Manila Standard - 2022 July 28 - Thursday

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Big tremor rocks N. Luzon

Magnitude 7 hits Abra; 5 killed, widespread damage reported

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 163 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Rio N. Araja, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Alena Mae Flores, Joel E. Zurbano and Rey E. Requejo

T

HE magnitude 7 earthquake that rocked northern Luzon left five people dead, caused landslides that rendered 14 national roads impassable and destroyed the antique bell towers of Bantay and Laoag and the old church in Sarat.

In a briefing Wednesday, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the quake, with its epicenter in Abra province, killed two people in Benguet, one in Abra and another in Mountain Province.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council spokesman Mark Timbal said they are still determining the details of the fifth fatality.

Some 218 towns in 15 provinces in Regions 1, 2 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were affected by the earthquake, which could be felt in Metro Manila.

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BBM to visit quake areas, nations offer prayers, aid PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced his plan to visit areas hit by the magnitude 7 earthquake, specifically in Abra province, today.

This developed as the Department of Social Welfare and Development said it earmarked an initial P10 million to help residents in Abra, the epicenter of the quake where scores of structures were damaged.

At least four countries – China, the United States, Japan, and France -- likewise offered prayers and assistance to the Philippines after the powerful earthquake rattled parts of Luzon.

In a press conference, Marcos said he scheduled his Next page

SCENES OF DEVASTATION. (Top) Handout photo taken from the Facebook page of La Trinidad Municipal Police Station shows a rescue team moving the body

of a 25-year-old construction worker, Aaron Coleteng, (inset) at the site of a collapsed three-storey building in La Trinidad in Benguet province on July 27, 2022 after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the northern part of the country. (Middle) In Vigan City in Ilocos Sur province, photos show the partially damaged Bantay watch tower and a car buried under debris from a ruined old house. (Below) At the Palace, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mobilized government agencies to ensure the immediate delivery of relief assistance to the earthquake victims. Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo flew to Abra where he announced that his department has P10 million in cash assistance for the victims of the strong earthquake. Dave Leprozo, AFP, Erwin Tulfo Facebook page

Speaker assures quick OK of 8 priority bills the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday are eligible for swift approval under Rule 10, Section 48 of the House EIGHT of the 19 legislative priority of Representatives, Speaker Martin G. measures enumerated by President Fer- Romualdez said Wednesday.

Romualdez said the House would dinand Marcos Jr. in his first State of

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PHOTO EXHIBIT. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian (second from left)

and SM Supermalls president Steven Tan (second from right) unveil a photo exhibition on China-Philippines cooperation achievements at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on July 27, 2022. Joining them were Nikki Cheng, president of the Philippine Skating Union and Raphael Hermoso, DFA director.

China tells PH it’s ready to restart talks on energy exploration deals CHINA is ready to restart talks on oil and gas exploration with the Philippines as soon as the latter gives the go signal, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said Wednesday.

“In the field of energy, we hope that we will continue to work on oil and gas cooperation. We hope we start that ne-

NCR logs hike in hospitalization due to COVID-19

By Willie Casas

gotiation and find some solution for the benefits of our two peoples to meet the need or the demand of energy of this country and China,” Huang told reporters in Pasay City.

“I think with the new administration in place, we are ready to restart

HOSPITALIZATION for COVID-19 has gone up in Metro Manila, independent researchers said Wednesday.

The OCTA Research Group said the COVID-19 health care utilization rate (HCUR) in the National Capital Region (NCR) rose to 35.6 percent as of July 25, an increase over the 31.7 percent recorded on July 24.

The Department of Health (DOH) defines HCUR as the aggregate of the utilization of intensive care units (ICU), isolation beds, and mechanical ventilators.

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“also work on the immediate approval of other SONA measures the soonest time possible in order to make President Marcos’ vision of a better nation a reality.”

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Marcos hails INC for its support of gov’t on its 108th anniversary

By Vince Lopez PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo for supporting the government and the Filipino people as the religious group marked its 108th anniversary yesterday.

“I am extremely grateful for your efforts to unite with the government and the Filipino people to ensure peace and order in the country and misunderstandings. I hope that this ocother parts of the world,” Marcos said casion would help us achieve our comin a statement. mon goal for the country,” he added.

“Let us use this opportunity to stand Marcos wished the INC community united despite our differences and Next page

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Largest rare pink diamond found M

INERS in Angola have unearthed a rare pure pink diamond that is believed to be the largest found in 300 years, the Australian site operator announced Wednesday.

A 170 carat pink diamond – dubbed The Lulo Rose – was discovered at Lulo mine in the country’s diamondrich northeast and is among the largest pink diamonds ever found, the Lucapa

House approves resolution for Cavite district special elections

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives on Wednesday night adopted a resolution calling for special elections in the seventh district of Cavite.

The lower chamber, presided by Speaker Martin Romualdez moved, to adopt House Resolution 100 upon the motion of House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe.

The resolution recognizes the existence of the vacancy in the seventh district of Cavite following the appointment of Jesus Crispin Remulla as Justice Secretary on July 1, 2022.

Romualdez is the caretaker of the legislative post vacated by Remulla until a new representative is elected.

Marcos...

From A1 a “solemn and merry” celebration of its founding anniversary as he prayed for the good health of INC Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo and the congregation’s other leaders.

Days before his State of the Nation Address on July 25, the President, accompanied by his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, visited Manalo at the INC Central Office in Quezon City.

During the meeting, Marcos expressed hope the religious group would continue playing a key role in society, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Iglesia Ni Cristo was founded by Felix Y. Manalo on July 27, 1914, with its first church established in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila.

The religious group has since grown to around 2.25 million followers worldwide.

BBM...

From A1 trip to affected areas on Thursday to avoid disruptions to the delivery of local government unit (LGU) services to quake victims.

“I am staying away from going to the affected areas for a very simple reason: It has been my experience as governor, it has been my experience in ‘Yolanda’ that when the national officers come to the affected areas immediately, we are disrupting the work of local governments,” the President said.

“Let (LGUs) do their work. Let us wait for them to tell us what the true situation is, and maybe I can schedule a trip perhaps tomorrow as soon as possible.”

Marcos also said he will push for the creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) that will look primarily at matters and concerns during and after the onslaught of natural calamities.

In a Twitter post, the President said he has ordered the immediate delivery of re-

NCR...

From A1 On Wednesday, the country logged 2,727 new COVID-19 cases, of which 986 were from Metro Manila, DOH data showed.

Active cases stood at 27,754 -- the highest since April 10.

In a tweet, OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said the ICU utilization rate in Metro Manila also slightly increased to 28 percent from 27.3 percent on July 24.

Based on the latest data, David said HCUR in Muntinlupa, with 64.6 percent, and Pasig, with 56.4 percent, were at moderate risk.

Other areas have 50% and below HCUR such as Manila (29.7 percent), Caloocan (33.7 percent), Las

One dead in boat collision in Taguig fluvial parade

by the Angolan government, which is also a partner in the mine.

“This record and spectacular pink diamond recovered from Lulo continues to showcase Angola as an important player on the world stage,” Angola’s Mineral Resources Minister Diamantino Azevedo said.

The diamond will be sold at international tender, likely at a dazzling price.

Although The Lulo Rose would have to be cut and polished to realise its true value, in a process that can see a stone lose 50 percent of its weight, similar pink diamonds have sold for recordbreaking prices.

The 59.6 carat Pink Star was sold at a Hong Kong auction in 2017 for 71.2 million US dollars. It remains the most expensive diamond ever sold. AFP

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake struck Abra at 8:43 a.m.

Provincial officials reported several houses and buildings were damaged in Bangued, the capital city, and in Lagangilang town.

The quake, of tectonic origin, had a depth of 17 kilometers, and its epicenter was located 2 kilometers east of Lagangilang.

Intensity 7 was felt in Abra’s Bucloc and Manabo, and intensity 6 was felt in Ilocos Sur’s Vigan City, Sinait, Bantay and San Esteban; Pangasinan’s Laoac, and Baguio City.

Intensity 5 was felt in Ilocos Sur’s Magsingal and San Juan; Pangasinan’s Alaminos City and Labrador; Nueva Vizcaya’s Bambang; Pampanga’s Mexico; Tarlac’s Concepcion and Tarlac City, and Metro Manila’s Manila and Malabon City.

Intensity 4 was also felt in Marikina City, Quezon City, Pasig City and Valenzuela City in Metro Manila; Kalinga’s Tabuk City; Pangasinan’s Bautista and Malasiqui; Nueva Vizcaya’s Bayombong and Diadi; Bulacan’s Guiguinto, Obando and San Rafael, and Rizal’s San Mateo.

Pangasinan’s Bolinao; Bulacan’s Bulakan, and Rizal’s Tanay felt intensity 3, while Cavite’s General Trias City and Laguna’s Santa Rosa City felt intensity 2.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the tremor was caused by a major earthquake generator, the Abra River fault.

“If there’s a Big One in Metro Manila, the Big One in Abra is the Abra River fault. Every place has a Big One,” he told a news conference, apparently referring to fault lines.

The Abra River fault last moved in 1868, triggering a magnitude 4 quake, he said.

“It will take hundreds of years before the fault will release’ another big quake,” he added.

However, he warned that big aftershocks may follow in the next two to three days “until their magnitude becomes lesser and lesser as weeks pass by.”

A total of 227 aftershocks have al-

ready been recorded as a result of the magnitude 7 earthquake.

Five of these aftershocks were felt, while 12 were plotted or located, Phivolcs said.

“Aftershocks may last for months, but over time, the number would decrease,” Solidum said.

“That is just normal. We are advising the public to go out of their house or building where they are in because big aftershocks may take place that could destroy the structure,” he said.

He said people living in the affected areas should inspect their houses for cracks or damage before going back inside.

Solidum said structures in Ilocos Sur’s Vigan City suffered serious damage because the city is on a floodplain, a generally flat area of land next to a river or stream.

“It is sandy and liquefaction prone,” he said.

Senator Imee Marcos said the quake destroyed the antique bell towers of Bantay and Laoag and the old church in Sarat, all in her bailiwick, Ilocos Norte.

In a Zoom interview, Marcos said she was briefed by her son, Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

The senator, who had served before as Ilocos Norte governor, said several heritage houses were destroyed.

She urged the public to be wary of falling debris from buildings and old houses, and urged the authorities to evacuate residents living in coastal areas and landslide-prone areas.

Several roads leading to Kalinga, Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, and Baguio are impassable, she said.

“We saw the landslide in Kenon, in Pagudpud going to Cagayan and Kalinga-Abra Road.”

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said a total of 14 national roads, particularly in the Cordillera and Ilocos regions, were impassable in the aftermath of the magnitude 7 earthquake.

The DPWH said it has deployed quick response teams to inspect the safety of national roads and bridges, as well as other public infrastructure.

Secretary Manuel Bonoan said he has instructed the DPWH regional and district engineering offices in the area to immediately check public infrastruc-

ture for any damage brought about by the quake that could endanger motorists and the general public.

“Our teams of engineers are conducting an assessment to evaluate the structural integrity and damage caused by the earthquake as we simultaneously clear debris along national roads and bridges,” he said in a statement.

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, the roads in Abra that were reported closed were the Abra-Kalinga Road K0437+250 to K0475+000, Intermittent Sections and at K0474+000 due to soil collapse; Abra-Ilocos Norte Road, K0430+000 section and Calaba Bridge due to settlement of approach; and Abra-Cervantes Road, at Biweng Bridge due to a damaged approach.

Also closed to traffic are Kennon Road, Benguet; Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road K0303+100, Bobok Bisal, Bokod due to soil collapse and K0302+700, Poblacion, Bokod due to rock fall in Benguet; and the Baguio-Itogon Road, Itogon Bridge, and K0267+519.

Also closed were the Congressman Andres Acop Cosalan Road, K0318+500, Sitio, Bugao, Barangay Adaoay, Kabayan, Benguet due to soil collapse; the Gov. Bado Dangwa National Road K0297+200, K0297+800, K0298+400 sections in Beling-belis, Kapangan and K0313+150 section in Poblacion, Kibungan, Benguet due to slope collapse; Kalinga-Abra Road K0468+860 and K0467+400 in Ableg, Pail, Kalinga, and K0497+000 onwards Abra, Pantikian to Balblasang, Balbalan and Lubuagan-Batong Buhay Road in Upper Kalinga; Banaue-HungduanBenguet Boundary Road, K0389+700, Wangwang, Tinoc in Ifugao; and various sections of the Baguio-Bontoc Road, Mt. Province-Cagayan via Tabuk-Enrile Road, Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur Road via Kayan Mt. ProvinceIlocos Sur Road via Tue, all in Mountain Province.

On the other hand, seven road sections in the two regions have limited access – Asin Road, K0305+820, Asin, Baguio City; Palispis Marcos Highway, K0273+780, Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet; Baguio-Bontoc Road, Balili Bridge, Benguet; and Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya K0254+300, Sitio Lamut, Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet.

lief assistance to the earthquake victims.

DSWD Cordillera Director Arnel Garcia told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo aid will be released upon the instructions of Secretary Erwin Tulfo.

Residents with destroyed houses will receive P10,000 in assistance, while individuals whose houses were damaged by the earthquake will get P5,000, the director said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported the tectonic quake, earlier logged at magnitude 7.3, struck 3 km. northwest of the municipality of Tayum, Abra at 8:43 a.m. It had a depth of 17 km.

Lawmakers, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, have filed a measure seeking the DDR, which was initially filed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The measure stresses that the “new normal” requires a more “focused and indepth attention in the way we understand, prepare and respond to natural disasters.”

The state-run Government Service Insurance System will grant emergency

loans to its members and pensioners residing or working in the areas affected by the earthquake, its top official said.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the pension fund will ensure that its members and pensioners will receive financial assistance, through emergency loans, to help them recover from the natural calamity.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Wednesday deployed a 39-man contingent team in Abra.

MMDA Officer-in-Charge Baltazar Melgar said the contingent, composed of personnel from the agency’s Road Emergency Group (REG), Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG), and Public Safety Division, would assist in clearing roads in affected areas.

In a privilege speech, Abra Rep. Ching Bernos appealed to Marcos “to extend all available assistance to the Province of Abra to help us rise from the ashes of this devastating disaster.”

“We are optimistic that the father of our nation will look after us and help us get back on our feet, as we resilient Abreños have al-

ways done since time immemorial. I assure you, Abra will rise again,” he said.

Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap also appealed for prayers for his province, adding: “The quake was strongly felt in many parts of the province, as evidenced in the reports of damage to personal properties and public infrastructure.”

Probinsyano party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos said his group mobilized its volunteers across Luzon to respond to the aftermath of the earthquake.

At the same time, Delos Santos cited the need for Congress to expedite the Disaster Department bill, the proposed Laging Handa Act, and the Animal Calamity Rescue bill.

But while most senators renewed their calls to establish the DDR, Senator Robin Padilla said boosting the country’s disaster response in the regions would be enough, noting that creating another department counters the right-sizing plan

by Marcos for the government. Vince Lopez, Vito Barcelo, Macon RamosAraneta, Maricel V. Cruz, Joel E. Zurbano and Julito G. Rada

In a related move, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said nearly seven out of 10 Filipinos surveyed are in favor of the return of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program in schools, which the President underscored in his SONA. Gatchalian cited the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey that 69% of Filipinos agree with the proposal to reinstate the ROTC program in senior high school.

Romualdez said House Rule 10, Section 48 authorizes the committees to dispose of priority measures already filed and approved on third reading in the immediately preceding Congress.

“We have the internal mechanism for an expeditious approval process that is enshrined in Rule 10, Section 48 of the House rules of procedure,” Romualdez said.

The eight Marcos-endorsed measures whose passage could be hastened through the rule are the Valuation Reform Bill, PIFITA, EGovernance Act, Internet Transaction Act, GUIDE, Medical Reserve Corps, National Disease Prevention Management Authority, and Virology Institute of the Philippines.

Of these eight measures, five are covered by bills authored by Romualdez -- GUIDE (House Bill 1), Medical Reserve Corps (HB 2), Internet Transaction Act (HB 4), National Disease Prevention Management Authority (HB 9), and Virology Institute of the Philippines (HB 10).

The passage of these eight measures could be expedited since these had been approved on third and final reading by the House and transmitted to the Senate during the three-year life of the 18th Congress under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Romualdez said the use of this rule would greatly hasten consideration and endorsement by any committee of any covered bill and its eventual plenary approval.

“We are in full support of the President’s entire legislative agenda, including the key priority proposals for legislation he has asked Congress to consider. We will act on these with dispatch,” the Speaker said.

Of the 19 SONA measures, Romualdez has also filed 12 counterpart bills, which are among the first 25 legislative proposals he has submitted to the House.

ment of Transportation to renegotiate the loans with Beijing or open negotiations with other countries.

Meanwhile, Huang said Beijing is open to working with Manila as it shifts to renewable energy sources.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on joint oil and gas development in the West Philippines Sea in November 2018.

But after three years of negotiations, the Philippines terminated the talks, citing possible issues with the Constitution just before former President Rodrigo Duterte stepped down from office.

In addition, the envoy said the two nations must also “work harder” on developing clean energy as a means of addressing the climate crisis.

“Last year, the export of electric vehicles of China accounts for more than

half of the world’s orders. We are one of the leading players in terms of clean energy and so we are ready to work with this country to share our technology, share our expertise to move forward hand in hand,” he said.

A fortnight ago, the Chinese Embassy did not directly mention the funding withdrawal for the railway projects but vowed to “tap its own advantage and support the Philippines to improve its infrastructure.”

“Our two sides have been negotiating technical issues and made positive progress to move the projects forward,” the embassy said.

The embassy said: “China is open for technical discussions over our G-to-G [government-to-government] projects, and is ready to carry our cooperation forward, in close communication with the Philippine new administration.”

Diamond Company said in a statement to investors.

The “historic” find of the Type IIa diamond, one of the rarest and purest forms of natural stones, was welcomed

Big...

From A1

Piñas (40.6 percent), Makati (49 percent), Malabon (50 percent), Mandaluyong (18.9 percent), Marikina (47 percent), Navotas (16.7 percent), Parañaque (19.1 percent), San Juan (44.6 percent), Valenzuela (32.5 percent), Pasay (29 percent), Quezon City (40.9 percent), and Taguig (27.2 percent).

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said the country may see an increase in hospital utilization rate by the end of August or start of September due to COVID-19 infections.

DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that based on their projections, the COVID-19 cases nationally may escalate to 1,800 to 11,000 next month if the booster uptake does not improve. With AFP

China...

From A1 our negotiation anytime.”

Two weeks ago, China said it was negotiating with the Philippines over the funding of some infrastructure projects after a transport official said Beijing had pulled its funding commitment to three big-ticket railway projects.

The Chinese Embassy clarified this after Transport Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez revealed that Beijing had failed to act on a government request for funding for the Philippine National Railways Bicol project, Subic-Clark Railway Project, and the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project.

Chavez earlier said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Depart-

A 30-YEAR-OLD man was killed after two boats collided during the Taguig River Festival in Taguig City on Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard reported yesterday.

The PCG said the body of the victim, Jester Romero, was found past 6 a.m. on Wednesday after a 12-hour search.

The collision happened Tuesday afternoon as both boats were on their way home after the parade.

One boat capsized first, prompting its passengers to jump into the boat that was carrying Romero and his friends, causing it to capsize as well.

“The boats were privately rented by the passengers and were not included in the manifesto of boats submitted to the city government and the Sta. Ana Church,” the Taguig City local government said in a statement.

Participants who were aboard bots that were officially part of the fluvial parade wore life vests and were escorted by rescue boats, the LGU added.

The Taguig LGU and the Sta. Ana Church have expressed condolences to the family of Romero and promised to provide assistance.

Speaker...

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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G-men foil bid to smuggle P1m liquid pot, vapes through NAIA

GOING SOLAR. A team of WeGen technical men checks the 389.12 kilowatt grid-tie solar PV system installed at the roof of the Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo, Manila, designed to generate 10,217,659 kWh of electricity over 25 years.

Norman Cruz

DILG orders review of drug raps in bid to improve conviction rate Office (NCRPO) in particular had initiated a total of 6,378 drug-related complaints from January 1, 2022 to July 22, 2022.

Of this number, 5,183 cases were filed in court; 916 others were still under preliminary investigation; 277 due for updating, and the remaining cases were for further investigation.

Among the five police command districts in Metro Manila, the Southern Police District got the highest number of cases filed in court at a total of 2,226.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad tapped all concerned police

By Joel E. Zurbano

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HE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered a review of all drug-related cases the police have filed in court in a bid to increase their conviction rate.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. issued the directive as he expressed his concern about the subpar conviction rate for the drug cases, especially against suspected traffickers of shabu and other prohibited substances.

“Police investigation serves as a critical component in law enforcement

SC bans display of unauthorized seal on vehicles

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court (SC) has banned the unauthorized display of the High Tribunal’s official seal on private cars and non-official court vehicles under pain of punishment.

In an en banc resolution dated July 5, 2022, the SC warned that persons violating ban may be held accountable not only for indirect contempt of Court, as well as possible criminal and/or administrative liability.

Manila Manila Manila The SC also ordered the revocaStandard Standard tion ofTODAY previously-issued authorizaTODAY TODAY tions for such displays.

According to the high court, new authorizations must be issued in their place, which will require license plates to have clearly visible tamper- proof registration numbers.

Any fading or illegibility would result in the automatic invalidation of such license plates.

The SC has also directed the Office of the Court Administrator to issue a circular on the matter for lower courts.

The resolution took effect immediately following its publication in two newspapers of general circulation on July 24, 2022.

Last year, the SC also prohibited the production, sale, or distribution of any items or merchandise bearing its seal, or similar items of merchandise indicating any connection with the Judiciary without its permission.

The prohibition was issued following reports that various entities were found selling and using merchandise bearing the official seal of the Supreme Court for illegitimate purposes.

because this single act will determine whether the case would be dismissed or not. It is important that our police investigators are well-versed in criminal law and procedures so they could conduct an effective and efficient investigation,” Abalos said.

The National Capital Region Police

units in the drug operations within the metropolis to be serious about the drug cases they were handling.

“The review will continuously be carried out and more in-depth scrutiny on the operation flaws must be done to determine areas of improvement,” Natividad said.

“Concerned regional staff offices were already told to take steps to enhance and hone skills, knowledge and correct perception of drug operatives and apprehending police officers and investigators to ensure conviction of every drug complaint filed before the authorities,” he added.

sacks of rice for storage at a warehouse in Moriones in Tondo, Manila which will serve local residents in good stead during the rainy season. This as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., concurrent Secretary of Agriculture, discloses his plans to support farmers by imposing a one-year moratorium on the payment of land amortization and interest on arrears.

Danny Pata

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THE Supreme Court on Wednesday bared that only 29.66 percent or 156 out of the 532 Law graduates passed the 2022 Special Shari’ah Bar examinations held last March 20 and 22 at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

The SC-Office of the Bar Confidant announced the top 10 passers in the 17th Special Shari’ah Bar Examinations namely: (1) Cayasalam Ambung-Maniri with 85.6 percent, (2) Norhasima Curo with 85.5 percent, (3) Aina Laguindab with 84.9 percent, (4) Nur-aima Mortaba with 83.9 percent, (5) Norajannah Lantud (83.4 percent), (6) Hasmin Barambangan (83.2 percent), (7) Shaibani Ameril with 83 percent, (8) Abdul Raheem Tawano with 82.9 percent, (9) Moumina Sheryne Domadalug-Abdullah with 82.4000 percent, and 10) Mohammad Muza-

him Alioden with 82.1 percent.

Seven of the top 10 Shari’ah Bar exam passers were women.

According to 2022 Special Shari’ah Bar Examinations chairperson Macrina Morados, dean of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, the SC en banc approved the Shari’ah Bar Committee’s petition to lower the passing percentage to 70 percent, taking into consideration the challenges and circumstances NOTICE encounTO THE PUBLIC t e r e d IT KNOWN THAT by the BE EXPRESS CONSTRUCTION e x a m i - owned by PIO ANGELO D. with address nees dur- DIMAYUGA at #52 Scout Chuatoco St. ing the Roxas District, Quezon City C O V - has changed its ownership single proprietorship ID-19 pan- from to corporation on October 19, 2016 and is now A.D. demic.

Group asks DOTr to bare transport route scheme

By Rio N. Araja

AN ADVOCACY group on Wednesday urged the Department of Transportation and its attached agency, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to immediately release their route rationalization plan (RRP).

The Passenger Forum (TPF) led by Primo Morillo said “there are a lot of things dependent on this rationalization plan. We understand that they need to carefully study how to make our public transportation more efficient and effective in moving passengers but we want to know what is taking them so long.”

Other transport organizations have already communicated with TPF regarding the release of the said government plan,” Morillo said.

“Some transport cooperatives that subscribed to the DOTr’s modernization plan are waiting for the release of the RRP as this is a requirement for them to acquire their modern jeepneys. They are now waiting for about CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA BLACK two years YELLOW and nothing is happening,” CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK he added.

The RRP must be released for the scrutiny of the public and the other stakeholders, he pointed out.

Manila Standard tried to get a reaction from the LTFRB, to no avail.

CEREAL SUPPLY FOR THE RAINY DAYS? Workers unload

SC: 29.6% passed 2022 Shari’ah Bar exams NOTICE

GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have intercepted a smuggled shipment of kush and liquid marijuana worth P1.2 million, and arrested its claimant in a controlled delivery operation in Kidapawan City.

The package, which arrived at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City, was shipped by a certain Janice Nguyen from Folsom, California and was declared as cooking set, a clear case of technical smuggling, according to the authorities.

Prior to the follow up entrapment operation in Kidapawan, the Bureau of Customs - Port of NAIA placed the shipment under profiling and examination. The examiners discovered that the package contained 927 grams of Kush or high-grade marijuana, and 22 pieces of vape cartridge with liquid marijuana worth more than P1.2 million.

The Customs operatives conducted the controlled delivery operation with help from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, resulting in the arrest of the consignee identified as Jude Paolo Javier.

This was the first drug seizure made by the Customs bureau under the leadership of its new Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, a former regional director of PDEA.

NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE

ARCHITECTURAL CENTRE CLUB, INC. IS

ARCHITECTURAL CENTRE CLUB, INC. IS

CALLING ALL ITS MEMBERS WHO HAVE

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DE Guia emphasized that investment in the THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on productive capacity of agriculture does not only Wednesday welcomed the offer of the Technical reap economic benefits in the long run, but proEducation and Skills Development Authority vision of such programs also indicates a com(TESDA) to train farmers under its rice exten- mitment to the achievement of the Sustainable sion services program (RESP), including digital Development Goal 2 or food security.

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News

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Nograles backs Marcos’ son as House leader

LONG QUEUE. Passengers form a long queue

after the operations of the MRT stopped due to the earthquake experienced in Metro Manila. The queue reached a pedestrian overpass at the MRT Edsa Station area of Pasay City. W.A. CLAMOR

By Maricel V. Cruz PBA party-list group Rep. Margarita Nograles on Wednesday defended the election of the son of President Marcos as senior deputy majority leader of the House of Representatives.

Nograles said Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos is qualified for the post even he was a first termer because he is “equipped with the knowledge of the House Rules and certain Rules of Procedure, more than most if not all neophytes.”

She said the young Marcos is knowlegeable with House rules because he used to work for Speaker Martin Romualdez when the latter was the majority leader in the previous Congress.

Kabataan party-list group Rep. Manuel earlier said that the young Marcos “only got his position because of his last name and because he is the son on the President.”

“Representative Marcos was elected, overwhelmingly and unanimously, by the majority as their Senior Deputy Majority Leader. It is clear that the majority has spoken and has full faith, trust, and confidence that Representative Marcos will do well in his position because he is qualified for that position with both his educational and work background,” Nograles said in a statement.

“Surely, Representative Manuel as the voice of the youth cannot claim that a neophyte like himself cannot do a good job in a position Representative Marcos is indeed qualified for,” Nograles said.

Law on waste reduction needs support—Villar

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Cynthia Villar is calling on all sectors to assist in the implementation of the Extended Producer’s Responsibility Act of 2022 or RA No. 11898 which lapsed into law on July 22, 2022.

Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment in the 18th Congress, shepherded the passage of this legislation along with her counterpart in the House of Representatives, Rep. Glona Labadlabad.

She said EPR focuses on waste reduction that seeks to lodge environmental responsibility to the producer throughout the lifecycle of a product.

She urged the public especially the organizations fighting for better solid waste management, to see it as an opportunity.

“It is a good start,” Villar said, noting noted that the law introduces the concept of EPR and a circular economy.

The law also mandates the DENR to formulate a national framework on EPR for all types of waste.

The law provides targets on the recovery of plastic wastes initially and requires large enterprises or those above MSME levels to set up an EPR program within six months from the effectiveness of the act.

These programs are intended to achieve plastic neutrality through efficient management of plastic packaging waste, reduced production, importation supply or use of plastic packaging deemed low in reusability, retrievability or recyclability.

It sets rising targets for plastic recovery each year until 2028 when these enterprises are expected to achieve 80 percent neutrality.

INSPECTION. Workers check the railway tracks of the Light Rail Transit (LRT-2) for damage after the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Luzon on Wednesday (July 27, 2022). The rail line has resumed operations after a temporary suspension due to the tremor. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

3 solons voted as Deputy Speakers as Congress fills more key positions

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HREE more legislators have been elected as deputy speakers of the House of Representatives.

They were Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.; Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco; and Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto.

The three lawmakers took their oath of office separately before House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez.

Also during the session Wednesday, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar and Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan took their oath as deputy speakers.

On Tuesday, Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, Antipolo City Rep. Robbie Puno, and TUCP party-list Rep. Raymund Democrito Mendoza took their oath as deputy speakers.

Of the nine deputy speakers, only Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has yet to take her oath. She is elected as senior deputy speaker and is currently on medical and wellness leave.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda was elected as senior vice chair of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

The committee is mandated to attend to “All matters directly and principally relating to amendments of the Constitution.”

In a statement following his election, Salceda said that his top priority

as senior vice chair of the constitutional revisions panel will be “to liberalize the renewable energy sector, consistent with the President’s directive that we achieve energy security.”

“Foreign capital will be essential to expanding our renewable energy portfolio. Our power generation sector is simply too oligopolistic, so there is very little incentive for innovation or expansion other than to pad profits. In many ways, that is the crux of the accusation of regulatory capture in our energy sector agencies. We have very few market players,” Salceda said.

The House of Representatives meanwhile also elected Reginald Sagun Velasco as its new secretary general.

Velasco was one of House officers elected on Monday, including former police Major General Napoleon Taas, the chamber’s new sergeant-at-arms.

Velasco and Taas took their oath of office before Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday in the House plenary hall in the presence of lawmakers.

The new House secretary general finished his secondary education at Torres High School in Tondo, Manila, graduating with honors in 1968.

He took doctoral studies at the same state university and was a candidate for Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science in 1981. He finished an investments negotiations course at Georgetown University in Washington DC, USA.

Hontiveros bats for update of bill vs. online abuse

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

NEW DEPUTY SPEAKER. House Speaker Martin Romualdez administered the oath of office to newly elected Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep.Ralph Recto at the plenary hall of the House of Representatives, with them are Ralph’s wife Vilma Santos and son Ryan Christian. Ver Noveno

ARTA chief vows to act on BBM order on streamlining

By Othel V. Campos ANTI-RED Tape Authority (ARTA) officer-in-charge Ernesto V. Perez announced Wednesday plans to act on the streamlining and digitalization directives by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Among the plans that President Marcos bared in his SONA include the acceleration of digitalization in the country through the automation

KAPIHAN SA MANILA. Albay Representative Joey Salceda answers media questions during a Kapihan sa Manila Bay press conference on Wednesday. Salceda said that he will be filing a bill taxing the rich and will vote in favor of postponing the barangay and SK elections. Norman Cruz

of government processes and passage of the E-Governance Act, the streamlining of tax payment processes, the implementation of the national rightsizing program, and the strengthening of the country’s health sector through the establishment of institutions and procurement of sufficient medicines.

“We are happy that, consistent with his promises before he became President, streamlining and digitalization remain to be President Marcos’ priorities for his administration. With

more public servants recognizing the Philippines’ massive problem with excessively bureaucratic practices, we gain more allies in the fight against red tape,” Perez said.

He said the ARTA is ready to assist the government in reviewing the functions of government agencies to ensure there are no redundancies and overlapping regulations, under the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

THE anti-narcotics campaign and the fight against corruption in government will remain relentless, Malacañang assured the public on Wednesday.

The assurance came after some minority lawmakers said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) lacked specific plans for the country.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, along with Senator Risa Hontiveros, said Marcos failed to present plans to address corruption.

Pimentel also noted Marcos’ failure to discuss the war on illegal drugs waged by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Sought for reaction, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos’ first SONA highlights his administration’s priorities.

“You know, the President has laid

out his priorities,” she said in a Palace press briefing. “It doesn’t mean that he is not going to pay attention to other concerns. This is just the roadmap for his administration.”

Cruz-Angeles ensured that the campaign against illegal drugs and corruption will be continued under the Marcos administration.

“But the day-to-day and ongoing activities are considered still part of the program, particularly those related to continuity. So, just because it wasn’t mentioned, doesn’t mean it isn’t in there,” Cruz-Angeles said.

In his first SONA delivered Monday, Marcos unveiled his administration’s foreign policy, as well as plans for economic revitalization and development of the agriculture, agrarian, health, education, infrastructure, and energy sectors.

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday renewed her call to amend the decade-old anti-cybercrime law to be updated to curb online child abuses.

Speaking in a media briefing, Hontiveros said her office will also look into the enhancement of operational capacities of law enforcement authorities on behalf of protecting minors.

Hontiveros met with representatives from Facebook, NBI, and PNP to discuss the continuous propagation of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials online.

All stakeholders agreed to three steps in combatting online abuse and exploitation: the immediate takedown of exploitative content; the preservation of evidence on the side of Facebook; and the transmittal of those evidence to law enforcement.

Asked why online child abuses still happen despite existing regulatory mechanisms, Honstiveros said that the country’s laws and the regulatory mechanisms of internet platforms likely cannot keep up with the swift and sharp evolution of technology itself.

Philippine Navy Palace: Fight against corruption continues ship simulates missile launch THE Philippine Navy (PN) announced that frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), has simulated the launching of its surface-to-surface missile armament in the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise off Hawaii.

“The Philippines’ multi-mission capable warship also simulated the launching of its surface-to-surface missile in a simulation serial with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)’s JS Izumo and US Navy USS Mobile Bay as opponent ships,” Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement Tuesday night.

He was referring to the LIG Nex 1’s SSM-700K C-Star surface-to-surface missile which is the primary missile weapon of the Jose Rizal-class frigates.

Opinion Sana

(Right-sizing) may send shivers down the spines of the incompetent and the ineffective, but first steps need to be taken

One can dispute his final statement, coming from “heart, mind and soul” that the “state of the nation is sound.”

His economic managers assure him of the macro-economic fundamentals, which are better than many countries reeling from externally-induced and internally-wrought crises.

But while these are assuring enough when placed in comparison with others, the ordinary man has never felt as insecure about his future, nay, survival, as ever.

We admire the president’s 19-point legislative agenda, presented to Congress on its first day, not in piece-meal fashion, but as part of a comprehensive plan intended to address most of the long-standing inefficiencies of the economy and the lack of povertyalleviating priorities of the past.

Sure, some of these had been written in the published policy platforms of his presidential competitors in a campaign where he chose to be silent.

But he had the humility to recognize in his inaugural address that he agreed with many of the issues and solutions presented by his rivals.

Right-sizing an otherwise multiheaded hydra which is our top-heavy bureaucracy was on top of his list.

About time, indeed.

It may send shivers down the spines of the incompetent and the ineffective, but first steps need to be taken. We spend far too much for far too little service to the taxpayers who bear its brunt.

The National Land Use Act, which a former senator, Orly Mercado, first

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

EDITORIAL

introduced in the Senate as early as 1990, has languished in the bowels of a Congress of landlords and real estate “developers” ever since.

Re-introduced by many other legislators each time a new Congress re-opens, it quickly “lies there…and dies there.”

Will it pass this time, under the leadership of a president with an electoral majority never before experienced in these benighted isles since Ramon Magsaysay?

Sana.

The condonation of ARB land transfer payments to the Land Bank was also proposed by a presidential rival during the campaign. So was digitalization of government transactions and processes.

The emphasis on implementing the national ID, long-coming and long deserved legislation but sluggishly implemented, was right on the dot. And many more.

Then vice-presidential candidate Doc Willy Ong, in his abbreviated campaign stump speeches, proposed regionalizing specialty hospitals, even as he acknowledged the vision of the president’s mother, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, who pioneered in these.

As we have said earlier in this piece, no politician has a monopoly of good policy, and parallel minds can think of similar plans. It is in the implementation of sound policy where this nation and its leaders, always falters.

Some have criticized the president for omitting the issues of corruption, of human rights, of the peace process, the autonomous regions, even that impractical but nice-sounding (to Sen. Robin Padilla) shift to federalism.

But first things first. “It’s the economy, stupid,” as Bill Clinton famously and successfully mouthed.

There are equally important social and political issues that must be addressed to this writer’s mind, and soon enough, while the president’s popularity is yet un-swamped by the minutiae of the economic crisis, and while the public’s patience is yet wind beneath his wings.

But that’s grist for another article.

The question, however, in many minds is whether all the promises can be supported by ways and means.

At a time of looming worldwide recession, and saddled with an enormous debt burden, with inflation difficult to tame by mere monetary tools, the wherewithal may indeed be chancy.

But, as the president has said, “we will endure.”

Kaya ba? “Kakayanin” is the optimistic description of many among us who can only hope, pray, and aspire. *** In the fashion extravaganza that our legislators and other top officials annually indulge in, where dressingup can cost these people six-figure amounts charged by designers, not to include the jewelry, the “bling-blings” and the eight-figure gold watches, one has to admire the current First Lady.

In contrast to many, Atty. Liza Araneta Marcos was dressed simply and tastefully, with an understated elegance that speaks volumes about the need of the times—austerity, and in her husband’s word— endurance.

AS EXPECTED, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s first State of the Nation Address was dignified, well-delivered, and focused.

His inaugural address inspired, though that was obviously written for him. Nothing wrong with that; inaugural addresses whether here or elsewhere, are long on rhetorical flourish, written with an eye to a plenitude of quotable quotes.

The first SONA was different. It was obviously written by the president himself. None of the oratorical bombast; just facts, facts and more facts.

Few lines will make it to quotable memory. Our newspaper captured the best: “We will endure.” Which is both a statement of fact (we Filipinos have always endured hardships) and a call to sacrifice.

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

W

The first month

HEN the month of July is over, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will have completed a full month in the highest executive post.

This reflects the priority President Marcos gives to the agriculture sector as a mainstay of the economy and the importance he attaches to ensuring food security amid frenzied efforts to revive the economy after the onslaught of COVID-19 for more than two years now

After his State of the Nation Address last Monday, we now have a clearer picture of the government’s main thrusts and targets in the economic, political and social spheres.

As expected, the Chief Executive continued to appoint people to Cabinet positions still left vacant after the May polls.

Among his latest appointments was that of Toni Yulo-Loyzaga as Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which has been welcomed by environmental groups. Yulo-Loyzaga previously served as chairperson of the International Advisory Board of the Manila Observatory, and as technical adviser of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation.

Upon assuming office, Yulo-Loyzaga underscored the importance of fighting climate change “through practical climate change adaptation measures, the use of science to approach national scale as well as local scale impacts of climate change...

We live in a multi-hazard environment not just from natural hazards but also from industrial and technological hazards. These hazards have led to the development of systemic risks and threats to our entire economic and social systems.”

She also vowed to protect indigenous species as part of the country’s national heritage.

Another recent appointee was Yogi Filemon Ruiz as acting commissioner of the Bureau of Customs, one of the two main revenue collection agencies of the national government but perceived to be one of the cradles of corruption as well.

Prior to his appointment as acting Customs chief, Ruiz had been working in the bureau since 2017 as director of enforcement and security services which is in charge of the Customs police.

Ruiz was director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Central Visayas for a year before he joined the Customs. Will Ruiz be able to redeem the tarnished image of the BOC? We’ll have to wait and see.

President Marcos sits concurrently as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. This reflects the priority he gives to the agriculture sector as a mainstay of the economy and the importance he attaches to ensuring food security amid frenzied efforts to revive the economy after the onslaught of COVID-19 for more than two years now.

News reports indicate that the Chief

Executive has met three times with the key officials of the Agriculture Department to map out policies and projects.

Recall that during the campaign, Marcos vowed to bring down the price of rice, the country’s staple food, to P20 a kilo. He clarified later that this was an aspirational figure, something that the government seeks to achieve under ideal conditions, and quite possibly not immediately.

Marcos has less than two months to go before the traditional “honeymoon period” for a new president ends, as far as media are concerned, with his first 100 days in office. It’s a period when missteps and miscalculations made by the new Malacañang occupant are often ignored as birth pains, or even as part of lessons learned.

After the first 100 days, however, it’s open season for critics to sharpen their knives and point out what’s wrong and what needs to be improved in governance.

After all, that’s how democracy works, and the media would only be doing what’s expected of them.

Basketball BASKETBALL fans in this basketball crazy country of ours are up in arms against Gilas Coach Chot Reyes for the dismal performance of Gilas in the recently concluded FIBA Asia Cup in Indonesia.

We only ended winning over perennial loser India. Even Japan, a team that we have been beating for the last 12 years swamped us by a whopping 21 points.

This disenchantment started when we lost to Indonesia in the finals of the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

We Filipinos seem to think that at least in this little corner of the world, we own the game of basketball. This is perhaps the reason why we cannot seem to accept that defeat.

I am reminded of that old saying that victory has many fathers, defeat is an orphan.

I do not know whether it is fair to put the blame solely on the shoulders of Coach Reyes.

We have to remember that our neighbors want nothing better than to beat us in basketball.

These countries have also gotten better, wiser and better prepared.

Those who understand the game know that the Indonesian team prepared well and their Serbian coach who used to coach Gilas and knows our style of playing did his homework.

Besides, we should not expect to form a team a week before the tournament and expect to win. That would be arrogance.

What Indonesia did was very much like what our women football team did to Thailand and Vietnam in the recently concluded ASEAN Women’s Regional Football Tournament at the Rizal Stadium.

For the first time ever, our women’s football team hoisted the Champions Trophy.

Who would have believed that our team could beat Vietnam? This is a team that we have never beaten before, yet we beat the Vietnamese players 3 to nil. This goes to show that in any athletic competition, nothing should be taken for granted.

Gone are the days when we used to rule the waves in the game of basketball and the sooner we accept that, the better we can prepare.

So what should we do going forward?

We Filipinos seem to think that at least in this little corner of the world, we own the game of basketball Perhaps to remedy the situation, the public is now being told that Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson of the NBA will be available for the next FIBA window.

Kai Sotto, our 7-foot-3 inches tall NBA aspirant is also being recruited to reinforce the Gilas squad.

There are also reports that some of the old reliable big men will reinforce the team.

There seems to be some difficulty in recruiting the best players. Is it because there are so many involved in the decision making on who should be included?

It used to be that being a member of the national basketball pool is the ultimate honor to a basketball player.

Now, we see some of them begging off to fulfill contractual obligations or preferring to play for foreign clubs who pay a lot better than our local clubs.

As a result of our defeat to Japan, we

missed the quarter finals for the first time since 2007.

So, before we will be permanently relegated to the consolation bracket, we better get our act together and review our entire basketball program.

We should do this by getting an unbiased outside body to do the evaluation and assessment. Whether the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas would be willing to do this is, of course, another matter.

The recent debacle was ostensibly due to the fact that young players were selected so that these players can gain the necessary exposure and experience.

This seems to have worked when Tab Baldwin was the coach in the last FIBA outing but apparently failed in the most recent SEA Games and Indonesian FIBA Asia Cup. None of the Baldwin players were included in the SEA games or in Indonesia.

We are now about a year away from the 2023 World FIBA Cup to be jointly hosted

by Japan, Indonesia and us.

We, therefore, have time to prepare and organize a good and well balanced team capable of making Filipino basketball fans proud.

Judging from what we are reading in the regular and social media, basketball morale in this country is low. If morale is low, Gilas cannot expect to do well in the next tournament.

It is therefore incumbent upon our basketball leaders to address whatever is ailing the basketball program for the sake of the Filipino basketball fans.

We have to be able to form a confident team that believes in its capability to win games.

This means that we have to select the best players available, choose the best coach for that particular tournament, and give them the best training and support that money can buy.

Good leadership is what is needed.

Otherwise, we might as well kiss all our basketball aspirations goodbye.

US gun lobby hails ‘hero’ who shot dead gunman in mall attack THE US gun lobby has seized on the “heroic” acts of a civilian who used a pistol to shoot dead a young man who had opened fire in a shopping mall, pushing its case in the midst of a fierce debate over the regulation of firearms.

Jonathan Sapriman, a 20-year-old white man whose motives remain unknown, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle in an Indiana shopping mall.

He killed a 30-year-old man and a couple seated in a restaurant space, and injured two more, before being shot dead himself by Elisjsha Dicken, a 22-year-old customer who was carrying an unlicensed pistol, as recently authorized under local laws.

“Many more people would have died last night if not for a responsible armed

citizen that took action very quickly within the first two minutes of the shooting,” said Greenwood police chief James Ison during a press briefing.

Ison said the shooter appeared to have prepared for his deadly assault by dropping his cell phone in a toilet and burning his computer in an oven before he set out.

He also had a second assault rifle, a pistol and a large amount of ammunition, the police official said.

The powerful lobby group, the National Rifle Association, immediately seized on the tragedy to reassert its line that an armed public is good for public security.

“We will say it again: The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun,” the NRA said on Twitter.

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Nearly 400 million guns were in circulation among the civilian population in the United States in 2017, or 120 guns for every 100 people Another group pushing against any restrictions on firearms ownership, the CCRKBA, echoed the NRA line.

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

“We carry guns to defend ourselves and others from criminals and crazy people in sudden emergencies,” its chief, Alan Gottlieb, said in a statement.

“That courageous young man is rightfully being hailed as a hero,” he said.

Kris Brown, president of the Brady Campaign, which is pushing for stricter guncontrol laws, hit back on Twitter. “Let me be clear: If more guns made us safer, America would be the safest country in the WORLD,” he said.

In the same vein, Shannon Watts, founder of the organization Moms Demand Action, shared graphs placing the United States at the head of the developed countries in terms of weapons per capita but also for deaths by

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

firearms.

Nearly 400 million guns were in circulation among the civilian population in the United States in 2017, or 120 guns for every 100 people, according to the Small Arms Survey project.

More than 24,000 people have been shot dead since the start of the year, including 13,000 by suicide, according to the Gun Violence Archives site.

Several of the recent gun rampages, including the shooting in a school in Texas and a supermarket frequented by AfricanAmericans in Buffalo, caused particular shock across the country, prompting lawmakers to agree in June, for the first time in 30 years, to pass modest reform of gun laws. AFP

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

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK CYAN Manila

Manila Standard Standard TODAY THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

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US will ‘bear all consequences’ if Pelosi visits Taiwan – China

C

HINA warned Wednesday that Washington would “bear the consequences” if US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan, with tensions soaring between the two countries.

“We are firmly opposed to Speaker Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference.

“If the US pushes ahead and challenges China’s bottom line... the US side will bear all the consequences arising therefrom,” he added.

Democratic Taiwan lives under constant threat of being invaded by China,

Nancy Pelosi

which views the self-ruled island as part of its territory to be seized by force if necessary.

A possible visit by Nancy Pelosi – yet to be confirmed by the senior Democrat – has stirred alarm in President Joe

Biden’s administration, which fears the trip may cross red lines for China.

It comes at an especially fraught time as President Xi Jinping, China’s most powerful leader in decades, prepares to cement his rule later this year at a major party meeting.

Pelosi told reporters last week it was “important for us to show support for Taiwan,” while denying Congress was pushing for independence for the island.

Taiwan enjoys bipartisan backing in divided Washington and China’s warnings have only fuelled calls for Pelosi to go ahead.

Meanwhile, Biden has still not decided whether to end some trade tariffs on China ahead of a phone call expected this week with Xi, a senior official said.

John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, said the admin-

istration believes the tariffs imposed during a trade war under former president Donald Trump are not working, but that Biden has yet to settle on a next move.

“He wants a review of the tariffs that are in place to make sure that they are aligned with our strategic economic priorities, that they’re in our best national interests, and quite frankly, the best interests of the American people, but he hasn’t made a decision,” Kirby told reporters.

“I don’t have any decision to speak to with respect to tariffs by the president.

He’s working this out with his team,” Kirby added.

The call, which is expected this week but has yet to be finally scheduled, will be the fifth between Xi and Biden since the Democrat took office in 2021. AFP

Eye-popping: Saudi prince unveils modern skyscraper city

New York asks WHO: Rename ‘stigmatizing’ monkeypox NEW York City asked the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday to rename the monkeypox virus to avoid stigmatizing patients who might then hold off on seeking care.

New York has seen more cases of the disease, which the WHO declared a global health emergency over the weekend, than any other city in the United States, with 1,092 infections detected so far.

“We have a growing concern for the potentially devastating and stigmatizing effects that the messaging around the ‘monkeypox’ virus can have on... already vulnerable communities,” New York City public health commissioner Ashwin Vasan said in a letter to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus dated Tuesday.

The WHO had floated the idea of changing the name of the virus, which is related to the eradicated smallpox virus, during a press conference last month, a proposal Vasan mentioned in his letter.

Vasan referenced the “painful and racist history within which terminology like (monkeypox) is rooted for communities of color.”

He pointed to the fact that monkeypox did not actually originate in primates, as the name might suggest, and recalled the negative effects of misinformation during the early days of the HIV epidemic and the racism faced by Asian communities that was exacerbated by former president Donald Trump calling COVID-19 the “China virus.”

“Continuing to use the term ‘monkeypox’ to describe the current outbreak may reignite these traumatic feelings of racism and stigma – particularly for Black people and other people of color, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, and it is possible that they may avoid engaging in vital health care services because of it,” Vasan said. AFP

A FUTURISTIC Saudi megacity is to feature two skyscrapers extending across a swathe of desert and mountain terrain, according to the latest disclosures on the project by the kingdom’s de facto ruler.

The parallel structures of mirrorencased skyscrapers extending over 170 kilometers (more than 100 miles), known collectively as The Line, form the heart of the Red Sea megacity NEOM, a plank of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s bid to diversify the Gulf state’s oil-dependent economy.

First announced in 2017, NEOM has consistently raised eyebrows for proposed flourishes like flying taxis and robot maids, even as architects and economists have questioned its feasibility.

In a presentation Monday night, Prince Mohammed sketched out an even more ambitious vision, describing a car-free utopia that would become the planet’s most liveable city “by far.”

Analysts noted, though, that plans for NEOM have changed course over the years, fuelling doubts about whether The LOCAL authorities hunting for a gang Line will ever become reality. of monkeys who attacked and woundNEOM, a biotech and digital hub spread ed nearly 50 people in western Japan over 26,500 square kilometers (10,000 have caught and killed one of the square miles), was once touted as a remarauding primates, an official said gional “Silicon Valley.”

Wednesday.

Now it’s a vehicle for reimagining urThe male simian was seized while ban life on a footprint of just 34 square roaming the grounds of a high school kilometers, and addressing what Prince in Yamaguchi city – but it may not be Mohammed describes as “liveability and the end of the furry, twisting tale, with FUTURISTIC MEGACITY. A handout picture provided by Saudi’s NEOM shows the design plan for the 500-meter tall parallel environmental crises.”

CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK other monkeys feared toBLACK be at large.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK structures, known collectively as The Line, in the heart of the Red Sea megacity NEOM. The two massive, mirror-encased skyscrapers CYAN YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK “The concept has morphed so much City officials have been trying for that extend over 170 kilometres of desert and mountain terrain will house nine million people, the kingdom’s de facto ruler has Manila Manila Manila fromManila its early conception that it’s someStandard announced. AFP weeks to track down the vicious gang Standard times hard to determine its direction: TODAY TODAY TODAY TODAY who have made national headlines by scaling down, scaling up, or making an assaulting residents with mostly mild aggressive turn sideways,” said Robert scratches and bites.

Mogielnicki of the Arab Gulf States InstiOn Tuesday evening, specially comtute in Washington. AFP missioned hunters shot the monkey

Marauding primate killed after nearly 50 injured in Japan

After apologizing, Pope visits sacred lake in Canada

NOTICE NOTICE IS IS HEREBY HEREBY GIVEN GIVEN THAT THAT THE THE NOTICE ARCHITECTURAL CENTRE CENTRE CLUB, CLUB, INC. INC. IS IS ARCHITECTURAL CALLING ALL ALL ITS ITS MEMBERS MEMBERS WHO WHO HAVE HAVE CALLING UNPAID MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP DUES DUES AND/OR AND/OR UNPAID CHANGED THEIR THEIR CONTACT CONTACT DETAILS, DETAILS, TO TO CHANGED GET IN IN TOUCH TOUCH WITH WITH THE THE CLUB CLUB ON ON OR OR GET BEFORE SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 15, 15, 2022.

2022. AFTER AFTER BEFORE SAID DATE, DATE, MEMBERS MEMBERS WHO WHO CANNOT CANNOT SAID BE CONTACTED CONTACTED BY

BY THE THE CLUB CLUB AND/OR AND/OR BE HAVE OUTSTANDING OUTSTANDING DUES DUES SHALL SHALL BE BE HAVE CONSIDERED DELINQUENT DELINQUENT AND/OR AND/OR CONSIDERED SUBJECT FOR FOR EXPULSION, EXPULSION,AS AS THE THE CASE CASE SUBJECT MAY BE, BE, PURSUANT PURSUANT TO TO THE THE CLUB’S CLUB’S BYBYMAY LAWS. LAWS. (MStandard -- July July 14, 14, 21 21 & & 28, 28, 2022) 2022) (MStandard SCNFORM FORMNO. NO.11 SCN (R.A.NO. NO.9139) 9139) (R.A.

001554 001554

and predominance predominance of of one's one's ideas. ideas. II am am not not aa polygamist polygamist and noraabeliever believerin inthe thepractice practiceof ofpolygamy. polygamy.IIhave havenot notbeen been nor convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. amnot not convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. IIam suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable

POPE Francis called for “healing” Tuesday as he joined a pilgrimage to a sacred lake in Canada, one day after making a landmark apology for the abuse of Indigenous children at Catholic-run schools.

The 85-year-old pontiff prayed for the Church to choose “truth” over “defending the institution” as he visited Lac Ste Anne, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Edmonton, where some of Canada’s Indigenous people began their relationship with Catholicism generations ago.

The lake is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in North America.

Every year since the end of the 19th century, thousands of pilgrims mainly from Canada and the United States have come to bathe and pray in the healing waters, according to Indigenous rites.

Hundreds of faithful, many of them Indigenous, fell silent as the pope, who had been suffering with knee pain, was wheeled carefully to the water’s edge and prayed in silence there for several minutes.

He was then wheeled to a shrine, sprinkling some of those assembled with water he had blessed from the lake on the way, as NOTICE Indigenous people drummed and chanted.

NOTICE TO THE THE PUBLIC PUBLIC TO Lamenting the “terrible effects of colonization, the BE ITIT KNOWN KNOWN THAT THAT indelible pain of so many families, grandparents and BE EXPRESS CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION EXPRESS owned by

by PIO PIO ANGELO ANGELO D. D. children,” Francis told those gathered for a liturgiowned DIMAYUGA with with address address cal celebration that their presence was “testimony of DIMAYUGA #52 Scout Scout Chuatoco Chuatoco St. St. atat #52 Roxas District, Quezon City resilience and a fresh start.” AFP Roxas District, Quezon City has changed changed its its ownership ownership has from single single proprietorship proprietorship from corporation on on October October toto corporation 19, 2016 2016 and and isis now now A.D. A.D. 19, CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT INC. with DEVELOPMENT INC. with businessaddress addressatat#52 #52Scout Scout business Chuatoco St. St. Roxas Roxas District, District, Chuatoco QuezonCity City Quezon

with a tranquiliser gun and eventually caught it near a lake on the school premises, an official at the local agricultural department told AFP. After identifying it as the same animal responsible for one of the attacks, the monkey was put down, he said. It had an estimated age of four and was around half a metre tall.

Patrols have been underway in Yamaguchi since the attacks on adults and children began around three weeks ago.

But with 49 people injured as of Tuesday midday and fresh attack reports coming in, the search is still on.

“Eyewitnesses describe monkeys of different sizes, and even after the capture, we’ve been getting reports of new attacks,” said the city official, who declined to be named. AFP

BLESSING. Pope Francis blesses the lake during the Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage and Liturgy of the Word at Lac Ste. Anne, northwest of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, July 26, 2022. AFP

(MS-JULY28, 28,2022) 2022) (MS-JULY

NOTICE NOTICE TOTHE THEPUBLIC PUBLIC TO BE ITIT KNOWN KNOWN THAT THAT RED RED BE MATRIX BUILDERS BUILDERS AND AND MATRIX TRADING owned owned by

by XAVIER XAVIER TRADING RAUL CESAR CESAR C. C. TEODORO TEODORO RAUL with address at S2 Embassy with address at S2 Embassy Garden Homes Homes T.T. Benitez Benitez St. St. Garden West Triangle, Triangle, Quezon Quezon City City West has changed changed its its ownership ownership has from single single proprietorship proprietorship from to corporation on October to corporation on October 2019 and and isis now now RED RED 2,2, 2019 MATRIX BUILDERS BUILDERS CORP. CORP. MATRIX with business business address address atat #52 #52 with ScoutChuatoco ChuatocoSt. St.Brgy BrgyRoxas Roxas Scout District, Quezon City District, Quezon City

(MS-JULY28, 28,2022) 2022) (MS-JULY

CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK CYAN

Business

PSEi July 27, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

JAS

1.76

0.29

19.73%

2

I

0.78

0.07

9.86%

3

LODE

0.6

0.04

7.14%

4

GMAP

10.72

0.62

6.14%

5

DFNN

3.43

0.18

5.54%

6

AXLM

2.58

0.11

4.45%

7

IDC

0.76

0.03

4.11%

8

UBP

76.8

2.8

3.78%

9

MWIDE

4.17

0.15

3.73%

10

FEU

550

19.5

3.68%

TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

ELI

0.19

-0.024

-11.21%

2

TECHW

0.68

-0.06

-8.11%

3

ROCK

1.2

-0.1

-7.69%

4

TECH

3.08

-0.22

-6.67%

5

V

0.73

-0.05

-6.41%

6

BALAI

0.6

-0.04

-6.25%

7

SSP

1.55

-0.08

-4.91%

8 9

APVI FRUIT

13.04 1.01

-0.66 -0.05

-4.82% -4.72%

10

PRIM

2.05

-0.1

-4.65%

B3

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market up; BDO, Semirara Mining climb T HE stock market gained slightly again Wednesday on thin trading, with eyes on the Fed meeting later in the day, which is followed Thursday by second-quarter economic growth figures.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 13.76 points, or 0.2 percent, to 6,236.76 on a value turnover of P3.8 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers 100 to 75, with 41 issues unchanged.

BDO Unibank Inc. of the Sy Group, the biggest lender in terms of assets, advanced 2.6 percent to P117, while Semirara Mining and Power Corp. of the Consjunji Group, the largest coal miner, rose 2 percent to P41.

PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications firm, climbed 1.9 percent to P1,649, but Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, the largest snack

food maker, fell 3.4 percent to P110.

Asian stocks mostly rose Wednesday, rebounding from an early sell-off thanks to earnings from top US tech giants that eased concerns about consumer demand.

The reports from Wall Street titans including Microsoft and Alphabet helped soothe anxiety ahead of an expected Federal Reserve interest rate hike.

The day started slowly following a steep drop on Wall Street fuelled by concerns that four-decade high inflation and rising borrowing costs were keeping Americans from spending, and pushing the economy towards a recession.

That was backed up by a profit warning by retail titan Walmart and a closely watched consumer confidence gauge sinking for the third month in a row, while the International Monetary Fund slashed its global growth forecasts.

Still, US futures rallied—helping drag much of Asia—after earnings releases from Microsoft and Texas Instruments provided upbeat forecasts, while

Google parent Alphabet recorded betterthan-expected revenues.

The reports gave a much-needed boost to investors ahead of announcements by Apple, Amazon and Intel.

Dan Morgan, at Synovus Trust, said Alphabet’s results would allow for “a sigh of relief.”

“You’re looking at an environment where the overall ad spend rates are definitely slowing down, yet Google still was able to deliver above and beyond.”

Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Mumbai, Taipei, Jakarta and Bangkok all rose.

But Hong Kong and Shanghai dropped after enjoying big gains Tuesday.

While equities are enjoying a broadly positive day, there remains a lot of caution about the outlook for markets.

There had been hope that a recent rally across markets indicated the longrunning sell-off may have come to an end, and that signs of an economic slowdown could allow the Fed to ease off its tightening by next year and start cutting rates in 2023. With AFP

VOLUME

VALUE (PHP)

1

URC

2,882,130

316,570,169

2

BPI

3,496,380

303,231,413

3

SCC

6,438,700

266,105,745

4

BDO

2,180,400

253,160,782

5

SMPH

6,331,500

229,010,200

6

ICT

978,800

182,668,146

7

GLO

81,775

170,971,800

8

TEL

99,740

161,496,530

9 10

SM DMC

164,410 12,727,100

127,970,550 122,180,675

WASHINGTON, United States— The US central bank opened its twoday policy meeting on Tuesday, preparing for another salvo in the war on rising inflation.

The Federal Reserve is expected to announce another big interest rate increase on Wednesday, the fourth this year, in the effort to tamp down price pressures that have been squeezing American families.

The challenge for policymakers is to quell inflation before it becomes dangerously entrenched, but without sending the world’s largest economy into a recession that would reverberate around the globe.

But Fed Chair Jerome Powell and others have made it clear they are willing to risk a downturn in order to stamp out inflation, after annual consumer prices soared 9.1 percent in June, and central bankers will keep raising rates until they see clear evidence the rate is moving back towards the two percent goal.

The policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee is expected to hike the benchmark borrowing rate on Wednesday by another threequarters of a percentage point in the next step in its aggressive campaign to cool demand and ease the price pressures squeezing American households and businesses.

“The FOMC meeting began at 10:30 am ET as scheduled,” a Fed spokesperson said in a statement.

While prices have continued to rise, with home prices hitting a new record, there are signs the pace of the increases have begun to slow, which may allow the central bank to ease up on its rate increases.

From zero at the start of the year, the Fed has raised the policy lending rate to a range of 1.5 to 1.75 percent, which has pushed mortgage rates higher and slowed housing sales for five straight months. AFP

EMPTY STATION.

A commuter sits on the ground at King’s Cross railway station in London on July 27, 2022 as fresh railway strikes hit the country.

Around 40,000 British railway workers staged a walkout, a month after the largest strike in 30 years as the UK battles its worst cost-ofliving crisis in decades. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

US Fed opens policy meeting as it seeks to tame inflation

Manila

Standard

‘True balance’: Japan’s quiet telework revolution

By Etienne Balmer and Nils Marie FUJISAWA, JAPAN—Posted far from home for his job at Japanese conglomerate Hitachi, father of two Tsutomu Kojima was “really lonely” until he began working remotely during the pandemic for the first time.

COVID-19 has upended office routines worldwide, but in Japan—where punishing hours and reliance on paper files, ink stamps and fax machines has long been the norm—some say the shake-up was sorely needed.

Pre-pandemic, just nine percent of the Japanese workforce had ever teleworked, compared with 32 percent in the United States and 22 percent in Germany, according to Tokyo-based consultancy firm Nomura Research Institute.

But a quiet revolution in the country’s rigid business culture is underway, with firms working to digitize operations and offer more flexibility to staff who were once expected to stay late, go drinking with the boss and accept far-flung transfers.

Kojima used to live alone in accommodation provided by Hitachi near Tokyo, an hour and a half by bullet train from his family in Nagoya.

Back then he would return only twice a month, but now the 44-year-old works exclusively from home, and says he is more productive and closer to his teenage daughters.

“I have more time to help them with their studies.

My youngest told me she hopes things stay like this,” he told AFP. “I used to feel really lonely” in Tokyo, Kojima said, but he has since realized that “true balance means not giving up on family.”

Old habits Nearly a third of jobs in Japan were done remotely during the first COVID wave in spring 2020, the Japan Productivity Center says, even though the government never imposed strict stay-at-home orders.

The rate has since fallen to 20 percent, but that is still far higher than before the pandemic, according to quarterly surveys by the non-profit organization.

To encourage telework, the government and some

companies made efforts to phase out personalized ink stamps used to certify documents, as well as the ubiquitous fax machine.

Often in Japan, “business has to be done in person, on paper,” habits dating back to the 1970s and 80s, when the Japanese economy was booming, said Hiroshi Ono, a professor at Hitotsubashi University specialising in human resources.

“One of the things COVID has done is bring those barriers down: work doesn’t have to be done at the office, men can work at home,” he told AFP. Companies are realizing that new ways of working can be more efficient, he added.

“Before COVID, it was so important for employees to show that they’re working hard, instead of actually producing results.”

‘New balance’ Reflecting trends elsewhere, people are also fleeing the big city.

A record number of company headquarters moved out of Tokyo last year, according to Teikoku Databank, while the capital’s population decreased for the first time in 26 years.

Among those who have upped sticks are Kazuki and Shizuka Kimura, who left their cramped Tokyo apartment for a custom-built house near the sea.

The couple now mostly do their jobs in communication and marketing remotely from Fujisawa, southwest of the capital, having struggled to both work from home in Tokyo.

“It was really COVID that made us take this decision,” said Kazuki Kimura, who used to seek out other places to do meetings—at his parents’ home or in cafes, remote-work boxes set up in train stations, and even karaoke booths.

“Sometimes you could hear singing from the booth next door,” which made it difficult to concentrate, recalls the 33-year-old, who is now learning to surf.

Shizuka Kimura, 29, thinks “more and more people are now prioritizing their wellbeing, rather than their job,” but questions how quickly things will change on a wider scale. AFP In this picture taken on June 30, 2022 Kazuki Kimura (right) and his wife Shizuka Kimura play piano and violin in their house in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture.

AFP

TODAY BALANCE SHEET As of JUNE 30, 2022 ASSETS

Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit of Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivable - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables- Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries,Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

CURRENT QUARTER 22,432,447.84 153,302,590.13 600,743,005.85 0.00 0.00 10,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 2,809,106,382.24 2,844,877,287.24 0.00 35,770,905.00 93,813,414.09 0.00 27,523,764.19 21,250,057.85 265,755,780.24 46,511 ,292.47

AMOUNT PREVIOUS QUARTER 2,172,993.61 207,059,525.23 427,433,842.56 0.00 0.00 10,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 2,500,723,504.80 2,534,494,409.80 33,770,905.00 96,669,903.30 0.00 26,682,983.16 2,491,704.59 285,212,124.99 24,180,243.35

0.00

0.00

4,050,438,734.90

3,582,626,825.59

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitutes d) Others Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Soubordinated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Share s Special Time Deposit Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies/(Philippine branch of a foreign bank)

0.00 2,425,638,403.69 0.00 720,000,000.00

0.00 2,478,974,105.45 0.00 196,000,000.00

720,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 29,639,267.43 60,648,392.89

196,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 32,489,137.50 60,969,563.09

TOTAL LIABILITIES

3,235,926,064.01

2,768,432,806.04

710,181,766.80 6,461,747.86 97,869,156.23 0.00

709,328,996.98 4,172,785.66 100,692,236.91 0.00

TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FR. ANTONIO CECILIO T. PASCUAL Chairman ATTY. MICKEL M. BORIGAS Vice-Chairman PATRIA T. CHIONG ROMEO A. DE JESUS DORIS R. DORIGO SALVADOR S. COLLANTES, JR. EDITA S. LAURON. GARIBALDI O. LEONARDO ROBERTO C. MASCARINA WILFREDO F. MERCADO DIVINA C. QUEMI NICOLAS H. VERONILLA SATURNINO J. GALANG JR. PONCIANO D. PAYUYO BOARD SECRETARY ATTY. SIMEON T. ASIA, JR. EXECUTIVE OFFICER MA. THERESA T. NACAR OIC & CASD Head

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

814,512,670.89

814,194,019.55

4,050,438,734.90

3,582,626,825.59

-

-

Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securiites Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advisory/Consultancy Derivatives Others

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,970,434.17

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,970,497.17

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

8,970,434.17

8,970,497.17

Gross Total Loan Portfolio (TLP) 2,934,351 ,544.69 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 89,474,257.45 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 511,355,529.48 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 17.43% c. Net NPLs 421,881,272.03 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 14.38% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 24.49% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losseson the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 17.50% Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross allowance for credit losses 45.00 DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance for credit losses 299,064,628.03 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 10.19% Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables 0.00 Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables TLP (%) 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Small Enterprises 12.63% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises 33.73% Return on Equity (ROE) (%) 1.00% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR 18.37 b. Tier I CAR 17.42 c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) 0.00 Deferred Charges not yet Written Down 0.00 Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instrument Received 0.00

2,675,389,385.76 140,894,975.96

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

549,059,312.90 20.52% 408,164,336.94 15.26% 31.81% 25.66% 45.00 221,323,459.79 8.27% 0.00 0.00% 11 .93% 27.56% 2.00% 22.62 21 .67 0.00 0.00 0.00

Republic of the Philippines ) Makati City ) s.s.

I/We, RODA L. CRUZ and MA. THERESA T. NACAR of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

RODA L. CRUZ Finance Head

MA. THERESA T. NACAR OIC and CASD Head

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 21 day of July 2022 at Makati City, affiant affiant exhibiting his/her/their Passport No. P8336853B , issued at DFA NCR WEST on November 30, 2021 and Passport No. P6985950A, issued at DFA NCR South on April 29, 2018. st

Doc. No. 56 Page No. 13 Book No. 325 Series of 2022

NOTARY PUBLIC

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

B4

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, July 27, 2022

13.76 PTS. 6,236.76

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

325,860,770 53,044 3,831,401,629.65

ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

75 100 41

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

55.6470

Japan

Yen

0.007304

0.4064

UK

Pound

1.203400

66.9656

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127402

7.0895

Switzerland

Franc

1.038745

57.8030

Canada

Dollar

0.776217

43.1941

Singapore

Dollar

0.719683

40.0482

Australia

Dollar

0.693700

38.6023

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

147.6126

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266156

14.8108

Brunei

Dollar

0.717103

39.9046

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.027233

1.5154

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

15.1515

Euro

Euro

1.012100

56.3203

Korea

Won

0.000763

0.0425

China

Yuan

0.147822

8.2259

India

Rupee

0.012525

0.6970

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.224517

12.4937

New Zealand

Dollar

0.623100

34.6736

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033433

1.8604 Source: BSP

Aboitiz Power’s profit dropped 2% to P10b in 1st half

Business Senior citizens, PWDs get 5% rebates on online buys T

By Othel V. Campos

HE Department of Trade and Industry said Wednesday senior citizens and persons with disabilities are entitled to 5-percent rebates on basic necessities and prime commodities purchased online.

It released Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2022 that contains the guidelines on the provision of the mandatory statutory benefits and privileges of the senior citizens and PWDs on their purchases through online (ecommerce) and phone call/SMS. The circular allows a 5-percent rebate, distinct from the 20-percent discount for purchases and transactions from brickand-mortar establishments.

“These benefits and privileges under

the said circular, including the 5-percent discount on BNPC purchases, are meant to be utilized especially the senior citizens and persons with disabilities all year-round, and not only amidst the pandemic,” said DTI undersecretary for consumer protection Ruth Castelo.

It allows for 5-percent discount on purchases not exceeding P1,300 a week for both online and offline transactions, without carryover of the unused amount.

The amount should be spent for the personal and exclusive consumption of the senior citizen and the PWD, and should be spent on at least four kinds of BNPCs. Officials of the DTI said to receive the discount, one should declare to the merchant before placing orders the consumer’s status as a senior citizen or a PWD and submit supporting documents such as a scanned copy or screenshot of ID and the front and last pages of the purchase booklet.

The same proof of discount entitlement should be presented upon the de-

livery of goods and orders, if the purchase was made online or through a phone text or call.

The DTI said the list of basic necessities qualified for 5-percent discount included all varieties of rice, corn, all kinds of bread, fresh/dried/canned fish and other marine products, fresh meat, fresh eggs excluding quail eggs, bottled water, processed/fresh milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, cooking oil, sugar, salt, detergent, candle, charcoal, firewood, LPG and kerosene.

The prime commodities included in the list are flour, dried/processed meat, dairy products, condiment, onion, garlic, bath soaps, fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, feeds, veterinary products, paper products, nipa, sawali, construction materials, batteries, electrical supplies and steel wire.

The DTI said that from time to time, it issues the suggested retail price list for BNPCs, as it continues to monitor the price and supply of goods and commodities.

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Power Corp. posted net income of P10 billion in the first six months of 2022, down 2 percent from P10.1 billion year-on year.

The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday it booked non-recurring gains of P792 million in the six-month period, primarily due to gains on the hedge of Therma Luzon Inc. and the appreciation of US dollar.

Aboitiz Power recorded P5 million in non-recurring gains in the first half of 2021. It said without these one-off gains, the company’s core net income in the first half reached P9.2 billion, or 9 percent lower than P10.1 billion in 2021.

Aboitiz Power said if the company excluded the impact of damage, business interruption claims and Typhoon Odette, it would have resulted in a 15-percent gain in core net income and a 23-percent gain in consolidated net income in the first half compared to the same period in 2021.

“We have seen an increase in peak demand in the Luzon and Visayas grids during the first half of 2022, exceeding levels from the past three years, including 2019, which was a pre-pandemic year. Aboitiz Power continues to ensure that our generation plants run optimally and that our incoming capacities are ready to support our customers’ energy needs,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio.

“We are optimistic that we will be able to maintain our high plant availability performance throughout the rest of the year, given the increasing economic activity across the country,” he said.

Aboitiz Power recorded a consolidated net income of P7.1 billion in the second quarter, or 79 percent higher than P4 billion recorded in the same period in 2021.

Core net income in the second quarter hit P6.2 billion, or 59 percent higher year-on-year primarily due to fresh contributions from GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co.’s Units 1 and 2, higher availability of the GN Power Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. facility, timing windfall on account of higher indices and higher water inflows.

ICTSI taking majority stake in Indonesia port terminal

By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Wednesday it will acquire a majority stake in a multi-purpose terminal in Indonesia for $46.5 million.

The port terminal operator led by businessman Enrique Razon said it signed a conditional share subscription and purchase agreement with Indo Port Holding Pte Ltd. and Eastlog Holding Pte Ltd. to to take a majority ownership in PT East Java Development.

PT East Java Development is an Indonesian company that has 47 remaining years of concession rights to operate a multi-purpose terminal in Lamongan Regency, East Java.

“The purchase will increase ICTSI’s footprint within the growing APAC [Asia Pacific] region and provide further service offerings to its global and local customers,” ICTSI said.

“This transaction is expected to generate synergies and value-accretive returns for ICTSI’s shareholders,” it added.

ICTSI said the purchase price of $46.5 million would be paid in cash in multiple tranches over the next year.

The company earlier set aside about $330 million in capital expenditures this year to pay the concession extension upfront fees for Madagascar International Container Terminal, expansion of Manila International Container Terminal, Matadi Gateway Terminal, Victoria International Container Terminal and Contecon Manzanillo.

ICTSI reported a net income of $428.57 million in 2021, 321 percent higher than $101.76 million it earned in 2020.

IN BRIEF CREIT registers P601-m income

Solaire Resort & Casino, a luxury integrated resort, tops off its second property in Vertis North, Quezon City. Solaire Resort North is Quezon City’s first 5-star destination built to promote the city’s tourism sector and local economy. Attending the topping-off ceremony are (from left) Solaire Resort North senior vice president for resort operations Gianpietro Iseppi, Bloomberry Resorts Corp. vice chairman for construction and regulatory affairs Donato Almeda, Lizzy Razon, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Bloomberry vice chairman Jose Eduardo Alarilla,, Prime BMD executive vice president of engineering Mick Slocombe and D.M. Consunji Inc. president and chief executive Jorge Consunji.

Bloomberry tops off Quezon City’s five-star integrated hotel and casino

By Jenniffer B. Austria BLOOMBERRY Resorts Corp. said Wednesday it topped off its second luxury integrated resort and hotel in Vertis North, Quezon City.

Bloomberry said in a statement Solaire Resort North “aims to capture and cater to the northern and eastern markets of Metro Manila and the National Capital Region”.

Solaire Resort North is Quezon City’s first 5-star destination built to promote the city’s tourism sector and local economy.

The property offers hotel, gaming, restaurants and bars, meeting facilities and retail spaces like its pioneer development, Solaire Resort & Casino in Entertainment City, in Paranaque City Bloomberry earlier said it aimed to open the 40-story Solaire Resort North

in 2023.

The company originally intended to complete the project in 2022, but its construction was delayed because of the lockdowns implemented in the past two years amid the pandemic.

The company’s flagship property, Solaire Resort & Casino, is a $1.2-billion integrated destination resort on an 8.3-hectare in Entertainment City.

Bloomberry said despite the impact of the pandemic on its business, it expanded its gaming operations. It reported plans to acquire a 2.797-million-square-meter property in Ternate, Cavite for P7.5 billion to be developed into a new integrated resort and casino complex with golf course, commercial and residential developments.

Bloomberry also reported plans to invest in two hotel and casino projects of businessman Dennis Uy.

MB MEMBER. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla (left) administers the oath of office to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s designated Cabinet member representative to the Monetary Board. Diokno, who was previously the MB chairman and governor of the BSP, is the sixth member of the central bank’s policy-making body chaired by Medalla.

Tan’s Asia Brewery taps Shell to supply renewable energy ASIA Brewery Inc. of tycoon Lucio Tan and Shell Energy Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., signed a renewable energy supply deal as part of the former’s sustainability efforts.

Under the agreement, Shell Energy will supply the diversified beverage company with 15 megawatts of RE for its manufacturing facilities in Luzon.

ABI president and chief operating officer Michael Tan and Shell Energy president and chief operating officer Bernd Krukenberg signed the agreement.

The agreement strengthens ABI’s sustainability thrust as it steps up efforts toward reducing its carbon footprint through the use of more sustainable materials, including RE. ABI said it took steps toward a more sustainable way of doing business consistent with LT Group’s environmental, social and governance initiatives.

ABI opted for cullet, recycled, broken or waste glass in producing glass bottles instead of using newly-made glasses.

The company used 72,000 metric tons of cullet, accounting for 61 percent of the raw materials used in 2018.

Another material used in manufacturing bottles is lahar, which comes from the 1990 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

The company said about 56 percent of feldspar used in glass manufacturing was replaced by lahar, equivalent to 3,500 MT in 2018.

ABI said it also ensures that nothing is wasted and thrown, even powdered glass wastes, which are utilized in pavements and walkways within the Cabuyao, Laguna plant premises.

ABI regularly conducts tree-planting activities, which started in 2016, as part of its sustainability initiatives.

Its mission is to plant one million trees annually, with a cumulative target of 8.4 million trees planted by 2020 in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. Alena Mae S. Flores

CITICORE Energy REIT Corp. said Wednesday net income reached P601 million in the first six months, more than five times the P89 million it posted in the same period last year.

The company’s gross revenues in the first half rose to P664 million, up by 408 percent from the same period last year. Revenues consisted mainly of guaranteed base lease from various solar plant companies. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and appreciation grew 429 percent to P643 million in the first half.

“As the country’s first publicly-listed renewable energy REIT, we are now seeing the recurring rental revenue stream from our green asset portfolio. As detailed in the REIT Plan, we are committed to pay a steady dividend stream, with strong upside potential from new asset infusion from the Sponsor moving forward,” said CREIT president and chief executive Oliver Tan. “New fresh assets to be infused are expected to increase CREIT’s revenue base and earnings, which will eventually translate into higher dividends for our investors over the long-term,” Tan said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

SpaceX to roll out PH services this year

SPACE Exploration Technologies Corp. of US billionaire Elon Musk said Wednesday it expects to commercially roll out satellite broadband services in the Philippines by the end of the year.

“Hopefully, [we’ll] be providing the service by end of the year,” SpaceX and Starlink representative Rebecca Hubert said in a press briefing.

Hubert said router kit, a one-time equipment purchase, costs $599 (P33,000) while the monthly subscription fee would be $99 (P5,500) with no data caps. “It is a complementary to the current providers ... The goal is really to fill the digital gap so that the opportunities that people have can be extended throughout the country,” she said.

Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., the Philippine unit of SpaceX, earlier secured the approval of the National Telecommunications Commission as a value-added service provider. Darwin G Amojelar

Padilla, Romualdez to join NREA event

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez are the guests of honor and speakers at the inperson mid-year membership assembly and dinner of the National Real Estate Association on July 29, 2022 starting at 6 p.m. at the Ayala Hall of Makati Sports Club in Salcedo Village, Makati City.

Architect Ronie Biando, NREA national president, said the event would also honor elected and re-elected NREA members, including honorary members in recognition of their dedicated and unwavering service to the country and outstanding accomplishments as statesman.

Among the honorees are Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito; OFW Party List Rep. and NREA chair emerita Marissa Del Mar and Education Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III. Except for Del Mar, the other honorees are NREA honorary members.

Imelda Magtoto, board vice chairperson, said NREA members will get updates, bond with and refresh their contacts with their client-network in person, after over three years of hiatus. The event is supported by Davies Paint Philippines Inc., Central Country Estates Inc./The Lakeshore, Rafeli Realty & Development Corp. and Megaworld Corp. as event sponsors.

Sports

TNT routs Converge, advances to semis AN inspired Mikey Williams proved too much of an offensive force to handle as he led the TNT Tropang Giga to a 116-95 demolition of Converge and into the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year awardee, who recently signed a three-year contract with the Tropang Giga, struck with 22 of his 26 points in the second period to go with four assists as TNT advanced to the semifinal round, where it will battle either Magnolia or NLEX in a best-ofseven series.

The Magnolia Timplados Hotshots lead the Road Warriors in their own quarterfinal showdown, 1-0.

With Williams fuelling the Tropang Giga’s offense, TNT scored 70 points in the first half alone to set the tone of the rout. This included a 40-point explosion in the second quarter en route to a 70-42 lead at the half against the no. 7 FiberXers.

Williams was mesmerizing in that stretch, where he banged in 22 to match the FiberXers’ total output for the period.

The Tropang even led by as much as 33 points in the wire-towire win.

Troy Rosario, returning from an injury, scored 18 points and hauled seven rebounds for TNT. Williams and Rosario were backed by RR Pogoy, who had 16 points.

Tyrus Hill scored 18 points for Converge, which suffered a quarterfinal exit in its first playoff appearance as a franchise.

Cambodia to finalize SEAG events in August

By Peter Atencio WITH the countdown for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games now under way, the events that will be held in the biennial meet are set to be finalized next month.

The composition of the games’ calendar will be completed in Phnom Penh on Aug. 15, with officials from member countries attending a meeting of the SEA Games Federation Council.

“They will finalize all the events. We will know what they are, what kilograms, what weight categories,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham Tolentino.

The Cambodian SEA Games Organizing Committee has already come up with an initial list, which was discussed when it hosted the Executive Committee Meeting of the Council and the three-day ASEAN Para Sport Federation Council last July 13.

In the list are 40 sports events, 12 of which have multiple disciplines, Included in the roster of multiple events are aquatics, baseball and softball, basketball, cycling, equestrian, football, gymnastics, handball, hockey, volleyball, winter sports and wrestling.

At the same time, Tolentino said he will present a guarantee from the Philippine government that the Philippines will be able again host the Southeast Asian Games in 2033.

“I need to submit a letter of guarantee of support from the government. This could come from Malacanang or from the Philippine Sports Commission,” said Tolentino.

Organizers are now preparing the Morodok Techo National Stadium, which will serve as a milestone for Cambodia as an organizer of major sports events in the region.

Authorities want Cambodia to become a major destination for sports competitions in the region and beyond.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

C1

TNT’s Mike Williams encounters a stiff double-team from Converge’s Mav Ahanmisi and Taylor Brown in a PBA Philippine Cup game won by the Tropang Giga, 116-95, to clinch a semifinal seat.

PH teens Colonia, Sarno named Asia’s Best Female junior lifters

By Randy Caluag

F

ILIPINA teens Angeline Colonia and Vanessa Sarno have been named Best Female lifters in the recent Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Sunday night in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

It was not difficult for the organizing Asian Weightlifting Federation to select the two emerging star lifters from the Philippines ahead of several other winners in different weight categories.

Colonia’s three-gold and silver medal haul in the 40-kg Women’s Youth category was simply unmatched in the tournament and Sarno made it look so easy after lifting her way to a three-gold performance in the Junior Women’s 71-kg

category.

The 15-year-old Colonia, a Zamboangena lass with Olympic pedigree, and Sarno, a product of Bohol’s aggressive grassroots program, combined for a six-gold tally that carried Team Philippines to a total haul of 15 gold medals, on top of two silver and 3 bronze medals.

Colonia’s amazing show of force in her first international stint had her breaking the old Asian and World record of 61 kgs set in November 2018. Colonia started only train-

Vanessa Sarno

ing seriously last March under her uncle, 1988 Seoul Olympian Gregorio Colonia.

She is the youngest sister of 2016 Rio Olympics veteran Nestor Colonia.

Going into the prestigious tournament for Asian lifters aged 19 below, Sarno was

expected to run over the opposition as she is already competing in the women’s elite with so much success. She dominated the snatch and the clean and jerk, all in just one try and with plenty to spare for a conservative total that gave her a third gold.

In the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi last May, Sarno listed three new records in snatch (104 kgs), clean and jerk (135 kgs), and total (239 kgs) to win the gold medal.

The 5’4” Sarno was crowned champion at the 2021 Asian Championships, also held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She pocketed a silver medal in snatch (101 kgs), but took the gold medal in clean and jerk (128 kgs) and total (229 kgs).

Sarno is looking to participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France to follow the path of her idol Hidilyn Diaz, the 2022 Tokyo Olympic weightlifting gold medalist.

Ex-NBA players reinforce Dragons in PBA, EASL THE Bay Area Dragons are dead-serious both in their coming campaigns in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and the East Asia Super League inaugural Season 1.

The club announced on Wednesday the signing of former NBA players Andrew Nicholson and Myles Powell as the Dragons’ imports in their bid to win the championships in the two separate meets.

The 6’10” Nicholson from Canada, spent five seasons in the NBA where he was a first round pick of the Orlando Magic in the 2012 draft. He also suited up for the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets, and most recently, played for the Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League.

He also represented Canada in the 2015 FIBA AmeriCup and 2015 Pan American Games.

Nicholson is expected to reinforce the Dragons in the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup, where the PBA height limit for imports is 6’10” and below.

Powell meanwhile, stands as the second import for the team that will represent Greater China in the EASL. The 25-year-old Powell signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021-22 NBA season and appeared for 14 games with the team.

He last played for the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League.

The 6’2” Powell was also a member of Team USA that

took home the bronze in the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru.

Dragons’ management was ecstatic about having Nicholson and Powell coming on board with the team as imports.

“Andrew Nicholson is someone that we’ve been keeping an eye for a while. His size is undeniably an advantage on the court, but it’s his skillset and his approach to the game that really attracted our attention,” said Dragons general manager Liu Quansheng.

“He was a strong inside presence and can knock down shots from beyond the arc as many Chinese fans have seen when he played three season the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). We can’t eait to start working with Andrew.”

Brian Goorjian, the multi-titled coach of Bay Area Dragons, is likewise high on acquiring the service of Powell.

“We have signed a standout young scoring guard who has had a sensational college career and worked his way up from the G League to the NBA. I’m very NBA players Andrew Nicholson and Myles Powell excited he has chosen to play for the Bay Area Dragons Nicholson and Powell are expected to boost an already which Myles sees as a pathway back to the NBA,” said the 68-year-old Goorjian, who steered the Australian formidable Bay Area roster led by Duncan Reid, considnational team to the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olym- ered as the best player in Hong Kong SAR, and Chinese national team big man Liu Chuanxing. pics last year.

High Speed Hitters, Cool Smashers eye semis

Choco Mucho hopes to draw the needed firepower from the returning Kat Tolentino and three others as they try to stay alive against PLDT Home Fibr

PLDT Home Fibr and Creamline take the first of two cracks at the semifinals against rivals whose respective campaigns had taken separate courses with two playdates left in the elimination round of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference.

While the High Speed Hitters brace for a stiff challenge from the back-tothe-wall Choco Mucho Flying Titans thrilled over the expected return of their stalwarts in their 2:30 p.m. clash at the Filoil Ecooil Centre today, the Cool Smashers set out for their 5:30 p.m. match confident but wary against the also-ran Chery Tiggo side seeking to end their unsuccessful campaign with a flourish.

Tied at second with 3-1 slates, PLDT and Creamline need to hurdle at least one of their last two assignments to join early semifinalist Cignal HD in the next round with idle Army gaining solo fourth at 3-2 following a sweep of Chery Tiggo last

Tuesday.

Despite its 1-3 card, the fifth-running Choco Mucho remains hopeful of barging into the next round via backdoor. But the Flying Titans must not only sweep its last two games, including against Petro Gazz, but also hope that Army would drop its final game to Creamline, both on Saturday.

One thing that could go for Choco Mucho is that top hitter Kat Tolentino and fellow starters Des Cheng and Cherry Nunag and back-up libero Thang Ponce are likely to suit up after failing to suit up in their last two games due to various reasons.

They were actually cleared to play as early as last Saturday against sister team Creamline but coach Oliver Almadro had opted to sit them out for conditioning.

Middle hitter/blocker Aduke Ogunsanya, however, is out with an ankle injury.

Turn to C2

C2

Sports

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Lawyers hope for lenient sentence for WNBA star

Escueta named Red Lions’ head coach

US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner looks from inside a defendants’ cage before a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. AFP

By Peter Atencio FORMER junior standout Yuri Escueta is the new head coach San Beda University Red Lions.

Team officials said that Escueta, who used to play for the San Beda Red Cubs, was chosen late Tuesday evening.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity and trust given to me by Boss MVP (Manny Pangilinan) and San Beda. Also happy and excited to be back with my alma mater,” said Escueta in a statement to the Manila Standard.

Escueta has officially started holding practices behind closed doors with the team as early as the first week of July as team management evaluated his status.

Team manager Jude Roque initially confirmed Escueta’s new role with the squad.

“It’s now official. Yuri Escueta is the new head coach of the San Beda Red Lions. A former San Beda juniors’ standout and a proud Coach Ato Badolato protégé, Yuri returns to his high school alma mater with a rich basketball coaching knowledge gained from several outstanding tacticians from his college days to his various coaching stints as assistant coach for Ateneo, Gilas, and TNT,” said Roque in a statement to the Manila Standard.

The choice of Escueta came following a meeting between Roque and team booster Manny V. Pangilinan.

Escueta got his coaching career started after first serving as an assistant coach in Ateneo and with TNT Tropang Giga under head mentor Chot Reyes.

Roque said Escueta will have former Red Lions Jenkins Mesina, Alex Angeles and Francis Cruz in the coaching staff, along with former Ateneo player Andre Santos.

Coach Boyet Fernandez, according to Roque, will still help out as consultant.

Escueta has coached Ateneo’s Team B, known as Team Glory Be in the past.

Olivia “Bong” Coo

K

HIMKI, Russia—Lawyers for US basketball star Brittney Griner, who is standing trial in Russia on drug charges, said on Tuesday they hoped she would receive a “lenient” sentence.

Griner, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medallist and Women’s NBA champion who had played in Russia, was detained in February, just days before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine She was charged with drug smuggling for possessing vape cartridges with cannabis oil.

She pleaded guilty and faces up to 10 years in a Russian prison.

The athlete, who is six-foot-nine (2.06 metres) tall, made a court appearance in the Moscow suburb of Khimki on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters, one of her lawyers, Alexander Boykov, said the 31-year-old basketball player would “probably” be cross-examined on Wednesday.

Her defence team expressed hope she would receive a lenient sentence, taking into account “a lot of extenuating

circumstances”.

“We expect a rather lenient sentence,” Boykov said.

He stressed that even in the United States — where Griner had permission from a US doctor to use cannabis for medicinal reasons — the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star only used it “occasionally”, in order to relieve pain.

A medical expert working with the defence team, Mikhail Tetyushkin, told the court that medical marijuana — outlawed in Russia — was widely used in the world for medical purposes.

US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Elizabeth Rood, who attended the hearing, said her team had spoken to Griner, who confirmed she was “doing okay and as well as can be expected”.

Griner was detained when she came to Russia in February to play club basketball with UMMC Ekaterinburg during the US off-season — a common path for American stars seeking additional income.

Her high-profile case has become a new sticking point in relations between the United States and Russia, with Washington putting its special envoy in charge of hostages on the case.

US President Joe Biden has spoken to the star’s family, saying he will make it a “priority” to bring her home. AFP

4 Antetokounmpo brothers selected to Greece squad ATHENS—NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and three of his brothers on Tuesday were named by Greece coach Dimitris Itoudis in his squad for this year’s Eurobasket and World Cup qualifiers.

Giannis, 27, and Thanasis play for the Milwaukee Bucks, Alex has just signed for the Bucks’ affiliate NBA G League side Wisconsin Herd and Kostas last played for French club Asvel but is now a free agent.

Giannis has played in 49 games for Greece, scoring 573 points.

Also included by Itoudis was American-born Tyler Dorsey who has just signed for the Dallas Mavericks.

Greece will play Serbia on August 25 and Belgium three days later in 2023 World Cup qualifiers.

The Eurobasket, being hosted by

Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Georgia, gets underway on September 1.

Greece have been drawn in Group C alongside Estonia, Ukraine, Britain, Italy and Croatia.

Meanwhile, Monty Williams, last season’s NBA Coach of the Year, has agreed a long-term contract extension to continue guiding the Phoenix Suns, ESPN reported Saturday.

The 50-year-old American, who played in the NBA from 1994 to 2003 as a forward, had two years remaining on his original five-year deal with the Suns.

No terms were detailed in the report, which cited unnamed sources.

Williams, an assistant coach on last year’s US Olympic gold medal squad, coached at New Orleans from

Giannis Antetokounmpo

2010-2015 and served as an executive with the San Antonio Spurs and an assistant coach at Philadelphia before taking charge of the Suns in May 2019.

After the Suns missed the playoffs for a 10th consecutive campaign in his first season, Williams guided Phoenix to a 51-21 record and a trip to the 2021 NBA Finals, where the Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Last season, the Suns went a leaguebest 64-18, setting a club record for season wins and delivering a teamrecord 18-game win streak. But they were upset by Dallas in the second round of the playoffs.

Williams has a career record of 322299 as an NBA head coach. In three seasons with the Suns, his record is 149-78.

points and 7 rebounds and Mariano 12 points and 3 rebounds.

Jayvee Marcelino, working overtime sans his twin brother Jaycee, notched 19 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals for

Zamboanga, which also missed the services of Mon Mabayo, Jeff Comia and big men Jhyamo Eguilos and Alfie Grijaldo.

In addition, Med Salim did not play while veteran Chito Jaime was only

Patrick Cabahug continues to pile up points for Valenzuela

By Kyle Llamas BOWLING legend Olivia “Bong” Coo believes that being a former athlete and a national sports association official will serve her in good stead as she performs her duties as a newly appointed commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Coo, who graced the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, was a decorated bowler with 78 medals won as a national athlete in a career spanning decades. She was also the president of the Philippine Bowling Federation prior to her appointment in the PSC. “My position as an athlete and NSA official will help me to see both sides and I’m sure it will help me in the PSC,” said Coo. The 74-year-old Coo discussed her plans and programs for the athletes even though she has yet to take her oath of office.

“I have to learn a lot of policies.

I really hope na magampanan ko ang aking tungkulin ngayon as a [sports] commissioner,” Coo said.

Coo is aware that being a sports commissioner is an enormous job, but she vowed to be up to the task.

“Madaming trabaho, but this is exciting, maligaya ako na I could be off service to them (athletes),” she added.

Coo was also the chairwoman of the Women in Sports Commission of the Philippine Olympic Committee and named one of the Greatest International Bowlers of All-Time by the Bowlers Journal International.

High Speed...

From C1

Manila whips depleted Zambo; Nueva Ecija, Valenzuela win STREAKING Manila pounced on depleted Zamboanga and hacked out an 87-79 victory on Tuesday in the OKbet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 4th Season presented by Xtreme at the Paco Arena.

Banking on the solid plays of Ronnie Matias, Nat Consejo, Dan Sara, Marvin Lee and Joaquin Mariano, the Manila David Roxas Construction Stars pulled away at 81-65 en route to their fourth straight win and an even 5-5 slate in the single roundrobin elimination phase of the 22team tournament.

Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines threatened for the last time at 77-83 on back-to-back triples by Reden Celda and Ralph Tansingco, but Consenjo completed a 3-point play to seal the outcome that handed Zamboanga its first loss in nine starts.

Consejo posted 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists to earn best player honors even as Matias flashed vintage form with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists.

Lee wound up with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, Sara tallied 15

As former athlete, NSA exec, Coo up to PSC task

fielded for less than six minutes by Zamboanga Coach Vic Ycasiano.

Celda finished with 12 points and Tansingco 11.

Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc. trounced GenSan, 80-69, to climb to 5-6.

High-flyer Jaymar Gimpayan led Valenzuela with 19 points and 7 boards, followed by Ronjay Buenafe with 13 points and Patrick Cabahug with 11.

GenSan, which skidded to 4-5, got 14 points from homegrown Chris Masaglang and 10 each from Nicko Panganiban and Niko Elorde.

Michael Juico and Jay Collado joined the elite 1,000-point club as Nueva Ecija bested Bacoor, 97-76, and stretched its winning streak to 11 in the opener.

Jucio wound up with 19 points and earned best player honors while Collado contributed 7 points to complement the 16-point effort of John Bryon Villarias and the 10-point output of Jonathan Uyloan.

Bacoor, which fell to 2-5, got 19 points from RJ Ramirez, 18 from Mark Joseph Pangilinan and 10 from Mark Mantuano.

That makes the PLDT-Choco Mucho clash a match to watch with Jules Samonte, Fiola Ceballos, Chin Chin Basas and the towering pair of Dell Palomata and Mika Reyes expected to crank up their respective games to foil the Flying Titans and tow the Cool Smashers and the Lady Troopers into the next round.

Two guest teams from Taiwan (KingWhale) and Japan (Kobe Shinwa) will join the top four squads in the next round, another single round robin phase with the top two disputing the crown in a winner-take-all match.

Meanwhile, under the PVL points system, teams receive 3 points for a 3-0 or 3-1 victory, 2 points for a 3-2 win, and 1 point for a match lost via 2-3. No points are awarded for games lost in 0-3 or 1-3 fashions or via forfeit.

Army has so far gained 9 quotient points while Choco Mucho has 4.

Games are aired live on One Sports (free to Air Ch 41 and Cignal CH 6) and One Sports+ (Cignal Ch 91 SD, Ch 261 HD). Both channels are also available on Cignal’s OTT Platform, Cignal Play, with video on demand also available on the platform.

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

Entertainment HAVE you heard of the P800-million worth of contract allegedly offered to Sarah Geronimo by GMA-7? Well, it’s fake news.

In the past few weeks, the online Marites tribe has been talking about the contract that the pop queen allegedly rejected. And now that GMA management has broken its silence, it became clear that Sarah G did not turn down the offer since there was no offer presented to her to begin with.

In a message sent to Manila Standard Entertainment, Senior Vice President for GMA Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable finally

Did Sarah G receive an exclusive offer from GMA? Sarah G’s return to ‘Asap Natin ‘To’ delights her fans, causing them to celebrate online

Creating a safe space on set How director Alejandre makes his actors feel comfortable shooting sensitive and sexy scenes

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C3 THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

put an end to the rumors saying that the country’s leading network had reached out to the pop star to be its exclusive talent for five years.

“Ang tagal na din naming naririnig ‘yan, but no,wala kaming offer kay Sarah G,” was Rasonable’s short but clear response.

Rumors about Sarah G transferring to GMA started to spread when her digital concert, Tala: The Film Concert, was shown on the media network’s international channel.

The transfer rumors then intensified due to actress-singer’s nonappearnce in any Kapamilya shows since November 2020. Her camp was even

mum about the spreading rumors.

On July 24, Sarah G returned to Kapamilya Sunday musical variety show Asap Natin ‘To prompting her fans to celebrate online. Social media went abuzz with the show’s official hashtag trending worldwide, and securing the number one spot nationwide on Twitter Philippines.

The the 34-year-old pop queen herself delivered a music video performance of her hit song “Duyan” on ASAP’s newest segment, “Sarah G. Specials.”

Sarah G has been a mainstay of the weekend variety program since 2004.

Nickie Wang

Ogie Alcasid licenses songs to Viva Music

By Patricia Taculao

A

CTING isn’t an easy profession.

In every scene, actors exhibit appropriate emotions, move according to the story, and memorize dialogues. Just like any craft, it requires dedication to climb the rungs of the industry.

Erotic scenes require a similar level of commitment from the actors. Yet the actors’ performance isn’t enough to make a sequence effective; it also needs the support of the director.

When Vivamax approached awardwinning director McArthur C. Alejandre for the eight-part erotic drama series Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin, he prioritized his actor’s safety and comfort while shooting nude and sensitive scenes.

“Hindi ako nagpapapasok ng ibang tao on set. Kung sino lang yung kailangan, sila lang yung nandoo. May lapel naman yung mga actors. Minsan yung assistant director ko na babae yung naghahawak ng mic,” he said during the official media conference for Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin.

The critically-acclaimed director, known for his work in Rendezvous and Ang Panday, added that he doesn’t add anyone new to his team when working on erotic projects. He trusts his existing production team to know the rules and boundaries he implemented on set. After all, he values the confidence his actors give him. He even stays alone in the director’s booth to secure the actors’ safety while guiding them through the act.

Angeli Khang, who worked with Alejandre in Silip Sa Apoy, witnessed firsthand how the director treats his cast during complicated love scenes.

Despite her success in Mahjong Nights and other Vivamax films, Angeli sometimes can’t believe she can perform well in such sexy scenes.

“Wala akong pinapagawa na hindi nila gusto. Hindi ko sila pinipilit. Bago ang mga scene dine-demonstrate ko din kung paano gawin. Lahat ng movements [ay] choreographed kasi kelangan maging maingat din sa mga anggulo,” Alejandre said.

He added that he doesn’t use sex and nudity just for its surface value or because sex sells. Instead, he uses

Ogie Alcasid (left) with Vic del Rosario during the contract signing

Felix Rocco hopes to make a name for himself in the showbiz industry

'Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin' lead female stars Jamilla Obispo (left) and Angeli Khang

Director McArthur C. Alejandre values the trust his actors place on him and reciprocates it by ensuring their safety and comfort on set

The cast and director of 'Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin' (from left) Jamilla Obispo, McArthur C. Alejandre, Angeli Khang, and Felix Roco

them to convey messages of oppression, longing, and more to elicit a stronger reaction from the audience.

During the media conference, he admitted that Angeli will always have a special place in his heart because she gave him creative control of her scenes in Silip Sa Apoy so he could efficiently send his message.

“Sabi niya ‘Direk, parang hindi ko kaya.’ Pina-try ko muna sa kaniya tapos pinakita ko. Sabi ni Angeli, ‘Direk, ang ganda. Lahat ng gusto mong ipagawa sa akin, ipagawa mo na para masabi mo kung anong gusto mong masabi,’” Alejandre recalled.

Yet Alejandre isn’t the only one concerned with the safety and comfortability of the cast on set.

Leading man Felix Roco also exhibits his chivalrous side to his female costars, Angeli and Jamilla Obispo, by ensuring they cover up first after the scenes.

He shared that he covers the girls up first if they haven’t gotten their clothes yet, not paying any mind to his situation.

Felix’s venture into sexy films surprised everyone in his immediate circle. Although he doesn’t talk about it with his family, his friends seem supportive of his endeavors. Eventually, he hopes to make a name for himself in the showbiz industry instead of just being “the son of Bembol Roco.”

Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin’s first episode of eight will stream exclusively on Vivamax on July 31.

Moira lends voice to another inspiring song CONSUMER finance company Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) has introduced singer-songwriter Moira dela Torre as the brand’s ambassador for its “Para sa Life” campaign that aims to share a message of hope for a

Moira dela Torre is behind Home Credit’s ‘Para Sa Life’ theme song

better life for Filipinos.

Moira, the most-streamed Filipina artist for bigness, performed the theme song “Para Sa Life” of Home Credit campaign video.

“I loved it. It was so special to me,” Moira said, pertaining to the song. “I’m glad that Home Credit gives me the opportunity to be their ambassador so I can give voice to that wonderful song to inspire more Filipinos.”

The singer-songwriter behind the hit songs “Malaya,” “Tagpuan,” and many more believes that Home Credit’s new campaign can touch the hearts of millions of Filipinos.

“I really love that Home Credit allows us to have somebody to rely on.

Back in college, I really wanted to buy a microwave for myself since I was living alone. But I knew that it was impossible for me to get one since I couldn’t afford it in cash,” Moira said laughing.

“Now, I love that Home Credit provides us the accessibility to purchase

the things we need in life while giving us the flexibility in our payment terms.

And I’m happy that someone out there, who I once was like, can now buy their microwave because of Home Credit,” Moira added.

Sheila Paul, HCPH’s Chief Marketing Officer, expressed her delight in the song being an inspiration to individuals who aspire financial stability.

“This new song of Home Credit encapsulates the brand’s promise of companionship through the use of our easily accessible and affordable financial products for our Filipino consumers.

Also, the song relays that Home Credit is ideal for young families and starting individuals who aspire to establish their lifelong plans and helping them turn small dreams into reality,” she shared.

Check out the official music video of Moira for Home Credit’s “Para sa Life” campaign by visiting the brand’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts.

SINGER-SONGWRITER Ogie Alcasid has signed an exclusive contract with Viva Music Publishing, Inc. (VMPI), the music publishing arm of the Viva Music Group.

The official announcement by Vic del Rosario, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Viva Communications.The two parties agreed that VMPI will now manage and curate over fifty songs composed by Alcasid.

Among these are “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw,” “Hanggang Ngayon,” “Hindi Magbabago,” “Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala,” “Ikaw Lang,” “Kailangan Kita,” “Kung Mawawala Ka,” “Minamahal Kita,” “Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka,” “Sa Yo Lamang,” and “Sa Piling Mo.” “My music is who I am. It’s part of my history, my life. And, why not Viva? Viva has been a huge, huge part of my career from the very beginning. And Boss Vic has been very truthful in his dealings and I trust him with what he is going to do with my songs,” the OPM icon said explaining his decision to entrust them to VMPI. Del Rosario is very pleased that Alcasid has picked VMPI to be his publisher. “Ogie

was and will always be a Viva star. I am happy to have him back with us together with his memorable songs. It would be really nice to reintroduce those compositions through new versions, use in soundtracks and maybe even musicals.”

A number of these works that Alcasid licensed to VMPI were used as themes for motion pictures produced by Viva these past thirty years like “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” and “Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka.” Apart from that Alcasid, started his showbiz career with Viva and also starred in a number of box-office hits for the wellknown producer like Captain Barbel, Pedro Penduko II, Mahirap Maging Pogi, and Pitong Gamol, among others.

Alcasid also mentioned that a big plus in having VMPI manage his songs from hereon, is that “It would be nice for this generation to know my songs,” said Ogie in Tagalog. “Yun ang thrust namin ni Boss Vic and I’m happy about that.”

Aside from the Ogie Alcasid catalog, VMPI also holds the license to the music of Arthur Nery, Thyro Alfaro, Janine Tenoso, Willy Cruz, Louie Ocampo, Dennis and Rene Garcia of Hotdog, Rico Blanco, Jay Durias, Lolita Carbon, and Top Suzara, among others.

46 Hope St. in acoustic allure with ‘Sabi Mo’ FOR a young band fast-becoming known in the music circle as one to explore various sounds and themes, taking the route of the acoustic guitardriven sound and singing about love gone awry may be a step back from its progressive course. But a real good song rendered in such sparse instrumentation is actually a push out into the broad daylight for everyone to embrace with open arms.

The latest from 46 Hope St., “Sabi Mo,” is actually a spotlight showcase on the band’s frontman Meds Rana who wrote and performed the song by his lonesome — just his voice and punctuated acoustic guitar playing delivering a fine example of a “hugot” song in its unadulterated beauty.

Released and published by Widescope Entertainment, “Sabi Mo” is definitely the band’s most accessible piece to mainstream listeners to date, owing to its universally appealing subject matter and musical style.

“Sabay ganon/ Ayaw mo na/ Ganun na lang ba/ Parang walalang,” states the first chorus which is more than enough to emphasize relatability.

Rana himself chose not to elaborate much about his composition. When asked what it’s about, he replied, “(It’s an) acoustic guitar-driven song that talks about the permanency, or lack thereof, of relationship.”

Clocking in at just two minutes and 42 seconds, the track may be among the shortest singles you’ll hear in the digital realm these days. Short numbers were the norm in creating classics. The fact that Rana could pull it off in a way like those brilliant classic tunesmiths shows his ability to rely on melodic hooks and straightforward messaging instead of complicating matters or prolonging passages that need not be.

Thanks to strong support from the record label distributing 46 Hope St.’s music. Rana is guided well to always

produce the best music for his band, even given the lone soldier do-it-all setup. Executive producer Vic de Vera, co-producer Neil Gregorio, and A&R coordinator Ebe Dancel have always been on board to ensure their artists provide listeners with output worth the general listeners’ time.

Of course, Meds’ bandmates Ryan Gonzales and Aaron Paul Dolleton who together form the group’s steady rhythm section, gave him their blessings. Besides, while the song is a solo performance, there’s something in the way it is laid out that should make observers assess it is a band necessarily allowing a piece to shine for the benefit of the sum.

Rana recorded his vocals and guitars at Katha Music Studio, NY, with mixing engineer Dante Tanedo providing the necessary help to bring the song right to our faces.

“Sabi Mo” is 46 Hope St.’s seventh digital single, and third this year following “Di Na Magpapauto” and “Live Like Never Before.”

To stream and download: https://orcd. co/sabi-mo

46 Hope St. frontman Meds Rana exhibits his acoustic prowess in the ‘hugot’ song ‘Sabi Mo’

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

C4

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Pavana Muktasana or The Wind Releasing Posture is useful in removing wind or flatulence from the stomach and intestines Vartika Agarwal opens the International Day of Yoga program with Ganesh Stuti, a common ceremony in India that signifies the start of something positive and auspicious

HUNDREDS of yoga enthusiasts, members of the Indian community in Manila, and fitness buffs recently gathered together to celebrate the 8th International Day of Yoga at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia.

A joint partnership between the Indian Embassy in the Philippines and SM, the International Day of Yoga celebration was led by Indian Ambassador H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran and wife Mme.

Life

Enthusiasts, fitness buffs mark International Day of Yoga Amrita Singh Kumaran. It opened with a Ganesh Stuti dance presentation a traditional ceremony in India that signifies the start of something positive and auspicious.

This was followed by a video message from the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. He said that this year’s theme “Yoga for Humanity,” appropriately portrays how yoga helped in alleviating the suffering dur-

ing the peak of COVID-19 pandemic. It likewise brings people together through compassion, kindness, fostering a sense of unity, and building resilience among people the world over in the emerging post-COVID geopolitical scenario.

The Government of India, in consultation with leading yoga gurus and schools in India, developed the Common Yoga Protocol to make yoga practice accessible to all. The Common

Yoga Protocol during the International Day of Yoga at SM Mall of Asia started with Chalankriyas or Loosening Practices and a powerful yoga pose Surya Namaskar literally translated as Sun Salutation, led by yoga practitioner Janice Cuevas.

This was followed by a Yogasana practice or seated posture typically used for meditation led by Yoga advocate Chandru Mahtani, and Pranayama or

breath regulation led by certified international yoga and meditation teacher Clara Day Herrera. Certified yoga and meditation teacher Jennifer Aguas Non – then completed the celebration with a meditation practice.

Yoga, a 5,000- year legacy from India, is a spiritual discipline that focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body, is also an art and science for healthy living.

‘new smile’ transformed Refreshing new How the lives of 30 kids in Isabela drinks to try at home or when out with your pals

SUI Soda with honey ginger

SUI Soda with calamansi and pandan

T

HERE will be days when a situation calls for some drinks, be it your favorite wine, beer, gin, or what have you.

If you find yourself wanting to have a glass or two, with company or solo, at the comfort of your home or out in your favorite bar in Poblacion, Makati, or wherever, I got you a couple of suggestions for new drinks to try.

JOB WELL DONE

BY JOBA BOTANA

cializing at your favorite bar or pub.

Heineken Silver follows the footsteps of the brand’s iconic original—brewed by seasoned master brewers using simple, natural ingredients, including Heineken’s famous A-yeast and quality Japan’s Suntory pours a new gin pure malt, as well as sustainably-sourced Home to some award-winning liquors, barley that supports Heineken’s wider Japanese brand Suntory pours a new gin commitments to Brew a Better World. that might just be perfect for any and evTo create the smooth Heineken Silver ery meal. Japan-made SUI Gin, created taste, its brewing process includes ensurwith a combination of botanicals such as ing that every bottle has the perfect ratio yuzu, green tea, and ginger, recently ar- SUI Sonic has more depth and complexity in its flavor of flavors, resulting in a balanced, less rived at the Philippine market. Made with bitter taste. traditional gin botanicals combined with ed way to serve SUI Gin is a simple mix Heineken® is one of the world’s juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica of soda water to let SUI’s delicate flavor leading developers and marketers of preroot, cardamom, cinnamon, bitter orange shine through. All you need to do is fill a mium beer and cider brands. Led by the peel, and lemon peel, this gin gives you an highball glass with ice, add SUI Gin, top it Heineken brand, the Group has a portfolio astounding result that is clear, refreshing, off with chilled soda water in the ratio of of more than 300 international, regional, and pairs well with any type of dish.

1:4, stir well and enjoy. local, and specialty beers and ciders. It has SUI Gin is of rich heritage – hailing Another option is the SUI Sonic — for a well-balanced geographic footprint with from the same Suntory Osaka plant that depth and complexity, add a splash of ton- leadership positions in both developed and gifted the world with Hermes Gin in 1936 ic water. You can also do your own con- developing markets. and Roku Gin in 2017. The creation and coction. Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon, a ta“At Heineken, we are always looking to perfection of SUI Gin are based on more blespoon of yuzu juice, raw grated ginger, bring products to the market that match the than 100 years of Suntory’s expertise in or green tea. For more unique flavors, get needs of our consumers. With the changcreating quality spirits. It takes its name trendy by adding crushed plum, wasabi, ing drinking culture within the Philippines, SUI from the Kingfisher; and on the shiso leaves, or frozen oranges. we are seeing drinkers wanting a beer that bottle, the bold Kanji character is inked SUI Gin is now available in S&R stores matches the smooth and easy-to-drink moby master calligrapher Tansetsu Ogino. nationwide and coming soon at your near- ments, that allow them to enjoy and celebrate Kanji , which means Jade, is a nod to est supermarkets and liquor stores, as well as time with friends and family,” says Michael its tall hexagonal shape reflecting clear and GrabMart, Lazada, Boozy, and Boozeshop. Vainio, Heineken Philippines Country Manbeautiful blue-green accents that speak of Something unexpectedly smooth: ager, during its recent launching at The Fifth Suntory’s hope that SUI will spread its New Heineken® Silver comes to PH at Rockwell in Makati City. wings and soar high in the gin market.

If beer is your game, you might want “Heineken Silver has been perfectly Here are a few tips for the perfect SUI to try this latest brewing addition from designed for these moments, delivering a Gin serve. To savor the refreshing taste of Heineken, the Heineken Silver, a smooth, smooth and easy-to-drink beer that can be SUI Gin, the perfect combination and ra- easy-to-drink, and light-tasting beer that is enjoyed in a variety of different settings, tio are important. The classic recommend- perfect for those nights of easy talks or so- where people come together to celebrate real and fun connections together,” Vainio adds.

The event was hosted by actor and TV personality KC Montero and radio personality Tony Toni, while Mars Miranda – one of Manila’s favorite DJs – took care of the afterparty. Heineken Silver is available for purchase for 18 years old and up in both on and off-trade retail channels. It comes in 330ml cans and bottles as well as 500ml cans.

These are just a couple of recos from an occasional consumer of gin and tonic as well as beer. And of course, here’s me reminding all you adults that when it comes (From left) DJ Tony Toni, Asia Brewery CFO Enrique Martinez, Asia Brewery COO to drinking alcoholic beverages, let’s keep Michael Tan, Heineken PH Marketing Manager Mika Tagle, Heineken PH Country it at a moderate level. Cheers!

Manager Michael Vainio, and KC Montero

AS A health, wellness, and beauty retailer, be doing this with them,” said Emiliano the purpose of Watsons is to put a smile Romano, Executive Director of Operation on the faces of its customers. Thus, it is Smile Philippines. not surprising that one of Watsons’ longJoining the 40 volunteer doctors in the term partnerships is with Operation Smile, medical mission at Isabela United Doctors which transforms the smiles of children Medical Center are 20 Watsons volunteer affected by cleft and palate, a gap in the employees.

Watsons Philippines pharmacists and mouth that did not close during the early employee volunteers also assisted the pastages of pregnancy.

After a break of nearly two years due to tients’ families by conducting hygiene the pandemic, Watsons resumed its partner- orientation seminars online on the subject of post-operation feedship with Operation ing, oral, and lip care.

Smile Philippines in NoWatsons also provided vember 2021. Through Hygiene Care Kits this partnership, Watsons with oral and hand has helped transform the care products to the 50 lives of 2,036 patients for kids post-operation. nine years and another “It only takes 45 50 patients when the prominutes to transform gram resumed in 2021. the smile of a child Watsons, in partnerborn with lip or cleft ship with Johnson and palate. It takes so little Johnson Philippines to help them. Watsons and Operation Smile is extremely proud to Philippines, recently went to Isabela to help Operation Smile transforms the smiles be in partnership with 30 patients with cleft of children affected by cleft and palate Operation Smile Philippines, J&J, and in and lip palettes by providing them with free surgeries.

Doing Good for our communities.” said “Our promise to ‘Look Good, Do Good, Encarnacion.

Feel Great’ has always included doing good This partnership in the Philippines is and uplifting the health and well-being of the part of A.S. Watson’s global commitment communities we serve,” said Viki Encar- to bring 10,000 perfect smiles in partnernacion, PR and Sustainability Director of ship with Operation Smile. This is the first Watsons.

Operation Smile medical mission for the “Watsons dedication to transforming year and Watsons is planning two more lives despite the pandemic is really ad- within the year, one in Cebu and another mirable and Operation Smile is happy to in Naga.

The first batch of Benilde Deaf School junior high graduates

Benilde Deaf School welcomes first batch of junior high graduates BENILDE Deaf School (BDS), the pioneering bilingual-bicultural program for Deaf high school students in the Philippines, conducted face-to-face completion rites as it congratulates its first batch of graduating Grade 10 scholars.

The students are now set to pursue their studies in Benilde Senior High School (SHS) under the General Academic Strand (GAS).

Deaf educator and BDS full-time faculty and English teacher Ruth Reyes congratulated the first-ever batch of graduates.

“It’s been an amazing journey watching you grow, discover yourselves, and become confident young people,” she said.

Inaugurated in 2018, BDS is one of the many innovative programs of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) to develop and strengthen the identity of the deaf students and prepare them for college life and future career.

Motivated to provide quality educa-

tion and better learning access to Deaf students, the secondary education institution follows an enhanced curriculum with special subjects such as Deaf Studies and Filipino Sign Language (FSL), in addition to those mandated by the Department of Education (DepEd).

To develop and instill language and sense of self, the school advocates the use of Filipino Sign Language (FSL), the natural language of the Deaf Filipinos, as the primary language of instruction in the classroom, with written English and Filipino as secondary languages.

All students are guided under the mentorship of Deaf educators, who are licensed teachers, master’s degree-holders here and abroad, and industry experts in their respective esteemed fields.

BDS is accepting Deaf applicants for Grades 7 and 8 for Academic Year 2022 to 2023.

For more information, visit https:// www.benilde.edu.ph/benilde-deaf-school/.