Manila Standard - 2022 July 19 - Tuesday

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DSWD pushes P1,000 cash reward for info on ineligible 4Ps recipients SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo is weighing up a P1,000 cash reward for those who will give information on “undeserving” families in the list of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

He said Monday if the tip-off would

be found valid, then the rewards might be given once the agency has finished the “cleansing” process, which he said was continuing, stressing the number of families delisted could reach 2 million.

Tulfo said the department had been Next page

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 154 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

More dissatisfied with K-to-12

Survey notes 44% of Pinoys unhappy with it, retooled curriculum eyed

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

BBM takes first step to boost food supply chain

plan that will serve as a guide for the government in its bid to promote food security and PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the empower rural communities.

This as prices of meat products in Metro MaDepartment of Agriculture will come up with a farm-to-market road (FMR) master- nila went up by as much as P30 per kilo com-

pared to last week’s average level amid tightening supply and threats of African swine fever, Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones said.

By Vince Lopez and Maricel Cruz

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M

ORE Filipino adults are growing dissatisfied with the K-12 basic education system, a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian showed.

The survey, conducted from June 24 to 27, showed that 44 percent of the respondents were not satisfied with the program, while 39 percent were satisfied, and 18 percent were undecided.

The survey, which has a margin of error of ± 2.8 percent, queried 1,200 Filipino adults.

A similar survey in September 2019 showed that only 28 percent of the respondents were not satisfied with the K-12 program, indicating that dissatisfaction was growing.

On the other hand, 50 percent of respondents in the September 2019 survey were satisfied with the program, a figure that dropped to 39 percent in this year’s survey.

Gatchalian said the growing dissatisfaction with the K-12 Next page

DepEd declares uniform optional in public schools

FMR PUSH. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discusses measures to ensure food security, including a farm-to-market or FMR roadmap.

PUBLIC school students will not be required to wear school uniforms for the coming school year, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said on Monday.

In a statement, Duterte-Carpio said this aimed to ease the financial burden on families of learners.

She said wearing school uniforms was no longer required even during the pre-pandemic period under DepEd Order No. 065 issued in 2010.

“Even before the pandemic, it is not a strict requirement Next page

Pulse Asia: May polls accurate, credible

By Joel E. Zurbano, Gabriellea Parino and Chelsea Din

MOST Filipinos believe the May 2022 elections were accurate and credible, the survey company Pulse Asia said Monday.

Citing the results of its latest Ulat ng Bayan survey, Pulse Asia said 82 percent of their respondents had “big trust” that the results of the May 9 elections were accurate and credible, and only 4 percent said they had “small trust” or did not trust the results. Fourteen percent said they were undecided.

The survey, commissioned by Stratbase ADR Institute, was conducted from June 24 - 27, 2022,

and showed that eight out of 10 Filipinos (voters and non-voters) expressed their trust in the accuracy and credibility of the recent polls. A total of 1,200 persons participated in the survey.

Most of the respondents (89 percent) also said they were satisfied with the conduct of the automated elections and wanted automation to continue.

Automation yielded faster results, according to 72 percent of the respondents, while 15 percent said it made voting easier, and 11 percent said it made the process more credible.

The survey had a ±2.8 percent margin of error at the 95 percent confidence level.

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PH new COVID cases up 43% from July 11-17

By Willie Casas and Othel V. Campos THE Philippines logged some 14,640 new COVID-19 cases in the previous week, reflecting a 43-percent increase from the week before, the Department of Health said Monday.

The country reported an average of 2,091 per day from July 11 to 17, the DOH’s latest bulletin said.

A total of 589 or 8.7 percent of COVID-19 patients in hospitals were in severe and critical condition.

The figure is higher than the previous week’s 555 severe and critical patients, but comprised the same ratio of 8.7 percent of COVID-19 hospital admissions at the time, the DOH said.

A total 481or 18.3 percent of 2,630 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for COVID-19 patients were occupied as of Sunday, the DOH said.

Of the additional infections during the week, 35 were severe and critical.

On Monday, the DOH recorded 2,285 new Next page

OVERSIZED CHESS PIECES. Two chess aficionados play a game on a large board inside the activity center of a shopping mall in Cubao, Quezon City. Manny Marcelo

Filipinas winning formula: Int’l exposure, close bond

By Peter Atencio, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Camilo Sabio

Persida Acosta

Bato dela Rosa

Sandiganbayan clears Acosta to go to court Bato says he will face ex-PCGG chief Sabio against Dengvaxia use PH court, but not ICC Story on A4

Story on A4

Story on A4

INTERNATIONAL exposure and time spent together played key roles in the Philippine national women’s football team title romp in the Asean Women’s Football Championship on Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Coach Allen Stajcic said they won’t stray from this winning formula, saying it is important for the girls to get further exposure in many international matches in the months ahead.

“In terms of time together, you’ve got to have that. Or you could have a few players for the World Cup. Now, we’re looking forward to what can happen next year,” said Stajcic, who appeared with his team as they spoke of their experience a day after winning the Asean championship Next page

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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Invitations sent for Marcos’ 1st SONA

By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE House of Representatives has sent out invitations to more than 1,000 personalities to attend the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 25.

tional budget.

Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez said the House would target to pass the proposed budget in the last quarter of the year.

“The most important is the 2023 budget which we will pass definitely…. on the last quarter (of the year)… the President will have a sufficient time to sign it into law before the year ends,” Romualdez, who is touted to be the next Speaker, said in an ambush interview.

The 2023 budget will be the first budget to be crafted by the Marcos administration.

Romualdez said the Congress expects Malacañang to submit the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for next year within 30 days from the SONA. In related developments, the National Capital Region Police Office said Monday “no flying zone” or “no drone

zone” would be implemented to secure the first State of the Nation Address of President Marcos.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Jenny Tecson said only authorized persons would be exempted from the ban.

At the same time, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced Monday the traffic rerouting plan in connection with President Marcos’ SONA. MMDA Officer-in-Charge Baltazar Melgar said 1,133 personnel from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, Flood Control, and Metrobase would be deployed along Commonwealth Avenue and other roads leading to and within the vicinity of the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, where the SONA would be held.

House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza said 1,365 individuals, including Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, former presidents, vice presidents, speakers, and senate presidents, members of the diplomatic corps, justices, and members of the Marcos Cabinet, are expected to attend the event that will start at 4 p.m.

“We started sending out invitations during the weekend; and the rest will be released this week also,” Mendoza told reporters.

Last week, Mendoza said the renovated plenary session hall could accom-

modate a total of 1,200 individuals.

Mendoza said “adjustments were made to accommodate more guests.”

He said the House is on its way to finishing the minor revisions; but overall “everything is ready for the event.”

The House shall require everyone who will enter the premises of the Batasan Complex to undergo RT-PCR and antigen tests to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.

Meanwhile, the incoming leadership of the House of Representatives will prioritize the passage of the 2023 na-

Pulse...

From A1

Tulfo: P1m bounty for arrest of Boac suspect

Ronald Holmes, president of Pulse Asia Research Inc., presented the data during Monday’s webinar dubbed as “The Voice of the Filipino People: A Post-Elections Assessment” organized by Stratbase ADR Institute.

The result of the 2022 elections showed that former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won in the presidential race with 31,629,783 votes, or 58.77 percent of votes counted, against Vice President Leni Robredo who garnered 15,035,773 votes.

For vice president, former Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who ran in tandem with Marcos, got 32,208,417 votes, or 61.33 percent of the votes counted, as against Robredo’s running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan who had 9,329,207 votes.

The National Board of Canvassers concluded the canvassing with 98.84 percent, or 171 out of 173 certificates of canvass (COCs), containing a total of 53,815,484 votes.

Citing the same survey, the Commission on Elections said the 2022 national elections were better and “more credible” than the 2016 elections.

“Because of the success of the random manual audit, our electoral system has again been proven to be reliable and doubts about the results have effectively been erased,” said Comelec Commissioner Soccoro Inting. “This development undeniably bolsters confidence and credibility in the conduct of the 2022 national and local elections.”

The survey also said that four out of 10 (39 percent) Filipinos believe there was less cheating in this year’s elections, compared to the 2016 elections.

Despite the isolated incidents of malfunctioning vote counting machines (VCMs) during the election period, the Comelec insisted that the results were true with their field offices having responded to each problem by either repairing or replacing broken units.

The commissioner also addressed voter hesitation in precincts with malfunctioning SD cards, stating that they are not oblivious to the mishaps which occurred last May 9.

DSWD...

From A1 receiving complaints on their hotline, but upon validation, the information was found to be untrue.

In an interview last week on CNN Philippines, Tulfo said the DSWD was cleansing the 4Ps list so that other poor Filipinos could benefit from the cash grant. “[Based] on the records submitted to me by our division, the National Household Targeting System, we have identified 1.3 million families or households that are no longer considered poor,” Tulfo said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He said “graduates” of the program had shown they have the means to support themselves, or their children have graduated from school.

The DSWD is also looking at delisting 600,000 more beneficiaries who are refusing the agency’s efforts to verify their status.

“This is a conditional cash transfer.

Which means there are conditions before you get this grant,” he said.

“One of the conditions is you have to inform the DSWD if you will move from one barangay to another. Another condition is, if we come to your house and ask you questions for an update, you need to let us in and answer us. Failure to do so will really result in your being delisted as a 4Ps beneficiary.”

DepEd...

From A1 for public schools to wear uniforms to avoid incurring additional costs to the families of our learners,” DuterteCarpio said.

“All the more that it will not be required this school year given the increasing prices and economic losses due to the pandemic,” she added.

Under the said order, “Students with existing uniforms may continue using these uniforms, if they so desire.”

The Vice President earlier said the start of the school year on August 22 is already final.

“That has been approved by the President. The school year will be from August 2022 to July 2023,” she said amid calls for the postponement of the opening of classes.

She said schools can now safely open since health protocols have already been put in place since the onset of the pandemic two years ago.

“The difference now is we know the health protocols by heart. We have vaccines and we have a lot of supply of it, and we have COVID-19 medicines,” the Vice President said. “We need not wait for anything.”

DepEd, however, will not prescribe a class size once in-person classes resume at full capacity in November, she said.

Under DepEd Order No. 34, public and private basic education schools are mandated to shift to five days of in-person classes per week starting November 2.

Distance and blended learning will no longer be allowed beyond the said date, according to the order.

A recent Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian showed an overwhelming preference for children’s participation in face-toface classes in the coming school year.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said this sends a signal to the government that the resumption of in-person classes should no longer be delayed.

The commissioned survey showed 94 percent of adult respondents agree that children should be allowed to attend face-to-face classes.

Four percent cannot say if they agree or may disagree and only two percent said they disagree.

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has offered a P1 million reward for the arrest of the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old male and the rape of his 17-year-old girlfriend during a camping date in Boac, Marinduque on July 15.

“The one who committed this crime has

no conscience,” Tulfo said in a statement.

“This is why I will give a P1 million reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect,” he said.

The male victime was killed while his girlfriend was stabbed and raped after the still unidentified suspect

attacked them while they were out camping in Marinduque.

The female victim said the suspect went inside their tent at around 2 a.m.

Friday and stabbed her boyfriend.

She fled the camp site but the suspect caught up with her and raped her.

More...

From A1

labor force but only less than 60 percent of their counterparts in the Philippines are in the labor force.

“We should thoroughly review the implementation of K-12 to ensure that the goals of bringing quality education would be achieved,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture, added.

Earlier, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to a possible review of the implementation of the K-to-12 program in schools.

The K-to-12 curriculum was first introduced in 2011 under the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III. Marcos said a review of the country’s education curriculum aims to equip students with skills required by different industries and address the existing job mismatch.

He said basic education skills and

knowledge must be improved to prepare students as they pursue a higher level of learning.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, for his part, cited the National University of Singapore which offers focused but short courses on certain technology and awards students with micro-credential, which is similar to a diploma but for a short course.

“We’re developing or helping universities develop this system of microcredentialing because technology is changing very fast. There is a need for workers to update themselves, to reskill or upskill,” Pascual said.

The DTI secretary also underscored the need to send Filipino teachers abroad for training.

To address the current job mismatch, Pascual said the DTI will collaborate closely with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and TESDA.

“FMR is the first step to solve some of the supply chain problems. So let us prioritize the areas that produce,” he said.

As this developed, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means has asked flour millers and bread makers to fortify their products with additional vitamins and minerals.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, the panel’s chairperson, said this was in anticipation of the so-called “shrinkflation” or the reduction in serving size of certain goods to prevent an increase in per serving price.

Salceda said bread will probably be the hardest hit by shrinkflation.

“Wheat prices have increased by 165 percent At that point, breadmakers will probably both increase prices and shrink sizes,” he said.

“Egg prices are also threatening to go out of control. Sugar supply is already problematic. What we are likely to see is shrinkflation. Goods are getting smaller instead of higher prices,” Salceda added.

In Europe, foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned Monday Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports threatens grain supplies to tens of thousands of people vulnerable to starvation and must end.

“It’s an issue of life and death for many human beings. And the question is that Russia has to de-block and allow Ukrainian grain to be exported,” Borrell told reporters.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will meet UN and Turkish diplomats in Istanbul on Wednesday to discuss a

possible agreement to end the monthslong blockade of Ukraine’s ports.

President Vladimir Putin’s Russia invaded Ukraine in February and its forces have captured some Black Sea ports and bombarded others, including the key grain exporting outlet in the city of Odessa.

Ukraine has also mined the approaches to some of its ports to protect them from Russian assault.

But Ukraine’s farms are a major source of grain for the world market, in particular in the Middle East and Africa, where food supplies are critically tight.

“The most worrisome thing is the lack of food in many countries around the world, and there is no food because Russia is blocking the export of Ukrainian grain,” Borrell said.

Borrell spoke as he arrived at a meeting in Brussels of EU foreign ministers to discuss closing loopholes in their sanctions regime to punish Russia for the invasion.

He said that Ukraine’s European allies would do what they can to help Kyiv export its grain through overland routes and across the Danube river, but warned that the ports were key.

“So, I hope – and I think I have a hope – that this week it will be possible to reach an agreement to de-block this and other Ukrainian ports,” he said, referring to Odessa.

“The life of thousands – more than thousands – tens of thousands of people depends on this agreement. So it’s not a diplomatic game.” AFP

COVID-19 cases, the highest singleday tally since February and the fifth straight day with more than 2,000 new infections.

“Small waves” of increases in COVID-19 cases are possible in the Philippines until the last quarter of 2022, said Professor Jomar Rabajante of the University of the Philippines Pandemic Response Team.

Meanwhile, former presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and lead of Private Sector Advisory Council Joey Concepcion said Monday the country needs to boost about 50 percent of the vaccinated populace to get rid of or make the wearing of face mask optional outdoors.

“If we want to lift the use of face masks outdoors, our objective is to hit 70 percent of that 70 percent who are already vaccinated with primary doses to take the booster shot. This is about 50 percent of the population eligible for booster shots,” he said.

He said the country still had a long way to go to get to a “face mask-less” stage since only 20 percent of the country’s eligible population have taken their first booster shots.

“It’s still a tall order, to go up to 70 percent is another 50 percent that we have to attain,” Concepcion added.

According to a proposal of the Advisory Council of Experts, 70 percent of the eligible population must have received their booster vaccinations in order to safely implement the plan.

friendlies in the United States,” said Filipinas team manager Jefferson Cheng.

Before the Asean tournament, the Filipinas played seven friendlies in Europe and Australia, winning five.

Team Philippines took a historic first championship behind goals from Jessica Kowart, Katrina Guillou and Sarina Bolden.

With the 2023 FIFA World Cup for Women just around the corner, the Filipinas have vowed to step up and get their acts ready for their next journey.

Guillou, one of the Team Philippines’ newest members, vowed to get better in their next series of training.

“The key to consistency here is not to take things for granted with what we

had. We had a losing match against Thailand. Then, we had a great game with Vietnam, and another against Thailand.

It just shows that anything can happen in any game,” said the 28-year-old Guillou, a Filipino-French footballer living in the United States with her mom.

Guillou, who plays for Swedish professional club Piteå IF, scored one of the goals when the Philippines got past a tough Thailand, 3-0, to claim their first crown in the ASEAN tournament.

She missed seeing action in the 31st Southeast Asian Games and made up for it in helping the Filipinas make history with their memorable games in the AFF bootfest.

The presence of her mom, Lorna Rivera and other relatives, inspired her to play

her best during the two-weeklong contest.

“It was a huge accomplishment, building on the momentum (over Vietnam), and winning it in front of the fans,” added Guillou.

Kowart, Guillou and Bolden sank the needed goals in the 7th, 20th and 89th minutes as the Filipinas finally beat the Thais, the SEA Games silver medalists, who have never been beaten by a Philippine team since 1981.

Many players like Jessika Kowart, a 5’8” Filipino American midfielder, had their first international matches for the Philippines this year, with Guillou, along with Carleigh Frilles, Kaya Hawkinson, Sara Eggesvik, Jaclyn Sawicki, Malea Cesar and Isabella Flannigan.

system highlighted the need to review and reform the program.

A top reason for the dissatisfaction, Gatchalian said, was the extra financial burden that the program entailed.

The senator also cited a 2020 discussion paper by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) that showed that while the K-12 program promised to boost employability among senior high school graduates, only a little over 20 percent of them enter the labor force while 70 percent continue with their education.

The same discussion paper added that historically, the Filipino youth or those aged 15-24 have the lowest rates in terms of labor force participation in the ASEAN region. For example, 70 percent of Vietnamese youth are in the

BBM...

From A1 “When it comes to eggs, it will definitely go up further as there really is a shortage. It would take one and a half years for the supply to stabilize... As for pork, prices could increase slightly because the demand will increase, while supplies will not have any significant increase because of the threat of ASF,” Briones said.

Flour millers have likewise warned prices of flour are expected to increase as prices of wheat continue to hike due to war between Russia and Ukraine, which hold about 30 to 40 percent of the world’s exportable stocks of wheat.

Marcos, for his part, told agriculture officials the masterplan should include regional maps detailing the exact locations of the farm-to-market roads to be constructed.

“We need to know what are the areas (where) we really want to open and that really need the FMR? Let us prioritize those areas,” said Marcos, who concurrently heads the DA, during a meeting at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall in Quezon City on Monday.

The plan should also include funding source, payment terms, as well as the time frame for project completion, he added.

The President also wants official development assistance-funded farm-to-market projects to be constructed in priority areas identified by the government.

Filipinas...

From A1 in a get-together with journalists during a victory lunch at the Crimson Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

For now, the Filipinas are set to have an almost one-month break, before they regroup by August in time for the coming FIFA window.

The FIFA window is a period when national teams can play a series of friendlies, while calling up players who are playing professionally in ball clubs based in other countries.

“We are looking at the end of August in the FIFA window. Hopefully, we get

PH...

From A1

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EDSA Carousel to maximize deployment during rush hours THE two bus consortiums that operate along the EDSA Carousel have promised to maximize the deployment of their units during rush hours to address long queues of passengers and the anticipated return of face-toface classes in August.

LTFRB chairperson Cheloy Garafil said the two consortiums have been deploying around 200 buses during rush hours compared to the allowable maximum of 440 public utility buses (PUBs).

“Today, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista and I have met with the two consortiums operating at the EDSA carousel to talk about relevant issues. They have promised to enforce maximum deployment of buses, especially during rush hours,” Garafil said.

To fulfill the government’s side of

the “Libreng Sakay” program, she said the LTFRB will accelerate the release of payment to the two groups.

“When I was appointed to the LTFRB two weeks ago, the sixth week of the program hadn’t been paid yet, but it was already on its 13th week.

I have immediately ordered the fasttracking of the payment,” she said.

To date, she said the LTFRB has paid P310 million to cover the sixth up to the 10th week of the program.

“We have promised to further improve the processing of their payment so it will be up-to-date by the end of July,” Garafil said.

During the meeting, she said Bautista promised to look into the establishment of a terminal in Monumento in Caloocan City to serve as a “staging area” and rest stop for bus drivers and conductors.

(MS-JULY 19, 2022)

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Task force bucks bid to decriminalize libel T HE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) opposed a bill filed before the House of Representatives seeking to decriminalize libel.

“Decriminalizing libel will result in an unbridled exercise of freedom of expression that will no longer allow for any form of legal restraint,” task force spokesperson for legal affairs Flosemer Chris Gonzales said.

“Anything in excess will result in chaos,” he added.

On Friday, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel filed House Bill (HB) 1769 seeking to decriminalize libel through amendments to the Revised Penal Code.

Castro said penalizing libel and cyber libel

“cast a chilling effect over the exercise of free expression online.”

But Gonzales insisted rendering libel ineffective is opening the door to chaos and excesses in the exercise of free speech and press freedom.

“Libel prevents excesses in the exercise of freedom of expression and of freedom of the press,” he said.

He added that the proposed bill “per se, is not beneficial to the Filipino people.”

“It may, however, be beneficial to those who have pending petitions before the appellate courts after they have been found guilty for committing

the crime of libel. But aside from these people, no one else is bound to benefit from the decriminalization of libel,” Gonzales said.

The country’s penal laws that include libel, Gonzales said, are essential to the preservation of and maintenance of orderly conduct in a democratic society.

He added that libel punishes abuses committed by any citizen and by journalists who go overboard in the discharge of their functions while protecting the innocent from being maligned and vilified by those who have the means to do so.

“We want to have a media that is responsible, decent, and truthful. A media that is not biased, slanted, and works only to promote the interests of a group with ulterior motives,” Gonzales said.

(MS-JULY 19, 2022)

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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

News

GRADUATION. The third batch of neophyte congressmen completed the Executive Course on Legislation for the 19th Congress held at the Belmonte Hall in the House of Representatives, with them are Leyte 1st District Rep Martin Romualdez, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, Tingog Partylist Rep.Jude Acidre and House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza. Ver Noveno

Lawmaker says PH should junk China railway deals

By Maricel V. Cruz A LAWMAKER on Monday urged the Marcos administration to no longer pursue Chinese financing for three big railway infrastructures planned by the Duterte government.

“The old saying ‘beggars cannot be choosers’ cannot apply to us in this case and other projects. We have other funding options, which the new national leadership should explore,” Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, representative of Cagayan de Oro City’s second district, said.

He said such options include multilateral institutions like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, international assistance agencies such as the US AID, JICA of Japan, Korean agency and EU Fund, the local banking and business community and even the annual national budget.

“The problem with loans from China is that there will be strings attached which will sacrifice our full sovereign rights over our West Philippine Sea,” Rodriguez added.

Rodriguez expressed sadness over the decision of the previous government to discontinue the three railway projects especially the first phase of

Congress, DOF stress need for medium-term fiscal plan

By Maricel V. Cruz

A

LBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said that he and Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno have agreed on the need for a medium-term fiscal plan, which Congress will institutionalize in a Joint Resolution.

“Secretary Diokno and I have agreed on the need for a medium-term fiscal plan that takes into account revenue as well as expenditure projections until 2028, the end of PBBM’s term,” said Salceda whom the House majority leadership has named as retaining his post as House Ways and Means chairperson.

Salceda added that Diokno and he had discussions on the country’s fiscal

management strategy in a meeting on Saturday. “I have committed to file the Joint Resolution on the matter, awaiting the incoming Speaker’s instructions.”

“The Committee on Ways and Means is also prepared to provide the needed legislative support for the revenue base under the Joint Resolution.”

“The medium-term fiscal program will basically be a path for revenues to go from 15.3 percent of GDP to 17.6

percent of GDP; and for expenditures to go from 22.9 percent of GDP to 20.6 percent. In other words, the plan will aim to narrow the deficit to just 3 percent by the end of PBBM’s term,” Salceda explained.

“That, of course, will depend highly on growing our GDP, and outgrowing our debt,” Salceda added Under the plan, Salceda explained, the government will aim to grow the real GDP by 6.5 to 8 percent of GDP annually until 2028, and 5 to 6 percent of GDP in infrastructure spending.

Salceda said that the goals will be institutionalized through a Joint Resolution of Congress, similar to the Joint Resolution 1, 2018 on the Military and Uniformed Personnel Salaries.

“It will commit the government to a

set of specific objectives and targets, and will guide the fiscal and spending policies of Congress and the national government.”

Salceda adds that they aim to reduce national government debt-to-GDP to 52.5 percent by 2028.

To optimize growth, Salceda says that the government will identify key economic priorities, such as agricultural development, reduction of logistics and transport costs, reduction of energy costs, sound fiscal management, health, education, social protection, and government efficiency.

“The new administration will be able to benefit from CREATE, the investment liberalization laws, and the investments made by PRRD in big ticket programs and projects, the use-

Bato says he’d rather face PH courts than submit to ICC SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he would rather face local courts and not participate in the possible reopening of the investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war Dela Rosa stressed that it will be an “insult” to the Philippines’ justice system and a “total infringement of our sovereignty” if the ICC is allowed to come into the country and investigate the anti-illegal drug campaign, GMA News reported.

Dela Rosa was head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the early years of the Duterte administration. He was also instrumental in “Oplan Tokhang” as part of the Duterte administration’s drug war.

“I’m the number two accused and you want me to abide by their investigation?

Why should I submit to their jurisdiction when we have a Supreme Court here that can try us if we have done something wrong? Why them? Why should I face them when they don’t know the problem of our country and what our government is doing?” Dela Rosa said.

The ICC, in an order dated July 14, invited the Philippines to provide infor-

mation on the planned reopening of the probe until September 8, 2022.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday meanwhile noted that since the ICC is an independent international organization, it should be allowed to continue the probe.

However, he said the ICC should have a firm stand on their planned investigation. He said it’s a waste of time if we always react to all the developments within the ICC. Sen. Robin Padilla said the ICC cannot force the Philippine government to allow the ICC to conduct the investigation. “They can just observe, It’s hurting if they investigate and give orders to us,” he said, adding that “Andres Bonifacio will be mad at them,” he told reporters in jest.

Sen. Nancy Binay said the ICC probe is a legal process and should be allowed its due course.

“Let us follow what’s the legal process. It indeed the ICC has no personality, that is something perhaps the Department of Justice can decide on,” she added. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

TROOPING THE LINE. Newly-appointed National Security Adviser Dr. Clarita Carlos visits the Philippine Coastguard Headquarters in Manila on July 18. She is welcomed by Vice Admiral Artemio Abu. Norman Cruz

the Mindanao railway “that has been six years in the making.”

“Sad especially for Mindanao, the home region of our former president.

Our island deserves its first railway system,” he said.

He said the failure of Beijing to approve the Duterte administration’s loan application prompting the latter to withdraw it, “shows that we cannot rely on our so-called Chinese friends.”

The affected projects are the first package of the Philippine National Railways-Bicol line, from Calamba in Laguna to Daraga, Albay, with a cost of P142 billion; the 71-kilometer, P50billion link between Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City and Subic Freeport; and the P83-billion first phase of the Mindanao railway covering 102 kilometers.

Rodriguez said the Marcos administration could ask the international financial institutions and even our private business community to finance these infrastructures.

“We can request RSA (Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp.), MVP (Manny Pangilinan of PLDT group), Enrique Razon (ICTSI) and Sabin Aboitiz (Aboitiz Group) to consider financing the Mindanao railway,” he said.

‘PAO will go to court to stop Dengvaxia use’

By Rio N. Araja THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Monday vowed to go to court and file a petition for a temporary restraining order should the government allow the use of the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine amid the rising cases of dengue.

PAO chief Persida Acosta said she would seek a legal remedy against the reintroduction of Dengvaxia, calling the vaccine as “an experiment.”

“Rest assured PAO will exhaust all means to save the people from the inoculation of the experimental Dengvaxia,” she told the media.

“We (government) should procure vaccines that have been proven safe since I was a child,” she said.

She threatened to file a restraining order to stop the return of the Dengvaxia vaccine. “I appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. not to allow the use of the vaccine,” she said.

According to Dr. Erwin Erfe, PAO forensics chief, six out 10 persons who have received the vaccine could suffer from serious effects of the Dengvaxia.

“It is not true that there are no adverse effects of the vaccine to a person. If anyone would say so, that stgoes against the statement of Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and the findings of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearings on the ill effects of the vaccine,” Acosta said.

Oil companies roll back prices

by P5 per liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MRT TRACKS. Workers install rail line tracks of the Metro Rail Transit- Line 7 (MRT-7) along Don Antonio Road in front of St. Peter Parish Church on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Monday. MRT-7 will have 14 stations, 10 of which will be elevated. Ben Briones

Sandiganbayan clears Sabio of malversation THE Sandiganbayan 5th Division has cleared former Presidential Commission on Good Government chairperson Camilo Sabio of three malversation cases.

The malversation cases involved alleged unliquidated P1.1 million cash advances made under Sabio’s name.

In its ruling promulgated last July 8, the court said that aside from failing to provide original copies of their exhibits, the “fatal blow” to the prosecution came from one of its witnesses, Lourdes Navarro, ABS-CBN News report, According to the court, the details of the disbursement vouchers identified by Navarro were “disconcertingly different” from the accusatory portion of the information filed before the court.

“The court cannot turn a blind eye to the said inconsistencies as these relate

to the main allegations against the accused,” the court said in the decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega, with the concurrence of Division Chairperson Rafael Lagos and Associate Justice Maryann Corpus-Manalac.

According to the information filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017, Sabio, as chairperson of the PCGG, allegedly made cash advances from 2008 to 2009 for litigation and other purposes for his personal benefit and to the damage and prejudice of the government.

Sabio cited his acquittal in a similar case decided by the Sandiganbayan Special 4th Division in 2016 wherein the prosecution failed to prove his alleged receipt of demand letters from the Commission on Audit, ABS-CBN News fur-

THE country’s oil firms rolled back pump prices by as much as P5 per liter effective 6am Tuesday to reflect the movement of oil prices in the world market.

The oil firms cut the price of gasoline

by P5 per liter, diesel by P2 per liter, and kerosene by P0.70 per liter, giving consumers another week of reprieve from high oil prices.

“Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will decrease the prices of diesel by P2 per liter and gasoline by P5 per liter effective 6 AM of 19 July 2022,” the company said in its advisory.

PTT Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Seaoil Philippines, PetroGazz, Cleanfuel, Unioil Petroleum Philippines, and Flying V also announced price cuts.

Unioil announced over the weekend that fuel prices would go down during the week of July 19 to 25 by P1.90 to P2.10 per liter for diesel and P4.60 to P4.80 per liter for gasoline.

Department of Energy (DOE) director Rino Abad of the Oil Industry Management Bureau cited two significant reasons for the continuing rollback in pump prices this month.

“Continuing China lockdown and interest hike possible, another round of hike increase in the US,” he said.

BSP to file charges against citizen who burned P20 bill in a video posted on social media THE individual who posted a video on social media showing him burning a P20 banknote will face charges.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has already filed the necessary charges against the individual, according to BSP Strategic Communication and Advocacy Managing Director Antonio Lambino II.

Lambino said the BSP has been in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“That is prohibited. The BSP and the PNP have filed charges against this… Let us not intentionally destroy our banknotes because this is prohibited,” Lambino, quoted by GMA News, said.

A netizen posted a video on the social media site Tiktok showing him burning a P20 bill, which the central bank earlier flagged.

BSP Senior Investigation Officer Atty.

Mark Fajardo in April said the video was taken down after receiving backlash from other netizens, and the location of the up-

loader has already been identified, GMA News reported.

Under Presidential Decree 247 signed by the late dictator former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1973, the defacement, mutilation, tearing, burning, or destruction of central bank notes and coins was made illegal.

The law mandates that any violator will be punished by a fine of not more than P20,000, and/or imprisonment of not more than five years.

BSP Quezon City Representative Dickenson Gamalo advised the public earlier saying “these violations can be committed even on social media. You have no escape.”

Opinion Bloggers: ‘Glorified Rumormongers’ WITH the advancement of technology, the credibility and accountability of journalists have been put to a test.

Take the example of social media, where those who purvey a lot of disinformation and misinformation and where “glorified chismosos,” calling themselves bloggers and vloggers flooded social media, especially during the national and local elections.

With many bloggers and vloggers flooding social media with so-called facts and information, which are actually misinformation and disinformation, people are often confused as to which is false and which is truth , as a result that the credibility of mainstream media is out to a test.

This is where the difference lies.

While we journalists have accountability for what we write, bloggers and vloggers do not.

We journalists are accountable to the newspapers where we write and are always observant of the ethics of journalism, whereas the socalled bloggers and vloggers are not.

They purvey rumors and falsehood and lies.

In other words, we are obligated to tell the truth, while bloggers and vloggers do not.

But, they can be sued for cyber libel which carries both imprisonment and fines. Santa Banana, while modern technology makes communication and information accessible with just a flick of the finger, it also has its negative effects.

There are predictions that in 30 to 50 years, print media will become passe and communication will be only through the Internet and other digital communications.

This could be true. But, in the meantime, we as journalists have our responsibility to tell the truth with fairness and objectivity.

It is for all these reasons that I was alarmed when Bongbong’s Press Secretary Trixie Angeles, a blogger, made a stupid and foolish suggestion to accredit bloggers and vloggers to the Malacanang Press Corps which covers all the statements and activities of the President .

••• President Marcos wants to rightsize the bureaucracy and get rid of its many useless agencies that drain the government of its necessary funds.

This is of course another problem because in rightsizing the bureaucracy if only to raise P6.5 billion critically needed to fund urgent priorities of the administration, you create another problem of joblessness, which is estimated to be another six million people out of work. It now depends on priority.

As an observer, being a journalist, there is a long pending proposal to abolish the PCGG or the Presidential Commission on Good Government, which was created by then President Cory Aquinoto to go after the hidden wealth or alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses.

In abolishing the PCGG, again, the leftists and anti-Marcos elements will take that as a way for President Marcos to evade the pursuit of ill-gotten wealth.

I raise these questions because it’s about time Congress decide whether or not it’s much better to abolish the PCGG than to lose so much time, effort and money going after alleged ill–gotten wealth of the Marcoses and their cronies.

The fact is that the PCGG has been losing so many times in the Supreme Court because of the inefficiency of its commissioners and its lawyers.

The government would be saving much more in just abolishing the commissioners who have been getting double compensation by acting as directors of the many sequestered corporations.

This is a big anomaly that must be stopped.

In fact, I would say, it even constitutes graft and corruption. Its function can easily be taken over by the justice department.

Another agency which I also believe should be

scrapped is the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) which has been red-flagged so many times because the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel and its many lawyers acting as counsels of the government-owned and controlled corporations have been found by no less than the Commission on Audit (COA) to be getting allowances from these GOCC more than one half of their allowable salaries, which easily constitutes a form of graft and corruption.

The OGCC can also easily be taken over by the justice department.

Another agency in the bureaucracy which has been draining the government of so much is the Climate Change Commission (CCC), created by law where its chairman has a Cabinet rank, and its four commissioners are undersecretaries.

My gulay, this is an anomaly, with the government so much in need of funds.

What has the commission done for climate change? Nothing, but absolutely nothing except for its commissioners going abroad and to Europe to attend Climate Change conventions and get accommodations in ultra-expensive hotels.

Besides, its functions can easily be done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, now that President Marcos has nominated a climate change expert as DENR secretary.

I can name many more that should be abolished to raise much-needed funds for priority projects of the Marcos administration, but this is enough for now.

By having the face-to-face program scheduled in November, teachers will have at least two months to rest and be ready for work ••• Downsizing of the bureaucracy is needed not only to save money and even raise money for priority projects of President Marcos, but to cut many of the fats and surpluses of bureaucracy, meaning government agencies that have become useless and in surplus.

But, it would do well for the president to create a committee to avoid joblessness as a result.

This will answer the many objections raised by many government workers’ groups to downsize the bureaucracy.

Certainly, the many lawyers of the government agencies I have suggested to be abolished can be accommodated in other government agencies particularly the Department of Justice and Office of the Solicitor General.

Downsizing the bureaucracy is indeed imperative and necessary, and I believe it takes political will to do it, which I believe President Marcos has.

••• Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has been making waves as Department of Education head with her clamor for reform.

Indeed, as in other departments, there is a need for reform in the DepEd bureaucracy.

There’s logic in Secretary Sara’s insistence that the opening of the public schools should be on August 22, but face to face classes should be in November.

Why? Because the past school year has hardly finished with schools just having had their commencement exercises.

By having the face to face program scheduled in November, teachers will have at least two months to rest and be ready for work.

Being a teacher is hard work physically and mentally, I should know. I have been an instructor and professor once. And learned a lot about people and their capabilities.

Iraq’s date palms: Rescuing a national icon

By Salman Amin with AFP journalists in Basra and Badra THOUSANDS of young date palms, Iraq’s national symbol, form lines that extend from the edge of the desert near the central city of Karbala and into the horizon.

Iraq’s prized trees are central to a push aimed to preserve a long-threatened ancestral culture, whose fruit historically presented prosperity across the Arab world.

“The date palm is the symbol and pride of Iraq,” says Mohamed Abul-Maali, commercial director at the Fadak date plantation.

Once known as the “country of 30 million palm trees,” and home to 600 varieties of the fruit, Iraq’s date production has been blighted by decades of conflict and environmental challenges, including drought, desertification and salinization.

The Fadak plantation, taking its name from a date-filled oasis central to Islam’s origins, is a 500-hectare farm operated by the Imam Hussein Shrine in the nearby holy city of Karbala.

Abul-Maali hopes the project, launched in 2016, will “restore this culture to what it used to be”.

The grove is a repository for “more than 90 date varieties, Iraqi but also Arab species”, from the Gulf and North Africa, he adds.

The Iraqi varieties are among “the rarest and best” and were collected from across the country.

Of the 30,000 trees planted at Fadak, more than

6,000 are already producing fruit, according to Abul-Maali.

He expects this year’s harvest to reach 60 tons, a threefold increase on 2021.

The rows of new trees at the Fadak farm stand in stark contrast to the state of plantations in other parts of the country.

The scars of war are evident among the groves of decapitated palm trees ‘Like a cemetery’ The scene at Fadak with well-watered trees is far removed from the Basra region, once a center of date production in southern Iraq.

Here the landscape is scarred with the slender trunks of decapitated palm trees.

In the Shatt al-Arab area, where the Euphrates and Tigris rivers meet, Baghdad razed entire tracts during its 1980-88 war with Iran.

Often the trunks of felled date palms were used to fill and bury irrigation canals that had dried up and become unused.

“It looks like a cemetery,” says agricultural engineer Alaa al-Badran.

According to him, the number of palm trees in the area has fallen from six million, before the Iraq-

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EDITORIAL

Restructuring the bureaucracy

A

FEW days back, the Department of Budget and Management caused some tempest with its plan to rightsize the civil service aimed at reducing the number of government agencies — with some suggesting thousands of government workers would join the ranks of the jobless and unemployed.

First off, what does the idea of rightsizing mean? In the private sector as in the government, this is the process of restructuring — in this case the government — the bureaucracy so it can make a profit more efficiently and meet public service objectives.

In the private sector, organizations usually rightsize their business by reducing their workforce, reorganizing upper management, cutting costs, and changing job roles.

In general, rightsizing helps top management get a bird’s eye view on organization and assess its “as-is” state, including an evidence base for workforce sizing. At the same time, rightsizing does not disrupt human resources or personnel and helps management implement necessary changes at the same time.

In the May 2022 survey done by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the unemployment rate in this country of 111 million people was placed at 5.7 percent, which means

that more than 2.7 million of the labor force are without jobs, while underemployment is estimated at 15 percent.

The savings from rightsizing — no precise figures at this point — can be used to support more significant initiatives like the development and much needed infrastructure, social services, health related programs and agriculture Some have raised concern about rightsizing as proposed by DBM. We heard Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman say the plan is for a more compact and effective bureaucracy and is being refined for presentation to Congress before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the Filipino people in his

first State of the Nation Address or SONA on July 25.

The plan’s all-embracing objective, according to Pangandaman, is to have a small bureaucracy that is agile and responsive in the modern era and will fix the agencies that have repetitive or overlapping functions.

The budget chief has said the savings from rightsizing — no final precise figures at this point — can be used to support more significant initiatives like the development and much needed infrastructure, social services, health-related programs and agriculture.

The plan will determine which of the 187 government agencies — including firms owned and managed by the government which employ more than 2 million people — will be merged, revamped or abolished.

We support the government’s plan to streamline the bureaucracy, high in the belief this will mean faster, better and reliable service for the Filipino people.

We cannot believe the 2 million affected by the rightsizing plan will posthaste become jobless, since their qualifications will take them away from overlapping functions and place them elsewhere for better and more efficient public service.

That is the rationale, in our view, for this righsizing.

The best energy-environment tandem in our history

I WELCOME the Marcos appointments of Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla (we call him Popo) and Ma. Antonia, Toni to us in Manila Observatory, Yulo-Loyzaga as Energy and Environment Secretaries.

Because I have worked with both persons for decades, I am not just cautiously optimistic but downright hopeful that our islands, our mountains, seas, rivers, lakes, and, yes, cities, will be in a better place in the years to come.

Lotilla and Yulo-Loyzaga, who understand the challenge of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis, are both business friendly and pro-poor, emphasize the importance of climate and environmental justice, and are sustainability advocates.

They will rely on the best science for their decisions, I told them in text exchanges, when their nominations for the Department of Energy and Department of Environment and Natural Resources posts were announced, that I will help in whatever way they need me, short of joining government myself.

But I actually feel I can retire now as this is the best environment-energy tandem we have ever had in our history.

Popo Lotilla is a friend and colleague of 35 plus years. He was my first mentor in the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, when Dean Pacifico Agabin recruited me to its faculty, and as the founding director of the Institute of International Legal Studies (IILS) of the UP Law Center.

We partnered to put IILS in a position of great influence in academe and government. That work got noticed and we both ended up appointed into the Cabinet of Fidel V. Ramos as undersecretaries, in my case in the DENR while Popo was designated Deputy Director General at the National Economic and Development Authority.

Nobody else can do this job better than Popo.

He knows the DOE well, having served as Secretary during the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

Before that, he served as President of the Power Iran war, to less than three million today.

Now “the salinization of the waters of the Shatt al-Arab and of the land” poses an even greater challenge, Badran says.

“The solution would be drip irrigation and desalination systems. But that can be expensive,” says Ahmed al-Awad, whose family once owned 200 date palms in the area but only have 50 trees remaining.

Iraq’s agriculture ministry claims some progress in addressing declining date palm production.

“In the last 10 years we have gone from 11 million palm trees to 17 million,” says Hadi al-Yasseri, a spokesman for the minister.

A government program to rescue the date palms was launched in 2010, but eight years later it was

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

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

Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

(PSALM) and did an excellent job with that agency.

In NEDA, serving with the visionary Ciel Habito as Director General, Popo was exposed to the challenge of addressing sustainable development dilemmas.

In the case of energy, we are faced with a trilemma of access and security, affordability, as well as environmental sustainability in the context of the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Lotilla and YuloLoyzaga, who understand the challenge of the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis, are both business friendly and pro-poor, emphasize the importance of climate and environmental justice, and are sustainability advocates Just last week, he called me up to discuss energy policy. We ended up talking for two hours as I shared my thinking around the energy transition in the context of the global climate emergency. I am sure the incoming Secretary can find a consensus on how we can move forward on these issues.

As Energy Secretary, Lotilla will have to decide how we can transition away from fossil fuels, complete the reduction and eventual phaseout of coal in our energy mix, make sure that natural gas is as advertised as a bridge and transition fuel given its climate and biodiversity footprint, and come up with renewable energy policies and investment packages that will help us achieve our Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.

In the case of incoming DENR Secretary YuloLoyzaga, I have known her since the late 1970s in college at Ateneo de Manila but we reconnected in 2001 when Toni joined as a business person and shelved due to a lack of funds, says Yasseri.

But he expects it to be relaunched, as new funds are due to be included in the next government budget.

Upstream diversions According to official figures, Iraq exported almost 600,000 tons of dates in 2021.

The fruit is the country’s second largest export commodity after oil according to the World Bank.

“As global demand is increasing, the ongoing initiatives in Iraq on improving quality should be continued,” a recent World Bank report stated.

While exports earn the national economy $120 million annually, the organisation laments that much of Iraq’s crop is sold to the United Arab

observer the Philippine delegation to the Bonn climate change negotiations that year.

Fr Jett Villarin SJ, then the climate division chief of Manila Observatory, was also in the delegation while I was a lead negotiator for developing countries.

The three of us hit it off and liked working together and Toni became affiliated with Manila Observatory, eventually becoming its head a few years later.

To continue the story, Toni stayed nine years as Executive Director of Manila Observatory before moving on to head the National Resilience Council. I succeeded her in that role in 2016 following my 10 year deanship of the Ateneo School of Government and today Fr. Villarin is back at the helm of MO. But Toni stayed with us all these years as a member of our Board and head of our International Advisory Board.

I have said that Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga is the perfect and best choice for the position because of her experience and background.

This has been echoed by many environmental organizations (Greenpeace International, Masungi Georesrve Foundation, Alyansa Tigil Muna, WWF Philippines, etc) as well as business and industry associations such as the Chamber of Mines.

Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga combines a strong grounding in the natural and social sciences with an understanding of the business sector, poor communities in urban and rural areas, and sustainable development challenges.

I won’t second-guess Loyzaga’s policies on mining and the plastics industry but am certain her decisions will be science-based and balanced.

I expect her certainly to be supportive of conservation efforts like the Masungi Georeserve as well as the great work done by groups like the Save Zambales Movement.

Ms. Yulo-Loyzaga would be sensitive to the business sector while also prioritizing the poor.

Among others, in MO, she was a big supporter of poverty mapping to understand how we sacrifice the poor in development decisions.

The big picture for our country, especially in the context of the global crisis, is still challenging. But for the two critical areas of energy and environment, the future looks good.

Website: tonylavina.com Facebook page: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs Emirates, where dates are repackaged and re-exported for higher prices.

In the town of Badra, on Iraq’s eastern border with Iran, grievances are commonplace.

The scars of war are evident among groves of decapitated palm trees.

For more than a decade, officials have complained of scarce water supplies, and have accused Iran of upstream diversions of the Mirzabad River, known locally as Al-Kalal.

“The date of Badra is incomparable,” says Mussa Mohsen who owns around 800 date palm trees.

“Before, we had water from Al-Kalal which came from Iran,” he recalls.

“Badra was like a sea but now to irrigate we rely on wells.”

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EU mulls Russia sanctions T as Zelensky sacks top execs

HE European Union was set to discuss tightening sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine Monday, after President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked his top two law enforcement officials in a major shakeup.

RED VIGILANCE.

An aerial picture shows tourists on the Mare e Sole beach in Pietrosella on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. Fifteen departments, mostly on the western side of France, are placed in ‘red vigilance’ heat wave because of the heat wave that hits the country.

Inset photo shows a forest fire in Louchats, southwestern France, on July 17, 2022. AFP

Three killed in fresh US mall shooting

A MAN opened fire at a mall in the US state of Indiana on Sunday, killing three and injuring two, officials said, the latest armed rampage in a country plagued by gun violence.

The attack ended when a “good Samaritan” shot the gunman dead, police said.

“We experienced a mass shooting this evening at the Greenwood Park Mall,” Mark Myers, mayor of Greenwood, Indiana, said in a statement.

The town is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of downtown Indianapolis, the state capital.

The gunman, who has not been identified, entered the mall’s food court at about 6 p.m. (2200 GMT) carrying a rifle along with several magazines of ammunition and opened fire, said Chief Jim Ison of the Greenwood Police Department.

Those injured included a 12-year-old girl, Ison said, adding that no motive had been established.

“Four have been confirmed deceased,” he said, noting that that included the initial shooter.

Chief Ison praised the intervention of the armed passer-by who ended the attack, calling the 22-year-old man a “good Samaritan.”

“The real hero of the day is the citizen that was lawfully carrying a firearm in that food court and was able to stop this shooter almost as soon as he began,” he said.

“This has shaken us to our core. This isn’t something we have seen in Greenwood before,” he said. “It’s absolutely horrendous.”

It is the latest attack in a wave of gun violence plaguing the United States, where about 40,000 deaths a year are caused by firearms, according to the Gun Violence Archive. AFP

Sri Lanka renews state of emergency ahead of vote SRI LANKA’S acting president renewed the country’s state of emergency Monday ahead of a parliamentary vote to pick a new head of state – a poll in which he is a leading candidate.

Ranil Wickremesinghe automatically became acting president when Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned last week after fleeing to Singapore.

A state of emergency allows troops to arrest and detain suspects, and the president to make regulations overriding existing laws to deal with any unrest.

One was already in place, but parliament had not met to ratify the

DOZENS of Thai democracy activists were targeted by the controversial Israeli spyware known as Pegasus during the height of intense anti-government protests, according to an international digital rights group report.

Massive demonstrations engulfed Thailand’s capital Bangkok two years ago as thousands called for greater civil freedoms, as well as a loosening of the strict lese-majeste laws that prevent any criticism of the monarchy.

PRAYERS FOR SHIVA. A Hindu

devotee holds burning joss sticks as offerings to Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction, during the first Shravan Somvar (Monday) festivities at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu on July 18, 2022. AFP

to flee when tens of thousands of protesters stormed his official residence after months of demonstrations across the country demanding his resignation over the country’s economic crisis.

The nation’s 22 million people have been enduring severe shortages of essentials since late last year after the country ran out of foreign exchange to finance even the most vital imports.

The country defaulted on its $51 billion foreign debt in mid-April and is in talks with the IMF for a possible bailout. AFP

US school shooter faces death penalty at sentencing trial A YOUNG man who gunned down 17 people at his former high school in Parkland, Florida goes on trial Monday, with jurors set to hand down either the death penalty or a life sentence.

Nikolas Cruz took an AR-15 assault rifle into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day in 2018 and killed 17 students and staff members.

Cruz – who was 19 at the time – has already pleaded guilty to 17 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder for those wounded during the massacre.

The trial is being held to determine his sentence. The death penalty requires a unanimous decision by the jury; Cruz will otherwise be handed life without parole.

The Florida shooting stunned a country accustomed to gun violence and sparked new efforts, led by students

Thai democracy activists targeted

By Pegasus spyware – rights group

declaration as required, and Wickremesinghe extended it from Monday “in the interests of public security”, he said.

Police and the military have already stepped up security ahead of Wednesday’s vote to elect a president for the remainder of Rajapaksa’s term, which ends in November 2024.

Wickremesinghe, a six-time former prime minister, is being backed for the position by Rajapaksa’s party, which remains the largest in the legislature.

The ex-president was forced

The talks were to take place as Kyiv accused Moscow of launching fresh strikes on multiple residential areas in eastern and southern Ukraine.

The new attacks came after Moscow announced it would step up its military operations and Ukraine accused Russia of installing missile launchers at Europe’s largest nuclear plant.

In Brussels, EU foreign ministers will meet to discuss fresh sanctions against Moscow, which has already been hit with a series of punitive measures since the war started in February.

The bloc is considering banning gold purchases from Russia, and more Russian figures could also be placed on the EU blacklist.

“Moscow must continue to pay a high price for its aggression,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after forwarding the proposed measures.

Brussels is expected to hold initial sanctions discussions Monday, but not make a same-day decision, according to a senior EU official.

In the government’s most serious shakeup since Moscow’s forces invaded, Zelensky said Sunday he was firing prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova and security chief Ivan Bakanov.

In a national address, Zelensky said over 650 cases of suspected treason and aiding and abetting Russia by Ukrainian security officials are currently being investigated, including 60 cases of officials whom he said have remained in territories occupied

by Russia and are “working against our state.”

“Such a great number of crimes against the foundations of national security, and the connections established between Ukrainian law enforcement officials and Russian special services, pose very serious questions to the relevant leaders,” Zelensky said.

“Each such question will be answered.”

Zelensky also highlighted the devastating military might Moscow has used against Ukraine, saying that as of Sunday Russian forces have launched more than 3,000 cruise missiles on targets in Ukraine. AFP

The report by Canadian cybersecurity watchdog Citizen Lab in partnership with Thai groups iLaw and DigitalReach, identified some 30 activists, academics, lawyers and NGO workers – mostly connected to civil rights organisations – whose mobile devices were affected.

“The infections occurred from October 2020 to November 2021, coinciding with a period of widespread pro-democracy protests, and predominantly targeted key figures in the pro-democracy movement,” the report stated. AFP

from the school itself, to get lawmakers to pass tougher gun control laws.

Parkland survivors founded “March for Our Lives,” organizing a rally that drew hundreds of thousands of people to Washington, DC in 2018.

Thousands turned out for demonstrations organized by the group last month following two other mass shootings: one at a Texas elementary school that killed 19 young children and two teachers, and another at a New York supermarket that left 10 Black people dead.

Those shootings helped galvanize support for the first significant federal bill on gun safety in decades.

President Joe Biden signed the bill into law in late June. It included enhanced background checks for younger buyers and federal cash for states introducing “red flag” laws that allow courts to temporarily remove weapons from people who are considered a

Nikolas Cruz

threat.

Cruz bought the weapon he used in the 2018 attack legally, despite having a documented history of mental health problems.

Expelled from school for disciplinary reasons, Cruz was known to be fixated on firearms – and had reportedly

been identified as a potential threat to his classmates.

On the day of the attack Cruz arrived at the school in an Uber, began shooting indiscriminately at students and staff, and fled nine minutes later, leaving behind a scene of carnage.

He was arrested nearby shortly afterward.

Footage recovered from his phone showed he had filmed his plans to attack his former school, saying his goal was to kill “at least 20 people.”

Cruz told a detective after his arrest that he heard demons ordering him to “buy weapons, kill animals and destroy everything.”

According to the Gun Violence Archive website, more than 24,000 people have been killed by firearms in the United States so far this year, including more than 13,000 who died by suicide. AFP

Aussie teenager feared dead in Syrian jail – family AN AUSTRALIAN teenager is believed to have died in a Syrian jail after being held for three years, his family said Monday as they pleaded for the return of other detained women and children.

Yusuf Zahab, 17, died from “uncertain causes” in northeast Syria at the Al-Sinaa prison, Human Rights Watch said.

Kurdish-led forces have held Islamic State suspects at the prison, which was the site of intense fighting between IS fighters and US-backed troops earlier this year.

“We are heartbroken and angry,” Zahab’s family said in a statement released by HRW. “Yusuf didn’t need to die. The previous Australian Government knew about Yusuf’s predicament for more than three years,” they added.

Born in Sydney, Zahab was 11 when he was taken to Syria by relatives before being detained by Syrian Democratic Forces in 2019.

He had previously begged for help in audio messages released by the human rights group, and described watching fellow child prisoners being killed in

front of him during a raid on the prison.

“There’s a lot of bodies, dead bodies, and there’s a lot of injured people screaming from pain,” he had said.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it was still seeking to confirm the death but was offering consular assistance to the family.

“The Australian Government remains deeply concerned about the situation of Australians in northeast Syria, including the welfare of those detained in prisons and other detention centres,” a department spokeswoman said in a statement. AFP

India’s parliament begins voting for new president INDIA’S parliament began voting Monday for a new president, with a female politician from the country’s marginalized tribal community the favorite for the post.

Droupadi Murmu, from the Santhal tribe, has been nominated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for the largely ceremonial position.

If elected, she would be India’s first

tribal president and second female president. The incumbent, Ram Nath Kovind, is the country’s second president from the Dalit community, the bottom of the Hindu caste system.

Murmu, 64, began her career as a schoolteacher in the eastern state of Odisha before going into politics. She has held ministerial positions in the state government, and been governor of the neighbouring state of Jharkhand.

Murmu “has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalised,” Modi tweeted after her candidacy was announced.

Her main opponent for the presidency is veteran politician Yashwant Sinha, an ex-BJP member and former finance and external affairs minister, who has been backed by opposition parties including Congress. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Business

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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rallies; Ayala stocks lead advances T Manila

HE stock market rebounded Monday on bargain hunting and Wall Street’s rally in response to data indicating US consumers remained resilient to surging inflation and higher interest rates, easing concerns about a possible recession.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index advanced 73.52 points, or 1.2 percent, to 6,268.78 on a value turnover of P4.2 billion. Losers, however, edged gainers, 91 to 89, with 55 issues unchanged.

Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. of the Ayala Group jumped 10.2 percent to P24.85, while parent Ayala Corp. climbed 4.2 percent to P599.50.

Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, the biggest snack food maker, rose 1.2 percent to P114.80, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group, the largest mall operator, added 1.2 percent to 37.45.

The rest of Asian stocks rose Monday. Still, investors continue to fret over the economic outlook, with Russia’s war in Ukraine showing no sign of ending, China locking down cities to fight a new COVID flare-up, and central banks quickly tightening monetary policy.

All three main indexes in New York had raced higher on Friday after June retail sales came in above forecasts and banking giant Citi-

group’s April-June results beat expectations.

While a strong set of economic data has of late boosted bets on the US Federal Reserve lifting borrowing costs more, the latest figures were not seen as being big enough to warrant a sharper rate hike next week.

Market analysts widely expect the central bank to announce a 75 basis-point lift, though some have suggested a one percentage-point increase could be on the cards.

Policymakers have made it clear their main goal is bringing inflation down from a four-decade high, even if that stunts growth or causes a recession.

“Overall the robust US data... eased concerns about an imminent recession but is also CYAN unlikelyMAGENTA to mount anYELLOW additionalBLACK case for a 100 basis point Fed hike,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.

“And it was about as goldilocks of a mix of headline data risk as one could have expected given the Fed’s dilemma of balancing inflation versus growth.”

Traders are keeping an eye on the European Central Bank’s next policy meeting this week where it is expected to announce its first rate hike in more than a decade.

The forecast rise has provided some support to the troubled euro, which has been hammered by fears that an energy crisis sparked by

Standard the Ukraine war will send the economy into recession.

TODAY Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai, Taipei, Jakarta, Bangkok and Wellington were all up. Tokyo was closed for a holiday.

However, uncertainty remains rife on trading floors, with a new spike in COVID cases in China causing concern that officials will impose fresh lockdowns in major cities including Shanghai and Beijing. With AFP

(MS-(JULY 18 & 19, 2022)

AIRPORT STRIKE. mPassengers wait at Rome’s Fiumicino airport during a strike by workers of some airline companies which forcibly cancelled hundreds of flights, in Rome, on July 17, 2022. AFP

(MS-(JUL

Manila

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China urges banks to back property firms after boycott (MS-(JULY 18 & 19, 2022)

BEIJING, China—China’s banking regulator has urged lenders to extend more credit to real estate developers, as a growing number of homebuyers withhold mortgage payments on unfinished housing projects across 50 cities.

Furious at postponed deliveries of pre-sold homes, unclear delivery times and halted construction, homebuyers were last week reported to have halted payments for already sold units in at least 100 residential projects, according to data from industry groups and analysts.

The boycott has worsened fears of financial contagion in the country’s troubled real estate sector, which is estimated to account for 18-30 percent of GDP and is a key driver of growth in the world’s second-largest economy.

Analysts have called it a “vicious cycle” that would further dampen consumer confidence, following last week’s dismal Q2 growth figures that were the worst since the pandemic.

China’s Banking and Regulatory Insurance Commission urged banks to “effectively meet the reasonable financing needs of real estate companies, vigorously support rental housing construction” and support project mergers and acquisitions, a representative said in a state media interview published Sunday.

They were also asked to “do a good job in customer service... abide by contracts, fulfill commitments, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of financial consumers.”

These measures were required to “maintain the stable and orderly operation of the real estate (MS-(JULY 18 & 19, 2022)

market,” the unnamed official said.

Authorities launched a crackdown on excessive debt in the property sector in 2020, leaving giants like Evergrande and Sunac struggling to make payments and forcing them to renegotiate with creditors as they teetered on the edge of bankruptcy.

“The recent mortgage boycott revealed the spillover in the property sector rout from the bond defaults to unfinished real estate projects,” said Ken Cheung, chief Asian FX strategist at Japanese bank Mizuho.

“This forms a vicious cycle in the property sector. With falling confidence on the property sector outlook, home buyers delay their purchases and property prices drop.”

Regulators met banks last week to discuss the growing consumer mortgage boycott, Bloomberg News reported, as more major Chinese developers teeter on the brink of default.

The developments come at a time of slowing growth for China and weak property sales, adding to the risk to stability ahead of the Communist Party’s 20th Congress in the autumn, when President Xi Jinping is expected to be given a third term.

“Deposits and advance payments for real estate development enterprises fell by 37.9 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2022,” Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, told AFP. He warned that the weaker property sector outlook would “add to the downside risks facing China’s economy.” AFP

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING DEAR STOCKHOLDERS:

(MS-(JULY 18 & 19, 2022)

Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Dumaguete Doctors Inc. will be held on August 11, 2022 (Thursday) at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, via Zoom Webinar, to ensure the safety of our stockholders who will be attending the meeting.

For the conduct of the Webinar, please register on or before August 10, 2022, through the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_DdvF6JiRShGsRVkbK9nIRQ. The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the platform, including the details and procedures in the conduct of the meeting. Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the Webinar.

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

The Agenda: I. Call to Order II. Invocation III. Determination of Quorum IV. Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board V. Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2021 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting VI. Approval of the Y2021 Audited Financial Statement VII. President’s Report VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation IX. Election of the Board of Directors 2022-2023 X. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2022 XI. Approval of amendment of Article 3 of Articles of Incorporation, change of principal office address XII. Other Matters XIII. Adjournment Only stockholders of record at the close of business on July 22, 2022 (Friday) shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf. Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at office staff at acedumaguetedoctors@yahoo.com.ph not later than August 10,2022 on or before 5:00 PM but preferably by August 8, 2022, to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. A sample proxy form is posted at the Corporation’s website for your reference.

[NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.]

The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website at www. acedumaguetedoctors.com You may contact the undersigned via email office staff at acedumaguetedoctors@yahoo.com.ph or at telephone number: (035) 523 5957 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.

Very Truly Yours,

Marietta T. Samoy Corporate Secretary (MS-(JULY 18 & 19, 2022)

(MS-(JULY 18 & 19, 2022)

(MS-JULY 18 & 19, 2022)

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

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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, July 18, 2022

73.52 PTS. 6,268.78

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

521,885,452 54,107 4,239,474,628.81 89 91 55

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JULY 18, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

56.3690

Japan

Yen

0.007217

0.4068

UK

Pound

1.186700

66.8931

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127393

7.1810

Switzerland

Franc

1.024170

57.7314

Canada

Dollar

0.767990

43.2908

Singapore

Dollar

0.714286

40.2636

Australia

Dollar

0.678900

38.2689

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

149.5397

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266333

15.0129

Brunei

Dollar

0.711744

40.1203

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.027322

1.5401

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

15.3481

Euro

Euro

1.008500

56.8481

Korea

Won

0.000759

0.0428

China

Yuan

0.147973

8.3411

India

Rupee

0.012538

0.7068

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.224871

12.6758

New Zealand

Dollar

0.615200

34.6782

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033421

1.8839 Source: BSP

ERC approves FGen-Meralco contract terms

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission approved with finality the power supply agreement between First NatGas Power Corp., a unit of First Gen Corp., and Manila Electric Co., involving 414 megawatts.

First Gen said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday it received the ERC’s decision after making the request in March 2018.

The ERC granted final approval of the PSA and affirmed the applicable rates under the provisional authority granted by the ERC in its June 2018 order, subject to certain modifications and conditions.

“The joint application for final authority to the power supply agreement between Manila Electric Co. and First Natgas Power Corp. is hereby approved subject to the following modifications and certain conditions,” ERC said in its decision dated May 26.

First Gen said FNPC was evaluating the decision. FNPC owns the 414-megawatt San Gabriel combined-cycle natural gas-fired power plant.

The ERC said FNPC’s rates to Meralco are lower than the range of implemented rates for the natural gas plant. It said, however, the procurement of replacement energy beyond the outage allowance should be the responsibility of FNPC. It said the outage allowance should be adjusted to 20.20 days, consisting of 12.5 days for the planned outage and 7.7 days for the unplanned outage.

The regulator also directed Meralco to submit its automatic generation rate adjustment computation on the monthly fuel cost.

Meralco and First Natgas signed a PSA in 2018 to sell and purchase about 414 MW of baseload capacity to meet the anticipated high power demand.

Power will be sourced from the San Gabriel combined-cycle natural gas-fired power plant at the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City.

Business Fitch Solutions expects BSP to raise rate to 4.25% in 2022

By Julito G. Rada

F

ITCH Solutions, a unit of the Fitch Group, said Monday it expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise the policy rate by another 100 basis points this year to 4.25 percent to control the rising inflation.

Fitch Solutions said in a report that inflation in the Philippines would likely average 5.6 percent in 2022, higher than its previous forecast of 5.1 percent, given the elevated consumer price index in the last few months.

“Consumer price inflation has stayed well above the 4.0 percent ceiling of the BSP’s inflation target range since March 2022, most recently jumping from 5.4 percent in May to 6.1 percent in June, the highest in more than three years,” it said.

“Accordingly, we have raised our 2022 average inflation forecast to 5.6 percent in 2022, up from 5.1 percent previously. Elevated inflation will likely pave the way for further rate hikes, and we now expect the BSP to hike by a further 100bps over the coming months, which will take the policy rate to 4.25 percent by end2022,” it said.

Fitch Solutions said it expects oil prices to remain above the pre-pan-

demic levels in the near term, and this would be a significant source of upward price pressure in the Philippines.

It said the ongoing lockdowns in China could exacerbate ongoing global supply chain disruptions, further adding to upside inflation risks.

An aggressive tightening cycle in the US will put further pressure on the BSP to hike aggressively, in order to preserve financial and currency stability, it said.

“The US Federal Reserve’s sharp hawkish shift over the past few months has caused the peso to depreciate sharply against the dollar, by around 7.0 percent so far this year. Downside pressure is likely to mount further as the US Federal Reserve now looks poised to raise interest rates by 75 to 100bps at their June meeting,” it said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas surprised the market Thursday by raising the benchmark policy interest rate by 75 basis points to 3.25 percent, to rein

in inflation and support the peso from further decline.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said that further local policy rate hikes would still be possible, if needed, as a function of any further Fed rate hikes to bring down the elevated inflation.

“Any further local policy rate hikes would also be a function of how the peso exchange rate behaves,” Ricafort said.

He said the higher local policy rates would increase the borrowing costs/financing costs of consumers, businesses, government and other institutions.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said the two surprises on Thursday was that the rate hike was more forceful than previously projected (50 bps) and that it was delivered a good five weeks ahead of schedule.

Mapa said with inflation expected to sustain its ascent, the BSP might be busy at the next few policy meetings as well. “BSP Governor Medalla will need to sustain the recent hawkish rhetoric to re-anchor inflation expectations and establish commitment to fighting inflation,” he said.

Mapa said the BSP was expected to hike the rate at least one more time in the third quarter with the possibility of further tightening if inflation continued to remain stubbornly high.

MERALCO SCHOLARS. Officials of Manila Electric Co., One Meralco Foundation and Pasig City congratulate the recipients of the Meralco-Pasig Scholarship Program, who will study at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health.

Welcoming the new scholars are Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (third from left), Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan (fourth from left) and other officials. The exceptional students hurdled the stringent screening process for the scholarship program, which grants them the financial support for a five-year joint degree of Doctor of Medicine and Master of Business Administration in ASMPH beginning academic year 2022-2023.

CAB allows airlines to increase fuel surcharge

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Civil Aeronautics Board said Monday it allowed airlines to impose higher fuel surcharge next month to offset the rising jet fuel costs.

CAB officer-in-charge Maria Elben Moro said the price of jet fuel averaged P54.73 per liter from June 10 to July 9 this year, which corresponds to Level 12 of the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge matrix in August. It was higher than July’s Level 11.

She said under Level 12 of the new passenger fuel surcharge matrix, airlines are allowed to collect fuel surcharge of P380 to P1,137 for domestic flights and P1,284.40 to P9,550.13 for

international flights.

The CAB said for cargo fuel surcharge, airlines are allowed to charge P2 to P5.85 per kilogram for domestic flights under Level 12 and P6.60 to P49.09 per kg for international flights.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge must file its application with CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” Moro said.

The CAB said airline fuel surcharge is an optional fee, imposed and collected by airlines to recover fuel costs and stem losses caused by upward spikes in fuel cost.

It said fuel surcharge is not a part of

the basic airfare and maybe reduced or removed depending on the price of jet fuel in the market.

CAB said airlines are allowed to collect fuel surcharge rates that are lower than the stated level if they choose to do so depending on how they want to compete with other carriers.

“If the one-month price average of jet fuel per lite falls below P21, no fuel surcharge will be collected,” CAB said.

“Government approvals shall be secured by the airline prior to any imposition, collection of implementation of fuel surcharge or change thereof, and shall not exceed the applicable prevailing rates as determined by CAB,” the agency said.

Cebu Pacific receives new Airbus A320 adapted to renewable source CEBU Pacific said Monday said it took delivery of a fourth aircraft this year—a brand-new Airbus A320NEO that uses sustainable aviation fuel.

The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said it became the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to incorporate the use of SAF into its operations when it took delivery of its third A330NEO in May this year.

“We are happy to welcome another aircraft that used sustainable aviation fuel on its delivery flight from Hamburg. This is a testament to how committed we are to our sustainable journey, which involves moving forward with our fleet modernization plans,” said Cebu Pacific chief strategy officer Alex Reyes.

The airline plans to use SAF on three more aircraft later this year once they are delivered.

SAF is a drop-in fuel, or renewable biofuel, which means it is a completely inter-

changeable replacement for fossil fuels.

The use of SAF results in an up to 80-percent reduction in carbon emissions across the SAF lifecycle. SAF does not require any adaptations to the aircraft or engines and does not have any negative impact on performance or maintenance.

Cebu Pacific said its sustainability goal is in line with global aviation’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline made various investments that enable it to become fuelefficient in its operations to keep fares affordable for the passengers.

The airline’s three major pillars on its sustainable journey are fleet modernization which aims to have an all-Neo fleet by 2027; resource optimization, which includes pushing for fuel efficiency best practices; and utilizing SAF by launching green routes by 2025 and using SAF for its entire network by 2030. Darwin G. Amojelar

Cebu Pacific receives its fourth aircraft delivery for 2022—a brand-new Airbus A320NEO that uses sustainable aviation fuel on its delivery flight from Hamburg, Germany to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. CEB became the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to incorporate the use of SAF into its operations when it took delivery of its third A330NEO in May this year.

IN BRIEF URC to reduce water, energy consumption UNIVERSAL Robina Corp. (URC) of the Gokongwei Group, the biggest snack food maker, plans to reduce energy and water consumption by 30 percent compared with the 2020 baseline levels as part of its sustainability goals.

URC, according to its latest Sustainability Report, also plans to promote responsible sourcing of key ingredients like palm oil, potatoes and coffee beans.

It aims to achieve plastic neutrality through waste collection, recovery and diversion initiatives, as well as collaborative projects that include community engagement and linking with local recyclers.

URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee in a statement said URC has been able to polish its plans and refresh its targets amid challenges and crises affecting the economy. URC created its first sustainability report in 2018.

“Through efficient management of resources, and a consistent commitment to always give back, we aim to make lasting concrete changes on an institutional level, in a way that affects all operations, and demonstrates our resolve as a world-class manufacturer,” said Lee. Jenniffer B. Austria

BDO offers mobile app to non-bank customers BDO Unibank has made the BDO Pay mobile app available to non-BDO clients to support the Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that seeks to provide 70 percent of Filipino adults with formal financial accounts by 2023.

With BDO Pay, clients can easily do banking transactions and manage their finances online without the need to move in and out of different apps just to transfer money from one account to another or make payments for online purchases. Unlike other conventional e-wallets, BDO Pay is linked to a BDO client’s checking or savings account, debit card and credit card making everyday payments flexible and easy.

With just a government-issued identification card, anyone can sign up for a BDO pay account through their smartphone.

The BDO pay account does not require any initial deposit nor any maintaining balance, which makes it ideal as a starter bank account especially for those in rural and remote areas.

Phinma sees higher student enrollment PHINMA Education Holdings Inc. (PEHI), the education services subsidiary of PHINMA Corp., is expects student enrollment to reach 124,000 in the upcoming school year 2022-2023, a 30 percent increase from 95,503 recorded in the previous school year.

PEHI president and chief executive Chito Salazar said in a press briefing on Monday the company continues to expand its school network across the country as it targets low income market.

To accommodate more students, Salazar said the group is constructing several buildings within its various schools in Laguna, Cagayan de Oro, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Cebu and Quezon City.

Salazar said company managed to increase its student enrollment despite the pandemic by offering two learning formats, the Remote and Distance Learning (RAD) and the Flex Learning Program.

RAD is a 100 percent home-based and module-based learning program that caters to students who live far away and have difficulties traveling to school and connecting to the internet. Jenniffer B. Austria

Doctors support Vape bill to lessen smoking problem TOP Filipino doctors expressed support for the enactment of the Vape Bill into law, saying the landmark public health legislation will enable the Marcos administration to address the smoking epidemic that affects over 16 million Filipinos.

“Without the Vape Bill, 16 million smokers will continue to smoke and there will be thousands more that will start smoking every year. This is unacceptable from a public health standpoint.

We must do everything we can to end the smoking epidemic once and for all and the Vape Bill is our greatest chance to do that,” said Dr. Dante Dator, former executive director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

“The Vape Bill is our first real antismoking measure since the Tobacco Regulation Act was enacted 20 years ago,” said Dator.

The Vape Bill is touted by many as a landmark public health legislation that will become the first comprehensive law to regulate vape products and heated tobacco products. This is seen to drastically cut down smoking rates for the years to come.

Dr. Telesforo Gana, past president of the Philippine Urological Association, said these less harmful smoke-free alternatives helped former smokers like him quit.

“I was able to stop smoking because of alternatives like vape products and heated tobacco products. If these products are properly regulated, like what the Vape Bill seeks to do, there is a big chance that millions of Filipino smokers will also stop smoking and shift to these less harmful nicotine alternatives,” said Gana.

Dr. Fernando Fernandez, past president of the Philippine Dental Association and current secretary general of the Asia Pacific Dental Federation, said that with proper regulation of vape and HTPs under the Vape Bill, “many smokers, including those patients of mine, will be able to stop smoking once and for all.”

Smith storms St. Andrews to break down major door ST ANDREWS—Cameron Smith’s mullet and moustache may not meet the approval of members at the Old Course, but the Australian’s golf had St Andrews in raptures as he claimed the Claret Jug in style on Sunday.

Smith’s first major will be a hard one to match as the man from Brisbane produced a scintillating 64 when it mattered most to match a British Open record of 20-under-par.

“To win an Open Championship in itself is probably going to be a golfer’s highlight in their career,” said Smith.

“To do it around St Andrews, is just unbelievable.”

The stage appeared set for Rory McIlroy to end his eight-year wait to win another major as the Northern Irishman shared the overnight lead with Viktor Hovland, four shots clear of Smith.

Despite not dropping a shot all day, the world number two was still two shots shy of the winning mark.

“I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an Open Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing,” said McIlroy. “Hats off to Cam, he’s had an unbelievable week.”

Yet, Smith’s performance over the past four days was no shock from one of the best players in the world this year.

The 28-year-old won the Players’ Championship, considered the fifth major, in March and set a new PGA record by winning the Tournament of Champions on 34-under-par in January.

“The Players’ at the start of the year, with the best field in golf, to go away with the win was a really big confidence booster,” said Smith.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be too long before I got one of these. I’ve knocked on the door, I think, maybe one too many times now. So it’s nice to get it done.”

LIV lurking As a rising star of the PGA Tour, Smith may soon find himself at the centre of golf’s civil war.

The shadow of the rebel LIV Golf tour hung over St Andrews early in the week with the last Australian to lift the Claret Jug, Greg Norman, uninvited to the champions’ dinner due to his role in helping launch the Saudibacked project.

The exploits of Smith and McIlroy, one of LIV’s most outspoken critics, meant the focus was on the golf come Sunday with little prospect of a LIV winner. AFP

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

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Zambo teen breaks 2 records, wins 2 golds at Asian tourney

By Randy Caluag

T

HE vaunted Philippine youth brigade unveiled an early show of might as Angeline Colonia struck two gold medals in record-breaking fashion in the 40kg category of the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Sunday night in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The 15-year-old Zamboangena bagged the gold in the snatch with a lift of 62kgs, breaking the old Asian and World record of 61kgs set in November, 2018. Colonia also took the silver in the clean and jerk with a 72-kg performance for a total of 134 kilograms, which was good for the gold medal.

It was an amazing performance by the Grade 11 student from Culianan National High School in Zamboanga City even as she was playing in her first international tournament.

Colonia comes from a family with a high pedigree in weightlifting.

Colonia started only training seriously last March under her uncle, 1988 Seoul Olympian Gregorio Colonia.

Duong Thi Kim Yen took the gold in the clean and jerk with her lift of 73kgs. She could only do 56kgs in the snatch and failed in two tries to lift heavier metals, settling for the silver medal overall.

Taking the bronze for total metals lifted was Kishor Akahksha Vyavhare of Inda with her 125kgs (55kgs in snatch and 70kgs in clean and jerk).

Colonia, a Grade 11 student from Culianan National High School in Zam-

Angeline Colonia’s winning moment (Asian Weightlifting Federation)

boanga City, became a member of the national team only last March. She is youngest sister of 2016 Rio Olympics veteran Nestor Colonia.

Another Philippine bet Prince Keil de Los Santos took a podium finish after Australia’s Cameron Smith speaks beside the Claret Jug, the trophy for the Champion golfer of the year at a press confernece after winning the 150th British Open Golf Championship on The Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. Smith claimed his first major title on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him win the 150th British Open at St Andrews by a onestroke margin. AFP

Troopers, Flying Titans clash; Angels seek to stay alive no and Jeanette Villareal and veterans ARMY Black Mamba and Choco Games today (Tuesday) MJ Balse-Pabayo and Nene Bautista Mucho dispute third place today 2:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho as they mix it up with the Flying Ti(Tuesday) while PLDT seeks to vs Army tans raring to redeem themselves from secure a share of it against winless 5:30 p.m. – PLDT vs Petro Gazz a meltdown against the HD Spikers.

Petro Gazz as action heats up into The weekend break should’ve givthe second week of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the en coach Oliver Almadro and his Choco Mucho squad, made up of Kat Tolentino, Bea de Leon, Isa Molde, Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

The Lady Troopers and the Flying Titans are coming Aduke Ogunsanya, Des Cheng, Cherry Nunag, Pongoff contrasting results last Thursday with the former re- gay Gaston and setter Deanna Wong, the time to reflect pelling the Angels in four following a four-set setback to on their campaign and re-focus on the task at hand after Cignal last week and the latter dropping a tough five-set blowing past Chery Tiggo in the opener and then blowing a 2-0 set lead and yielding the match to Cignal. defeat, also to the league-leading HD Spikers.

With a level playing field, every game counts with That makes the 2:30 p.m. duel between an Army side backstopped by a slew of seasoned campaigners the top four after the single round robin elims among and a Choco Mucho crew bursting with young, tall seven teams advancing to the next phase where squads from Japan and Taiwan will spice up the title chase in and talented players a match to watch.

Jovelyn Gonzaga hopes to sustain an explosive 23-hit the mid-season conference of the league organized by game the last time out, together with Michelle Morente, Sports Vision.

That also makes the 5:30 p.m. clash between PLDT who banged 13 points with playmaker Ivy Perez likewise going on an attack mode with 10 hits while producing 21 and Petro Gazz crucial, particularly for the Angels, who are hard-pressed to check a two-game skid and revive excellent sets against the now embattled Angels.

But they will need to draw added firepower from the their bid following a runner-up finish to the Creamline rest, including Mary Ann Esguerra, Honey Royse Tubi- Cool Smashers in the Open Conference last April.

The Petro Gazz Angels need a lot of re-grouping to stave off early elimination

bagging two bronze medals in the Youth men’s 49-kg category by placing third in the clean and jerk with a lift of 103kgs.

His 83kgs in the snatch was only good for fourth place, but it was enough to put him in third place overall.

Gilas needs quickness, energy vs. Japan

By Peter Atencio A DAY’S rest will help the Philippines recover its energy after losing to the New Zealand Tall Blacks, 75-92, on Sunday night at the end of Group D hostilities of the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup at the Istora Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Indonesia.

Their next opponent on Tuesday is Japan, known to be an energetic squad that loves to run.

“They have to rest. They need energy and quickness to stay with Japan,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes after the Philippines was relegated to the playoffs.

Hurdling Japan will give Gilas a chance to reach the quarterfinals and set up a clash with Australia.

Iran dropped Japan, 8876, in their Group C match last Sunday, to barge into the quarterfinals.

Reyes told members of the team to forget their loss to the Tall Blacks and just focus on what’s ahead and their slim hopes of making the quarterfinals.

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Sports

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

Young chessers in spotlight as national age group tilt starts THE country’s top young players, headed by Mhagie Gerriahlou Sebastian, Ruelle Canino and Antonelle Berte Racasa will figure in the battle of wits as the National Age Group Chess Championships presented by Malolos Mayor Christian “Agila” Natividad unfolds today the Robinsons Place Malolos.

Sebastian will compete in the premier girls Under-18 division, Canino in the U14 and Racasa in the U16 in this six-day event staking slots to the ASEAN Youth Championship tentatively set in Bangkok, Thailand this year.

Sebastian, a Far Eastern University standout, in particular, will be the player to watch out for after she topped the national junior girls championship last year at the PACE in Quezon City.

The event will consist of the top 12 finishers who qualified via the online regional elimination and semifinal rounds in the boys and girls U12, U14, U16 and U18 categories.

“The future of Philippine chess could be coming from this batch, that’s why we keep conducting tournaments like this so we could produce future Grandmasters and national team players,” said National Chess Federation of the Philippines chief executive officer GM Jayson Gonzales.

Other notable players seeing action in the event backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Malolos City, Philippine Olympic Committee and NCFP president chairman Butch Pichay are Lexie Grace Hernandez, Jerome Angelo Aragones, Rinoa Mariel Sadey, and Kaye Lalaine Regidor among others.

Fraser-Pryce bags historic 5th 100m title; US win 4 crowns E

UGENE—Jamaica’s Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce made history Sunday as she bagged a fifth world 100m title on Sunday, as Team USA claimed four other crowns on offer in Eugene.

Fraser-Pryce, a 35-year-old mother, led from gun to tape in a consummate display of sprinting that belied her age.

The Jamaican, who previously won the blue riband event in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2019, won in a championship record of 10.67 seconds.

Shericka Jackson took silver in a personal best of 10.73sec, with four-time Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah claiming bronze (10.81).

It was the first time a nation had swept the medals in the women’s 100m at the worlds and came just a day after Fred Kerley led a US sweep of the men’s 100m.

“It was definitely something on the

cards,” Fraser-Pryce said of the potential sweep.

“I’m glad I was the one who finished first in the sweep and I’m glad the other ladies came through and we were able to celebrate the 1-2-3.

“It’s special, it’s my fifth world title in the 100m, and doing it at 35, yes I said 35!”

In a startling day of results for Team USA on home soil, Ryan Crouser led another American cleansweep, this time in the shot put alongside Joe Kovacs and Josh Awotunde.

There were also 1-2 finishes in the women’s pole vault thanks to Katie Nageotte and Sandi Mor-

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce celebrates winning the women’s 100m final during the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. AFP

Lifter Guion PH flag-bearer for 11th ASEAN Para Games LONDON Paralympian and bemedaled powerlifter Achelle “Jinky” Guion will have the honor of being the country’s standardbearer during the opening rites of the 11th ASEAN Para Games on July 30 in Surakarta, Indonesia.

“We are pleased to announce that Jinky has accepted our invitation to be our flag bearer at the head of the Philippine delegation during the opening of the 11th ASEAN Para Games,” said Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo.

“Guion’s selection is in recognition for her past athletic accomplishments in giving honor to the country,” Barredo added of the para powerlifter who represented the country in the 2012 London

ris, and the 110m hurdles as Grant Holloway retained his title ahead of teammate Trey Cunningham.

Holloway’s victory in the hurdles was marred by the withdrawal through injury of Jamaican Hansle Parchment while Devon Allen was dramatically ruled out after a heartbreaking false start on the same track where he starred as a college athlete.

Parchment, who had stunned Holloway to win Olympic gold last year, clipped a hurdle during the warm-up and left clutching his thigh.

Holloway admitted that he had sympathy for Allen’s marginal false start call.

“I didn’t think he false started at all,” he said. “But

Paralympic Games.

The petite powerlifter also won a silver medal each in the same weight class in the 2014 Incheon and 2018 Jakarta Asian Para Games.

The athlete will be at the head of a 212-man Philippine delegation, including 144 athletes, during the opening day parade of the 11-nation meet at the Manahan Stadium that is expected to be graced by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who was born in the Java provincial capital.

“We laud the selection of Guion as the national team flag-bearer to the 11th ASEAN Para Games. She embodies the best and brightest of what our national athletes are capable of,” said Philippine Sports Commission executive director and officer-in-

charge Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. With the PSC funding both the over month-long training bubble of the national para-athletes at the Philsports Complex and their participation in the 11th APG, Iroy was optimistic that the PH campaigners would do well in their first major international competition in over two years.

They hope to surpass the 20 gold, 20 silver, and 29 bronze medals the country won in placing fifth overall among 11 participating countries in the last edition of the sportsfest held in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Philippine squad is scheduled to leave on a chartered flight to Surakarta on July 26, four days before the sportsfest featuring 24 events in 11 sports formally begins.

technology says otherwise. It’s one of those things. It’s athletics. Anything can happen in track and field. It is what it is.”

Allen meanwhile described his false start as “frustrating”.

“You train a whole year for one competition that lasts 13 seconds and that’s that,” Allen said. “It happens and I’ll learn from it—and I’ll make sure I don’t react as fast next time.”

Feeling easy for Warholm Elsewhere on the track, Norway’s Karsten Warholm qualified smoothly for Tuesday’s 400m hurdles final.

The 26-year-old Olympic champion and world record holder has been out injured with a hamstring injury, but he vowed this week he was at 100% and looked comfortable as he coasted through his semi-final in his bid to bag a third consecutive world title.

“It felt easy. I did my thing for the first turn to test my speed,” said Warholm.

“It felt good, nothing wrong. To be honest, it’s not that often that I can run 48sec this easy so it’s good.”

Joining him in the final will be his principal arch-rivals American Rai Benjamin and Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos, the silver and bronze medallists in Tokyo.

Belgium’s Olympic champion Nafi Thiam was in control of the heptathlon after four events, having registerd 13.21sec in the 100m hurdles, 1.95sec in the high jump, 15.03m in the shot put and 24.39sec in the 200m.

That left her with 4,071 points, 61 ahead of Anouk Vetter of the Netherlands, while reigning world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson of Britain sat in sixth on 3,798pts.

The gruelling multi-discipline event concludes on Monday with the long jump, javelin throw and 800m.

The morning session saw Uganda’s Stephen Cheptegei retain the men’s 10,000m, Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola win the men’s marathon and American Brook Andersen claimed gold in the women’s hammer throw.AFP

Skippers eye bounce-back win vs. Saints in D-League MARINERONG Pilipino looks to bounce back in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup when it takes on Adalem ConstructionSt. Clare Tuesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Skippers are intent to bounce back after crashing back to earth on the heels of their 7064 defeat to Wangs Basketball @26-Letran last Friday and surely, the boys of coach Yong Garcia are aching to rebound from that defeat.

“Masakit ‘yung pagkatalo para sa amin, pero lesson sa amin ‘yun na sa simula pa lang, di kami dapat magpalubog ng malaki,” said the soft-spoken mentor.

It spoiled Jollo Go’s 20-point game where he drained five triples to lead Marinerong Pilipino’s late charge.

Juan Gomez de Liano and Kemark Carino are also expected to have big parts for the Skippers in the 3 p.m. game.

But awaiting them is a Saints’ team, which will have Joshua Fontanilla reinforcing the already feisty unit bannered by

Games Tuesday

(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig) 11 a.m. - Builders Warehouse-UST vs CEU 1 p.m. - AMA Online vs Apex Fuel-San Sebastian 3 p.m. - Adalem Construction-St. Clare vs Marinerong Pilipino

Johnsherick Estrada, John Rojas, and Senegalese center Babacar Ndong.

“Expect ko ‘yung full lineup namin sa game na ‘yun kasi importante para sa amin ‘yan kung gusto namin makaabot sa top four,” said Adalem-St. Clare coach Jinino Manansala as his side stakes its two-game win streak after an 84-50 blowout of AMA last Thursday.

Builders Warehouse-UST (0-2) and Centro Escolar University (1-2) will both aim to break their respective two-game skids when they face off at 11 a.m., followed by Apex Fuel-San Sebastian (11) gunning for back-to-back wins against AMA Online (0-3) at 1 p.m.

Emana sustains hot run, dominates PPS Olivarez Cup MICA Emana continued to flash top form, dominating the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under divisions while Al Tristan Licayan shocked top seed Renante Bravo, Jr. to snare the boys’ 14-andunder diadem in the PPS-PEPP Olivarez Cup national juniors tennis tournament in Sucat, Parañaque over the weekend.

The sixth-ranked Emana, coming off a win and a runner-up finish in Sta. Rosa, Laguna last week, repulsed No. 3 Marielle Jarata, 7-5, 6-2, to bag the 16-U title for the second straight week. The Quezon City find then got back at sister and fourth seed Kaye-Ann, 6-2, 6-1, in 18-U finals to post the only two-title romp in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

Licayan, on the other hand, thwarted second seed France Dilao, 7-6(7), 6-2, in the semis then wore down Bravo in the decider to clinch a 4-6, 6-0, 10-5 victory. The fourth-ranked bet from Gen. Trias, Cavite, however, fell short in the quarters of 16-U play but shared the MVP honors with Emana in the weeklong event hosted by the Olivarez family in their continuing commitment to help develop the sport.

Other winners in the tournament serving as part of the country’s longest talent-search put up Palawan Pawnshop president Bobby Castro marked by a number of three-set duels were Caloocan City’s Khian Abellera (boys’ 12-U), top seed Kendrick Bona from Puerto Princ-

esa City (boys’ 16-U), Ormoc City’s John Velez (boys’ 18-U), Adriana Lanza from Pasig City (girls’ 12-U) and Bacoor City’s Jelena Diaz.

The second seeded Abellera turned back No. 1 Julio Naredo, 3-6, 6-2, 10-8; Bona foiled Bravo, 4-6, 6-3, 10-2; the thirdranked Velez routed top seed Marc Jarata, 6-2, 6-1; top seed Lanza blasted Jan Dagoon, 6-1, 6-2; and No. 1 Diaz held off third ranked Sandra Bautista, 6-0, 7-6(3).

Meanwhile, action shifts to Apalit, Pampanga with another huge field all geared up to dispute top honors in eight agegroup divisions starting Friday.

For details and listup, contact Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.

Mika Emana (left) and Al Licayan hold their trophies after sharing the spotlight in the PPSPEPP Olivarez Cup national juniors.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

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JLo, Ben Affleck finally say ‘I Do’ 19 years after their postponed nuptials CELEBRITY couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck got married this weekend in Las Vegas, 18 years after their first romance failed, court records showed.

The couple tied the knot Saturday, according to a marriage license they filed in Clark County, Nevada, that was seen by AFP. It lists the parties to the nuptials as Affleck, Benjamin Geza and Lopez, Jennifer and gives the latter’s “new

Jennifer Lopez (left) and Ben Affleck in the 2003 film ‘Gigli’

name” as Affleck, Jennifer.

The pair – he is 49 and she is 52 – first met on the set of the widely panned movie Gigli in 2002.

They became a media sensation as they dated but postponed their planned 2003 nuptials, then announced their relationship was over in early 2004.

“Bennifer” – the couple’s public nickname from their first highly publicized relationship – set the internet alight last year when photos of them

together again began circulating.

Lopez and Affleck announced their engagement in April. Lopez posted a video of herself appearing emotional and admiring a green ring in her newsletter, “On The JLo.” US media reported that the ring was an emerald-cut pale green diamond.

This is the fourth marriage for Lopez and the second for Affleck. Lopez discussed her renewed relationship with Affleck in an interview with People in

February.

“It’s a beautiful love story that we got a second chance,” she said.

Lopez was previously married to actor Ojani Noa, dancer Cris Judd, and singer Marc Anthony, with whom she shares 14-year-old twins Max and Emme.

Affleck was married to actress Jennifer Garner and they are the parents of Violet, 16, Seraphina, 13, and Samuel, 10. AFP

Piolo Pascual celebrates people

who make our lives better

Sun Life ambassador Piolo Pascual stars in the brand’s fun and vibrant music video

HO is your ideal partner?” This is a question that many of us have pondered during this pandemic, as we found solace in the company of friends and family amid various challenges.

“W

Whether it’s opening a dream business amid the uncertainties, discovering a new hobby, or engaging in charitable endeavors, life is always brighter when we have a partner who will be there for us through ups and downs. This was the inspiration behind Sun Life Philippines’ latest campaign that highlights its brand promise of Partner for Life.

The message is depicted in a fun and vibrant music video featuring Sun Life brand ambassador Piolo Pascual, set against singer-songwriter Johnoy Danao’s song “Bright Like the Sun” in the background.

Cameras start rolling for new show starring Vic Sotto, family

SEASONED comedian and TV star Vic Sotto has a new comedy show on Net 25 titled Love, Bosleng & Tali. Here, Bossing is joined by his wife Pauleen Luna, and their daughter Tali. It was learned that they’ve already taped for the program.

The couple is very happy for their daughter (who is turning five years old this coming November) to join this project, which marks her official entry into the ‘biz.

“She feels as if she’s just playing on the set,” Pauleen reveals.

According to some people who are involved in the production, Love, Bosleng & Tali is not a sitcom. It’s the comedic counterpart of drama anthologies like GMA’s Magpakailanman and the Kapamilya’s Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Interestingly, it seems that Tali inherited her parents’ acting blood. For her age, it was known that she could easily memorize lines and picks up instructions quite well. Although, the set is like a playing ground for her.

Asked about Tali’s talent fee for the show, Pauleen avers: “I guess, my and Vic’s talent fee as well will go to Tali.

We see that this is a new game for her so we just enjoy our bonding moment as a family on the set.”

One factor why it’s easy

for Tali to adjust to the cameras is her frequent guest appearance in the “Bawal Judgmental” portion of Eat Bulaga.

This early, many are excited about this new offering from Vic. His M-Zet Productions is co-producing the project with Brightlight Productions.

How different will its brand of comedy be as compared to Vic’s top-rating Daddy’s Gurl with Maine Mendoza?

Let’s wait and see!

••• In a recent podcast interview, Bea Alonzo admitted that she’s prepared if ever she’ll cross paths with one of her exes “I will just hold my head up high because in the first place, I haven’t done anything bad to the person,” she said. “I’ll just walk straight and won’t feel uneasy since I’m not carrying any baggage in my conscience. I won’t get bothered by his presence if ever!”

Will she say hello to him?

“No, I won’t! Why should I? I’m not friends with him!”

The sultry GMA actress didn’t name the ex-boyfriend she’s referring to in the interview but it is public knowledge that her falling out with Gerald Anderson in 2019 was not a pleasant one. It can be remembered that they separated because of “ghosting” issue.

Interestingly, in Barbie Forteza’s recent vlog, Bea also stressed that among her former boyfriends, there’s only one whom she doesn’t want to work with.

It’s also public knowledge that apart from Gerald, she also had a relationship with Zanjoe Marudo before but she insisted that they parted ways as friends.

(From left) Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Talitha Sotto, and Vic Sotto have a new comedy show titled ‘Love, Bosleng & Tali’

Danao’s composition perfectly captures the special bonds in our lives, while exuding hope and optimism for the future having experienced the pandemic.

In the same way, Sun Life is ready to be the Filipinos’ partner for life when it comes to their financial goals even during uncertain times.

The No. 1 and longest-standing life insurance company in the Philippines, Sun Life has a wide range of solutions that can help Filipinos get closer to their financial goals no matter what life stage they may be in. Additionally, over 20,000 Sun Life advisors nationwide can provide quality service and advice for those in need of a partner in their financial journey. Those ready to find a bright partner may connect with a Sun Life advisor through http://www.sunlife.co/TalkToAnAdvisor.

To further inspire Filipinos, the campaign will also feature a host of activities, including a Tiktok promo where they only need to stitch Piolo’s video with a candid moment featuring the people they consider their partners to the tune of Johnoy’s “Bright Like the Sun.” Participants will get a chance to win a special trip to bond with loved ones. Tiktok users can also create a duet video with Piolo as he sings lines from “Bright Like the Sun” and the Top 10 entries will be awarded P1,000 worth of Giftaway vouchers.

The promo mechanics, along with other campaign updates and activities, will be announced soon on Sun Life’s Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok accounts. Those interested are encouraged to follow @sunlifeph on these social platforms.

Johnoy Danao is responsible for the song ‘Bright Like the Sun’ for Sun Life’s latest campaign

Streaming giant announces new docuseries on David Beckham

By Julian Cardenas GLOBAL football star David Beckham will star in a documentary series by Netflix. Academy Awardwinning duo Fisher Stevens and John Battesk take the helm as the director and producer, respectively.

The new show, a multi-part series, explores the 47-year-old celebrity athlete’s beginnings, starting from a working-class household in East London, and his drive to become one

of the most recognizable and influential athletes of all time.

It will feature a mixture of never-before-seen personal archive footage from the last 40 years and present moments of the athlete’s life, alongside interviews with his family, friends, and football figures who played a significant role in his

journey to stardom.

Beckham’s Studio 99 will produce the docuseries with Battesk’s Ventureland, while the creative team includes Chris King, Bjorn Johnson, and Timm Cragg at the helm.

David Beckham gets his own Netflix docuseries that explores his journey as a global football star

Miss Philippines Earth disqualifies three pageant hopefuls heavy heart on a Facebook post upon receiving the unexpected news.

“My journey has been cut short because I learned a while ago that I did not meet the height requirement.

Though I am extremely heartbroken, my heart is still full of gratitude for the love and support [that] you’ve shown me for the past months,” her post read.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, MPE organizer Lorraine Schuck expressed her gratitude to the three candidates for their participation but emphasized the organization’s standard height requirement.

“The Miss Philippines Earth pageant has its criteria. Prospective candidates must meet those requirements, including the standard 5-foot4 minimum height requirement,” said Schuck.

“We thank Angela Okol of Del

By Kyla Marie Victoriano

BEFORE the Miss Philippines Earth Top 20 announcement last July 15, three candidates, Cess Cruz, Michele Angela Okol, and Reneé Coleen Sta. Teresa, had announced on social media that they were no longer competing after failing to meet the organization’s height requirement.

The announcement was first revealed

by Cruz of Antipolo when she wrote on her Facebook post last Thursday: “I will no longer be competing in this year’s Miss Philippines Earth due to not meeting the height requirements.”

According to her post, the organization’s minimum height requirement is 5’4”. Cruz’s official height is 5’3.5.”

“I had always thought I stood 5’4” as [this was] indicated in my past commercials and projects,” she added.

Following Cruz’s disqualification, Okol, Siargao island’s first-time candidate, followed suit with an announcement on Facebook, saying her “height does not fit the pageant’s standards” and that “their organization would get bashed if they let someone below 5’4 push through the Top 20.”

“It would have been much easier to figure out what to do since we’ve already prepared all [that was sent as] requirements for both our online and face-toface competition,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sta. Teresa of IbaanBatangas thanked Miss Antipolo her supporters with a Cess Cruz

Miss Surigao Michele Angela Okol

Carmen, Surigao; Cess Cruz of Antipolo City; and Renee Coleen Sta. Teresa of Ibaan, Batangas, for their hard work in supporting the MPE and its advocacies and promoting their respective municipalities through their eco-tourism videos,” she said.

Despite the result of their disqualification, the three candidates highlighted in their posts that they are still grateful for the opportunity that they had throughout their Miss Philippines Earth pageant journey.

After a two-year break of live competitions, the Miss Philippines Earth 2022 will finally be held live on August 6 in Coron Palawan.

Miss Batangas Renee Coleen Sta. Teresa

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

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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022

Life

Anne Curtis

Anne wearing the Martinne SL dress in green

embraces femininity in three new looks

“This collab makes sense. It just feels right–Rosanna’s designs are [so] in sync with our brand and [our] mission.

F THERE’S one person that Filipinos look up to for I’m excited to introduce the collection fashion inspiration, it’s Filipino-Australian actress Anne to our discerning patrons,” she said.

Curtis-Smith. Whether singing her heart out, hosting It’s Get first dibs on the new collection at Showtime, lounging with friends, or spending time with her selected Plains & Prints stores: Glorifamily, Anne always turns heads with her style without losing etta 1, SM Davao, Abreeza Mall Davao, Chimes Boutique Davao, Felcris Centouch with her feminine side. trale Davao, and online via www.plainsandprints.com, e-shopper Penelope, andwww.zalora.com.ph/plains-prints/.

Lately, Anne found three new looks and vibrant prints.

The collection will be available in all for various occasions in the latest collecOcampo, who studied and trained in tion of Plains & Prints. The new series one of the top global fashion schools Plains & Prints stores nationwide and made by Rosanna Ocampo is dainty – Istituto Marangoni in Milan, drew online today, July 19. yet striking, complete with ready-to-go inspiration from good music, warm pieces suitable for modern women who sunny days, and wanderlust. She took The Plains & Prints it upon herself to create ensembles are always on the go.

X Rosanna Ocampo The Plains and Prints x Rosanna Oc- that empower girl bosses to do what collection is dainty yet ampo Collection features 11 pieces, they do best while looking feminine, striking, suitable for consisting of three tops, four dresses, flirty, and sensual. modern women three co-ords, and one bottom – all of “When I was asked to do this collabowhich are so distinctive of Ocampo’s ration, I just wanted it to be a continumood and personality. Each piece has ous process of what I already normally creative distinctions in pattern, mate- do. [I think] When you reach a certain rial, and overall design. age, you’re already so confident in your Anne has three choices from the col- [own] skin to wear a lot of colors and all lection for three specific occasions, hav- these details, which means you already ing brunch with friends, working, and know who you are,” Ocampo said. going on a romantic date with her hubby The color palette imbibes a relaxing Erwan Heusaff. For brunch, she prefers day at the beach as it highlights tones wearing pieces with natural colors and reminiscent of the tropical colors coma simple yet chic vibe for a stylish and monly seen in the streets of Havana, comfortable ensemble.

Cuba. For more formal events, the colMeanwhile, for work, Anne goes with lection also includes pieces with neupieces from the Rosanna Ocampo col- tral tones. Intricate embroidery details, lection that combine femininity with geometric prints, and asymmetrical cuts bold colors and defined textures. Lastly, blur the lines between relaxed and conAnne shared during the launch of the ventional, making it easy to transition Rosanna Ocampo collection of Plains & from one occasion to another.

Prints last July 7 that date nights warMeanwhile, Plains & Prints owner rant outfits that are classy yet fun, much Roxanne Farillas is ecstatic about the like the pieces that have pastel colors collaboration with Rosanna.

By Patricia Taculao

I

BRIA Homes Bonjour! Café Kitsuné opens first branch in Manila named Asia’s most affordable housing developer

By Chelsie Alquinto

The artist rendition of a BRIA Homes condominium in General Trias, Cavite LEADING real estate developer BRIA Homes’ industry-topping efforts have been officially recognized by Asia’s Golden Icon Awards 2022, which named it Asia’s Most Affordable Housing Developer of the Year.

The prestigious award validates BRIA Homes’ consistent performance as an industry leader and acknowledges it for raising the bar in the affordable housing sector.

By building superior quality and affordable homes in its fifty-plus housing projects across the country, BRIA Homes initially helped address the country’s mass housing backlog, which in 2016 stood at 6.9 billion units. Through the years and especially during the pandemic, however, BRIA saw the need to provide healthy, sustainable, and safe housing for the average Filipino as well.

This perspective on responsible housing has given BRIA Homes a coveted reputation in the property industry, something that was not lost on the organizers of Golden Icons Awards, which trains the spotlight on “outstanding individuals and business entities for their significant impact, achievements, and contributions to the society.” In doing so, the awardgiving body hopes to create a strong drive towards economic and social growth, cooperation, and development of communities all across Asia.

BRIA Homes was recognized for its unrelenting efforts to build comfortable and well-designed housing units in multiple developments that are in close proximity to key economic centers. Every residential community comes with a host of high-quality amenities such as multipurpose halls, covered basketball courts, and playgrounds for young children.

BRIA has also diversified its portfolio of properties by offering condominium

Rosanna Ocampo (right) and Roxanne Farillas during the collection’s official launch

units in their vertical developments.

These are designed for young professionals or small families just looking to get their start in life. BRIA Condos come with their own amenities such as a swimming pool, access to a clubhouse, a fitness gym, and a jogging path.

All these are available at value-formoney rates that make BRIA properties a lucrative investment for OFWs and other potential investors. And with BRIA’s adaption of digital platforms, purchasing a home, making reservations, and paying for amortization can be done with just a few clicks on the computer or on your mobile phone.

Asia’s Golden Icon Awards 2022 was held on June 28 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. In attendance to accept the award on behalf of BRIA Homes were Eduardo Aguilar, BRIA Homes Division Head; Precious Angeli Mesana, BRIA Condo Luzon Cluster Head; and Ayza Querejero, BRIA Homes Head of Marketing.

“It is always a great honor to have our efforts at BRIA Homes formally recognized,” Aguilar said as he expressed his immense gratitude to Asia’s Golden Icon Awards. “We are dedicating this award to the hardworking men and women of BRIA Homes and to every Filipino who aspires for a well-built, comfortable, and affordable home. We hope to continue helping make your dream come true.”

Interested homebuyers can immerse themselves through Bria’s 360 Virtual Tours at www.bria.com.ph and inquire online through its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BriaHomesIncOfficial They can also reserve a house online through https://www.bria.com.ph/ online-reservation/.

NINE years and several branches across the globe later, this high-concept iconic coffee shop is finally in Manila, at The Podium, no less.

If anyone ever wondered what a Paris and Tokyo crossover would look like, look no further. Café Kitsuné is the perfect combination of the two hustle and bustle cities.

Renowned for its Parisian and Japanese aesthetic, this upscale and very Instagrammable cafe features a minimalist menu to keep guests from feeling overwhelmed with the variety they offer.

The cafe’s concept is “to create and operate a space that marries the simplistic beauty of the small and intimate coffee bars with the style and cool of everything that Café Kitsuné undertakes.”

They take pride in their keen attention to detail, which led them to master their craft. According to the people behind the new food destination, “The coffee served at the Café Kitsuné is full-bodied and flavorsome, with notes of chocolate and grilled hazelnuts, a hint of cherry, and a texture that is both smooth and syrupy, lingering on the palette.”

While the temperature in Manila may often be unbearable, Café Kitsuné’s curated cold drinks will surely beat the heat, try a refreshing glass of Raspberry Fizz to quench your thirst or an Iced Americano to get you going. CEO Avin Ong enthusiastically expressed their love for cold beverages, and a quick peek into their menu

A mouthwatering plate of seared salmon with a potato garnish

Café Kitsuné’s branch at The Podium

will prove how well-incorporated iced drinks are in their café.

Their Soba Noodles with poached egg sprinkled with slices of mushroom and tomato is a must-try. Surprisingly, it goes well with their Iced Chocolate to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. It’s rare for two contrasting flavors to merge and offer a new depth of experience taste-wise Guests left undecided on their order can ask the staff as they will help choose a dish depending on the customer’s preferences. Dessert-wise, there are no misses here. Everything is spot on!

Get a taste of Japan and France with Café Kitsuné’s Soba noodles with poached egg, mushrooms, and tomato slices

Aside from their mouthwatering foods, customers can cop their merch in-store!

From tote bags to hoodies, they’ll surely remember their experience in the café when they bring home their goodies!

People already feeling FOMO (fear of missing out) should also worry not! This fusion cafe is already eyeing expanding its branches in several upscale locations in the Metro and Cebu. It’s something worth the wait for food lovers and café enthusiasts alike. While final dates and locations have yet to be confirmed, their team promised to keep us posted.

Satisfy cravings with Café Kitsuné’s Pork Katsu Sando

Indulge in cold drinks such as the Raspberry Fizz (left) and Iced Americano