanao (GMA Cagayan de Oro), Southern Mindanao (GMA Davao), South Central Mindanao (GMA General Santos), and Western Mindanao (GMA Zamboanga). Read full story on manilastandard.net

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022

Tourism Congress welcomes new

Marco Polo Plaza has modern features installed in its newly constructed guest rooms

Tourism Secretary

THE Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP) congratulates Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco on her appointment as the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism. TCP President Jose Clemente III declares, “With Secretary-designate Frasco’s extensive experience in local government, and in a prime destination at that, we are confident that she will continue the revival of the country’s tourism industry and guide us through whatever challenges come our way. We certainly welcome her statements regarding the creation of safety nets for the industry as cushion for our tourism stakeholders against future calamities.” The TCP looks forward to partnering with Secretary-designate Frasco and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in carrying out the vision and ideals of the industry, as laid out in R.A. 9593, the Tourism Act of 2009. The country’s tourism stakeholders continue to pledge a collaborative relationship with the government, as it has proven to be effective in the success of the industry. With Secretary-designate Frasco’s stewardship of the tourism industry, the TCP eagerly anticipates its eventual return to pre-pandemic levels. The TCP is the private sector consultative body that assists the government in the development and implementation of tourism policies. Serving as the voice of the industry on matters of national interest, particularly those affecting the private sector, the TCP is composed of representatives of tourism enterprises all over the country, including former Tourism Secretaries. It is also responsible for developing a strong and institutionalized partnership between the government, through the DOT, and the private sector. More information on TCP may be obtained via email from tourism.congress2014@gmail.com or through Viber at +63 966 763 5064

Christina Garcia Frasco is the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism

Cebu’s outstanding I

hotels

T IS always a source of pride for me to be able to tell friends that my hometown, Cebu City, has many beautiful and excellent hotels to choose from. A recent visit convinced me that of the many, three stand out as the most customer-oriented, with the best facilities, and have more bang for the buck. Marco Polo Plaza

I have always been a happy customer of Marco Polo Plaza even when it was still Cebu Plaza. I like very much its location, up in Busay Hills, far from the madding crowd, and the beautiful view that each of its guest rooms offers. The smiling staff always make me feel welcome…and wanted. It is such a delight to be served by people such as these. The hotel recently completed the renovation of its 60 premier rooms and suites at a total cost of P100 million, just in time to welcome domestic and international travelers, now that quarantine restrictions have eased up. The newly refurbished rooms were conceptualized by the ho hotel’s management, together with Architect Dewey Santos of DSFN Architects. Among the modern features the new guest rooms offer are: convenient wall outlets and a well-lit, large workspace outfitted with USB ports for multiple de devices; high-speed Wi-Fi and plug-in pan panels; a 43-inch flat-screen TV with movie channels; and an in-room tea and coffeemaking equipment. The hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Lara Constantino-Scarrow, says they are ready and eager to welcome back the traveling public, and excited to be able to offer the hotel’s facilities in their “new look” but still with the same, much-vaunt much-vaunted, uniquely pleasant Cebuano hospitality. During my visit, the hotel’s occupancy rate was already on an upward trajectory, a very encouraging development for management and the Marketing Team. More information on the hotel may be

Bai Hotel offers luxury for staycationers from nearby cities and provinces

have stayed on the whole night, but decided to give up such nocturnal dip, lest I be suspected of being a merman, straight out of fantasy books. The hotel’s occupancy rate has been doing well these days, ever since domestic tourists decided to embark on revenge travel when quarantine restrictions eased up. Almost all guests were local “staycationers” from nearby cities and provinces. More information on Bai Hotel may be obtained through +6332-342-8888, +6332355-8888 or info@baihotel.com.ph

Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort

obtained through +6332-253-1111 or mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com

Bai Hotel

“Bai” is the Cebuano term for “Pare” and that’s how the hotel treats every guest…as a close friend, making me curious as to how the management manifests such a caring attitude toward guests in its services and facilities. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I made sure I had a good, close look at the hotel, its facilities, and its staff. I wasn’t disappointed. I immediately noticed that no matter how busy the members of the staff were with their assigned duties, they still had genuine smiles on their faces and handled each guest as if he/ she was the only one in the world. The 23-storey, 668-room hotel is nestled between the bustling cities of Mandaue and Cebu. It has eight dining choices and 12 function rooms that can handle various MICE events. What really gave me a pleasant surprise is the hotel’s breakfast buffet. If I’m not mistaken, it stretches a kilometer long, with so many choices of culinary favorites – Filipino, Spanish, American, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, etc….and that’s just for breakfast. I also enjoyed the hotel’s temperaturecontrolled swimming pool on the roof deck. I was able to use it and enjoyed my nighttime swim, with the panoramic view of the city’s glittering lights in the background. It raised my swimming experience, literally, to a higher level. I could

No visit to Cebu is complete without going to the beach. So, I decided to spend time at the most popular beach resort in the province. Located on Mactan Island, approximately 25 minutes away from the airport, the Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort is widely known for its special brand of hospitality – Amuma. It’s the Cebuano word for caring or nurturing. It describes how a mother takes care of her child through the years, or how one tends to her garden, for all the flowers to bloom. I felt this right away the moment I checked in. The Front Desk clerk did her task expeditiously, with a very welcoming smile, and a gentle voice, as she called for the bellman to immediately take care of my bags and transport me smoothly in a golf cart to my reserved room which was located right on the beach. The check-in process took less than five minutes. Realizing the perfect location of my room, just as I wanted it, I started the following day early, with the resort’s sumptuous breakfast buffet, so that I would have enough time to laze in the sun and work on my

golden tan. What got me even more excited was when I realized there is the Bluewater Private Island, approximately a thousand meters across the beach, where one can stay in his own spot, undisturbed by the rest of the guests and staff, with a flatboat ready to transport me there at no extra cost. A slice of paradise, it was…and that’s where I spent the rest of the day. Established in 1989, the seven-hectare, 190-room Bluewater Maribago is a member of the Bluewater Resorts Group, a wholly Filipino-owned chain of resorts known for its staff’s friendly, caring, and attentive service. The chain also includes the beautiful resorts of Bluewater Sumilon, also in Cebu, and Bluewater Panglao in Bohol. What better way to spend a vacation than in the perfect ambience of a white sand beach and the refreshing sea breeze blowing in all directions, with a team of solicitous staff at your beck and call, ready to serve your favorite cool drinks in the blink of an eye! Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort is indeed the Cebuanos’ proud offering for the world’s beach denizens. More information on this property is available through +632-817-5751 or maribago@bluewater.com.ph ----------O---------YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: A pair of cows were talking in the field. One says, “Have you heard about the Mad Cow disease that’s going around?” “Yeah,” the other cow says, “Makes me glad I’m a penguin.” ----------O---------For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com

The white sandy beaches of Bluewater Maribago Resort

Hue Puerto Princesa celebrates 5th year with special treat for guests DISCOVER the natural wonders that Palawan, the Philippines’ final frontier, has to offer, and book your next affordable stay at Hue Resort in Puerto Princesa through its resort anniversary promotion, worth only P5,555. For the whole month of June, travelers to Puerto Princesa, the home of the renowned Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can choose between two options under Hue’s anniversary promo: A two-night stay in one deluxe room for two persons; or an overnight stay in two deluxe rooms for two. Both accom-

modation options include complimentary breakfast and P1,000 worth of dining credits at La-ud Restaurant. Aside from the Underground River, Puerto Princesa easily lends tourists access to Honda Bay for some island hopping; San Vicente beach, which is the second-longest stretch in Southeast Asia; and El Nido up north, where majestic limestone cliffs await. Booking period is until June 30, and travel dates must fall on Thursday to Sunday. Designed to be stylish and sensible, the

Hue Puerto Princesa has an ideal location where travelers can easily access several tourist attractions

deluxe room is perfect for practical travelers who want no-frills yet comfortable accommodations. Each room comes with complimentary beverages, a cable TV, one king bed or two twin beds, a safety deposit box, a shower, hair dryer, and free WiFi. Hue Puerto Princesa’s ideal location in the city center also makes it the ideal venue for work and business conferences. Rent a function room for an upcoming meeting for the same rate of P5,555. Valid until June 30, this promo includes two hours’ use of Hue’s meeting room, and

consumable food and beverage for up to P10,000. Venue usage is from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; extension fee is P1,000 per hour. This promotion allows a maximum of 10 people to a room and a small premium of P 500 for every additional person. For booking inquiries, please call +63 9177734427, +63 9178244284, or +63 947 4289025 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday; email palawanreservations@thehuehotel.com or palawan@ thehuehotel.com; or visit their website at https://puertoprincesa.thehuehotel.com.

Hilton Manila celebrates Father’s Day with hearty, gastronomic offerings

Hilton Manila’s Madison Lounge and Bar offers Father’s Day cakes and steak

HILTON Manila welcomes all dads with hearty, gastronomic offerings throughout its award-winning restaurants and bar this coming Father’s Day, June 19. “We look forward to welcoming all dads and their loved ones to celebrate their special day. Following the challenges of the previous years, dad truly deserves a ‘day off’ where they can simply enjoy worry-free dining and stays here at Hilton Manila,” shares John Lucas, Hotel General Manager. At Kusina Sea Kitchens, diners are invited to show their appreciation to the

“Man of the House” by treating the whole family to an indulgent Father’s Day buffet specially curated by Hilton Manila’s culinary artisans. The mouth-watering spread includes highlights such as Surf and Turf, Dampa-style Paluto, Filipino and Korean BBQ, and a Premium Ceviche Bar, among others. As an added treat, dad is treated to live musical entertainment for a most enjoyable dining experience with loved ones. Available for lunch and dinner, this Father’s Day special buffet is priced at P3,500 per person.

Dads can also enjoy a complimentary bottle of beer this Father’s Day at the Port Bar with any order from the menu offerings: pizza, pasta, burger, or Aussie favorites. Patrons who wish to celebrate in the comfort of their homes may simply leave the cooking to Hilton Manila’s culinary team and ‘Bring Hilton Home.’ This June, the hotel is showcasing a sumptuous Signature Steak Platter highlighted by a Dry-aged ribeye steak paired with sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes and

complemented by a Father’s Day-themed cake, priced at P5,000. Delicately crafted, themed signature cakes are also on sale at Madison with prices starting at P1,500. Hilton Manila observes stringent health and safety measures in line with local government guidelines and Hilton’s own CleanStay initiative and holds the Department of Tourism “Safety Seal.” For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 826 6442, send an email to MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com, or visit https://www.hiltonmanila.com.