Manila Standard - 2022 June 27 - Monday

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Booster for kids 12 to 17 put off Health council requires 40% of seniors per area to be covered first

By Willie Casas

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TECHNICALITY is delaying booster shots against COVID-19 for children 12 to 17, the Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday.

In a radio interview, National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) chairperson and Health Undersecretary Dr. Myrna Cabotaje said the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) had made a condition that boosters can only be given

to health adolescents aged 12 to 17 if the booster coverage for senior citizens in their respective areas reaches 40 percent.

“We were confident that after the immunocompromised (adolescents were Next page

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 131 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SMOKE ON THE WATER.

The m/v Mama Mary Chole catches fire while traversing the waters of Bohol and Leyte Sunday afternoon.

One passenger was killed while another remained missing, the Philippine Coast Guard said. (Inset) In Bataan, at least four passengers were killed while one remained missing after their vessel capsized, authorities said Sunday.

5 killed, 2 missing in boat mishaps off Bohol, Bataan AT least five people were killed in two separate maritime incidents, authorities said on Sunday. A passenger was killed while another remained missing after a

fire engulfed the m/v Mama Mary Chloe, nearby island of Leyte. which was carrying 157 passengers, inRescuers plucked 163 passengers and cluding 15 children, along with eight crew from the waters off the central island crew, from Ubay in Bohol to Bato on the Next page

WHO: Monkeypox a deeply evolving threat Guevarra to let his successor complete review of drug war THE World Health Organization's chief said the monkeypox outbreak was a deeply concerning evolving threat but did not currently constitute a global health emergency.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus convened a committee of experts on Thursday to advise him whether to sound the UN health agency's strongest alarm over the outbreak.

A surge of monkeypox cases has been detected since early May outside of

the West and Central African countries where the disease has long been endemic. Most of the new cases have been in Western Europe.

More than 3,200 confirmed cases and one death have now been reported to the WHO from more than 50 countries this year.

"The emergency committee shared serious concerns about the scale and speed of the current outbreak," noting many unknowns about the spread and

gaps in the data, Tedros said.

"They advised me that at this moment the event does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which is the highest level of alert WHO can issue, but recognized that the convening of the committee itself reflects the increasing concern about the international spread of monkeypox."

Tedros said the outbreak was "clearly

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By Rey E. Requejo

OUTGOING Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday said it is now up to the incoming Marcos administration to continue the review of the deaths as a result of the government’s anti-drug operations.

Guevarra is hoping that his successor, Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus

Crispin Remulla, will continue with the Department of Justice’s review of the drug war killings.

“I hope the incoming SOJ (secretary of justice) will complete what I’ve begun,” he said.

Guevarra issued this statement after Prosecutor Karim Khan of the International Criminal Court (ICC) said the Next page

Supporters, fans flock to ‘Salamat, PRRD’ concert

FULL CIRCLE. Some 3,500 supporters gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Sunday, June 26, 2022, for a thanksgiving concert for outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte. The venue was where Duterte held his miting de avance in the 2016 elections.

HEAVY rains did not dampen the spirits of thousands of supporters and fans of President Rodrigo Duterte who attended the "Salamat PRRD" thanksgiving concert at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Sunday.

The police said around 3,500 people flocked to the place that also served as venue for Duterte’s miting de avance in the 2016 elections.

Ahead of the thanksgiving concert, Presidentelect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured Duterte he would continue his programs as he expressed his sincere thanks to the outgoing leader for supporting him and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio.

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AFP spokes heads PSG, senior aide to the President PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has chosen Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala as acting commander of the Presidential Security Group.

Zagala will also serve as Marcos’ Senior Military Assistant when the latter asNext page sumes office on June 30.

BBM says family in transition, prays for good weather

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he is praying for good weather when he takes his oath as the 17th President of the Philippines on June 30 in what he says will be a solemn inauguration.

Marcos said he is not the only one making the transition, saying his

family would have to make adjustments as well. For instance, he said he was sorry that his wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos, would have to give up her law practice.

"Sadly, I feel sorry for her, she had to leave her partner in the law firm she built,” Marcos said.

"It's sad because I really know, I saw, she worked hard. She really

poured his diligence into it, her talent into it. She really dedicated herself to her law practice and she treats her co-workers as family," he continued.

Mrs. Marcos is a founding partner at M & Associates. However, Marcos said there was nothing they could do because his wife would be Next page the incoming first lady.

FILIPINA QUEEN.

Transgender beauty pageant contestant Philippines' Fuschia Anne Ravena is crowned the winner of the 2022 Miss International Queen competition in Pattaya on June 25, 2022. AFP

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

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Biden says G7, NATO must ‘stay together’ against Russia’s war U S President Joe Biden on Sunday praised Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz for his leadership in the wake of Russia's war against Ukraine and urged the West to stay united.

"We have to stay together," Biden told Scholz at a meeting ahead of the G7 summit in the German Alps.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had been hoping "that somehow NATO and the G7 would splinter," Biden said.

"But we haven't and we're not going to."

Biden met his German host in the picturesque Elmau Castle where the G7—Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States—was holding a three-day summit dominated by the crisis in Ukraine.

Biden praised Scholz's leadership as

current chair of the G7 at a time of upheaval in Europe triggered by Russia's war and subsequent global economic fallout.

"I want to compliment you for stepping up as you did when you became chancellor" and "the way you had a great impact on the rest of Europe to move, particularly relating to Ukraine," Biden told Scholz.

The 79-year-old Democrat also fondly recalled his skiing days, telling Scholz that the Alpine setting was "beautiful."

A senior US official said Washington has

been "investing very heavily" in the relationship with Germany since Biden took office almost two and a half years ago.

Their talks Sunday were “a good opportunity to affirm the deep and enduring ties between our two countries. In terms of the meeting agenda, expect that Russia and Ukraine are going to be at the top of the list, including our continued close coordination on the political and diplomatic front,” the official said.

The world leaders mocked Putin's tough-man image during the lunch, joking about whether they should strip down to shirtsleeves – or even less.

"Jackets on? Jackets off? Do we take our coats off?" British Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked as he sat down at the table in Bavaria's picturesque Elmau Castle.

The leaders pondered the dilemma.

Booster...

negotiate with the HTAC to allow the booster inoculation for healthy children aged 12 to 17 to begin soon, as long as they meet the five-month interval from their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The HTAC is an independent advisory body made up of health experts that provide guidance to the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on the coverage of health interventions and technologies to be funded by the government.

Cabotaje pointed out that the administration of the boosters for ages 12 to 17 has been slow and low, with only 45 children getting boosted in the National Capital Region (NCR) alone.

“It’s a bit low and slow. There are operational problems because of the dif-

ficulty in looking for the immunocompromised children,” she said.

She added that mothers want their children inoculated, whether or not they are immunocompromised.

Only the Pfizer booster shot has been granted the emergency use authorization by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration for children ages 12 to 17.

Based on DOH’s latest data, only 14.8 million Filipinos have received their first booster dose, while at least 648,000 got their second booster dose.

At least 70 million individuals are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The DOH recorded 848 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the total nationwide tally to 3,700,876.

The new cases were the highest single-day tally since March.

Active cases increased to 6,761 from 6,425 on Saturday. The number of recoveries climbed to 3,633,096, while the death toll rose to 60,518.

Even as the booster inoculation of adolescents hit a snag, the DOH said it is studying the possibility of allowing adults aged 50 to 59 to get a second COVID-19 booster shot.

Right now, only frontline health workers, senior citizens and the immunocompromised are allowed to get a second booster.

But expanding the coverage to the 50 to 59 age group would require an amended EUA from the FDA, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

the further spread of the outbreak requires intense response efforts."

They are on standby to reconvene in the coming days and weeks depending on how the outbreak evolves.

The committee recommended that countries improve diagnostics and risk communication.

It noted that many aspects of the outbreak were unusual, while some members suggested there was a risk of sustained transmission due to the low level of population immunity against pox virus infection.

The committee that considered the matter is made up of 16 scientists and public health experts and is chaired by Jean-Marie Okwo-Bele, a former director of the WHO's Vaccines and Immunization Department.

Thursday's five-hour private meeting was held in person at the WHO's Geneva headquarters and via video conference.

The committee discussed current observations of plateauing or potential downward trends in case numbers in some countries; difficulties in contact tracing due to anonymous contacts, and "potential links to international gatherings and LGBTQI+ Pride events conducive for increased opportunities for exposure through intimate sexual encounters."

They were also concerned that the potential stigmatization of affected groups could impede response efforts.

There are knowledge gaps on transmission modes, the infectious period, as well as over access to vaccines and antivirals and their efficacy, they said.

The normal initial symptoms of monkeypox include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes and a blistery chickenpoxlike rash.

Initial outbreak cases had no epidemiological links to areas that have his-

torically reported monkeypox, suggesting that undetected transmission might have been going on for some time.

Few people have been hospitalized to date, while 10 cases have been reported among health care workers.

The WHO's current plan to contain the spread focuses on raising awareness among affected population groups and encouraging safe behaviors and protective measures.

There have been six PHEIC declarations since 2009, the last being for COVID-19 in 2020 – though the sluggish global response to the alarm bell still rankles at the WHO headquarters.

A PHEIC was declared after a third emergency committee meeting on January 30. But it was only after March 11, when Tedros described the rapidly worsening situation as a pandemic, that many countries seemed to wake up to the danger. AFP

"The important thing is, I'm with my whole family, I'm with you to watch live or online. And most of all, I hope the weather will cooperate because it's the rainy season," he added.

Marcos said they chose to have his inauguration at the National Museum and not the traditional venue, the Quirino Grandstand, because there are still COVID-19 isolation facilities near that area.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said it has not monitored any security threats to the inauguration.

PNP spokesperson Police Col. Jean Fajardo told radio dzBB they are almost 100 percent ready for the inauguration.

“So far, we have not received any credible threat that could thwart or stop the event on Thursday,” she said in Filipino.

The PNP said over 15,000 security personnel would be deployed to secure the inauguration.

Checkpoints and chokepoints would be set up in all the entry points to Manila for three days starting on June 28, and a gun ban will be imposed starting June 27 in Metro Manila.

Supporters,...

panga.

Quesada admitted she initially had reservations because of Duterte’s manner of speaking, which was sometimes considered “offensive” or “unpresidential.”

She, however, said she realized the tough-guy image was Duterte’s way of making people listen to what he had to say.

Duterte arrived at the Quirino Grandstand a few minutes before 7 p.m.

Various artists—Andrew E. Chad Borja, Dulce, Freddie Aguilar, Ice Seguerra, Isay Alvarez, Jed Madela, Jimmy Bondoc, Martin Nievera, Moymoy Palaboy, Robert Seña, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra—performed during the concert.

For her part, incoming Communications Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, herself a Duterte supporter, said the outgoing President’s sincerity and passion to serve endeared him to the nation.

“He always had the welfare of the general public in mind,” Angeles said during the thanksgiving event.

“We really felt that we, the public, has always been top priority, that we are worthy of service. We felt there is indeed a government,” she added.

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immunized), the booster vaccination for the rest of the 12 to 17 could begin,” Cabotaje said in Filipino.

“However, we are bargaining with the HTAC about their recommendation.

They want at least 40 percent of an area to have its senior citizens boosted first. The first booster coverage is low.

Scientifically, HTAC has a basis, but we are having difficulty operationally,” Cabotaje said.

The rollout of the first COVID-19 booster dose for immunocompromised minors started on Wednesday, but only in hospitals for safety reasons.

Cabotaje said they are still trying to

WHO:...

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an evolving health threat" that needed immediate action to stop further spread, using surveillance, contact-tracing, isolation and care of patients, and ensuring vaccines and treatments are available to at-risk populations.

"The vast majority of cases is observed among men who have sex with men, of young age," chiefly appearing in urban areas, in "clustered social and sexual networks," according to the WHO report of the meeting.

While a few members expressed differing views, the committee resolved by consensus to advise Tedros that at this stage, the outbreak was not a PHEIC. "However, the committee unanimously acknowledged the emergency nature of the event and that controlling

BBM,...

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"So I apologize to her, she was forced to do this. But what I told her is, this is only the beginning of a new chapter," he added.

Marcos said he also feels bad for his kids, notably Simon and Vincent because they are now more restricted because of the added security.

“My other two children are slowly getting used to it because they have a lot of sudden security. Constant complaints but we can’t do anything, That's really how it is when you're a child of the President," he added.

Marcos also said his eldest son Sandro is preparing for his journey as the incoming Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative.

“He is now preparing his office at Congress. He is super excited as a neophyte congressman,” he said.

The incoming leader dismissed any questions about gimmicks at his inauguration, saying it would be a solemn ceremony.

“More or less, it will still be traditional. We won’t stray away from the usual,” he said.

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"I assured him that I would continue his projects that were beneficial to the country," Marcos said.

In an interview during the concert, event director Njel De Mesa said it was not only held to thank Duterte for serving the country for the past six years, but also to express gratitude to his supporters who stood by the president.

Among the attendees was 18-yearold Agatha Tolentino, who described herself as a “solid Duterte supporter.”

“I wanted to see the President before he steps down because I never got the chance to see him in person…I was really amazed by his accomplishments, for example, the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program which will be a great help to our country,” she said in Filipino.

William Arevalo, 63, said the administration’s crackdown against crime and illegal drugs helped make the country and his city—Caloocan—a safer place to live in.

Pampanga-based Rachel Quesada said she did not think twice about attending the thanksgiving event even if it meant traveling to Manila from Pam-

5 killed,...

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AFP...

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The PSG is currently headed by Brig. Gen. Randolph Cabangbang.

Zagala, 52, was public affairs chief and spokesman of the Philippine Army before becoming military spokesman in August last year.

He was previously an aide de camp of former President Joseph Estrada.

His father, Maj. Gen. Rafael Zagala, was Army chief from 1972 until 1975 during the presidency of Marcos' father and namesake.

Marcos has yet to complete his Cabinet nominees, but he promised to do so before he assumes office on Thursday.

He earlier nominated former Armed Forces chief of staff Jose Faustino Jr. as acting head of the Department of National Defense and retired University of the Philippines professor Clarita Carlos as National Security Adviser.

Among his latest nominees are former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as chief presidential legal counsel and outgoing Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as Solicitor General.

of Bohol, the Philippine Coast Guard said, as they searched for one missing passenger.

The body of a passenger has been recovered and a coast guard ship has been deployed to help with the search, authorities added.

"The rescue of the crew and passengers was swift because of the help from motorbancas (boats) sailing in the waters when the incident happened," the coast guard said.

Almost 100 people were brought to land at a port in Leyte, where emergency personnel checked on the rescued passengers.

In Bataan, four people were killed

Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, suggested they wait for the official picture before disrobing but then Johnson quipped "We have to show that we're tougher than Putin" and the joke kept rolling.

"We're going to get the bare-chested horseback riding display," Trudeau said, referring to Putin's infamous 2009 photo-op of himself riding shirtless on a horse.

"Horseback riding is the best," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, without apparently weighing in on the clothing issue itself.

Johnson interjected: "We've got to show them our pecs."

The leaders posed – jackets on – for photos before reporters were hustled out of the room, leaving the sartorial debate behind closed doors. AFP

while one remained missing after their boat capsized on June 23, Police Lt. Mariel Quizon said.

Gemma Dacillo, sister of the missing fisherman, appealed to the public for help to recover his body.

“I am appealing for your help, if at the very least you could see the body of our brother, this will be a big help for us. He was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and yellow shorts,” Dacillo said.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is plagued by poor sea transport, with its badly regulated boats prone to overcrowding and accidents.

In May, seven people were killed when a fire ripped through a ferry carrying 134 passengers and crew off the main island of Luzon. AFP

Guevarra...

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Philippines did not seem to be investigating the killings in President Duterte's bloody war on drugs to see if they were committed in line with state policy, or if higher officials were criminally liable.

“I respect his view but I think he should have waited for our own efforts to bear some fruit,” Guevarra said. “An investigation of this magnitude and complexity cannot be finished in a few months.”

On June 30, 2020, Guevarra told the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that the Philippine government is conducting “a judicious review of the 5,655 antiillegal drug operations where deaths occurred.”

The anti-drug operations were conducted during the administration of President Duterte.

Earlier, the ICC prosecutor said he intends to resume his probe into the Philippine's deadly drug war, saying a request by Manila to defer the probe was unjustified.

Khan had suspended the ICC investigation in November 2021 after the Philippines said it would look into the allegations itself.

"I have concluded that the deferral requested by the Philippines is not warranted, and that the investigation should resume as quickly as possible," Khan said in a statement from The Hague.

Khan said he had asked judges at the court for authorization to restart the probe.

"In short, the deferral of the ICC investigation requested by the Philippines is not justified," he added.

The announcement drew sharp rebuke from the Palace.

“For nth time, we express exasperation on the request of ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, even as it was suspended on the request of the Philippine government,” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said in a statement.

"After all, reciprocity is a key principle in the methods of work of the ICC. To veer away from this principle will only reveal the politicization that has infiltrated the ICC's ranks," he added.

Andanar said the Duterte administration “has undertaken, through the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Philippine National Police, among others, investigations of all deaths that have arisen from lawful drug enforcement operations.”

He also said that while the ICC cited the report of the Philippine Commission on Human Rights in its call for intervention, the CHR did not imply a need for a direct external investigation.

“Surely, the CHR knows the implications of such intervention on state sovereignty, and we expect the ICC, especially Mr. Khan, to know that as well," Andanar added.

Khan's announcement came days before outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte steps down after six years in power.

The ICC authorized a full-blown investigation into the Philippines antinarcotics campaign in September 2021, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians.

Rights groups said Duterte created a climate of impunity and estimated that tens of thousands have been killed by police, hitmen and vigilantes, even without proof they were involved in drugs.

The ICC, which only gets involved if member states are unable or unwilling to investigate, suspended the probe two months later afterManila said it was looking into the alleged crimes.

But Khan said on Friday that most of the details provided by the Philippines "do not seek to establish criminal responsibility and therefore cannot warrant deferral of the ICC's criminal investigation."

Proceedings mentioned by the Philippines also "fail to sufficiently mirror the authorized ICC investigation," he said.

Militant lawmakers on Saturday welcomed Khan's request to resume the probe. "We are glad that the ICC Prosecutor eventually concluded what we have been pointing out before that the so-called domestic accountability mechanism as far as this bloody war is concerned is clearly functioning and even is a big farce,” Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite said.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said the request "sustains the hope of Filipino women who were widowed under the 'Tokhang' operations."

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monday, june 27, 2022

Group pushes ‘bolder steps’ in shift to RE AN environmental advocacy group urges the incoming Marcos administration to take bolder steps in the country’s shift to renewable energy (RE).

The Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST) pushes the expansion of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) provision of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2021 to include electricity end-users who, despite having low consumption, have the capacity to transition to renewable energy.

Felix Vitangcol, co-convenor of PBEST, said in a statement that the country’s new set of leaders should prioritize strengthening public infrastructure, specifically access to reliable power sources, given current and future risks that may threaten the pace of national economic recovery.

“Renewable energy is the future. It is our key to achieving power stability and resilience without being subject to external circumstances,” Vitangcol said, citing the impending depletion of the Malampaya gas field by the end of this decade, the prolonged volatility caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and outdated power infrastructure in many places in the country that makes domestic electricity prices one of the highest in Asia.

“Thus, as many Filipinos as possible should be given the capacity to access RE even if they are not among the biggest consumers of electricity.”

According to Vitangcol, the present implementing rules and regulations of the EPIRA Law should be changed, expanding the threshold timeline to 10kW from 99kW instead of waiting another year to allow more industries and their infrastructures to enter and utilize RE.

TRAVEL HUB. The three-day tourism expo at the SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City turned out to be a beehive of activities as vacationers and other travelers book their flights notwithstanding airfare hikes spurred by upward adjustments in aviation fuel and flight insurance premiums.

Danny Pata

Salceda: Review WPS deal with China

By Rio N. Araja

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LBAY Rep. Joey Salceda on Sunday urged incoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to renegotiate terms of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) joint-development deal with China.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, chairperson of the House strategic intelligence committee, called for the lifting of the suspension of gas and oil drilling operations at the Recto Bank in the WPS following Manila’s withdrawal from the talks with Beijing on the matter.

The country must recalibrate the terms of its joint development efforts

with China over the West Philippine Sea assets, instead of requiring an independent, “internationally observed” exploration of possible oil and gas reserves first before a joint development agreement is carried out, Salceda said.

He was reacting to the Duterte administration’s recent withdrawal from talks with China on a joint energy project.

“I still think that it is in our best in-

terest to find a live-and-let-live solution with China on utilizing West Philippine Sea resources. As we have seen in Ukraine, military confrontation is a nowinner scenario. And, this is a question of Philippine independent interest, so we should not depend on our Western partners either,” Salceda said.

“Instead, I strongly suggest to President Bongbong Marcos that we renegotiate a way to approximate an inventory of the West Philippine Sea energy assets independently, with international observation and audit. That way, we know the kind of resources we are negotiating about without undermining our sovereignty,” he added.

Such effort is consistent with the China approach “I have been advocating: let’s know the benefits first, before we decide on what military, economic, diplomatic, or political costs we are willing to incur over the WPS,” Salceda said.

“At the same time, independent exploration before joint development will allow us to make a rational, nationally self-interested decision about what kind of joint development agreement we will undertake,” he said, adding “China will have to pay up.”

The government “must make China understand that if they want us on friendlier terms, especially on resource development, they have to pay up,” he stressed.

Quit smoking drive in PH slow—expert

40 Bohol farmers now own lands they cultivate THE Department of Agrarian Reform has distributed electronic land titles to farmer-beneficiaries in Bohol.

A total of 40 agrarian reform beneficiaries have become new landowners, after receiving their e-certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) in Carmen town.

The lots, with a total area of 51.9317 hectares, were distributed through the support to parcelization of lands for individual titling (SPLIT) project, the DAR’s thrust in subdividing and determining the exact metes and bounds of the areas previously awarded via collective certificates of land ownership award (CCLOAs) covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Romeo Reyes, DAR Central Visayas director, said the e-CLOAs would strengthen the beneficiaries’ individual ownership of their lands giving them full control in enriching their own farms.

“The DAR is doubling its effort to fortify our farmers’ land tenure security so that they can pass these lands to the next generation. We would continue to support them in making these lands productive,” he said. Rio N. Araja

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SECURITY MATTERS. The Manila Police District Command station 5 makes a rich haul of sharp objects and other banned items including ball pens and pentels confiscated from participants in the thanksgiving concert held at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila for outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte. Danny Pata

QC traders hail 10 ‘heroes of the pandemic’

By Rio N. Araja SIX individual achievers and four nongovernment organizations were on Sunday conferred the 2nd Dragon Star Awards by the Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen Inc. for “going beyond the call of duty to serve their communities at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These awardees were cited as “reallife heroes” of the pandemic for helping save many lives and inspiring countless

others to follow in their footsteps.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte graced the awarding ceremony held at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.

The individual awardees were Ana Patricia Non; Lou Sabrina Ongkiko; Kathrina Bianca Macababad; Dr. Glenn Angeles; Dr. Hilda Co-Ong; Dr. Maria Asuncion Silvestre, and Roy Maceda.

The awards were also given to the Tzu Chi Foundation, Salamat PH Healthcare Heroes, and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Com-

merce and Industry Inc. Ex-mayors Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and Brigido Simon Jr. also received a special award from the organizers.

Non, the first Filipino to lead the establishment of a community pantry on Maginhawa Street, Quezon City, and Ongkiko, who formulated and developed a critical learning continuity plan in the field of STEM at the Culiat Elementary School were earlier honored during the 19th Manuel Luis Quezon Gawad Parangal Awards in 2021.

A HEALTH expert has advised that addressing the smoking problem in the Philippines needed a pragmatic approach, amid calls for or against the passage of a law that would regulate vape products.

Dr. Rafael Castillo, former president of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), noted that the decline in smoking rate has been slow under the present strategy involving the use of nicotine replacement therapy.

“People make poor lifestyle choices despite suffering negative health effects. Complete smoking cessation is the primary goal, but it is not achievable. There has to be a pragmatic middle ground,” Castillo said.

Castillo also said that while the use of alternative tobacco products does not completely eliminate the harm, they can significantly reduce or mitigate the health risks.

“Personally, I believe that this is the best bet of all currently available smoking cessation measures to help recalcitrant smokers really kick the smoking problem, not only in our country but worldwide,” he said.

The vape bill provides regulations on the importation, manufacture, sale, packaging, distribution, use, and communication of vape products and novel tobacco products.

It will also transfer the regulatory powers over the products from the Food and Drug Administration to the Department of Trade and Industry. Willie Casas

Sablayan mayor: Dev’t will shift to high gear

By Robert A. Evora SABLAYAN, Occidental Mindoro – The incoming leadership of the Sablayan local government will focus on the development of the town’s major potentials, notably tourism and agriculture, which have been left untapped in the past years.

Newly-elected Mayor BongBong Mar-

quez said, in his inaugural speech, that because of its vastness in size, “Sablayan’s full potential in natural resources, mainly in agriculture and tourism, were never fully explored and developed to become competitive with other provinces and our people to benefit from it.”

Sablayan is a first class municipality with a total land area of 2,188.80

square kilometers equivalent to 218,909 hectares “making it the largest municipality in the Philippines,” the outgoing vice-mayor said Sablayan also hosts the world’s second largest coral reef, the 34-square kilometer Apo Reef Natural Park, the largest in the Philippines and second to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

CDC workers up in arms over uneven pay scale OATH-TAKING. Congressman Edcel Lagman administers the oath of office to Tabaco

City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro at the Casa Vel’amore. Luistro is in her third and last term as chief executive of Tabaco City. Norman Cruz

CLARK FREEPORT—Demoralization and anger run high among the workforce of Clark Development Corp.

(CDC) for alleged salary diminution and lop-sided pay scale.

The CDC workers specifically cited the implementation of the Compensation and Position Classification System

(CPCS) which they claimed was discriminatory to the rank and file, notably those with almost 30 years of service to the company.

In protest of the CPCS Authority to Implement (ATI) issued by the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corpo-

ration (GCG) to CDC last June 22, 2022, members of the Association of Concerned CDC Employees (ACCES) donned black clothing and marched around the CDC corporate offices during their free time to show their opposition on the imposition of the new pay-scale system.

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New gov’t eyes additional funds for barangays

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

By Rey E. Requejo

News

LGBTQ+ FLAG COLORS.

A silhouette of a couple is seen in front of the LGBTQ+ flag colors illuminating the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) facade in celebration of Pride Month. Danny Pata

Leni: VP should have bigger role T

HE country’s vice president should be given a bigger mandate to be able to do more to serve the public, Vice President Leni Robredo said.

Robredo, during the last episode of her weekly radio program, said that the government’s second highest official “had limited duties.”

She said she recalls that she “only had to attend ceremonial programs and continue some of the existing programs turned over by the office of former Vice President Jejomar Binay, when she assumed office in 2016.”

“We need to think about how to give the Vice President a bigger mandate be-

cause it seems like such a waste if, for example, s/he wasn’t very creative. The people in the Office of the Vice President are talented,” Robredo, quoted by a GMA News report, said. “For me, this needs to be discussed and see how more opportunities and more space could be given so that the Vice President could do something.

The Philippine Constitution says the Vice President is “mandated to assume the presidency in case the President

dies, has a disability, or resigns. The Vice President may also assume a cabinet position if offered by the President.”

It could be recalled that Robredo was appointed as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) in November 2019, but she was removed from the post after just 18 days, GMA News reported.

Robredo’s office focused on other initiatives such as disaster relief and later on a free telemedicine platform in April 2021 to help patients with COVID-19 and other diseases.

Despite the setbacks Robredo faced under the Duterte administration, she said she had “no regrets,”

Lawmaker urges Filipinos to take advantage of free med check-ups

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sonny Angara on Sunday urged Filipinos, particularly those suffering from chronic ailments, to avail of free medical check-ups to prevent the occurrence of potentially serious conditions that could lead to hospitalization, costly procedures or even death.

The Department of Health (DOH) recently cited a surge in non-COVID-19 hospital admissions that has led to the overcapacity of health facilities.

It was noted that the bulk of hospital admissions consisted of patients with chronic ailments who were unable to undergo check-ups at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when entry to hospitals and doctor’s clinics, as well as mobility in general, was restricted.

As a result of the delayed check-ups, complications developed among many

GMA News reported.

“Looking back, I could say that all the difficulties we faced made us better. Of course, we would have wanted it to be easier and we would have wanted to receive help if our office needed help. However, because we were not considered allies and we were not considered part of the government, we learned to find a way.

That’s what made us better because when it’s difficult you become better.

When it’s difficult, you find a way,” she said.

In May, Robredo ran for the presidency but lost to President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

THE incoming administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos on Sunday vowed to empower officials of the country’s 42,046 barangays who will undergo capacity-building training to ensure optimal utilization of the additional funds to be injected by the Mandanas-Garcia ruling.

Executive Secretary-designate Vic D. Rodriguez stressed that barangay governance would further improve with the additional funds that the implementation of the ruling would provide.

Rodriguez said that when he was still a barangay councilor, “our budget was only P4 million for Meralco” and many barangays cannot pay for their monthly electricity.

He said back then, funds for basic services were hard to come by.

However, he said barangays have evolved as more funds become more available.

“The evolution of barangay governance is very good. Barangays will have more funds because of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling,” he said.

Rodriguez further noted that barangay officials in Quezon City have already been undergoing such series of training, but not all barangays have the financial capacity.

He assured, that incoming Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and incoming Undersecretary Felicito “Chito” Valmocina, who also boasts of a lengthy experience as village leader would ensure that all barangay officials nationwide will undergo capacitybuilding training.

“I know you’ve been doing a lot of capability-building seminars but, not all barangays are fortunate like you here in Quezon City… but those who haven’t, with the incoming DILG Secretary Abalos, you’ll be in very good hands,” he pointed out.

HYBRID MEETINGS.

The Philippine Press Institute, led by its chair, Rolando Estabillo, held hybrid meetings with newspaper publishers in Luzon and Visayas in the past two weeks in a bid to establish local press councils as well as find ways to help PPI members through monetizing online platforms.

patients who now require urgent care at the hospitals.

Since the country is still in relatively good shape as far as the number of COVID cases and hospitalizations due to COVID are concerned, Angara urged Filipinos who require regular medical check-ups to do so now.

“There is no reason for Filipinos, especially those with chronic ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, to further delay their consultations,” said Angara.

For those who cannot afford to shoulder the costs of consultations and tests, he said the Universal Health Care (UHC) law is there to help them.

Angara is among the authors of Republic Act 11223 or the UHC Act. He said delaying these consultations and the corresponding treatment plans could lead to disability and even death among these patients

Zarate: Mindoro De Lima released from Manila Doctors after undergoing major surgery power issues will continue

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Rio N. Araja BAYAN Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate on Sunday warned that the blackout being experienced by residents of Occidental Mindoro may soon also happen in Oriental Mindoro if concerned agencies would not act very soon.

The fuel subsidy of P100 million since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic for power suppliers has yet to be released by the National Power Corp.

“The power situation of the two provinces are the same; the only difference is that the power providers in Oriental Mindoro has not shut down yet but if the NPC and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) would not act immediately and release the fuel subsidy then a total black out in Oriental Mindoro may also happen in the near future,” he said.

“Just a few days ago, three power providers of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Ormeco) failed to secure fuel supply from suppliers inside and outside the province that amounts to a power deficit of at least 18 megawatts, which means more brown outs are in the offing for the province. If this continues then a black out is not far off,” he added.

SENATOR Leila de Lima was discharged from the Manila Doctors Hospital on Sunday after undergoing a major surgery.

Earlier, the senator was granted by Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court 204 and 256 the medical furlough to undergo a vaginal hysterectomy with

anterior and posterior colporrhaphy as recommended by her doctor.

She was diagnosed with Stage 3 pelvic organ prolapse during her medical check-up last April. De Lima got out of the Hospital and rode a Philippine National Police Coaster van that will transport her back to the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

She has been granted by the courts a medical furlough for the said medical procedure.

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court 204 and 256 the medical furlough to undergo a vaginal hysterectomy with anterior and posterior colporrhaphy as recommended by her doctor.

She was diagnosed with Stage 3 pelvic organ prolapse during her medical

check-up last April.

The senator has been detained since February 2017 at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame over what she insisted at trumped-up drug charges.

She sought a reelection in the last May elections but lost. De Lima thanked the court for its speedy action on her medical request.

Peso-dollar rate seen boosting local tourism

By Rio N. Araja

OATH OF OFFICE. Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan (left) administers the Oath of Office for elected

Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo (center) with family during an oath-taking ceremony at the Provincial Capitol of Camiguin. Witnesses include (from right) House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, and Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo. Ver Noveno

BARMM vaccination rates still below target

VACCINATION coverage against COVID-19 has been pegged at 33 percent of the population of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The 33-percent rate is said to be far below the 70 percent rate that the Duterte administration has been targetting.

National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) chairperson and Health Undersecretary Dr. Myrna

Cabotaje noted that 1.1 million out of the 3.5 million BARMM population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, GMA News reported.

“Their vaccination coverage significantly increased after Ramadan because of the special vaccination days. Before that, the vaccination coverage was only at 20 percent. We will be happy to reach 50 percent,” she said.

NEWLY elected Quezon Rep. Reynan Arrogancia on Sunday said the weakening of the peso against the US dollar could provide a boost for dollar-earning tourism enterprises.

This could help ease elevated inflation and high fuel prices.

“I hope the Department of Tourism will help promote the less famous tourist destinations where tourists’ dollars will have more impact than in the more expensive but famous attractions. Tourism places, like the beaches of Quezon facing the Tayabas Bay, would gain from a high exchange rate of the peso to the dollar when foreign tourists and balikbayans come,” he said.

“Tourism is experiencing a resurgence now that the country has relaxed travel restrictions and COVID spread is low. I will urge the local government unit in my congressional district to be watchful and guard against any resurgence of COVID in their areas, so as not to slow down or stop the recovery of tourism,” he added.

He said public utility vehicles and tourism shuttle operators are hurting because of high fuel prices.

Opinion A sustainable post-pandemic world

The string of yellow alerts because of unscheduled shutdowns of power plants, the runaway price hike of petroleum, the highest inflation rates in more than a decade are all fallouts raining untold suffering to Filipinos sequences of the pandemic and peripheral challenges of the environment and climate change,” Manhit said.

PBEST convenor and Stratbase ADRi Trustee and Program Director, Dr. Carlos Primo “CP” David points our that protecting the environment will never be a priority for as long as more immediate problems exist in our society such as jobs creation, food sufficiency, avoiding another pandemic, affordable electricity, better education, and overall national security.

Dr. David stressed the need to efficiently use the resources that we have, which is the basic tenet of sustainable development and proposed the harnessing of the countries small rivers that has been actually recognized by the World Small Hydropower report as one of the highest mini hydropower potentials in the region capable of generating over 2000 megawatts of power.

Only a few small turbines are now operating at only 147 megawatts.

Too fertile an imagination

The funny thing is they are still very much in existence, doing what they do best—That is to criticize the administration, or whoever does not subscribe to their platform These are the National Democratic Front of the Philippines site, the official publication of NDF; and the website of CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, a designated terrorist under Anti-Terrorism Council Resolution 17 issued in 2021.

Aside from the websites directly linked to the underground organizations, Esperon also requested the NTC to block online access to several independent media websites such as Bulatlat and progressive groups like Save our Schools Network, UMA Pilipinas, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, and Pamalakaya Pilipinas, saying said media organizations and groups are “affiliated to and are supporting these ter-

rorists and terrorist organizations.”

“They have established pervasive online presence through their website that they continually use to publish propaganda and misinformation campaigns in order to malign the Philippine government, recruit new members, and solicit funds from local and international sources,” Esperon’s letter to NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba read.

Included in the list of websites Esperon seeks to be blocked are: NDFP, NDF, Jose Maria Sison, Philippine Revolution Web Central, Bulatlat, Hiyaw, PRWC Newsroom, Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions, Compatriots-Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipino and their Families, Save our Schools Network; UMA Pilipinas, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, Pamalakaya Pilipinas, AMIHAN National Federation of Peasant Women, BAYAN, Arkibong Bayan, International League of People Struggle, Pinoy Weekly, Counter Punch, International Action Center, Monthly Review, People’s March, Taga-Ilog News, PartisaNews, and People Resist News.

Expectedly, Leftist organizations and their media allies and sympathizers were quick to cry foul, claiming the NTC order sends a chilling effect to media practitioners as it restricts press freedom.

Chilling effect and press freedom restriction. I have been reading that for the longest time. When Rappler’s Maria Ressa was convicted of the crime of cyber libel filed by a businessman, these people also raised the chilling effect vis-à-vis press freedom restrictions mantra.

The same thing happened when the Security and Exchange Commission revoked Rappler’s registration after having been found out to have violated the Constitution and Anti-Dummy Law. They parroted the same line when Congress denied ABS-CBN’s application for a renewal of its franchise after having been found out to have committed several violations in the conditions stipulated in its franchise, including the same offense committed

by Rappler regarding foreign investment.

The funny thing is they are still very much in existence, doing what they

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COVID-19 sets back poverty reduction

HE COVID-19 pandemic of the past 27 months has affected not only the health situation in the country in terms of lives lost and the healthcare system stretched to its limits.

This is unfortunate, as NEDA concedes, because if COVID-19 had not happened, we would have been able to bring down the subsistence poverty rate to zero since we already hit single digit in 2018.

The number of Filipinos in poverty has now risen to over 26 million, just under 25 percent of the population

It has also adversely affected the entire economy—from job losses to higher prices of consumer goods and limited mobility due to lack of adequate transportation services.

Yet another adverse impact of the pandemic on the economic front is the big setback in reducing poverty incidence in the country.

According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the goal of eradicating both subsistence and income poverty may not be achieved due to the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

Prior to March 2020, the start of the pandemic, the government had targeted to eradicate subsistence poverty by 2030 and bring down income poverty to zero by 2040.

Subsistence poverty is the proportion of the population who could not even provide for their basic food needs, while the income poverty rate includes those who could not provide for their basic food and non-food needs.

In fact, the pandemic has set back the country’s at least two years worth of gains in poverty reduction.

Based on the World Bank’s latest report, poverty incidence is also expected to increase in light of the increase in commodity prices this year.

The WB believes that recent food and fuel price increases, in part due to the prolonged Russian invasion of Ukraine, could threaten expected progress in poverty reduction in 2022, as poor households tend to spend substantial shares of their incomes on food and energy.

The latest official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed poverty incidence increased to 23.7 percent in the first semester of 2021 from the 21.1 percent in the first semester of 2018.

This translates to 26.14 million Filipinos who lived below the poverty threshold—estimated at P12,082, on the average, for a family of five per month—in the first semester of 2021.

The number of Filipinos in poverty has now risen to over 26 million, just under 25 percent of the population.

The prevailing poverty situation is underscored by the results of the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations from April 9 to 27 that a total of 12.2 percent of Filipino families, or an estimated 3.1 million individuals, experienced hunger in the first quarter of 2022.

The SWS reported that of the 12.2 percent of families, 9.3 percent or around 2.4 million families experienced “moderate hunger,” while 2.9 percent or 744,000 families experienced “severe hunger.”

For its part, the Commission on Population and Development is hoping that as part of the country’s war against poverty, the incoming administration should provide a “living wage” to workers.

The agency defines a “living wage” as the amount that addresses the cost of daily living.

While the government has adjusted the minimum wage in Metro Manila from the previous P537 per day last year to P570 per day since last month, the amount is deemed too measly to allow a typical family of five to keep their heads above water.

We expect the incoming administration to ramp up efforts to reduce the ranks of the poor by creating more jobs and giving workers decent wages.

Economic growth should be aimed at giving the poor and disadvantaged sectors the means to stand on their own two feet.

The president’s team

Full version on www.manilastandard.net

LAST week, the National Telecommunications Commission ordered internet service providers to immediately block access to websites linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front and its alleged affiliates following the request of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

Esperon’s request, sought to prohibit access to websites that are directly linked to the CPP-NPA-NDF.

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EDITORIAL

growth of the Philippine economy and an opportunity to seriously address the challenges of Philippine society.

Prof. Manhit stated that “Investment must reduce carbon emissions, make our communities more climate resilient, and create circular mechanisms for resource demand and consumption.”

“Hopefully it (the private sector) will respond to the challenges of the next administration in dealing with the economic con-

BUILDING sustainable ecosystems in a post-pandemic world has become the global direction that envisions a planetary world order that would have the resilience and existential durability for humans to live beyond survival and emerge with new paradigms of growth and coprosperity.

That may have sounded wishful, given the convergence of crises that have fused into a scary interplay of climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and escalating geopolitical hostilities that are now inflicting historic disruptions to the world’s economically challenged peoples.

But this is the reality that we now live in and the daunting challenge that the incoming government and all sectors of our society, including you and me, must recognize and work as harmoniously as we can if we want to get out of this deep crisis soon.

The string of yellow alerts because of unscheduled shutdowns of power plants, the runaway price hike of petroleum, the highest inflation rates in more than a decade are all fallouts raining untold suffering to Filipinos.

Add the doubling rate of infections in many areas, though mostly with mild symptoms, might force another round of stricter mobility restrictions that will kick hard on our struggle for economic recovery.

A rethink of the development versus sustainability dilemma espoused by the principles of Environment, Social, and Governance is now the new model of developmental values that industry leaders, civil society, and even governments are slowly integrating into their operations and stakeholder engagements.

In the Stratbase ADRi virtual townhall discussion on “Promoting an InvestmentLed and Sustainable Economy” last Thursday in partnership with the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship, Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, Founder and Managing Director of the Stratbase Group, sees investments from the private sector as the key driver for the

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

power while delegation of responsibilities and corresponding devolution of resources are spotty and ill-programmed.

Even as his predecessor, Eduardo Ano, a military man with little authoritarian mindset, bows out after a well-respected stint,

AT NOON of Thursday this week, a new administration takes over the helm of power.

Many Filipinos will be eager to listen to the new president’s first official pronouncement—the inaugural address.

Likely it will stress on the importance of unity, the single theme around which his campaign messaging was centered upon.

But in a period of extreme stress, with people worrying about the high costs of living, and for many, the high cost of surviving in these benighted isles, the unity theme must carry more than just a motherhood paean.

And this is why it is important for many observers, be they supporters of the BBMSara tandem or not in the last electoral exercise, to focus on the team which will implement the president’s policies and programs.

First off, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, who took her oath at Rizal Park in her native Davao City on the anniversary of the national hero’s birth, was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Education which by constitutional fiat is given the biggest slice of the national budget.

It is a tough responsibility to mold young minds, many of them stunted and malnourished by poverty, to become responsible citizens of the republic, while arming them with the tools, especially in science and mathematics, to succeed in a highly competitive present and future world.

It is refreshing to note that a long-time local government executive has been appointed secretary of the interior at a time when wherewithal will be expanded by the Mandanas ruling, and amidst calls for more local autonomy as our highly centralized unitary system wields so much do best. That is to criticize the administration, or whoever does not subscribe to their platform.

In fact, in the last elections, they were very much active in demonizing Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard bearer, former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., delivering fake news and raising unfounded apprehensions in the event Marcos wins.

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

BBM must see through the charlatans who pander to populism and look for effective problem solvers with wellbalanced solutions and, in tandem with his economic managers, seek equilibrium between free trade and fair trade incoming Secretary Benhur Abalos, with his academic background and LGU experience, is expected to balance the desideratum of autonomy with the finite resources of a nation hobbled by economic crisis.

The incoming president must be congratulated for his A-team of economic managers, headed by the erudite Ben Diokno in finance, the agronomist Arsi Balisacan at economic planning, and replacing Diokno at the Bangko Sentral, whose monetary policies will be very important in these difficult times, Philip Medalla, with Fred Pascual at the Department of Trade and Industry—all from the state university, the veritable think tank of government.

High hopes and great expectations are both a heavy burden and a patriotic duty Well, unfortunately for them, despite their massive campaign against him, and praising their preferred candidate to high heavens (literally), BBM emerged as the victor.

Nothing has changed in their orientation and the way they handle their business.

So where exactly is their trepidation of chilling effect in relation to press freedom restriction coming from?

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

for the president’s A-team, but with their expertise and probity, they assure both the business community and the plebeian polity of their favorite academic mantra— equilibrium.

Equilibrium between the demands of farmers and the needs of consumers, which will be the most tricky part in the coming days and months when no less than the president himself is taking over the critical role of agriculture secretary.

Once again, the incoming president must choose the right support staff of line managers and policy advisers in the highly diverse agriculture establishment.

He must see through the charlatans who pander to populism and look for effective problem solvers with well-balanced solutions and, in tandem with his economic managers, seek equilibrium between free trade and fair trade.

How my neighbor Conrad Estrella assists in farm productivity and raising the incomes of the dying breed of farmerland reform beneficiaries through effective consolidation of un-economic plots is likewise important.

The incoming president can thus parlay his huge political capital into starting the modernization of agriculture and fisheries which, as I have always advocated, deserves a separate department.

Equally important support in seeking equilibrium are Labor and the newly created Department for Migrant Workers.

Once more, kudos for choosing the highly experienced Benny Laguesma at DOLE and the truly dedicated Toots Ople who has embraced the cause of our “bagong bayani” and who we trust to make the “bago (kuno)” a properly rewarded importance for their life-saving and “heroic” role in the economy.

Full version on www.manilastandard.net The imagination of these people is too fertile beyond comprehension they can easily concoct basis for fear among the people when they themselves cannot claim they have experienced.

Of course they can easily say it’s different this time as there are actual websites ordered closed.

But what have these got to do with them?

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Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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World

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Abortion pills to become next battleground CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 221, Quezon City MERLIE D. SANTOS and GINA SANTOS DEMONTEVERDE, Petitioners, - versus-

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-22-01927-CV For: Judicial Settlement, Appointment of Administrator, Partition of Estate

CARISSA JOY S. SICCION, Respondent. x--------------------------------------------------x ORDER In a verified Petition filed before this Court on March 1, 2022, petitioners pray for the judicial settlement of the estate of the late Spouses Arsenio & Apolonia Santos, the appointment of petitioner Merlie D. Santos as administrator, and the partition of the said estate, and in support thereof allege: 1. The petitioners, Merlie D. Santos, Gina Santos Demonteverde, and respondent. Carrisa Joy S. Siccion, are the legal and compulsory heirs of the late Spouses Arsenio & Apolonia Santos who died intestate without leaving any will nor any debt on January 14, 2011 and August 16, 2013, respectively; 2. Petitioners are legitimate children of the deceased spouses, while, the respondent is the granddaughter of the deceased spouses. Respondent’s mother, Maria Theresa Santos-Siccion is also the daughter of the deceased spouses; 3. That the address of respondent Carrisa Joy S. Siccion could not be ascertained despite the diligent efforts made by the petitioners in order to locate her; thus, the petitioners were forced to file this petition and to serve summons to the said respondent by publication pursuant to and in accordance with the applicable laws and jurisprudence; 4. That the deceased spouses left behind several properties and while the petitioners exerted their best effort in order to execute an extra-judicial settlement of the subject estate, respondent, however, could not be located and is not cooperative. Hence, the petitioners were compelled to file the instant petition; 5. That the deceased spouses, at the time of their death, left behind the following real properties registered in their name, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-114026 (252348) A parcel of land (lot 15-C-1 of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-42203, being a portion of Lot 153-C; described on plan (LRC) Psd-35198; LRC (GLRO) Rec. No. 5975), situated in the Barrio of Talipapa, Quezon City, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., points 2 to 3

by Lot 153-C-2 of the subdivision plan; on the SE., points 3 to 4 by LOT 153-B, (1086) Fls-850-B; on the SE., points 4 to 1 by Lot 153-B (LRC) Psd-35198; and on the NW., points 1 to 2 by Lot 153-I, (LRC) Psd-35198. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 61 deg. 07’E., 128.13 m. from L.M. No. 7, Piedad Estate; thence N. 68 deg. 08’E., 12.62 m. to point 2; thence, S. 21 deg. 54’E., 19.81 m. to point 3; thence, S. 68 deg. 14’W., 12.62 m to point 4; thence N. 21 deg. 54’W., 19.73 19.79 m. to point of beginning; containing an area of TWO HUNDRED FIFTY (250) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follow; points 1 and 4 by old PLS., and the rest by P.S. all cyl. Conc. Mons. 15x60 cms., bearings true; decln. 0 deg. 48’E., date of the original survey, July 1-Dec. 14, 1907 and that of the subdivision survey, February 7, 1965.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. V-17268 A parcel of land (Lot 1712-A-I of the subd. plan (LRC) Psd-282997, approved as a non subd. Project, being a portion of Lot 17-12-A (LRC) Psd-12287, LRC Rec. No. 5941), situated in the Mun. of Valenzuela, Prov. of Bulacan, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., points 6 to 1 by Lot 1712-B (LRC) Psd-12287 on the SE., points 1 to 2 by Lot 1712-A-2 of the subd. Plan and on the SW. points 2 to 5 by Lot 13 44 (Now) Malinta Est, and on the NW.points 5 to 6 by Lot 1388 (Now) Malinta Estate.

Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being S. 24 deg.

17’W., 343.47 m. from L.M. No. 34 Malinta Est, thence S. 18 deg, 00’W., 29.17 m. to point 2, thence N. 82 deg.

08’W., 26.25 m. to point 3, thence N.28 deg. 25’W., 20.12 m. point 4, thence N. 28 deg. 25’W., 1.66 m. to point 5, thence N. 52 deg. 58’E., 14.00 m. to point 6, thence S. 84 deg 18’E., 34.34 m. to the point of beginning, containing an area of ONE THOUSAND (1,000) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows: Point 4

by X on sampaloc tree (30 mm. diam) point 5 by Old stk.

Point 6 by old P.S. point 3 by Old P.L.S. and the rest by P.S. cyl. conc.mons. 15x60 cm; bearings true, date of the original survey June 24-Sept. 20, 1930 and that of the subd., Survey executed by Felipe F. Lazaro, Geod. Engr.

On July 9, 1978.

TCT NO. – 195253 - ) PR – 20043 A parcel of land (Lot 100 – J of the subdivision plan (LRC) psd-23756, being a portion of Lot 100 of Piedad Estate, LRC (GLRO) Record No. 5975), situated in the Barrio of Talipapa, Quezon City. Bounded on the SW., points 4 to 1 Lot 100-I; on the NW., points 1 to 2 Lot 100-N; on the NE., points 2 to 3 by lot 100-K, all of the subdivision plan; and on the SE., points 3 to 4 by Lot 153, piedad Estate. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 8 deg. 48’W., 165.87 m. from L.M. No. 8, Piedad Estate; thence N. 62 deg. 39’E., 33.90 m. to point 2; thence S. 26 deg. 54’E., 30.41 m. to point 3; thence S. 65 deg. 07’W., 33.49 m. to point 4; thence N. 27 deg. 45’W., 28.97 m. to point of beginning; containing an area of ONE THOUSAND (1,000) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground by P.S. cyl. conc. Mons. 15x60 cms; bearing true; declination 0 deg. 48’E., date of the original survey, July 1 – December 14, 1907, and that of the subdivision survey, October 19-21, 1962.

TCT NO. 291987-R A parcel of land (Lot 1 of the subd. plan Psd-03002476, being a portion of Lot Psu-53865, L.R.C. Rec. No. ), situated in the Bo. of Sto. Tomas, Mun. of Lubao, Prov. of Pampanga. Bounded on the SE., along line 1-2

by Sapang Mayagus; along lines 2-3-4 by 6056 (Heirs of Esteban Victorio); on the SW., along lines 4-5-6 by Lot 6062; on the NW., along lines 6-7-8 by Lot 6063 (Mun. of Lubao Cemetery), all of the Lubao Cad.; on the NW., & NE., along lines 8-9-1 by Lot 2 of the subd. Plan.

Beginning at a pt. marked “1” on plan, being N.09 deg.

15’E., 696.38 m. from BLLM 2, Lubao Cad.; thence S. 85 deg. 35’N., 3.38 m. to pt. 2. thence S. 89 deg. 28’W., 276.64 m. to, pt. 3; thence S. 82 deg. 21’W., 83.01m. to pt. 4; thence N. 04 deg. 41’W., 11.16 m. to pt. 5; thence N. 04 deg. 41’W., 3.37 m. to pt. 6; thence N. 80 deg. 47’E 102.96 m. to the pt. 7; thence N. 03 deg. 55’W., 84.41 m. to pt. 8; thence N. 77 deg. 45’E., 235.20 m. to pt. 9; thence S. 14 deg. 01’E., 155.85m. to the pt. of beginning, containing an area of THIRTY THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT (33,558) Square Meters.

All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows: pt. 9 by P.S. cyl.conc. mons.,; and the rest by the Old Pts. Bearings true; date of the orig. Survey Sept. 20-24, 1926 and that of the subd.

Survey July 22-23, 1989 and was approved on Aug. 30.

1989.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. N-269279 A parcel of land (Lot 101-B-2-C as shown on subdn., plan, of Psd-007404-020396-D being a portion of Lot 101-B-2, Psd-34168, LRC Record No. 5973), situated in Brgy. Of Talipapa Q. City, Metro Mnla. Is. of Luzon.

Bounded on the SW., along line 1-2 by Lot 101-B-2-B of the subdn. Plan; on the NW., along line 3-4 by Lot 101-B-2-D (Road); on the SE., along line 4-1 by Lot 101-B-2-A, both of the subdn. Plan. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being N. 68 deg. 17’E., 21.14 m. from LM #7, Piedad Estate; thence No. 37 deg. 26’W., 21.07 m. to pt. 2; N. 35 deg. 28’E., 3.62 m. to pt. 3; S. 32 deg.

26’E., 22.22 m. to pt. 4; S. 53 deg. 55’W., 3.46 m. to pt. of beginning, containing an area of SEVENTY FIVE (75) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on plan and are marked on the ground by: PS cyl.conc.mons. 15x40 cm. bearings true; date of the original survey July 1-Dec. 14, 1907 that of the subdn. date of survey June 9, 1991 as surveyed by Engr. M.B. del Mundo and approved in Dec. 03, 1991.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. N-196667 A parcel of land (Lot 100-D-2-B of the subdn. plan (LRC) Psd-343216, approved as a non-subdivision project, being a portion of Lot 100-D-2, (LRC) Psd-29921, L.R.C. Rec. No. 5975), situated in the Bo. of Talipapa, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., points 2 to 3 by Lot 100-E (LRC) Psd-23756 on the SE., points 3 to 4 by Lot 100-N, (Road), (LRC) Psd-23756, (MRC Street); on the SW., points 4 to 1 by Lot 100-D-2-A of the subdn. plan; and on NW., points 1 to 2 by Lot 101-B-3, Psd-34163. Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan; being S.9 deg. 49’W., 123.73 m. to from LM No.8, Piedad Estate; thence N. 60 deg. 25’E., 10.60 m. to point 2; thence S.27 deg. 52’E., 29.75 m. to point 3; thence S. 62 deg. 39’W., 10.60 m. to point 4; thence N. 27 deg. 52’W. 29.33 m. to the point of beginning; containing an area of THREE HUNDRED THIRTEEN (313) SQUARE METERS, more or less.

All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows: points 2 & 3 by Old PS and the rest by P.S. cyl.conc.mons. 15x60 cm; bearings true, decl. 0 deg. 48’E., date of the original survey July 1-Dec.14, 1907 and that of the subdn. Survey, executed

by Marceline B. del Mundo, Geodetic Engineer, on April 10, 1988.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-115451 (68488) A parcel of land (Lot 100-I of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-23756, being a portion of Lot 100 of Piedad Estate, LRC (GLRO) Record No. 5975), situated in the Barrio of Talipapa, Quezon City. Bounded on the SW., points 3 to 4 by Lot 100-B on the NW., points 4 to 1 by Lot 100-N; on the NE., points 1 to 2 by Lot 100-J, all of the subdivision plan; and on the SE., points 2 to 3 by Lot 153, Piedad Estate; Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S. 8 deg. 48’W. 165.87 m. from LM. 8, Piedad Estate; thence S. 27 deg. 45’E., 28.97 m. to point 2; thence S. 65 deg. 07’W., 35.06 m. to point 3; thence N.29 deg. 35’W., 27m. to point 4; thence N.62 deg. 39’E., 35.90 m. to the point of beginning, containing an area of ONE THOUSAND (1,000) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground by P.S. cyl.conc.mons. 15x60 cm; bearings true; declination 0 deg. 48’E.,date of the original survey, July 1-December 14, 1907, and that of the subdivision Survey, October 19-21,1962.

US reproductive fight seen to shift after court ruling

A

S CONSERVATIve US states rush to enact abortion bans following the Supreme Court’s bombshell decision, the fight over reproductive rights in America is poised to shift to a new battleground: abortion-inducing pills.

With little other means at its disposal, the Biden administration will focus on expanding access to abortion pills for women living in states where the procedure is banned or restricted – while those states and powerful conservative groups are sure to mount legal challenges to prohibit their use.

Hours after the high court shredded 50 years of constitutional protections for abortion rights on Friday, President Joe Biden ordered health officials to make sure abortion pills were available to American women.

“I will do all in my power to protect a woman’s right in states where they will face the consequences of today’s decision,” he said in televised address to the nation.

Manila The pills, which can be used without significant risk Standard to terminate a pregnancy up to 10 weeks’ gestation, alTODAY ready account for half of all abortions carried out in the United States.

Demand is set to soar further after 11 states mostly in the Republican-led conservative South moved to severely restrict or fully ban abortion, with others set to follow suit.

Already Saturday, some activists rallying outside the Supreme Court in the US capital Washington held up posters with instructions on where women can get abortion pills, while others chanted “My body, my choice.”

(MS-JUNE 27, 2022)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT & EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF MANDALUYONG CITY

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-114027 (338379) A parcel of land (Lot 100-K-1 of the subd. plan (LRC) Psd- 3267 58, approved as a non subd. Project, being a portion of Lot 100-K, (LRC) Psd-23756, LRC Rec. No. 5975), situated in the Bo. of Balintawak, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Island of Luzon. Bounded on the NE., points 1 to 2 by Lot 100-K-2 of the subd. Plan; on the SE., points 2 to 3 by Lot 153, Piedad Estate; on the SW., points 3 to 4 by Lot 100-J (LRC) Psd-23756; and on the NW., points 4 to 1 by Lot 100-N (LRC) Psd-23756.

Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan being S.7 deg.

40’E., 142.25 m. from LM. 8, Piedad Estate; thence S.27 deg. 39’E., 31.11 m. to point 2; thence S. 65 deg. 07’W., 16.47 m. to point 3; thence N. 26 deg. 54’W., 30.41m. to point 4; thence N. 62 deg. 39’E., 16.05 m. to the point of beginning; containing an area of FIVE HUNDRED (500) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows: points 3 & 4 by old PS and the rest by PS cyl.conc.mons 15x60cm; bearings true; date of original survey, July 1-December 14, 1907, and that of the subd. survey, by Marceline B. del Mundo, Geodetic Engineer, on Feb. 3, 1985.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. RT-115452 (77965) A parcel of land (Lot 100-A of the subdivision plan (LRC) Psd-23756, being a portion of Lot 100, of Piedad Estate, LRC (GLRO) Record No. 5975), situated in the Bo. of Talipapa, Quezon City. Bounded on the NE., points 4 to 1 by Lot 101-B-1 Psd-34163; on the SE., points 1 to 2

by Lot 100-B of the subdivision plan; on the SW points 2 to 3 by Lot 97, Piedad Estate; and on the NW., points 3 to 4 by the Provincial Road. (Manila-Novaliches Road).

Beginning at a point marked “1” on plan, being S.31 deg.

11’W., 195.80m. from LM. 3, Piedad Estate; thence S. 60 deg. 25’W., 15.57m. to point 2; thence N. 44 deg. 07’W., 28.68 m. to point 3; thence N. 58 deg. 33’E., 18.40m. to point 4; thence S. 38 deg. 21’E., 28.70 m. to the point of beginning; containing an area of FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY EIGHT (478) SQUARE METERS, more or less. All points referred to are indicated on the plan and are marked on the ground as follows: point 2 by PS cyl. conc.mons. 15x60 cm and the rest by old PLS stone mons., bearings true; declination 0 deg. 48’E, date of original survey, July 1- December 14, 1907, and that of the subdivision survey, October 21, 1962.

6. That the petitioners agreed to nominate as administrator of the estate petitioner Merlie D. Santos who possesses no disqualification, and that she is willing to comply with the requirements to be set by the Court for her to be the appointed administrator of the estate in accordance with law.

WHEREFORE, finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby set for hearing on September 5, 2022 at 9:00 am before this Court sitting at Room 608, 6/F, Hall of Justice-Annex, City Hall Complex, Quezon City, at which date, time and place all interested persons are required to appear and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at petitioners’ expense, upon coordination with the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Quezon City.

Likewise, let copies of this Order and Notice of Hearing fixed for the judicial settlement of the estate of the late Spouses Arsenio and Apolonia Santos and issuance of letters of administration be addressed to the known heirs and creditors of the decedents, and to any other persons believed to have an interest in the estate at their places of residence, and deposited in the post office with the postage thereon prepaid at least twenty (20) days before the hearing, if such places of residence be known, or be personally delivered on such persons at least ten (10) days before the date of hearing.

Lastly, let a copy of this Order be posted at the main entrance of the City Hall of Quezon City, the main entrance of the Hall of Justice Bldg., Quezon City, and this Court.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, March 30, 2022.

Email: rtc1mdlocc@judiciary.gov.ph Hotline: 639952598147

SECURITY BANK CORPORATION Mortgagee, FRE-MC22-1424 APPLICATION FOR EXTRAJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT NO. 3135, AS AMENDED

-versus-

SPOUSES RYAN DE GUZMAN FIÑONES AND CHERRIE MARTIN FIÑONES, Mortgagor/Debtors, x--------------------------------------------------------------x

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as amended by Act 4118 filed by SECURITY BANK CORPORATION, Mortgagee, with principal office at Security Bank Centre, 6776 Ayala Avenue, Makati City against Mortgagors/Debtors SPOUSES RYAN DE GUZMAN FIÑONES AND CHERRIE MARTIN FIÑONES with postal address at Unit 325 3/F 588 Residences, Cordillera corner Arayat Street, Barangay, Malamig, Mandaluyong City to satisfy the mortgaged indebtedness which as of May 02, 2022 amounts to ONE MILLION NINE HUNDRED SEVENTY-THREE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED PESOS AND 63/100 (Php 1,973,700.63), inclusive of interest, penalty and other charges, the Ex-Officio Sheriff of Mandaluyong City or his duly authorized deputy will sell at PUBLIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH OR MANAGERS CHECK and in Philippine Currency on the 1st day of August, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. or soon thereafter in front of the main entrance of the Hall of Justice Building, Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City. The condominium unit with parking unit together with all the improvements existing thereon to wit: CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO.

008-2016003225

Registry of Deeds for Mandaluyong City IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the unit identified and described as: RESIDENTIAL UNIT FLOOR: 3 UNIT CALLOUT: 325 UNIT AREA: 18.00 BALCONY AREA: 3.00 TOTAL AREA: 21.00 (MORE OR LESS) UNIT TYPE: 1 BEDROOM OF THE “588 RESIDENCES” CONDOMINIUM PROJECT In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 2012000249; 2012000250; 2012000251 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with an area of (ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY TWO (1,222) Square Meter CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO.

008-2016003224

Registry of Deeds of Mandaluyong City IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the unit identified and described as: PARKING UNIT FLOOR LEVEL: BASEMENT LEVEL UNIT CALLOUT: BP-11 DESCRIPTION: COVERED PARKING AREA: 12.50 OF THE “588 RESIDENCES” CONDOMINIUM PROJECT In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 2012000249; 2012000250; 2012000251 which embraces and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with an area of (ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED TWENTY TWO (1,222) Square Meter “In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on 16th day of AUGUST, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. or soon thereafter without further notice.”

Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the said real property and the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Mandaluyong City, Philippines, June 20, 2022.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF:

WARNING:

(Sgd.) MARTE JOY Y. MAGISTRADO Sheriff-in-charge

It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of Auction Sale under penalty of the law.

Copy Furnished:

(Sgd.) JOCELYN A. SOLIS-REYES Presiding Judge CC: Merlie D. Santos Gina Santos Monteverde Petitioners Atty. Robert H. Samarita SAMARITA MANALOTO & SANTIAGO LAW OFFICES Counsel for Petitioners Carrisa Joy S. Siccion (thru publication) (MStandard - June 27, 2022, July 4 & 11, 2022)

Rebecca Gomperts, a Dutch physician who runs Aid Access, an Austria-based organization that provides abortion pills over the internet, is confident that the situation now faced by American women is not as tragic as it was 50 years ago, before the landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling of 1973 that enshrined abortion rights in America.

“The abortion pills cannot be stopped,” Gomperts told AFP in a phone interview. “So, there is always access to a safe abortion if a woman has an unwanted pregnancy.”

But after Friday’s ruling, that may be easier said than done.

The Food and Drug Administration, America’s health regulator, approved the use of abortion pills two decades ago and last year allowed for them to be prescribed via telemedicine and delivered by mail.

But their use in anti-abortion states remains a legal grey area and will likely become a front line in future court battles over reproductive rights.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports access to abortion, 19 US states require that abortion pills be physically administered by a clinician, thus prohibiting their delivery by mail.

And in states that ban all methods of abortion, women may be prohibited from seeking tele-health appointments with out-of-state doctors or foreign clinicians, like Gomperts’ group.

In this case, they may have to travel to a state where reproductive tele-health appointments are allowed and get the medication delivered to an out-of-state address.

But there is another complication.

A medication abortion requires two drugs: first, a dose of mifepristone is taken to block the hormones that support a pregnancy; then, 24 to 48 hours later, misoprostol is taken to induce contractions. AFP

SECURITY BANK CORPORATION Security Bank Centre, 6776 Ayala Avenue, Makati City SECURITY BANK CORPORATION LARIBA PEREZ MANGROBANG MIRALLES DUMBRIQUE FULGENCIO SALAS AND REGONDOLA 4th Floor, Security Bank Centre Building 6776 Ayala Avenue, Makati City SPOUSES RYAN DE GUZMAN FIÑONES AND CHERRIE MARTIN FIÑONES Unit 325 3/F 588 Residences, Cordillera corner Arayat Street, Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City (MStandard-June 27, 2022, July 4 & 11, 2022)

UP IN SMOKE. A Cambodian police official stands guard near a

burning pile of drugs during a destruction ceremony to mark the UN’s “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” in Phnom Penh on June 26, 2022. AFP

Mayor: Russia missile strikes hit Kyiv residential complex RUSSIAN missile strikes hit a residential complex in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early Sunday, wounding two people and burying others under rubble, the city’s mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Four explosions were heard at around 6:30 a.m. (0330 GMT), half an hour after air raid sirens sounded in the capital, which has not come under Russian bombardment for nearly three weeks.

“Several explosions in the Shevchenkivsky district,” Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.

“Ambulances and rescuers are on site. In two buildings, the rescue and evacuation of residents is under way,” he added.

Klitschko, who visited the scene, later said that “there are people under the rubble.”

“Some of the inhabitants have been evacuated, two wounded people have been hospitalized,” he added.

A seven-year-old girl had been rescued from under the rubble, he said.

“She is alive,” he said on Telegram, adding that rescue workers were trying to “save her mother.”

Klitschko said it was a Russian missile strike intended to “intimidate Ukrainians” ahead of a NATO summit in Madrid from June 28-30.

The state emergency service said on Telegram that “as a result of enemy shelling, a fire broke out in a nine-story building.”

An AFP team said there was a fire on the top three floors of the building and its stairwell was completely destroyed.

Thick smoke was seen in the affected residential area, which was cordoned off by police.

An AFP colleague living in the same residential complex heard a loud buzz preceding the explosions, which sounded like a missile strike. AFP

IN BRIEF Widodo to meet Zelensky, Putin INDONESIAN President and G20 chairman Joko Widodo set off on Sunday to Europe where he said he plans to visit Russia and Ukraine and meet with the countries’ leaders to urge peace talks.

Widodo departed for Germany to attend as a guest for the G7 summit from June 26 to 27, and he will then go to the Ukraine capital Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“The mission is to ask... President Zelensky to open a dialogue forum for peace, to build peace because the war has to be stopped,” he told a press conference in Jakarta.

The two leaders will also discuss the food supply chain “that needs to be reactivated” soon, Widodo said. From Kyiv, Widodo is scheduled to visit Moscow and meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

The visit to Moscow is planned for June 30, Indonesian authorities said earlier. AFP

Ecuador president faces ouster vote ECUADOR’S National Assembly began a no-confidence hearing Saturday for President Guillermo Lasso, as he lifted a state of emergency nearly two weeks into sometimes violent nationwide protests led by indigenous groups against rising fuel prices and living costs.

Opposition lawmakers called the parliamentary session over what they say is Lasso’s role in “the serious political crisis and internal commotion” that has left six civilians dead and dozens injured on both sides in 13 days of revolt.

The Assembly will vote on whether or not to oust the conservative exbanker who took power a year ago, and who is self-isolating after a Covid-19 diagnosis.

The debate, during which Lasso will be given a chance to state his case, came at the request of the 47 opposition lawmakers in the leftist Union for Hope coalition.

Lasso’s dismissal would require 92 votes out of 137 in the assembly, in which opposition parties are in the majority. The body’s Twitter account said 135 out of the 137 lawmakers are taking part. AFP

Business

B3

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market trading to remain volatile on recession fears

G7 nations to ban gold imports of Russia; choking key market for Putin ELMAU Castle, Germany―The United States said Sunday that the G7 group of nations will ban imports of Russian gold with the aim of tightening sanctions screws on Moscow and crippling its war effort in Ukraine.

“Together, the G7 will announce that we will ban the import of Russian gold, a major export that rakes in tens of billions of dollars for Russia,” President Joe Biden said on Twitter.

The measure was initially flagged

by Britain as joint action being taken along with fellow G7 members Canada, Japan and the United States.

However, the rest of the G7, which is holding a summit in Germany, will also join in with a formal unveiling of the sanction on Tuesday, a senior US official said.

“You’ll see that on Tuesday. This will be a G7 principal that is articulated,” said the official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

With its economy already under huge pressure from Western sanctions against banks, energy companies, airlines, high-tech and consumer goods, the choking off of the gold market will have a significant impact, according to G7 officials.

Given London’s central role in the international gold trade, “this measure will have global reach, shutting the commodity out of formal international markets,” Britain said.

“Gold, after energy, is the second largest export for Russia and a source of significant revenue for [President Vladimir] Putin and Russia,” the US official said, adding that the blocking of Moscow’s gold sector “will further isolate Russia from the global economy.”

According to the White House, Russia accounted for about five percent of all gold exports in 2020 and 90 percent of Russia’s output went to G7 countries―mostly to Britain. AFP

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

rading at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to remain volatile on growing fears of a global recession, analysts said over the weekend.

Investors are weighing in the likelihood of a recession, as such scenario could lead to a significant drop in the market, they said.

Philippine stocks could test the support level of 6,000, despite last Friday’s rebound, amid continued rise in inflation and interest rates, which could curtail the growth of the domestic economy.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas announced a 25-basis-point interest rate hike to calm the raging inflation.

However, the market is anticipating more gradual rate hikes in the coming months as commodity and fuel prices remain high.

“The week’s close at 6,217 signals that the bears are still in control. With the break below the 6,300 level, the

6,000 level is still likely to be tested,” BDO Unibank Inc. Corp. which fell 18 percent to P4.60, PLDT Inc. which retreated 8.8 percent to P1,700 and Converge Informachief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index tion and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. dropped 1.8 percent last week to close at 6,217, while which dropped 8.2 percent to P18.50. the broader all-share index also declined by 1.7 percent.

Manila Four sectoral indices ended in the red Standard TODAY led by mining and oil which lost 6.24 percent, services which dropped by 4.9 percent, financial which dipped 3.5 percent and property which fell 3.3 percent. InNOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING dustrial index ended the week flat, while Dear Stockholders, holding firms rose 1.1 percent.

Foreign investors were net sellers by P1.9 Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied billion last week, while the average daily Care Experts (ACE) Malolos Doctors, Inc. (“ACE Malolos Doctors”) will be value turnover dropped to P4.35 billion from held on July 18, 2022 (Monday) at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, hybrid, via face to face at the 10th Floor, ACE Malolos Doctors Multi-Purpose Hall, previous week’s average of P7.8 billion.

Capitol View Park, Barangay Bulihan, Malolos, Bulacan, and via Zoom.

Top gainers last week were Emperador For those who will be attending via Zoom, please register on or before Inc. which climbed 10 percent to P19.70, July 16, 2022 5pm, through the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ Aboitiz Equity Ventures which advanced 87647661170?pwd=8baVko1eQ4WVPySJUxvU8q5YrmDDH_.1 5.8 percent to P51.50 and Jollibee Food The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will Corp. which went up 4.2 percent to P200. receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the Heavy price losers included Atlas online platform, including the details and procedures for the conduct of the Consolidated Mining and Development meeting. Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the meeting; voting in the election of directors may also be done in absentia through the above link.

The Agenda: I. Call to Order II. Invocation III. Determination of Quorum IV. Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2021 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting VI. Audited Financial Report for Y2021 VII. President’s Report VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation IX. Election of the Board of Directors 2022-2023 X. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2022 XI. Other Matters XII. Adjournment Only stockholders of record at the close of business on June 28, 2022, Tuesday, shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf. Kindly submit your proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at ace.malolos.doctors@gmail.com not later than 5:00 p.m. on July 17, 2022, but preferably, before July 16, 2022, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. Attached is a sample proxy form for your reference. [NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.]

The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference.

Manila

The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form Standard 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website www.acemalolosdoctors.org.

TODAY

People party in a pool at the Ushuaia nightclub in Ibiza on June 17, 2022. After being closed for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mediterranean island’s famous mega-clubs have reopened their doors, drawing throngs of partygoers. AFP

‘Like COVID-19 never happened’: Ibiza’s mega-nightclubs reopen

By Rosa Sulleiro IBIZA TOWN, Spain―A crowd dances to the pulsing beat of electronic music, hands in the air, at the Pacha nightclub near the main marina on the Spanish holiday island of Ibiza.

On this warm June night, the pandemic is a distant memory.

“It is like COVID never happened inside here,” said Michelle, a 31-year-old British healthcare worker at the entrance to the club, which is packed with 3,500 people.

After being closed for two years because of COVID-19, the Mediterranean island’s famous mega-clubs have reopened their doors, drawing throngs of partygoers.

“It has exceeded our expectations,” said Paloma Tur, the spokeswoman for Grupo Pacha which runs the hulking white nightclub that includes a rooftop terrace and garden.

“We still can’t say for certain that the numbers will be better than 2019, but everything indicates yes.”

As in many other venues, almost all of the famous nightclub’s 150 staff received help

from a government furlough scheme during the pandemic when Pacha was shut.

Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for 84 percent of Ibiza’s gross domestic product, for which clubbing is a major draw. The health crisis was “a real disaster,” said Juan Miguel Costa of the island’s tourism board.

The pandemic affected all sectors but the leisure sector―which employs over 3,000 people directly and indirectly―was the last to fully open up after virus restrictions were lifted.

Mass tourism complaints Roberto de Lope, the director general of nightclub operator Ushuaia Entertainment, said it was a “relief” to finally open their club on the island on April 30 and start selling drinks.

“But we are still affected, with a lot of loans that we must pay back,” he added.

On the southeast coast of the island, one of the group’s clubs Hi Ibiza, which can hold 5,700 people, was preparing to open at midnight.

But the party was already in full swing

across the street at its other venue, Ushuaia.

As the sun set over the Mediterranean, more than 7,000 tanned partygoers danced around the swimming pools of this outdoor club, which last year was only allowed to open its doors for a few days and with a reduced capacity.

Scotland’s Calvin Harris, one of the world’s top earning DJs, was performing that night.

Tickets at the door cost 90 euros ($95), and cocktails sold for around 20 euros.

But while the mega-clubs draw deep-pocketed tourists from around the globe, many Ibiza residents argue the island does not need to rely on hard partying to draw visitors.

They point out that Ibiza and the neighboring island of Formentera drew 1.9 million tourists in 2021, a little more than half prepandemic numbers, even though most nightclubs were shut.

“I think Ibiza has realized that we don’t just live off parties,” said Jaume Ribas, the spokesman of an association called “Prou,” or “enough” in Catalan, which has for years lobbied against mass tourism on the island. AFP

You may contact the undersigned via email at ace.malolos.doctors@ gmail.com or call 044-8167698 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.

Very truly yours

ARLENE NG LIM-VITUG, MD Corporate Secretary (MS-JUNE 27 & 28, 2022)

PHILIPPINE SEVEN CORPORATION 7th Floor, The Columbia Tower Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City Tel. Nos. 8724-44-41 to 53 Fax No. 8705-52-09 TO THE STOCKHOLDERS: Notice is hereby given that the annual stockholders’ meeting of PHILIPPINE SEVEN CORPORATION (the “Corporation’’), will be conducted virtually and livestreamed through the link which can be accessed at the Corporation’s website at https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2022-asm/ on Thursday, 28 July 2022 at 2:00 P.M. for the purpose of taking up the following: 1.

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A change in how we do work DENNIS L. BERINO, DBA

GREEN LIGHT THE advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the work landscape as we know it. The traditional Monday-to-Friday, in-person work schedule was replaced by the work-from-home set-up especially at the start of the pandemic.

The WFH set-up has brought about changes, adjustments and challenges to both employers and employees. It has become the norm and is largely facilitated by information and communications technology applications and interventions adopted by businesses.

With all the health protocols as well as the greater vaccine availability, the number of COVID-19 cases in general has declined.

This development has allowed the return to IPW arrangements. However, a lot of companies either maintained the full WFH set-up or resorted to a combination of WFH and IPW. WFH is also called remote work or telecommuting. One source defines it as “a type of flexible working arrangement that allows an employee to work from remote location outside of corporate offices.”

For employees who can complete work offsite, this arrangement can help them ensure work-life balance, access career opportunities and reduce transportation costs. The benefits to the company may include increased employee satisfaction and retention, increased productivity and

cost savings in physical resources. Remote work arrangements can be temporary or permanent, part-time or full-time, and occasional or frequent, and requires policies governing equipment use, network security and performance expectations, the same source added.

But a WFH set-up also has its downsides.

A particular source mentioned that monitoring performance can be a challenge. A WFH set-up may also decrease teamwork and a sense of community as well as make employees feel increasingly isolated. It may decrease productivity and increase distractions caused by home-based concerns. Notwithstanding the downsides, there have been arguments from sources of more benefits in doing WFH. In July 2018, the Philippine Congress passed the Republic Act No. 11165, also known as the Telecommuting Act. Section 4 of the Act, entitled Telecommuting Program, states: An employer in private sector may offer a telecommuting program to its employees on a voluntary bases, and upon such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree upon: Provided, That such terms and conditions shall not be less than the minimum labor standards set by law, and shall include compensable work hours, minimum number of work hours, overtime, rest days and entitlement to leave benefits. In all cases, the employer shall provide the telecommuting employee with relevant written information in order to adequately apprise the individual of the terms and conditions of the telecommuting program, and the responsibilities of employee.

It was not foreknowledge of the pan-

demic and the ensuing lockdowns that caused Congress to pass the Act. Rather, the Act was meant to encourage employers to: 1) let employees work from home to reduce congestion in metropolitan areas; and 2) use emerging ICT to facilitate the WFH set-up. Nevertheless, the Act provides the legal basis for business and industry to adopt WFH even after the pandemic and lockdown environment.

Because of the lowered alert levels nationwide, a lot of employees are back at their workplaces. But as mentioned, some companies have latched on to the WFH setup because they have realized that it offers them flexibility in conducting business for specific segments of their workforce where regular face-to-face engagement is not critical. Of course, certain positions require F2F engagement, and businesses now have the opportunity to rethink, reorganize and set up to accommodate hybrid WFH and IPW arrangements.

The traditional work and the work set-up and processes as we know them have certainly been challenged. ICT has greatly enabled the application of WFH set-up. We can look forward to how business and industry will create adaptations to make WFH an integral part of doing business.

Dr. Berino is an associate professorial lecturer in the RVR-College of Business.

He may be emailed at dennis.berino@dlsu. edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty and its administrators.

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Certification of Notice of Meeting & Quorum and Call to Order Approval of Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 15 July 2021 a. Chairman’s Message b. President’s Report Approval of 2021 Audited Financial Statements contained in the Corporation’s 2021 Annual Report and in the Information Statement accompanying this Notice and Agenda Ratification of Actions Taken by the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Board Committees and Management since the last annual stockholders’ meeting Election of the Board of Directors including the Independent Directors for 2022 Appointment of External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment

For purposes of the meeting, only stockholders of record as of June 22, 2022 are entitled to vote in the said meeting.

In light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting will be streamed live and stockholders may attend and participate via remote communication by registering on or before 5:00 PM on July 22, 2022 using the registration form found in the https://www.7-eleven.com. ph/2022-asm/. Stockholders may send in questions or remarks to asmpsc@7-eleven.com.ph.

To cast your votes as a stockholder, you may vote through remote communication or in absentia, or through a proxy. Voting by remote communication or in absentia shall be done by completing the online voting form or submitting a scanned copy of the downloadable voting form found in https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/2022-asm/. The requirements and procedure for registration and voting are set forth in Annex “D” of the Information Statement and shall be published in the Company’s website at www.7-eleven.com.ph.

Pursuant to SEC Notice dated February 16, 2022 a copy of the Notice and Agenda of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS), Proxy Form, Management Report/ Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) for the year ended December 31, 2021 and Sustainability Report, and 1st Quarterly Report with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three (3) months ended March 31, 2022 (SEC Form 17-Q) will be posted on the Company’s website at www.7-eleven.com.ph on or before July 07, 2022. The Information Statement (SEC Form 20-IS), Annual Report (SEC Form 17-A) and 1st Quarterly Report (SEC Form 17-Q) are available at PSE Edge.

The Corporation will provide, without charge, a printed copy of SEC Form 17-A and SEC Form 17-Q, upon the written request of a stockholder addressed to the Corporate Secretary.

We are not soliciting your proxy. However, you may attend by submitting a duly-accomplished proxy form which must be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 7th Floor, The Columbia Tower, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on or before July 19, 2022. Soft copies of the proxies can be emailed in advance to asm-psc@7-eleven.com.ph.

The proxies shall be validated on July 21, 2022, at 10:00 AM at 14th Floor, BDO Towers Valero, 8741 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. (signed) ATTY. EVELYN S. ENRIQUEZ Corporate Secretary (MS-JUNE 27 & 28, 2022)

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

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

IN BRIEF

Global body affirms SEC membership THE Securities and Exchange Commission said over the weekend it secured membership in the Association of National Numbering Agencies—a global association dedicated to the support of efficient capital markets through the use of widelyembraced International Organization for Standardization standards.

The SEC said the move is part of its efforts to develop the domestic capital market.

ANNA confirmed SEC membership, as a partner, during its recent 30th anniversary general meeting, hosted by Euroclear Bank SA/NV in Brussels.

“We thank the Association of National Numbering Agencies for welcoming the commission as its newest partner in making the financial world a more efficient, safer and more stable environment for investors and the financial institutions that serve them through the use of standard identifiers for securities,” SEC chairman Emilio Aquino said.

Aquino said SEC’ s membership in ANNA is a significant step toward making the Philippine market more accessible, transparent and secure. Jenniffer B. Austria

Rice tariff collections hit P8.35b in 5 months THE Bureau of Customs said over the weekend it collected P8.35 billion from rice import duties in the first five months, up by 14 percent from P7.32 billion a year ago on the back of a 37-percent increase in import volumes.

The BOC said in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III the collections from rice import duties from Jan. 1 to May 31 came from 1.43 million metric tons of the grain, which increased 36.9 percent from 1.04-million MT shipped in the same period last year.

Customs deputy commissioner Edward James Dy Buco said in a recent Department of Finance executive committee meeting the agency managed to keep collections on rice import tariffs on track despite the continued drop in the average value of rice in the world market, which fell 16.3 percent from P19,977 per MT in the January to May 2021 period to P16,712 per MT in the same period this year.

He said that from May 1 to 31, the volume of rice imports increased by 18.8 percent to 290,979 MT from 245,033 MT last year, and revenue grew by 3.2 percent to P1.7 billion from P1.65 billion last year. Julito G. Rada

Business

DOE asks incoming gov’t to pursue WPS oil projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

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NERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi said over the weekend the incoming administration will decide on oil and gas exploration activities in the West Philippine Sea following the termination of joint venture talks with China.

“I would [lift the moratorium], but I guess it’s better left for the next administration for a more holistic approach,” the outgoing energy chief said, referring to the suspension of major service contracts

in the West Philippine Sea. Outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced last week the termination of talks with China for possible joint oil and gas exploration.

The Security, Justice and Peace Cabinet Cluster suspended WPS oil and gas activities in March this year amid tiff with China.

“Among the reasons for the suspension was China’s harassment of the survey vessels hired by our service contractors.

At that time, the negotiations with China were also cited as another reason for the suspension,” the Department of Energy said in a statement over the weekend.

The Department of Energy said, however, it firmly asserts the Philippines sovereign rights through the promotion of exploration in the WPS. “Following the SJPCC’s [Security, Justice and Peace Cabinet Cluster] suspension order and now with the termination

of negotiations with China, the DOE, in coordination with the SJPCC for safety and security concerns, continues to pursue talks with existing service contract holders so they can proceed with their work programs,” the DOE said.

The Philippines and China signed in 2018 a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on oil and gas development and designated the DOE as the covice chair in the Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee.

The IGJSC was established to serve as the official negotiating forum between the two countries on the matter. The DOE said it welcomed the development, as it strongly believes in the value of negotiating with China and other claimant countries such as Vietnam.

The IGJSC convened only once on Oct. 28, 2019, and no agreement was reached during the meeting.

MPIC gets ‘most honored’ recognition METRO Pacific Investments Corp. was recognized as a “Most Honored Company” in the 12th Institutional Investor Research Annual Asia Executive Team survey.

II Research recognizes Asia’s leading CEOs, CFOs, investor relations officers, investor relations programs and ESG attributes that best uphold corporate governance standards and facilitate investment into their company.

About 115 companies attained a published position in the categories listed above to become an honored company, and 46 of those companies were granted the coveted “Most Honored Company” recognition. MPIC is the only company from the Philippines to attain such recognition.

“Our investor relations efforts have been complimentary to improving our corporate governance. We view corporate governance as aligning the interests of management with all other stakeholders – with shareholders at the forefront. In this sense, the constant communication fostered by investor relations between management and shareholders reinforces that ideal,” said MPIC chairman, president and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.

LandBank center. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III (fourth from left) and Land Bank of the Philippines president

and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo (third from right) unveil the marker for the newly inaugurated LandBank Corporate Center in Davao City. Joining them are (from left) LandBank director Jaime Miralles, Davao City councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr., Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Maria Belen Sunga-Acosta, LandBank vice president for national development lending sector Liduvino Geron and LandBank executive vice president for corporate services sector Alex Lorayes.

DOF asks committee to prevent ‘double-dipping’ of coco levy trust fund

By Julito G. Rada FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III ordered the interagency Trust Fund Management Committee, which is tasked to oversee the utilization of the coco levy trust fund, to ensure there would be no “double-dipping” of resources in providing health and crop insurance coverage to 2.5 million coconut farmers.

Dominguez, who chairs the TFMC, said the next batch of members of the committee should ensure that the health and crop insurance coverage for coconut farmers, as provided by Republic Act 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Law, are “commer-

cially viable and therefore, sustainable.”

Dominguez said during the last TFMC meeting under the Duterte administration that under the CFITF Law and the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan approved by the president, a minimum of P200 million is allocated every year to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. for coconut farmers.

Another P500 million is allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. to administer the health and medical program for coconut farmers and their families.

“As the Trust Fund Management Committee, we need to ensure that there is no double-dipping of funds, that the crop and health insurance coverage to the coconut

farmers should only come from the coco levy trust fund,” Dominguez said.

The Department of Budget and Management, represented at the meeting by Undersecretary Kim Robert De Leon, assured that the DBM would review the budget proposals of PCIC, PhilHealth and other government agencies receiving allocations from the CFITF “to ensure that no double dipping of funds would occur.”

Dominguez also said the premiums to be charged by the PCIC should take into consideration specific geographical and meteorological risks and also include reinsurance mechanisms with the private sector “in order to reduce the financial burden on the coco levy trust fund.”

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, June 24, 2022

152.33 PTS.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

6,217.56

604,006,853

TOTAL TRADES

59,566 4,526,423,805.30

ADVANCES

112

DECLINES

62

UNCHANGED

47

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

54.4910

Japan

Yen

0.007411

0.4038

UK

Pound

1.226200

66.8169

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127397

6.9420

Switzerland

Franc

1.040258

56.6847

Canada

Dollar

0.769408

41.9258

Singapore

Dollar

0.719321

39.1965

Australia

Dollar

0.689600

37.5770

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

144.5385

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266510

14.5224

Brunei

Dollar

0.716743

39.0560

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.028169

1.5350

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

14.8368

Euro

Euro

1.052500

57.3518

Korea

Won

0.000770

0.0420

China

Yuan

0.149258

8.1332

India

Rupee

0.012798

0.6974

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.227066

12.3731

New Zealand

Dollar

0.627700

34.2040

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033647

1.8335 Source: BSP

Arthaland plans to launch projects in Makati, Laguna

By Jenniffer B. Austria BOUTIQUE property developer Arthaland Corp. plans to launch two residential projects this year as part of its plan to grow its portfolio by five times in five years, according to a top executive.

Arthaland president Jaime Gonzalez said during a stockholders meeting the company would launch a sustainable luxury residential development in Makati called Eluria.

Eluria, located in Legazpi Village, will be Arthaland’s pioneer development in the major central business district.

The project is an ultra-low density building with only 37 residential units at a maximum of two apartments per floor. The company will design the elevator cabins to open into residents’ personal lobbies to provide utmost security and privacy.

“In keeping with our commitment to be best-in-class, our staff who will provide unparalleled round-the-clock services to households will be trained with worldclass professional skills, providing these at the highest quality standards to ensure the satisfaction, comfort and convenience of the building’s residents,” Gonzalez said Arthaland is also set to launch by the third quarter this year a six-tower residential development at Sevina Park in Binan, Laguna.

The project expands Arthaland’s portfolio by targeting the broader market segment of the real estate industry.

The first tower will offer a mix of studio and one-bedroom units and will have a gross floor area of 16,300 square meters.

Arthaland will also sell commercial lots at Sevina Park to complement the generous amenities in the area.

The company said it will sell 10,000 square meters of land zoned for commercial use this year and will retain about 5,500 sq. m. for its own development and use.

Solar PH corners 70% of 2,000 MW supply offered under GEAP program SOLAR Philippines captured the bulk of power capacities offered during the Department of Energy’s auction of 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy.

The DOE released the Green Energy Auction Program winning bids on Friday after the electronic bidding on June 17.

“The winning bidders were ranked based on their offers from the lowest to the highest bid price and stacked corresponding to the respective RE technology per grid,” the DOE said in the notice of award signed

by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

The Green Energy Auction Bids Evaluation and Awards Committee evaluated the bids in accordance with the terms of reference and auction round procedures for the first Green Energy Auction Round.

Solar Philippines won 70 percent of the capacity in the auction, capturing 1,380 MW of the 1,966 MW bids offered across all technologies.

It captured 91 percent of all solar capacity at 1,350

MW of the 1,490 MW solar capacity auctioned.

Solar Philippines’ winning bids for Luzon include the 200-MW Concepcion Tarlac 2 solar project, 280MW Santa Rosa Nueva Ecija 2 solar project and 450MW Tayabas solar project.

Solar Philippines’ 300-MW Kananga-Ormoc Solar Power project won the bid for Visayas while its 120-MW General Santos Solar project won the bid for Mindanao.

Its 30-MW Calatagan wind project also won in the auction for wind capacity.

The other winning bidders for the Luzon area are Cordillera Hydro Power Corp.’s 60-MW Kapangan hydro project and Hedcor Inc.’s 20-MW Sablan hydro project.

Other winning bids for solar capacities are PAVI Green Renewable Energy Inc.’s 40.4-MW PAVI Green Naga solar project and Green Energy Solutions Inc.’s 99.98-MW Talugtug solar project in Luzon. Alena Mae Flores

Shopee expansion. Shopee expands presence in Mindanao with a series of seller onboarding initiatives and the establishment of new hubs. The Initiatives include workshops and roundtable discussions with sellers on growing their business through e-commerce. Joining the discussions are (from left) Department of Trade and Industry Region XI small and medium enterprise division chief Marie Ann How, Shopee Philippines VisMin seller acquisition head Dane Mangoba, SY Glow Cosmetics shop owner Lou Putian and Cacao Culture shop owner Sheila Lao at the Shopee University Roadshow in Davao City.

PNR resumes operations of San Pablo-Lucena commuter service, a decade after collapse of abutment

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Transportation said the operation of the Philippine National Railways San Pablo-Lucena Inter-provincial Commuter Service resumed on June 26, nearly 10 years after it was suspended.

“We are committed to continue working up to the last day in order to achieve the mandate of the President Duterte to

make the life of Filipino life convenient and comfortable by establishing connectivity and mobility,” outgoing Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

The PNR Lucena-San Pablo commuter line ceased operations in October 2013 after the collapse of an abutment.

The line will have two terminal stations and four flag stops, with travel time of 1 hour and 32 minutes from Lucena to San Pablo.

The 44-kilometer inter-provincial railway commuter line is vital in restoring the PNR Bicol or “Bicol Express,” which will link Metro Manila and the provinces in Southern Luzon, including Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.

The PNR will use parts of the longdistance rail network’s right-of-way for the PNR South Long Haul Project or the “Bicol Express”.

The DOTr earlier signed a P142-bil-

lion contract with Chinese companies to build the first 380 kilometers of the PNR Bicol Project from Banlic, Calamba to Daraga, Albay.

The agency tapped China Railway Group Ltd., China Railway No. 3 Engineering Group Co. Ltd. and China Railway Engineering Consulting Group Co. Ltd. for the design, construction and electromechanical works of the project.

The first 380 kilometers will span 39

cities and municipalities, four provinces and two regions. It will involve the construction of 23 stations, 230 bridges, 10 passenger tunnels and a 70-hectare depot in San Pablo, Laguna.

The project will be funded by official development assistance from China.

The Chinese government may finance up to 85 percent of the contract amount, with the balance to be funded by the local counterpart budget.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

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To play for Filipinos in Taiwan thrills Rivero TOP University of the Philippines scorer Ricci Rivero said the decision to skip the Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft and join a club team in Taiwan was a difficult decision to make.

The 24-year-old Rivero said this after he announced the beginning of his professional basketball career as the first first Asian to play as an Import in Taiwan’s P. League+ for the Taoyuan Pilots.

“I trust God on what he prepared for me. The PBA draft came at the peak of the UAAP finals at gusto ko pong makabawi sa mga pagkukulang at pagkakamali ko sa season.

Ayaw ko muna isipin ang sarili ko noon at kung anong para sa akin lang,” said Rivero.

The P. League+ is the first fully professional basketball league in Taiwan after the Chinese Basketball Alliance ended in 2000, with the Pilots joining two years ago.

Rivero said he was focused on helping the UP Fighting Maroons make the finals and win their first UAAP crown a few months back first that he decided not to think about the PBA draft.

The offer to see action in Taiwan just came later on.

“Even the offer overseas po was never discussed to me by Virtual Playground until after the championship. We remained focused lang po muna sa UAAP. When luck favored our side in the UAAP and the PBA draft was over, the offers from international teams still stood.

Naniniwala po ako that it was Him, who planned whats ahead of me for this year,” added Rivero.

He said the prospect of having 150,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan cheer for him thrills him.

“There are nearly 150,000 Filipinos living and working in Taiwan, the mere thought of playing in front of them and be the first to represent them in one of Taiwan’s best basketball leagues is already a big motivation for me to choose Taiwan over other Asian Basketball Leagues,” added Rivero, who averaged 27 minutes and 13.57 points per game when he played for UP. The 6-foot Rivero said the championship that UP won this year was unforgettable one for him and the experience he gained he said he will bring with him when he finally plays in Taiwan. Peter Atencio

MARTIAL ARTS EVENT. Jiu jitsu enthusiasts from over 85 academies in the Philippines and other fellow global jiu jitsu martial artists converge at the Circuit Makati for the Pan Asian GI and NO GI Adults Kids and Masters International Jiu Jitsu Open. Shown here is one of the matches in the men’s division. Diana B. Noche

Williams stars as Tropang Giga th whip Fuel Masters for 5 victory

By Peter Atencio

F

IL-AMERICAN Mikey Williams struck hard in the second half as he helped power the TNT Tropang Giga to a 87-72 smothering of the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters Sunday night in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Sean Anthony and Tyler Tio drilled in 13 points apiece for the Fuel Masters, who fell behind with a 2-4 card.

As the Tropang Giga took charge in the final canto, Pogoy’s driving layup with 1:33 to go sent them to their biggest edge at 19, 87-68.

The Fuel Masters were ahead, 46-43, at halftime, but the Tropang Giga held them to just 12 points in the third period.

Members of the Purefoods TJ Titans celebrate their title conquest in the PBA 3x3 at the Robinsons Place Manila.

Williams, a 6’2” shooting guard from Los Angeles, California, knocked in 18 points in the last two quarters to lift the Tropang Giga to their fifth triumph in seven games.

His triple in the 8:03 mark of the third period allowed the Tropang Giga to grab a taste of the lead, 50-49, after they fought their way out of an eightpoint deficit in the second canto.

RR Pogoy added 20 points, including a free throw during a 10-0 run in the final 7:38 of the third, allowing the Tropang Giga to finally take control, 73-61.

“We knew they came out strong in their last game (against Magnolia). We just had to be ready to weather their initial surge,” said Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes.

TOKYO Olympics gold medalist France completed a four-match sweep of Quezon City swing with a 25-16, 25-19, 1925, 25-21 victory over Germany Sunday in the Volleyball Nations League at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Earvin Ngapeth, who was rested in the previous match, had two blocks to finish with 18 points to go with teamhigh nine digs and four receptions as the French improved to a league-best

games in Japan and just continue to go on our way,” said Boyer.

In a country which has basketball as the most popular sport and volleyball not far behind, Boyer hopes that the Filipinos were somehow inspired by France’s world-class play. The Quezon City leg is one part of the French journey for another shot at the Olympic gold in 2024, where Boyer’s country is hosting the Paris Olympics.

THE opportunity to play in an international setting and the exposure it provides got RJ Abarrientos excited to sign up and play in the Korean Basketball League, with club team Ulsan Hyundai Mobis.

The 22-year-old Abarrientos said this a week after he signed up for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, a finalist in 2020-2021 season of the KBL. Abarrientos, who is skipping his remaining years with Far Eastern University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, is among two Filipino collegiate players, who recently entered into contracts with the Korean club teams, next to SJ Belangel of Ateneo.

Belangel is suiting up with new entry, Daegu KOGAS Pegasus for the next two seasons.

“Matagal ko na po itong pangarap nu’ng naglalaro pa ako sa high school at college. Sabi ko, once na may nag offer sa akin na pro league at international, I will grab it. Heto na talaga,” said Abarrientos on the weekly program, “Power and Play.”

The 5’11” Abarrientos, a point guard who averages 8.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists, is still part of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team, though.

And he will be among 11 players in the Gilas squad when they see action in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ third window.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas included his name in the final roster on Saturday, along with Belangel, some five days before their first game. Peter Atencio

Abarrientos realizes dream of suiting up in France topples Germany, completes QC sweep foreign league 7-1 record.

Stephen Boyer, who also played big with 16 points and six digs, was happy to leave the Philippines with the victory despite the tough challenge the German posed in the third set.

“It’s always good to win. It’s not the good way but it’s okay. We have to restart in the fourth set and the most important is the victory. We will gonna rest and travel. Our next stop is our

China still searching for next Yao Ming BEIJING—Basketball Hall of Famer, business magnate, cultural ambassador -- no Chinese athlete carries a richer legacy than Yao Ming, whose towering 7ft 6in frame (2.29 metre) stormed into the NBA 20 years ago.

The centre was drafted by the Houston Rockets on June 26, 2002, kickstarting a glittering career that won him a succession of personal accolades and transformed the Shanghai-born Yao into a household name in both China and the United States.

A languid but deceptively agile player, Yao’s gentle personality and wry humour off the court cemented him as a fan favourite and boosted the NBA’s popularity in his home nation.

Since his emergence, no Chinese player has come close to matching his achievements, and the prospect appears even less likely as the league has become mired in simmering tensions between Beijing and Washington.

In 2002, Yao was a face of an increasingly confident and open China,

one whose economic rise was being matched by global sporting prowess.

“He brought the NBA into China, but he also took China into the NBA,” said fan Gao Dabao, 30, outside a basketball court in Beijing.

“It was the time when the NBA had its biggest influence on China, and we all used to watch it on TV,” he added.

The son of two former basketball pros, Yao cut his teeth with Shanghai Sharks before joining the Rockets as their first pick in the 2002 NBA draft.

He averaged 19 points and nine rebounds per game over nearly a decade with the Texas-based team who were dubbed the “Ming Dynasty”.

Yao played in eight All-Star Games and made the All-NBA Teams on five occasions, but injuries forced him to retire in 2011 at the age of 30.

“Yao Ming is the only Chinese player to have become a real NBA star,” said Chinese basketball writer Wang Meng.

“He grew into one of the best players in that Rockets team, which is some-

thing no other Chinese player has managed to do,” he told AFP. Yao was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson.

Yao now serves as chairman of the Next page

In this file photo taken on October 13, 2010, Houston Rockets All-Star Yao Ming takes a penalty shot during their match against the New Jersey Nets in the NBA China Games 2010 basketball match at the Wukesong Arena in Beijing.

Basketball Hall of Famer, business magnate, cultural ambassador -- no Chinese athlete carries a richer legacy than Yao Ming, whose towering seven-foot-six-inch frame (2.29 metre) stormed into the NBA 20 years ago. AFP

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Sports

monday, june 27, 2022

Novak repeats hardline stance vs.

COVID vax as US Open slips away

L

ONDON—Novak Djokovic repeated his hardline refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccination Saturday as he resigned himself to sitting out the season’s last Grand Slam at the US Open.

Djokovic was deported from Melbourne in January over his single-minded but controversial stance, forcing him to abandon an assault on a 10th Australian Open title.

With no sign of the US authorities relaxing their rule requiring all visitors to be vaccinated, the 35-year-old Djokovic admitted Saturday that Wimbledon, which starts Monday, will be his last Slam of 2022.

When asked if he had completely closed his mind to getting vaccinated, he was unequivocal.

“Yes,” he said.

Djokovic was US Open champion in 2011, 2015 and 2018.

He has 20 Slams to his name, two fewer than old rival Rafael Nadal.

Last year, defeat in the New York final to Daniil Medvedev robbed him of the opportunity to become the first

man since 1969 to clinch a calendar Grand Slam.

His inability to travel to the United States -- he already missed the Indian Wells and Miami Masters -- will serve as a key driver as he sets his sights on a seventh Wimbledon title.

“As of today I’m not allowed to enter the States under these circumstances.

That is an extra motivation to do well here. Hopefully I can have a very good tournament,” said Djokovic.

“I would love to go to States. But as of today, that’s not possible. There is not much I can do any more.

“It’s really up to the US government

to make a decision whether or not they allow unvaccinated people to go into the country.”

Also adding fuel to the Djokovic fire is the chance to win a fourth successive Wimbledon title and join a select group.

In the Open era, only Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer have managed to complete such a streak of dominance at the All England Club.

“As a seven, eight-year-old boy I’ve dreamt of winning Wimbledon and becoming No. 1.,” he added.

“Pete Sampras winning his first Wimbledon, was the first tennis match I ever saw on the TV.” AFP

China...

From C1 Chinese Basketball Association.

Despite his riches, he keeps a relatively low profile, dabbling in winemaking, conservation and charity work.

One of a kind

For Chinese fans, Yao’s international stardom encapsulated the optimism of an emerging nation with global ambitions.

Simon Chadwick, director of the Centre for the Eurasian Sport Industry at Emlyon Business School, said Yao was “a statement signing, someone who represented a changing world, rather than (just) a star player”.

Since then, however, “the power dynamic between the two countries has changed,” he said.

Relations between Beijing and Washington have soured in recent years over trade, human rights and other issues.

China’s state broadcaster stopped screening NBA games after a 2019 tweet by the Rockets’ then-general manager Daryl Morey in support of Hong Kong democracy protesters.

Only a handful of games have been shown on television in China since then and the league’s fortunes have taken a beating in its biggest overseas market.

Five other Chinese athletes have played in the NBA, but none have had the same impact as Yao. Most recently, compatriot Zhou Qi turned out for the Rockets but was released from his contract in 2018.

Recent generations of Chinese players have struggled to match Yao’s natural talent, said basketball expert Xing Chen.

Chinese basketball is “at a low ebb”, he told AFP. “We need to bring through a new generation of athletes.”

“Asian players tend to have different physiques compared with those from North America and Europe ... and we lack the talent pool of the US,” he said.

Fans and experts told AFP they thought it unlikely that another Chinese player could win hearts and minds on both sides of the Pacific.

“The (China-US) relationship isn’t as ... friendly as before,” said basketball fan Eric Zhang, 15.

“I think it’s possible Chinese players can play in the NBA, but I don’t think they can achieve the heights Yao Ming once reached,” he said.

Today’s players must navigate the “dangerous” ideological middle ground between China and the US, Chadwick said.

Western sports organizations in China are “potentially (exposed) to political interference from Beijing and/or accusations of being complicit in issues such as human rights abuses,” he said.

“Yao in the mid-2000s was an entirely different proposition to what the Yao of 2022 would be.” AFP

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime during their men’s exhibition singles match at The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic tournament at the Hurlingham Club, in London. AFP

Nadal is pain-free for 1st time in year and half LONDON—Rafael Nadal said Saturday that for the first time in 18 months he has defeated the crippling foot pain which threatened to push him to the brink of retirement.

Nadal captured his 14th French Open and record-extending 22nd major earlier this month to put himself halfway to the first men’s calendar Grand Slam since 1969.

However, in the aftermath of his Paris victory, he revealed that he had needed to have his left foot anaesthetised to keep competing.

He then underwent “pulsed radiofrequency stimulation”, a treatment aimed at reducing nerve pain.

“I can walk normal most of the days, almost every single day.

That’s for me the main issue,” said the 36-year-old Spaniard at Wimbledon on Saturday.

“When I wake up, I don’t have this pain that I was having for the last year and a half, so quite happy about that.

“And second thing, practising. Since the last two weeks, I didn’t have one day of these terrible days that I can’t move at all. The feeling and overall feelings are positive.”

Nadal is a two-time champion at Wimbledon but his last title at the All England Club came 12 years ago.

This year he is seeded two which at least gives him the benefit of avoiding old rival and top seed Novak Djokovic until the final.

The Spaniard hasn’t played a grass-court warm-up event, preferring instead to focus on alleviating his foot pain and then practising on the surface in Mallorca.

“In 2003 (his debut year), I never thought that I’d have a chance to win Wimbledon,” he said.

“Today it’s a different story. I had some success here.” AFP

Time for Glory tops Philracom-backed PSA Cup

Jockey Jeffril Zarate (center) beams with pride as he holds the PSA Cup trophy after steering Time for Glory to victory. Also shown are PSA representatives Bryan Ulanday of Phil. Star (far left) and Randolph Leongson of Spin.PH (right), trainer Dante Salazar and Philracom chairman Reli de Leon (2nd from right).

CARMONA_Longshot Time For Glory got its moment of fame Friday, June 24, after running away with the 2022 Philippine Racing Commission-Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup at San Lazaro Leisure and Business Park here.

Time for Glory’s victory turned out to be biggest reversal in the “Araw ng Maynila Racing Festival” as the progeny of Not This Time and Glorified came out of nowhere to stun top favorite Darleb, second pick Shastaloo and other horses who got more sales like Super Ninja, Crowded Trade and coupled entry Truly Ponti and Dragon Butterfly.

Owned by former Philracom Commissioner Jun Sevilla, Time for Glory eventually won the 1,600-meter contest pulling away after making a bold at the clubhouse turn that saw him grab the lead before producing an electrifying burst of speed to build a six-length lead at the homestretch.

He negotiated the race in 1:39.4 (24’23’-25’-27) to come away with the P300,000 top purse in the event also

held in honor of former Mayor Mel C. Lopez Jr. “Malakas ‘yung nasa unahan pero nandoon na agad ‘yung ability niya.

So sin-swing ko at nag-tuloy-tuloy na siya,” said jockey Jeffril Zarate, who earlier steered Boss Emong to a resounding victory in the Gran Copa de Manila Cup – the highlight of the racing festival.Shastaloo finished a distant second worth P112,500 for her connections followed by Super Ninja (P62,500), and Truly Ponti (P25,000).

Dragon Butterfly, Crowded Trade, Darleb ended up at fifth, sixth, and seventh.

The event marked the second time that the Philracom, under the leadership of chairman Aurelio “Reli” de Leon, staged the PSA Cup, with this edition drawing almost P1.7-million total sales.

“Next year we will also stage the PSA Cup in the same racing day of the Gran Copa de Manila to guarantee the success of the PSA Cup,” said de Leon.

“I really pushed for the revival of the Gran Copa kasi mahal ng bayang karerista ito.”

Zamboanga trounces Pasig; Pampanga, San Juan prevail STREAKING Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines routed Pasig, 98-71, on Saturday and shared top spot in the OKbet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 4th Season presented by Xtreme at the Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Led by twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, Zamboanga flaunted its depth and strength in posting its fifth straight win in as many starts while halting Pasig’s 3-game run in the 22-team, 2-division tournament.

Jaycee wound up with 20 points, includJaycee Marcelino streaks to the basket for ing 3 triples,6 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 Zamboanga. steals to clinch best player honors, while Jayvee finished with 17 points and 5 re- sion pacesetter Nueva Ecija.

Hardly missing its big men, Zamboanbounds for Zamboanga, which matched the 5-0 cards of fellow South division bets ga zoomed to a 30-point spread, 98-68, Batangas and Sarangani and North divi- with only 37 seconds left and pulled

down Pasig’s record to 3-2 in the single round-robin eliminations.

Mon Mabayo accounted f0r 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Chris Dumapig snagged 10 rebounds as Zamboanga ruled the boards, 51-29, despite the absence of ailing 6-foot-5 centers Jhaymo Eguilos and Jayson Grimaldo.

With the game under control, Zamboanga coach Vic Ycasiano had the luxury of shuffling 15 players, all of whom managed to score 2 points or more.

Pasig, which got 19 points each from Jason Melano and Carlo Lastimosa, only has 9 scorers.

Other games saw Pampanga thwart Quezon City, 107-103, in overtime and San Juan get back on track with a 78-68 conquest of Laguna in the nightcap.

TENNIS WINNERS. Rising Kidapawan City stars Jose Kael Palo (second from left) and Dhea Cua hold their trophies as they pose with PPS-PEPP Davao coordinator Marivic Loquinario (left) and Grace Mercado, president/ CEO of Aqua Verde Sports & Leisure following their title romps in the Palawan Pawnshop Aqua Verde national age-group tennis tournament in Bangkal, Davao City last Friday.

Entertainment A SPECIAL advocacy concert that promotes mental health awareness for people with special needs is happening at SM Mall Of Asia Arena as initiated

by In Purpose International Training Institute Inc. Dubbed Be You! The World Will Adjust (An Extraordinary Celebration For People With Special Needs), the show will be on July 22 (Friday, 7:00 p.m.)

In Purpose International Training Institute Inc. conducts and provides several tutorial training centered on programs for skill development and special education for people with special needs.

With its tagline #YesToInclusion,

P-Pop acts join Red Velvet in benefit concert

BGYO

Red Velvet

BINI

Lady Pipay

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

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the event aims to champion diversity, individuality, and freedom of selfexpression, especially amongst people with special needs. The event wishes to create an open and safe space for everyone to express themselves and celebrate life, especially in the midst of the very trying times of the pandemic.

Directed by Alex Magbanua, the concert will feature powerhouse performances by Korean all-girl pop group Red Velvet as well as homegrown Pinoy artists such as BGYO, BINI, Aeron Mendoza, and Lady Pipay. The concert will also showcase inspiring testimonials that uplift the experiences of people with special needs.

Adding Filipino touches to a well-loved KDrama

By Patricia Taculao

F

Director Dominic Zapata takes on another Filipino adaptation with 'Start-Up'

ILIPINOS are big fans of Korean drama or KDrama. Throughout the years, they spent several hours glued to their screens just to stay updated on their favorite shows.

As KDramas gain popularity among the public, some people start wondering what the show would be like if set locally.

When fans of the K-drama show Start-Up heard that it was getting a local adaptation, it became a highly-anticipated project top-billed by talented actors Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo.

At the helm of Start-Up’s local adaptation are renowned directors Jerry Sineneng and Dominic Zapata. However, Bea Alonzo uses her experience in showbiz and studies each role Alden has a natural on-screen chemistry with Bea and is known directing a show of such magnitude isn’t carefully to bring life to it for being kind and professional on set an easy task. Then again, it’s good that it to come out as a Filipino show. being partnered with someone else. aspects make a show iconic.

With Startboth Sineneng and Zapata have ways of “Pinanuod ko siya, and when I was Besides studying the original show Up, he plans on replicating the feeling that taking on the challenge.

“I try to make a conscious effort. the show brings to its viewers instead of assigned [to] the project, pinanuod ko siya thoroughly and finding a different na iba na ‘yung pananaw. Hinanap ko approach to how to convey it to Filipino Medyo hinihimay [ko] ‘yun na parang copying its original content. audiences, both directors also get to know Zapata has prior experience in making ‘yung puso ng show,” Sineneng said. kumakain ka, ‘Paano ba niluto ‘to?’

Although he discovered the heart of Start- their actors personally and professionally Pero kapag nalaman namin na gagawa adaptations since he worked on the kami ng adaptation, panonoorin namin Filipino version of Descendants of the Up’s original version and was impressed by so they know how to incorporate their it, Sineneng knew he needed to consider the sensibilities into the scenes. ulit. And then, ako, I try to find the Sun, another well-loved KDrama.

The lead actors, Alden and Bea, also On the other hand, Start-Up is heart of Filipino viewers and how it ties in essence,” Zapata said during an online with the story. have an on-screen chemistry that lights up Sineneng’s first encounter in adapting media conference.

Sineneng adds that he learns a lot from any scene where they’re acting alongside He tries to single out what he and the a foreign show for local television. He others who loved the original version of knows that as a director, he can’t put all Zapata on how to make local adaptations of each other.

“Isa sa hardest jobs ng director is Start-Up like most aware that several the elements from the K-drama and expect foreign shows and that he couldn’t imagine

ARIAS

Pinoy pop band Truefaith commemorates 30 years of being in the music industry with a new album titled ‘11’

Beloved pop band reaches new milestone with album ‘11’ FOR a band like Truefaith, who’s seenit-all, been-through-it-all, what’s the best way to celebrate a career milestone that commemorates 30 years of being in the business of music and entertainment?

Why release new music of course.

And that’s exactly what Truefaith did when they recently dropped album number eleven, which they called, what else, 11.

It’s because making catchy pop songs is what Truefaith does best.

And they have the receipts--“Perfect,” “Everything She Wore,” “Huwag Na Lang Kaya,” “Dahil Ikaw,” “Kung Okay Lang Sa’yo” and “Yun Lang” just to name a few of what easily could be a dozen career hits that span their career that started in the early ‘90s.

And Truefaith – lead vocalist Medwin Marfil, brother and acoustic rhythm guitarist Eugene, bassist Macky Macaventa, lead guitarist Allan Elgar, keyboardist Jake Lumacad, and drummer Kaka Quisumbing – is still making the best music of their lives. And we can hear it on the six songs that make up 11.

Starting with the excellent “Dyahe” whose feel reminds us of the “Perfect” days. And the electro-pop tinged “Your Ready Smile,” and the catchy new wave tinged “Refriend.” These songs along with the Macky Macaventa-written single titled “Muli” whose theme seems a throwback to the ‘90s as Medwin sings about the simpler days and the memory of a smile that never fades.

Album opener “Go Ka Na” is a party number that reminds listerns of the late ‘80s pop as Truefaith keeps true to their roots as their new wave influences keep cropping up on songs like on mid-tempo

tune “Tulala.”

Having released so many albums before, so what does 11 mean or symbolize for Truefaith? To this Medwin answered: “The album’s artwork depicts a cat meditating, and that placid cat represents how we actuate ourselves these days. We’re more relaxed and accepting of our circumstances.

Whatever position we are in in the music industry and whatever impressions people may have of us, we’re fine with it. 11 as used in the phrase, ‘the 11th hour’ may herald an oncoming significant event, generally positive or it could mean the beginning of an end.”

As for the topics that Truefaith delves into the new set, they say that the songs “deal with themes we do best: being lovelorn, the failure of a relationship, dissolution of friendships, a celebration of love.”

As to what drives them to keep making music, everybody – Medwin, Eugene, Macky, Allan, Jake, and Kaka – all agree that the process of creating music is always a thrill for all of them.

“It’s even more thrilling if what music we’ve fashioned is understood and appreciated by music fans,” Medwin said.

And Truefaith is busier than ever. Meds and Eugene are touring the U.S. with other established acts, and they’re hoping that eventually, the whole band will go and play in places in support of 11.

As for what can be expected of Truefaith, one of the great Pinoy pop bands that we are lucky to still have around, Medwin said it reservedly: “This could be our last collection of new songs or this could mean a fresh start.”

We’d like to bet on the latter.

Sofi Fermazi has refreshing looks and a distinctive singing voice that pulls listeners in

Her love affair with singing started, she relates: “I had the opportunity, or shall I say the privilege to be a protégé of OPM icon Ms. Ima Castro who taught me and let me fall in love with Broadway and musical theater songs. We all know that Ms. Castro was one of the Filipina artists who gave life to the role of Kim in Ms. Saigon, the role originally performed by Ms. Lea Salonga.

My mentorship with her, I will be forever grateful for. It was a master class, I must say.”

“I know that every word and line in a song tells a story. And I want to tell the stories of songs so that people who listen to them will appreciate them more,” says Sofi on why she loves singing. “All songs carry a special memory to the one who wrote and it has a different impact on the people who hears them.”

She adds: “Singing also lets me touch base with my emotions. It makes me realize situations that I have yet to experience. It makes me appreciate the things that I have.

It makes me look forward to the kilig and all the feel-good stuff. You know, despite

Encore with Gino Padilla at Winford WINFORD Manila Resort & Casino (WMRC) turns back the clock one more time tomorrow, June 28, with the third and final live performance by Generation X matinee idol Gino Padilla at WMRC’s entertainment hub Hippodrome Bar & Lounge.

Padilla is often credited for popularizing the song “Closer, You and I” composed by Louie Ocampo which was famously used for a toothpaste commercial in the 1980s.

He was among the generation of artists that helped launch the careers of Timmy Cruz and Raymond Lauchengco.

His first big break was in a soft drink

to build chemistry. [Pero] Hindi kami nahirapan building the chemistry nung dalawa dahil siguro mahuhusay silang artista at inaral nilang mabuti ‘yung character,” Sineneng said.

He added that both Bea and Alden find characteristics in each other they could use to align themselves to the role and portray it efficiently.

The Filipino adaptation of Start-Up is currently under production, and GMA has yet to announce a date for its premiere.

The sweet anthems of Sofi Fermazi

ALWIN IGNACIO WHEN one encounters the videos of Sofi Fermazi, the immediate reaction to it is always “stop, look and listen.”

What made Fernazi worth one’s while is obviously apparent - the undeniable X factor, the innocence, and sweetness of her voice and yes, she can be the millennial to carry the title of “the face that refreshes.”

On her YouTube channel and Facebook page, in all the song choices of Fermazi, she has a natural manner of bringing out and telling its stories and all its subtexts become clearer. The pop ditties she interprets hook the listeners and all crave for more. No wonder the “Darling of Cover Songs” branding fits her perfectly.

The young miss of seventeen seasons and her relative inexperience in life and romance that gives all the angst and drama needed by a singer, her interpreting anthems of local and international artists are never wanting of all the feels.

Two of the most shared and viewed Fermezi covers are “Bituin Walang Ningning”, Sharon Cuneta’s signature pop anthem, and “Ikaw”, considered by many as Yeng Constatino’s biggest musical hits. Her interpretation of the songs gives it a more melancholic feel and pull. You know that her singing is not all cerebral, she puts a lot of heart into them.

Her American Top 40 singing idols include Ed Sheeran, Cristina Perry, Coldplay, Adele, and Justine Bieber.

Aside from the Megastar and Constantino, Moira Dela Torre, Ben and Ben, Kitchie Nadal, and Sarah Gernomimo are her Philippine music idols.

Jerry Lopez Sineneng feels grateful for being chosen to lead the project and learns from Zapata's experience

commercial shot in Hollywood, California, where he had a duet with ‘80s pop icon Tina Turner. Following a hiatus from the limelight, Padilla returned to recording in the new millennium, with Sharon Cuneta producing his comeback album.

WMRC invites guests to take a walk down memory lane with Gino Padilla as he performs some of the songs that made him famous, as well as cover versions of wellknown hits. General admission to this next normal concert experience is free, with VIP seating near the stage available for a P500.00 cover charge, inclusive of food and drink.

my age, I know how to put myself in the shoes of the inspiration behind the song.”

Her edge, she modestly asserts: “I think it is my unique vocal tone. And, my emotional commitment to the words of the composer. Gusto ko talaga what are the emotions that are in the song, the audiences feel it when I sing.”

Fermezi is currently a grade 11 student at Golden Acres High School. She is articulate and speaks English and Filipino well. She exudes confidence and her charms grow on you.

Aside from her cover songs, the things we can expect from Sofi are: “I will be part of Fun Nights Only, a Kumu entertainment show streamed every Saturday night. We are also choosing the songs that will be part of my first studio album which will be released by Star Music.”

In the nearest future what Fermezi wants to realize: “I want to try acting as well. Giving life to a character I believe is challenging and exhilarating at the same time.”

“I am a fan of Donny Pangilinan, and if the universe permits, it will be a dream come true to have him as a leading man, in my music video perhaps or in a movie,” answers Sofi when asked who she wants to work with. “I think is a good actor. And yes, one big DonBelle fan here.”

With her refreshing looks and distinctive singing voice, there is no doubt that Sofi Fermazi is a most welcome and talented addition to the ever-growing population of young bloods that make Philippine Tinsel Town exciting.

Fermazi is just one of the new pool of artists of MPJ Entertainment of filmmaker, producer, and actor Perry Escaño. For Inquiries, please email Gino Padilla will have his third and final live performance at Winford Manila Resort & Casino

Hippodrome Bar & Lounge is located on the second floor of the 22-story resort and welcomes guests aged 21 years and above.

Visit www.winfordmanila.com for more information or follow Winford Manila Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates on special events and promotions.

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022

Travel to key destinations by shopping

By Patricia Taculao SHOPAHOLICS, rejoice! Finally, buyer’s remorse will become a thing of the past since shopping can take them to exciting places.

As Filipinos are clamoring for more opportunities to travel domestically or internationally, Philippine Airlines (PAL), through its enduring frequent flyer program, Mabuhay Miles, partnered with SM Advantage Card (SMAC) to provide their loyal customers with rewards that support their lifestyles.

PAL Mabuhay Miles and SMAC, two of the country’s longest-running customer loyalty programs, recently launched their “Shop to Fly, Fly to Shop” program, their newest lifestyle campaign that allows users to maximize their points from both platforms.

Unlike the usual situation, where shoppers and travelers earn points by shopping or traveling alone, the new campaign encourages them to convert their points from Mabuhay Miles to SMAC and vice versa.

“The SM Group has always been true to its purpose of bringing world-class products to the Filipinos. While doing so, SM always tries to provide the best service to its customers, and that includes engaging in rewarding customers,” said Chief Operating Officer of the Digital Advantage Corporation Kevin Hartigan-Go during the partnership signing between the two companies on June 10, Friday, at Conrad Manila in Pasay City.

For several years, SM rewarded their customers through their Advantage Card program with exclusive perks available throughout their more than 4,000 stores across the country. They continue new programs to benefit the Filipino community.

“Philippine Airlines share the same values as we do: serving excellence and a focus on recognizing and rewarding its most valuable customers,” Hartigan-Go added.

Signing the five-year contract between PAL and SM along with Hartigan-Go are PAL President and COO Stanley Ng, PAL

(From left) Hartigan-Go, SM Group SAVP Head of Sales and Marketing Jeanette Beltran, PAL Vice President for Marketing Ma. Sylvia Elvira C. Domingo, and PAL Mabuhay Miles Ernest Acar share more about the “Shop To Fly, Fly To Shop” program

Senior Vice President and General Counsel Attorney Carlos Luis D. Fernandez, and Executive Director of the SM Food Retail Group Herson Sy. In the meantime, Ng considers the partnership between PAL and SMAC innovative, especially since PAL’s Mabuhay Miles persists as a pervasive lifestyle program that taps into favorite Filipino activities, like traveling, shopping, dining, and more.

For the “Shop to Fly, Fly to Shop” campaign, every 500 Mabuhay Miles points can be converted to 50 SMAC points, while every 250 SMAC points can be converted to 100 Mabuhay Miles points. Both PAL and SMAC made sure that the point conversion process is easy for their users.

Although customers are encouraged to visit the SMAC website to convert their points since SM developed the app to be user-friendly, PAL offers the same services to customers who’ll visit their ticketing agencies, an ideal option for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

The “Shop to Fly, Fly to Shop” campaign is part of Philippines Airlines’ 81st-anniversary offerings and its commitment to leveraging creativity and innovation in continuously delivering delight to customers and serving as the country’s flag carrier. On the other hand, SMAC continues to evolve and elevate its member benefits and privileges as a way of thanking and rewarding its most loyal customers.

With this new partnership between SMAC and Mabuhay Miles, Filipinos don’t have to choose between their love for shopping and traveling. Instead, they can do both effortlessly and enjoy new items while embarking on new journeys.

Visit www.smac.ph and www.mabuhaymiles.com for more information.

Attending the official launch of PAL and SMAC’s “Shop To Fly, Fly To Shop” program are (from left) Executive Director of the SM Food Retail Group Hendrik Sy, Mara Sy Coson, Vivienne K. Tan, Julie Tan, Stanley Ng, and Herson Sy

(From left) COO for Digital Advantage Corp. Kevin Hartigan-Go, Executive Director for SM Food Retail Group Herson Sy, Executive Director for SM Retail, Inc. Mara Sy-Coson, PAL Director Vivienne Tan, PAL President Captain Stanley Ng, and PAL Senior Vice President and General Counsel Attorney Carlos Luis Fernandez

SNAPSHOT

MRP Foundation donates P3-m to Operation Smile Philippines’ health program CITY of Dreams Manila’s charitable arm, Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation (MRP Foundation), signs a Memorandum of Agreement with Operation Smile Philippines (OSP), an international medical charity, on a P3 million donation towards OSP’s Community Health Assistance Program (CHAP). The donation is undertaken with the support of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the gaming regulator of City of Dreams Manila, a casino licensee operated by Melco Resort Leisure (PHP) Corporation (Melco Leisure).CHAP, to be implemented in the country’s largest government maternity hospital, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital (DJFMH), aims to address public health issues affecting Filipino mothers and children, including oral cleft deformity, infant mortality, and maternal mortality. Signing the memorandum of agreement are (seated from left) Melco Leisure Vice President for Human Resources Thesz Liwanag, Melco Leisure

Vice President for Legal and Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corporation (MRP Foundation) Corporate Secretary Marissa Tomacruz-Academia, MRP Foundation Vice President Armin Raquel Santos, Melco Leisure and MRP Foundation Chairman and President Clarence Chung, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo, Operation Smile Philippines Foundation, Inc. (OSPF) Executive Director Emiliano Romano and OSPF Country Director of Development Roberto Manzano.

Standing to witness the signing are (from left) Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital DJFMH Chief of Allied Health Processional Service Dr. Estrella Olonan-Jusi, DJFMH Chief of Medical Professional Staff II Dr. Romeo A. Bituin, and PAGCOR Corporate Secretary and Vice President for Compliance and Governance Group Juanito Sañosa, Jr.

The Outgoing Board members with Ma. Christina Aquino (seated, second from right) and the Incoming Board, led by Robert John Horrigan (center)

Unraveling this Tourism Body

Department of Tourism Asec. Rica Bueno (right), an Adviser of the Tourism Body, presents a token of appreciation to Outgoing Chairperson Ma. Christina Aquino

Outgoing Chairperson Ma. Christina Aquino turns over to Incoming Chairperson Robert John Horrigan the reins of the Tourism Board

N

OT too many people in the tourism industry know about the Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc., now popularly known as the Tourism Board. Some know about its existence but can’t really go into details as to what the group is all about.

In June of 1980, as a response to our country’s hotel and restaurant industry’s need for qualified manpower to run our various tourism enterprises, the National Manpower and Youth Council (NMYC) established the Hotel and Restaurant Industry Board or HRIB. This non-stock, non-profit technical foundation was a tripartite body with representatives from the labor, private, and government sectors.

Through the years, our country’s tourism industry grew by leaps and bounds, and so did the need to have more worldclass human resource, to keep up with those employed by our global competitors. So, in 1991, the Board of Trustees of HRIB agreed to expand the coverage of this august body and give it its current name and used the trademark of professional education, training, research, and development institutions in responding to the workforce requirements of our Tourism Industry. It has then become a quadripartite body, with representatives from the academe added to those from the original three sectors.

With the core values of Transparency, Integrity, Balance, Focus, and Innovation, this tourism body continuously works for an adequate supply of competent tourism professionals that match up to or even surpass international standards.

Not too long ago, this quadripartite tourism body, which now prefers to call itself the Tourism Board, for a more pleasant “ring” to its name, elected a new set of officers for a three-year term. Needless to say, this energetic set of Board Members will have new ideas and new strategies that will certainly be more effective as each one is committed to achieving the Board’s goal of further elevating our Tourism workforce’s efficiency and standards.

The new officers are: Robert John Horrigan of Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), Chairperson; Joji Ilagan Bian of Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines (COHREP), Vice-Chairperson; Lilibeth Aragon

of the Association of Administrators in Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institutions (AAHRMEI), Secretary; Arjun Shroff of Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Treasurer; Divine de los Reyes (Association of Human Resource Managers (AHRM), Auditor; and myself, representing the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), as Public Relations Officer.

The other members of the Board are: Lurhen Cortes of Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines (JTHMAP), Hessel Larcia of National Union of Workers in Hotel Restaurant and Allied Industries (NUWHRAIN), Jing Lagandaon of the Philippine Association of Convention/ Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers Inc (PACEOS), Allan Paul Tang of Philippine Association of Researchers for Tourism and Hospitality (PARTH), Benito Bengzon, Jr. of Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), and Cynthia Lirio of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA). The Board of Advisers are Asec. Rica Bueno of the Department of Tourism (DOT); Dr. Susan Solis of the University of the Philippines’ Asian Institute of Tourism (UPAIT); and Director Susan de la Rama of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

What are the benefits for members?

For employers, the Tourism Board establishes a labor market information system for effective and efficient manpower pooling. For the labor sector, workers get exposed to effective training programs, thus increasing their efficiency and competitiveness in the market. For the government, it will have an accurate determination of actual manpower supply and demand. For the academe, educational institutions are made aware of the evolving demands of the Industry upon which they can base the upgrade of their Tourism and Hospitality programs.

True to its mandate, the Tourism Board has been hosting a series of educational Webinars that further augment the skills of industry professionals and workers. They

The amiable Outgoing Treasurer Dr. Gloria Baken Wong-Siy ensures she will turn over the Tourism Board’s coffers filled to the brim

have been updated on international tourism standards and trends, making them aware of what they have to keep up with, if they want to succeed and carve a name for themselves in the industry. These interesting Webinars continued throughout the pandemic and the participation of committed Tourism professionals and workers was not at all affected.

Now, in the pipeline, is T.H.E. Academy which will offer Tourism Human Capital Development Programs that will make available to participants a wide range of expertise in our Industry. Incidentally, the “T.H.E.” stands for Tourism, Hospitality Excellence, guaranteeing those who will enlist for the courses their “cut-above-the-rest” proficiency in our industry’s competitive arena, once they complete the program.

With a very active Tourism Board expertly holding together the dynamics between the government, labor, private and educational sectors, there is no doubt our tourism industry can easily bounce back to its pre-pandemic success. After all, we are Filipinos, and having gone through all kinds of seemingly insurmountable challenges, we’ve learned that “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about learning how to dance in the rain!”

----------O---------YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE: At a party, a young wife admonished her husband, “That’s the fourth time you’ve gone back for ice cream and Coke. Doesn’t it embarrass you?”

“Why should it?” answered the husband. “I keep telling them it’s for you!”

----------O---------For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com