Manila Standard - 2022 July 14 - Thursday

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

manilastandard.net

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

Free train rides to students limited to LRT-2 as govt recalibrates policy

By Maricel V. Cruz

recalibrate the policy. That’s the word of the President. During the initial disPRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has cussion, there was a consensus that the ordered a recalibration of the govern- program will cover all -- MRT-3, PNR ment’s free train ride program for stu- and LRT-2. But during the Cabinet meeting (Tuesday), the instruction of dents, limiting the offer to LRT-2.

“The instruction of the President is to Next page

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 149 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Nursing moratorium lifted

CHED opens school applications for new programs after 11 years

U

NIVERSITIES and colleges may submit their applications starting July 14 to open new nursing programs after the government lifted a decade-old moratorium on Wednesday.

Boracay among TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2022’

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

American mass media corporation, described the world-famous white-sand beach as a “parBORACAY, a tropical island surrounded by stun- adise reborn” and called it among the “50 exning white sand beaches and clear blue waters in traordinary destinations to explore.”

The news coincided with President Ferdinand Panay, has been named by TIME Magazine as one Marcos Jr.’s statement underscoring the need to of the “World’s Greatest Places of 2022.”

Next page On its website, TIME, the New York-based

EXTRAORDINARY. Boracay has been named

by TIME Magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2022, calling it a ‘paradise reborn.’ It is one of only two Southeast Asian destinations to make the list, along with Bali, Indonesia. Danny Pata

In a virtual press conference, Commission on Higher Education chairman Prospero de Vera III said they decided to end the moratorium after conducting a comprehensive assessment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In reaching its decision, De Vera said the CHED has carefully considered the supply and demand for nurses, according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

As of now, a total of 201,265 job positions for nurses must be filled nationwide, suggesting a huge gap between the UN SDGs ideal number of 300,470 nurses and the actual number of nurses in the Philippines, of around 90,205.

CHED defended the timing of the lifting, saying they have to address issues that have caused the moratorium in the first place.

De Vera recalled that this included an oversupply of graduates with around 200,000 unemployed nursing graduates; a gradual decline in the performance of nursing education graduates in the Nurse Licensure Examinations (NLE); proliferation of institutions offering BS Nursing programs, some barely reaching the standard passing rate of 30 percent; and worst, students paying for hospitals just to be trained, due to a lack of affiliations in base hospitals.

“If you immediately lift it, you might go back to the same situation before 2011, and that situation was of crisis Next page

BBM eyes Indonesia or Singapore for 1st trip abroad ahead of UNGA

By Vince Lopez and Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first official travel abroad could be to Southeast Asia, possibly Indonesia or Singapore, a ranking official said Wednesday.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said while many governments have invited Marcos to visit, the President is really looking to travel first to the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is recommending that he go to

Indonesia and Singapore,” he said.

The relations between Indonesia and the Philippines are marked by various high-level engagements in various fields, including maritime security and counter-terrorism.

Early this month, they also laid the groundwork for the delimitation of their continental shelf boundary in the Celebes Sea, a declared priority for both countries.

The DFA said the maritime boundary delimitation between the world’s two largest archipelagic states is a significant state practice on delimitaNext page

Aboitiz exec heads advisory group to push private-public policy devts

By Vince Lopez

Sabin Aboitiz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Sabin Aboitiz, CEO of Aboitiz, to be the head of the newly-created Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC).

The PSAC, which is composed of business leaders and experts, seeks to assist the government in achieving its various economic objectives.

“The close partnership between the public and private sectors will continue to deepen with the establishment of PSAC under President Marcos,” Aboitiz said in a statement Wednesday.

“We are optimistic that by working hand-inhand with the government to develop the five priority areas, Next page

TOP AWARD.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II awards the prestigious George Cross to Filipina nurse May Parsons, who administered the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine shot in December 2020 on behalf of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service.

Parsons told the Queen: ‘We’re terribly, terribly proud of the vaccination roll-out.’

The Royal Family

Palace: Marcos now COVID-free but still in isolation until Friday PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., who tested positive for COVID a few days back, is now free from symptoms of the disease, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, quoting the chief executive’s lead physician, said Wednesday.

The President’s lead physician Dr. Samuel Zacate visited the 64-yearold Marcos in his residence at 10 a.m. Wednesday and gave him a thorough examination.

Next page

Tulfo to loan sharks: Prey not on 4Ps or face jail SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Erwin “I would like to take this opportunity ing 4Ps beneficiaries 20 to 40 percent Tulfo has warned loan sharks against to warn the loan sharks. Accepting those of the entire cash assistance from the accepting pawned Pantawid Pamilyang pawned 4Ps cash cards is a crime,” Tul- national government.

Pilipino Program (4Ps) cash cards, say- fo said in a television interview.

“That’s against the law. You could be ing it is a criminal offense to do so.

He said some loan sharks are chargNext page

A2

News

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Nursing...

From A1 proportions at that time, so we have to be very careful about lifting the moratorium, and we must ensure that the problems encountered before will not happen now,” he said.

Moreover, De Vera noted that the CHED will now allow Department of Health (DOH) Level 2 accredited hospitals to be affiliated as base hospitals or training facilities for students.

“We are being more f lexible in the opening of new programs by allow-

ing Level 2 DOH accredited hospitals that can become the training hospitals of [institutions] that have nursing programs, because of the need for more nursing students and graduates,” he said.

But he emphasized that CHED would be strict in considering these applications to ensure the problems encountered before the moratorium will not happen again, as well as to supply an adequate number of licensed nurses, especially in the regions in need of more nursing schools.

These include MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan),

Eastern Visayas, CARAGA, BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), CAR, and SOCCSKSARGEN, which are in urgent need of nurses.

“We will not prioritize. We are lifting the moratorium in all areas, but the color-coding will alert the universities that when they apply for the new nursing programs the probability that the nursing programs will be approved is higher in the areas where there is really a need. For example, there are areas where we lack base hospitals for them to train. So unless they have base hospitals, we cannot

allow them to open nursing programs because their students will not have a place to train,” he said.

Classified under Code Yellow or High Level are CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Western Visayas, Bicol Region, Davao Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, while the rest remains under Code Green or with a low-level demand.

In 2011, the CHED imposed a moratorium on new nursing programs. Since then, several schools that could not attain at least a 30 percent passing rate for the NLE for three consecutive years were shut down.

Designated sector leads of the PSAC include Aboitiz for Build, Build, Build and Tourism; Aileen Uygongco-Ongkauko for Agriculture; Joey Concepcion for Jabs to Jobs; Henry Aguda for Digital Infrastructure; and Paolo Borromeo for Healthcare.

PSAC said the sectoral groups will “regularly report to the President to provide feedback on what is happening on the ground and will make recommendations on modern policy development.”

The Council said it would “regu-

larly report to the President to provide feedback on what is happening on the ground and will make recommendations on modern policy development.”

Among five areas PSAC pledged “to help the government deliver” are: robust infrastructure program; job creation; digitalization; improving agricultural productivity through the recalibration of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and ensuring an equitable, sustainable, and inclusive business landscape for Filipino.

The vacated slots will be given to new beneficiaries as many applicants are on the waiting list.

Tulfo said the review – in compliance with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos to cleanse the list – will take about a month to finish.

Marcos also underscored the need to hasten the release of the national IDs as these will facilitate the efficient distribution of ayuda.

“Things like the giving of the ayuda, all of these things that we are trying

for, going to digitize the bureaucracy…

Having their national ID [ensures] a good database for the government,” the President said.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the IDs, either in physical form or in electronic form, will be available “before the end of the year.”

Balisacan said 92 million Filipinos are eligible to receive the national IDs but only over 10 million cards have been delivered nationwide as of April 30, 2022.

improve policies and infrastructure to strengthen the tourism industry.

Marcos issued the statement in a Cabinet meeting that he presided virtually, citing how Singapore’s tourism sector fared well even with limited natural resources.

He said the city-state showed how policy and infrastructure were “so important” in giving a boost to tourism.

“That means that it can be done.

We just have to support the plan to develop all of these enabling environments – the policy, conditions, and infrastructure,” Marcos said.

Marcos also noted that the equivalent of ease of doing business in tourism includes “ease of getting here, getting around, arranging for tours, getting drivers… finding a hotel.”

The chief executive also discussed how healthcare facilities in big tourist destinations like Boracay could be improved as he cited the arrangement implemented in beaches in Hawaii and Thailand.

“In the beach, there are police and everything…So, if anything happens along that stretch, they can call for help. The lifeguards know exactly where to bring them,” he said.

“That is supported by the local industry. They have their respective duties, to keep a doctor there, to keep a nurse there.”

In creating its list, TIME said it solicited nominations of places from its international network of correspondents and contributors “with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.”

The Department of Tourism (DOT), for its part, welcomed Boracay’s inclusion saying this affirms its “allure as a tourist haven.”

“Such recognition will surely help us attain our goal of regaining our position in the global market,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said in a press statement.

“Surely, the Philippines has a multitude of sites and tourism activities that we could offer to the world. And, in addition to natural resources, we look forward as well to developing and promoting the talents of our people and the products that have the potential for national and global marketability,” she said.

Garcia-Frasco said the Philippines “is certainly not at a disadvantage” with regard to the availability of natural resources and wealth of talent as well as products and people.

“But certainly, many measures could be improved as far as policy regulations, both on the national and local level, and proper coordination – to be able to focus on the overall tourist experience from the time that he arrives to the point of entry to the time that he gets to his point of destination,” Garcia-Frasco said, noting that Singapore has “really mastered this.”

“Certainly, to benchmark their policies in this regard would be the direction that we would take per your instructions,” she added.

the President is to recalibrate and focus on LRT-2,” Transport Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said.

On July 1, Marcos approved free rides for students in Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3), Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT2), and Philippine National Railways (PNR) trains.

Now, only the LRT-2 will offer free rides to students from Aug. 22 to Nov. 4, 2022.

Chavez said LRT-2, which goes to the University Belt in Manila, carries more students than MRT-3 or PNR. In a separate message to reporters, the DoTr confirmed that the Libreng Sakay for Students Program will be for LRT-2.

But it added that during the Cabinet meeting, “(Transportation Secretary

Jaime Bautista) has recommended to the President to extend the Libreng Sakay for Students also for MRT-3 and PNR.” Earlier, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it would stop the free bus rides program for some routes due to depleted funds, saying it needed about P1.4 billion to continue the rides.

Free rides were stopped on 118 routes but continued for those riding the EDSA Bus Lane and Commonwealth Route 7 until the end of July.

Amid these cutbacks, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte urged the DOTr and the Budget department to find funds to extend the Libreng Sakay program at least until the end of the year.

“Carrying on with Libreng Sakay should top the concerns of both the DOTr and DBM, considering that one of the very first official acts of Mr. Marcos on his first full day as President last July

1 was for the DOTr to carry on with this program for the benefit of Metro Manila commuters,” Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte issued the statement after Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the DOTr will seek an additional outlay of P1.4 billion as the agency has no available funds in its 2022 budget to continue with Libreng Sakay until the end of December.

“Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista should exert his very best effort in making sure Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman is able to source or realign at least P1.4 billion in public funds to bankroll Libreng Sakay till the year end, in keeping with President Marcos’ July 1 directive,” Villafuerte said.

“This is the very least that the new administration can do for poor and low-income commuters in the NCR (National Capital region) at this time of a global oil shock that has jacked up

headline inflation and prompted the government to increase public transport fares,” he said.

President Marcos approved last July 1 the recommendation of Bautista to extend the free rides program for buses plying the EDSA Carousel Busway until end-December.

Bautista, who had proposed the extension of the free rides in a memorandum—and which President Marcos promptly approved—was quoted as saying in a “Laging Handa” press briefing at the Palace this week that they would seek additional budget from the Department of Budget and Management.

At the same time, Villafuerte also appealed to the government to speed up the release of the approved P1,000 fuel subsidy for the over 600,000 qualified tricycle driver-beneficiaries of this cash aid as listed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

institution that strengthens our part of the world,” he said.

At the same time, Romualdez said the President is keen on meeting US President Joe Biden during the UN General Assembly in New York in September.

“We already told the White House that when President Marcos is at the UN, a meeting between the two leaders will be quite welcome for us,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez acknowledged, however, that there was a “slim chance” of that happening as there are 40 to 50 heads of states expected to attend the General Assembly.

“But I am sure that President Biden

would like to meet those leaders that have been newly elected that he has not met,” Romualdez added.

Biden also invited Marcos to visit Washington through a personal invitation letter handed over by Douglas Emhoff, the husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, during the President’s inauguration on June 30.

Romualdez expressed hopes that more investments would come into the country from the US and China.

In a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Romualdez said the President “knows the value” of the Philippine relations with the US, which “has always been with us,” especially throughout the pro-

curement of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Romualdez made the statement when asked how he believes President Marcos will be different from former President Rodrigo Duterte in terms of dealing with the US, and if he thinks that there will be fewer challenges and more stability under the new administration.

Romualdez said the tension between the US and China could be a challenge for the Philippines, but said he believes Marcos has plans on how to approach both countries.

“The challenge is really on issues… as we know, these two countries are in very strong competition. We are hop-

ing that being right in the middle of all of this, obviously our relationship with the United States is very important and we would like to reach out to China to resolve the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

“But at the same time, we want a true economic activity where more investments will be coming from China.

They are an economic powerhouse,” he added.

Marcos, who is Romualdez’s cousin, earlier said that in terms of foreign policy, he would not adopt the “slightly unorthodox approach” of Duterte, who rattled diplomats with his firebrand rhetoric and mercurial nature.

Palace:...

From A1 Cruz-Angeles said: “Dr. Zacate gave the happy news that on the 5th and 6th day of his isolation, the President is now free from all symptoms of COVID-19.”

She added that the President had finished all his medications and that based on Dr. Zacate’s clinical opinion, Marcos was ready to go back to his face-to-face engagements.

“Dr. Zacate told the President that he still needs to complete his sevenday isolation as mandated by the health department’s protocol,” CruzAngeles said.

“The President’s vital signs are all within normal limits. He has no signs of respiratory distress and is very comfortable,” she said, quoting Dr. Zacate’s latest health bulletin.

Dr. Zacate reported that “if there is no reappearance of any sign and symptoms related to COVID-19, and provided further that he has no fever” for the next 24 hours, the President can be released from isolation on Friday, July 15.

“If all the aforementioned conditions as stated in the DOH Protocol are met, the President will be given a Certificate of Home Isolation by Dr Zacate. Until then, he will be closely monitored by his lead physician,” Cruz-Angeles said.

Despite testing positive for COVID-19, Marcos has not slowed down from his work and has been presiding cabinet meetings via teleconferencing.

Continue wearing face masks

An infectious disease expert is advising the public to continue wearing face masks amid the rising cases of Omicron subvariants in the country.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, Dr. Edsel Salvaña said masks should be worn even outdoors as the Omicron BA.5 subvariant is “super contagious.”

“They’re finding that out in other countries AFTER they removed their mask mandates. Good thing we’re a lot more cautious in the Philippines,” he said.

Health authorities say Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are highly transmissible, as transmissible as measles, which is considered the most infectious viral illness in humans.

Boracay...

From A1

AFFECTED BY INFLATION, TOO. A worker arranges trays of eggs at a store in Cavite Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila on July 13, 2022.

According to Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines Inc. (AGAP) party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones, the price of eggs may increase from P10 to P15 per piece next week. Norman Cruz

Aboitiz...

From A1 we will see a revitalized economy that all Filipinos will benefit from,” he added.

The Council had a meeting with Marcos in Malacañang on July 7.

Marcos said the discussion focused on scaling up the agricultural sector as well as closer cooperation between the private sector and the government to establish programs that will help farmers.

Tulfo...

From A1 jailed if we catch you doing this,” he said.

Tulfo earlier said almost a million “undeserving” beneficiaries of the government’s conditional cash transfer program will be delisted.

Families who are without eligible household members or who have already met the self-sufficient stage will be delisted.

WHO chief worried

World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was worried that COVID case numbers were shooting up, putting more strain on health systems and workers.

The number of COVID cases reported to the WHO increased 30 percent in the past two weeks, driven by sub-variants of the Omicron strain and the lifting of control measures.

“New waves of the virus demonstrate again that COVID-19 is nowhere near over. As the virus pushes at us, we must push back,” he said.

He told a news conference that as transmission increases, governments must also deploy tried-and-tested measures like mask-wearing and improving ventilation.

“Sub-variants of Omicron, like BA.4 and BA.5, continue to drive waves of cases, hospitalization and death around the world,” Tedros said.. AFP

BBM...

From A1 tion and contributes to the development of international law, particularly the law of the sea.

Meanwhile, Romualdez said Marcos also wanted to be more active in Asean affairs and has expressed interest in playing a “major role” in getting the 10-member bloc together.

“In fact, I can tell you that he’s had conversations with (Singapore) Prime Minister Lee (Hsien Loong) even before his inauguration and they both agree that Asean will be the forum or

Free...

From A1

News

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

13 UP studes in hazing rap may face trial T

HE Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the preliminary inquiry conducted by the University of the Philippines-Student Disciplinary Tribunal (UPSDT) against 13 students implicated in the alleged fatal hazing of Cris Anthony Mendez in 2007.

In a 16-page decision written by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the SC’s Second Division denied the petition

filed by respondent Ariel Paolo Ante assailing the decision issued by the Court of Appeals on October 6, 2015 and its resolution dated September 27, 2016, which reversed and set aside the order issued by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City, Branch 83, nullifying the proceedings of the UP-SDT against him and his co-respondents.

The UP-SDT proceedings arose from the administrative charges filed against the 13 UP students and members of the Sigma Rho fraternity who allegedly participated in the initiation rites that led to the death of Mendez, a student of the National College of Public Administration and Governance.

The petitioner and his companions have been accused of leaving Mendez in the

hospital and failing to give information to the authorities, as well as failure to comply with the directives of UP’s Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to give information on the circumstances surrounding Mendez’s death.

Ante argued that the preliminary inquiry was in violation of Section 1, Rule III of the Rules Governing Fraternities, which requires that the proceedings be conducted “by any member of the Tribunal.”

The high court noted that parties argue over the correct interpretation of the phrase “by any member of the SDT.” Ante said the preliminary inquiry was done by the University Prosecutor and not by the SDT, as required under the Rules

Governing Fraternities.

On the other hand, the UP-SDT argued that the phrase should be construed as “through the means, act, agency or instrumentality” of any member of the SDT,” thus, making the preliminary inquiry compliant with the provision, therefore, valid.

“The term ‘inquiry,’ which means ‘to request for information’ in its ordinary sense, necessarily implies that SDT took part in the conduct of such. This alone, satisfies the requirement that the preliminary inquiry be conducted ‘by a member of the SDT’,” the SC said.

“Moreover, we agree with the CA that it would be bordering absurdity if the statement be interpreted to mean that SDT ‘merely served as observers of the

DOLE reminds employers to ensure safety in workplaces

COA cites SSS for fair report on financial statements

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment warned employers and company owners to maintain occupational safety and health standards in their offices following an incident in an elevator in a Makati building that killed two workers.

Noel Binag, executive director of DOLE’s Occupational Safety and Health Center, said employers are liable for incidents that happen in the workplace.

“Our law states that our employers, those who own the companies, should make sure that their workplaces are safe for our workers and they are not exposed to hazards and any health and safety risks,” he said.

Binag said many companies do not have safety officers and have no safety and health committees.

Workers who have noticed occupational hazards or violation of safety protocols in their workplaces should report it immediately to their employers or to the DOLE to prevent or minimize the occurrence of accidents, Binag said.

Last July 8, two elevator installers were killed while two other workers were hurt when an elevator undergoing repair inside a building in Makati City collapsed.

Three days later, six construction workers died and two others were hurt when a concrete wall collapsed on them in a construction site in Tagaytay City amid a heavy downpour.

NCR streets to be ‘overwhelmed’by more policemen

By Joel E. Zurbano THE National Capital Region Police Office is programmed to increase police visibility and make them more accessible to the people.

“In few days, streets of Metro Manila will be overwhelmed with uniformed policemen patrolling the beats on foot and on mobile patrols as police visibility is the paramount consideration of the NCRPO to prevent crimes,” said NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad.

Natividad required all office personnel from the police command districts, stations, sub-stations, and community precincts to perform patrol duties for a minimum of two hours.

“As the OIC-PNP said to uniformed personnel to go out of their comfort zones, even my personal staff and security will go out and perform patrol duties too. I will check, and if they are not in their area, I will make them explain,” he said.

The NCRPO chief also said all team leaders, supervisors and commanders must strictly supervise their personnel, and failure on their part to do so will mean their immediate relief form their posts.

“Three successive blunders from subordinate supervisors will result in the sacking of even the chiefs of police,” he said.

University Prosecutor, with themselves physically present thereat but meaning nothing at all.’ Thus, contrary to Ante’s assertion, to split hairs between the phrases ‘by the Student Disciplinary Tribunal’ and ‘before the Student Disciplinary Tribunal’ is actually a trifling matter,” the SC added.

The high tribunal also junked the argument of Ante that his right to due process was violated when UP-SDT found prima facie case against him, even though what is required by the school regulations is merely determination of the sufficiency of a report or complaint.

The SC held that Ante’s claim of due process violation is “premature” since formal proceedings on the case have yet to start.

DREDGING. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contractors pursue their dredging operations at the silt-laden Marikina river in a bid to prevent flash floods that normally accompany the rainy season in Metro Manila. Manny Palmero

PH logs 157 rabies cases from Jan. to June THE country has recorded 157 rabies cases for the first six months of the year, with Central Luzon logging the most number of infections, the Department of Health said Wednesday.

In a Viber message to reporters, the DOH noted that the number, recorded from January 1 to June 25, 2022, is five percent lower compared to the 167 cases during the same period last year.

Most of the rabies cases were reported from Central Luzon with 25 or 16

percent; Calabarzon, 21 or 13 percent; Western Visayas, 17 or 11 percent; and Davao Region, 16 or 10 percent.

Citing National Rabies Data as of June 25, the DOH noted that majority, 119 cases or 76 percent of the cases, were not vaccinated with rabies immunoglobulin or rabies vaccine.

Category 3 is the highest exposure history among reported rabies cases comprising 112 or 71 percent of the tally.

Category 3 is defined as single or

multiple transdermal bites or scratches, licks on broken skin, contamination of mucous membrane with saliva, and suspect contacts with bats.

About 131 or 83 percent of the biting animals among rabies cases were dogs.

Seventy-seven or 49 percent out of 157 biting animals of the reported cases were domesticated.

Of the domesticated biting animals, about 53 or 69 percent were unvaccinated for rabies.

THE Social Security System has received unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit for second straight year.

SSS president and chief executive officer Michael Regino said the COA has rendered an unmodified opinion on the fairness of presentation of the financial statements of the SSS for 2021.

“In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the SSS as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and its financial performance and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with Philippine Financial Reporting Standards (PFRSs),” COA’s report read.

Such is the second year in a row that the SSS received an unmodified opinion from COA. It is issued when the auditor concludes that the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

“We are honored to receive back-toback unmodified opinions from the COA. This serves as a testament to our continuous pursuit of good governance and transparent and prudent management of the SSS Fund,” Regino said.

Under its financial statements, SSS income for 2021 increased by 7.4 percent to P276.33 billion from P257.24 billion in 2020; its benefit payments grew by 14.9 percent to P223.98 billion in 2021 from P194.87 billion in 2020; and its operating expenses for 2021 amounted to P10.19 billion, which is only 33.6 percent of the allowed charter limit.

Since the fiscal year 2020, the SSS used PFRS 4 to present its financial statements, where Social Benefit Liabilities (SBLs) are required to be presented in the balance sheets. For its 2021 financial statements, the SSS recorded an P872.36 billion net change in policy reserves under its expenses representing SBLs, including a Margin for Adverse Deviation (MfAD) that serves as a buffer for conservatism.

These, however, are not actual cash that went out of the SSS Fund in 2021 but estimates of the required reserves to fund future benefit claims.

Over 7k MILF, MNLF examinees pass special qualifying test of NAPOLCOM

A WAY OF LIFE. Two residents of Vitas in Tondo, Manila chat unmindful of the ankledeep water which has become a way of life in low-lying areas in the metropolis. Danny Pata

ABOUT 65 percent or 7,145 examinees of a total 11,033 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have passed the National Police Commission’s (NAPOLCOM) Special Qualifying Eligibility Examination (NSQE) held on May 29.

The Bangsamoro Information Office said the exam result was released on Monday, July 12, or two months after the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted the exam in the cities of Cotabato and Lamitan.

Mohd Asnin Pendatun, Cabinet Secretary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said the regional government was very grateful they had a high passing rate for the qualifying exam.

“We are very happy because the sacrifice of our applicants has paid off. We under-

stand that the validation process of the application is meticulous because we have to ensure that applicants are legitimate MILF and MNLF members,” he added.

Pendatun also clarified speculation that bribery occurred during the recruitment of aspiring MILF and MILF members.

“The payoffs we’ve been hearing is just speculation, and no other expenses or ‘under the table’ payments were needed or paid for. Rest assured there were no additional or extraordinary payments made except for those who took the test,” he said.

The NSQE is in keeping with Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which mandates former MILF and MNLF members to become eligible for temporary appointment to the rank of patrolman or patrolwoman in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

DPWH completes P49-m anti-flood project in San Fernando THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of the P49- million slope protection structure to stabilize landslide-prone areas along San FernandoBagulin Road in Barangay Bacsil, San Fernando City, La Union.

DPWH Region 1 Director Ronnel M. Tan said the project utilizes eco-friendly high-tensile wire mesh that keeps rock masses in place and maintains the stability of the slopes without harming the environment.

“With the completion of this ecofriendly mitigation structure, motor-

ists and residents can now safely pass through the mountainous portion of San Fernando-Bagulin Road without worrying about accidents,” said Tan. The fund for the construction of slope protection was allocated under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA) that covers the installation of erosion mats anchored with ground anchor nails along the landslide-prone section of the road.

Meanwhile, DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino said the department has recently improved a total of six kilometers of road along various sections of two major thoroughfares in

the Province of Nueva Ecija.

The Sta. Rosa-Tarlac Road and Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road conducted asphalt overlay activities on 1.85-lane-kilometers and 2.2-lane-kilometers of the Sta. Rosa-Tarlac Road covering in the towns of Zaragoza and Sta. Rosa, respectively.

Another 1.94 lane-kilometers of the Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road section in Cabanatuan City has also been upgraded by DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd DEO. With better carriageways, residents and motorists find a more convenient and safer travel while traversing the road sections.

FACE-T-FACE COULD MEAN GOOD BUSINESS. A vendor arranges his wares of school uniforms on display at his stall in the Commonwealth Market, in Quezon City in anticipation of better days ahead as the Department of Education ordered all schools to implement in-person instructions starting Nov. 2. Manny Palmero

Former Health chief urges use of Dengvaxia as dengue cases rise

By Willie Casas FORMER Health Secretary Janette Garin on Wednesday said patients and doctors should be allowed to procure Dengvaxia vaccine in light of the increase in dengue cases.

Interviewed on CNN Philippines, Garin, also Iloilo Representative, said the government should also reconsider its decision to revoke Dengvaxia’s certificate of product registration (CPR).

Dengvaxia manufacturer Sanofi announced in November 2017 that the vaccine posed a serious health risk to those who received the vaccine and were not previously infected by dengue. Sanofi’s announcement came after the vaccine has been administered to more than 800,000 children as well as some adults and policemen. Garin was then Health secretary during the Aquino administration.

Amid the controversy, Sanofi returned P1.16 billion to the DOH for the unused doses of Dengvaxia. “I am not saying that the government should buy it, but those parents who can afford it and want their children protected should be given the option to buy it,” Garin said.

The Department of Health (DOH) said over 64,000 dengue cases were recorded

Legarda bats for additional items in PH current school curriculum

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Loren Legarda said the country’s current educational curriculum should be enhanced with the addition of several important items.

She said the Bill of Rights under the Constitution should be added in the curriculum, which she said, would promote human rights principles.

Legarda also proposed adding a few more items in the curriculum including the inclusion of current global and national food waste situation; ways to reduce food waste; and national and local food waste prevention programs.

She had proposed under the Zero Food Waste bill to be incorporated into the academic curriculum.

The other programs that should be included are Food forest gardening, Urban agriculture, Entrepreneurship, Cultural education programs and activities, Culinary Heritage and Philippine Gastronomy Legarda said standards for teacher professional development should be developed and institutionalized.

She noted that the introduction of a Teacher Professional Development Curriculum that will ensure the development and improvement of their method of teaching and engaging the students should also be there.

According to Legarda, she filed Senate Bill No. 2, or the Magna Carta of Public School Teachers, which seeks to provide additional benefits and protection to teaching and non-teaching personnel in public schools all over the country.

“In my home province of Antique, I initiated the Education Training Capability Seminars for DepEd Supervisors in partnership with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP),” she said.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance in the previous Congress, Legarda said she sponsored the allocation of an additional P800 million under the budget of the DepEd in the 2019 General Appropriations Act.

during the first six months of the year, a 90 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration revoked Dengvaxia’s CPR in February 2019 after it was linked to deaths of around 100 children who received the vaccine even if there were no concrete findings that it indeed caused these children’s deaths.

A product issued a CPR allows its manufacturers to sell their product commercially in the country. While the Philippines has shunned Dengvaxia, the World Health Organization has listed it under Essential Medicines List (EML), Garin said. She said governments are mandated to make those under EML available to its people at all times.

Garin said the revocation of Dengvaxia’s CPR in 2019 is not because of safety issues but purely an administrative requirement as the vaccine has yet to pass Phase 4 of clinical trials.

She argued that the entirety of Sanofi’s findings showed that the benefits of the Dengvaxia vaccine outweighed its risk.

“There is also a 90% reduction in deaths [due to dengue] and 83% reduction in severity. Hindi namamatay. Mas malamang ang benefits [The benefits are greater],” she added.

TWO lawmakers have sought to increase the legal drinking age to 21 from 18 and ban persons with disabilities from buying alcohol.

Reps. Paolo Duterte of Davao City and Eric Yap of Benguet filed House Bill 1753 to seek the banning of “unqualified individuals” from buying alcohol or alcoholic beverages and prevent others from buying alcohol and alcoholic beverages for them.

These individuals are minors as well as persons with mental conditions.

HB 1753, also known as Anti-Underage Drinking Act, seeks to impose a minimum legal drinking age in the country, and also provide for penal sanctions against any person or private entities caught in violation of the legislation

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

LONG QUEUE. Passengers queue at the Edsa Carousel Busway Monumento station in Caloocan City on Wednesday. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday approved the extension of the free Edsa Carousel bus rides until December and free rides for students who will be using the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3), Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2), and Philippine National Railways (PNR) when in-person classes resume in August. Joey O. Razon

DBM eyes seeking Congress okay to allow Marcos to rightsize govt T HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) plans to ask lawmakers in Congress to allow President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to “rightsize” or streamline the government bureaucracy to save funds.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, in a Super Radyo dzBB interview, said the DBM will be “checking the bureaucracy’s 187 agencies, departments, offices, and bureaus, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) — which employ an estimated two million personnel — for redundant or overlapping functions.”

“As of now, we have yet to identify agencies that we can remove or merge but this will include a total of 187 agencies in the government. It also includes GOCCs not covered by the GOCC Governance Act,” she said, in the radio interview. “We want to prepare a proposal for Congress to give

the President power to rightsize or reorganize the government agencies.”

The DBM chief said should five percent of public servants will, for example, be affected by the rightsizing plan, the government could save an estimated P14.8 billion annually. This amount, she said, can then be reallocated to other priority projects.

Pangandaman, who earlier vowed to craft a 2023 budget that will promote a broad-based and inclusive economic recovery and growth, said those who will lose their jobs may apply in the new positions that may be opened by the government under the rightsizing program,

PORK ON DISPLAY. A customer appears to have a difficult time deciding which hog parts to buy at the Balintawak Market in Quezon City on Wednesday. The industry is slowly recovering from the effects of African swine fever. Joey O. Razon

CHIEF Justice Alexander Gesmundo has sworn in the seven lawyers and 21 engineers as newly accredited construction arbitrators who are mandated to expedite the resolution of construction disputes before the courts.

Gesmundo administered their oaths of office online last Tuesday, July 12, 2022, which was organized by the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC) and the Philippine Institute of Construction Arbitrators & Mediators, Inc.

“I rightsized the Provincial Government too when I sat as Governor not only to save money but also to make the delivery of services more efficient, including ISO 9001-2015 certification of our systems and processes,” related Escudero who then served as governor of Sorsogon before running for senator in the last elections.

Sen.Loren Legarda said she fully supports the proposal of DBM to rightsize the bureaucracy.

In fact, Legarda said she filed a similar measure during the 17th Congress when I was the Senate Finance Chair.

“There are government agencies that have functions that overlap or are redundant,” she said. “This makes them ineffective and inefficient, and these also entail unnecessary expenses.”

According to Legarda, government efforts must be redirected toward carrying out its fundamental duties for the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

to contain the availability of alcohol to unqualified individuals.

Duterte explained that alcohol use is the third leading risk factor for poor health globally as it causes an estimated 2.5 million deaths every year, of which a significant proportion occur in the young.

Similarly, he said a wide variety of alcohol-related problems have devastating impacts on individuals and their families that seriously affect community life.

“The youth has a vital role in nationbuilding and it’s the duty of the state to promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social wellbeing. The state shall undertake efforts to eliminate alcohol abuse and reduce underage drinking by prohibiting unqualified individuals’ access to alcohol,” Duterte explained.

The 28 arbitrators are the 10th batch of members accredited by the CIAC. In his message, Chief Justice Gesmundo lauded the CIAC “for keeping up with the times, and proving its capacity to adapt, innovate and constantly improve processes and human resources.”

Gesmundo noted that similar to the Judiciary, which is gearing up for a digital shift, the CIAC has conducted online or virtual proceedings, as early as the second half of 2020 after the declaration of a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ALBAY 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has thanked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for pioneering the construction of a Biosphere Reserve and Research Center (BRDC) building in Manito town, Albay.

The facility will serve as a rescue shelter and monitoring area for biodiversity resources, particularly marine wildlife in the province.

Albay was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in March 2016, joining the world list of places for learning sustainable development and biodiversity conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources.

When he was Albay governor, Salceda sought to have his province declared as UNESCO’s biosphere reserve site, one of only two in the Philippines to date. The approval was given in March 2016 in Lima, Peru, following the recommendation of the

Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program’s International Co-ordinating Council.

The construction of the two-story Albay BRDC building, with a watchtower roof, broke grounds last July 11, on a 500-square meter lot donated by the town of Manito, which prides itself as vast mangrove conservation area. The DENR said the construction of the facility will be completed in December this year.

The center will be the hub of Albay’s conservation and research initiatives on its rich biodiversity and ecosystems, and depository of environmental data and assessments, said Salceda, who also proposed the setting up of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) of the DENR years ago.

The Albay facility will likewise serve as a “rescue center” for marine life with a watch tower, and as a station for the organized Bantay Dagat (Sea Rangers) and Bantay Gubat (forest rangers) teams in the area. Manito town forms part of Salceda’s second Congressional district.

Villar files priority bills days before 19th Congress SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar filed her priority bills to further accelerate the country’s agricultural growth; to preserve and conserve the environment, and to help Filipino entrepreneurs.

Villar will retain the chairmanship of the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Food, and Environment and Natural Resources in the upcoming Congress.

She led the same committees in the 18th Congress.

Her proposed measures, Villar asserted, would help boost the country’s food sustainability and sufficiency.

She also emphasized the country’s livestock industry is a major concern during this time.

The livestock sector comprising cattle, hogs, poultry, and dairy should feed our people. It can re-

Chief Justice administers oath to new construction dispute arbitrators

By Rey E. Requejo

GMA News reported.

“Those affected will be provided with retooling programs. The Civil Service Commission will be with us here. Those who will retire will be provided with retirement benefits,” she said.

The first two executive orders of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. abolished the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, and the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson.

Senator Chiz Escudero meanwhile said rightsizing in the government “is the right path to take” insofar as the administration is concerned.

He said the government just has to pour in the time to study which positions are redundant or unnecessary. Escudero also noted the government should make sure that those that may be affected are given proper compensation on top of whatever benefits from GSIS to help them get by and start anew amidst these trying economic times.

Salceda: 2nd PH biosphere research and reserve facility to rise in Albay

Bill filed in Congress to raise drinking age to 21

By Maricel V. Cruz

News A4

“It is comforting to know that [alternative dispute resolution] ADR institutions such as the CIAC continue to function and carry out their mandated tasks and make the necessary adjustments as the whole world transitions to the full use of digital technology,” Gesmundo said.

The CIAC was established in 1985 to ensure “early and expeditious settlement of disputes to provide stability to enterprises and avoid bureaucratic delays. Retired Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Teresita V. Diaz-Baldos serves as its chairperson.

duce poverty in the countryside by giving raisers better income and jobs for farmers and their families.

She said the development can improve the availability and affordability for safe and nutritious livestock, poultry and dairy products for the 110 M Filipinos.

“The draft bill on livestock, and poultry, together with the Yellow Corn Development Bill were crafted with the help of the NEDA and in consultation with various stakeholders,” Villar said.

Even until now, Villar said ASF is slowly moving towards areas that were not previously declared as infested or “red

zones”. Also, Avian influenza or bird flu continues to spread across the country as new outbreaks have been recorded in Luzon and Mindanao.

She spelled out her bills on agriculture as follows: 1- Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Development and Competitiveness Act of 2022; 2-Yellow Corn Industry Development Act of 2022; 3-Marine Hatchery in Baybay City, Province of Leyte; 4-Marine Hatchery in the Municipality of Talacogon, Province of Agusan Del Sur; Macon Ramos-Araneta

FOGGING AGAINST DENGUE. Manila

Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Office personnel conduct fogging against dengue at Barangay 720 zone 78 District V in Malate, Manila. A public health expert warned of the rising number of dengue cases in the Philippines, as the severe form of this mosquito-borne viral disease can be lifethreatening.

Norman Cruz.

Opinion Of bread and rice

The unbridled importation of rice done over the last two years since quantitative restrictions were lifted, has become unfair competition to the lowly palay farmer with his small, economically dysfunctional plot of rain-fed land Cebuanos and other Bisaya used to eat white corn as staple carbohydrate load.

But we hardly produce that now, and even so, like that grass we call palay, growing corn can be expensive these days as well.

The same goes for cardaba, or saba, which could substitute for rice. And cassava or kamoteng kahoy. They are now as rare as rare can be, the production gone only to banana-cue or turon, or even exportable banana chips.

But there are other weather vanes of food insecurity in our climate-challenged islands.

Vegetables are normally higher during the rainy season, but the high incidence of vegetable smuggling adds to the woes of our highland farmers.

The same goes for onions, never mind garlic which we hardly grow other than in the Ilocos region.

And we are not writing about fruits, because we hardly produce any, other than bananas and mangoes mostly for exports.

Our bananas are threatened by the Panama disease. Mangoes hate La Nina. We have lost our guavas, our santol, our chico, our lanzones.

Pay through the nose if you can find them in the market.

Likewise fish, which should be an oddity in a nation of more than 7,000 islands surrounded by water, although affected by the ongoing conflict over what is the West Philippine Sea versus the South China Sea. The worst is yet to come. And we are now into the typhoon season. Pray these weather predators do not arrive in September or October when our poor farmers start their already meager harvests.

How I wish I could write about good things.

Thankfully, the new president has been picking, by and large, good men and women to key positions in his government. We can only wish him and them well as they grapple with the economy and its social effects.

Warfare by other means

FORMER National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon received a lot of flak for his efforts to block the websites of 28 media outlets the government suspects of being affiliated with the CPP/ NPA like Bulatlat and Pinoy Weekly.

The Human Rights Watch said the National Telecommunication Commission action is a curtailment of the right of free speech and press freedom.

Even the Integrated Bar of the Philippines weighed in by saying that the NTC has no authority to block the websites.

Bulatlat consequently filed a case in court to nullify NTC’s order, insisting it is a legitimate news outlet.

Under ideal circumstances, this issue would be an open and shot case considering that the Philippine Constitution does guarantee press freedom and the right to free speech.

But as we know, the situation in the country is anything but normal.

We have many certifiable terrorist groups like the Abu Sayyaf and Maute group and an active communist insurgency.

Abu Sayyaf is one of the smallest, but strongest of the Philippine Islamist separatist groups. Some Abu Sayyaf members studied or worked in Saudi Arabia and developed ties to mujahadeen, while fighting and training in the war against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The Maute group, also known as the Islamic State of Lanao, was a radical Islamist group composed of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas and foreign fighters led by Omar Maute,

the alleged founder of a Dawlah Islamiya, or Islamic state, based in Lanao del Sur. Furthermore, the right to free speech in this country as we also know is not absolute.

As our courts have decided in several cases there is a limit to what one can say or print.

The solution is striking a balance in such a way that free speech can be maintained while allowing the government some leeway to defend itself when there is a serious threat to national security from internal sources.

The Anti- Terrorism Law was supposed to do that. But the effort seems to have failed. The law is precisely what is being attacked for allowing the government to silence legitimate dissent and free speech.

What the media organizations suspected by the government to be allied with the CPP/NPA want is that there should be a free market of ideas in the regular and social media which is now the more preferred news outlet by the public to be open and unrestricted.

In other words, the CPP/NPA and allies want to have their cake and eat it too.

They want to maintain their above ground instrumentalities in Congress while continuing to wage a brutal revolutionary war to overthrow the duly constituted government.

The fact that this ongoing conflict between the government and the CPP/NPA has spilled over to social media is simply a continuation of the war between the two by other means as von Clausewitz said.

Carl Philipp Gottfried von Clausewitz, a Prussian general and military theorist who stressed the “moral” and political aspects of war, was a professional combat soldier who was involved in numerous military campaigns, but he is famous primarily as a military theorist interested in the examination of war, utilizing the campaigns of Frederick the Great and Napoleon as frames of reference for his work Attempts between the two – the government and the anti-government side – to resolve the con-

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

B1

mst.daydesk@gmail.com Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor

EDITORIAL

2,800 pesos per bag.

The Department of Agriculture advises them to use nitrogen-fixing bacteria developed by the UP Los Banos Institute of Bio-Technology, but there is little production of the same, because both DA and UP Los Banos are not market-savvy enough to promote widespread use of this major component of the fertilizer triad, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

And the unbridled importation of rice done over the last two years since quantitative restrictions were lifted, has become unfair competition to the lowly palay farmer with his small, economically dysfunctional plot of rain-fed land. *** We worry about our “daily bread,” be it pan de sal or rice.

THE small bakeries are a dying breed.

The conflict in the Russia-Ukraine area has denied the world almost a fifth of total world supply of wheat. Supply cannot catch up with regular demand.

The price of sugar is likewise way up. Once this country was one of the world’s largest suppliers of sugar. That day is gone.

Dividing our arable flat lands into small agrarian reform plots has denied plantation-grown sugar its economies of scale. Hold-outs among the Negrense landowners are reeling from the high cost of fertilizers and other inputs, labor included.

And yes, unknown to many consumers, even kneading the first-class flour that goes into pan de sal requires sugar. More so what we call “tasty,” or when I was growing up, “pan americano.”

Cakes and pastries, of course, but then that is a luxury for the middle class, and virtually unaffordable to the poor.

Cooking oil prices have also gone through the roof. You cannot make bread without oil. And it’s not just because Russia and Ukraine have denied Europe their sunflower oil.

In part it is because the Philippines, once the world’s top producer of coconut oil, has spawned an entire generation of poverty-stricken coconut producing “farmers.”

That is a long and woeful story. From the world’s top lauric producer to a net importer of oil palm and other vegetable oils. Quezon’s venerable Oscar “Ka Oca” Santos should write a book about this continuing saga of greed, incompetence, indolence and government neglect.

We used to bake our bread using brick-lined wood-fired ovens. We have since shifted to diesel or LPG. That is added cost.

And so too are electricity and water. All these are ingredients in the making of bread.

So now the bakers want to increase the price of our daily bread, the pan de sal, small and less tasty as ever, from 2 to 4 pesos apiece.

Or, they just might have to close down. Goodbye to the neighborhood bakery.

Until the good times roll back, and it seems that ain’t coming soon enough. *** As we have repeatedly stated in this space, the Middle Eastern and North African heavy consumers of bread will soon shift to the usual substitute —rice.

As that demand rises, so will there be a substitution effect on the price of rice in the international market.

Meanwhile, extreme weather impacts on rice production, and many parts of the globe, particularly South Asia and even South America, have been reeling with these.

Unusually heavy rains causing floods that inundate farms, destroying newly planted rice crops, are taking toll on world supply.

In North America, there are droughts that impact on the production of rice, corn, and soybean.

But that is another story, as its effects are felt more on livestock as far as we are concerned.

Worried about feeding their huge populations, grain producing countries in Asia are restricting exports of their grain. India has banned wheat exports. Soon it will be rice.

Thailand and Vietnam are slowly but surely increasing the export prices of their precious “white gold.”

Our palay farmers have been hit by triple increased fertilizer costs.

What used to sell for 900 pesos in 2021 is now

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Clearing operations in Metro Manila

I

F YOU’RE a regular viewer of YouTube, you’ve probably clicked on videos of street and sidewalk clearing operations conducted by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) or local government units in the metropolis, particularly in Manila and Quezon City.

These clearing operations, which have been ongoing for years now, are intended to keep the streets and sidewalks in the city free of all obstructions. That’s what we can gather from the videos themselves.

In the case of city streets, teams deployed by the traffic bureau swoop down unannounced on certain streets to either tow or impose hefty fines for illegally parked vehicles of all types, from cars to trucks, motorcycles and tricycles.

In the case of sidewalk clearing operations, which are usually carried out in marketplaces and residential areas in heavily populated areas, teams deployed by MMDA or City Hall descend on streets with dump trucks in tow and confiscate whatever they

Authorities invoke the need to bring back order in city streets and make roads and sidewalks navigable by vehicles and pedestrians can lay their hands on.

These can include clothes and bags for sale, fruits and vegetables, flower pots, electronic goods, bicycles, parked motorcycles, as well as the stands on which merchandise are sold, without issuing any receipt for seized goods that owners can redeem later on. Where these seized goods end up is anybody’s guess.

Authorities invoke the need to bring back order in city streets and make roads and sidewalks navigable by vehicles and pedestrians.

That’s all well and good, if you ask us.

We’re all for it. But only if it is implemented

in the right way.

And the right way, in so far as road clearing is concerned, is for local governments to either allow pay parking in certain streets and build more multi-level parking lots where possible.

Hefty fines for illegal parking may boost local government coffers, but punitive measures and Gestapo-like tactics aimed at teaching erring motorists a lesson in observing local ordinances merely create public resentment towards government.

Punishing the poor and already disadvantaged sectors from earning an honest living by selling goods and services right on the streets and on sidewalks is cruel and heartless.

Besides, we think both national and local governments punish the poor for their own rank negligence in long-term planning.

The poor do not have the luxury of renting space to sell merchandise on the street and on sidewalks when they cannot even make ends meet on a daily basis.

And which local governments have doable and realistic economic development plans, such as livelihood generation and provision of social services for the poor, so they do not have to put up makeshift homes right on sidewalks and are able to stand on their own two feet?

Justice Secretary Remulla EARLY morning of Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla saw a draft letter being forced on then sleepless President Joseph Estrada to sign at the Presidential Residence. Erap was being made to resign from the presidency.

Boying tore up the letter, went to a typewriter and typed his own version of what Estrada was to do. He asked the President to sign the letter. Erap was going on leave, not resigning. Estrada signed that letter. Remulla sent it to Congress, as required by the Constitution, when a president is going on leave.

Estrada, of course, was ousted as president. In the afternoon of Jan.20. 2001. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took over as president “in acting” capacity.

The “going on leave” ploy and the “acting president” maneuver gave Estrada ample leverage later on to work out his eventual pardon, by the “acting” president herself.

The Supreme Court intervened and invented the awful oxymoron “constructive resignation.” It simply meant Estrada thought of resigning, therefore, he did resign—even if he did not.

Remulla’s presence of mind on that fateful day in January 2001 is an example of how quick-thinking he could be and how creative his legal mind is when it is at crunch time.

After serving in the Palace as a deputy and presidential adviser, Boying went on to become governor of Cavite and later congressman. He won unopposed as congressman of Cavite’s 7th district in the May 9, 2022 election.

Jesus Crispin is the new Secretary of Justice.

He is named Jesus because he was born on a Good Friday. Crispin was a grandfather.

Unknown to many, the DOJ bureaucracy is populated by people who have a different idea of honesty and justice. Like the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation. Chinese tourists get permanent resident visas, instantly, right at the airport, upon arrival. For a price.

DOJ is the prosecution arm of the state, and, with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), is also the premier investigating arm of the government. No case can prosper in court without the prosecutor or fiscal filing a case.

The cases are strengthened by evidence gathered by the NBI. Absent both efforts, by the NBI and the prosecutor, a miscarriage of justice can conceivably materialize. Prosecutors used to be called fiscals. Fiscals became synonymous with fix-cals. They fix cases, for a price.

This is the DOJ that Remulla inherits. The Jesus in his name should work wonders.

However, I am not referring to the Jesus who

Perhaps, if the CPP/NPA gives up the armed component of their struggle to take over the reins of government and wage the fight only thru the ballot, maybe an agreement can be reached with the government flict thru peace talks have been done many times but failed.

The latest was by the Duterte administration,

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

said a sinner must be forgiven seven times seven.

I am referring to what one theologian defined justice “in the common sense of power struggles, coercion, and necessary violence and punishment.”

The late Ramon Magsaysay said, “those who have less in life must have more in law.” RM also believed “in the majesty of constitutional and legal processes, in the inviolability of human rights.”

That, however, should be tempered by what

President Erap Estrada said, “a hungry stomach knows no law.”

So much is expected of Boying Remulla.

“From the way you have been comporting yourself in deliberations in the House of Representatives, and from your keen understanding of the law, I am certain you’ll make an ideal Justice Secretary,” President Bongbong Marcos told Remulla when he offered the congressman the DOJ job.

Remulla expressed his appreciation for having been on the mind of BBM. The new DOJ chief took over on July 4.

The Secretary pledged to give his all and be “totally committed” to what the Department of Justice stands for.

Remulla was in no position to turn down BBM’s job offer.

The President was elected by more than 31 million people, a historic mandate and show of trust, Remulla said. Thus, despite the confidence placed in the congressman by the 200,000 people of the seventh district of Cavite, he accepted the position of Justice Secretary.

Remulla promised he would remain with BBM for the entire six-year term, from day one to the last, and to ensure that the DOJ’s vision to uphold the rule of law is carried out.

Remulla’s vision for the DOJ – “give justice to

every man, woman and child, no matter the circumstance of birth, no matter the economic standing.”

The job is extremely challenging. He said “mabigat ang hamong binigay sa atin.”

He will approach his tenure as DOJ Secretary as a “marathon,” that will be “action-packed, full of commitment and full of hope.” He intends to rid the attached agencies of corruption and syndicates, and asked the DOJ officials and employees to join him in this fight.

In sum, Remulla sought the cooperation of all DOJ officials and employees to achieve the DOJ’s vision and mission, but issued a warning to those who refuse to cooperate.

He said that everyone should be committed to the vision. He concluded by issuing a stern warning to those who are not committed to the vision: their day will come.

Remulla’s skills as a lawyer and legislator are needed by BBM. In the name of justice – for all.

Before he entered Cavite politics, Remulla was a senior official under the administration of President Estrada (June 1998 to January 2001). His late father, Juanito “Johnny” Remulla, was Cavite governor during the reign of Marcos 1.0.

The elder Remulla was a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, and a loyal supporter of Marcos Sr..

Like dad Johnny, Boying Remulla is a lawyer and a natural for political leadership.

In his younger days when his dad was still the provincial governor, Boying inquired about the wants and needs of ordinary Cavite folk, and conveyed what he found out to his father and his father’s key people at the provincial capitol.

Often, market vendors, micro-business owners, ambulant peddlers, jeepney and tricycle drivers, street folk and many other ordinary people from Cavite did not even know they were talking to the governor’s son.

Boying’s taste for public service dates back to his UP Law years.

After passing the Bar examination (he was among the top 20 examinees during his time), he established his own law firm and handled many pro bono cases. He dabbled in some real estate business to keep the free legal aid services of his law firm operational.

Politics eventually beckoned and, soon, Remulla accepted President Estrada’s invitation to join his administration as a point person in Malacañang.

After the end of the Estrada administration, Remulla returned to Cavite and began his political career as a congressman.

In Congress, Remulla focused on measures that helped improve the plight of workers and overseas Filipino expats – a mainstay of the economy. biznewsasia@gmail.com

which ended when President Duterte himself gave it up which was a missed opportunity.

By the looks of it, the new administration is not inclined either to hold any dialogue with the CPP/ NPA even if Joma Sison broached the idea.

Even before taking office, the new National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos dismissed the suggestion of a dialogue, saying that the government is done talking.

We should therefore, expect to see the conflict to continue and escalate further in the arena of social media.

As demonstrated by what the NTC did, the government resorted to the Anti-Terrorism Law to deny the CPP/NPA space in what it believes is a clever recruitment effort.

Government must, however, not only rely on its regulatory powers but see to it that it is ready, prepared and able to slug it out on social media.

Right now, social media is a medium wherein controls and limitations are not universally defined and uniformly accepted.

Different countries have different mechanisms.

Whatever action that the government intends to do, it is crucial that this is interpreted as a legitimate step to protect itself.

The government must strive to be on the moral high ground to be credible.

In the fight on who is right and who is wrong, credibility and perceptions are quite important.

This is because there are many local and international non-government organizations that are always questioning government motives.

Being credible makes half the battle won.

The court challenge filed by Bulatlat is therefore a test case whether what the NTC did will be upheld by the courts and provide the government with an effective tool in negating what it believes to be recruiting efforts of the CPP/NPA. Going forward, it is hard to see any clear-cut resolution of this issue any time soon.

Perhaps, if the CPP/NPA gives up the armed component of their struggle to take over the reins of government and wage the fight only thru the ballot, maybe an agreement can be reached with the government.

But that is wishful thinking.

This 53-year insurgency which has taken thousands of Filipino lives will unfortunately continue much longer unless we can find a way to end it once and for all for the sake of the country.

Remulla’s presence of mind on that fateful day in January 2001 is an example of how quick-thinking he could be and how creative his legal mind is when it is at crunch time

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

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

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

World

Standard THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

B2

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

TODAY mst.daydesk@gmail.com

NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ARCHITECTURAL CENTRE CLUB, INC. IS CALLING ALL ITS MEMBERS WHO HAVE UNPAID MEMBERSHIP DUES AND/OR CHANGED THEIR CONTACT DETAILS, TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CLUB ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 15, 2022. AFTER SAID DATE, MEMBERS WHO CANNOT BE CONTACTED BY THE CLUB AND/OR HAVE OUTSTANDING DUES SHALL BE CONSIDERED

DELINQUENT

AND/OR

SUBJECT FOR EXPULSION, AS THE CASE MAY BE, PURSUANT TO THE CLUB’S BYLAWS. (MStandard - July 14, 21 & 28, 2022) SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

001554

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF KAREN CHUA KING a.k.a. QIAO QIAO GONG to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is Karen Chua King, but I have also been known since childhood as Qiao Qiao Gong my Chinese name or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias N/A . name(s) 2. My present place of residence is No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park City/Municipality of Meycauyan Province of Bulacan and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) No. 9 Silverwood, Victoneta Ave., Malabon - 1998 - 2000 90 Apo St., Quezon City - from birth to 1997 3. I was born on March 6, 1992, in Chinese General Hospital, Manila Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of China.

4. My father's name is Su Ling Chong King and he was born on February 11, 1964, in China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother's name is Cindy S. Chua a.k.a. Jin Jin Cai and she was born on October 5, 1964 in China. She is a citizen or subject of China.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is Businesswoman and from which I derive an average annual income of 174,187.00 , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:BS Interdisiplinary Business Studies Minor in Business Management, (2) name of school: De La Salle University- Manila and (3) years graduated: 2012] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is M, I was married on Jan. 15, 2016 in Manila Cathedral Church. My wife's/husband's name is Mingen Lu and she/he was born on in July 17, 1989 in China She/he is a citizen or subject of China and presently resides No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauyan, Bulacan 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to China of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are Rose Abelyn Tan and Camille Koa both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 15 Santiago St., San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City and 7 BS Tuano St., San Juan respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ / ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ / ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ / ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ / ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ / ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ / ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: Clearance: NBI, Brgy. Clearance ,Police Clearance, RTC, MTC and Office of the Prosecutor Clearances PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this __ day of ___.

8. I have 2 child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name

Date of Birth

Yaohui Lu

Nov. 13, 2016

Place of Birth Manila

Yini Lu

June 13, 2018

Manila

Residence No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park Meycauyan, Bulacan

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of School Grace Christian College

Place of School Quezon City

Grace Christian College De La Salle University

Quezon City Manila

Dates of Study Highest Grade Completed 1998 to 2004 Elementary 2004 to 2008 2008-2012

11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

High School College

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: English/Tagalog

Name of Child

Karen King a.k.a. Qiao Qiao Gong Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauyan, Bulacan Telephone Number: 0922-8269507

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON CITY) S.S. I, Karen King a.k.a. Qiao Qiao Gong of legal age and a resident of No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauyan, Bulacan. after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

Karen King a.k.a. Qiao Qiao Gong Name and Signature of Petitioner

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at San Juan City, this 20th day of December 2018.

(MS-JULY 7,14 & 21, 2022)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

IT’S OVER: PRESIDENT FLEES. A man waves Sri Lanka’s national flag outside the presidential secretariat in

Colombo on July 13, 2022. Sri Lanka is mired in a deep political and economic crisis, and on July 13, the country’s president flew out of the country days after a huge crowd of protesters stormed his residence. AFP

AS PRESIDENT FLEES TO MALDIVES

State of emergency declared in Sri Lanka S RI LANKA declared a state of emergency Wednesday as thousands of people mobbed the prime minister’s office after the country’s president flew to the Maldives, following months of widespread protests against an economic crisis.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had promised at the weekend to resign on Wednesday and clear the way for a “peaceful transition of power” after fleeing his official residence in Colombo just before tens of thousands of protesters overran it.

As president, Rajapaksa enjoys immunity from arrest, and he is believed to have wanted to go abroad before stepping down to avoid the possibility of being detained.

He, his wife and two bodyguards were the four passen-

gers on board an Antonov-32 military aircraft that took off from Sri Lanka’s main international airport, immigration sources told AFP. Hours later, with no formal announcement he was stepping down, thousands of demonstrators mobbed the office of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe – who would automatically become acting president in the event of a resignation – demanding both officeholders should go.

“Go home Ranil, Go home Gota,” they shouted.

Police fired tear gas to hold them back from overrunning the compound and officials declared a nationwide state of emergency “to deal with the situation in the country,” the prime minister’s spokesman Dinouk Colombage told AFP. Police imposed an indefinite curfew across the Western Province, which includes Colombo, “to contain the situation,” a senior police officer said.

Wickremesinghe has himself announced his willingness to resign if consensus is reached on forming a unity government. AFP

Harris launches US Pacific push with two new embassies

BURNING PROTEST STILL. A protester sprays fire during a march

against the high cost of food and gasoline in Panama City. Despite the government’s announcement on a solution to the population’s petitions, thousands of people marched on Tuesday against rising product prices and corruption in Panama. AFP

IN BRIEF Fukushima ex-officials fined $95b

A TOKYO court Wednesday ordered former executives from the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant involved in the 2011 disaster to pay around 13 trillion yen ($94.8 billion) in damages, local media said.

Four ex-bosses of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) were ordered to pay the damages in a suit brought by shareholders over the nuclear disaster triggered by a massive tsunami.

Plaintiffs emerged from the Tokyo court holding banners reading “shareholders win” and “responsibility recognized.”

Hiroyuki Kawai, a lawyer representing shareholders, said when the suit was filed that senior managers at TEPCO must be made to pay.

“Warnings have to be issued that, if you make wrong decisions or do wrong, you must compensate with your own money,” he told a press conference in 2012.

“You may have to sell your house. You may have to spend your retirement years in misery. In Japan, nothing can be resolved and no progress can be made without assigning personal responsibility.”

The shareholders argued that the disaster could have been prevented if TEPCO bosses had listened to research and carried out preventative measures like placing an emergency power source on higher ground.

But officials argued the studies they were presented were not credible and risks could not have been predicted. AFP

Tories hold 1st vote round for new PM

BRITAIN’S ruling Conservative party was Wednesday to winnow down the eight candidates vying to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson amid growing acrimony over alleged dirty tricks.

Johnson was to face one of his last sessions of Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons before his successor is announced on September 5, after controversially blocking an opposition Labour bid to evict him sooner.

The Labour party had been seeking Wednesday to force a Commons vote of no confidence in Johnson’s premiership, arguing the UK can ill-afford weeks more of Tory infighting given a cost-of-living crisis and challenges such as the war in Ukraine.

But the government refused to give the motion time for debate, in a move dubbed unprecedented by constitutional experts.

Johnson was forced last week to announce his resignation after a stunning cabinet revolt – including by then finance minister Rishi Sunak – following a string of scandals that left the Conservatives sliding in opinion polls against Labor. AFP

THE United States launched a major push into the Pacific Wednesday as it seeks to hold off China’s advances in the region, with Vice President Kamala Harris announcing the opening of two new embassies at a key regional summit.

Washington will open missions in Tonga and Kiribati and also appoint its first-ever Pacific regional envoy, Harris said as she pledged $600 million in funding for the region in her address to the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji.

The video-link appearance was a diplomatic coup for the United States, with China’s attempts to secure a meeting on the sidelines of the summit rebuffed.

The forum marks the first time Pacific leaders have met since the Solomon Islands signed a controversial security pact with China earlier this year.

And the mounting US-China rivalry in the Pacific has directed intense interest towards this year’s meeting, which brings together leaders from across the strategically important region.

Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told AFP his country was “really happy that the US will be opening an embassy in Tonga, it will be the first time.”

“It is a big milestone. We are very happy we are finally having a US presence in Tonga,” he said.

Forum secretary general Henry Puna also welcomed Harris’ announcements, calling them “a breath of fresh air.”

“We have a long history of association and friendship with the US. But in recent years, they’ve gone missing from the region,” he told AFP. At least one official from the local Chinese embassy was in the room for the vice president’s address and was asked to move from an area reserved for the media, causing a stir among organisers.

Harris said she and President Joe Biden acknowledged the Pacific may not have previously received enough attention or support in the past.

“We are going to change that,” she promised, adding the United States wanted to “significantly deepen our presence in the Pacific region.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business

B3

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market drops sharply; Metrobank, Ayala lead losers

T

HE stock market sank Wednesday after the peso dropped near its all time-low level against the US dollar Tuesday and on hawkish signals from the US Federal Reserve of more aggressive rate hikes.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 94.57 points, or 1.5 percent, to 6,255.37 on a value turnover of P5.5 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 139 to 44, with 49 issues unchanged.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. of the Ty Group, the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, slumped 4.1 percent to P47.65, while Emperador Inc. of busi-

ness tycoon Andrew Tan, the largest liquor maker, fell 2.1 percent to P17.42.

Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. of the Ayala Group declined 3.4 percent to P24.40, while parent Ayala Corp. dipped 2.6 percent to P604.

The rest of Asian stocks were mixed Wednesday as traders struggled to recover some of the losses suffered at the start of the week, while oil bounced from a rout, though recession alarms continue to ring loud.

The euro clawed its way back slightly after hitting parity with the dollar for the first time in two decades, though it remains under pressure from growing concerns about an energy crisis across the eurozone and the European Central Bank’s slower pace of monetary tightening.

Traders are also awaiting the release of a series of key indicators this week, including the all-important consumer price index later Wednesday, with expectations for another increase to a fresh 41-year high.

Another big spike in prices will reinforce the Federal Reserve’s determination to lift interest rates 75 basis points for a second successive month in July, adding to concerns that officials could go too far and tip the economy into recession.

Still, Lauren Goodwin of New York Life Investments said policymakers were unlikely to shift from their hawkish tilt for now.

“This is widely expected to be a really strong print,” she told Bloomberg Television.

“Even if it is not, I don’t think that changes the Fed’s perspective in a couple of weeks. We won’t have enough evidence that inflation is convincingly turning over.”

In a further sign of the pressure being felt around the world from surging prices, the New Zealand and South Korean central banks each lifted rates 0.5 percentage points Wednesday, the first such increase by Seoul since 1999.

After losses on Wall Street, Asian equities were mixed. Shanghai edged up after data showed a forecast-beating jump in Chinese exports, while there were also gains in Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Wellington and Taipei.

However, Hong Kong was unable to hold earlier gains, while Singapore and Jakarta and Mumbai were in the red. With AFP

Hot water wells in Hungary fuel switch to geothermal from Russian gas

By Peter Murphy SZEGED, Hungary—At plants painted with birds and hedgehogs, hot water from deep underground is being channelled to produce energy and heat for thousands of households in Hungary’s third largest city Szeged.

Experts say the project—billed as Europe’s biggest urban heating system overhaul—can serve as a model for other cities across the continent as EU nations scramble to wean themselves off Russian gas after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Geothermal energy is local, accessible and renewable so why not use it,” geologist Tamas Medgyes told AFP beside a recently completed well in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

The city of 160,000 people, located some 170 kilometers (110 miles) south of Budapest, is one of 12 in the landlocked central European country with geothermal district heating.

When the system is fully built out next year, 27 wells and 16 heating plants will push geothermally heated water through 250 kilometers of pipes to heat 27,000 flats and 400 non-residential consumers.

‘Blueprint’ This will make it Europe’s biggest geothermal urban heating system outside of Iceland.

But unlike in the Icelandic capital, Szeged’s heating systems were built to run on gas.

EU member Hungary covers 65 percent of its oil needs and 80 percent of its gas needs with imports from Russia.

“This housing project was built in the 1980s. Since then we have burnt

A woman pushes her bicycle past a drilling site for geothermal energy production in Szeged, Hungary, on June 16, 2022. Hot water from deep underground is being channelled to produce energy and heat for thousands of households in Hungary’s third largest city Szeged. AFP

millions of cubic meters of imported velopment in Szeged is an easy-toRussian gas to heat cold water in these adopt example in many regions of Euapartments,” Medgyes said. rope,” said Ladislaus Rybach, an expert But now, “we drilled down and got at the Institute of Geophysics in Zuthe hot water beneath our feet,” he said rich, Switzerland. about the project, whose cost of more Lajos Kerekes of the Regional Centhan 50 million euros ($51 million) is ter of Energy Policy Research told AFP partially covered by EU funds. Manila that more than 25 percent of the EU’s He added the project can be a “blue- population lives in areas suitable for Standard TODAY print” for cities in parts of France, Gergeothermal district heating. many, Italy or Slovakia that are rich in Long before the Ukraine war, Balazs geothermal deposits.

Kobor, director at Szeged heating firm Experts says geothermal energy is an Szetav, began exploring how cities can underutilized source of renewable heat use geothermal energy and “knocking in Europe. on doors of decision-makers.”

“The geothermal urban heating deIn 2015, the city municipality ap-

pointed him and Medgyes to initiate the integration of renewables into district heating.

“To heat the city annually the firm was burning 30 million cubic meters of gas and producing around 55,000 tons of carbon emissions every year,” said Kobor.

“The city itself was its biggest carbon emitter,” he added.

Replacing gas by geothermal energy will slash the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent—around 35,000 tonnes—annually, according to Kobor.

If similar small-to-medium-sized cities switched their district heating to geothermal it would be “a major step towards a carbon neutral, sustainable Europe,” he said.

2,000 meters below ground Surrounded by the Carpathian and Alps mountain ranges, Hungary and especially the area around Szeged forms a basin where 92-93 degree Celsius (198-199 degree Fahrenheit) hot water collects as deep as 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) below ground.

In facilities adjacent to the wells, “heat exchangers” comprising hundreds of metal panels transfer the heat to water in pipeline circuits that serve different neighborhoods.

The geothermal water itself does not enter the circuits but re-enters the earth through a “reinjection” well nearby, explained Medgyes.

In another neighborhood, a noisy drill is gradually working its way deeper and deeper into the ground, adding sections of pipe as it goes.

The drilling period takes around three months, said Medgyes. AFP

Britain’s economy rebounds despite soaring inflation rate LONDON, United Kingdom—Britain’s economy rebounded in May, official data showed Wednesday, dampening fears of a slowdown despite surging inflation and rising interest rates.

Gross domestic product expanded 0.5 percent, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement, beating expectations of zero growth.

“The economy rebounded in May with growth across all main sectors,” said Darren Morgan, ONS director for economic statistics.

The broad rebound was driven by a bounce-back in construction, manufacturing and services.

That followed a 0.2-percent decline in April, which was revised up from a 0.3-percent contraction.

“Health was the biggest driver, with many more people seeing GPs, despite test and trace and the vaccination programs winding down,” added Morgan.

“Road haulers also had a busy month while travel agencies fared well with pent-up demand for summer holidays.

“There was widespread growth across manufacturing after several tough months while construction also fared well with housebuilding and office refurbishment driving growth.”

The Bank of England has hiked interest rates five times since December in a bid to tame runaway inflation, which has sparked a cost-of-living crisis in Britain.

UK inflation spiked in May to a 40-year peak of 9.1 percent, a level set to hit double figures this year on soaring energy and food prices according to the BoE. The UK government meanwhile welcomed Wednesday’s upbeat data.

“It’s always great to see the economy growing but I’m not complacent,” said finance minister Nadhim Zahawi.

“I know people are concerned so we are continuing to support families and economic growth.”

Zahawi is among eight Conservative MPs vying to become Britain’s next prime minister following last week’s resignation of scandal-hit Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader.

Capital Economics analyst Paul Dales said the economy was “resilient” but warned over the ongoing risk of recession due to rampant price rises.

“It is far too soon to conclude that the economy will be able to get through this period of unusually high inflation largely unscathed,” Dales said.

“With real household disposable incomes set to fall further in the third quarter, a recession is still a real risk. AFP

(MS-JULY 13 & 14, 2022)

(MS-JULY 13 & 14, 2022)

PSEi July 13, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

ALHI MFC

7.54 980

1.51 120

25.04% 13.95%

3 4

PBC RLT

17.9 0.238

1.8 0.013

11.18% 5.78%

5 6

SFI PAL

0.093 5.81

0.005 0.26

5.68% 4.68%

7 8

OV TCB2D

0.009 56

0.0004 2

4.65% 3.70%

9 10

HOUSE PRIM

10.4 2.51

0.36 0.08

3.59% 3.29%

TOP LOSERS

1 LSC

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 0.56 -0.09 -13.85%

2 3

FAF OPM

0.62 0.011

-0.09 -0.001

-12.68% -8.33%

4 5

ELI SPNEC

0.204 1.56

-0.016 -0.11

-7.27% -6.59%

6 7

PA BKR

2.25 1.8

-0.15 -0.12

-6.25% -6.25%

8 9

MRC ASLAG

0.171 1.9

-0.011 -0.12

-6.04% -5.94%

10

APL

0.033

-0.002

-5.71%

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME

VALUE (PHP)

1 2

ALI SM

23,302,000 657,780

574,358,345 523,515,170

3 4

SCC EMI

12,552,200 20,929,400

483,918,500 358,263,566

5 6

ICT MONDE

1,831,290 14,593,100

334,128,913 202,711,368

7 8

TEL BDO

110,975 1,542,460

189,584,220 184,613,451

9 10

MBT AC

3,696,900 288,370

177,891,085 175,325,850

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

B4

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, July 13, 2022

-94.57 PTS.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

6,255.37

1,276,095,491

TOTAL TRADES

64,571 5,547,423,483.88

ADVANCES

44

DECLINES

139

UNCHANGED

49

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

56.3180

Japan

Yen

0.007309

0.4116

UK

Pound

1.189000

66.9621

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127393

7.1745

Switzerland

Franc

1.018434

57.3562

Canada

Dollar

0.767990

43.2517

Singapore

Dollar

0.710934

40.0384

Australia

Dollar

0.675600

38.0484

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653153

149.4203

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266439

15.0053

Brunei

Dollar

0.708416

39.8966

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.027647

1.5570

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

15.3342

Euro

Euro

1.003700

56.5264

Korea

Won

0.000766

0.0431

China

Yuan

0.148745

8.3770

India

Rupee

0.012587

0.7089

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.225479

12.6985

New Zealand

Dollar

0.612700

34.5060

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033493

1.8863 Source: BSP

Alternergy eyes P2.18-b public offering in November

By Jenniffer B. Austria ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp., a renewable energy company headed by former Energy Secretary Vince Perez, plans to raise P2.18 billion from an initial public offering in November this year.

Alternergy said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange CommissionWednesday it plans to sell a maximum of 1.473 billion primary shares, including 192.22 million common shares, at P1.48 each.

Post-IPO, Alternergy will have a public float of 33 percent. The offering period will begin from Nov. 11 to 17, while listing on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange is set on Nov. 25, based on the initial timetable submitted to the SEC. The company plans to use the proceeds from the maiden offering to fund the development and construction of the Solana solar and Lamut hydro projects; payment for acquisition of Kirahon Solar Energy Corp. shares; and fund the pre-development expenses of pipeline projects.

These include the Ibulao hydro, and the Tanay Alabat and Calavite offshore wind projects.

Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines is the underwriter of the transaction.

Alternergy is a renewable energy holding company with a solid portfolio of project companies engaged in different renewable energy projects, particularly wind, run of river hydro, solar farm and commercial rooftop, battery storage and offshore wind projects.

It has developed 67.24 megawatt of operating assets in wind and solar and an additional 62 MW of hydro and solar projects under construction since 2008.

Alternergy aims to develop 1,245 MW of additional wind, offshore wind, solar and run of river hydro projects in the past five years.

Alternergy posted a net income of P112.76 million in 2021, a turnaround from the P31.46-million net loss in 2020. It will be the third renewable energy firm to list on the stock exchange since last year.

The first two were Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. of businessman Leandro Leviste and Raslag Corp. of the Nepomuceno family.

Three more companies have pending IPO applications with the SEC, including ORCA Cold Chain Solutions of businessman Michael Cosiquien, Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. of port tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. and gadgets retailer Upson International Inc.

LEGION OF HONOR. San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang (right) receives the highest distinction from the French government, the Legion of Honor, with the rank of Officier (Officer), in recognition of his contributions to strengthening ties between the Philippines and France by advancing shared economic goals and being a force for good. French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz confers the honor to Ang in an event marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

First Metro economists keep 7% growth outlook F

By Julito G. Rada

IRST Metro Investment Corp., the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group, on Wednesday retained its 2022 gross domestic product growth projection of 6 percent to 7 percent despite the global and domestic challenges, particularly the elevated inflation, continuing war in Eastern Europe, rising interest rates in advanced economies and the slowdown in China.

“At the start of the year, we projected the growth acceleration of the Philippine economy but so many unexpected events happened in the last six months that abated the strong growth momentum of 8.3 percent in the first quarter of the year,” First Metro president Jose Patricio Dumlao said in an online midyear economic briefing.

“We still believe, however, that the economy will continue to outpace our peers in the region and will expand by 6 percent to 7 percent this year,” Dumlao said.

He said economic growth would be driven by sustained domestic demand—

household consumption, government and investment spending—which grew by 11 percent in the first quarter of the year.

“The country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remain sound, and we have a much better economic situation now than in the past crises,” Dumlao said.

“Our gross international reserves remain high at $106.8 billion or about 9-months’ worth of imports; external debt-to-GDP is still low at 27 percent; and our trade deficit reached a record high of $43.2 billion in 2021 and could increase to $50 billion this year, which

is about 70 percent of our exports,” Dumlao said.

He said inflation would remain elevated at 5 percent to 5.2 percent on the impact of higher oil prices globally, which affect the domestic prices of oil, food and commodities.

First Metro’s GDP forecast this year is slower than the revised 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent projection of the interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee.

DBCC last week adjusted its 2022 GDP growth projection to a range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent from 7 percent to 8 percent previously, taking into account the domestic and external headwinds that may impact the economy.

The adjustment was the second time the growth target range was reduced for 2022. The original target for the year was 7 percent to 9 percent before it was lowered to 7 percent to 8 percent in the previous DBCC meeting.

The economy grew by 5.7 percent in 2021, a turnaround from the 9.6-percent contraction in 2020 amid the pandemic.

THE recall order issued by several countries on Lucky Me! products has affected the small businesses owned by Filipinos in Europe.

Food safety regulators in the European Union and Taiwan said Lucky Me! Instant Noodles and pancit canton produced in Thailand were found to contain traces of ethylene oxide.

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE country’s two largest airlines said Wednesday they are expanding their domestic operations amid the relaxed travel restrictions.

Cebu Pacific said it would raise flight frequencies to Iloilo and Tacloban via its Cebu hub starting Aug. 5 as it continues to ramp-up its hubs outside Metro Manila.

It said weekly flight frequency for the Cebu-Iloilo route, will increase from 7 times to 9 times weekly as it flies twice daily on Fridays and Sundays. This provides Cebuano and Ilonggo passengers more options to fly between the two destinations for weekend trips or quick family visits.

The Cebu-Tacloban route will increase from 14 times to 16 times weekly, making its Monday and Friday schedules twice daily. This also gives passengers more choices on when they want to fly to Cebu or Tacloban for leisure or business travel.

“We are pleased to keep enabling everyJuan to easily fly across our widest domestic network as we continue to boost our network in the Visayas and Mindanao. We have seen consistent demand for these routes, and we hope to keep expanding our footprint as more people confidently fly again,” Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao said.

Cebu Pacific said it remains committed to maintaining passenger travel confidence as it highlights its achievement of attaining a 7-star safety rating from airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance.

Philippine Airlines also announced the operation of additional flights between Manila and Basco (Batanes) by the end of July.

It said a new Sunday frequency from July 24 will bring PAL’s Manila– Basco–Manila services to four flights weekly or every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

IN BRIEF

Chamber of Mines supports DENR chief THE Chamber of Mines of the Philippines welcomed the nomination of Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga as the next secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Our association, composed of most of the country’s large-scale metallic minerals development companies, looks forward to working with her in fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s thrust of striking a balance between economic development and environmental protection under his administration,” the chamber said.

“We are prepared to work with Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga in her advocacies, particularly disaster risk reduction and response, sustainable development goals, and climate change protection,” said COMP chairman Michael Toledo.

“Our sector eagerly anticipates a meaningful engagement with Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga as well as the members of the government’s economic team led by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno who has said that mining will be accelerated under the Marcos administration to help buttress the country’s post-pandemic recovery initiatives,” he said.

PRA readies retail industry roadmap

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISERS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomes members of the Private Sector Advisory Council in Malacañang led by convenor and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz (fourth from left). The council is composed of business leaders and experts who will be supporting the government in meeting its economic objectives across five main sectoral groups. Designated sector leads include Aileen Uygongco-Ongkauko for agriculture, Sabin Aboitiz for ‘Build, Build, Build’ and tourism, Joey Concepcion for jabs to jobs, Henry Aguda for digital infrastructure and Paolo Borromeo for healthcare.

FedEx Express launches 8 new flights from PH operations

By Othel V. Campos FEDEX Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, announced Wednesday the launch of eight new flights from the Philippines to meet the rising demand in intra-Asia trade.

FedEx Express Philippines acting managing director Ranny Chua said the new flights would give Philippine exporters and importers access to 56

weekly flights coming in and out of Clark.

“The new flights coming directly to Clark will be a game-changer for local businesses, especially e-commerce traders. These key Asian destinations—Japan, Singapore and South Korea—are some of the top export destinations for the Philippines. As global economies begin to recover, the Clark Gateway opens up opportunities for Philippine players, particularly small and medium

sized enterprises,” he said.

The new flights will also enable a one-day transit time improvement from South Korea to the Philippines, providing an excellent opportunity for local importers.

The additional flights allow FedEx to expand its airfreight capacity by over 700,000 pounds per week and provide customers with direct connectivity between North Pacific and Southeast Asian markets.

Filipino micro-entrepreneurs in Europe affected by recall orders on Lucky Me! items

By Stephanie Caesar and Aeron Bautista

PAL, CebuPac announce more domestic flights to meet demand

“Although the consumption of the contaminated product does not pose an acute risk to health, there may be health issues if there is continued consumption of ethylene oxide over a long period of time. Therefore, exposure to this substance needs to be minimized,” the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said.

Gie Rodriguez, a micro-entrepreneur in France, said Lucky Me! Instant noodles are a staple food item regularly purchased by other Filipinos living in Europe. The

33-year-old said Filipinos working abroad barely have time to cook their food most of the time, leading them to opt for instant noodles.

She said in a short time following the release of the recall order on the products of Lucky Me!, Rodriguez was quick to note the immediate setbacks this would bring to her small business which is primarily catered to Filipinos living and working remotely from the Philippines.

Certain batches of Lucky Me! Instant noodles are destroyed for disposal.

Photo courtesy of Gie Rodriquez

THE National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo, the country’s biggest and most important retail industry event, will return to the physical stage with new innovative programs on Aug. 11 to 12 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Retailers can learn from the top industry leaders to better prepare their businesses for the new normal in the two-day conference and exhibition, with the theme ‘Retail: Ready, Re/ set/ GROW!’ and with the activities to be held face-to-face.

“The 28th NRCE is creating a roadmap to a better retail industry. Hence, we must equip fellow retailers and supplier industries to help them expand their respective brands and businesses by providing transformative and actionable strategies as well as harness innovation to achieve global competitiveness,” Philippine Retailers Association president and Wilcon Depot chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong said.

The PRA said it believes it is time to look for novel and innovative ways to ready businesses for the future, reset the retail ecosystem by adopting new skills and mindsets that cater to the changing needs of the consumers and grow amid new market conditions and forces.

Marcos taps advisers from private sector

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked Aboitiz Group chief executive Sabin Aboitiz to organize the Private Sector Advisory Council.

Aboitiz responded to the president’s call and convened PSAC. He committed to support the new administration’s business and economic aims for the country.

The council consists of business leaders and experts who pledged support to the government in meeting economic objectives across five main sectoral groups. Designated sector leads are Aboitiz for “Build, Build, Build”; Aileen Uygongco-Ongkauko for agriculture and tourism; Joey Concepcion for “jabs to jobs”; Henry Aguda for digital infrastructure; and Paolo Borromeo for healthcare.

“The close partnership between the public and private sectors will continue to deepen with the establishment of PSAC under President Marcos. We are optimistic that by working hand-in-hand with the government to develop the five priority areas, we will see a revitalized economy that all Filipinos will benefit from,” said Aboitiz. Alena Mae S. Flores

Sports

Painters keep hopes alive with win over Bossing

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

C1

By Peter Atencio REY Nambatac and rookie Gian Mamuyac provided the needed 1-2 punch for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as they repulsed the Blackwater Elite Bossing, 107-90, Wednesday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup 2022 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Nambatac and Mamuyac gave their best outputs for the conference, producing 26 and 20 points, respectively, to lead the Painters to their second straight triumph following six straight setbacks. The Painters, now at solo ninth with a 3-6 slate, kept their hopes alive for a seat in the quarterfinals.

“He is just enjoying himself. And it trickled down to his teammates,” said ROS coach Chris Gavina of Mamuyac’s game with Nambatac.

The duo combined for a pivotal 12-5 run the third period.

Their efforts boosted the Elasto Painters’ bid to overcome a 41-45 deficit, and move away at 59-51, with 6:49 to go off Nambatac’s three-point play.

ROS enjoyed its biggest advantage through Andrei Caracut’s split charity in the final 34 ticks, 106-86.

Brandon Rosser-Ganuelas shot a conference-high 19 points for the Bossings, who now have a 5-3 card in third spot.

Blackwater still has hopes of finishing the 11-game eliminations in the top two and clinching a first-ever twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. And they can boost their bid if they win their game on Friday against the NLEX Road Warriors.

Beau Belga struck with 12 points for the Elasto Painters, who will be shooting for a third straight win when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip on Saturday.

Rain or Shine’s Gian Mamuyac drives to the basket against Blackwater’s Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser in a PBA Philippine Cup game won by the Painters, 107-90.

Rest, recovery focus of PH booters going to AFF semis R

EST and recovery for the Filipinas are the priorities of Australian coach Alen Stajcic in looking ahead to the crossover semifinals of the 12th Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship tomorrow at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

“I think the key (to the semifinals) is recovery. Probably this is the most brutal international tournament you have for women. Five games in nine days in these conditions is something I have not seen before,” said Stajcic last Tuesday after the hosts suffered a 0-1heartbreaker to Thailand.

Not only did the Thais snap the four-game winning streak of the Filipinas, they also emerged on top

of Group A with 13 points while relegating their rivals, who wound up with 12 points, to second place.

Both unbeaten with three wins each, defending champion Vietnam and Myanmar were scheduled to dispute Group B honors last night at the Rizal Stadium.

Tournament play calls for the Group A topnotcher going up against the Group B runner-up and vice versa.

“To play 450 minutes in just nine days is something I have not seen before in high-level international football and even domestic football.

It’s brutal and torturous,” Stajcic stressed. “We saw some players pass out there in the end. It’s an extremely grueling schedule.”

While grateful for finally getting a two-day break before the semis after playing every other day, the Australian tactician thought that this was hardly enough for his charges to recover against their prospective semis foe that played one less match in Group B. “The fact that Myanmar and Vietnam have one game less and just one tough game against each other puts them in a big advantage. One less game in these conditions is a massive, massive advantage,” Stajcic

pointed out.

He rued the close loss to Thailand on a defensive miscue that resulted in striker Kanyanat Chettabutr scoring the winning header in the 75th minute after the Filipinas also had created several scoring opportunities but lacked the finishing touch to convert them.

“It was a tough game. Both teams could have won the game. But unfortunately one error cost us the game tonight. We had four or five chances and they (the Thais) had two to three chances, and ‘gifted’ them one as well,” said Stajcic.

“That happens in international football against good teams but we have to bounce back in the next game.”

Nietes seeking his ‘greatest victory’ LOS ANGELES -- Donnie Nietes says he could still be fighting at the age of 45 as he goes in search of his ‘greatest ever victory’.

The former four-weight world champion bids to reclaim the WBO world junior bantamweight title in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday night, when he takes in Kazuto Ioka.

Nietes, 40, made his professional debut in 2003 and has built a legendary career but the Filipino hero has no intention of stepping away anytime soon and hopes a WBO title win leads to super flyweight unification contests.

“I think I could box for another three to five years,” Nietes told Probellum.com.

“I don’t have any vices and I am not that abusive to my body, so I believe I can still be fighting for that long.

“As a boxer you need discipline, hard work and to

be consistent in your training.”

Nietes and Ioka first met in 2018’s clash for the vacant WBO title, with ‘Ahas’ defeating his Japanese rival via a split decision.

The future Hall of Famer soon vacated the belt but believes that winning it back, on Ioka’s home turf, will ranked as his finest hour.

“I think this win would rank as the greatest victory of my career because the fight is taking place in his hometown,” Nietes added.

“I am really excited for this rematch with Ioka and I plan to use the same tactics as in 2018 because I don’t believe he has changed much since our first fight.” Probellum

Donnie Nietes

Winless Stags, Tigers face off in D-League Games Thursday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 10:30 a.m. - AMA Online vs Adalem Construction-St. Clare 12:30 p.m. - Apex Fuel-San Sebastian vs Builders Warehouse-UST

APEX Fuel-San Sebastian and Builders Warehouse-UST gun for their first win in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at each other’s expense Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Golden Stags are fresh off a tough 86-74 loss to Marinerong Pilipino last week, but despite the defeat drew solid performances from the likes of Ichie Altamirano and Raymart Escobido.

“Maganda ito para sa mga bata kasi nakaka-gain sila ng experience na kailangang kailangan namin, so hopefully natuto sila lalo na isa sa mga team-to-beat ‘yung nakalaban namin,” said coach Egay Macaraya.

Tip-off is at 12:30 p.m., following the 10:30 a.m. clash between Adalem Construction-St. Clare (1-1), which is shooting for back-to-back wins, and winless AMA Online (0-2).

On the other hand, the Growling Tigers are just desperate for silver linings after tasting a 112-81 defeat at the hands of EcoOil-La Salle.

Veteran Sherwin Concepcion and young guns Nic Cabanero and Kean Baclaan flashed their potential in the game, but Builders Warehouse-UST would need more help from the others if it wants to make some noise in the developmental ranks.

“Alam namin na kulang kami sa tao, pero meron naman kaming nakita na possibilities na makakabawi kami,” said interim Growling Tigers coach Albert Alocillo.

Flying Titans, HD Spikers clash for lead Games today (Thursday) 2:30 p.m. – Cignal HD vs Choco Mucho 5:30 p.m. – Army vs Petro Gazz

Deanna Wong’s superb playmaking skills will be key to Choco Mucho’s bid against Cignal HD

CHOCO Mucho and Cignal HD clash today (Thursday) in a duel of fire and poise for the solo lead, three playdates into Season 5 of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Flying Titans are oozing with confidence following their 25-21, 25-21, 25-21 thumping of the underhanded Chery Tiggo side in Saturday’s inaugurals of the mid-season conference of the country’s first pro league although they brace for a tougher, more challenging match against the HD Spikers.

Gametime is at 2:30 p.m. with Choco Mucho tipped to redraw in the boisterous fans, who helped boost their opening day romp.

But before a rowdy or re-

strained crowd, the HD Spikers are expected to dish out their best just the same, better perhaps than what they flashed in their fourset (25-17, 21-25, 25-20, 25-20) triumph over the Army Black Mamba Troopers also last Saturday.

PLDT and Creamline likewise hurdled their respective opening day assignments to force an early four-way tie with the former dealing a luckless Chery Tiggo its second straight loss via 25-18, 25-19, 25-14 romp and the latter hacking out a stirring 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 25-20 decision over Petro Gazz, both last Tuesday.

Kat Tolentino, who dropped a 22-point game against Chery Tiggo, including 20 on attacks, sets out for another prolific outing with Bea de Leon, Isa Molde, Desiree Cheng, Aduku Ogunsanya, Ponggay Gaston and playmaker Deanna Wong ready to provide the needed support in an early test of will and character for the young and tall but talented

crew.

But the HD Spikers have been tested in such kind of duels with Rachel Anne Daquis, Ces Molina, Ria Meneses, Roselyn Doria Genn Layug, Angeli Araneta and Gel Cayuna, the best setter in the recent Open Conference, raring to use their veteran smarts to bring down the Flying Titans.

Army and Petro Gazz, meanwhile, collide in the 5:30 p.m. in another slam-bang face-off between teams out to get into the winning track and fuel their bid in the single round robin elims among seven teams.

Games are aired live on One Sports (free to Air Ch 41 and Cignal CH 6) and One Sports+ (Cignal Ch 91 SD, Ch 261 HD).

Both channels are also available on Cignal’s OTT Platform, Cignal Play, with video on demand also available on the platform.

Matches can also be streamed on social media application KUMU and on the league’s official website pvl.ph.

C2

Sports

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

Nueva Ecija rallies past SJ; Munti, QC prevail THE Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards woke up in time to frustrate the San Juan Knights, 81-75, on Tuesday and salvage their clean slate in the OKbetMPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 4th Season presented

by Xtreme at the overcrowded Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

Trailing for the most part, the Rice Vanguards dropped 13 points while holding the Knights to a triple in the last 4 minutes to steal their second home victory and climb to 8-0 in the overall standings of the 22-team, 2-division tournament.

Hesed Gabo poured 6 of his 16 points, Will McAloney added 4 of his game-high 24, while Jay Collado canned a 3 in that span to save the game for Nueva Ecija, which got tested to the hilt by San Juan after seven breezy victories.

Showing they are still a force to contend with, the 2019 MPBL Datu Cup champion Knights took away the Rice Vanguards’ run and gun game to lead by as many as 14 points, 52-38, in the third quarter and 68-72, with 4:08 to go.

Apart from McAloney, who made 6 of 7 attempts from the floor and 12 of 13 from the free thow line, and Gabo, who produced 10 points in the fourth quarter, the Rice Vanguards also banked on Michael Juico’s 16-point, 10-rebound effort to pull down the Knights to 3-4.

Nueva Ecija’s rousing comeback spoiled Justin Gutang’s last performance for San Juan this season.

Gutang, who accounted for 12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals, will be leaving soon to join Changwon LG in the Korean Basketball League.

Mark Acosta had 13 points and Judel Fuentes 10 for San Juan, which held the lead for over 33 minutes.

Trailing, 54-63, at the start of the fourth quarter, the Rice Vanguards fought even harder when head coach Jerson Cabiltes got ejected before the start of the fourth quarter on account of 2 credited technical fouls committed by his players.

The departure of Cabiltes and the very supportive overflow crowd spurred the Rice Vanguards to action under assistant coach Gonzalo Catalan as they poured 27 points in the last 10

US golfer Tiger Woods attends a press conference held ahead of The 150th British Open Golf Championship on The Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. AFP

Woods hits out at LIV Golf rebels S

T. ANDREWS, United Kingdom— Tiger Woods railed against the breakaway LIV Golf Series on Tuesday as he spoke ahead of the British Open in St Andrews, questioning why young players would join the Saudi-backed circuit when it remains unclear if they will be able to participate in majors in the future.

Woods, who has fought to be fit to play in the 150th Open this week as he continues his recovery from severe leg injuries suffered in a car crash last year, was scathing in his assessment of the new series and wondered what incentive those involved even had to practise given the guaranteed sums of money involved.

“I disagree with it. I think that what they’ve done is they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position,” Woods said when asked about his fellow professionals who have been tempted to join the controversial tour.

“And who knows what’s going to hap-

pen in the near future with world-ranking points, the criteria for entering major championships.

“Some of these players may not ever get a chance to play in major championships. That is a possibility. We don’t know that for sure yet.”

British Open organisers followed the US Open in allowing rebel players to compete at St Andrews, despite the PGA Tour and DP World Tour moving to ban them.

That means four-time major winner Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and former Open champion Phil Mickelson can

is level with Sam Snead on a record 82 PGA Tour wins, wondered aloud whether the sums of money offered to players by the LIV Series could blunt their motivation.

“What these players are doing for guaranteed money, what is the incentive to practise?” he said.

“What is the incentive to go out there and earn it in the dirt?”

The series, spearheaded by Australian golf great Greg Norman and bankrolled

by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, offers record prize money of $25 million per 54-hole event with shotgun starts and no cut.

Total prize money at this week’s Open is $14 million.

“You’re just getting paid a lot of money up front and playing a few events and playing 54 holes,” said Woods.

“I just don’t see how that move is positive in the long term for a lot of these players, especially if the LIV organisation doesn’t get world-ranking points and the major championships change their criteria for entering the events.” AFP

LeBron asks how Griner ‘can feel like America has her back’

NBA adopts play-in as full-time playoff path NEW YORK—NBA club owners voted Tuesday to have the play-in tournament become a full-time path to the playoffs and toughened rules on teams making intentional fouls to deny fast-break scoring runs.

Both changes were made after unanimous recommendations from the NBA’s competition committee for both moves.

The NBA staged a play-in tournament on a one-year basis in the 2020-21 season and extended that for an extra season in 2021-22.

Under that format, teams who finish the regular season with the seventhhighest through 10th-highest winning percentages in each conference compete to decide the seventh and eighth playoff seeds.

In the 2022-23 NBA campaign, the play-in tournament will be staged April 11-14, between the end of the regular season on April 9 and the start of the playoffs on April 15.

The tougher penalty on deliberate fouls by defenders to prevent fast-break scoring opportunities will mean “take” fouls — in which defenders do not make a play on the ball — will be punished by one free throw and the offensive team keeping possession of the ball.

Previously, such fouls gave the attacking team the ball out of bounds.

Teams will be allowed to commit such fouls in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime without the tougher penalty, an exception that allows defensive teams to continue to use the tactic of fouling to stop the clock during an attempted comeback or prevent a team from taking a 3-point shot.

If an offensive player is fouled while shooting, a shooting foul will be called.

Fouls made while making a legitimate play at the ball will not receive the tougher penalty. AFP

tee off in St Andrews on Thursday.

According to The Guardian, the LIV tour is planning to use a board meeting at the home of golf on Wednesday to demand formal recognition in the world rankings.

Representatives of the four majors, plus the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, would be among those who must decide on any application from the Saudi-backed series.

- ‘What is the incentive?’

Failure to earn ranking points could compromise the chances for those players affiliated to the LIV series of playing in majors in the future.

“It’s up to all the major championship bodies to make that determination. But that is a possibility, that some players will never, ever get a chance to play in a major championship, never get a chance to experience this right here, walk down the fairways at Augusta National,” said Woods, a three-time Open winner, including at St Andrews in 2000 and 2005.

“That, to me, I just don’t understand it.”

Woods, who has won 15 majors and

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers signs autographs for young fans during the 2022 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

LOS ANGELES—NBA superstar LeBron James criticized US efforts to bring home Women’s NBA star Brittney Griner, wondering Tuesday why she would even want to return to America after so long.

On a 30-second trailer for his YouTube talk show “The Shop: Uninterrupted,” it was noted that Griner has been imprisoned in Russia since February, days before Russian troops invaded Ukraine.

“Now, how can she feel like America has her back?” James said. “I would be feeling like, ‘Do I even want to go back to America?’”

Griner remains in a Russian prison after pleading guilty to possessing drugs, traces of which authorities found on vape equipment in her luggage five months ago.

US officials have said they consider Griner’s situation as a wrongful detention.

Los Angeles Lakers playmaker James, a fourtime NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, was linked to Griner last week

by Griner’s WNBA coach, Vanessa Nygaard of the Phoenix Mercury.

“If it was LeBron, he’d be home, right?”

Nygaard said. “It’s a statement about the value of women. It’s a statement about the value of a black person. It’s a statement about the value of a gay person. All of those things. We know it and so that’s what hurts a little more.”

In June, James tweeted his support for Griner with the hashtag “WeAreBG”, saying, “We need to come together and help do whatever we possibly can to bring BG home quickly and safely!! Our voice as athletes is stronger together.”

The full show with complete James comments will debut on Friday.

Manlapas, Suarez top FESSAP National Interscholastic Table Tennis tilt JOSHUA Manlapas of Makati-NETTO and Jam San- honorary president Charlie Lim, Cruz teamed up with Dominique Henze Lucero and Jebb Jerwin Datahan of chez of Wadjad Tennis Tavolo made it to the Philippine Jelaine Monteclaro to power Paco Citizen Academy Wadjad Tennis Tavolo.

Team to the Jinjang World School Games after winning Foundation over La Salle University-Star Power of MJ Makati-Netto (Jan Gabriel Presbitero, Matt Andrew the boys’ and girls’ singles’ title in the recent 2022 FES- Yamson, Zachi Chua and Janna Paculba.

Ramos, Ray Joshua and Lawrence Manlapaz) and One SAP National Interscholastic Table Tennis ChampionPaco, composed of Brent Chavez and Torres, com- Pampanga/Bulacan (Sean Irvin Garcia, Reyan Yvess ship at the Robinsons Novalinches in Quezon City. pleted a sweep with a victory in the boys’ side over Reg) finished runner-up.

Manlapas beat Morison Torres of Paco Citizen In the college men’s team event, TATANDAcademy Foundation, 2-1, in the high school boys’ Joola of Alexis Bolante, Rill Ramiro and singles’ finals, while the 15-year-old Sanchez deFrancis Bendebel beat Baycliff, composed of feated Shyrein Mae Redoquerio of Adamson UniPong Mercado and Ruiz Arc Marcelino, while versity, 2-0, in the girls’ finals of the event serving Perpetual-Patto, led by nationals Keziah Bien as the qualifying tournament for the PH table tennis Ablaza and Jannah Romero with Rein Teodoro, team set to play in the World School Games slated claimed the women’s title over Wadjad Tennis November 20 in China.

Tavolo of Sherlyn Love Gabisay and Emery As finalists, Torres and Redoquerio also made it Faith Digamon. to the five-man national squad. They will be joined Former national player and coach Julius Esby protege Kheith Rhynne Cruz, the 14-year-old posa teamed-up with George Quijano, Gregorio Vietnam SEA Games veteran, who was pre-qualiPascua and Charlie Lim as Triple Charles-Army fied for the team as the country’s No.1 female table beat ACE, composed of Philip Uy, Peter Lam, netter.

Michael Dalumpines and Henry Ding to claim In the high school team event of the competition the TATAND Executive Veterans’ team chamsponsored by Robinsons Novaliches, Joola Philippionship. pines, PAGCOR, Best Tank , Omni, Toto Pol Fish The All-Star Legend-Army team (Aileen ArBroker, CHAWI Fishing, Paddocks , Orienting of Members of the Executive Class champion team, the Triple Charles-Army, mando, Susan Tayag, Anta Abas, Sendrina Bathe Philippines , Green Paddle Equipment Inc., Ta- composed of (from left) Gregorio Pascua, George Quijano, TATAND latbat) and Dobinson (Richmond Ong, Richard ble Tennis Association for National Development, honorary president Charlie Lim and Julius Esposo, are shown with Koa, Rodel Valle and Jayson Jaquilmo) claimed Dobinson, Carlson Digital Prints, and TATAND tournament referee Gigi Aguinalde during the awarding ceremony. runner-up honors.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

C3

‘Succession’tops Emmy nominations as‘Squid Game’makes history

The cast of ‘Succession’

HBO’S Succession topped this year’s Emmy nominations, earning 25 nods on Tuesday, as Squid Game became the first non-English-language drama series shortlisted for glory for television’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Succession, which follows a rich, powerful family vying to inherit a media empire, led the drama nominees, while Ted Lasso and The White Lotus topped the comedy and limited series categories with 20 nominations each.

Two other comedies – HBO’s Hacks and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building – each racked up 17 nominations for the 74th Emmy Awards, to be handed out at a glitzy

ceremony in Los Angeles on September 12.

Succession will compete for best drama with Squid Game, a violent South Korean satire in which society’s marginalized compete for cash in fatal versions of children’s games -- and Netflix’s mostwatched series ever.

Squid Game also picked up multiple acting nominations, including best lead actor for Lee Jung-jae, to earn 14 nods in total.

The groundbreaking show is hoping to follow in the footsteps of South Korean film Parasite, which rocked Hollywood in 2020 by becoming the first non-Englishlanguage film to win best picture at the

Nadine Lustre and her out-of-the-box characters T 28 years old, Nadine Lustre is already an accomplished actor. She has made an impact on local entertainment at an early age, which is why industry insiders and showbiz fans call her the “Multimedia Princess.”

A

After spending a couple of years as part of the JaDine love team together with her former flame, James Reid, Nadine made a conscious effort to change her branding – sultry yet artsy, present on all platforms yet still unpredictable, and most of all, accessible to her public. It’s true that Nadine’s showbiz efforts are her self expression as an artist and it’s also her way to give her fans entertainment.

Being a top-tier celebrity in the country, Nadine endeavours to create an interesting catalogue of the roles that she plays. In her own words, “outof-the-box characters that are way different from the roles I played before.”

After her FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Young Critics Circle Film Desk, and Asian Academy Creative Awards (Singapore) wins in 2019, Nadine made a much-anticipated comeback via suspense thriller Greed, where she earned raves from critics for her impassioned performance.

“I’ve done so many rom- has forced her to don an apathetic face to the coms before, now I’m very horrors of the world. vocal about switching it up, “I’m excited to work in Deleter because it’s doing more roles and projects my first time to do a horror film. And again, I’m that are a little bit challenging, portraying an out-of-the-box character which something that’s new or makes this project even more challenging,” different from what I’m used shared Nadine. to doing,” the award-winning Deleter is Mikhail’s first collaboration project actress told Manila Standard with Viva Fims, his first time directing Nadine.

Entertainment in an interview.

“We have an interesting cast. I partner with Now, striking while the people who listen to the pitch and show interest iron is hot, Nadine plays in the project that I initiate. I really wanted to do another interesting character in Mikhail Red’s a film about this subject. I’m thankful that they psychological horror thriller, Deleter, produced greenlit this project since it’s a different material,” Mikhail stated.

by Viva Films.

“Moderators work in clandestine or shadowy Deleter tells the story of a desensitized online content moderator who deletes the video of her operations and are often exposed to the filth of co-worker taking their own life. This woman, society, watching countless videos and images however, has to face her troubled past or a with disturbing and graphic content, which can lead to lasting trauma, as well as psychological mysterious vengeful presence.

In the movie, which is yet to start production, and emotional distress all for a low wages,” the director went on adding Nadine plays Lyra, a woman in her that it’s one of the issues mid-20s who works shifts at a shadowy that he wanted to highlight online content moderation office–where in the movie. employees are tasked with the process of Joining Nadine in Deleter filtering graphic uploads from reaching are Louise delos social media platforms. The responsibility Reyes and of “censorship” proves bearable for Lyra, McCoy de whom her co-workers observe as a cold Leon. person unphased by the disturbing imagery she sees on a daily basis. What they do not know is that Lyra hides a deep trauma of witnessing the murder of her mother at the hands of her father–a crime she purposely Nadine’s showbiz efforts did not report to the police out of fear. are her self-expression as an artist and her way to Lyra’s attempt to erase and forget her past entertainfans Nadine’s impassioned performance in ‘Greed’ earns her positive raves from critics

Oscars.

Others in the running for the best drama Emmy include Euphoria, Ozark, Better Call Saul, and Stranger Things.

Succession stars Brian Cox and Jeremy Strong will compete with Lee for best actor in a drama series, while former Oscar winner Adrien Brody earned a guest actor nomination.

Euphoria star and past winner Zendaya, 25, became the youngest acting nominee to be shortlisted twice, for best actress in a drama – a category in which The Morning Show actress Jennifer Aniston missed out to co-star Reese Witherspoon. AFP, read full story on manilastandard.net

Mega Manila’s undisputed leading radio stations GMA Network’s flagship AM and FM stations, Super Radyo DZBB 594 and Barangay LS 97.1, continue to be the undisputed number one in their respective categories in Mega Manila.

Based on Nielsen’s Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) data for June 2022, Super Radyo DZBB 594 remained the top AM station in Mega Manila with a 45 percent audience share, improving its performance from the previous month.

Its nearest competitor, DZRH, only got 18.6 percent.

DZBB’s loyal listeners increased to 91.7 percent, with a total reach of 1.7 million listeners for the month.

The morning block was still the station’s highest-rating daypart, with Dobol Weng sa Dobol B Saturday morning edition emerging as the top program for June. It was followed by Melo del Prado sa Super Radyo and Buena Manong Balita.

Listeners can also catch the recently launched Golden Memories with DJ Richard, hosted by veteran program host and radio DJ Richard Enriquez, airing Monday to Friday from 12 midnight to 3:00 a.m.

On FM, Barangay LS 97.1 Forever! likewise ruled Mega Manila with a 39.6 percent audience share for June. It was way ahead of its closest competitor, 90.7 Love Radio, which only tallied 14.3 percent.

The station’s total reach also increased to 6.8 million, with 83.4 percent loyal listeners for the said period.

The 12:00 nn to 2:00 p.m. segment was still the top-rating daypart, which was the time slot of the undisputed number one FM program Barangay Love Stories hosted by Papa Dudut. Talk to Papa, Potpot & Friends, Songbook, and Forever Request were also some of the top programs in the said month.

Netizens can also catch some of Barangay LS’ well-loved shows on YouTube with new episodes every week, and get the latest updates on its official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok. They can also continue listening to the Barangay Love Stories Podcast on Spotify and iTunes.

Nadine during the press conference for Mikhail Red’s new psychological horror-thriller ‘Deleter’

(From left) McCoy de Leon, Mikhail Red, Nadine Lustre, and Louise delos Reyes

Country’s biggest indie film fest back with full-length features in competition WITH the gradual return to the new normal, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. are enthusiastic about the IRL (in-real-life) screenings of full length and short feature films in competition this year.

For its 18th edition, Cinemalaya returns with on-site screenings of 11 full-length films and 12 short features in competition from August 5 to 14 at various CCP venues. For the past two years, the country’s biggest independent film festival streamed consciousness and navigated the turbulent currents, anchoring on the online screenings of competing short features and exhibition films.

The full-length films in competition were the finalists selected for 2020 and 2021 editions of the film festival. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, they could not finish their filming.

This year, 11 full-length films vying for the coveted Balanghai trophies will break through the noise. They are: 12 Weeks by Anna Isabelle Matutina; Angkas by Rain Yamson; Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin? by Real S. Florido; Batsoy

by Ronald Espinosa Batallones; Blue Room by Ma-an L. AsuncionDagńalan; Bula Sa Langit by Sheenly Gener; Ginhawa by Christian Paolo Lat; Kaluskos by Roman S. Perez, Jr.; Kargo by TM Malones; Retirada

by Milo Alto Paz and Cynthia CruzPaz; and The Baseball Player by Carlo Obispo.

For the short feature main competition, the finalists are: Ampangabagat nin Talakba ha Likol by Maria Estela Paiso; Black Rainbow by Zig Dulay; City of Flowers by Xeph Suarez; Dikit by Gabriela Serrano; Distance by Dexter Paul de Jesus; Duwa-Duwa

by Nena Jana Achacoso; Kwits by

‘See You, George!’ is a film by Mark Moneda that’s a finalist in the short feature main competition

‘The Baseball Player’ stars young actor Tommy Alejandrino

Raz de la Torre; Mata Kang Busay

by Nińo B. Maldecir and Cypher John T. Gayorgor; Mga Handum nga Nasulat sa Baras by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico; See You, George! by Mark Moneda; Si Oddie by Maria Kydylee Torato; and Roundtrip to Happiness by Claudia Fernando.

The competing films will also be shown in select partner cinemas nationwide from August 10 to 17. After that, Cinemalaya goes to the regions, with screenings in selected communities on August 22 to 29.

For those who are still anxious to attend an in-person event, Cinemalaya will have an online run from October 17 to 31 via CCP Vimeo account.

A major component of the film festival, the Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, considered the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in the ASEAN region, will once again harvest the best films which will compete in various categories such as Short Feature/Narrative, Experimental, Documentary and Animation. Finalists from the different categories will be screened from August 6 to 8 at the CCP

Tanghalang Manuel Conde.

The Gawad Alternatibo Awarding will be on August 13. The Cinemalaya Awards Night will be held on August 14 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

Not even the pandemic has stopped the Cinemalaya from discovering, encouraging and supporting the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

Since 2005, Cinemalaya has supported and promoted the production of Filipino full feature independent films and short films. Many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals. Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.

For more details, check out the CCP and Cinemalaya websites. Follow the CCP and Cinemalaya official social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The cast of ‘Blue Room’ includes JK Labajo (leftmost) as a member of a woke indie rock band

Kaluskos by Roman S. Perez, Jr. casts Coleen Garcia as the protagonist

Rowena Salvacion of DZBB

Weng dela Peña of ‘Dobol Weng sa Dobol B’

‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’hits all-time high live viewership as series nears its finale

Sharon Cuneta (left) as Aurora and Rowell Santiago as Oscar in ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’

LOLO Delfin (Jaime Fabregas) may have met his unfortunate demise as he made a last-ditch effort to save his grandson Cardo (Coco Martin) in another action-packed episode of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, that broke its own record anew and hit an all-time high of 350,373 live concurrent views on Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube on Monday (July 11).

Delfin was left severely outnumbered as he figured in an allout gun fight against Armando (John Estrada) and his men.

Although Delfin was unable to dodge Armando’s multiple gunshots, he was able to warn Cardo about Armando’s evil ploy and he also eventually helped Cardo escape.

Unknown to Cardo, the members of Task Force Agila, along with president Oscar (Rowell Santiago) and Aurora (Sharon Cuneta), have returned to Armando’s lair in full force to rescue him. However, Task Force Agila will have to continue their mission without Lucas (Joseph Marco), their enemy-turned-trusted ally, after he was shot dead by Lolita (Rosanna Roces).

The ongoing face-off between the two groups is expected to reach new heights as Oscar and Aurora confront Armando and Lolita for the first time - after learning about their daughter Mara’s (Julia Montes) apparent death at the hands of the evil couple.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano airs weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, CineMo, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Life

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

C4

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022

From left: JC Santos, Rhea AnicocheTan, and Shy Herrera-Santos during the contract signing

Perfecting the art and science of beauty BEAUTÉHAUS – the clinic that boasts one of the best medical teams in Northern Luzon that specializes in dermatology as well as the latest top-of-the-line, cutting-edge machines and equipment in the field of aesthetic medicine – has formally welcomed dramatic actor JC Santos as its official brand ambassador.

E s t a bl i s h e d and founded

by Rhea AnicocheTan in 2016, Be auJC Santos is the latest official brand ambassador of BeautéHaus

téHaus is a subsidiary of the Beautéderm Group Of Companies.

For the past six years, the major beauty hub in Angeles City, Pampanga has been attracting thousands of patients because of procedures such as its signature Beautédrip’s, Snow White Laser, Beauté Rejuve Laser with Beauté Glow Peptide, Ultimate V-Lift, and Beauté Hifu among many other treatments.

Today, the center is the most trusted dermato-

logical clinic of Angeles City’s elite which include fashion designers Marlon Tuazon, Frederick Policarpio, and Michelle Viray; Central Luzon’s top OB-GYNE Dr. Rowena Mangubat; creative director Lance Tan; businesswoman Isabel Lim; marketing executive and lifestyle journalist Joanna Ning Cordero; Clark International Airport Corporation Vice President for Operations IC Calaguas; Executive Assistant IV to the Office of the Mayor of Angeles City Reina Manuel; and event planner Voltaire Zalamea – who are all ambassadors of the Beautéderm Group of Companies. Also with the group are celebrity make-up artist Mariah Santos and internationally acclaimed fashion designer Mak Tumang who are both endorsers of Beautéderm.

Its newest ambassador, JC Santos, was born and raised in Pampanga. He started his career in theater before he skyrocketed as one of the industry’s most respected young character actors

with notable performances on some of ABSCBN’s top-rating series namely Till I Met You, Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin, and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano as well as feature appearances in a steady string of critically-acclaimed films as 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, The Day After Valentines, and Miracle In Cell No. 7.

JC started to undergo several procedures in BeautéHaus shortly after he became a father to his baby girl. JC’s main concern is to get rid of his “dad bod” while getting back into shape so he underwent Lipodissolve and M-Shape – which are non-invasive body sculpting and slimming treatments. JC also did Beautétox to soften and eliminate wrinkles as well as Exilift which improves the appearance of dark circles in the eyes as well as eye puffiness and eye wrinkles.

“Even us men must take the effort to look good,” says JC. “As an actor, it is my responsibility to take care of myself especially now that I am also busy taking care of my

little girl. I work long hours and the stress of the job is taking a toll on my appearance. I am so happy and grateful that my treatments with BeautéHaus compliments my workouts and my healthy diet.”

Rhea Tan on the other hand is equally elated to welcome JC to the Beautéderm Group Of Companies as the brand ambassador of BeautéHaus. “BeautéHaus started as a side hobby of mine. I initially bought all the machines for my personal use until I decided to open the clinic.

I didn’t realize how successful the clinic is until several years ago. I am so excited to have JC onboard now that we are gearing up to move the clinic to a bigger space in Beautéderm Corporate Center where it will be part of the lifestyle hub that we will launch this year.”

For more information, like BeautéHaus on Facebook and follow @beautéhaus.clinic on Instagram.

Rediscovering and falling

in love with Siargao Platinum Angels Management (from left) Managing Director Pat Kraal with co-founders Beatrice AndreBesse and Brandon Barker

JOB WELL DONE

BY JOBA BOTANA

A

FEW weeks ago, I was at the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao, to see some of the lovely spots I first visited more than a decade ago, and at the same time, to support a friend who was doing a livelihood program on this beautiful island.

This tear-drop-shaped island off the coast of the Philippines about 196 km southeast of my hometown Tacloban, is part of Surigao del Norte in Mindanao. It is known as a ‘surfer’s paradise’ because of its high, beautiful waves to ride, sometimes as tall as 12 feet in some places with others at eight feet. Apart from that, the province has trip-worthy places – white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, enchanting rivers, lagoons, amazing snorkeling or diving spots, and fishing destinations among many others.

More than these, what made me fall in love with this island is its people. They are so warm, welcoming, and kind. To think that many of its areas are still recovering from the havoc brought about by the typhoon Odette last December 16, 2021. It is for this reason that my friend, Maris Tomas, a plant-based chef with a big heart, came to this island for a feeding and livelihood program.

‘Bangon Siargao: A Livelihood Program’

Organized by Life’s A Beach Apartments in Malinao, Siargao, Maris traveled from June 23 to 30, to six baran-

The famous surfing spot in Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao, during lowtide Sugba Lagoon is easily one of my favorite destinations in Siargao Island (Image by Janine Albea Bonaobra)

Maasin River in Siargao is famous for its enchanting beauty and crystal clear water

This modeling agency only hires 50-year-olds and above

By Tet Defensor Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, with its beautiful beaches and enchanting spots offer a rest for a weary soul, as it gifts you with lovely memories to look back on in the future (Image by Janine Albea Bonaobra) gays in Siargao namely Bitaug, Burgos, San Benito, Santa Fe, Union, and Malinao to teach the locals some recipes, cost studies, nutrition guides, and ideas how to start their home-based businesses. This initiative, made possible in cooperation with Lokal Lab, Humane Society International, and Kolekbibo, is part of their collective efforts to help Siargao community with a long-term solution as they get back on their feet after typhoon Odette devastated the island.

Before the activities, the team raised funds for “veggie packs” which were distributed to the participants of the cooking demo conducted by Maris in six barangays.

“Apart from my desire to visit the island that has captured the hearts of many, this passion project is my way of helping and giving back to the people and communities, who are or will be playing a role in my career as a vegan chef. When it comes to helping, I know how it feels like to be on the receiving end. I am grateful for this chance to be the one to give,” shares Maris, who is also a member of Humane Society International, a non-government organization working around the globe to promote the human-animal bond as well as confront cruelty to animals.

Meeting new friends and getting to know Siargao more

I was not able to catch Maris in Siargao as she was feeling a bit under the weather on the day that we were supposed to be in Siargao at the same time; she needed to do a last-minute rebooking of the flight so she could rest well before her activities. I was Boodle-fight style lunch put together by local legend in Siargao for five days, and that was more known as the Boodle Fight Master of Siargao than enough time to rekindle my love for this island.

I joined a group tour for a full day of island hopping, and this is something I’d recommend to fellow solo travelers. Not only did I get to see some of Siargao’s beautiful islands, but I also met and befriended wonderful people from other parts of the country who, like me, were also enchanted by the island. We explored the Naked, Daku, Guyam islands plus this “secret” island, which only comes into view during low tide. Our guide arranged for a sumptuous lunch to be eaten in boodle-fight style at Daku Island and I must say the “Boodle Fight Master of Siargao,” who by the way, can be contacted on Facebook, did an awesome job.

The next day, my new friends – composed of three beautiful young ladies from the Bicol region – and I, did a land tour to visit other must-see spots in Siargao. The first stop was the small town of Maasin, a 25-minute ride from the main tourist hub of General Luna, and famous for its crystal clear Maasin River. Along the way, we made a quick stop at an elevated road overlooking a vast coconut farm.

Humane Society International’s plant-based chef Maris Tomas travels Next, was the captivating Sugba Lagoon, from June 23 to 30 to six barangays in Siargao for a livelihood project which has got to be one of the most beauti-

ful places to see in Siargao. I mean, you must see it to believe me as the photos I took of the places can never justify its beauty. The clear, serene water with fish of various kinds and hues, I think, is enough to charm any visitor. I heard some tourists decided to permanently reside close to Sugba Lagoon for its allure.

The last stop was Magpupungko Rock Pools, Siargao’s epic blue water pools on rocky flats by the beach, close to the town of Pilar and approximately 40-minutes away from Gen. Luna. If you’ve been having some weary days, I can assure you that just dipping your toes into one of its pools will brush your stress and tiredness away. Though it was a little bit crowded when we got there, there were plenty of pools to dip in, and you can just close your eyes and relax as you take in the beauty around. In there, my new friends saw some people who are part of a band they met at a bar the night prior, and an invitation to go to Santa Fe for a gig ensued.

Siargao’s Fête de la Musique 2022

My visit coincided with the Fête de la Musique 2022, which was going live at different venues nationwide.

For those unfamiliar, Fête de la Musique is one of the most popular free music events celebrated in 130 countries all over the world, which just made a comeback in the country since the pandemic. After two online editions in 2020 and 2021, Fête PH 2022 showcased some fresh acts in the local music arena with live acts across Metro Manila, Palawan, Baguio, and Siargao, where I happened to be at the time it was being celebrated.

Entitled “Tara Allez!” or “Let’s Go!” in colloquial Filipino, Fête PH 2022 was both a collaboration between artists from the Philippines and France and at the same time, a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of France-PH bilateral relations. The main stage was at the Puerto Real Gardens in Intramuros last June 25, however, to push the 2021 virtual #FetefromMyIsland theme, Fête PH 2022, teamed up with partners across the country to support their own physical live music events. This included Lokal Lab for the Siargao Stage on June 21 in Sta Fe Beachfront, where I had the opportunity to enjoy along with my new friends and their new friends. It was so much fun, to say the least, what with a beachfront playground turned into a sort of dance floor where local and foreign tourists gleefully took over as a live band set and maintained the tone and pace from the stage.

Capping off the trip

The fun didn’t end there; on our last night on the island, we went to a popular pub/bar called Sibol where we met the same group we saw at the Fête in Santa Fe. The alcoholic drinks may have played some role, but yes, we did have some blast. The Backtraxx – Trios Musikeros from Digos City in Davao del Sur took the stage and played some in-demand beats, creating a dance floor out of every space the bar has. We all concluded that it was the best way to end our trip – a fun night with wonderful people we met on the island.

For feedback, you may email the author at joba. botana@gmail.com.

BELIEVE it or not, laugh lines are hot! Grey hair? Fabulous!

If you are at least 50 years old, and with a zest for fashion and style you might want to consider becoming a senior model. And if you were a runway gal in your 20s, well guess what? The industry wants you again.

Former runway models Pat Kraal, Béatrice AndréBesse, and show producer Brandon Barker recently launched Platinum Angels Management (PAM), the only agency in Singapore that handles the career path of 50-something models, talents, and celebrities. The growing demand for “mature” models in Europe and the United States, inspired the three friends to join forces and open PAM. With global brands celebrating the sales growth of baby boomer products, comes the growing need for silver-haired endorsers and influencers.

“Beatrice and Brandon were aware that age diversity in runaway was maturing substantially in Europe and they felt it was time to extend that ideology to Singapore, and that’s how PAM was born,” shared PAM cofounder Pat Kraal.

The former Singapore supermodel strutted the Paris catwalk for Givenchy, Jean-Louis Scherrer, Balmain, Dior, and other top international designers. She modeled in Paris for 12 years before retiring to raise her four children now 30, 28, 23, and 21.

“In 2020 Brandon, whom I modeled with in the ‘80s, had a meeting with Béatrice, and things developed from there. It didn’t take much persuasion to convince me to join. Brandon and I are Singaporeans and Béatrice was based in Singapore, so starting in Singapore was the logical choice.”

In the past, 50-something models were just a small part of an agency’s portfolio of talents, but now, boutique agencies are catering mainly to lookers with laugh lines. The trend must have started in the US according to Pat, and in time, it started picking up in Europe.

Platinum Angels Management is open to anyone over 50 who wishes to become a model. Here, the agency has no age limit, and no specific height requirement although those with salt and pepper or silver hair truly have an advantage.

Authenticity is key and the agency revels in the natural aging process. Wrinkles, age spots, and platinum hair are most welcome “ We absolutely do not want those who have undergone radical cosmetic surgery or botox,” she said.

For now, most of the talents are ex-models they worked with in the 80s.

“Reuniting and working with them after more than 40 years brought back fond memories. We are gradually adding applicants from all over the world to our roster of models, and if everything goes well, we hope to grow internationally.”

PAM is not only opening new opportunities for the older set, but it also debunks traditional beliefs that modeling is just for the youth. And with the right outlook, one can have grandchildren and still be a model.

“The way you think affects the way you act. You can be old at 40 or youthful at 60, it all depends on your frame of mind.”

It all boils down to one’s health, which is as important as one’s good looks. “The most essential advice I can give is to ensure that your health is as good as it can be and that your quality of life continues to improve. Don’t let insignificant matters bother you; instead, make this a time of vibrant, goal-setting accomplishments.”

If you are 50-something and are considering a career in modeling, why not be an angel. Check out platinumangels.com for details.