Manila Standard - 2022 July 29 - Friday

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Abra in state of calamity

BBM orders fast aid to 200,000 affected people; 887 aftershocks noted

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STATE of calamity was declared in the province of Abra on Thursday after a magnitude 7 earthquake caused massive damage in northern Luzon the day before.

In a resolution, the provincial board of Abra declared the entire province in a state of calamity. Governor Dominic Valera approved the measure.

In a separate advisory, the disaster management council of Abra said the suspension of government work and classes in the province is extended until today, July 29. "Work and classes will resume on Monday, August 1, 2022," it said.

An initial report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) said the damage caused by the earthquake affected 80 percent of the total population, or about 200,000 people, and major infrastructure in the province. Next page

QUAKE AFTERMATH. This handout photo courtesy of Irelee Beralde shows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visiting hospital patients evacuated to the grounds of the provincial hospital in Bangued, Abra after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake on July 27.

Streets were ripped up, boulders crushed vehicles and blocked roads, and rescue teams frantically dug through landslides to recover people or valuables. Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez hands over to Abra Rep. Menchie Bernos financial assistance for the victims, with La Paz Mayor JB Bernos witnessing. AFP with Ver Noveno

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 163 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Marcos nixes creation of disaster resilience dept. DOH detects

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

of Disaster Resilience, saying such a body should be under the Office of the President.

At a briefing in Abra, the epicenter PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Wednesday’s powerful earthquake, on Thursday poured cold water on a the President said the government must legislative push to create a Department disabuse itself of the idea of creating new

Palace extends term of OICs in gov’t agencies until Dec. 31

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the term of designated officersin-charge of departments and agencies from July 31 to December 31 this year or until a replacement has been appointed, the Palace said.

“In order to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of government services

there is a need to amend and supplement Memorandum Circular 1 by extending the term of office of government officials and employees,” Memorandum Circular (MC) 3 signed by Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez on July 27, 2022 read.

“The Executive Secretary, under the authority of the President, has issued a supplement to MC1 numbered Memorandum Circular 3. This extends Next page

Marcos meets legal team on ICC issue

By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has met with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra to discuss the government's stand regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) move to resume its investigation of the Duterte administration's drug war.

"We discussed the government’s position on the ICC investigation," Guevarra said in

a text message to reporters, referring to their meeting on Wednesday.

"But I'd rather leave it to the President to make any disclosure at this time," Guevarra added.

Remulla confirmed he was also present in the meeting but declined to disclose details of what was discussed, saying Malacanang would be the one who would announce its details.

"We had a meeting with former Secretary Next page

FLAUNTING IT. The Top 20 candidates of the Miss Earth Philippines show off their figures in the press presentation on Thursday at Okada Hotel in Paranaque City. Norman Cruz

departments despite a congressional push to pass a law on its creation.

He said he agreed with his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, that a disaster response body should be under the OP. He said this was preferable to a fullblown department whose budget would be

eaten up by salaries for undersecretaries and assistant secretaries.

“I did not ever understand the concept of a full... department. I don't think we need that because you don't really have to form policy," Marcos said.

Next page

DEADLY BRIDGE.

923 Omicron variant cases

By Willie Casas THE Philippines has detected 923 more cases of highly transmissible Omicron subvariants BA.5, BA.4, and BA.2.12.1, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.

The DOH also logged 3,858 new cases on Thursday, the highest daily tally in 24

This photo posted on social media by Dasmariñas City Councilor Kiko Barzaga shows the decrepit bridge where eight youths fell to their deaths on Tuesday.

The latest body was recovered on Thursday, authorities said (see story on A2).

PH DENGUE CASES NEARLY DOUBLE TO 73,909—DOH NEWS / A2 weeks or since February 10, bringing the nationwide total to 3,764,346.

Active cases also increased to 29,897, the highest total in 16 weeks, or since April 8, the DOH said.

The National Capital Region (NCR) reported 13,135 new cases in the last

8 CAVITE YOUTHS DIE AS BRIDGE COLLAPSES NEWS / A2

Next page

ASEAN, China tackle details of SCS code pact THE Philippines, other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China have started deliberations on several details regarding the proposed Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

Foreign Affairs for ASEAN Assistant Sec. Daniel Espiritu revealed that “there is already a sort of agreement” among countries in the region and China on how to address certain situations in the disputed waters to avoid escalation of tensions.

“It’s more on specific situations that may happen in the South China Sea. [It’s] not exactly rights, but let’s say unexpected encounters: What if two naval vessels meet each other? What if a coast guard vessel goes near a certain feature?” Espiritu told a press conference.

“These are now microcosmic issues that are no longer covered by UNCLOS Next page

Sec. Crispin Remulla

REMULLA PROPOSES PCGG CONVERSION

Sec. Benjamin Diokno

DIOKNO: RICE TARIFF REVIEW NOT PRIORITY

NEWS / A2

NEWS / A4

Sen. Robin Padilla

ROBIN WON’T USE ‘WEBSTER’-SPEAK NEWS / A4

US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro

US STANDS BY PACT ON MUTUAL DEFENSE NEWS / A3

A2

News

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH dengue cases double to 73,909

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This is 96 percent higher than some 37,000 cases reported during the same period last year, according to Health Undersecretary Beverly Ho. Most of the cases were from Central

Luzon, Central Visayas, and Metro Manila, she said.

Eleven of 17 regions exceeded the epidemic threshold in the past four weeks or from June 12 to July 19, Ho said. The

figure is down from 13 regions during the period of June 5 to July 2.

A total of 299 dengue-related deaths have so far been reported this year, according to Ho. The DOH is looking into procuring dengue vaccines as cases rise, its officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said.

The health agency has previously said it has downloaded funds to public hospitals

Abra...

ate restoration of water, power, and communication lines in quake-hit areas.

He said quake victims who have been rendered homeless must be given the necessary assistance.

Marcos also directed concerned national government agencies, including the Department of National Defense (DND) to help quake-hit areas, especially seven isolated towns in Abra.

“We will arrange to use the DND's air assets so we can reach the isolated areas," he said.

Marcos directed the proper coordination with civil engineers for the inspection of government buildings as well as residential properties.

He said hospitals must top the list of facilities that will be inspected.

Marcos also emphasized the need to inspect the houses of quake victims to determine if it is already safe for them to return home.

The number of families affected by Wednesday's magnitude 7 earthquake that rocked Abra and nearby Northern Luzon provinces has climbed to 4,969 or around 20,000 individuals.

"The report coming in from the affected region, we have a total 4,969 families or 20,000 persons that are affected in 110 barangays in Region 1 (Ilocos) and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)," said Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. Faustino, who is also the chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said around 2,312 families in Ilocos Region and CAR are sheltering in the 31 evacuation centers while another 413 in the two regions are sheltering with their families and friends.

In the same briefing, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said in terms of casualties there are five deaths and 131 injured reported.

"In terms of damage to infrastructure, there is damage reported in Ilocos Sur. Also, 61 schools were reported as damaged as well as three bridges. As of reporting time, the cost of damage to infrastructure is P33.8 million in Ilocos Region alone," he added.

Alejandro also said concerned agencies and regional offices are still gathering reports on the damage to agriculture and other assets.

Anxious residents slept outside after hundreds of aftershocks rattled the earthquake-hit northern Philippines, locals said

Thursday, as President Marcos flew to the region to inspect the damage.

Five people were killed and more than 150 injured when a 7.0-magnitude quake struck the lightly populated province of Abra on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

The powerful quake rippled across the mountainous region, toppling buildings, triggering landslides, and shaking highrise towers hundreds of kilometers away in the capital Manila.

"Aftershocks have happened almost every 20 minutes, 15 minutes since yesterday," said Reggi Tolentino, a restaurant owner in Abra's provincial capital Bangued.

"Many slept outside last night, almost every family."

Hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed, roads were blocked by landslides, and power was knocked out in affected provinces.

But in Abra, which felt the full force of the quake, overall damage had been "very minimal," police chief Colonel Maly Cula said.

"We don't have a lot of people in evacuation sites although many people are staying in the streets because of the aftershocks," Cula said.

More than 800 aftershocks have been recorded since the quake hit, including 24 that were strong enough to feel, the local seismological agency said.

In Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and tourist destination in Ilocos Sur province, centuries-old structures built during the Spanish colonial period were damaged.

Gov. Jeremias Singson told Teleradyo that 460 buildings in the province had been affected, including the Bantay Bell Tower, which partially crumbled.

"Our tourism industry and small business owners were really affected," Singson said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday reported that the partial cost of damage to national roads by Wednesday's magnitude 7 earthquake that hit northern Luzon has reached P59.23 million.

In an advisory, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the agency has reopened 13 national road sections in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Ilocos Region that were rendered impassable in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered all police commanders in Northern Luzon and nearby regions to mobilize all available equipment that can be used in road-clearing operations.

The House of Representatives will support the allocation of funds in the national budget for the rehabilitation and restoration of public infrastructure in provinces affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake in Northern Luzon, Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said Thursday.

Romualdez made the remarks as he joined President Marcos and other top government officials in visiting earthquake victims and communities damaged by the temblor in Abra.

Romualdez said the government and the private sector should join hands in helping the victims and rehabilitating communities that suffered damage.

“The government is here, we are here to help,” he said.

In other developments: • The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated P50 million to provide emergency employment to workers affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on Wednesday morning.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said Thursday the initial amount will help finance the hiring of workers in affected regions.

• The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has ensured the setting up of safe spaces in the evacuation sites for vulnerable individuals affected by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck northern Luzon Wednesday.

"It is included in our (evacuation) camp management to provide safe spaces for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children. We have installed personnel to serve as security forces in our campsites to ensure that there will be no harassment or any form of abuse while they are taking temporary shelter," DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said.

• The DSWD said there are over 2,000 family food packs that are ready for distribution while P6 million available funds are ready to be extended to the local government of Abra as financial aid. Another 5,000 family food packs are expected to arrive in the province anytime, it said.

• The National Irrigation Administration reported no major damage to irrigation structures in earthquake-stricken areas except for Region I. • Senator Loren Legarda cited the need for the country strengthen its preparedness for disasters. “Retrofitting old infrastructure and building right at first sight will help in preventing disaster loss,” she said.

Vince Lopez, Rio N. Araja, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Othel V. Campos, with AFP

practices in FEMA,” Romualdez said.

Although Congress has supported the creation of a DDR, Romualdez said legislators would stand behind the administration’s rightsizing policy.

"Mr. President, we shall rightsize our legislation," Romualdez said.

Earlier, lawmakers said this week’s powerful temblor emphasized the need to create a full-blown department to deal with disasters.

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte Duterte, along with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo and ACT-CIS Partylist Reps. Edvic Yap, Jocelyn Tulfo and Jeffrey Soriano recently filed House Bill 452 that aims to create the DDR. The measure seeks to create an “empowered, highly specialized, science and ICT (information and communications technology)-based and fast and responsive Department of

Disaster Resilience, with the clear unity of command which shall be primarily responsible for ensuring safe, adaptive, and disaster-resilient communities.”

Duterte said that under the bill, the DDR shall manage and direct the implementation of national, local, and community-based disaster resilience and disaster management programs, projects, and activities in collaboration with relevant government agencies, LGUs, civil society organizations, academic groups, and other stakeholders.

“We should emphasize the science-based aspect of this proposal. With the Philippines among the countries most vulnerable to the destructive effects of climate change, science and technology should play a key role in helping us prepare for possible disasters,” Duterte said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said at least five people have been reported to have

died and over 60 others have been injured when a 7.0 magnitude quake hit the northern Philippines on Wednesday, July 27.

Duterte noted that in the 2019 World Risk Index, the Philippines ranked 8th in the list of countries most affected by extreme weather events. The country is visited by at least 20 typhoons a year and sits in the Pacific’s earthquake and volcano Ring of Fire.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that extreme events and disasters from 2010 to 2019 cost the Philippine economy nearly P500 billion in losses, Duterte added.

Duterte pointed out that their proposed measure includes the establishment of a National Disaster Operations Center (NDOC), Alternative Command and Control Centers (ACCCs) in the regions, and the Disaster Resilience Research and Training Institute (DRRTI). (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

was still being verified, she added.

A total of 18 more BA.4 cases were also reported, of which 17 have recovered, while the remaining patient was still under isolation, said Ho, who heads the Public Health Services Team.

Thirteen of the patients were fully inoculated while the vaccination status of the remaining cases was being verified, Ho said.

Seven of the BA.4 cases were from Metro Manila, 6 were from the Bicol region, 2 from the Cordilleras, and 1 each from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Calabarzon, Ho added.

Meanwhile, out of the additional 15 BA.2.12.1 cases, 14 have recovered while one patient is under isolation, Ho said.

Eight of the patients were fully vaccinated, one was partially inoculated, and the vaccination status of the remaining cases was being verified, Ho said.

The country recorded 21,331 new COVID-19 cases in the previous week,about a 32-percent increase from a week before, the undersecretary said.

The DOH earlier said tightening border controls was unnecessary to prevent the entry of new Omicron subvariants BA.2.75 and BA.5.2.1. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

ASEAN...

months, the mechanics would already be available.

“Every line has to be agreed on by consensus. And China is there, and all 10 ASEAN countries are there, and we have to be very careful about this,” he said.

“This will engage later on rules on engagement, which could have an impact on sovereign rights and sovereign right issues, and so we cannot be doing all of these in haste and regret things afterward,” the DFA official added.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and ASEAN have adopted measures to ensure an unimpeded supply of basic needs amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, the DFA said.

Espiritu disclosed that measures first implemented during the height of the pandemic were still being implemented and “there is still a lot of progress in it.”

Espiritu said these included the COVID-19 ASEAN recovery fund, which is still being disbursed to cover the purchase and distribution of the vaccines and other medical supplies.

“In fact, also corollary to this, there’s a lot of this program on the ASEAN reserve on regional supplies,” Espiritu told a media briefing. Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

HE country’s dengue cases have nearly doubled to 73,909 infections so far this year, the Department of Health said Thursday.

From A1

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered the relevant national agencies to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) to ensure an immediate emergency response to areas damaged by the earthquake.

Marcos issued the directive at a briefing in Bangued, Abra, near the epicenter of the powerful quake.

The President earlier said there was no need to declare a state of national calamity yet, noting that it could only happen if three regions are heavily affected.

Locals should brace for more aftershocks, which already reached 887 as of Thursday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Thursday said.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said aftershocks are expected to continue in the next several weeks.

“We expect aftershocks to continue for several weeks but aftershocks would be frequent in the first three days. Hopefully, there would be lesser (in magnitude),” he said.

Once the structures in the quake-stricken areas have been inspected and declared safe, Solidum said residents may return to their homes.

The Abra resolution said the temblor took down power lines, leaving the province without electricity. It also destroyed houses, buildings, and bridges and paralyzed business activity, forcing residents out of their homes without food.

A state of calamity allows local officials to control the prices of basic goods and tap calamity funds. Under this declaration, residents can also apply for interest-free government loans.

Under the law, however, local officials may place their respective areas under a state of calamity, as long as they have the recommendation of the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

"So, we do what we usually do. Work together with the local government so that we can make sure that no people who need help will be left unattended,” Marcos said.

He said rebuilding efforts must be the government's top priority for the fast recovery of the quake-stricken areas in Abra province and other parts of Luzon.

Saying LGUs are the ones that have "fundamental responsibility to bring this aid to the people," Marcos said the national and local governments must "plan everything together."

The President also ordered the immedi-

and has instructed them to provide dengue fast lanes.

The agency has several times reminded the public to follow the '4S Strategy': search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, secure self-protection, seek early consultation, and support community fogging or spraying in high-case areas.

Meantime, about 72 percent of hospital beds nationwide are being used for nonCOVID cases, Ho said. Willie Casas

8 youths dead in Dasmarinas bridge collapse AUTHORITIES found Thursday the last missing victim from the collapse of a suspended steel bridge in Dasmarinas City, Cavite, bringing the death tally to eight in all, mostly youngsters.

The body of a 14-year-old victim was discovered at 2:28 p.m. and retrieved at 3:10 p.m., Barangay Information Officer April Rose Movido said in reports.

The steel bridge in Sitio Talisayan, Barangay Sampaloc IV, where the youths were playing, collapsed on Tuesday evening. Authorities retrieved the bodies of the seven other victims on Wednesday.

Aside from the deaths, five others were injured in the accident, including three teenagers and a 12-year-old girl.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Dasmarinas Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga expressed condolences to the victims’ families and that the local government unit will assist the grieving families.

Councilor Kiko Barzaga, who posted pictures of the bridge on his social media accounts, said two of the injured victims have been hospitalized, while three others sustained minor bruises.

‘Convert PCGG into agency for asset forfeiture’

By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said that there is no need to abolish the Presidential Commission on Good Government, an agency created during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, tasked to run after the socalled ill-gotten of the family of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Remulla made the statement even as he expressed that the government does not have to run after the Marcoses in the future.

“We don’t really want to abolish PCGG and I have suggested that we create an asset forfeiture office for those whose assets are seized by the government for nonpayment of taxes, for drug trafficking, or for other crimes,” he said.

“We should have a central office where all the assets are deposited so that these can be properly accounted for,” the Justice chief added.

Remulla noted that there is no such office and that “there’s still confusion within the system as to where” the assets seized will be placed. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Palace...

From A1

Marcos...

From A1

"It is just an implementation of a rescue mission or search and rescue mission," he added, citing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the United States as a "good model."

"There are many models, but the good model I've seen is FEMA in the United States and that's only an adjunct of the… Department of the Interior," the President said.

Senator Marcos said creating a disaster body under the OP would save the government a lot of money.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who was present at the briefing, vowed support for Senator Marcos' suggestion.

"Mr. President, on the part of the House, we shall support the good senator's proposal here owing to the fact that we have always been looking for best

DOH...

From A1

fortnight, followed by Calabarzon with 8,504, Central Luzon with 3,923, Western Visayas with 2,465, and Central Visayas with 1,526.

Health Undersecretary Beverly Ho said the government found 890 additional cases of the Omicron BA.5, 18 more cases of the BA.4, and 15 new cases of the BA2.12.1.

The latest figures raise the country's total to 1,997 BA.5 cases, 154 BA.2.12.1 cases, and 71 BA.4 cases, Ho said. The DOH removed one case each from the BA.5 and BA.4 tallies for being duplicates, she added.

All regions except Bangsamoro and Soccksargen logged a case of the Omicron BA.5 in the latest whole genome sequencing, Ho said. Nine of the additional BA.5 cases were returning Filipinos, she added.

Of the 890 newly reported BA.5 cases, 823 have recovered, 31 were still under isolation, while the status of the remaining 36 was still being verified, Ho said.

A total of 650 were fully vaccinated, 18 were partially vaccinated, while the inoculation status of the remaining 222

From A1

(United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) – still covered by UNCLOS but not specifically,” the DFA official stressed.

According to Espiritu, this development was a breakthrough considering that efforts to craft a Code of Conduct have been around for almost two decades.

“Whatever slow progress we’re making right now is already quite a significant progress,” he observed.

Starting July 30, representatives from all the ASEAN nations as well as from some “external” countries will be meeting in Cambodia for the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Although concerns on the South China Sea are expected to be discussed, negotiations have already started and “are continuing.”

After coming up with a preamble last year – which stemmed from the Philippines’ chairmanship of negotiations, Espiritu emphasized that concerned parties are now discussing the general provisions of the Code of Conduct. He hoped that in the next few

the authority of Officers in Charge until December 31, 2022, unless a replacement has been designated or appointed, whichever comes first,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a statement.

So far, the President has yet to appoint those who would head the Department of Health, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Earlier, Rodriguez signed MC 1 declaring presidential appointees, non-CESO (Career Executive Service Officials), and contractual/casual employees separated from services effective July 31, 2022.

MC 3 will ensure that no new contract, project, or disbursement of extraordinary funds is made by a department, agency, bureau, or office until the appointment is made by the President.

Marcos meet...

From A1

Menardo Guevarra who is now the Solicitor General. We met with the Executive Secretary (Vic Rodriguez), the Chief Legal Counsel (Juan Ponce Enrile), myself… and of course [the] President to speak about our concerns about the ICC issue, which of course you'll find out in the next few days …" Remulla said.

"Wait for Malacañang for the announcement on our drift in the ICC," he added.

Guevarra earlier said he would seek the opinion of Marcos as well as of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, and international law experts regarding the invitation of the Hague-based court for the Philippines to provide observations on its request to reopen the probe.

Guevarra has said his office will examine the issue of ICC's jurisdiction to investigate the Philippines.

In March 2019, the Philippines officially withdrew from the ICC after the body launched a preliminary examination of then-President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial campaign against illegal drugs, which has been linked to thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings in the country. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

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PH, US reaffirm, uphold Mutual Defense Treaty HE Philippines and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Mutual Defense Treaty.

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This took place during the visit of US Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro to the Department of National Defense (DND) on July 26 to discuss developments in bilateral defense relations with senior Philippine defense officials.

“Incoming Undersecretary (Franco Nemesio) Gacal welcomed Secretary del Toro to the Philippines, who is visiting the country for the first time as the US

Secretary of Navy. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday.

During the meeting, Del Toro commended the professionalism and dedication of the Philippine Navy.

He also underscored the commitment of US President Joe Biden to a positive

GLAMPING IN SUMILON. More foreign and local tourists are visiting the glamorous camping or ‘glamping’ site at the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort in Oslob, Cebu. Pictured is Taiwanese teenager Rose Chuang, residing and studying tourism in New York, who joined her family to experience nature and sleep in the wilds in the most comfortable way at Sumilon. They visited Tumalog Waterfalls, swam with the gentle whale sharks, saw the old Spanish Cuartel, visited an old Spanish-era church facing the sea, and saw other interesting tourist destinations around Oslob. Shira Chuang

and productive relationship with the Philippines, saying they look forward to working closely with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Undersecretary Gacal echoed the statements of the President in relation to an independent foreign policy and reaffirmed the DND’s mission to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines,” Andolong said.

Del Toro also cited the importance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, as well as respecting rules and international laws.

It was emphasized that both the Philippines and the US can learn from each other during education and training exchanges.

“The meeting ended with the two officials reaffirming the friendship, partnership. and alliance between the Philippines and the US,” Andolong said.

When she arrived last week, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson visited President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and vowed the US would continue its partnership with the Philippines.

“We are fellow democracies, bound by a rich shared history. We share the powerful, positive ties of family, embodied in the four million Filipino-Americans in the United States and the 350,000 US citizens in the Philippines,” Carlson said.

“Our alliance is a bedrock of our bond, and our Mutual Defense Treaty and other agreements are at the heart of our commitment to helping defend the Philippines’ sovereignty and independence,” she added.

During her visit, Carlson presented her credentials to Marcos thus marking the official start of her term as an envoy.

SC: Plea bargaining ‘not demandable’

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has declared that plea bargaining in illegal drugs cases or a guilty plea to a lesser offense for a lighter penalty “is not demandable by the accused as a matter of right but is a matter addressed entirely to the sound discretion of the court.”

The SC stressed that regardless of the agreement between the prosecution and the accused, it does not follow that “the courts will automatically approve the proposal.”

“Judges must still exercise sound discretion in granting or denying plea bargaining, taking into account the relevant circumstances, including the character of the accused,” the high court said, in its clarificatory guidelines on plea-bargaining in drug cases.

An example of plea bargaining in illegal drugs case may involve a person who is caught in possession of fewer than five grams of shabu and thus is charged with violation of Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, with a penalty of 12 years and one day to 20 years and fine.

He may plead guilty to a lesser offense of possession of equipment, instrument, and other paraphernalia for dangerous drugs with a penalty of six months and one day to four years and a fine.

However, plea bargaining is not allowed for violations of several other provisions of RA 9165 like the importation of dangerous drugs with a penalty of life imprisonment and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.

Villafuerte backs Sandro as House leader too

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE number of congressmen defending the appointment of Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos as senior deputy majority leader has increased.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte asserted the selection of Marcos as senior deputy majority leader was a unanimous decision of the supermajority coalition in the House.

The leadership’s pick for the

young Marcos underscored his intimate knowledge of the legislative process and familiarity with practically all of the reelected congresspersons on their second or third terms in office.

“Sandro (Rep. Marcos)’s excellent grasp of how the legislative process works in the Philippine Legislature and his striking familiarity with practically all lawmakers in the House who have been here since the past two Congresses easily obscure his status as a

first-time legislator, and has earned him the right to his current post with the unanimous support of the super majority coalition,” Villafuerte said.

“I myself could vouch for these two attributes that are likely to make Sandro excel as a senior deputy majority leader in the 19th Congress,” said the Bicolano solon, who had worked closely with Marcos and observed his skills and dedication to his job at the time when Villafuerte was deputy speaker for finance.

14 abused, detained OFWs back from Lebanon THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said at least 14 distressed Overseas Filipino Workers in Lebanon were repatriated.

In a statement, the DFA said the 14 distressed OFWs were physically abused, sheltered runaways, and detained workers.

With coordination with concerned Lebanese authorities, the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon sent home the OFWs and cleared them of their respective

“immigration liabilities.”

During the first quarter of 2022, the DFA said the shelter catered to distressed and undocumented Filipinos nearly at “full capacity.”

But the DFA stressed that the shelter’s occupancy rate is now down by 98 percent with the most recent repatriation.

Citing the narratives of the OFWs, the department noted that the illegal recruitment bound for Lebanon has been

common amid the deployment ban of household service workers to the country since 2007.

“The embassy also monitors and ensures the welfare of Filipino nationals in various penal facilities in Lebanon. It prioritizes the provision of legal assistance and their earliest possible repatriation while giving basic supplies, as deemed necessary,” the DFA said. Rey E. Requejo

South Cotabato co-op makes fruitful comeback thru LANDBANK

Assistance from LANDBANK allowed Laconon 100 Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC) to overcome financial losses. The T’boli based co-op now manages a 1,000 hectares of pineapple plantation in South Cotabato with an average annual production of 40,000 to 50,000 tons.

T’BOLI, South Cotabato—The unexpected closure of its anchor firm and primary pineapple produce buyer pushed the Laconon 100 Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC) to the brink of financial collapse in 2003.

The cooperative struggled to recover and improve its operations in the years thereafter, forcing several members to pull their capital share out of the organization.

In 2017, LMPC was given a fresh start after availing of a series of loans from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), which were used to expand the co-op’s operations and acquire needed farm machinery, including four trucks, one tractor, one tractor implement and one service monitoring vehicle.

Finally, with the support from LANDBANK, the cooperative was able to bounce back from previous losses and started gaining new members.

In a bid to further expand its operations in the municipalities of T’boli, Surallah, Lake Sebu, and Banga, and to accommodate pineapple farmers who have yet to access financing from the Bank, the co-op renewed a P160-million loan line which was further increased to P200 million in 2020.

LMPC was also granted a P7-

million term loan for the purchase of five hauling trucks to address the increasing logistics requirements, especially during the harvest season.

The co-op availed of another P5million loan from LANDBANK as working capital for cassava trading operations to support members who have not qualified for the pineapple growership program of its anchor firm.

From a struggling cooperative managing 300 hectares of farmland with 150 members, LMPC has since expanded its area of production to 1,000 hectares with 1,187 co-op members.

Since 2017, the timely credit of LANDBANK allowed LMPC to post steady growth in net income with an average production of 40,000 to 50,000 tons of pineapples per year—assisting the co-op to weather the economic challenges of the global pandemic.

“Hindi kami iniwan ng LANDBANK sa panahon na kailangan namin ng suporta. Nandiyan ang LANDBANK bilang aming kaagapay para makabangon sa pagkakalugmok sa mga nakalipas na pagsubok.

Nakabili kami ng mga makinarya at nakapagbigay ng hanapbuhay sa aming mga miyembro at pamilya,” said LMPC Chairperson Rhoda O.

Pecadizo.

LANDBANK’s relationship with LMPC continues to expand, after the co-op was certified in December 2021 as one of the Bank’s Agent Banking Partners, offering basic banking services to unbanked and underserved communities.

As an accredited full-suite Agent Banking Partner, LMPC provides cash-out, cash-in, fund transfers, and bills payment services on behalf of LANDBANK, and facilitates the opening and issuance of LANDBANK Agent Banking Cards.

This arrangement provides LANDBANK customers in T’boli with improved access to financial services and lower transaction costs, which is reflective of the Bank’s steadfast commitment to advancing financial inclusion in South Cotabato and the country as a whole.

As LMPC celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the co-op is looking to avail of additional term loans from LANDBANK to support its expansion plans. These include the acquisition of two tractors and the construction of a new office building and logistics facility with a gas station.

LPMC is only one of the many agricultural cooperatives supported by LANDBANK nationwide, as part of its main thrust of serving the nation.

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News

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

IN BRIEF Lawmaker files bill to ban unwanted calls, SMS A LAWMAKER has filed a bill seeking to ban unwanted calls, text messages, and emails.

Tarlac Rep. Christian Tell Yap said House Bill 270 is “a protective measure for all mobile phone subscribers and email users from unwanted calls, text messages, and e-mails.”

“It prohibits and penalizes unsolicited commercial or promotional advertisements without the prior consent of the receiver, promoting fair, responsible and less intrusive marketing practices,” Yap’s note, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.

The lawmaker further said the measures would establish a “No Call, No Text and No Email Registries” policy through the National Privacy Commission, which will serve as listings for subscribers who do not want to receive any similar communication.

READY FOR DEPLOYMENT.

Members of the Manila Police District, District Mobile Force Battalion led by Police/Col. Julius C. Anonuevo, check their disaster equipment for possible search and rescue deployment after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake rocked Northern Luzon. Norman Cruz

Marcos vetoes Davao power firm franchise

By Alena Mae S. Flores PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has sent his veto message of House Bill 10554 or An Act Expanding the Franchise Area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (Davao Light).

Marcos, in a letter dated July 27 to the Senate President and members of the Senate, lauded the bill’s intent to improve access to electricity within the captive market of the expanded franchise area.

However, Marcos said he was “constrained to veto the bill due to the susceptibility of the proposed expansion of the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. to legal and constitutional challenge due to the apparent overlap and possible infringement into the subsisting franchise, permits, and contracts previously granted to North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc.” Marcos said NORDECO has an existing franchise in the expanded area, which will subsist until 2028 and until 2033. “The bill runs counter to Section 27 of Republic Act No. 9136 or the EPIRA mandating that all existing franchises shall be allowed in its full term,” Marcos said.

“Likewise, the resulting repeal of North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc.’s franchise over the expanded franchise area will violate the nonimpairment clause as provided in Section 10, Article III of the 1987 Constitution,” the President added.

He said House Bill 10554 “is a prohibited collateral attack on North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. franchise.” With Macon Ramos-Araneta

Maynilad conducts river clean-up in Muntinlupa

BBM admin not keen on reviewing rice tariff law

D

EPARTMENT of the Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the Marcos administration is not prioritizing a review of the Rice Tarrification Law (RTL).

Diokno said the RTL “has been effective in controlling inflation.”

“I think revisiting the Rice Tariffication Law is not a priority of this government,” Diokno, quoted by a GMA News report, said.

The Finance chief noted that the (RTL) was not mentioned in the first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is also the concurrent secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Undersecretary Kristine Evangelista earlier said the DA will be reviewing and is looking into calls to repeal the RTL, GMA News reported.

According to critics, the RTL has failed to lower the cost of rice, which in turn made life “even more difficult for local farmers due to the entry of cheaper imports.”

Non-government organization Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF) earlier called on the government to earmark more funds for financial aid to farmers bearing the brunt of the RTL saying Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund (RCEF) is not enough to offset the huge losses they acquired, GMA News reported.

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) earlier claimed that rice farmers lost a total of P68.18 billion in 2019, which is

double of what consumers saved due to lower prices of the grain in the first year of implementation of the RTL, the report said.

The Duterte administration defended the RTL. The previous administration noted rice was the single biggest contributor to inflation, but now had a negative to minimal contribution.

“I think if you are running the government, you must always think of what’s the greatest good for the greatest number. It has an effect on farmers, especially rice farmers, but they are also benefiting from it,” Diokno said.

Republic Act No. 11203 or the RTL, which took effect on March 5, 2019, replaced the quantitative restrictions on imported rice with tariffs of 35 percent to 40 percent and established the RCEF funded by the tariff revenues.

URGENT. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano says he is preparing a letter to Malacañang asking that the Emergency Response Department bill be certified as urgent following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake today that hit Northern Luzon and other areas. Senate PRIB.

SEN. Robinhood C. Padilla said he will continue to use Filipino during hearings and other official events in the Senate, instead of English, especially English words whose meanings have to be looked up in the dictionary.

“Opo, hindi na ako magpapanggap.

Angeles LGU to deploy cops in 24x7 visibility plan ANGELES CITY—The city government under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. is preparing for the deployment of police officers in maintaining 24-hour police visibility throughout the city beginning August 7.

This was discussed during a meeting held on July 26 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, presided by Lazatin’s Chief Adviser IC Calaguas.

The Angeles City Police Office led by Colonel Diosdado Fabian, with its six police stations, will conduct a simulation exercise on Aug. 3 for the 24/7 police roving activities.

Calaguas said this initiative of Lazatin is to ensure crime prevention, deploying the full force of the police along the streets especially in “blind spots.” Butch Gunio

‘EDCOM II will address nation’s education crisis’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Padilla insists he will continue using Tagalog during Senate hearings

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. has recently held a series of river clean-up drives in Muntinlupa City to help improve the quality of water in tributaries that flow into Laguna Lake.

The company’s raw water source for the supply needs of some two million consumers in the southern part of its concession.

Over 320 sacks or 2,584 kilos of solid waste were collected by estero rangers during the 14-day clean-up drive along the Magdaong and Alabang-Bayanan rivers. Rio N. Araja

Mahirap magpapanggap kang si Webster (Yes, I won’t pretend to understand high-sounding words. I won’t pretend to be Webster),” Padilla told reporters when asked if he will continue using Tagalog in hearings and other Senate functions.

Besides, he noted that while senators converse in Tagalog in the senators’

lounge, they sound like “Americans” once in the plenary Earlier, Padilla filed a bill seeking the use of Filipino and English as official languages in official government documents.

On the other hand, Padilla said he will continue to adjust to the use of English in Senate functions, including

Special polls for Cavite district set THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday it is now coordinating with the House of Representatives regarding the setting of a special election for the seventh legislative district of the province of Cavite.

Comelec acting spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body’s Office of the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director for Operations, are in charge of coordinating with the legislature regarding the matter.

“The Certification issued by the lower house is the first step for the Commission to take into consideration the subject vacancy. This certification will be formally communicated to the Comelec, usually with the necessary budgetary appropriations. Upon such, we will be coordinating

with the HoR for the timelines and date of special elections. This is the usual process,” said Comelec acting spokesperson, John Rex Laudiangco, in a statement.

Article VI, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution states that “in case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.”

“After due consideration, necessarily appropriations on the budget will be required/ requested, corollary to the setting of the calendar of activities, particularly the special election period and special Election Day,” Laudiangco said.

reading the journal and having his staff brief him on what happened during the previous day’s session.

Padilla added that he will be supporting efforts to harness nuclear and renewable energy to address the perennial problem of brownouts, Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla said Thursday.

SENATOR Win Gatchalian said the creation of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM ll) is “a significant step to address the country’s education crisis.”

Republic Act No. 11899, which Gatchalian sponsored during the 18th Congress before lapsing into law last July 23, created the EDCOM II to undertake a comprehensive national assessment and evaluation of the Philippine education sector’s performance.

This will include how the mandates are observed under the laws that created the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Gatchalian said this national assessment will recommend transformative, concrete, and targeted reforms to make the Philippines globally competitive in both education and labor markets. With Maricel V. Cruz

BOOSTER SHOT ROLLOUT. San

Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Department of Health Undersecretary Officer in Charge of Public Health Services Team Dr. Beverly Ho, and DOH National Capital Region Regional Director Dr. Gloria Balboa lead the launch of administering the second COVID-19 booster shots in San Juan City.

Manny Palmero

Opinion Attorneys and the practice of law AFTER the capture of General Emilio Aguinaldo in Palanan, Isabela on March 23, 1901, the Americans established a Civil Government on July 4, 1901 (Bernardita Reyes Churchill, University of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts).

The Philippine Commission of then President William McKinley of the Unites States enacted Act No. 136, which delineated the organization of courts in the Philippines Islands.

On June 11, 1901, the Philippine Supreme Court was established, with Cayetano Arellano as the first Chief Justice (Philippine Official Gazette) together with an additional six associate judges (justices as we know them today).

It was also in the same year that the first Philippine Bar examinations were conducted, with only thirteen examinees (Philippine Bar Examination, Wikipedia).

It is in the 1935 Constitution that the admission to the practice of law in the Philippines was expressly placed under the auspices of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court’s jurisdiction, power, and control over the admission of aspiring attorneys to the Philippine Bar was restated in the 1973 and 1987 Constitutions.

The organization of courts and the admission to the legal profession in 1901 being under the Civil Government of the Unites States was obviously under Common Law influence.

In turn, British influence on its original thirteen colonies in the Americas had a strong impact in the development of the Unites States Legal system.

According to Theodore F.T. Plucknett, it is very difficult to say at which date professional lawyers first appeared in the common law system.

He further said “[W]e could hardly expect to find them until there was a settled jurisdiction with regular courts; and, as we have seen, it took some time before these elementary conditions were reached.”

In fact, during the advent of courts, proceedings were informal and at times hardly distinguishable from a family quarrel.

The parties themselves presented their case as best they could before the King, and proceedings were also attended by nobles, clergy, and trusted advisers who happened to be in court at the moment (Plucknett, A Concise History of the Common Law).

The growth of the King’s intervention had the effect that the hearings were commonly delegated to a group of courtiers (who in time became the regular bench).

As soon as this happened, it became necessary to confine them to a routine, a strict procedure, a set of forms, and a system of pleading (A Concise History of the Common Law).

Under Henry II it was apparent that the parties can appear in person or by substitute, and this “responsalis” was particularly concerned with the procedural steps of the case.

In the next century a fuller type of representation emerged, in the person of the “attorney” as repeatedly mentioned in the Bracton Treatise (A Concise History of the Common Law).

The attorney is appointed by the party in court, under elaborate safeguards, and has the power to bind the principal.

His appearance or default is equivalent to that of his master; and he has the power to commit his master to a particular plea (A Concise History of the Common Law).

In the reign of Henry III there appeared signs of a new type of professional lawyer. A plaintiff no longer felt confident that he can even tell his story in court without slipping, so he resorted to

an experienced narrator. Very soon the narrator became a regular profession (A Concise History of the Common Law).

It was difficult to say precisely when these two functions became the province of the professional lawyer.

It was easy to trace the attorneys as their names appear on the pleadings and the rolls of attorneys.

The narrators or “narratores” are unfortunately more elusive and the existing lists are conjectural at best (A Concise History of the Common Law).

The attorney evolved into someone who has the knowledge of procedure and the ability to tell his client’s story. In the early part of the legal profession in the Philippines, legal practice was seen to be limited to pleading and motion writing, as well as examining witnesses in court.

The organization of courts and the admission to the legal profession in 1901 being under the Civil Government of the Unites States was obviously under Common Law influence In Cayetano v. Monsod et al., the Supreme Court was confronted with the question on what constitutes the “practice of law.”

In that case, Atty. Renato Cayetano opposed the nomination of Atty. Christian Monsod as the Chairman of the COMELEC, claiming that the latter does not possess the required qualification of having been engaged in the practice of law for at least ten years (G.R. No. 100113, September 3, 1991).

Atty. Monsod worked in a law office, the World Bank Group, the Meralco Group, and rendered services to various companies as legal and economic consultant or chief executive officer.

He also pursued advocacies in various nongovernmental organizations, acted as a member of the Davide Commission, a quasi-judicial body, and was a member of the Constitutional Commission (G.R. No. 100113, September 3, 1991).

Hence, “the modern concept of law practice… taking into consideration the liberal construction intended by the framers of the Constitution, [means that] Atty. Monsod’s past work experiences as a lawyer-economist, a lawyer-manager, a lawyer-entrepreneur of industry, a lawyer-negotiator of contracts, and a lawyer-legislator… satisfy the constitutional requirement [of being] in the practice of law for at least ten years” (G.R. No. 100113, September 3, 1991). “[The practice of law [therefore] means any activity, in or out of court, which requires the application of law, legal procedure, knowledge, training and experience. To engage in the practice of law is to perform those acts which are characteristics of the profession. Generally, to practice law is to give notice or render any kind of service, which device or service requires the use in any degree of legal knowledge or skill”. (Cayetano v. Monsod et al. citing 111 ALR 23).

The expanded definition of the “practice of law” adopted by the Supreme Court enabled the lawyer to engage in legal practice without necessarily conducting cases or handling litigation in court.

The modern lawyer performs legal work when drafting and negotiating contracts, giving legal advice and opinions in commercial transactions, mediating and conciliating cases, and making assessments in contemplation of a legal action.

Will the Bangsamoro region get a fair deal?

AT THE outset, it should be pointed out that in his State of the Nation Address last Monday, President Marcos Jr. made no mention at all of the situation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. Perhaps that can be excused, as the call of the hour is to focus on economic recovery.

But the lack of any policy pronouncement from the national government on what it intends to do with the BARMM in the next six years is unfortunate, as it remains one of the poorest regions in the country and poverty, as we know, breeds discontent and even rebellion.

The establishment of the BARMMM is the product of a long process of peace negotiations to end the fighting between government troops and Muslim separatists.

To this day, there’s a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) called the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF that has aligned with the Islamic State and seeks to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate based in Mindanao.

That Mindanao remains a powder keg amid widespread poverty makes it imperative for the national government to strengthen the BARMM structure for self-governance.

A step in the right direction is getting the 7,148 former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who have passed National Police Commission’s Special Qualifying Eligibility Examination to join the Philippine National Police.

They are among the 11,033 who took the exams held in the cities of Cotabato and Lamitan on

May 29.

“We are very grateful that we have a high passing rate for the qualifying exam, and we are very happy because the sacrifice of our applicants has paid off,” according to Mohd Asnin Pendatun, BARMM Cabinet Secretary.

The recruitment of former rebels as regular policemen is part of their reintegration into the social mainstream contained in the 2014 peace deal between the government and the MILF. A similar program was also done by the government following the peace deal with the MNLF in 1996, which provided for the integration of some 5,750 of its members into the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The establishment of the BARMMM is the product of a long process of peace negotiations to end the fighting between government troops and Muslim separatists If the former rebels are able to pass the selection stages, they can be accorded temporary appointment as police officer.

A permanent appointment can be secured if they obtained a bachelor’s degree, a requirement that they have up to 15 years to comply upon entry into service.

The BARMM facilitated review classes to improve the applicants’ chances of passing it.

“The entry of qualified MILF and MNLF members into the PNP will help realize the meaningful transformation process for these former

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

EDITORIAL

It’s about time

A

NEW department or a more powerful agency attached under the Office of the President that responds swiftly to disasters and calamities will be a long time coming.

The Philippines needs such an agency – it is the world’s second nation most vulnerable to climate change and disasters.

The country’s geography – an archipelago where over 7,000 islands are spread from Batanes in the north to Tawi Tawi in the south – makes disaster response a huge challenge.

The logistical requirements in dealing with the aftermath of disasters and calamities and in responding to the needs of affected communities are enormous.

Wednesday’s magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Abra province and nearby regions in the north is a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities. Several roads hit by landslides caused by the temblor have become impassable, making relief efforts difficult.

Lawmakers in the Lower House led by Speaker Rep. Martin Ro-

mualdez early this month filed a bill seeking the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience to better manage the country’s disaster risk reduction and response efforts.

Wednesday’s magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Abra province and nearby regions in the north is a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities House Bill 13 notes that 74 per percent of Filipinos and 80 percent of the country’s land area are exposed

to the risk of natural calamities.

“It is high time that we create a truly empowered department that will focus on natural hazards and disasters, characterized by unity of command, a science and ICT-based approach and the capacity to take charge of three key result areas: disaster risk reduction; preparedness and response; and recovery, rehabilitation and building forward better,” says the bill.

The proposed department or a more professional agency under the direct supervision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may be a more effective body.

It can implement an integrated and a comprehensive disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response management program to neutralize the ravages wreaked by nature.

The Abra earthquake and the destruction of super typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas in November 2013 are clear signs that the freak of nature is commonplace in this part of the world.

We should always be prepared against natural disasters to limit their damage and save Filipino lives.

NUPL lawyers should read RA 9851 more carefully BEFORE they invoke any law and discuss it with the media, it is advisable for the lawyers representing the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) to carefully read the laws they cite before discussing the same in news interviews.

Their misunderstanding of the laws they cite misleads the public.

More than a year ago, the NUPL filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman. The NUPL accused top officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) of committing grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority.

According to the NUPL, erstwhile NTF-ELCAC officials, namely, former National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, retired General Antonio Parlade Jr., and ex-NTF-ELCAC spokesman Lorraine Badoy linked the NUPL to local communist rebels.

This, the NUPL alleged, constitutes red-tagging.

Esperon and his co-respondents asserted that red-tagging is not a crime, because there is no statutory definition of red-tagging and there is no law which penalizes it.

The NUPL agrees that there is no existing law explicitly penalizing red-tagging as a crime.

However, the NUPL insists that red-tagging is a criminal act under Republic Act 9851, which penalizes crimes against international humanitarian law. This law was enacted in December 2009 and remains in our statute books.

The NUPL believes that Republic Act 9851 can be the basis for penalizing red-taggers because redtagging is “persecution against political groups” as contemplated in Section 6(h) thereof, which provides: Section 6(h) of Republic Act No. 9851 provides -“SEC. 6. Other Crimes Against Humanity. – For the purpose of this Act, “other crimes against humanity” means any of the following acts when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack: xxx. (h) Persecution against any identifiable group combatants, and is a testament of our collective aspiration of bringing a just and lasting peace to the region and to the whole country,” said presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. While the recruitment of former MILF rebels as regular cops is a positive development, just as pressing for enhanced autonomy for the Bangsamoro is getting the right people.

That’s what Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman is requesting the new administration to do.

He wants President Marcos Jr. to form a screening committee to vet candidates for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to ensure members are chosen based on “merit, proven competence, and unassailable integrity.”

The BTA is an 80-member body tasked to govern the transition period for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government until 2025.

The body, composed of 41 members nominated by the MILF and 39 members nominated by the government, is led and dominated by the MILF as mandated by Republic Act 11054, or the Organic Law for the BARMM. Hataman said BTA members should be competent enough for the post, suggesting they be thoroughly assessed by a panel of “equally competent personalities free from any political influence.”

“We want to ensure that those who will sit in BTA will have enough competence to address all the needs of the Bangsamoro and its residents. So our call is: scrutinize thoroughly all those who will be appointed,” he said.

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

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

or collectivity on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation or other grounds that are universally recognized as impermissible under international law, in connection with any act referred to in this paragraph or any crime defined in this Act; xxx.”

Under Section 3(p) of the same law, persecution is defined as: “(p) Persecution” means the intentional and severe deprivation of fundamental rights contrary to international law by reason of identity of the group or collectivity.”

One who is falsely identified as a communist can sue for libel, subject to the defenses available to the person sued under the law and jurisprudence In my opinion, the NUPL is grossly mistaken in its understanding of Republic Act 9851.

For starters, Republic Act 9851 is a penal law.

Being so, it must be strictly construed in favor of anyone criminally charged under any of its provisions.

Since red-tagging is not even explicitly mentioned in Republic Act 9851, it is legally untenable for the NUPL to include red-tagging into the law, particularly for the purpose of causing the criminal prosecution of anyone, including Esperon and his group.

Next, red-tagging cannot be considered as persecution of the kind contemplated in Section 3(p) above, because red-tagging does not involve any The Basilan lawmaker emphasized that equitable representation should be one of the main guiding principles in appointing BTA members, saying all areas, ethnicities, and sectors must be represented properly in the BARMM transition government.

“We need to make sure that no one is left behind. This is not BARMM for the few. It is a government of all of Bangsamoro,” the lawmaker stressed.

Meanwhile, it appears that the autonomous government itself faces internal problems.

The family of the late sheik Salamat Hashim, founding chair of the MILF, has decried the emergence of a so-called Salamat Wing within the former rebel group whose units want to become members of the BTA. Parliament Member Abdullah Hashim, son of the MILF founder, said the family strongly condemned the use of the late Moro revolutionary’s name in sowing intrigues to divide the ranks of the MILF. Hashim said the creation of the MILF Salamat Wing could also put at risk the peace deal that the government and the MILF signed in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

“Our father’s work and legacy have always been for the good of the Bangsamoro and Muslim Ummah (community). It is a great disservice to his legacy and an insult to his family to use his name to sow division, which could lead us away from the promise of peace,” he said.

“intentional and severe deprivation of any fundamental right” recognized under international law to begin with.

To illustrate, a person who finds himself at the receiving end of a red tag does not lose any of his fundamental rights such as free speech, press freedom, free expression, freedom of assembly and religious freedom, among others.

Undoubtedly, therefore, I don’t think the interpretation given by the NULP to Republic Act 9851 will win the day for it.

With or without Republic Act 9851, red-tagging cannot be criminalized.

Red-tagging is a form of speech. To criminalize red-tagging per se raises a red flag (no pun intended) in the realm of the constitutional rights of free speech, press freedom and free expression.

Moreover, jurisprudence states that any law which, on its face, abridges the aforesaid rights bears a heavy presumption of unconstitutionality.

What is it with red-tagging, therefore, that will justify making it a crime? Nothing!

The Philippine government and the governments of the United States and many European countries have officially declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as terrorist organizations.

Since the CPP-NPA-NDF troika are terrorists organizations, the communists who compose the troika are terrorists.

Considering that terrorism is a crime against which the general public should be protected, it is necessary for the government to warn the public about any such communists, even to the point of identifying them as communists.

Thus, if the person red-tagged is really affiliated with the CPP-NPA-NDF troika, then it is legally absurd that one who exposes that person as a communist, should be held criminally liable for doing so.

At any rate, one who is falsely identified as a communist can sue for libel, subject to the defenses available to the person sued under the law and jurisprudence.

For the foregoing reasons, it is unconstitutional to make red-tagging per se a criminal offense.

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What BBM Did Not Say in SONA

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News

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Physicians back BBM plan to set up PH CDC

By Willie Casas

A MEDICAL doctors’ organization has expressed support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to create a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Philippines.

Marcos, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, said his administration will lead the setting up of a Center for Disease Control and vaccine institute in the Philippines.

“We are look forward to what he (Marcos) said—that we will soon have our own Center for Disease Control,” said Philippine College of Physicians former president Dr. Maricar Limpin.

“And we know, that it will be like the CDC in America where we can quickly gather the latest medical evidence,” she said.

Limpin hopes non-communicable diseases will also be covered by the expertise of the Philippine version of the CDC. “I hope that when we create our own CDC, it will have a good organizational structure. And of course, we also want it to cover not just infectious diseases, but also non-communicable diseases,,” she added.

HISTORIC LANDMARK.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay and National Museum of the Philippines director general Jeremy Barns lead the unveiling of a new marker for the historic Presidencia of San Pedro Macati located in Barangay Poblacion. The edifice has been declared as a vital cultural property of the city. Norman Cruz

COA cites Makati for 5th year in a row

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Makati City government has received an “unmodified opinion” for the fifth straight year from the Commission on Audit (COA), signifying that the local government unit has been consistent in submitting financial statements that were “prepared in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.”

“I am very pleased with the results of the recent audit report. Makati earned its first unmodified opinion in 2017, a year after I took the mayoral post. This achievement is a rare feat and a strong

validation of our efforts in ensuring honest and transparent governance,” Mayor Abigail Binay said.

In a June 29, 2022 letter addressed to the mayor, Maria Carmina Paulita Juguilon-

Pagayawan, COA National Capital Region director, said Makati earned an unmodified opinion due to its fairness in presenting the city’s financial statements in 2021.

COA explained that an unmodified or unqualified opinion is being given to local government units (LGUs) when the “auditor concludes that the financial statements are prepared in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.”

Mayor Binay thanked COA for its fair evaluation, as well as the various departments of the city government for their dedication in complying with the laws on the disbursement of government funds.

“This fifth unmodified opinion proves that even with pandemic constraints, we have remained on track in following financial reporting and auditing standards,” Binay said.

“I hope that the unqualified opinion will instill trust and confidence in our financial system, especially since our city is the financial capital of the Philippines and that most multinational companies and investors are located here,” she added.

Since 2017, Makati has been instituting reforms to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in operations at City Hall.

One of the initiatives established under

Mayor Binay to ban fixers in the city’s business one-stop shop (BOSS), which allows for fast processing and issuance of licenses, clearances, and permits.

During the pandemic, Makati implemented online tax payments to decongest the city hall and prevent COVID-19 transmission.

In October 2021, the city opened its first Makatizen Hub, a satellite office in SM Makati where residents, workers, and employers can get business permits and health certificates, pay real property and business taxes, apply for Makatizen Card, and obtain digital vaccination certificate for individuals going abroad.

DOH: ‘Inherent constraints’ in fight against monkeypox THE Philippines has to make do with what is available under a limited environment to combat monkeypox, the Department of Health (DOH) hinted on Thursday.

DOH Undersecretary Beverly Ho said while an existing law does not allow the procurement of smallpox vaccines to be used against monkeypox, the government can use smallpox jabs to treat monkeypox through a “compassionate special permit (CSP) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“As to the mechanism, the EUA (emergency use authorization) and the EO (executive order) provide actually for COVID-19 vaccines. So di natin magagamit ang EUA as a tool for other vaccines. Kung CPR (certificate of product registration) medyo matagal po yan (We can’t use the EUA as a tool for other vaccines. If we wait for a CPR, it

Parts of EDSA, C-5, NLEX to undergo repair—MMDA THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday advised motorists to take alternate routes while Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) undergo repairs during this weekend.

In an advisory, the MMDA said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would conduct road reblocking and repairs on the following roads from 11 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday.

• EDSA northbound in Quezon City, along Santolan MRT-3 Station (EDSA Carousel lane) after the P. Tuazon flyover to Aurora Tunnel third lane from the center island, after Aurora Blvd. to New York street (3rd lane from the center island, intermittent section), after Kamuning/ Kamias Road to the JAC Liner Bus Station (beside the center island) • C-5 Road southbound (2nd lane) in Makati City • Fairview Ave. southbound near Mindanao Ave. Ext. (1st lane from the center island) • Cloverleaf Chainage going to NLEX northbound in Quezon City • Cloverleaf going to NLEX southbound • Cloverleaf (CHN 000 – CHN 234) going to NLEX southbound • C-5 Katipunan Ave. corner CP Garcia Ave.

will take long),” Ho said.

“Our route now is through CSP that FDA will be issuing for a limited amount of time. Once we get the donations, we can use it as soon as possible,” Ho said.

DOH rules also provide supportive therapy as the main treatment for monkeypox, she said.

“We basically relieve their symptoms and make sure they don’t go into a much worse condition.”

The DOH is in “constant communication with its counterparts” in the United States Agency for International Development for monkeypox treatment and vaccines.

The World Health Organization on Saturday has declared monkeypox to be a global health emergency -- the highest alarm it can sound on an infectious disease. WillIe Casas

NEONATAL CAREGIVING. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval supervises the observance of Nutrition Month highlighted by breastfeeding and vaccination drives for babies with the theme in the Breast Feeding Drive and Vaccination Drive in celebration of ‘’New Normal na Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang gawan ng Solusyon.” Andrew Rabulan

Ejercito: After two years of hiatus, cancer regains gov’t attention

By Gabriella Parino and Chelsea Din of the Senate Committee on Health during the previous congress.

SENATOR Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Thursday said cancer prevention is “finally getting the attention it deserves after two years of the health sector prioritizing COVID-19.”

As principal author and sponsor of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law, the former chairman

and Demography said the advocacy for cancer cure and prevention remained dormant during his absence from the Senate.

“It’s different when you are the principal sponsor, you will really fight for this,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino - stating that other legislators had their own pet projects to prioritize

Senator JV penned the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) to establish a cancer prevention program to improve the survivorship of patients diagnosed with the disease.

Ejercito expressed that the advocacy remained close to his heart after his wife, Hyacinth, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. She is now

LADY, YOUR LIPSTICKS MAY BE TOXIC.

Environment watchdog Ecowaste Coalition serves caution against the use of cheap, counterfeit lipsticks which may be contaminated with lead and other toxic substances that pose health risks to the users.

Manny Palmero

QC ramps up citywide anti-dengue drive

THE Quezon City government is intensifying city-wide campaign against dengue, including search-and-destroy operations to curb the rise in dengue cases.

Mayor Joy Belmonte tasked the city’s Health Department to lead the operations, along with barangay officials and residents, in various villages.

Communities with the most number of dengue cases have been prioritized.

“Our goal is to ensure that our citywide antimosquito protective measures are implemented and enforced, while also educating all residents to encourage personal protection,” she said.

Under the search-and-destroy strategy, the entire community works together in identifying and destroying all potential dengue mosquito breeding sites, such as discarded tins, bottles, broken flower pots, and used tires. Rio N. Araja

a cancer survivor.

“Cancer does not only cause suffering to the patient, but to the whole family. It makes one question his mortality, and his faith: is it a test of character or a trial of God? We’ve never lost our faith, instead, we’ve held onto it even tighter,” the Senator said during an online forum hosted by Kamuning Bakery Cafe.

Courts acquit Nueva Vizcaya dad of estafa raps by farmers ESTAFA charges filed in 2020 by a group of Nueva Vizcaya farmers against one of their provincial councilors have been dismissed by the courts for lack of merit.

The complainants accused provincial board member Roland Carub of complicity in a financial mess involving a rural cooperative.

Records of the case showed that sometime in 2020, the complaining farmer-members of the Timpuyog Ti Babbalasang Idi Kalman (TIBIK), lodged their complaints against Carub at the provincial prosecutor’s office in Villaverde town, claiming the respondent stole funds from their organization.

Carub who was reputedly known for helping farmers in the province, reportedly even assisted in the organizational efforts of TIBIK. He allegedly encouraged the farmers to secure loans from pertinent government agencies, proceeds of which were initially received by the borrowers.

Carub told the farmers that the loans could only be secured through a cooperative bank, for which purpose he referred them to the Cebu People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Cebu Coop) as a channel.

However, some TIBIK farmers claimed that Carub and other officers of the Cebu Coop Solano branch were embezzling funds from their organization in the guise of membership fees, paving the way for them to secure loans from government lending agencies which allegedly never materialized. Stephanie Caesar

Manila Manila

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Kim: Nokor ‘ready to mobilize’ nuke weapons S EOUL—North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country was “ready to mobilize” its nuclear deterrent in any future military clash with the United States and South Korea, state media said Thursday.

Washington and Seoul have repeatedly warned that Pyongyang is preparing to carry out its seventh nuclear test—a move that the United States has

warned would provoke a “swift and forceful” response.

In Kim’s latest speech to mark the armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War—known as

IN BRIEF Drink kills 42 in India, 100s sent to hospital AHMEDABAD— At least 42 people have died and nearly 100 others have been hospitalised in western India after drinking toxic alcohol, police said on Thursday, with authorities ordering a crackdown on bootleggers.

Dozens of people became ill earlier this week after drinking methanol—a poisonous form of alcohol sometimes used as an antifreeze—sold in several villages across Gujarat state.

Senior police official Ashok Yadav told AFP that 31 people had since died in Botad district.

Another 11 people died in nearby Ahmedabad district, V Chandrasekar, another senior police official, told AFP. “Investigation has revealed that the victims had consumed industrial grade methanol which caused the deaths,” state Home Affairs Minister Harsh Sanghavi said in statement.

Sanghavi said that 97 people had been admitted to hospital for treatment, with two in critical condition.

Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is one of several states in India where the consumption and sale of liquor is illegal. AFP

Ukraine closer to exporting its grain KYIV—Ukraine on Wednesday said it had restarted operations at its blockaded Black Sea ports as it moved closer to resuming grain exports with the opening of a coordination center to oversee a UNbacked deal.

Progress towards fulfilling the landmark agreement came as Kyiv’s artillery struck a key bridge in Moscowcontrolled territory in south Ukraine, damaging an important supply route as Ukrainian forces look to wrest back the Kherson region.

And as German authorities said Russia drastically reduced gas deliveries to Europe in a move seen as revenge for Western sanctions over the invasion, Ukraine announced plans to increase its electricity imports to Europe.

Ukraine and Russia last week agreed a plan with the help of Turkey and the United Nations to allow grain stranded

by Moscow’s naval blockade to be exported from three ports.

Kyiv has said it hopes to begin sending out the first of millions of tonnes of grain this week despite a missile strike

by Russia over the weekend on the port in Odessa. AFP

NOTICE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that AXEIA Notice is hereby that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. given (Formerly: Asiatic DEVELOPMENT CORP. with (Formerly: Asiatic Development Corporation) office address at 5th Development Corporation) 5th & 6th Floor, Westar Building,with 611office Shawaddress Blvd., at Brgy. th & 6 Floor, Westar Building, 611 Shaw Blvd., Brgy.

Kapitolyo, Pasig City, is applying for registration with Kapitolyo, City, is applying with the Board Pasig of Investments (BOI) for asregistration an Expanding the Board ofofEconomic Investments (BOI) as Housing an Expanding Developer and Low-cost Project Developer of Economic and Low-cost Housing (Green Meadows Residences Phase 3E) Project with a (Green Residences Phasehousing 3E) with a capacity Meadows of 394 economic and low-cost units, capacity of 394 economic and low-cost housing with project site located at Brgy.

Calansayan, San units, Jose, with projectunder site located Brgy.

Calansayan, San Jose, Batangas Tier I ofatthe 2022 Strategic Investment Batangas under Tierof I of the11534 2022 Strategic Priority Plan (SIPP) R.A. CREATE Investment Act).

Priority Plan (SIPP) of R.A. 11534 CREATE Act).

Any person with valid objection/s on the aboveAny person objection/s on the abovementioned projectwith mayvalid file his/her objection in writing, mentioned may his/her objection writing, under oath,project with the BOIfile within three (3) daysinfrom the under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication . date of this publication .

(SGD) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT (SGD) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Acting Director Acting Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-JULY 29, 2022)

(MS-JULY 29, 2022)

Republic of the Philippines Republic of the Philippines 4th Judicial Region 4th Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Siniloan, Laguna LagunaHighway, Brgy. Mendiola ASC Bldg., Manila EastSiniloan, Road National ASC Bldg., Manila East Siniloan, Road National LagunaHighway, Brgy. Mendiola Siniloan, Laguna rtc1snlo33@judiciary.gov.ph rtc1snlo33@judiciary.gov.ph 0997-622-3409 0997-622-3409 IN RE PETITION FOR ISSUANCE OF RE SECOND OWNER’S IN PETITION FOR DUPLICATE ISSUANCE COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF OF SECOND OWNER’S DUPLICATE TITLE NO. IN THE COPY OF 059-2015000001, THE CERTIFICATE OF NAME NO. OF JANE ALISON TAN TITLE 059-2015000001, IN LEETHE LIM, OFOFTHE REGISTER NAME JANE ALISON OF TANDEEDS LEEOF SINILOAN, LAGUNA OF DEEDS LIM, OF THE REGISTER OF SINILOAN, LAGUNA JANE ALISON TAN LEE-LIM JANE ALISON TAN LEE-LIM Petitioner x-------------------------------------------------x Petitioner x-------------------------------------------------x

SIMPLE PETITION NO. S-333-22 SIMPLE PETITION NO. S-333-22

ORDER

DER Before this Court is a PetitionOforR Re-Issuance of Owner’s Duplicate Copy of Certificate Title No. in the name of Jane Duplicate Alison TanCopy LeeBefore thisof Court is a059-2015000001, Petition for Re-Issuance of Owner’s Lim, of the Register of Siniloan, Laguna, filed by Jane of Certificate of Title of No.Deeds 059-2015000001, in the name of petitioner Jane Alison TanAlison LeeTan Lee-Lim. The Petitioner that after due notice, and Jane hearing, an Lim, of the Register of Deedsprays of Siniloan, Laguna, filed byposting petitioner Alison orderLee-Lim. or decision issued declaring anddue voidnotice, the owner’s copyan of Tan ThebePetitioner prays thatnull after postingduplicate and hearing, Transfer Certificate Title No. 059-2015000001, was lostduplicate and directing order or decision beofissued declaring null and voidwhich the owner’s copythe of Register Certificate of Deeds for Laguna, Siniloan Branch, after prescribed Transfer of Title No. 059-2015000001, whichpayment was lost of andthedirecting the fees by law to issue lieu thereof, a new owner’s Transfer Register of Deeds for inLaguna, Siniloan Branch, after duplicate payment ofcopy the of prescribed Certificate No.in059-2015000001 which shall induplicate all respects entitled fees by lawoftoTitle issue lieu thereof, a new owner’s copytoofbeTransfer to like faithofand as the original duplicate kept in in all therespects Registrytoofbe Deeds for Certificate Titlecredit No. 059-2015000001 which shall entitled Laguna, Siniloan Branch, in accordance with thekept applicable laws to this effect. for to like faith and credit as the original duplicate in the Registry of Deeds Laguna, Siniloan Branch, in accordance with the applicable laws to this effect.

FINDING THE PETITION TO BE SUFFICIENT IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE, the FINDING same is hereby set for hearing August 19,IN2022 at 8:30 the morning, THE PETITION TO BEon SUFFICIENT FORM ANDinSUBSTANCE, before thisisCourt, which date, time place,19,the2022 petitioner appear and the same herebyatset for hearing on and August at 8:30must in the morning, be ready present jurisdictional this petition while all other before thistoCourt, at the which date, timerequirements and place, theforpetitioner must appear and interested arethe to jurisdictional present their requirements opposition, if any. be ready toparties present for this petition while all other interested parties are to present their opposition, if any.

Let this Order be posted in conspicuous places in the bulletin boards of the Municipality of Siniloan, Laguna, Register of places Deeds inof the Laguna, Siniloan Let this Order be posted in conspicuous bulletin boardsBranch of the RTC Branchof33,Siniloan, Siniloan,Laguna, Laguna Register and in Barangay Municipality of DeedsHalayhayin, of Laguna,Siniloan, SiniloanLaguna, Branch whereBranch the subject propertyLaguna is located at least thirty (30) days before Laguna, the date RTC 33, Siniloan, and for in Barangay Halayhayin, Siniloan, of hearing. where the subject property is located for at least thirty (30) days before the date of hearing.

Furnish a copy of this Order and Petition to the Provincial Prosecutor of Laguna, theaLand Authority, Quezonto City, RegisterProsecutor of Deeds of Furnish copyRegistration of this Order and Petition the the Provincial Laguna, the Siniloan, Branch, and a Quezon copy of the to the Sheriff of this Laguna, Land Laguna Registration Authority, City,Order the Register of Deeds of Court, theSiniloan, Petitioner and Atty.

Grebert T. Sision, forthe theSheriff petitioner, for Laguna, Laguna Branch, andKarl a copy of thecounsel Order to of this their information andand guidance.

Court, the Petitioner Atty. Grebert Karl T. Sision, counsel for the petitioner, for their information and guidance.

SO ORDERED SO ORDERED Siniloan, Laguna, June 28, 2022.

Siniloan, Laguna, June 28, 2022.

(MS-JULY 15,22 & 29, 2022) (MS-JULY 15,22 & 29, 2022)

Republic of the Philippines Republic of theJudicial Philippines National Capital Region National Capital Judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Quezon City, Branch 229 Quezon City, Branch 229 rtc1qzn229@judiciary.gov.ph/09326132733 rtc1qzn229@judiciary.gov.ph/09326132733 IN THE MATTER OF VOLUNTARY IN THE MATTERAND OF VOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION LIQUIDATION DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION OF THE CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP OF THE CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP GAINS, OF GAINS, JORGE JOHN B. BANAL, JR., JORGE JOHN B. BANAL, Petitioner, JR., Petitioner, -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-22-06817-CV -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-22-06817-CV For: Dissolution and Liquidation of For: Dissolution and Liquidation of the Conjugal Partnership of Gains the Conjugal Partnership of Gains CARMELA M. CRUZ-BANAL CARMELA M. CRUZ-BANAL Respondent.

Respondent. x-------------------------------------------------x x-------------------------------------------------x NOTICE

NOTICE

Before this Court is a Joint Verified Petition for Voluntary Before this and Court is a Joint Petition for Voluntary Dissolution Liquidation of theVerified Conjugal Partnership of Gains Dissolution and Liquidation of theB.Conjugal of Gains filed by Petitioner Jorge John Banal, Partnership Jr. and Respondent filed

by Petitioner Jorgeon John Jr. andthat Respondent Carmela M. Cruz-Banal JulyB. 4, Banal, 2022 praying after due Carmela M.hearing, Cruz-Banal on July 4, 2022 praying that after due notice and an Order be issued; notice and hearing, an Order be issued; 1. Allowing the dissolution, partition and liquidation of the assets 1.

Allowing the dissolution, partitionconjugal and liquidation of theofassets (real and personal) of the present partnership gains (real and personal) community regime; of the present conjugal partnership of gains community regime; 2. Granting the Agreement for Voluntary Dissolution and 2.

Granting ofthe Agreement for Voluntary and Liquidation the Conjugal Partnership of GainsDissolution for not being to Liquidation of the Conjugal of Gains for not being to law, public policy, and publicPartnership morals; law, public policy, and public morals; 3. Ordering the appropriate Registry of Deeds for the annotation 3.

Ordering the in appropriate Registry of Deeds the annotation of the Decision the certificates of titles of the for Parties; of the Decision in the certificates of titles of the Parties; 4. Declaring that the community property relationship of 4.

Declaring that the property relationship of Petitioner JORGE JOHNcommunity B. BANAL, JR., and Respondent Petitioner JOHN B.isBANAL, JR., and Respondent CARMELAJORGE M. CRUZ-BANAL now governed by the Complete CARMELA CRUZ-BANAL is now governed by the Complete Separation M. of Property community regime.

Separation of Property community regime.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise Other prayedreliefs for. just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

In their Petition, the Spouses allege that they were married in Las In their Petition, Spouses allege that they werecelebrated married intheir Las Vegas, Nevada,the USA on April 23, 1988.

They Vegas, Nevada, on time Aprilon 23,October 1988. 17, They celebrated their marriage for the USA second 1990 at the Christ marriage the second time on October 17, 1990 the Christ the King for Parish in Green Meadows, Quezon City,atPhilippines. the King Parishbegot in Green Meadows, Quezon City, Philippines.

Their marriage four (4) children namely: Their marriage begot four (4) children namely: 1) Katherine Anne C. Banal (born on August 17, 1983); 1) C.(born Banalon(born 2) Katherine Korinne C.Anne Banal Aprilon 17,August 1987);17, 1983); 2) April 17,23, 1987); 3) Korinne Kristine C. Banal (born on August 1995); 3) Kristine C. Banal (born on August 23, 4) Jorge Paolo Francisco C. Banal (born1995); on February 1, 1997).

4) Jorge Paolo Francisco C. Banal (born on February 1, 1997).

The Spouses likewise allege that they have been separated since The Spouses likewise allege that theyinto have separatedfor since 2016.

An agreement was entered bybeen the Spouses the 2016.

Andissolution agreementofwas entered into by theofSpouses for the voluntary Conjugal Partnership Gains pursuant voluntary dissolution of Conjugal Partnership of Gains pursuant to Article 136 of the Family Code of the Philippines. to Article 136 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

WHEREFORE, let this Notice to Creditors be published in a WHEREFORE, let thiscirculation Notice toinCreditors be published in a newspaper of general the Philippines once a week newspaper general circulation in the the expense Philippines a week for three (3)ofconsecutive weeks at of once both Parties, for three (3) consecutive weeks at the expense of both Parties, upon coordination with the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional upon coordination withCity. the Office of on thethe Clerk Court, petition Regional Trial Court of Quezon Hearing jointofverified is Trial Court of Quezon City.atHearing on thein joint petition is set on October 26, 2022 8:30 o’clock theverified morning at Hall set on October 2022 atQuezon 8:30 o’clock the morning Hall of Justice Annex26, Building, City, atinwhich time and at place, of Justice Annex Building, City, atmay which time and place, any person having interestQuezon in the petition appear. any person having interest in the petition may appear.

SO ORDERED. SO ORDERED. July 7, 2022, Quezon City, Metro Manila July 7, 2022, Quezon City, Metro Manila

(Sgd.) CLETO R. VILLACORTA III (Sgd.) CLETO R. VILLACORTA III Presiding Judge Presiding Judge

Copy furnished: Copy Teddyfurnished: T. Soliman c/o Sardillo Sardillo Salom Law Office, Unit 802 The Taipan Place, F. Ortigas Road, Ortigas Center, PasigSalom City; teodorosoliman@gmail.com 09209702176 c/o Sardillo Sardillo Law Office, Unit 802 The Taipan Place, Teddy T. Jr., Soliman Jorge John B. Banal, – No.Pasig 8-B Rivera Street, St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City F. Ortigas Jr., Road, OrtigasJr. Center, City; teodorosoliman@gmail.com 09209702176 Carmela M.B. Cruz-Banal Jorge John Banal, Jr. – No. 8-B Rivera Street, St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City RTC-OCC, Carmela M. QC Cruz-Banal – No. 8-B Rivera Street, St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City (MStandard - July 15, 22 & 29, 2022) RTC-OCC, QC (MStandard - July 15, 22 & 29, 2022)

“Victory Day” in the North—he said the country’s armed forces were “thoroughly prepared” for any crisis.

“Our country’s nuclear war deterrent is also ready to mobilize its absolute power faithfully, accurately, and promptly

in accordance with its mission,” Kim said in a speech on Wednesday, according to Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency.

Speaking to war veterans on the 69th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War, Kim

emphasized the country’s “thorough readiness” to “deal with any military clash with the United States”.

His latest threats come as South Korea and the United States move to ramp up joint military exercises, which have always in-

furiated the North as Pyongyang considers them rehearsals for invasion.

This week, the US military held live-fire drills using its advanced Apache helicopters stationed in the South for the first time since 2019. AFP

Manila

Manila Standard Republic of the Philippines Standard Republic of the Philippines TODAY ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

TODAY ENERGY REGULATORY Pasig City COMMISSION Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR IN THE MATTER THE APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY TO OF DEVELOP, OWN AND/OR AUTHORITY TO DEVELOP,POINT-TO-POINT OWN AND/OR OPERATE DEDICATED OPERATE DEDICATED POINT-TO-POINT FACILITIES TO CONNECT THE 30 MWAC FACILITIES TO CONNECT THE 30 PLANT MWAC ARAYAT-MEXICO SOLAR POWER ARAYAT-MEXICO PLANT PROJECT PHASE 2SOLAR TO THE POWER NATIONAL GRID PROJECT PHASE 2 TO NATIONAL69 GRID CORPORATION OF THETHE PHILIPPINES KV CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES 69 KV MEXICO-CLARK LINE 2, WITH PRAYER FOR MEXICO-CLARK LINE 2, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY GREENCORE POWER SOLUTIONS 3, INC., GREENCORE POWER SOLUTIONS 3,Applicant.

INC., Applicant. x-------- ---- ---- ----------------x x-------- ---- ---- ----------------x

ERC CASE NO. 2022-014 MC ERC CASE NO. 2022-014 MC

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 20 June 2022, Greencore Power Solutions 3, Inc. Notice hereby given that on23 20May June2022, 2022,seeking Greencore Solutions 3, Inc. (GPS3I) filedisan Application dated the Power Commission’s approval (GPS3I) filed antoApplication dated 23 May 2022, seeking thepoint-to-point Commission’s approval of its authority develop, own and/ or operate dedicated facilities to of its authority to (30) develop, own and/ or operate point-to-point facilities to connect the thirty MWAc Arayat-Mexico Solardedicated Power Plan Project Phase 2 to the connect the thirty (30) MWAc Arayat-Mexico Solar Power Plan Project Phase 2 to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)’s sixty-nine (69) kV Mexico-Clark National Gridprayer Corporation of theofPhilippines Line 2, with for issuance provisional(NGCP)’s authority.sixty-nine (69) kV Mexico-Clark Line 2, with prayer for issuance of provisional authority.

The pertinent allegations of the Application are hereunder quoted as follows: The pertinent allegations of the Application are hereunder quoted as follows: 1.

GPS3I is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by 1.

GPS3I a laws corporation duly organized and existing and by virtue ofisthe of the Republic of the Philippines with under principal office virtue of the the Republic of theRoad, Philippines with principal office address at laws Lot 4of Magalang-Arayat Barangay San Antonio, address at Lot 4 Magalang-Arayat Road, Barangay San Antonio, Arayat, Pampanga, Philippines.

Arayat, Pampanga, Philippines.

2.

GPS3I may be serve orders and other processes through the 2.

GPS3I may counsel. be serve orders and other processes through the undersigned undersigned counsel.

NATURE OF THE APPLICATION NATURE OF THE APPLICATION 3.

This Application is submitted to this Honorable Commission pursuant 3.

This Application submittedAct to this Commission to Section 9(f) ofis Republic 9136Honorable or the “Electric Powerpursuant Industry to Section Republic 9136 or theand “Electric Power Industry Reform Act9(f) of of 2001” for itsAct consideration approval of GPS3I’s Reform Act of 2001” for its consideration and approval of GPS3I’s proposed development, ownership, and operation of interconnection proposed development, ownership, and operation Solar of interconnection facilities which shall connect the Arayat-Mexico Power Plant facilities which 2shall connect the Arayat-Mexico Solar Power Plant Project Phase (the “Project”) located within the vicinity of Barangay Project PhaseArayat 2 (theand “Project”) located within the vicinityPampanga of Barangay San Antonio, Barangay Buenavista, Mexico, to San Antonio, Arayat and Barangay Buenavista, Mexico, Pampanga to the Luzon Grid through the Mexico-Clark 69kV line 2. the Luzon Grid through the Mexico-Clark 69kV line 2.

STATEMENT OF FACTS STATEMENT OF FACTS 4.

GPS3I is the holder of Solar Energy Operating Contract No. 20224.

GPS3I the“Service holder ofContract”) Solar Energy Operating Contract No. 202204-623,is(the and the new Department of Energy 04-623, (theof“Service Contract”) and the new Department of Energy Certificate Registration (“DOE-COR”) by virtue of which it was Certificate Registration virtue and of which was granted theof exclusive right(“DOE-COR”) to explore, by develop utilizeit solar granted exclusive to explore,Thirty-Eight develop and utilize solar resourcesthe within an arearight approximately and Twenty-Nine resources within an area approximately Thirty-Eight and Twenty-Nine Hundredths Hectares (38.29 Has.) (the “Contract Area”).

Hundredths Hectares (38.29 Has.) (the “Contract Area”).

5.

Pursuant to the Service Contract, GPS3I is developing the Project, 5.

Pursuant to the Service Contract,commercial GPS3I is developing Project, which is targeted to commence operations the in the first which targeted to Republic commence operations in the half of is 2022.

Notably, Actcommercial No. 9513, otherwise known asfirst the half of 2022. Energy Notably,Act Republic Act No.Law”) 9513,mandates otherwisethat known as the “Renewable of 2008,” (“RE the GPS3I “Renewable Energy Actofofpriority 2008,”dispatch (“RE Law”) thatunit theutilizing GPS3I shall enjoy the benefit as mandates a generating shall enjoy the renewable benefit of priority as a generating unit utilizing an intermittent energydispatch resource. an intermittent renewable energy resource.

6.

In order to test, commission, and dispatch from the Project, GPS3I 6.

In order to test, and dispatch from the facility Project, GPS3I shall develop andcommission, construct a dedicated point-to-point which will shall develop and construct a dedicated point-to-point facility which will connect the Project to the Luzon Grid through NGCP’s Mexico-Clark connect the 69 kV line 2.Project to the Luzon Grid through NGCP’s Mexico-Clark 69 kV line 2.

6.1. The interconnection of the Project to the Luzon Grid involves 6.1. The interconnection of the thepublic Project to of thethree Luzon involves the construction along road (3)Grid phase 69 kV the along theAluminum public road of three (3) phase 69 kV line,construction using 1-336.4 MCM Conductor Steel Reinforce line, using MCM Aluminum (ACSR) via1-336.4 Steel Pole measuring 19.2Conductor meters in Steel height.Reinforce The said (ACSR) Pole 19.2five meters in height. said 3-phasevia 69Steel kV line is measuring approximately hundred (500)The meters 3-phase 69NGCP kV lineTower is approximately hundred (500) meters away from 36, from thefive proposed Switchyard and away from NGCP Tower36, 36,from fromthe the proposed proposed Switchyard and Substation (the Tower Substation (the 36, from the proposed and (the Tower “Dedicated Facility Project”). Switchyard The Dedicated Substation (the will “Dedicated Facility Project”).

The Dedicated Facility Project be owned, operated, maintained and used Facility Project will be for owned, operated, maintained and 69kV used exclusively

by GPS3I connection of the Mexico-Clark exclusively GPS3I for connection of the Mexico-Clark 69kV line 2 to theby Luzon Grid. line 2 to the Luzon Grid.

6.1.1. The Dedicated Facility Project will be exclusively funded 6.1.1. The Dedicated Project will exclusively funded

by GPS3I and Facility will, therefore, not be impact any regulated by GPS3I and will, therefore, not impact any regulated charges. charges.

6.1.2. The breakdown of the major cost components of the 6.1.2. The breakdown the major components of the Dedicated FacilityofProject is as cost follows: Dedicated Facility Project is as follows: PROJECT COMPONENTS AMOUNT PROJECT COMPONENTS AMOUNT Switchyard/ Substation and 102,844,213.35 Switchyard/ Substation and 102,844,213.35 Control Control Transmission Line 3,041,397.60 Transmission Line 3,041,397.60 TOTAL PROJECT COST 105,885,611 TOTAL PROJECT COST 105,885,611 7.

GPS3I considered two (2) options for the connection of the Mexico7.

GPS3I considered two (2) options Clark 69kV to the Luzon Grid, to wit:for the connection of the MexicoClark 69kV to the Luzon Grid, to wit: 7.1. Option 1: Connection to the Mexico Substation through overhead 7.1. Option 1: Connectionline to theusing Mexico Substation through overhead 69kV transmission SP-SC, 1-336.4 MCM ACSR 69kV transmission line using SP-SC, 1-336.4 MCM ACSR conductor.

The length of the transmission line is approximately conductor. length of transmission linethis is approximately fifteen (15)The kilometers viathe steel poles. Since will be a new fifteen (15) kilometers via steelit poles.

Sinceathis will be station a new transmission line connection, will require switching transmission line connection, will require a switchingright-ofstation near the Mexico Substation.it Further, considerable near the easements Mexico Substation. right-ofway and rights mustFurther, also be considerable acquired for the 69kV way and easements mustwhich also be for the 69kV transmission line and rights the poles, rightacquired are difficult to obtain. transmission line and the poles, which right are difficult to obtain.

7.2. Option 2: Tapping connection along the existing Mexico-Clark 7.2. Option 2: Tapping connection alongThe the proposed existing Mexico-Clark 69kV Line 2 of Mexico Substation.

Solar Power 69kV 2 of Substation.

The proposed Solar Power Plant Line facility is Mexico approximately less than fifty (50) meters away Plant facility is approximately than fifty (50) MCM metersACSR. away from the tapping point usingless SP-SC, 1-336.4 from the tapping point using SP-SC, 1-336.4 MCM ACSR. Hence, no need to provide switching station and the right-of-way Hence, no needwill to not provide switching and easement be an issue. station and the right-of-way and easement will not be an issue.

Hence, the applicant finds Option 2 to be more feasible in terms Hence, thecost applicant finds Option 2 to be more feasible in terms of project and implementation. of project cost and implementation.

8.

NGCP, on the other hand, has recommended the Dedicated Facility 8.

NGCP, on the theonly other hand, theProject Dedicated Project as option forhas the recommended connection of the to theFacility Luzon Project as the option for thestudy connection ofto theGPS3I. Project to the Luzon Grid under theonly System Impact it issued Grid under the System Impact study it issued to GPS3I. 9.

In the facility study submitted to NGCP last March 31, 2022, the Project 9.

In the facility study submitted to NGCP March the is technically feasible to connect to the last Luzon Grid31, via2022, line tap toProject NGCP is technically feasible Mexico-Clark Line 2. to connect to the Luzon Grid via line tap to NGCP Mexico-Clark Line 2.

10. GPS3I shall process its Connection Agreement (CA) for the 10. GPS3I shall process its Connection (CA) for the interconnection of the Project to NGCP’s Agreement distribution system through interconnection the Project to NGCP’s system through the Dedicated of Facility Project, subject distribution to prior Approval by this the Dedicated Facility Project, subject to prior Approval by this Honorable Commission.

Honorable Commission.

11. In light of the foregoing, GPS3I respectfully seeks the confirmation 11. In of thethat foregoing, GPS3I to respectfully seeks the confirmation andlight approval the connection NGCP’s Mexico-Clark 69kV Line 2 and approval that the connection to NGCP’s Mexico-Clark Line 2 through the Dedicated Facility Project as proposed under 69kV the System through the Dedicated Facility Project as proposed under the System Impact Study is the most viable option for connecting the Project to the Impact Study is the most viable option for connecting the Project to the Luzon Grid.

Luzon Grid.

12. GPS3I has determined the National Grid Corporation as a possible 12. GPS3I has todetermined the maintain National Grid CorporationFacility as a possible contractor operate and the Dedicated Project. contractor operate and maintain the Dedicated Facilitycapability Project.

GPS3I shalltoengage a Contractor with technical and financial GPS3I shall engage a Contractor with technical financial capability in supplying the necessary equipment, material,and labor, and services to in supplying necessary equipment, labor,once and services to complete thethe Project.

Agreements shallmaterial, be executed NGCP and complete the Project.

Agreements shall be executed once NGCP and the Contractor have confirmed. the Contractor have confirmed.

13. As of date, GPS31 has filed or is in the process of filing an application 13. As date, GPS31 filed or is in the Project processwith of filing an application for of approval of the has Dedicated Facility all the concerned for approval the have Dedicated Facility Project with further all the undertakes concerned agencies thatofmay an interest therein.

GPS3I agencies that may have an interest therein.

GPS3I further undertakes to file an Application for a Certificate of Compliance with this Honorable to file an Application a Certificate of Compliance withResolution this Honorable Commission for the for Project in accordance with ERC No. Commission the Project in accordance with ERC Resolution No. 16, Series of for 2014.

16, Series of 2014.

Copies of the following documents are hereto attached and made Copies thehereof, following documents are hereto attached and made integral of parts as follows: integral parts hereof, as follows: ANNEX DOCUMENT DOCUMENT AUCTIONANNEX SALE “A” Solar Energy Operating Contract No. 2022-04-623 AUCTION SALE ACME PAWNSHOPS “A” INC. Solar Energy Operating Contract No. 2022-04-623 ACME PAWNSHOPS INC. New Department of Energy Certificate of Registration “B” Auction sale on August Department of Energy Certificate of Registration (DOE-COR) Auction on“B” August 05, 2022,sale 10:00 a.m.

MJ New 05, 2022,Bldg., 10:00 Almanza a.m. MJ (DOE-COR) Holding “C” System Impact Study Holding Bldg., Almanza Las Piñas; 12:00 noon System Impact “C” noon Study Las Piñas;Town 12:00 Alabang Center “D” Facility Study Alabang Town Center Stall 2074 U/L, 2:00 Facility Study “D” Stall 2074 U/L, 2:00 Single Line Diagram for the Dedicated Facility Project pm G/F Majalco Bldg.

“E” Bldg. pm G/F Majalco Benavidez St., “E” Legaspi Single Line Diagram for the Dedicated Facility Project Benavidez St., and Legaspi Village, Makati L&R Conceptual Engineering Designs and Drawings “F” Village, Makati and L&R Conceptual Engineering Designs and Drawings Bldg., 1018 Pasay “F”Road, Bldg., Road, Makati1018 andPasay 4:00 “G” pm Proof of Correspondence with NGCP Makati and G14, 4:00 pm Proof of Correspondence with NGCP Circle C “G” #17 Circle C G14, #17 Relevant Dates and Gantt Chart of the Project Congressional “H” Ave. Congressional Ave. Relevant Dates and Gantt Chart of the Project Bahay Toro D1, “H” Quezon JULY 15, 2022 Date ofAllThird Publication Bahay Toro D1, Pawned Quezon City items JULY 15, 2022 Date ofAllThird City Pawned March 01 items - Publication 31, 2022 March 01 - 31,(MS-JULY 202222, 2022) (MS-JULY 22, 2022)

“I” “I” “J” “J”

2020 DOE Power Demand and Supply Highlights 2020 DOE Power Demand and Supply Highlights Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) No. with an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) No. ECC-OL-R03-2021-0669 ECC-OL-R03-2021-0669 “K” GPS3I’s Latest General Information Sheet “K” GPS3I’s Latest General Information Sheet “L” GPS3I’s Certificate of Registration “L” GPS3I’s Certificate of Registration “M” GPS3I’s Article of Incorporation and By-laws “M” GPS3I’s Article of Incorporation and By-laws “N” Sworn statement of GPS3I’s President stating that GPS3I has “N” Sworn of GPS3I’s President statingofthat has filed orstatement shall file an application for approval theGPS3I Dedicated filed or shall filewith an all application foragencies approval of the Dedicated Facility Project concerned Facility Project with all concerned agencies “O” GPS3I’s Latest Audited Financial Statements “O” GPS3I’s Latest Audited Financial Statements “P” GPS3I’s Proof of Correspondence Request for Endorsement “P” GPS3I’s Proof of Application Correspondence Request for Endorsement for Point-to-Point for Point-to-Point Application “Q” Description of the Project “Q” Description of the Project ““R” Options considered for the connection of the Project to the ““R” Options considered for the connection of the Project to the Luzon Grid Luzon Grid “S” Detailed Estimated Project Cost “S” Detailed Estimated Project Cost “T” GPS3I’s Sec Cert for P2P Application “T” GPS3I’s Sec Cert for P2P Application “U” GPS3I’s SPA for P2P Application “U” GPS3I’s SPA for P2P Application “V” Project Rationale for the Development of the Dedicated “V” Project Rationale for the Development of the Dedicated Point -to-Point Facility Point -to-Point Facility ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 14. Given the RE Law’s objective to accelerate the development of the 14. Given therenewable RE Law’s energy objective to accelerate the development of the country’s resources and increase the utilization of country’s resources and the utilization of renewablerenewable energy, it energy is in the interest of theincrease government to help RE renewable it is in theachieve interest commerciality of the government help RE developers energy, such as GPS3I and to commence developers as GPS3I achievetime. commerciality commence operations atsuch the soonest practicable Manifestly, and the construction operations at the soonest practicable Manifestly, of the Dedicated Facility Project is a time. pre-requisite forthe theconstruction testing and of the Dedicated and Facility Project isthe a pre-requisite the testing commissioning, ultimately, commercial for operations of and the commissioning, and authority ultimately,is needed the commercial of the GPS3I. A provisional to enableoperations GPS3I to achieve GPS3I. A provisional is needed to enable to achieve the target commercialauthority operations date of the Project GPS3I in the first quarter the target commercial operations date of the of 2023 and avoid adverse consequences to Project GPS3I.in the first quarter of 2023 and avoid adverse consequences to GPS3I. 15. Moreover, generation of electricity from renewable energy resource 15. Moreover, of electricity from energy resource contributesgeneration to the reduction of carbon andrenewable greenhouse gas emissions contributes to the reduction carbon and greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere throughofthe displacement of power generated to thebunker atmosphere through the displacement of power generated from and other fossil fuel, while at the same time augmenting from bunker andinother fossil Grid. fuel, while at isthe same time existing supply the Luzon GPS3I committed to augmenting maintaining existing supply in the LuzonofGrid. is committed to maintaining the environmental integrity the GPS3I surrounding area, hence it applied the environmental integrity of the surrounding area, hence and was issued by the Department of Environment andit applied Natural and was issued by the of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”) with Department an Environmental Compliance Certificate Resources with an Environmental Compliance Certificate (“ECC”) No.(“DENR”) ECC-OL-R03-2021-0669 on 18 November 2021, while at (“ECC”) No. ECC-OL-R03-2021-0669 on for 18 sustainable November 2021, while at the same time producing clean energy development the timegrowth. producing clean energy for sustainable development and same inclusive and inclusive growth.

16. The issuance of a provisional authority will allow GPS3I to immediately 16. The of a of provisional authority will Project, allow GPS3I to immediately startissuance construction the Dedicated Facility thus preventing any start of the Dedicated Project, thus preventing any delayconstruction in the commercial operationsFacility of the Project. delay in the commercial operations of the Project.

17. Given the foregoing, there is clear and sufficient basis to consider 17. Given the foregoing, there and sufficient to consider imperative the issuance of isa clear provisional authoritybasis or interim relief imperative issuanceofofa afinal provisional relief pending thetheissuance order orauthority decisionorininterim the instant pending the issuance of a final order or decision in the instant Application.

Application.

A copy of the Affidavit executed by GPS3I’s President, Mr. Oliver Y. A copy the Affidavit executed GPS3I’sofPresident, Oliver Y. Tan, in of support of the prayer for by issuance provisionalMr. authority is Tan, in attached. support of the prayer for issuance of provisional authority is hereto hereto attached.

18. In view of all the foregoing, Applicant respectfully submits the instant 18. In view of allfor the this foregoing, Applicant respectfullyurgent submitsand the instant Application Honorable Commission’s utmost Application for this Honorable Commission’s urgent and utmost consideration. consideration.

PRAYER PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed to premisesthat: considered, it is respectfully prayed to this WHEREFORE, Honorable Commission this Honorable Commission that: 1. An Order be issued granting PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY for 1. An Order be issued granting PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY for GREENCORE POWER SOLUTIONS 3, INC.’s development, GREENCORE POWER of SOLUTIONS 3,Facility INC.’sProject development, ownership and operation the Dedicated to allow ownership and operation the Dedicated Facility Project the connection of GPS3I’sofProject to the Luzon Grid; and to allow the connection of GPS3I’s Project to the Luzon Grid; and 2. After hearing on the merits, a DECISION be rendered APPROVING 2. After hearing on the merits, a DECISION be rendered APPROVING the instant Application. the instant Application.

Other reliefs that are just and equitable under the premises are Other reliefsfor. that are just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with The Commission has set the Application for determination compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trialof Conference, and the jurisdictional requirements, presentation, Pre-trial and presentation of evidence on the expository following dates and online platformConference, for the conduct presentation of evidence on theNo. following dates and 1online for the2020 conduct thereof, pursuant to Resolution 09, Series of 2020 dated platform 24 September and thereof, pursuant to Series Resolution No. 09, Series of 20201 dated September and Resolution No. 01, of 2021, dated 17 December 202024 (ERC Revised2020 Rules of 2 Resolution No. 01, Series of 2021, dated 17 December 2020 (ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure): Practice and Procedure):2 Date Platform Activity Date Platform Activity 16 August 2022 Microsoft Teams Determination of 16 Augustat2022 Microsoft Teams Determination of (Tuesday) Nine compliance with (Tuesday) Nine compliance with o’clock in theatmorning the jurisdictional o’clock(9:00 in the morning the jurisdictional AM) requirements and (9:00 AM) requirements and expository presentation expository presentation 23 August 2022 Microsoft Teams Pre-trial Conference and 23 Augustat2022 Microsoft Teams Pre-trial Conference and (Tuesday) nine presentation of evidence (Tuesday) at nine presentation of evidence o’clock in the morning o’clock(9:00 in the morning AM) (9:00 AM) Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least Any interested may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar daystakeholder prior to the scheduled virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at one (1) calendar copy day prior to the virtual hearing, via electronic mail (e-mail) at docket@erc.ph, furnish thescheduled Legal Service through legal@erc.ph.

The Commission docket@erc.ph, copy the Legal Service legal@erc.ph. shall give priority tofurnish the stakeholders who through have duly submitted The theirCommission respective shall give and/or priority clarifications, to the stakeholders who their respective comments to discuss the have sameduly and submitted propound questions during comments clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course and/or of the expository presentation. the course of the expository presentation.

Moreover, any person who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant anya person have in the via subject matter of the instant case Moreover, may become party bywho filing withan theinterest Commission e-mail at docket@erc.ph, case become a party by filing withlegal@erc.ph, the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy may furnish the Legal Service through a verified Petition to Intervene at copy Legal days Service through a verified Intervene least furnish five (5) the calendar prior to the legal@erc.ph, date of the initial virtual Petition hearing to and subject at to least five (5) calendar days prior theERC dateRevised of the initial virtual hearingand andProcedure, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 oftothe Rules of Practice the requirements Rulenumber 9 of theand ERC Revised Rulesand of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein under the docket title of the case stating the following: indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1) The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address; 1) The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address; 2) The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and 2) The nature petitioner’s interest in interest the subject matter by of the and the way andofmanner in which such is affected the proceeding issues involved the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and in the proceeding; and 3) A statement of the relief desired.

3) A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission Likewise, persons maycase wantmay theirfile views known to the Commission with respect to all theother subject matterwho of the through e-mail at docket@erc. with respect to the matter through of the case may file through e-mail at docket@erc. ph copy furnish the subject Legal Service legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment ph copy at furnish Service days through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon least the fiveLegal (5) calendar prior to the initial virtual hearing and subject to thereon at least five (5) calendar prior Revised to the initial virtual hearingand andProcedure. subject to the requirements under Rule 9 ofdays the ERC Rules of Practice the requirements Rule 9 oforthe ERC Revised Rules but of Practice and Procedure.

No particular formunder of Opposition Comment is required, the document, letter, or No particular of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing shouldform contain the following: writing should contain the following: 1) The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of such person; 1) The name, mailing address, and e-mail address of such person; 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 2) A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and 3) The grounds relied upon.

3) The grounds relied upon.

Any of the persons mentioned in the preceding paragraphs may access the copy of the persons in the preceding paragraphs may access the copy of theAny Application on the mentioned Commission’s official website at www.erc.gov.ph. of the Application on the Commission’s official website at www.erc.gov.ph.

Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the scheduled initial virtual Finally, interested may bethrough allowed legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, to join the scheduled initial virtual hearings by all providing thepersons Commission, with hearings by providing the Commission, through legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, with their respective e-mail addresses and indicating therein the case number of the instant their respective e-mail addresses and indicating therein the case number of the instant Application. The Commission will send the access link/ s to the aforementioned hearing Application.

Thefive Commission send theto access link/ s to the aforementioned hearing platform within (5) workingwill days prior the scheduled hearings. platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled hearings.

WITNESS, the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN, CATHERINE WITNESS, the Honorable M. LUMBATAN, CATHERINE P. MACEDA, FLORESINDA G.Commissioners BALDO-DIGALALEXIS and MARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, and MARKO ROMEO P. MACEDA, FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL FUENTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 22nd day of June 2022 in Pasig City.L. FUENTES Energy Regulatory Commission, this 22nd day of June 2022 in Pasig City.

AGNES VST DEVANADERA AGNES VST DEVANADERA Chairperson and CEO Chairperson and CEO

1 1 2 2

Entitled, A Resolution Adopting the Guidelines Governing Electronic Applications, Filings and Virtual Hearings Before the Energy RegulatoryAdopting Commission.

Entitled, A Resolution the Guidelines Governing Electronic Applications, Filings and Virtual Hearings Before Entitled, A Resolution the Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Energy Regulatory Commission. the Energy RegulatoryAdopting Commission.

Entitled, A Resolution Adopting the Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

(MS-JULY 29, 2022)

(MS-JULY 29, 2022)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

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

A8

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

8990 Holdings posted P3.65-b profit in 1st half

By Jenniffer B. Austria MASS housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. registered a net income of 3.65 billion in the first six months of the year, up 5.5 percent from P3.45 billion in the same period last year.

8990 president and chief executive Anthony Vincent Sotto said in a statement Thursday gross revenues slightly increased to P10.05 billion in the first half from P10 billion yearon-year despite inflationary fears, the uncertainty from the outcome of the elections and the war in Ukraine.

Gross margin remained at 50 percent while net margin rose slightly to 36 percent from 35 percent due to effective expense management.

8990 has delivered 5,364 units to homeowners as of end-June.

The National Capital Region (NCR) accounted for the bulk of the total revenues at 54 percent, followed

by North Luzon and Davao with 14 percent each. Cebu/Ormoc cornered nine percent; Iloilo/Bacolod, seven percent; and South Luzon and General Santos, one percent each.

NCR accounted 37 percent In terms of total units delivered, followed by Iloilo/Bacolod at 17 percent. Davao contributed 16 percent; North Luzon, 15 percent; Cebu/Ormoc, nine percent; General Santos, four percent; and South Luzon, two percent.

Sotto is confident the company will meet its P23-billion sales target for 2022 based on its inventory of 3,292 units with P3.6 billion in total sales value.

It plans to launch two new housing projects with P12 billion in total sales value.

8990 currently has a land bank of 767.56 hectares across the country with potential sales value of P171 billion.

“In the next seven to 10 years, we expect to unlock a total of P171 billion in revenues,” Sotto said.

Wilcon Depot booked 56% rise in Q2 earnings WILCON Depot Inc., a leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer, said Thursday second-quarter net income jumped 56.4 percent to P1 billion from the same period last year on the back of strong sales.

Wilcon, in a disclosure to the stock exchange, attributed the strong secondquarter performance to higher volume of business and improved gross profit margin which helped offset the increase in operating expenses.

Net sales grew 22.8 percent to P8.3 billion, on fewer pandemic-related disruptions in the second quarter compared to the same period last year.

Wilcon said the opening of two new stores in the second quarter contributed to higher sales in the period. Wilcon had 76 stores in its network as of end-June.

“We built on our strong first-quarter start and delivered our best quarter net sales and earnings so far this second quarter,” said Wilcon president and chief executive Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.

“We maintained our strategic focus and remained committed to delivering the widest array of home improvement and finishing construction products and consistent excellent customer service despite the continued operating and supply chain challenges,” she said.

Operating expenditures, including leaserelated interest expenses, grew 14.4 percent year-on-year to P1.96 billion because of inflation and bigger volume of business from both old and new stores.

The strong second-quarter performance boosted Wilcon’s net income in the first half to P1.85 billion, up 49 percent from a year ago. First-half net sales also increased 18.7 percent to P15.9 billion.

Belo-Cincochan said the company was on track to meeting its target of opening eight new stores this year.

Wilcon opened one depot in Ilocos Sur and another Home Essentials in Tagaytay in July.

“With the improving performance of stores in areas that were more frequently disrupted by mobility restrictions last year, we expect our net sales to grow by at least high teens and our comparable sales by high-single digit to low teens for the full year 2022,” Belo-Cincochan said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business BSP to use ‘full force’ to offset Fed rate hike T

By Julito G. Rada

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday it is ready to use the “full force” of its available measures to lessen the impact of the latest 75-basis-point hike in policy rate by the US Federal Reserve that aims to control the rising inflation in the world’s biggest economy.

The Fed’s move was second straight 75 bps increase and the fourth rate hike this year, as the US central bank moved aggressively to cool the strongest surge in inflation in more than four decades.

The BSP said in a statement the action of the Fed, along with the tightening of global financial conditions and

broadening uncertainty over global growth prospects, “could continue to drive exchange rate movements in emerging market economies, including in the Philippines.”

“In order to manage the spillover effects of such external developments, the BSP is prepared to utilize the full force of available measures in order to address the potential risks to Philippine inflation and inflation expectations arising from an overshooting or excessive depreciation of the Philippine peso,” the BSP said.

The central bank said it would continue to be guided by its assessment of the domestic and global developments that affect the outlook for inflation and growth.

“Looking ahead, the BSP stands ready to take all necessary monetary policy action to bring inflation back toward a target-consistent path over the medium term. Further monetary policy adjustment will be carried out in the coming months commensurate with the primary objective of preventing inflation from becoming further en-

trenched,” the BSP said.

It said the Philippines’ robust economic prospects continued to provide enough room for further tightening of the monetary policy stance. But it said future monetary policy decisions would always be guided by data outcomes for the Philippine economy.

The first 75-bps hike by the Fed took place in the middle of June 2022, which boosted the US dollar against global currencies, including the peso.

Fed chairman Jerome Powell told reporters after the Fed’s rate hike on Wednesday that inflation was “much too high,’ adding that another “unusually large increase could be appropriate” at the next meeting.

But Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., told Manila Standard the latest 75-bps hike by the Fed has been widely expected and already fully priced in by the markets beforehand.

“In fact, the US dollar already corrected lower vs. major global currencies recently despite the latest Fed rate hike,” Ricafort said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Thursday, July 28, 2022

142.50 PTS. 6,379.26

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

567,764,166 58,777 4,725,989,725.06

ADVANCES DECLINES

140 50

UNCHANGED

40

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

55.635

Japan

Yen

0.007323

0.4074

UK

Pound

1.2162

67.6633

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127403

7.0881

Switzerland

Franc

1.042535

58.0014

Canada

Dollar

0.779666

43.3767

Singapore

Dollar

0.723223

40.2365

Australia

Dollar

0.6991

38.8944

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652731

147.5847

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266255

14.8131

Brunei

Dollar

0.720617

40.0915

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.027152

1.5106

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

15.1482

Euro

Euro

1.0203

56.7644

Korea

Won

0.000765

0.0426

China

Yuan

0.147929

8.23

India

Rupee

0.012524

0.6968

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.224417

12.4854

New Zealand

Dollar

0.6263

34.8442

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033455

1.8613 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF 7-Eleven operator allots P2b this year PHILIPPINE Seven Corp. (PSC), the local franchise holder of convenience store chain 7-Eleven, said Thursday it plans to spend P2 billion in capital expenditures this year to open 300 additional outlets.

PSC president and chief executive Jose Victor Paterno said in a press briefing the company remains bullish this year said despite the current market environment after posting a strong firstquarter performance.

“We are bullish this year that is why we are opening more stores,” said Paterno.

Company-owned stores will account for half of the new openings this year while franchise outlets will contribute the remainder. PSC as of end 2021 operated 3,073 convenience stores, mainly in Metro Manila and major areas in Luzon.

Paterno said the easing mobility restrictions and the resumption of face-to-face classes would boost the company’s performance in the coming period. Jenniffer B. Austria

PLDT set to complete migration this month PLDT Inc. on Thursday said it expects to complete its network migration from legacy fixed wireless service into better and faster fixed wired and wireless service by end of the month.

The country’s largest telecommunications company said it would complete the scheduled decommissioning of about 185 telecom towers by end-July 2022 to provide Time-Division Duplex Long-Term Evolution or TD-LTE coverage to Home Ultera.

This means more than 3,000 subscribers of Home Ultera, who are eligible for service migration, will have the option to either move to higher speed fixed fiber plans, or to a postpaid wireless service for the home at no additional cost, and for better customer experience.

“Customers who will migrate to Home Fiber will also enjoy free installation and modem fees,” PLDT said.

The migration initiative will cover 58 areas in the Philippines.

Darwin G. Amojelar

SM INDOOR BAZAAR. SM employees and customers extend support to local farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises by purchasing their quality products at the indoor bazaar dubbed as the Producers Market in Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City. SM teamed up with SM Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to showcase fresh farm produce from the alumni of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture, processed food and original hand-made crafts from DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program and farm products and cut flowers from Baguio City.

China Bank’s income climbed by 39% to P10.1b in six months CHINA Banking Corp. said Thursday net profit jumped 39 percent in the first half to P10.1 billion from a year ago, driven by higher net interest income and core fees.

China Bank said in a statement the robust income performance translated into a better return on equity and return on assets of 16.4 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively.

“The sustained growth puts China Bank in a stronger position to support customers and the economy in this period of recovery,” China Bank president William Whang said.

Net interest income climbed 16 percent to P22 billion on the back of stronger top line revenues and steady movement in interest expense. Net interest margin was maintained at 4.3 percent.

The decline in trading and foreign exchange gains weakened fee-based income to P3.2 billion. Core fee income went up 24 percent, on double-digit growth in service charges, fees, commissions, income from sale of acquired assets and bancassurance.

The bank said it reduced credit provisions by 69 percent to P1.7 billion, reflecting the positive economic outlook and improving asset quality.

Gross non-performing loans ratio was at 2.3 percent or 120 basis points lower than a year ago and better than the industry average. NPL cover remained sufficient and above industry at 128 percent.

Efficiency enhancements and judicious cost management kept operating expenses stable, improving the cost-toincome ratio to 44 percent.

China Bank chief finance officer Patrick Cheng said the bank consistently recorded quarterly income growth throughout the pandemic. “For the second quarter 2022 period, China Bank’s net income breached the P5-billion mark, a first in the bank’s more than 100-year-old franchise,” Cheng said.

China Bank remains one of the largest lenders in the country, with consolidated assets rising 17 percent year-on-year to P1.2 trillion as of end-June.

Loans expanded 14 percent to P655 billion on the back of significant growth in both business and consumer loans. Total deposits increased 14 percent to P945 billion, as the bank sustained a 14-percent year-on-year build-up in current and savings accounts. Julito G. Rada

Diokno welcomes infra investments FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the private sector is welcomed to invest in infrastructure development and other industries, as he made an assurance the country has the enabling business environment and ample fiscal space for key projects. “[We] will just provide the environment for the private sector to thrive, and, of course, they are welcome to invest in the country whose growth rate potential is one of the highest in the region,” Diokno said during the postState of the Nation Address (SONA) Philippine Economic Briefing Tuesday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his first SONA that infrastructure development would remain a top priority of his administration to drive employment, agriculture, tourism and overall economic growth.

The President said that he would build on and expand the infrastructure program of the Duterte administration.

Diokno said the government can fund the Marcos administration’s infrastructure program and sustain infrastructure spending at 5 percent to 6 percent of the gross domestic product. Julito G. Rada

Gokongwei-backed insurance firm gets IC nod THE Insurance Commission said Thursday it approved the application of the Gokongwei family’s JE Holdings Inc., Pin-An Holdings Corp. and Maxicare Health Corp. to form a P2-billion life insurance company.

Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa said in a statement the agency cleared MaxiLife’s application on July 26.

“Said license was granted to MaxiLife after 11 working days from the IC’s receipt of the letter of intent dated 11 July 2022 from its three major incorporators: JE Holdings Inc., Pin-An Holdings Corp. and Maxicare Health Corp.,” said Funa.

“With capitalization amounting to P2 billion, MaxiLife is more than compliant with the P1-billion requirement under Section 194 of the Amended Insurance Code for new domestic life insurers,” he said.

Funa lauded the joint venture between the Gokongwei Group and the Equicom Group, a diversified conglomerate engaged in the areas of healthcare, informa-

tion technology, banking and financial services.

“This new investment in the insurance industry marks a growing confidence in the manner by which the insurance industry has been regulated over the past six years,” Funa said.

MaxiLife is the first “new domestic life insurance company” formed under Section 194 of the Insurance Code of the Philippines, as amended by Republic Act No. 10607.

The Insurance Commission endorsed MaxiLife’s application to the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 16.

The SEC issued MaxiLife’s certificate of incorporation on July 7. Divina Law Firm assisted MaxiLife in its organization as a new life insurance company.

The directors of MaxiLife are Antonio Go, Esther Wileen Go, Eduardo Katigbak Jr., Lance Gokongwei, Efren Antonio Sarte, Brian Go, Jose Pastor Puno, Enrico Cruz, Teresita Alegre, Teodoro Panganiban and Hermogenes Roxas. Julito G. Rada

BDO-PGPC DONATION. BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank Inc., signs an agreement with Philippine Geothermal Production Co. over the construction of a three-classroom school building in Baybay Elementary School in Catarman, Northern Samar. Signing the agreement in support of the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School program are (from left) BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito and PGPC president Napoleon Saporsantos Jr.

Sports

Kapit lang: A time to reboot, rebuild THE Philippine team competing in the AFF U18 Women’s Championship in Palembang, Indonesia is currently on a two-game losing streak in the tournament.

The team suffered a 4-0 loss in its first game against Australia, then lost to Myanmar, 3-1, last Wednesday at the Jakabaring Athletic Field.

Jonalyn Lucban has scored the lone goal so far for the Philippine side in the competitions, in the 87th minute, to cut Myanmar’s lead to 2-1, but a strike from Hnin Pwint Aye in stoppage time ensured the full three points for Myanmar.

The Filipinas will take on Malaysia today, 3.30 p.m. at Gelora Jakabaring to wrap up their Group B fixtures in the competitions. A win or even a draw will be a good way to end the campaign.

Much as we want to expect so much from the team—after all the Senior Team has just won the AFF Women’s Championship 2022 a few weeks back—reality is that the competition is really tough, even with the presence of two players—Isabella Flanigan and Chantelle Maniti—from the newly-crowned queens of Southeast Asia. Both Australia and Myanmar were too tough to crack. At least the future members of the senior squad will get a ton of experience and other valuable takeaways in Palembang.

But as shown by the Filipinas, patience, sound program and determination will bring good results in the long run. We will get there, too. And hopefully, the other national teams as well, whether the youth teams in both boys and girls and even the Azkals, too.

Speaking of the Azkals, Team Manager Dan Palami says the team will go through a major revamp coming from the disappointment in the Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia campaign. Palami says this was the consensus all along.

“Right now, we are basking on the success of the women’s and we are so happy for them. This is going to inspire us to go into another rebuilding phase for the Azklas. The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is looking at angles and all options that will allow the Azkals to be reinvigorated in terms of players, coaching staff and all aspects that are key to the success of the team,” Palami said to the The Designated Kit Man. Palami said among the key takeaways of the Mongolia campaign is the need for the team to jell and be familiar with each other. And they are going to start with the Azkals based here in the country to form the core of the team as early as possible.

“One of the big problems that we have is we always get caught in the preparations for the big tournaments. So we want to identify initially the friendlies that we had, against Timor Leste for example, which we did not really advertise primarily because it coincided with the Women’s campaign and we wanted all the fans to focus on.

The intention behind the friendly was to try to get together local-based players and maybe players, who have already committed to be with the team for the Mitsubishi Electric Cup (formerly the Suzuki Cup). We wanted to see where we are, where that team is, then do more friendlies and try to get more,” Palami explained.

Palami is also looking at the possibility of having the local-based Azkals practice more even if the local domestic league begins either next month or soon.

“We will try to get everybody together more often, especially the local-based ones so that at the very least, there will be some cohesion when the time comes. We have actually also asked the Philippines Football League to allow us time together with local-based Azkals to train every now and then, even during the course of the league, so that once again we will be able to develop the creation of the the team just in case our foreign-based players are not available,” Palami said.

Palami says the Mitsubishi Electric Cup will be held in the last week of December, until the second week of January next year. It will give the team enough time to prepare. Having Azkals, who are based abroad to reinforce the team will still be, however, most welcome.

“Of course, we would still look for the opportunity to invite our foreign-based Azkals, but kahit papaano, we already have a core of local basedplayers na sanay na sa system,” Palami explained.

“We are looking at friendlies, even on non-FIFA dates just to keep ourselves sharp and to continue to identify players that can help the team.”

After the failure to qualify for the Asian Cup, Palami says the team has to start somewhere, regain the spark and the form that made the team strong and competitive. Palami understands the disappointment of die-hard Azkals fans and they plan to build a better team for the upcoming tournaments and friendlies.

“Everybody is. If you don’t feel disappointed, then you’re not a real fan. Yes, it was a disappointing campaign. But at the same time, it gave us the realization that we should really do more and do better. And I think the PFF recognizes that as well as the team management and that’s why even as soon as that campaign is finished, we already scheduled a friendly this time in preparation for Mitsubishi Electric Cup,” Palami added.

Without disclosing specifics, Palami said fans should expect some big news in the coming days as the team begins to rebuild for the better.

Again, if you love the Azkals, hope remains eternal. Kapit lang.

By the way, congratulations to the PFF for another milestone. Tomorrow morning, PFF president Nonong Araneta will lead the groundbreaking rites of the federation’s new headquarters in Cavite. The PFF will eventually move out from its old place in Pasig to Carmona and hopefully it will leave behind all the worries and concerns and bring only the good things and best practices in its new home.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

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PH FLAG-RAISING RITES. Members of the national para volleyball team join Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission Walter Torres (fifth from left) and Deputy CDM Tricia Rana (sixth from left) in posing in front of the national colors of the 11 participating teams of the 11th ASEAN Para Games after flag-raising ceremonies held at the Manahan Stadium last Wednesday.

Pole vaulter Obiena rises to no. 3 in world rankings

By Randy Caluag

P

OLE vaulter Ernest John Obiena, a proud son of Tondo and one of the country’s best hopes for a medal in the modern Olympics, is slowly inching his way to the top.

A couple of months after a slew of victories in European tournaments and just days after his third-place finish in the World Athletics Championships in the US, Obiena rose to no. 3 in the men’s world rankings.

It was a fluid climb from the 6th spot, where he was two weeks ago with 1,369 points.

In the latest rankings posted by World Athletics on Thursday (Philippine time), Obiena now totes 1,048 points for third place, behind frontrunning Swedish world champion Armand Duplan-

tis (1,612) and American Christopher Nilsen (1,435).

Duplantis, gold medalist in the Tokyo Olympics, topped the World Championships and Nilsen came in at second.

Obiena overtook training partner Thiago Braz of Brazil, KC Lightfoot and Sam Kendricks in the list.

With Obiena getting better in every tournament he joins in, he’s now at par with Nilsen as they both finished with a 5.94-meter leap in their most recent competition.

Duplantis’ 6.21 meters remains beyond reach by the rest of the field, but that is what Obiena is working on right now—to reach the 6-meter mark.

In the latest world competition, Obiena began using a stiffer pole, as

Ernest John Obiena

advised by his coach Vitaly Petrov, enabling him to perform better.

“Coach said ‘the pole is too soft for you’, and that’s what we did. And it’s not the biggest pole I had in my life. But it’s good enough to jump 6.0 meters,” said Obiena in an interview.

After recovering from the Covid-19 virus last month, Obiena returned to his winning ways by securing the gold medal in the Taby Stavhoppsgala pole vault event in Sweden.

The 6’2” Obiena said he’s getting used to a lengthier, stiffer pole and expressed confidence that he will hold his ground when he returns to action in the Poland leg of the Diamond League and the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix in Szekesfehervar in August.

Obiena, the Asian champion and record holder, has vowed on his social media post that “the best is yet to come.”

Youngsters take spotlight in IRONKIDS PH KEPT out of the roads and waters the past two years, the future of Philippine triathlon finally gets the chance to showcase their wares in pursuit of honors in the IRONKIDS Philippines which unwraps Aug. 6 at The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-LapumCity, Cebu.

One hundred and sixty eight youngsters aged 6-to-14 are all primed for a test of speed and endurance in their side of the swim-bike-run battle ahead of the Megaworld IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines presented by AIA Vitality on Aug. 7 at the country’s newest, world-class triathlon hub.

Events on tap are the 6-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14 age divisions with titles to be disputed over varying distances in each race category of the junior version of the IRONMAN, which also features swimming, bike and run events.

“The long wait has only made these kids eager and hungrier for recognition and the IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. is proud to have taken the cudgels for the future stars of Philippine

Young triathletes can’t wait to make a splash in the IRONKIDS’ return in Cebu next week.

triathlon,” said The IRONMAN Group general manager Princess Galura.

Listup is ongoing and will end on race week. For details, or visit http:// ironkidsphil.com/site/ or social media accounts ironkidsphil on Facebook and Instagram.

The 6-8 group, a non-competition for

beginners, will be held over the 100m, 2km bike and 1km run distance; the 9-10 will feature 200m swim, 6km bike and 1.5km run; the 11-12 is slated over the 400m swim, 6km bike and 2km run; while the premier 13-14 title will be contested over 400m swim, 8km bike and 2.5km run.

Thirty one entries are set to slug it out for the 13-14 crown while the 1112 and 9-10 categories drew 26 and 25 participants, respectively.

Spicing up the weekend of fun and bonding in a shared experience is the relay competition featuring the 6-10 and 11-14 age categories.

The IRONKIDS has served as a side event to the IRONMAN series for years with the event not only contributing to the growth of the sport but also ensuring the steady flow of talents.

It has also encouraged the children to have an active lifestyle and develop values like discipline, sportsmanship and respect for others and at the same time preventing gadget addiction among them.

Some actually took part in the virtual run in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, a 10-weekend run date that gave participants the chance to start slow, train, build up and surpass their own records in a three-month period.

Quezon City bets dominate PPS Apalit net tourney

Mica Emana (left), with fellow 16-U winner Mateo Rivas, sustains her remarkable romp in the PPS-PEPP circuit.

MATEO Rivas upended No. 2 Darwin Cosca in the semis then clipped Joshua Diva, 6-3, 6-2, to snare the boys’ 16-and-under crown while fellow Quezon City bet Mica Emana re-stamped her class in the girls’ side of the PPS-PEPP Apalit national age-group tennis tournament in Pampanga last Wednesday.

Five others from Makati City; Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Agoo, La Union; Pasig City; and Bacoor, Cavite and another from QC shared the spotlight but Rivas and Emana bagged the MVP honors again in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop which drew full-packed 32-player rosters in four age divisions in the boys’ category.

The third-ranked Emana, who nailed a win and placed second in the Sta. Rosa, Laguna leg then swept the 16- and 18-U titles in the Olivarez Cup, blasted top seed Jana Diaz, 6-0, 6-3, in the 16-U semis then kept her poise to survive No. 2 Marielle Jarata, 7-6(7), 3-6, 11-9, and emerge a winner again in the country’s longest talentsearch put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/ CEO Bobby Castro.

Meanwhile, action in the nationwide circuit

heads to Cebu starting on Aug. 3 for the LapuLapu City leg with Mandaue City hosting the next stop from Aug. 10-16. The City of Naga will stage the next leg on Aug. 17-24 before the PPS-PEPP Cebu swing wraps up in Consolacion, Laray on Aug. 25-31. For details, contact Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

But she failed to complete another double as sister Kaye Ann Emana wore down her down, 6-3, 1-6, 12-10, in a grueling semis battle before the latter routed Jarata, 6-2, 6-1, to recapture the 18-U crown she won in the Sta. Rosa, Laguna stop of the tournament backed

by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating).

No. 8 Andre Coyiuto shocked top seed Pablo Olivarez III, 6-2, 6-1, then repelled No. 3 Yñigo Naredo, 0-6, 6-2, 10-2, to claim the boys’ 12-U crown; No. 1 France Dilao stopped third-ranked Reign Maravilla, 3-6, 6-2, 10-7, in the 14-U finals; and second seed Exequiel Jucutan crushed fellow La Union ace No. 1 Marc Jarata, 6-4, 6-0, for the boys’ 18-U diadem.

Entertainment

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

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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Darna makes several sightings ahead of series’TV premiere

Jane De Leon is this generation’s Darna

Darna posing on top of a mall in Quezon City

PINOY iconic superheroine Darna has been spotted hovering on top of several malls ahead of the highly anticipated premiere of the series Mars Ravelo’s Darna set on August 15.

Fan page @CertifiedKpmlya tweeted, “LOOK: From Robinsons Metro East, #Darna muling namataan sa Robinsons Place Antipolo. Sino nga ba ang hinahanap ni Darna sa Robinsons mall?”

Meanwhile, Twitter user @PopeChromaticus hailed the Darna sightings as genius. He said, “The promo gimmick at Robinsons for #Darna is genius! I mean, the reference to the (debunked) encounter between Alice Dixson and the ‘‘taong ahas’ in one of its branches.”

Aside from appearing in Pasig and Antipolo, Darna’s silhouette was also spotted in two malls in Quezon City.

The superhero’s powerful insignia has also

been making the rounds on various structures in the Metro including ABS-CBN’s ELJ Tower and transmitter, signaling the looming arrival of the much-awaited ABS-CBN Entertainment series.

Starring Jane De Leon in the titular role, Darna dropped its official trailer early this month, which now has over 9.3 million combined views on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube channel of ABS-CBN Entertainment.

On July 22, the show also released another teaser announcing that its TV premiere is scheduled on August 15 (Monday) and naming cast members Iza Calzado, Janella Salvador, Joshua Garcia, Zaijian Jaranilla, Paolo Gumabao, Rio Locsin, Richard Quan, Simon Ibarra, Jeffrey Santos, Eric Fructuoso, and Levi Ignacio.

Jeric Raval, Joko Diaz, and Joem Bascon were also announced to have a special participation in the series led by director Chito S. Roño together with co-directors Avel Sunpongco and Benedict Mique.

Sparkada artists live out celebrity dreams in GMA Thanksgiving Gala Dilek Montemayor

Anjay Anson

Jeff Moses

N CELEBRATION of its 72nd Anniversary, GMA Network hosts a grand thanksgiving party with all the artists of the network, its executives, and partners this Saturday, July 30.

I

The momentous gathering, which also aims to raise funds for GMA Kapuso Foundation, is a celebration of life and love among all the Kapuso stars.

Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s Sparkada talents share their excitement for their first big event with the network.

Saviour Ramos: “It’s really an honor to be invited po sa GMA Gala kasi ever since, pinapangarap ko ito. I’m really

excited to bond with my friends and bosses during this event.”

Larkin Castor: “Considering po na bago lang akong artista, sobrang nakaka-excite siya. Hindi lang dahil makakapagbihis ako at makakalakad sa red carpet pero makikilala ko rin ‘yung ibang artista. Sana marami akong maging kaibigan doon.”

Aside from preparing their style and

…are talking about

his next Tiktok video?

Larkin Castor

look, the Sparkada members also exert a lot of effort in maintaining a fit and healthy body for the gathering.

Dilek Montemayor: “Yung regular workout ko, ginawa kong mas intense para mas prepared. I’m also preparing my health kasi before the event, everyday ‘yung workshop namin.”

Jeff Moses: “Nagwo-workout ako to look good physically and at the same time, may social skills sa pag-attend ng mga workshops and so far, ‘yun po ‘yung pinagtuunan ko ng pansin.”

Vanessa Peña: “Kumain po ako ng marami kasi medyo payat po ako. Also,

PEOPLE

...are not talking about

Joshua Garcia The Tiktok King is back with a new video on a recent trend and earned millions of views as usual. It’s just a simple dance cover, but Joshua makes everyone gaga over his boyish charm, smooth moves, and warm demeanor.

He’s also a good actor who captured the hearts of many of his fans. Netizens also noticed an uncanny resemblance between him and South Korean actor Kang Tae Oh from Extraordinary Attorney Woo. The question is, when’s

AJ Raval Like last month, AJ had to deny pregnancy rumors again. People are romantically linking her and her fellow actor Aljur Abrenica. AJ has denied any allegations, especially the one where people are claiming the actor to be the father of the child she’s carrying. She explained that she contracted COVID, causing her to bow out from a project, and she and Aljur are still getting to know each other. Whether it’ll blossom into something more will take some time.

James Reid The heartthrob continues to make the most of his time in Korea, delighting his Filipino fans and K-pop stans. In videos posted on social media, he’s hanging out with South Korean pop band The Rose, dancing with Jay Park, and fooling around with Lee Seunghoon. Liza Soberano, who recently joined Careless Music, also joins the fun now and then.

Is this the sign that his record label will work with other South Korean artists?

Fingers crossed it is!

Paulo Castro Manhandling a guest at a club is not exactly an ideal way to trend on Twitter, but Paulo did just that. He went viral for shouting curses and shoving a “rowdy” guest off Nectar’s stage. He later played his mental health card, which made him look worse and set a wrong tone for those suffering from mental illnesses, only to receive more criticism. Maybe it’ll teach him to do things properly—or at least ask the club bouncers’ help.

Viewers’SONA 2022 coverage top choice GMA News and Public Affairs again proved that it is the Filipinos’ most preferred news source, especially during events of national significance with its special coverage of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) dominating on air and online.

Simulcast on GMA and GTV, State of the Nation Address 2022 tallied a combined people rating of 10.2 percent in Urban Philippines based on Nielsen Philippines’ TV audience measurement overnight data for July 25. This translates to a combined people audience share of 57.2 percent.

GMA’s special coverage was way ahead of its counterparts with both TV5’s PBBM: Ang Unang SONA and A2Z / Kapamilya Channel’s SONA 2022 only getting 1.3 percent people rating each.

Online, the SONA 2022 livestream on www. gmanews.tv as well as on GMA News and Public Affairs’ YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter accounts were the preferred choice of netizens.

GMA News generated 9.3 million views on Facebook and 3.6 million views on YouTube according to data from Tubular Labs. On the other hand, ABS-CBN News had 4.7 million views on Facebook and 2.2 million views on YouTube.

State of the Nation Address 2022 was anchored by Pia Arcangel and Atom Araullo and commenced with Unang Hirit’s Unang Balita providing viewers an overview of PBBM’s first addresses to the nation.

The coverage once again saw the synergy

Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. The special radio coverage began at 5:30 a.m. via Melo del Prado sa Super Radyo DZBB. DZBB’s coverage was also simulcast via Super Radyo Cebu, Super Radyo Davao, Super Radyo Iloilo, Super Radyo Palawan, Super Radyo Gen. Santos, and Super Radyo Kalibo from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Viewers were also able to catch the coverage on Dobol B TV from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

With stations strategically located all over the Philippines, GMA Regional TV (RTV) kept viewers in the regions updated via its award-winning local newscasts, namely GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan, GMA Vice President Sarah Duterte (left) and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Regional TV Balitang Bicolandia, GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog, of GMA News and Public Affairs, GMA GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak, GMA Regional TV, Super Radyo DZBB 594, Regional TV One Western Visayas, GMA GMA News Online, and GMA International Regional TV One Mindanao, and its national to give Filipinos here and abroad Serbisyong newscast GMA Regional TV News.

GMA Regional TV’s coverage, as well as Totoo across all platforms.

Viewers were able to catch the highlights of up-to-the-minute reportage of events in the the SONA via GMA-7’s flagship newscast 24 regions related to PBBM’s SONA, was also live-streamed via GMA Regional TV’s website Oras and late-night newscast Saksi.

Aside from the simulcast airing of PBBM’s www.gmaregionaltv.com, its social media speech on GTV, viewers were kept updated accounts, and all social media platforms of GMA all throughout the day via Dobol B TV, GMA Regional TV newscasts and programs.

The State of the Nation Address 2022, was Regional TV News, Balitanghali, Dapat Alam simulcast on GMA Network’s international Mo! and State of the Nation.

On radio, GMA Network’s flagship AM channels GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594khz and TV where Kapuso abroad were able to watch its Super Radyo stations nationwide delivered real-time. Highlights of the SONA were also the biggest news and latest information via its available on GMA Pinoy TV’s Facebook and DZBB Special Coverage: State of the Nation Tiktok accounts.

Lauren King

Saviour Ramos

I make sure na masunod ko po ang skincare routine ko para maging fresh and presentable po sa event na iyon.”

The GMA Thanksgiving Gala will also serve as a reunion for the whole Sparkada who have not seen each other for some time already.

Lauren King: “The Sparkada members have not seen each other for quite a while, so ang saya ko kasi magkakasama-sama kami that day. Medyo kinakabahan din ako kung sinu-sino ang mga bago kong mami-meet sa event.”

Anjay Anson: “Siyempre gusto kong makipag-socialize rin sa mga big artists

Vanessa Pena

ng network, ‘yung mga idols ko sa showbiz gusto kong makita. Kahit makita mo lang sila parang ang dami mo nang natututunan agad.”

Sparkada is the newest “barkada” launched by Sparkle GMA Artist Center last April. These young and fresh faces were handpicked by acclaimed starmaker Johnny Manahan a.k.a. Mr. M. On this memorable and splendid evening, the Sparkada members will show off their glamorous side, share their colorful backgrounds and prove to all the guests and fans that they truly have the potential to be the next big stars in showbiz.

58th Binibining Pilipinas hot picks IT’S THE moment of truth for background. the 40 candidates of Binibining Elda Louise Aznar, 26 Pilipinas 2022 when they compete This stylish Binibini is for the four titles at stake during the a graduate of an Interior Grand Coronation Night, happening Designing course. She stands live on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. at the out with her modelesque stance, Smart Araneta Coliseum. striking stage presence, and Hosting the pageant are good communication skills.

Catriona Gray, Nicole Cordoves, For Miss Intercontinental Samantha Bernardo, and Nicole Borromeo, 21 Edward Barber with a guest This highly competitive appearance by the country’s P-pop ramp model was Eat Bulaga’s sensation, SB19, performing the Miss Millennial 2019 and Bb. Pilipinas theme song “Win your Sinulog Festival Queen 2019.

Heart.”

She also won Reyna ng Aliwan 2019 but was Manila Standard names its Top 12 Hot Picks dethroned. No doubt, her pageant experience is her who have a strong chance of winning the right to biggest advantage. represent the country in the Miss International, Graciella Sheine Lehmann, 24 Miss Intercontinental, Miss Globe, and Miss Grand A flight attendant by profession, this Fil-SwissInternational pageants.

German beauty makes head turns with her killer For Miss International body and strong stage presence. As one of the very Gabrielle Basiano, 24 competitive candidates, Graciella has that confidence With the face of a Hollywood goddess who is that says she’s hungry for the crowns. armed with good communication skills, this Tourism Natasha Ellema Jung, 19 graduate might just walk home with the most coveted She is a student in Humanity Studies. And in every crown of the night. Her first runner-up finishes in Bb. Binibini event, Natasha always appears fresh, candid, Pilipinas 2021 and Miss Friendship International and beautiful – the basic traits of a natural beauty 2019 in China will serve her in good stead. queen.

Chelsea Fernandez, 22 ••• This Mass Communication student has the Bragais Shoes owner issues public apology perfect face and body. Her stunning aura and vibrant JOSE Joaquin Bragais of Bragais Shoes has personality made her win the Miss Bikini Philippines owned up and apologized regarding the unfortunate 2020 title. and unintentional photo release of Bb. Pilipinas 2022 Yllana Marie Aduana, 23 candidates Natasha Jung and Jessica McEwen, She is a Medical Technologist and a Drug which was met with disapproval by their supporters.

Specialist. An outstanding speaker, pageant fans are “I would like to take full responsibility on the issue captivated by her flawless body and skin. This top with regards to the photos of Binibini 9 Natasha Jung Binibini contender won Miss Fit Philippines in 2021. and Binibini 27 Jessica McEwan that we released on For Miss Grand International July 25. On behalf of my team, I sincerely apologize Cyrille Payumo, 25 to both ladies and of course to their beloved fans for She has a commanding stage presence. With the photos that were unflattering and misrepresented an international title tucked under her belt (Miss their beauty and image,” Bragais said in a statement.

Tourism International 2019), she becomes an instant “It has always been our vision here in Jojo Bragais major contender in this year’s beauty tourney. to provide, not just quality and reliable shoes, but Roberta Tamondong, 19 also an inspiration to aspiring beauty queens and This 5-foot-9 beauty who won the Miss Eco Teen pageant fans alike, which we have admittedly failed International title in 2020 is a force to reckon with. to do with the photos that we released. To rectify our Roberta is always a standout whenever she sashays mistake, we have replaced the images concerned,” he on the stage. carried on.

Herlene Nicole Budol, 22 “Rest assured that we will work extra hard to The actress/comedienne is winning the hearts of achieve our company’s mission, to empower women netizens not only because of her towering stature to stand and look at their best and win in life. We will and killer body but also because of her bubbly also carefully take this into consideration with all the personality. Being the most popular candidate in this materials that we will release in the future,” Bragais batch, if she hurdles the Q&A portion, she can walk ended. away with the Binibining Pilipinas Grand International crown.

For Miss Globe Diana Mackey, 24 This Filipino-Kiwi beauty is a Tourism graduate and a former PBB housemate. People see her as sexy, poised, and intelligent, and has all the goods to can score a back-to-back win in Miss Globe.

Fatima Kate Bisan, 22 Fil-Norwegian Fatima is a medical technologist. This doe-eyed beauty captures the crowd’s attention with her classic face, good communication, and catwalk Cyrille Herlene Gabrielle skills. She loves to give back to her Payumo community through her social and medical Budol Basiano

Life

Sarah Lahbati embodies a Tessera woman because of her strong and sparkling personality

Why diamonds are more than just a girl’s best friend

Nickie Wang, Editor lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

COS announces its New York Fashion Week debut this September with its Autumn Winter 2022 campaign featuring American model Paloma Elsesser, alongside actor and producer Natasha Lyonne, shot in New York City by Mario Sorrenti.

Drawing inspiration from the dynamic energy of global cities, COS aims to celebrate New York’s diverse communities and individual expression against the city’s own powerful backdrop.

Scheduled as part of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s official schedule, the show will take place on September 13 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and will be streamed live on cos.com.

CFDA CEO Steven Kolb comments, “CFDA welcomes COS to New York Fashion Week. Each season we curate an official schedule that reflects creativity, and we are pleased to count COS among this season’s lineup. NYFW is increasingly a destination for international brands wanting to connect to NYC culture and the vast American audience.”

More information on the show and Autumn Winter 2022 collection to follow in due course.

Inspired by contemporary culture, the London-based fashion brand is known for iconic wardrobe pieces, elevated essentials, and innovative designs that are made to last. Dedicated to quality and sustainability, COS takes a bespoke approach to design, creating unique collections that combine function with timeless style. Experimental design details and material innovation are frequently revisited to include the latest sartorial advances and ensure the considered use of fibers whether they be recycled, renewed, or sustainably sourced.

Actor and producer Natasha Lyonne

American model Paloma Elsesser

Abuse of power amid a society in crisis tackled in online play

“T

More than the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) that universally serve as gauge for value, the jewelry brand owner emphasized the importance of personal connection when making a diamond purchase. This is something he and his wife learned from over a decade of being in the jewelry business.

“My husband Carl and I started Tessera ten years ago, just the two of us, trying to find our luck in business,” Papat Fider, Tessera co-founder and sales director, introduced the brand’s story at an intimate launch at the Manila House Private Club last Tuesday, July 26.

“We started doing customized and personalized accessories made of silver and gold. That’s why the name Tessera was born,” she added.

Apparently, tessera is a kind of tile used by the Romans in constructing their mosaics back in the day.

In 2016, the local jewelry brand evolved into selling diamonds due to steady demand.

“Until now, our focus remains on diamonds. We are the brand offering the widest selection of internationally certified diamonds and diamond jewelry pieces in the market,” Papat said.

The lady boss happily revealed that as the brand continues to expand, she and her husband gave in to the idea of tapping a celebrity endorser. While they previously had second thoughts about associating an expensive brand with just anyone, the couple could not be more thrilled now to have found their match in celebrity wife and mother Sarah Lahbati.

“She is the perfect definition of a Tessera lady,” Papat said. Her husband Carl added, “She is strong and sparkling.” A Tessera lady, as defined by the owners, is someone who aspires great things in life, celebrates the small and big things, and carries herself with beauty and class in whatever role she portrays – be it a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, a boss, or a leader. Dolled up in her figure-hugging emerald green dress and indeed sparkling with diamond pieces, Sarah looked every inch the woman of substance being described.

Aside from expressing her gratitude

B3

Clothing brand inspired by contemporary culture makes New York Fashion Week debut

Celebrity wife and mother Sarah Lahbati wearing Tessera diamonds

HE diamond has to speak to you,” Tessera Chief Executive Officer Carl Fider confidently gave this tip to anyone who intends to buy the precious stone.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Tessera CEO Carl Fider (right) posing with his wife and co-founder, Papat Fider

ment piece and she would always advise that it is a good investment,” Sarah said and quickly squeezed in the heartwarming trivia that aside from her husband Richard, her mother-in-law gifted her with diamond rings for Christmas even before getting engaged and married. The usually feisty celebrity mom sweetly smiled in response.

More than just a girl’s best friend

Sarah’s supportive mom-in-law Annabelle Rama giving her insights on investing in diamonds

for being the first-ever endorser of Tessera, Sarah also shared how excited she is to be working with a brand she believes in. She has faith in the value of what it is selling. “Unlike expensive shoes, bags, and dresses that go out of style, diamonds will never go out of style. It’s something you can wear with anything every day or at special events. I think it’s such a smart investment for women and men to make nowadays,” Sarah emphasized.

In her case, the first piece of diamond jewelry Sarah bought for herself is a bracelet. She described it as something she would love to give her future daughter one day.

“It’s from Tessera. It’s this beautiful bracelet right here,” Sarah smilingly shared and lifted her wrist to show the diamond-studded piece gleaming from afar. “I wear this everyday whether at soccer with the kids, motocross riding, or camping. If I’m not wearing this dress and looking like this, the diamonds will elevate the look.”

“I love learning about diamonds and working with Papat and Carl, as well as with Tita Annabelle, who has always loved diamonds,” Sarah fondly acknowledged her mother-in-law Annabelle Rama who came to support her at the launch. The former actress-turned-talent manager is the wife of Philippine movie icon Eddie Gutierrez and mom to media personalities Ruffa, Raymond, and Sarah’s husband, Richard Gutierrez.

“Tita Annabelle is one to know an invest-

“During the early ‘90s, the price per carat of a diamond is around P20,000. So, now, it’s about P200,000 a carat,” CEO Carl explained in detail as I asked if he could elaborate more on diamonds being a wise investment. “It has been proven over the decades that the diamond prices go up,” he said. Lifestyle personality and the event’s host Marie Lozano reinforced an earlier statement that diamonds did not decrease in value even in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Before the event was wrapped up, Annabelle chimed in and gave her insights in the vernacular, “I am in love with diamonds because after two years, or even just six months or a year, the value goes higher and higher.” She revealed how her diamond investment came in handy when the pandemic kicked in and the family income was affected. Annabelle enacted her “brilliant” idea.

“I had to sell one diamond for a value that was good for two years [of expenses] for me. I sold my 13-carat diamond and kept my bank savings intact. Every time I travel, I buy diamonds,” Annabelle said. Sarah jokingly suggested Tessera for her mother-inlaw’s next diamond purchase. The Gutierrez matriarch took it seriously and told the Tessera owners, “If my house gets sold, I’ll buy from you.” The guests burst into laughter.

Taking it from the experts’ tips and insights, diamonds are more than just a girl’s best friend or a woman’s fascination for luxury. Aside from being a lifetime investment, the prized pieces that are put through great pressure and high temperatures are actually a representation of a woman who goes through so much to find her sparkle.

Just like diamonds, a woman may have been crushed, placed in the dark, or pressed over time, but her value never diminishes.

A scene from ‘Doc Anna…Let’s Kill This Lab!’

LAYETA Bucoy, a Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer and multi-awarded playwright, explores how the dynamics of power affect society in crisis in her latest online production entitled Doc Anna…Let’s Kill This Lab! Directed by Gawad Buhay Philstage Awardee and De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde Theater Arts Program Chairperson Tuxqs Rutaquio, the 1 hour and 45-minute prerecorded play took inspiration from a study on the use of nanotechnology to address water contamination.

It follows the citizens of a small town, which is currently plagued by severe cases of cancer amid the election period. With the rising number of deaths, mayoral candidates Tito and Vicky were challenged to put their political dispute on hold as the town seeks the help of local scientist Doc Anna to find the cause and unravel a cure for the said disease.

Driven by a socially, politically, and culturally relevant narrative, the production reveals the different motives

that drive human behavior and explores the diverse illnesses that afflict the Filipino nation – cancer as a deadly disease, the abuse of power, and the effects of politics to a society in crisis.

Doc Anna…Let’s Kill This Lab! was produced by Maiba 18 Productions, a community of young likeminded artists from the Theater Arts Program, who are united with the common goal to utilize the capabilities of the theater in empowering the marginalized. It was made possible with the support of the student-artists from the Music Production and Production Design Programs.

The showcase is open to the public. It will be available on view from 12:00 noon today until 11:59 a.m. of August 12.

Tickets are available at https://ticket2me.net/e/35302 for P250 each.

For more information, visit Maiba 18 Productions on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/maiba18prod), Twitter (https://twitter.com/maiba18prod), and Instagram (https:// www.instagram.com/maiba18prod/).

The latest online production explores how the dynamics of power affect society during a crisis

Shop, Dine and Do

Business in a Mall Making the most out of your malling experience B4

|| FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 advertise@manilastandard.net

SPECIAL FEATURE

By Patricia Taculao

F

ILIPINOS love going to the mall for several reasons.

During the summer, they flock to the nearest mall or shopping center to cool off and find activities to while away time. When the -ber months arrive, the public frequently visits malls to find the ideal gift to give their friends and loved ones. Throughout the year, however, people drop by malls to participate in various activities that are either permanent or temporary.

There’s always something to do in the mall. While people limit it to recreation, malls slowly developed their spaces to cater to the public’s ever-changing needs. It’s almost become a one-stop destination where people can get many things done.

Shop ‘til they drop

When people think of malls, the first thing that comes to mind is shopping. True enough, malls have a myriad of stalls ranging from clothing to sporting goods to food and more.

Whatever people think of buying, there’s a good chance they can find it in malls.

Executives and administrators behind mall development make the shopping experience convenient by grouping shops of the same purpose together. Many lifestyle malls take pride in their well-curated areas that allow shoppers to jump from store to store in search of the ideal purchase.

Department stores, which vary in size depending on the mall branch, are also available to help shoppers find what they need (or want) in one location. It also houses several brands to give consumers options.

Often, malls hold special sales to encourage people to drop by and shop to their hearts’ content or experience promos that will give them more bang for their buck.

Aside from department stores, malls also have a grocery store complete with fresh, pro-

cessed, and packed produce with other household necessities to make their trip worthwhile.

Grocery stores also have frequent sales and other promotions to entice shoppers.

Eat their fill

Shopping or strolling through malls for hours is tiring. It’s good then that malls are full of food stalls and restaurants of different cuisines to satisfy mall-goers’ cravings and fit them according to their budget.

Most malls place their food options in one area or nearby for accessibility and convenience, while others place them across the mall to bring them closer to mall-goers.

Foodcourts are also available, so people don’t have to walk far to find numerous choices, from full meals to dessert to snacks, for their enjoyment.

While people can enjoy these food stalls and restaurants alone, having friends or family to share the good food and have a warm conversation can help elevate the experience.

to house many Filipinos, who want to get vaccinated.

Malls with active social media accounts also make it easier for people to stay updated on schedule changes before dropping by.

Before the pandemic, however, several malls already house wellness brands like gyms, dentists, and optical houses Cafes, restaurants, and kiosks are also available in malls to allow to allow malltheir guests to get their fill of good food goers to address their health with the help of trained professionals and without traveling too far.

Pharmacies are also available in malls so people can get medicine and other medical equipment to treat their ailments.

Several malls also have clinics within their vicinity where mall-goers can ask for medical advice.

Government services like passport issuance and COVID-19 vaccinations are also accessible in malls across the country

chance of winning a prize.

Sometimes, malls also become venues for specific events. Whether promotional or seasonal, people get the chance to participate in Keep entertained particular activities or get an opportunity to Another feature of malls is numerous rec- meet their favorite artists. reational activities to pass the time or create Other times, malls hold art galleries and new memories with friends and loved ones. exhibits in their open spaces to give mallThe most common form of recreation that goers a glimpse of the local arts and culture. mall-goers frequent are the cinemas and arMaintaining a healthy lifestyle cades. Not only do they get to pass the time, Across the country, malls also serve as vacthey can also sit back and relax while watch- cination hubs against the COVID-19 virus. Its ing a good film or try different games with a accessibility and area make them convenient

or conduct other transactions. Service centers also offer money sending and exchanging services that are sometimes hard to come by.

As the Philippines began to adapt to cashless transactions, malls added e-wallet topup services to their list of amenities that mallgoers can avail themselves.

Besides these services, malls now offer government services that provide people with the necessary papers for identification and other purposes. For instance, the Department of Foreign Affairs has branches in malls to handle the number of people who want to get or renew their passports for identification or travel.

Numerous malls also have Social Security (SSS), PAG-IBIG Fund, and Land Transportation Office branches where people flock to get their official papers sorted. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), where people can request a copy of their birth certificate, also lends its utilities through mall centers.

Upon completion, these government centers notify people to return to the mall and claim their papers.

Malls have developed throughout the years to Get more things done meet the public’s needs.

What most people don’t From a place where peorealize (yet) is that malls also ple can buy clothes or achouse numerous services cessories, it transformed from the government and priinto a one-stop destinavate institutions. tion, where people can The most common one is experience and get more the presence of banks to get things done. their financial responsibiliFilipinos don’t have to ties under control. However, brave the traffic or commute banks in malls don’t follow Mallgoers can easily to get from one place to anthe latter’s operating hours; exchange foreign currency other just to complete their instead, they adhere to their or pay their bills at mall tasks. They can easily shop, original schedule as mandated service centers dine, and avail government by their company. and private institutions’ serMall-goers can also pay their utility bills in vices in a mall of their choice. Once finished, malls. More often than not, there are service they can eat to their hearts’ content or while centers that allow people to settle their accounts away time with other recreational activities.

GADGETS EVERYDAY AT SM APPLIANCE WHETHER at home, at the office, or on the road, gadgets have made our lives easier, more convenient, and even happier—as in the case of home entertainment—through the most creative of innovations and the most advanced technology.

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