SC also puts on hold payment of NCAP fines
VOL. XXXVI • NO. 197 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
MIKHAIL Gorbachev, who changed the course of history by triggering the demise of the Soviet Union and was one of the great figures of the 20th century, has died in Moscow aged 91. His death was announced by Russian news agencies, which said Gorbachev had died at a central hospital in Moscow "after a serious and long illness."
By Rio N. Araja SUPER typhoon Henry (international name: Hinnamnor) entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday after noon, the state weather bureau said. Henry may reach a peak intensity of 205 kilometers per hour before gradu ally weakening, and is not expected to hit land, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geo physical and Astronomical Services Ad ministration (PAGASA) said.
Super Typhoon 'Henry' in PAR, to skirt land
Rama signed Executive Order No. 5, which states the use and wearing of face masks in the "Queen City of the South" has been declared “non-obligatory.”
Top contributors in prexy, VP races out Gorbachev, 91: Hailed for role in ending Cold War 'RARE LEADER.'
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Instead, the order says face mask usage will be taken individually as a measure of “self-preservation and protection under the principle of shared responsibility and mutual respect.” This developed as the Philippines logged 1,558 new COVID-19 cases yes terday, the lowest daily tally since July 12, the Department of Health said. While the Palace said it respects the
In this file photo taken on October 31, 2009, former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev attends a commemorative event in Berlin. Gorbachev, the last surviving Cold War leader who helped bring US-Soviet relations out of a deep freeze, has died in Moscow at age 91.
Sen. PadillaRobin Dr. MadridBernadette PDP APPOINTS PADILLA ACTING EXECUTIVE VP
ANTON Lagdameo is the top contributor to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s presi dential campaign, spending P247.324 mil lion, according to the Chief Executive’s Statement of Contribution and Expendi tures (SOCE) released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday. Lagdameo, the current Special Assis tant to the President, gave nearly 40 per cent to Mr. Marcos’ declared P624 million in campaign contributions in his success ful bid for the presidency following the May 9 elections. A total of 67 donors, 20 of which gave Mr. Marcos at least P10 million each ei ther in cash or in kind, were listed in the SOCE submitted to the Comelec. Next page THERE are no irregularities in the P588.1 billion in unprogrammed funds included in the proposed P5.268-tril lion national budget for 2023, the De partment of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Wednesday. In a press conference, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman ex plained the unprogrammed funds were "actually itemized," explaining that the money can be used for "emergency" situations."Theprojects included [in the un programmed appropriations are those we do not expect to be implemented, just like those projects that we had at the height of the pandemic," Panganda man said. This was after some lawmakers, led by Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto, asked the DBM to explain the P588.1 billion in unprogrammed appropriations under the proposed 2023 national budget. The DBM, in a separate statement, said the unprogrammed funds are "standby appropriations" that will be used for "some unexpected expenses;
LONGEST CHRISTMAS SEASON STARTS. As the 'Ber-months begin, lantern makers start producing colorful parols sold at P60 each at the Central market in Manila. Danny Pata
Cebu City eases mask use
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Wednesday said senior citi zens and persons with disabilities are no longer exempted from the expanded num ber-coding scheme. “The exemption was removed because we now have window hours,” MMDA
THE Commission on Appointments (CA) gave their nod to the nominations of the Philippines’ envoys to the United States and the United Nations, but deferred the appointment of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. During the CA’s plenary session, the committee on foreign affairs chaired by Senator Jinggoy Estrada approved the nomi nation of Jose Manuel Romualdez, a relative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as ambas sador to the United States.
PWDs, seniors not exempt from number coding CA okays envoys to US, UN; grills DFA chief
NEWS / A4 NEWS / A3
“For those apprehended prior to the is suance of the temporary restraining order (TRO) against NCAP, let us wait for the action of the SC in the main decision or even future order, if any,” Hosaka said in a text message to reporters. “I assure the public that our Justices are aware of these concerns and they will be studying them very carefully,” he added. In the resolution containing the TRO, which is immediately executory, the Court ordered that “any apprehensions through the NCAP programs and ordinances relat ed thereto shall be prohibited until further orders from the Court.”
AFP
By Rey E. Requejo, Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano MOTORISTS who were tagged by the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) before the Supreme Court stopped it with a temporary restraining order (TRO) should wait for the case to be resolved be fore paying any fines, a Court spokesman said Wednesday. The statement, issued by SC spokes man Brian Keith Hosaka, contradicted the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announcement that those who were apprehended before the TRO was issued on Aug. 30 would still be subject to penalties.
GARLIC IN SHORT SUPPLY, TOO. After admitting there is a supply shortage in yellow onions and salt, the Department of Agriculture said the country is short of about 63,000 metric tons of garlic. Norman Cruz
By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vince Lopez
Lifts mandatory policy but DOH bucks move, DILG asks it be deferred
HOUSE HONORS OBIENA FOR POLE VAULT WIN
By Vito Barcelo
Next page Next page Next page Next pageNext page Next page WEATHER Next page
FILIPINA DOCTOR GETS R. MAGSAYSAY AWARD NEWS / A4 ObienaEJ
DBM: Nothing irregular in unprogrammed funds
By Vince Lopez and Willie Casas C EBU City Mayor Michael Rama on Wednesday signed an executive order lifting the mandatory face mask policy in outdoor and open spaces in the Visayas metropolis amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cebu...
OIL firms cut cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas prices by P1.75 per kilo effective today (Sept. 1) to reflect the lower contract price of LPG in the world market.
DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the matter is now under the Department of the Interior and Local Government's jurisdiction. Vergeire stressed that a "city within a country cannot act on its own." "There shouldn't be any area that im plements its own protocols, while the rest of the country is implementing different rules,” the Health OIC said. Given the country's porous borders, Vergeire said the optional use of face mask may increase the risk of infection, not only among those living in Cebu City but those traveling as well.
PWDs,... From A1 spokesperson Crisanto Saruca Jr. said. “Our number-coding is implemented only from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. So the window hours, which are from 10:01 a.m. to shortly before 5 p.m., can be used by our senior citizens and PWDs,” he added.The MMDA started to implement the expanded number coding scheme in Met ro Manila on Aug. 15. Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited on Monday; 3 and 4 on Tuesday; 5 and 6 on Wednesday; 7 and 8 on Thursday; 9 and 0 on Friday during the coding hours. Saruca said from as high as about 1,000 apprehensions daily during the first week of its implementation, the number of violators has since gone down to at least 200 a day.
US President Joe Biden hailed a "rare leader... one with the imagination to see that a different future was possible and the courage to risk his entire career to achieve it." (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
Solane LPG cut the price of its products by P1.62 per kilo (VAT exclusive). LPG sells at a range of P838 to P1,024 per 11-kilo cylinder in Metro Manila as of August 1, based on the monitoring of the Department of Energy. On Tuesday, the country's oil firms raised pump prices by P6.10 per liter for diesel and kerosene effective, one of the most signifi cant increases implemented this year to re flect the surging world oil prices. The price of gasoline also increased by P1.40 per Monitoringliter. by the Department of En ergy showed diesel prices surged to $150 per barrel last week, up $14.43 from $135.60 per barrel the previous week. Kerosene prices also went up to $143.43 per barrel, up $14.04 from $129.40 per barrel.Unleaded gasoline also increased to $109.73 per barrel, up $2.86 per barrel from $106.87 per barrel week-on-week. Diesel prices in the National Capital Region range from P67.60 to P82.25 per liter, while kerosene sells from P73.44 to P85.35 per liter. Gasoline ranges from P65.50 to P83.20 per liter. Prices vary de pending on the brand, location, and mar ket forces.
While she understands that many want to ditch the mask, Vergeire said the coun try's COVID-19 response should be a "one-nation approach."
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that while Malacanang has no reac tion yet on the matter, “it may be taken un der advisement although we do respect the mandates of local governments over their ownCebujurisdictions."City’sEO 5 states that it is “high time” to simplify and declare such a policy, citing that the “lethal effect of the pandemic is already wearing off and that vaccination has been proven to be an ef fective means in containing the spread and the impact” of COVID-19.
SC... From A1
This is equivalent to a rollback of P19.25 per 11-kilo tank used by most households."Petronwill implement a P1.75 per kg rollback (VAT-inclusive) in LPG prices. AutoLPG prices will likewise rollback by P0.98/li at the same time. These reflect the international contract price of LPG for the month of September," Petron Corp. said in its advisory.Phoenix Petroleum Corp. cut LPG prices at the same level as Petron, while
The SC also resolved to conduct oral arguments on Jan. 24, 2023 on the two pe titions which challenged the constitution ality of MMDANCAP.spokesman and chief of Legal Service Cris Saruca Jr. on Wednesday said that “collection of NCAP fines shall also stop for those who have been apprehend ed by the policy after the issuance of the TRO yesterday (Aug. 30). Apprehensions which happened prior to the TRO shall be subject to corresponding penalties.” “The Supreme Court said that the TRO is effective immediately and shall con tinue until further notice, hence, it is pro spective, and those who have been caught through the policy prior to the issuance of the TRO still have to pay their fines,” he said.With the TRO, Metro Manila cities that have been implementing the NCAP an nounced they will abide by the SC order. The TRO was issued on two petitions that claimed NCAP is unconstitutional. The first petition against NCAP was filed by the Kilusan sa Pagbabago ng In dustriya ng Transportasyon, Inc. (KAPIT), Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide (Pasang-Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).Named respondents in the transport groups’ petition were the Land Transpor tation Office (LTO), the local governments of Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City, and Paranaque City. The second petition was filed by law yer Juman B. Paa who also sought a TRO against the NCAP being implemented in the City of Manila. In his petition, Paa asked the SC to de clare unconstitutional Manila City Ordi nance No. 8676, series of 2022, on NCAP. A party-list lawmaker, meanwhile, said agencies and local government units (LGUs) that enforced the controversial NCAP should return the fines paid by sup posed“Nowviolators.thatthe Supreme Court has is sued a TRO against this policy, the con cerned agencies and LGUs should re imburse the alleged violators the fines collected from them,” Rep. Mikee Rome ro of party-list group 1-Pacman said in a statement. Romero said these government offices must have collected tens of millions of pe sos from supposed NCAP offenders.
The DOH earlier stressed that mini mum public health standards, such as wearing the best-fitting face mask, to gether with vaccination and boosters, help keep the country’s COVID-19 case counts low despite the detection of new subvari ants.The DOH said this was after Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia issued an executive order in June on the optional wearing of face masks in well-ventilated and open spaces in the province.
LPG price cut: P19.25 per 11-kilo tank
"Let us do this with a one-nation ap proach instead of going our own way... We will study further if this is feasible if we could give adequate protection to our population through our vaccinations,” VergeireCruz-Angelessaid. said she will also wait for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to comment on Rama’s proclamation. To date, the IATF resolution on the mandatory wearing of face masks has yet to be lifted.
Vladimir Putin said Gor bachev "was a politician and statesman who had a huge impact on the course of world history," expressing "deepest con dolences" to his friends and family. "He led our country during a period of complex, dramatic changes," Putin added. "He deeply understood that reforms were necessary, he strove to offer his own solu tions to urgent problems."
Super... From A1 But it could enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the western section of Luzon from Friday, the weather bureauMeanwhile,added. tropical depression Gardo may weaken and merge with Henry, PA GASAGardosaid.continued to maintain its strength while moving northward east of extreme Northern Luzon on Wednesday. Its center was estimated at 1,080 kilo meters east of extreme Northern Luzon, and moving north at 10 km/h with maxi mum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday cautioned the public to be on alert for the possible adverse effects of the two weather systems now affecting the country. NDRRMC spokesperson and Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Ber nardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV added that they are now monitoring possible effects of Gardo and Super Typhoon Henry on Batanes and other parts of extreme North ern Luzon. (See full story online at ma nilastandard.net)
"This is due to the logic that when the budget is effectively increasing, there should not be an unprogrammed appro priation," the DBM said. “But in our country where we have ca lamities we do not expect or activities we do not even anticipate but necessitates us to provide services to our people, the un programmed appropriation is an available resource cover that will trigger additional amounts for the national government,” it added.
Benigno Aquino III personally talked to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to plead on Veloso's case and grant her clemency at the sidelines of a summit that year. Maricel Cruz ‘PBBM to raise Veloso case in Indonesia visit’
donation was categorized as “in-kind from party,” as he is treasurer of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), which spent P272 million for the Marcos Jr. campaign.Trailingthe former Davao del Norte congressman is Melquiades Robles, who contributed P30 million in cash to help Mr. Marcos win the presidential race. Robles was later appointed general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweep stakes Office. The third top contributor according to the Comelec is Philip Lo, who gave P25 million in cash to the Marcos campaign. Marcos' running-mate, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, spent over P216 million for her campaign, the Comelec revealed.Inher SOCE, Duterte-Carpio made use of all the contributions she received to pay for her P216,190,935.06 expenses. The bulk of these were in-kind contri butions from her political party, LakasChristian Muslim Democrats, amount ing to P136,609,244.91. The remaining P79,581,690.15 of the in-kind contribu tions the eventual VP received came from otherThesources.top individual contributor to Duterte-Carpio’s bid was former presi dential spokesman Harry Roque, who contributed P3,641,0343.72 in advertise mentDavao-basedpayments. ESDEVCO Realty Corp. contributed P19,923,904 million worth of advertisements to the presidential daugh ter’s campaign, while Senator Sherwin Gatchalian donated P12.8 million in ad payments.Meanwhile, former Vice President Leni Robredo received P388 million in donations for her campaign, with former Senator Serge Osmeña III being the big gest contributor with P20 million based on her TheSOCE.restof Robredo's 304 contribu tors shelled out less than P4 million each, ranging from P25,000 to P3 mil lion, as she wound up second to Mr. Marcos, who succeeded President Ro drigo Duterte.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will raise the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Fili pino on death row in Indonesia on drug trafficking charges, during his three-day state visit to the ASEAN country next week. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo disclosed this to lawmakers when asked for an update on Filipinos facing death sentences abroad. "We will go to Indonesia. Most likely, we will raise this issue and concerns to In donesian officials," he said. "This is one of the issues which we will raise during the state visit," Manalo added.Veloso was found guilty of carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin. She was arrested in Yogyakarta airport in 2010. However, Veloso denied she was a drug courier, saying she was tricked by her Filipino recruiter into bringing a drugladen suitcase to Indonesia. The Indonesian government ordered a stay in her execution in 2015 and turned her into a Then-Presidentwitness.
CA... From A1 Romualdez was also nominated as Chief of Mission, Class I, in his concur rent capacity as having jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Jamaica, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barba dos, Dominica, The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grena dines and Saint Lucia. Romualdez, whose term as an ambas sador was supposed to expire June 30, re tained his current post, which he has occu pied since 2017, when he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte. The CA also deliberated and approved the nomination of Antonio Manuel Lag dameo as permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN. Lagdameo, father of Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, was also nominated as Chief of Mission, Class I. Prior to his appointment, the elder Lag dameo, a former Davao del Norte con gressman, served as the country’s ambas
From A1 mandate of local government units over their own jurisdictions, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said he would appeal to Rama to defer his order for up to "a few weeks" while he brings it up with the In ter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19. “For us at the DILG, I talked to May or Rama, and said if it's possible that the IATF right now is convinced that this could possibly be deferred for a few days or a few weeks. Then I will raise this issue of Cebu to the IATF," Abalos said in an in terview over TV Patrol. The Interior Department chief said he plans to tell the task force to make Cebu the pilot case of the no-mask policy. The DOH stressed on Wednesday it was "never consulted" on Cebu City's de cision to loosen its mask mandate.
"The [unprogrammed appropriation] came into being more than four decades ago and was accepted by subsequent ad ministrations. It is a form of standby ap propriations, meaning if at any given point when excess revenues are not generated, and an item of appropriations is found to be deficient or even non-existent, then unprogrammed appropriation will be trig gered," the DBM said. The DBM said only P200 billion of the P588.1 billion will be "considered un programmed," since P378.2 billion of the total unprogrammed appropriations (AUs) will be allocated for DOTr's loan proceeds requirements"Hence,the DBM contends that if there is going to be an analysis on whether it ex ceeded the ideal percentage of UA against the national budget, it should be based on the P200 billion unprogrammed appropri ation, and not with the P378.2 billion un programmed appropriation corresponding to loan proceeds of DOTr," it said. "Thus, should this be removed, only approximately P200 billion, or 4 percent (of the total national budget), is considered unprogrammed, which will be triggered for release only upon the generation of ad ditional revenues," the DBM added. The DBM explained that the DOTr's loan proceeds were transferred to the un programmed appropriation "due to their history of low absorptive capacity insofar as loan proceeds is concerned."
sador to the United Kingdom. The CA, however, suspended de liberation on Manalo's ad interim ap pointment as Foreign Affairs chief, after House Majority Floor Leader and Ca marines Sur 2nd district Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte asked for a suspension due to lack of time. He noted that the CA still needed to convene its plenary session in the after noon on that day and the members of the panel were not yet finished questioning Manalo, who was the country's Perma nent Representative to the United Nations before being assigned to head the Depart ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Manalo also briefly served as the act ing DFA chief in 2017 after the ad-interim appointment of the late Perfecto Yasay Jr. was rejected by the CA. Under the Arroyo presidency, the 69-year old Manalo was also the for eign undersecretary for policy. He was the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, and Lux embourg, and was head of mission to the European Union. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
“Most people remain uninformed as to the protection offered by the kind of face mask and the proper way of wearing the same, so long as they have complied with the mandatory wearing of face mask and even just for a show while it costs money and offers inconvenience,” the order reads. “On the other hand, the long and man datory wearing of a face mask has affected the person as a biopsychosocial and spiri tualThebeing.”EO, however, exempts hospitals, clinics, and other medical or diagnostic fa cilities in Cebu City, which still mandates the use of face masks in such establish ments, subject to the policy of the entity or the discretion of the administrator. Meanwhile, all establishments, busi nesses, and entities in Cebu City, includ ing administrators of buildings and facili ties, are granted the option to follow suit within their areas of responsibility. In doing so, they are mandated to for mulate a “reasonable policy” to imple ment their face mask rule in line with selfregulation.TheCebu City government also strongly advised persons who are immu nocompromised, sick and have flu-like symptoms to stay at home and seek imme diate medical consultation. They are still required to wear face masks, especially outside their homes.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
DBM:... From A1 additional support for infrastructure proj ects and social programs; support to FAPs (foreign-assisted projects), [and other pro grams such as] last-mile schools’ program, procurement of vaccines and risk- man agement program." "The Department of Budget and Man agement stands firm on its position of hav ing no irregularities in allocating unpro grammed funds under the 2023 [proposed] National Expenditure Program (NEP), as it is ready to defend the proposed budget with the start of the marathon of budget deliberations," it said. Pangandaman and her office also pro vided a breakdown of the proposed unpro grammed appropriations under the pro posed 2023 NEP. Of the P588.1 billion, around P149.6 billion will be used to support infrastruc ture projects and social programs, includ ing vaccine procurement worth P22 bil lion.Around P5 billion will go to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Program; P20.6 billion for budgetary sup port to government-owned or -controlled corporations; P1 billion for the Risk Man agement Program; and P2 billion for pay ment of arrears of Land Transportation Of fice - Information Technology's Service. Under the unprogrammed appropria tions, about P210.5 million will be allo cated for the refund of the service devel opment fee for the right to develop the Nampeidai Property in Tokyo, Japan. Around P380 billion will be earmarked to support foreign-assisted projects, the DBM noted, adding that P378.2 billion of which will be given to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) while the remain ing P2.2 billion will go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The DBM said some P10 billion of the unprogrammed funds will be allocated for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Equity Infusion pursuant to Republic Acct 11211; P18.9 billion for public health emergency benefits and allowances for health and non-healthcare workers; and P14 million for Prior Years' local govern ment units (LGU) Shares.
The DBM said it is "ready to provide details and open to Congress" the wis dom to allocate specific programs and projects under the unprogrammed ap propriations.Itgavethe assurance as it acknowl edged there were certain instances when the proposed budget in the past did not have unprogrammed appropriations.
Newsmst.daydesk@gmail.comTHURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 1, 2022A2
Gorbachev,... From A1 Gorbachev, in power between 1985 and 1991, helped bring US-Soviet rela tions out of a deep freeze and was the last surviving Cold War leader. His life was one of the most influen tial of his times, and his reforms as So viet leader transformed his country and allowed Eastern Europe to free itself from SovietTherule.changes he set in motion saw him lionized in the West – he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 – but also earned him the scorn of many Russians who lamented the end of their country's role as a global superpower.Hespent much of the past two decades on the political periphery, intermittently calling for the Kremlin and the White House to mend ties as tensions soared to Cold War levels after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched an offensive in Ukraine earlier this year. World leaders paid tribute to the man who played a major role in ending the Cold War, praising him for being a "rare leader" who helped change the course of worldPresidenthistory.
The SC also enjoined the Land Trans portation Office and all parties acting on its behalf from giving out motorist infor mation to all local government units, cit ies, and municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers lauded the Court’s decision to issue a TRO, saying this would give a chance for the House of Representatives to review alleged flaws, including the constitutionality of the program. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
Top... From A1 The SOCE is the final Comelec re quirement for political parties pursuant to the Election Code and other commission rules following the conduct of the 2022 nationalLagdameo’spolls.
(traders) are hoarding the crop in cold storage“Withoutfacilities.acomprehensive inventory, we cannot arrive at a well-calibrated importation policy that answers consumer demand but also relieves our local growers from low farmgate prices,” the Marcos said. She said the national budget should provide more cold storage facilities for local farmers, adding that smugglers of imported white onions are now taking advantage of the situation by selling the commodity 10 times the usual price to the restaurant industry.
In a virtual webinar on Wednesday, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) underscored the importance of immunization- especially for immunocompromised children, saying the students might face higher exposure to viral diseases during the return of in-person classes.
The DA has started listing the names of traders as furnished by farmers in major onion-growing provinces like Nueva Ecija and Mindoro, but Marcos pressed for the inclusion of farmers in the Visayas and Mindanao to get a better grasp of the situation.
The three other awardees were Sotheara Chhim, 54, a psychiatrist and survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime; French environmental activist and filmmaker Gary Bencheghib; and Japanese ophthalmologist Tadashi Hattori. Ramon Magsaysay Foundation recognized Madrid’s “transformative work” in integrating child protection into the health infrastructure in the Philippines. Madrid has been at the forefront of medical, legal, and psychosocial care for children and women who are victims of abuse, the foundation said. A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Madrid headed of the Philippine General Hospital’s Child Protection Unit since 1997. She also taught Pediatrics for some 20 years at the University of the Philippines in Manila. Madrid was the first president of the Philippine Ambulatory Pediatric Association and was elected to the executive council of the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect from 2004 to 2010. Prior to receiving the Ramon Magsaysay award, Madrid received numerous recognitions for her work on children’s protection and rights—both local andSheinternational.wasrecognized as the Most Outstanding Pediatrician of 2021 by the Philippine Pediatric Society Inc. for “being the true embodiment of a 5-star physician – a compassionate clinician, a committed educator, a passionate leader, a prolific researcher, and a dedicated advocate and social mobilizer.” She was given the Most Influential Filipina in the World Award (Pioneer and Founder Category) by the Filipina Women’s Network in 2019 in Paris, France. With AFP
Danny Pata
Prof. DilnaDr. Anayatin
THERE is still no end in sight for the taxi operators’ quest for a P20-increase in flag down rate which they filed with the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LFTRB) three months ago. Three months after they formally asked for an increase in their flag-down rate, a group of taxi operators on Wednesday said they are hopeful that the government would approve the request.
A LION CUB NAMED ‘KALIKASAN.’ Malabon Zoo and Botanical Garden founder Manny Tangco feeds the newest addition to his collections of fowls and beasts as nuns of the Holy Face of Jesus look on. The sisters say Kalikasan symbolizes the observance of the world day of prayer for the care and creation of the environment as enunciated by Pope Francis. Andrew Rabulan
Experts: Have kids vaxxed vs. COVID-19
Marcos urged the government to link more local farmers with the restaurant industry, ahead of the next major harvest in April while waiting for the results of the inventory.
WITH the expected resumption of regular classes this November, health professionals urged parents to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19.
By Nash B. Maulana COTABATO CITY—Two academicians based in this city will receive recognition for exemplary achievements during the 6th Asia-Pacific Luminare Awards Night in Manila in November. Prof. Sema Dilna, president of the Cotabato State University (CSU) and Dr. Susana Anayatin, peace advocate and a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, will be bestowed recognition for achievements in their respective fields of endeavor. Information reaching the Manila Standard said the awarding ceremonies slated on November 23 will be hosted in Manila by the Kiwanis Club International, the SMNI News Channel, the OKADA Manila and the Luminare Events. Dilna is being cited by the AsiaPacific Luminare Awards organizers as Asia’s Most Exemplary University president and researcher. Anayatin, described in the nomination info-graph card as a public servant and humanitarian advocate, will be recognized as Asia’s Most Outstanding Public Servant and Empowered Peace Educator and Humanitarian Advocate of the Year. She is one of two Catholic members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament. She is often acknowledged in the academic circles as one of the architects of peace and development education as a post-graduate doctoral program. Military and police officers were enthusiastically induced into it, and took the challenge of navigating this distinct academic field in her tutelage, following the signing of the peace agreements. Dilna became the last president of the Cotabato City State Polytechnic Colleges and was the first president of the CSU after having served as vice-president for academic affairs of the CCSPC (2015 – 2020); and as the dean of the CCSPC Graduate School (2012 – 2015).
“We are not sufficient at all when it comes to garlic. We are dependent on importation,” said Kristine Evangelista, Assistant Secretary of the DA. “The harvest in April was computed to last only three to four months that is the supply of yellow onions is zero or scarce,” said Ariel Ba yot, assistant director of the Bureau of Plant Industry. The DA said there is a deficit of about 63,000 metric tons for garlic. The country’s total garlic supply for 2022 was pegged at 82,950 metric tons (mts.), while total demand for the commodity was at 146,850 mts. Government data showed that the local production of garlic for this year was at 4,817 mts. The country imports at least 78,132 mts. of garlic. Senator Imee Marcos earlier urged the DA to conduct an inventory of white onions as she promised to raise funds for cold storage facilities in order to preserve the produce of local farmers. Marcos said that from P40 per kilo, white onions now sell up to P400 per kilo to popular fast food chains by Divisoriabased onion traders. She advised the DA to trace the traders who bought white onions from local farmers and find out if they
News A3THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, mst.daydesk@gmail.com2022
“Some parents may feel afraid of COVID vaccinations. I urge you not to be afraid now as we are moving forward from the pandemic. The parent, child, and doctor must work together to cross over this fear through vaccinations and open communication. Everybody is encouraged to take the COVID vaccine and other vaccines for viral diseases,” pediatric cardiologist Dr. Juliet Balderas said. “We cannot force them to take the vaccine, because it is their right to be vaccinated as much as it is their right to refuse. We respect that so far, but it may help schools to require health declaration forms for the students daily,” she added. The Department of Education published a memorandum last month stating that vaccinations will remain non-compulsory among students as they return to in-person classes. With around 28 million children due to return to in-person learning by November, the PHA recognized that the decision regarding immunization lay in the hands of parents all over the country. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. Cathleen Faye Lu assured the public that children with congenital heart diseases are safe to get injected with the COVID-19 vaccine. She encouraged the parents to get their children vaccinated, specifically those with unrepaired heart diseases since they have a higher risk of experiencing severe COVID infection. Gabriellea Parino, Chelsea Din
TRADE EXPO. A comely Muslim lass dances at the opening of the 23rd City.CenteratSeptemberheldcountry,exhibitsconstructionandbuilding“mostreputedly(Worldbex),ExpositionandWorldPhilippineBuildingConstructiontheextensive”designinthebeingAugust31to3,2022theWorldTradeinPasay
In an interview with GMA News, Philippine National Taxi Operators Association president Jesus Manuel Suntay said they were still awaiting the LTFRB decision on their request.
“We can shut out smugglers from the supply chain through contract-growing, wherein industrial buyers assure local growers of income from their upcoming harvests and, in turn, are assured supply of (the) staple ingredient in their food products,” she said. Last month, local onion producers admitted that their stock of white onions has beenMarcosdepleted.expressed concern that low harvests of white onions in November will fall short of higher demand when Christmas comes around.
“Wet weather conditions will aggravate the situation if these cause white onions to sprout or rot in storage,” she pointed out.
AFTER the sugar importation mess, the Department of Agriculture (DA) hinted that there is nothing nice about the supply of spices, particularly onions and garlic, as well as salt.
The DOH earlier said the others have finishedVergeirequarantine.saidthe patient must finish the 21 days isolation period and has to be assessed by the doctors if completely healed on the last day of isolation. “Now in terms of the history of the patient, up until now we cannot extract that information kung mayroon siyang nakasalamuha na foreigner o ibang tao na galing sa ibang bansa (if the patient has interacted with a foreigner or person who came from other countries with confirmed monkeypox cases),” Vergeire said.
“We are waiting for the decision of the LTFRB and we’re very hopeful since the request of the taxi industry for an additional P20 in flag-down rate is reasonable,” Suntay said. If approved, the new flag-down rate for taxi will be P60. Suntay underscored the need for the flag down rate hike by citing the continual increases in fuel prices. According to him, the limited operations and passengers during the implementation of some restrictions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic also affected the viability of their trade. He said they are expecting that the price of fuel would further increase as the “ber ” months start. Asked if the possible increase would affect the ridership in taxis, Suntay said they expect the increase to be minimal considering that the price of fuel has already doubled. He pointed out that it had been seven years since the taxi operators asked for a fareMeanwhile,increase. the LTFRB has said it would resolve this month pending fare hike petitions filed by jeepney operators as prices of petroleum products continue to Federationsoar. of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) national president Ricardo Rebaño said they will refile a petition for a P2-fare hike. ‘Persons who had contact with 4th monkeypox case show no symptoms’
Hopes springs eternal as taxis await P20 flagdown hike
Pinay doctor one of four 2022 awardeesRM
DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told reporters there has been no new cases of monkeypox recorded in the country. “We still don’t have new detections based on the sample collections and testing we are doing, no one has tested again for monkeypox. Among the close contacts of our case number four, they all have no symptoms,” she said. Vergeire said the fourth monkeypox case, a 25-year-old Filipino with no travel history to any country with confirmed monkeypox cases, was recuperating with his lesions healing. Of the 14 close contacts of the patient, four are in quarantine, one in self isolation, one continuously self-monitoring, and one assisting the patient, she said.
Joel E. Zurbano 2 Cotabato academicians feted in Asia-Pacific Luminare Awards
NO GO FOR NO-CONTACT APPREHENSION POLICY. A no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) sign board looms over a portion of Quezon Ave. in Quezon City, but will not be implemented tentatively as the Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order against the tra c rule. Inset shows Metro Manila Development Authority spokesman Chris Saruca saying the agency will respect the Court’s decision and will deploy instead more tra c enforcers in the NCAP zones. Manny Palmero
A FILIPINA doctor who champions the rights of children was adjudged one of four recipients of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awards, reputed to be Asia’s counterpart of the Nobel Prize. Bernadette J. Madrid, 64, was conferred the award for “her admirable commitment in championing the rights of the most vulnerable.”
“We cannot confirm kung tayo ay local case na ba ito at hindi na imported case. We will be informing the public ‘pag may nakuha tayong impormasyon,” she added. Vergeire stressed the importance of information dissemination to the public in order to prevent the transmission of the disease. Willie Casas P58.3m worth of shabu from Nigeria seized GOVERNMENT agents have seized a smuggled shipment of shabu worth at least P58.3 million from Nigeria. The raid was conducted by a composite team from the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Plant Industry, and the NAIA-Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. The team discovered the prohibited substance weighing about 8.575 kilos hidden in packages of assorted dried spices. The shipment arrived two weeks ago at the NAIA People’s Air Cargo (Paircargo) Warehouse in Paranaque City and was transferred to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) branch in San Andres, Manila. Customs officials initially found out at the warehouse that the shipment, which was declared as food stuff, was illegally imported without the required the import permits from the BPI. The Port of NAIA then coordinated with BPI to further check for other possible violations of the subject importation prior to its possible condemnation or disposal. It also sought the assistance of PDEA and NAIA Task Group to verify possible inclusions of illegal drugs that turns out to be positive. The seized drugs are now in the custody of PDEA for further investigation, profiling and case build-up against the personalities involved, and possible prosecution for violating the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 in relation to Section 1401 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.
THE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said all close contacts of the fourth case of monkeypox in the Philippines have not been manifesting any symptoms of the disease.
PH running short of garlic, onions—DA
During the party’s National Council meeting in Parañaque City last Monday, former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi announced he is resigning as party president to “give way for the consolida tion of the party.”
HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader France Castro welcomed the call for the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the com munist movement as well as a stop to red-tagging.Inastatement, Castro backed the proposal of Senate President Pro Tem pore Loren Legarda who expressed hopes that the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/ National Democratic Front would be revived.Legarda made the suggestion as a reaction to the call of her colleagues to force government officials to disclose family members who are members of “terrorist organizations.” She said that “believing in an ide ology which may be different for the majority does not make anyone sub versive.”Legarda also expressed hopes that the peace talks can be revived “so that equity, peace, and real reforms in the countryside can ensue.”
Pagcor fund still key for resilience—solondisaster
PadillaPalmero
THE Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) has appointed Senator Robin Padilla as the party’s acting executive vice president.
SENATOR Grace Poe has suggested earmarking P20 from the sale of every kilo of imported sugar and using the funds to support the sugar industry. Poe noted the huge disparity between the prices of sugar in the world and do mestic markets. She also said interna tional prices of sugar are at P22 per kilo while the cheapest retail price is at P70 per kilo in the Philippines.
“For every 300,000 metric tons we import, we’ll have P3 billion to give to our farmers. If its 150,000 tons only, that’s still P1.5 billion extra that we can give to the sugar industry to subsidize them and at the same time our consum ers would stand to save P28 per kilo,” PoeThesaid.controversial Sugar Order No. 4 was looking to allow for the impor tation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar this year but an earlier order allowed for only 150,000 metric tons. During the Senate Blue Ribbon com mittee hearing on the sugar importation fiasco, Poe said the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (Philfoodex) said the landed cost of imported sugar in the country is at P35 per kilo but the cost of sugar for food manufacturers in Thailand and Viet nam is less than P30 per kilo. For the industry to be competitive, Philfoodex said the industry can still compete for as long as the price of sugar does not exceed P50 per kilo.
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday warned that forg ers of bogus appointment papers of public officials bearing the presi dent’s signature and presidential seal face jail term of up to 20 years. At a Laging Handa public brief ing, DOJ spokesperson Mico Cla vano said investigators would leave no stone unturned in going after persons spreading bogus appoint ment papers. He issued the warning as the Na tional Bureau of Investigation and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have been tasked to probe the incident.
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By Maricel V. Cruz
Minority solon backs peace resumptiontalks
Duterte’s political party appoints Padilla as executive vice president
COURTESY CALL. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga pays a courtesy call to Speaker Martin Romualdez at the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno
DOJ says document forgers face jail
Vince Lopez
Probe sought on school ‘harrassment’ cases
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon unanimously adopted House Resolution (HR) 317 honoring pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Uy Obiena for bringing pride and glory to the SpeakerPhilippines.Martin G. Romualdez, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, and Tin gog Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romual dez and Jude Acidre commended Obiena, world’s No. 3 vaulter, for winning the gold medals in the 26th Internationales StabhochsprungMeeting in Jockgrim and True Ath letes Classic 2022 in Leverkusen, both in “ResolvedGermany.bythe House of Rep resentatives, to congratulate Ernest John ‘EJ’ Uy Obiena for winning the gold medals in the 26th Internation ales Stabhochsprung-Meeting held in Jockgrim, Germany and in the True Athletes Classics in Leverkusen, Ger many. Resolved, further, that a copy of this Resolution be given to Ernest John “EJ” Uy Obiena,” the resolution reads.
Lawmakers honor Obiena’s world pole vault victories
On August 23, 2022, Obiena won the gold medal in the 26th GermanyAthletesanotherGermany.Stabhochsprung-MeetingInternationalesinJockgrim,Inaspanoffivedays,EJObienawongoldmedalduringtheTrueClassics2022inLeverkusen,onAugust28,2022.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
FOR PEACE. Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) chief Carlito Galvez addressed members of the media at Kapihan in Manila Bay to announce an ongoing peace process in Mindanao during the upcoming Na tional Peace Consciousness Month this September. Norman Cruz
Poe seeks sugar fund to support local market
THE chairperson of the House com mittee on appropriations on Wednes day said the P30 million to P50 mil lion disaster resilience fund that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) will provide each legislative district is crucial in ensuring the safety and survival of the country’s disaster-prone areas. “This Pagcor provision, totaling be tween P7.29 billion to P12.15 billion for the country’s 243 legislative districts, is particularly significant as the country again braces for two weather distur bances, Tropical Depression Gardo and Super Typhoon Hinnamnor,” Ako-Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, the panel’s chair, said. “We thank Chairman Al Tengco for agreeing to provide evacuation and disaster resilience buildings. This amount will help each district cope with typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions that frequent our country,” Co added. At the congressional budget hear ing, Tengco, the newly-appointed Pag cor chief operating officer, reported to the House Committee on Appro priations that the gaming regulator’s income last year was P35.48 billion. For the first half of the year, Pagcor’s income already stands at P26.7 billion. Recognizing that disaster prepared ness and recovery should be the top priority in disaster-prone Philippines, Pagcor in 2019 allotted P3.5 billion for the construction of multi-purpose evacuation centers and started build ing safe havens for 77 disaster-prone areas nationwide. Maricel V. Cruz
Maricel V. Cruz
FIRE. A fire broke out at the iconic Annabel’s Restaurant in Tomas Morato in Quezon City on August 31. According to authorities, this is the second time the restaurant has caught fire. Manny
“There is this document which says Rodolfo Espejo Jr. has been appointed. When checked, the original document does not exist in the PMS, the Office of the Execu tive Secretary and the Office of the President,” Clavano said. Citing Article 161 of the Revised Penal Code, Clavano said counter feiting the president’s seal is punish able with reclusion temporal or 12 to 20 years imprisonment.
Padilla replaced Karlo Nograles who re signed from the party and as its executive vice president when he became the chair person of the Civil Service Commission. In a statement, the PDP-Laban’s Na tional Executive Committee (NEC) said it nominated and appointed Padilla as the party’s executive vice president “until the next election of National Officers in a Na tional Assembly held for that purpose.” The political party also said it chose Padilla as he “shares the same vision of the PDP-Laban and has the capacity to duly represent the party.”
In a proposed Senate Resolution No. 168, Hontiveros, the principal author of the Safe Spaces Act, cited incidents of harassment and abuse involving teachers at Bacoor National High School in Cav ite, St. Theresa’s College in Quezon City, and the Philippine High School for the Arts in Los HontiverosBanos.andGatchalian issued the call as the Department of Education (DepEd) started its investigation on six teachers who allegedly made sexual ad vances on learners at the Bacoor National High School in Cavite. A social media post on the learners’ experiences went viral on August 28. According to DepEd spokesman Mi chael Poa, the teachers under investiga tion have not been given teaching loads since then. In her proposed Senate Resolution No. 26, Hontiveros urged her fellow senators to probe the reported culture of abuse, harassment, and violence at the Philip pine High School for the Arts (PHSA). The resolution was filed after a Vice World News report revealed that PHSA students have experienced harrowing forms of harassment and abuse committed by teachers, nonteaching staff, and students. Macon Ramos-Araneta
“I support Senator Loren Legarda’s call for the resumption of peace talks, especially as the Comprehensive Agreement on Social Economic Re forms is next on the agenda and so that the common goal of addressing pover ty and attaining just and lasting peace can be realized,” Castro said. Castro added “to genuinely address the roots of armed conflict and achieve social justice, both parties should pick up where they left off and respect the previous agreements, such as the Com prehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Hu manitarian Law and the Joint Agree ment on Safety and Immunity Guaran tees, both signed during the term of the late President Fidel Ramos.”
HR 317 was adopted in consolidation with HR Nos. 103, 105, 123, 131, 138, 147, 207, and 246. The lawmakers lauded Obiena, a Fili pino Olympian and Men’s Pole Vault re cord holder, for his remarkable contribu tions in bringing honor to the country. “The exemplary performance of Er nest John ‘EJ’ Uy Obiena in pole vault ing deserves utmost commendation and distinction for the honor and glory he brought to the country,” the resolu tion“Withsaid.his string of accomplishments, EJ’s feat is one of the greatest in Philip pine athletics’ history, and underscored the kind of dizzying heights the coun try has achieved in pole vaulting,” ac cording to the resolution. “He is set to compete again in various events, and with his hard work and determination to be the best male pole vaulter, success is within his reach.”
“This is a serious offense because this document creates an atmos phere of confusion and discredits the reputation of the government),” Clavano said. The NBI and the CIDG investiga tion will point to the source, the per sons behind it and their intention, Clavano said. He assured that media outlets that mistakenly reported the forged ap pointment as real will not be held liable.
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
“Clearly, the Department of Trade and Industry should start doing compu tations here. Even if we add P20, that will still be P3 billion for 300,000 met ric tons or P1.5 billion and it will still be cheaper for our consumers if we lib eralize the industry a little bit ‘pag may shortage,” Poe said. With retail prices of sugar in the country now at P100 per kilo with the P70 per kilo available only in very se lect outlets, Poe said bringing down the retail price of sugar to P55 will still give consumers a reprieve. In balancing the interests of consum ers and local producers, Poe said the government must look at the timing of the importation and the harvest season. “I really think we can support the in dustry by adding a little bit of tariff and that tariff will not even disadvantage consumers because it will still come out cheaper,” Poe said. Macon Ramos-Araneta
SENATOR Risa Hontiveros is seeking a Senate investigation into reports of sexu al harassment committed by educators in various schools nationwide. Senator Win Gatchalian meanwhile called on the country’s basic education institutions to enforce their child protec tion program to combat all forms of vio lence and abuse against learners, includ ing sexual harassment.
As acting executive vice president, Padilla will be part of the NEC and can take over the functions of the party president in case of their prolonged absence, permanent incapac ity, suspension, resignation, or expulsion.
In the same meeting, former Presi dent Rodrigo Duterte who is the party’s chairperson urged his party members to “prepare for the next election” in 2025 and to continue the campaign against corruption and illegal drugs. Padilla may also “perform such other duties and functions as may be assigned to him or her by the National Council.
Maglev, FluxJet: Transpo visions for the future AS THE the full force of Filipino commuters re turns to work with the easing of quarantine restric tions, public transportation is bursting at the seams trying to handle the overload. Filipinos have long been sick and tired of waiting in long lines for a ride, trains or buses coming late or crammed full, and of spending a hellish amount of time in Thistraffic.isone reason people want government offi cials to experience public transportation for themselves – we’re thinking that maybe, if they stepped out of their airconditioned, chauffeur-driven cars and lined up for an MRT or LRT train for once, that they would be more sympathetic to the situation of the ordinary com muter and try their best to find solutions. However, it’s been decades and several adminis trations and yet traveling within urban areas is still an Theinferno.government is regularly called upon to fix outdated infrastructure and inefficient systems, yet has so far failed to come up with something truly workable.It’salways seat-of-the-pants fixes – repairs of existing elevated trains, for example, or buying new trainIncars.recent years, new roads and skyways were built at a rapid pace, but those were a boon for cargo vehicles and those with their own vehicles. Again, what about the rest of us? Makati City will be getting their own subway system soon. According to a Wikipedia page, the project, called the Makati Intra-City Subway (MkTr) will “link establishments across the city’s business district.” It is supposed to be completed by 2025 at a cost of P125 billion, and will be able to move 700,000 passengers daily with nine stations with connec tions to the under-construction Metro Manila Sub way.Speaking of the latter, per Wikipedia, the Metro Manila Subway worth P355 billion will have 15 stations between East Valenzuela and Bicutan. Like the MkTr, it will link to the existing MRT and LRT. It is supposed to be fully operational in 2027. There are other rail projects in the works, which can be discussed further in future columns. For now, I mention these to point out that the development of mass transit is along the lines of railways.Trains are a tried and tested form of transporta tion and have served many countries in good stead across the centuries. If the government is now making up for lost time by accelerating development in these areas, well and good.
Barangay polls departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net Chief Justice S. R.
THE title of today’s article is borrowed from a wellwritten 200-page book by Shelley Rigger, a Brown University professor of East Asian Politics. It was gifted to me in 2016 by ADB Director Paul Dominguez, who was also presidential ad viser for Mindanao during the term of the late and highly admired Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, Taiwan’s Best Filipino Friend (BFF). The tiny island of Taiwan has of late been cyno sure of geopolitical observers not only in our region but all over the world, after China built up its pres sure on it through military exercises and existential threats.From conversations with friends gained during my five-year stint as the Philippines’ resident rep resentative and chairman of the de facto embassy in the island, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, there is a pervading calm among residents, despite the fly-overs and temporary naval blockade set up by China in the wake of the controversial Pe losi visit last month. It is as if the majority sentiment is “so what else is new?” -- even as several legislators and former high officials of the mighty US of A have ramped up their “in your face” visits, as if to taunt the bel lowing dragon just about 180 kilometers west of Taiwan.Inone of my meetings with the head of a con glomerate which has since set up partial operations in the Philippines but whose expansion was slowed down by the pandemic, the 78-year old chairman said that China’s military tactics of always sending its jets to fly by Taiwan’s ADIZ – or Air Defense Identification Zone – is meant to “wear and tear” the island’s aerial defense capabilities. “You see, many of our fighter jets have seen bet ter days, and so have many of our pilots. The ex pense of having to intercept and warn the Chinese fighter jets is also a great expense,” he intimated. In fine, bully tactics. In Tagalog: “nag-hahamit” or in Manila patois, “nang-aasar” or “nanduduro.” Some young people I have met while speak ing in a few universities are divided on the issue of independence as against assimilation under a sup posed “one China, two systems” policy. Prior to the Hong Kong shift to a mainlandcontrolled authority and the attendant protest rallies by its citizens, there was even a hint of appreciation over China’s impressive progress, and the higher wages they offer their Taiwanese “cousins.” But Hongkong changed all that, and it was shown in the 2020 elections which gave DPP’s President Tsa Ing-wen an overwhelming majority over her Kuomintang rival, a popular figure himself. The “one China, two systems” promise was in tatters and now, many who once identified them selves as Chinese in the island prefer to be distinctly Taiwanese.Shortof a call for full independence recognized by a tiny group of 14 nations including the Vatican, they staunchly prefer the status quo, which means being self-governed for all intents and purposes. Time is however not a friend of this status quo. The People’s Republic of China will not budge from its dream, nay resolve, of assimilation. And for Xi Jinping, who has anchored his continuing power on “unification,” there are no ifs and buts, just a question of time. And, of course, strategy: whether to short-cut it by force, or wait for the apple to fall into its hands. The Chinese after all are known for their infinite patience, even if Xi is pressured for time. World economists are quite antsy, because Taiwan is the biggest producer of the world’s ad vanced micro-chips, used in phones to drones, computers and cellular gadgets, radar and weap onry, appliances and practically everything modern in this high-tech world. Both China and the western powers rely particu larly on the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), chaired by the venerable Mor ris Chang, whose continuing dominance, powered by constant technological improvements, supply most of their needs. For now, this dependency is a main factor for the bellowing dragon to lie low, and the high-flying eagle to keep an uneasy peace. For the latter though, it profits tremendously from military weapons sales to shore up Taiwan’s defenses, and in fact, the overall defense budget for 2023 has been increased immensely to TW$586.3 billion, more than a trillion pesos, or a fifth of the to tal budget submitted by our president to Congress. This for a country of 23 million, a fifth of ours, with a mountainous terrain comprising about oneninth of our land area. How this conflict will reach final denouement bears watching, especially for a country like ours which is nearest the theater of would-be confronta tion. But along with us, the whole world is nervous. • • • But what makes Taiwan particularly interesting is the cultural and attitudinal discipline its people and leaders observe, as distinct from ours. On 26 November, they will elect city mayors and local legislators, along with counties and mu nicipalities.Theirsis basically a dominant two-party system, the incumbent Democratic Progressive Party of President Tsai Ing-wen whose term constitutionally ends in 2024, and the Kuomintang or Chinese Na tionalist Party which was the rival of the Commu nist Party in the mainland and which transferred to Taiwan following Mao Zedong’s defeat of Chiang Kai-shek in 1949. There are smaller parties which manage to elect powerful “independent” leaders.
It can’t come too soon to relieve the pressure on commuters, which is why I am also advocating more policies that support the shift to a remote work culture to take people off the streets and away from traffic.Are the country’s economic managers afraid this will curb public spending?
There is a straight road from the Taipei City Hall to the Presidential Palace of Taiwan. In fact, aside from the incumbent Tsai Ing-wen, the first non-elected but appointed official to be elected president, all of Taiwan’s post-martial law presidents were Taipei City mayors: Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou. Current Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, who is serv ing his second and last term and who is neither DPP nor Kuomintang, is touted as a strong third force candidate to succeed Tsai when her term expires two years from now. His party, the Taiwan People’s Party, has fielded his lady deputy mayor, Huang Shan-shan, to face DPP’s former health minister and highly acclaimed pandemic manager, Chen Shih-chung. Whether Ko can get his lady deputy elected as mayor of the nation’s capital will be a test of whether in 2024, the road to the presidential palace is once more a straight line from Taipei’s CityWhichever,Hall. DPP, Kuomintang or TPP, the presidential elections of 2024 will have the most worldwide watchers, as it could determine the next geopolitical and military moves of the powers in this region.
Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board ManilaStandard ONLINE Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
ONE of the big challenges that the last three ad ministrations faced before PBBM’s election is the problem of traffic gridlock in the National Capital Region.Theproblem has become so acute that the last president wisely did not attempt to take a direct hand in trying to solve it and left the matter basically to the MMDA. To be fair, with the kind of land use in the NCR, the population density, the small land area and the rapidly increasing motorization, any solution that will be undertaken will almost certainly not satisfy everyone.Thisisperhaps the reason why Indonesia simply gave up and decided to transfer Jakarta, the capital city somewhere else. Maybe we should just do the same. But where? There is probably no empty land available in the country that we can find big enough to accommo date a capital city. With the new administration and a new MMDA team, there is another attempt to try to lessen the traffic gridlock by revisiting and im proving some to the old programs in place in the hope that some significant traffic improvements could be attained. This in a way is a right move and perhaps the only currently available option. One is the resurrection of the number coding program which MMDA termed as enhanced num ber coding from 7 to 10 in the morning and 5 to 8 in the early MMDAevening.should simply have stuck to the old 7 to 8 time frame to make it easier for traffic enforcers to implement the program. The so-called windows is only giving the already overworked traffic enforc ers additional work. The other is the expansion of the no contact ap prehension program which has been in place on a limited scale for some years. The expanded plan, however, is generating a lot of opposition with requests for exemptions and oth ers questioning its constitutionality. A case has been brought to the Supreme Court to stop MMDA from going thru with the program which indicates how serious we really are in want ing to solve the traffic gridlock in the NCR. Even a group of medical practitioners came out with an advice to the MMDA. After the previous paragraph earned its final dot, the Supreme Court, in full session, temporar ily stopped the Land Transportation Office and five local governments from enforcing the NCAP, and set for January 24 oral arguments on the petitions. The NCAP is just like any apprehension of a traf fic Theviolation.only difference is that instead of a traffic enforcer doing it, it will be the CCTV camera that will do it. I am, of course, assuming that the MMDA will have the complete infrastructure to implement the expanded program. This would mean that at the moment the traffic violation is committed, the CCTV would have tak en a picture of the vehicle committing the violation and that the act has been recorded with the photo of the violation as evidence. If the MMDA will be able to increase the num ber of CCTVs in strategic areas of the entire road network of the NCR, this program will have a ma jor impact on driver discipline because it will force all drivers to behave even if there are no traffic en forcersThisaround.hasthe potential of drastically reducing the uncontrolled traffic violations happening every day in Metro streets that are not manned by traffic en forcers and can also reduce vehicular accidents. As we all know it is impossible for MMDA to put a traffic enforcer in every road intersection to watch every vehicle passing. The CCTV acts as the enforcement multiplier. This MMDA plan is nothing new. It is being done by so many countries all over the world. For those of us who have gone to the United States, for example, the drivers there appear to be so disciplined even in the absence of traffic policemen. One reason is that there is a CCTV camera in almost every road intersection.With so many CCTVcameras on the road, motorists are forced to follow traffic rules. We should, therefore, welcome this program instead of putting a lot of stumbling blocks to prevent its implementation because if imple mented properly road discipline will improve bigTheretime. should also be no exemptions. Once ex emptions are granted, the whole rationale of the exercise becomes pointless and the value of the program will significantly be reduced. It is, therefore, important that before MMDA will embark on the full implementation of NCAP, that everything is in place. This includes coordinating with the Land Trans portation Office because the LTO data base is cru cial if MMDA wants to maximize the benefits of the program by being able to collect all the admin istrative fines. We must bear in mind that there are many ve hicles running in the Metro area every day that are from the Whenprovinces.thedrivers of these vehicles commit traf fic violations and return to their provinces the fines will be difficult to collect unless the LTO gets some how involved in the program. I would think that LTO’s involvement in this NCAP program is indispensable for it to work and achieve maximum results. But with the Supreme Court issuing a temporary restraining order the NCAP may be up in smoke. Good luck to the MMDA.
Opinion The No Contact Apprehension Program EDITORIALWhy Taiwan matters Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all
Reynato
If the MMDA will be able to increase the number of CCTVs in strategic areas of the entire road network of the NCR, this program will have a major impact on driver discipline because it will force all drivers to behave
The government is regularly called upon to fix outdated infrastructure and inefficient systems, yet has so far failed to come up with something truly workable
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We support the position of various groups postponingagainstthe polls to next year
SHOULD the barangay and scheduledKabataanSangguniangelectionsforDecember this year be postponed to next year?Lastmonth, the House of Representatives committee on suffrage and electoral reforms approved a motion postponing the polls origi nally scheduled for December. Twelve mem bers of the committee approved the measure, with only two casting negative votes. Before the committee hearing, more than 30 bills had sought to put the elections on hold.These bills cited various reasons, such as setting aside money for the polls to CO VID-19 response, not having two poten tially divisive elections in a year, and giving teachers who would be serving on election boards enough time to rest and recover from the May 9 polls. But the plan to postpone the polls is vehe mently opposed by various groups. Among them is the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente), which said further delay ing the village and youth polls is “an attack against grassroots democracy and commu nityLastpower.”month, the Catholic poll watchdog Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), said the postponement of the barangay and SK elections sets a “dangerous precedent” as it “deprives the citizens not only of the right to affirm and once more vote for barangay leaders who provide good and dependable leadership and ensure the timely flow of necessary ser vices, especially during the trying times of the pandemic, but also denies the people of their right and critical need to replace lead ers who do not fully exercise their votergivenThemandate.”PPCRVsaid youths, who make up over half of the voting population, would be deprived of their right to suffrage and to participate as youth leaders. Moreover, since the barangay is the most basic local government unit, it is the most accessible to citizens, and its services are most immediately felt at the community level.The last time the country held barangay and SK elections was in May 2018. The next elections should have been in May 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pan demic, lawmakers moved the elections to the first Monday of December 2022. The postponement effectively extended the terms of village and youth officials from just two years to five years. Commission on Elections chair George Erwin Garcia had earlier urged Congress to decide by the end of August whether to postpone the barangay and SK elections in December so the poll body can make the needed adjustments. For one thing, he said, the Comelec needed to know whether or not the elections would push through as they had to print 90 million ballots by September for 235,000 projected precincts and it would need a whole month to print, verify and check these before delivery three weeks before the polls. The Comelec has pegged the cost of post poning the polls to May or December 2023 from P17 billion to P18 billion, more than double the P8.45 billion that will be spent if the polls were held this December. With Congress unable to decide on the poll postponement by the end of last month, it appears that the barangay and local polls would push through in December this year. Given all this, we support the position of various groups against postponing the polls to next year. Let the people in the barangays, including the youth, directly choose their leaders. This is grassroots democracy that we should allow to thrive so that Filipinos can be given the opportunity to select the next generation of leaders.
Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Baldwin
And even on business practices, something hap pened quite recently. Leading Taiwanese coffee shop chain, Barista Coffee, was found guilty of fraud for misrepre senting the beans they sell as 100 percent Arabica when they were in fact adulterated with the cheaper Robusta.TheShilin District Court ordered the confisca tion of Barista’s NTS18.29 million ill-gotten gains (about 33 million pesos) confiscated and meted jail sentences for its general manager and factory manager too. Not in da Pilipins. Inaayos lang ang ganyang kaso.
Give people a break and they will spend money, perhaps not on daily transportation (which sucks) but on other goods. There will be a shift in the types of livelihoods and businesses that will thrive in the new normal (such as online ordering and food and goods deliv ery), but we have to learn to adapt to rapid change, otherwise we will stagnate. I also join my voice to those of many Filipinos calling for better bike laws and more and safer bike paths to encourage the development of a bike culture such as in The Netherlands, as well as pedestrian walkways.Toraise another point, I can’t help but feel sorry for ourselves, that our country is so poor in resources and vision that we are still looking to beef up infra structure in terms of subways and elevated trains that have been used in other countries for nearly a century and a quarter. The Paris Metro was opened to the public in 1900 and the New York City Subway in 1904. However, the technology has gone way beyond that. Last week Designboom published articles on two new types of public transportation – China’s maglev (magnetic levitation) Sky Train and Cana da’sTheFluxJet.first is touted as “the world’s first” such transport system that “runs power-free, thanks to permanent magnetic tracks that keep the carriages suspended indefinitely in mid-air, gliding smoothly andThesilently.”SkyTrain had its first test run in Xianggou Country and reached speeds of 80 kilometers per hour.This is not the first maglev train; the technology was introduced for commercial use in 1984. But it is said to be the first that does not use electricity, only magnets.Meanwhile, Canadian startup TransPod has un veiled FluxJet, a fully electric vehicle that is a hybrid of a train and an aircraft. It features “contactless power transmission and a new field of physics called ‘veillance flux’ enabling it to travel…faster than a jet and three times as fast as a high-speed train.” It promises to revolutionize the world of pas senger and cargo transport, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and highways (it runs on a guided pathway like Elon Musk’s proposed Hyperloop, a concept he presented almost a decade ago and may start work on again soon). Passengers will pay only about half the cost of a plane ticket to travel the same distance on the Flux Jet.While all these scientific strides in transportation are being made, our sights are still set on the fun damental, because we failed to get it right all these years.We continue to build roads, bridges, and sky ways, and acquire more subways and trains, because we don’t even have all the basics yet, so we can’t even plan for a Hyperloop or Sky Train or FluxJet. Science and tech nerds like me can only dream that our country will one day be able to afford such wonders.Meanwhile, our commuters make their daily slog down to the train station, packed cheek to cheek in queues and on the trains, just to make it to work on time.Will the new administration be the one finally to fix this perennial problem of public transport? Let’s hope they have a vision that goes further than the fundamental, a vision that goes forward into the future of our most exciting dreams. *** FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO
Two weeks ago, DPP’s rising political star and leading candidate for mayor of Taoyuan, where the international airport is located, dropped out of the race after National Taiwan University (NTU) decided to rescind his master’s degree because of thesis plagiarism, with another university, Chung Wha, likewise investigating him for the same. In 2018, the Minister of Economic Affairs abruptly resigned because Taiwan suffered halfhour brownouts in many cities, 10 minutes only in the capital Taipei. MOEA supervises the country’s GOCC’s, electric company included. Not, never in the Philippines will such a display of shame and resignation happen in our lifetime.
Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 B1
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MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine NewspapersPPI can be accessed manilastandard.netat: Former
The “one China, two systems” promise was in tatters and now, many who once identified themselves as Chinese in the island prefer to be distinctly Taiwanese
Shanghai dropped after a report on Chinese factory activity showed another contraction, as the sector was buffeted by lockdowns due to Beijing’s zero-COVID strategy and high temperatures that led to energy rationing. The reading reinforced the view that the world’s number-two economy continued to struggle. There were also losses in Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Wellington and Bangkok, though Seoul, Jakarta and Taipei rebounded from early losses. Hong Kong was flat.
AFP
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY Maritime Regional Office – VI Maritime Regional Office VI Bldg., De La Rama St., Iloilo City CASE NO. MRO VI 22-049
ANNABELL P. LAGAS Regional Director
WITNESS, the MARINA Administrator, Hon. Hernani N. Fabia this 19th day of August 2022. By the Authority of the MARINA Administrator: (Pursuant to AO No. 20-21 dated 19 August 2021) (SGD.)
China’s August factory activity sank for second straight month
SPC POWER CORPORATION Petitioner
ENERGY SECURITY. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (right) greets EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as she arrives with (from right) Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda for the Baltic Sea Energy Security Summit in Kongens Lyngby, outside of Copenhagen, Denmark on August 30, 2022. The summit aims to strengthen regional cooperation to increase the energy security of the area in the context of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. AFP HK SUMMIT. People attend the Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong on August 31, 2022. AFP Manila Standard TODAY (MS-SEPT. 1, 2022)
Parties opposed to the granting of the application must file their written oppositions on or before the date of hearing, furnish a copy of the same to the applicant and appear at the hearing, with such evidence as maybe proper in the premises. Failure on the part of any person to file his opposition on time and to appear at the hearing will be construed as a waiver of his right to be heard and this Authority will proceed to hear and decide the application on its merits.
“What’s clear is that predicting this market is not clean cut,” Angeline Newman, of UBS Global Wealth Management, told Bloomberg Television. “We are living in a world where conflict ing economic signals are making the path of monetary policy very difficult to determine.”
*All proxies which have been previously submitted shall remain valid unless revoked.
China’s manufacturing PMI has been in contraction territory for five out of the past six months, in the wake of a disruptive months-long lockdown in Shanghai and COVID-related restric tionsButelsewhere.officialsshow few signs of re laxing strict pandemic curbs, with the southern tech hub of Shenzhen seal ing off the world’s largest electronics market this week despite just dozens of daily cases in the city of more than 18 million.
Stocks fall sharply; ACEN and SM Investments down
BEIJING, China—China’s factory ac tivity shrank in August for the second month in a row, official data showed Wednesday, as the sector was hit by strict zero-COVID restrictions and ex treme heat. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), a key gauge of manufacturing in the world’s second-biggest econ omy, came in at 49.4, up from July’s 49.0 but still below the 50-point mark separating growth from contraction, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed. Sporadic COVID-19 lockdowns around China have dampened consum er enthusiasm and business confidence, while searing temperatures across large parts of the country this summer prompted power rationing for factories. The economy faced “unfavorable factors including the epidemic and high tempera tures” this month, NBS senior statistician Zhao Qinghe said in a statement. Zhao said the data showed “the re covery of manufacturing production and demand still needs to be strength ened,” though he noted an uptick in ac tivity in agricultural product process ing and food producers ahead of the mid-Autumn festival on September 10.
SHARE prices sank Wednesday, with traders fearing the Federal Reserve’s determination to beat inflation with higher interest rates will tip the world’s top economy into recession. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 106.62 points, or 1.6 percent, to 6,583.65 on a value turnover of nearly P8.9 billion. Losers beat gainers, 128 to 67, with 42 issues unchanged. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group slumped 5.1 percent to P831, while fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. dropped 3.1 percent to P17.40. ACEN Corp., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp. of the Ayala Group, fell 3 percent to P7.50, but SM Prime Holdings Inc., the big gest integrated property company owned by the Sy Group, rose 2.6 percent to P37.85. Most Asian markets resumed their down ward trend Wednesday. After bouncing from their June lows, global equities are once again taking a hid ing from worried investors after Fed chief Jerome Powell warned last week the bank would need to tighten policy much more to succeed in its battle against prices.
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY Maritime Regional Office – VI Maritime Regional Office VI Bldg., De La Rama St., Iloilo City CASE NO. MRO VI 22-050
PRIME MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC.
REUBEN CARLO O. GENERAL Corporate Secretary
Vendor:CopyCLB/nia/mapfurnished:ACEnergy Corporation Address:4/F 6750 Ofc Tower, Ayala Ave. Makati City Vendee:SPC POWER CORP. BDO Towers Paseo 8741 Paseo de Roxas.Makati City Office of the Solicitor General 134 Amorsolo St., Makati FS, Manila File (MS-SEPT. 1, 2022)
Business THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 || B3 extrastory2000@gmail.com
“Having seen such a promising start to August, last week’s speech by... Powell ap pears to have been the final straw for any sort of hope that we might see another positive month for equity markets,” said CMC Mar kets analyst Michael Hewson. Worries about an economic slowdown and the possible hit to demand were also dragging on oil, which was on course for a third monthly drop, with both main contracts tumbling more than five percent Tuesday. With AFP
This application will be heard by this Authority on 09 September 2022 at 10:00 AM at Maritime Regional Office VI Bldg., De La Rama St., Iloilo City, at which herein applicant shall present its/his/her /their evidence. Before the start of the actual hearing, a pre-hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Rule 7 of the Interim Rules of Practice and Procedure. At least seven (7) days prior to the date of Hearing, applicant shall publish this notice of hearing once in one daily newspaper of National circulation served by registered mail or personal delivery copies of the application and of this notice of hearing to all affected parties as appearing in the attached list.
Wall Street’s three main indexes fell for a third straight day Tuesday to sit at a onemonth low, with healthy data on US consum er sentiment and job openings indicating the economy remained resilient despite recent rate hikes and four-decade-high inflation. But analysts said the readings were a case of good news being bad news as they would allow the Fed to stick to its plan of lifting borrowing costs further. Expectations are growing for a third successive three-quarterpoint increase next month. Traders are now awaiting the release of US job-creation figures on Friday for a better idea about the state of the economy. However, commentators said trying to plot a course through the next few months would be tricky owing to inflation and rate increas es as well as other issues such as the Ukraine war, geopolitical tensions and China’s COV ID-damaged economy.
SPC POWER CORPORATION Petitioner NOTICE OF HEARING Applicant requested for Approval of sale and transfer of ownership of vessel named POWER BARGE 102 owned by AC ENERGY CORPORATION (VENDOR) to SPC POWER CORPORATION (VENDEE). This application will be heard by this Authority on 09 September 2022 at 10:00 AM at Maritime Regional Office VI Bldg., De La Rama St., Iloilo City, at which herein applicant shall present its/his/her /their evidence. Before the start of the actual hearing, a pre-hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Rule 7 of the Interim Rules of Practice and Procedure. At least seven (7) days prior to the date of Hearing, applicant shall publish this notice of hearing once in one daily newspaper of National circulation served by registered mail or personal delivery copies of the application and of this notice of hearing to all affected parties as appearing in the attached list.
WITNESS, the MARINA Administrator, Hon. Hernani N. Fabia this 19th day of August 2022. By the Authority of the MARINA Administrator: (Pursuant to AO No. 20-21 dated 19 August 2021) (SGD.)
It will take ‘a few years’ to get inflation back to 2%, says Fed
WASHINGTON, United States—The Federal Reserve is commit ted to bringing soaring US inflation back down to two percent, but that will take “a few years,” a top central banker said Tuesday. The Fed this year has moved aggressively to raise interest rates to try to rein in price surges that have hit American families, and central bankers, notably Fed chief Jerome Powell, have doused any hopes they would alter course anytime soon.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING
ANNABELL P. LAGAS Regional Director
AFP Manila Standard TODAY
NOTICE OF HEARING Applicant requested for Approval of sale and transfer of ownership of vessel named POWER BARGE 103 owned by AC ENERGY CORPORATION (VENDOR) to SPC POWER CORPORATION (VENDEE).
New York Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams echoed Powell’s tough comments, saying the benchmark lending rate will have to remain high for some time to bring demand back into line withUSsupply.annual inflation ebbed slightly in July to a still-painfully high 8.5 percent, and Williams said the Fed is “absolutely committed” to achieving the two-percent goal. “The situation is very challenging. Inflation is very high. The economy has a lot of crosscurrents. I do think it will take a few years, but we’re going to get that done,” Williams said in a discus sion with The Wall Street Journal. The Fed has increased the key lending rate four times this year, including two super-sized 0.75 percentage point hikes in June and July, and Powell said Friday another similar increase is possible next month as well. Inflation was already high at the start of the year and spiked glob ally following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but gas prices at the pump have been moving down in recent weeks, taking some of the pressure off American consumers. That in turn led to a jump in consumer confidence in August, according to The Conference Board’s monthly survey released Tuesday. But the US labor market remains very strong, which the Fed fears will add fuel to the inflation fires as wages rise. New data from the Labor Department Tuesday showed that af ter dipping in June, job openings rebounded slightly in July, which means there are about two positions available for every unem ployed person in the country. The Fed on Friday will get a look at one more employment re port before its September 20-21 policy meeting, and will look for a slowdown after the surprise surge in July.
Parties opposed to the granting of the application must file their written oppositions on or before the date of hearing, furnish a copy of the same to the applicant and appear at the hearing, with such evidence as maybe proper in the premises. Failure on the part of any person to file his opposition on time and to appear at the hearing will be construed as a waiver of his right to be heard and this Authority will proceed to hear and decide the application on its merits.
Vendor:CopyCLB/nia/mapfurnished:ACEnergy Corporation Address:4/F 6750 Ofc Tower, Ayala Ave. Makati City Vendee:SPC POWER CORP. BDO Towers Paseo 8741 Paseo de Roxas.Makati City Office of the Solicitor General 134 Amorsolo St., Makati FS, Manila File (MS-SEPT. 1, 2022)
To All Stockholders: Please be advised that the annual meeting of stockholders of PRIME MEDIA HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Corporation”) will be held virtually on 23 September 2022 (Friday) at 2:00 p.m. To ensure and safeguard everyone’s health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no physical venue for the meeting. The meeting will be held virtually via remote communication at https://conveneagm.com/ph/prime, with the Chairman of the meeting presiding from Makati City. The agenda of the meeting is as follows: 1. Call to Order. 2. Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum. 3. Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders’ Meeting. 4. Approval of the Annual Report and the Audited Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2021 5. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation (AOI) to reduce the par value of all Series A Preferred Shares from Php1.00 to PhP0.04 per share 6. Approval to convert all Series A Preferred Shares into Common Shares at the conversion rate of 25:1 7. Amendment of the AOI to create a new class of Preferred Shares which shall be referred to as Series C Preferred Shares and to authorize the conversion of the remaining foreign-owned shares to Series C Preferred Shares subsequent to the conversion of all Series A Preferred Shares, with said foreign-owned shares approximately numbering Three Hundred Forty Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Four(340,664) based from records as of 30 July 2022, 8. Amendment of the AOI to reclassify all Series B Preferred Shares into Common Shares 9. Approval to redeem all Series C Preferred Shares with redemption price set at its par value per shares and payable in cash 10. Amendment of the AOI to reclassify Series A and Series C shares into Common Shares 11. Approval of the amended Memorandum of Agreement with Atty. Hermogene H. Real and Ms. Michelle F. Ayangco (as “Golden Peregrine Shareholders”) for issuance of One Billion Six Hundred Seventy Nine Million Nine Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Four Hundred (1,679,966,400) Common Shares to be issued out of the proposed increase in authorized capital stock for Three Hundred Forty Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety Three (349,993) shares of stock of Golden Peregrine. 12. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized capital stock up to Seven Billion Pesos (Php 7,000,000,000.00); 13. Waiver by the minority stockholders of the rights or public offer requirement under the PSE Additional Listing Rule 14. Ratification of Management Acts. 15. Election of Board of Directors. 16. Appointment of External Auditor. 17. Other Matters. 18. Adjournment. For purposes of the meeting, stockholders of record as of 02 September 2022 are entitled to receive notice and to vote at the said meeting. Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should pre-register at https://conveneagm. com/ph/prime on or before 13 September 2022. Please refer to the Procedure for Participation and Voting at the 2022 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (attached to the Definitive Information Statement) for detailed information on participation by remote communication and voting in absentia (electronic voting) or by proxy. Pursuant to SEC’s Notice dated 16 March 2021, a copy of the Notice of the meeting, Definitive Information Statement, Management Report, minutes of the previous meeting of the stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting may be accessed through the Corporation’s website https://www.primemediaholdingsinc.com/ and PSE EdgeFor any question about the conduct of the virtual meeting, you may refer to the Frequently Asked Questions at https://conveneagm.com/ph/prime or email mdc.prim@ gmail.comMakati City, 01 September 2022.
AIRASIA Philippines said Wednesday it will increase flight frequencies to interna tional destinations starting Sept. 17 to serve the rising demand from overseas Filipino workers and leisure travelers. “AirAsia Philippines is positioning itself to once again dominate the Asian market. Our additional flight frequencies and pro mos are strategically put in place to help achieve our pre-pandemic figure of more than 2.6 million international seats sold,” AirAsia spokesperson Steve Dailisan said.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines said Wednesday the indus try’s export revenues are expected to rise 10 percent this year to $32.43 bil lion from $29.49 billion in 2021. IBPAP president Jack Madrid said the projected growth for 2022 would partly fulfill the industry’s vision in the IT and Business Process Manage ment Roadmap 2028 of generating 1.1 million new jobs in six years provided that enabling conditions were met and appropriate interventions carried out. “In 2022, we started very strong, and I have no reason to believe that we will show a very healthy uptick in both headcount and revenue growing by as much as 8 percent in headcount, and with the potential of also increasing our revenue up to 10 percent,” he said in a pre-summit briefing Wednesday. He said to hit the expansion target, the industry was looking forward to the enforcement of favorable govern ment policies on incentives and re mote work; stronger and more reliable infrastructure; accelerated upskilling and reskilling of the Filipino talent for digital services; enhanced value proposition to highlight country-level competitiveness; and improved ease of doing business to attract more global investors. Madrid underscored the significance of flexible work to attain the goals of Roadmap“Essential2028.to deliver this sustained growth will be the adoption of new business models in particular location independent work from anywhere, hy brid work arrangements,” he said. The group is set to launch the Philip pine IT-BPM Industry Roadmap 2028 at the 14th International Innovation Summit on Sept. 27 and 28 via Airmeet and on Sept. 29, 2022 via Airmeet and at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Madrid said that in the next six years, the industry would be well-positioned to accomplish more in terms of jobs, investments and exports as envisioned in the Hittingroadmap.another million jobs is one of the many significant milestones that the IT-BPM industry will reach by 2028, he said, adding that the sector would create more impact through countryside devel opment, digitally-enabled services, dol lar revenue, high-complexity work and indirect employment.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
petition
Globe
SMC asked the ERC for a fair and ob jective assessment of its petition in the wake of the record rise in global fuel prices driven by economic and geopo litical“Weforces.know any price increase is un popular, and normally we never ask for one—which is what we did for all of last year when we absorbed expanding costs that we do not pass on to consum ers. The war in Ukraine has taken prices far beyond what we and Meralco could have even imagined in 2019 when we signed the PSAs. At the time, the fore cast for coal was only $65 per metric ton for ten years. Now it is already at $400 per MT,” SMC president Ramon Ang said Meralcoearlier.alsowarned that consumers would be burdened by as much as P25.8 billion if it was forced to secure new PSAs to replace those of SMC. It said consumers might have to shoul der an additional P1.6 billion for one month if its PSAs with SMC were termi nated and it was forced to source from the spot market. Alena Mae S. Flores
ASIAN EYE’S AWARD.
extrastory2000@gmail.combusiness@manilastandard.net B4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
SMC, through South Premiere Power Corp. and San Miguel Energy Corp., administrators of the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan natural gas and 1,200-MW Sual coal-fired power plants, filed their re spective petitions for a temporary rate hike of P0.30 per kilowatt-hour over six months.
“The sustained growth in bank lend ing and liquidity will support the recov ery of economic activity and domestic demand. Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to ensure that liquidity and credit dynamics remain in line with the BSP’s price and financial stability ob jectives,” the BSP said in a statement. Outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, climbed by 11.9 percent in July following the same expansion in the June. Loans for production activities in creased 11.6 percent in July after grow ing by 12.0 percent in June, driven by the rise in lending for real estate activi ties (14.6 percent); manufacturing (16.2 percent); information and communica tion (29.3 percent); and wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (9.3 percent). Consumer loans to residents jumped 14.7 percent in July, faster than the 10.9-percent rise in June on strong de mand for credit card loans, motor ve hicle loans and salary-based general purpose consumption loans. Outstanding loans to non-residents grew by 14.6 percent in July after a 16.4-percent uptick in the previous month.Meanwhile, preliminary data also showed that domestic liquidity, or the money supply circulating in the financial system, grew by 7.0 percent year-on-year to about P15.4 trillion in July from the 7.2-percent growth in June. The BSP said that on a monthon-month seasonally-adjusted basis, domestic liquidity increased by 0.3 percent.Domestic claims rose 11.5 percent year-on-year in July from 9.9 percent in the previous month on improvement in bank lending to the private sector. Claims on the private sector grew by 8.9 percent in July from 8.8 percent in June with the sustained expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households. and global non-profit sign a contract on for a pioneering effort that aims support via Attending the signing at the Tower are (from left) for News director Chris Hajecki, Internews Philippines country director Greg Kehailia, Globe chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yoly Crisanto and Globe PR and communications strategy director Liza Reyes. Asian Eye Institute achieves the Diamond Level accreditation, the highest level possible from Accreditation Canada International’s Qmentum Program. Asian Eye is the first and only ambulatory eye care facility in the Philippines to receive such recognition. Receiving the award are members of the Asian Eye team along with Accreditation Canada International’s Celia Castillo and Ron Noble.
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The BSP said Wednesday outstand ing loans of universal and commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase place ments with the BSP, also rose 0.6 per cent on a month-on-month seasonallyadjusted basis.
By Julito G. Rada
programmatic advertising.
THE Department of Energy said Tuesday the ongoing review on the acquisition of a controlling stake in the Malampaya deep-water gas proj ect by Prime Infrastructure Holdings Inc. is “on track,” adding its early res olution is vital to the country’s energy security.“Justto assure you that the review by the PNOC-EC on Prime Infra’s acquisition is on track, and the no tification to the DOE, having been received, that is also moving in par allel,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lo tilla said in an online news briefing. Asked how crucial the review would be for the country’s energy security, Lotilla said the gas field was a “finite one” and the resolu tion of legal, technical and financial issues on the sale of Malampaya operator Shell Philippines Explora tion’s interest to Prime Infrastruc ture of businessman Enrique Razon was “important for the energy secu rity of the country.” The Malampaya project is one of the country’s most important power assets, as it produces natural gas to power plants in Batangas City that account for around 20 percent of the Philippines’ total electricity supply. It began operations in 2001, with the consortium’s license for the project set to expire in 2024. Operating since 2001, the Malam paya project is the only local pro ducer of indigenous natural gas. It supplies fuel to around 40 percent of gas-fired plants in Luzon, gener ating around 3,457 megawatts for the Luzon grid.
BANK loans expanded 12 percent in July from a year ago providing support to domestic activities that are crucial to economic recovery despite the series of interest rate hikes this year, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.
THE Securities and Exchange Commission issued a permanent cease and desist order against online lending operators Skymart, Withu and Spendcash. It denied the respective motions filed by Skymart, Withu and Spendcash for the lift ing of the cease and desist order for lack of Themerit.SEC issued the order after inves tigation showed that the three entities al legedly engaged in lending and financing activities without securing the necessary licenses from the SEC and/or have alleg edly violated relevant regulations such as the requirement for registered lending and financing companies to disclose and report their online lending platforms to the SEC and the prohibition on abusive debt collec tionRepublicpractices.Act No. 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 requires persons or entities operating as lending companies to register as corporations and secure certificate to operate from the SEC.
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THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday inflation in August likely accelerated to as high as 6.7 percent from 6.4 percent in July on higher food prices. It said in a statement the August inflation would likely settle within a range of 5.9 percent to 6.7 percent. “Inflation for the month was driven by the continued increase in key food prices, but could be offset in part by the decline in global oil prices, the reduction in electricity rates, lower meat and fish prices, and apprecia tion of the peso,” the BSP said.
Jenniffer B. Austria AirAsia PH to add international flights
Inflation in July hit a 45-month high of 6.4 percent from 6.1 percent in June, driven by faster increases in the prices of food, nonalcoholic beverages and higher transport fares. The July outturn was also faster than the 3.7 percent in July 2021. Inflation averaged 4.7 percent in the first seven months, above the tar get range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2022.The Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Aug. 18 raised for the fourth time the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 3.75 per cent to tame the accelerating infla tion.This brought the total policy rate increase this year to 175 basis points. The BSP kept the policy rate at a re cord low of 2 percent for the entire 2021 to support the economy’s re covery from the pandemic. The board said while the forecasts for 2023 and 2024 were reduced to 4.0 percent and 3.2 percent, respec tively, the inflation target remained at risk over the policy horizon, owing to broadening price pressures.
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“Additional flights and exciting deals are also our way of boosting international tourist arrivals in the Philippines and other Asian countries we fly to, especially now that we have been observing an improved fuel pricing situation,” he said. AirAsia Philippines will increase its flights to Denpasar, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; and Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from three times to sev en times weekly by Sept. 17. Manila-Incheon and Cebu- Incheon flights will continue to fly five times and three times weekly respectively. ManilaSingapore flights will also remain at four times weekly, while flights to Hong-Kong and Canton will be serviced every Friday. Darwin G. Amojelar
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Bank loans grew by 12% in July despite rate hikes ofPNOCassuresreviewMalampayadeal‘ontrack’ study of SMC’s for temporary power rate hike
THE owner and developer of Hann Resorts in the Philippines teamed up with South Korea’s POSCO Engineering and Con struction Co. Ltd. to build the multi-billion Hann Lux and Hann Reserve in Clark Spe cial Economic Zone. The Hann Group and POSCO E&C agreed to speed up the developments of the new resorts within the group’s 13-hectare property inside Clark. “We are ecstatic to announce this part nership with a world-class company like POSCO E&C whose expertise and crafts manship is recognized internationally. This collaboration is sure to fast-track our de velopment plans for Clark and New Clark City with the rise of Hann Lux and Hann Reserve,” said Hann Philippines Inc. chair man and chief executive Daesik Han. Hann Lux will be home to Sofitel Clark and Emblems Clark, which will offer guests convenient access to high-end fash ion stores, French-inspired cafes, and con vention facilities in Clark. Besides Sofitel and Emblems, Hann Lux will also feature a world-class casino, residences and com mercial areas. Othel V. Campos SEC asks 3 lenders to stop operations
BSP says August inflation rate may hit as high as 6.7%
THE Energy Regulatory Commission on Tuesday assured a “fair and transpar ent” evaluation of the temporary relief filed by San Miguel Corp. and Manila Electric Co. on their 2019 power supply agreements.“Ihopethat by holding this hearing en banc, with all the commissioners present and streamed online [albeit with technical challenges], we demonstrate our earnest efforts to resolve this in a fair and transparent matter,” newly-in stalled ERC chairperson Monalisa Di malantaDimalantasaid. said most of the issues were ventilated during the hearing Tues day “and allowed the commission to get a better view of the stance of the parties and measures taken and not taken.”
DOE
Elevated inflation expectations highlight the risk of further sec ond-round effects, it said. Julito G. Rada
PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, August 31, 2022 -106.626,583.65PTS. F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022 Currency Unit US Dollar Peso United States Dollar 1.000000 56.2430 Japan Yen 0.007207 0.4053 UK Pound 1.166000 65.5793 Hong Kong Dollar 0.127410 7.1659 Switzerland Franc 1.026483 57.7325 Canada Dollar 0.764059 42.9730 Singapore Dollar 0.715205 40.2253 Australia Dollar 0.685200 38.5377 Bahrain Dinar 2.652942 149.2094 Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266276 14.9762 Brunei Dollar 0.712657 40.0820 Indonesia Rupiah 0.000067 0.0038 Thailand Baht 0.027420 1.5422 UAE Dirham 0.272279 15.3138 Euro Euro 1.001900 56.3499 Korea Won 0.000741 0.0417 China Yuan 0.144716 8.1393 India Rupee 0.012553 0.7060 Malaysia Ringgit 0.223514 12.5711 New Zealand Dollar 0.612800 34.4657 Taiwan Dollar 0.032858 1.8480 Source: BSP TOTAL VOLUME 71,2731,452,928,837 TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) 8,868,126,471.74 ADVANCES 67 UNCHANGED 42 GLOBE’S SUPPORT. Globe Telecom Inc.
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Volley star Valdez recovers from dengue, swollen liver
country with regards to sports. I wish him all the best,” added Tolentino.
Peter Atencio
Eala held the position of Philippine Basketball Association commissioner from 2003 to 2007. After he became a boxing promoter, he organized the regional cage tournament Liga Pilipinas and later on became the executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
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FILIPINO surfing sensations John Mark Tokong and Roger Casugay earned gold- and bronze-medal finishes, respectively, in the recent Phuket Beach Festival 2022 surfing meet in Thailand last week. The 26-year-old Tokong reigned supreme after taking on the challenges offered by the waves of Kata Beach, beating Indonesian bet Nyoman Satria Mukti with a score of 15.30 points to claim the men’s short boardMuktititle.tallied 13.4 points to settle for the silver medal.
By Randy Caluag TOP lady spiker Alyssa Valdez missed her team’s campaign in the recent Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup for Women due to dengue, but most people were not aware of how serious her battle was against the dreaded disease.
POC chief hails choice of Eala sa PSC chairman
“Thank God, everything slowly got better! I’ll also have my last few lab tests soon, too. I am on the road to a full recovery. Thank you for all the prayers,” she added. Aside from missing the AVC where her team, the Creamline Cools Smashers, played impressively against highly regarded teams, she also missed a business trip to Germany. She will be joining the team’s trip to Thailand to provide moral support as Creamline represents the Philippines in the ASEAN Grand Prix set on Sept. 9 to Meanwhile,11. her middle blocker teammate Risa Sato is set to rejoin the Creamline squad after also missing the AVC Women’s Cup due to an undisclosed medical issue.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 C1 Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor
NEW YORK—Emma Raducanu became only the third defending champion to exit the US Open in the first round on Tuesday while four-time winner Rafael Nadal overcame an early scare against a player ranked 198 in the world. Raducanu, 19, slumped to a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to veteran French player Alize Cornet who is competing in a record 63rd consecutive Grand Slam. Nadal saw off Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 to register his 65th career win in New York. Also going through to a politicallycharged clash were three-time runnerup Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine. Raducanu has struggled in the spotlight of being a Grand Slam winner, failing to get beyond the second round of any of the previous three majors in 2022. “In a way I’m happy because it’s a clean slate. The target will be off my back,” said the teenager. World number three Nadal, who is chasing a 23rd Grand Slam title and third of 2022, arrived at the tournament having played just one match since an abdominal injury forced him to forfeit his Wimbledon semi-final. ‘Never be back’ He next faces Fabio Fognini, the Italian who famously defeated him from two sets down in the third round in 2015. “I’m very happy to be here. It’s a long time that I played here. I thought that maybe I’d never be back,” said 36-yearold Nadal whose last appearance in New York saw him win the 2019 title. Two-time champion Naomi Osaka was knocked out in the opening round for the first time in seven visits, losing 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to Australian Open runnerup Danielle Four-timeCollins.major winner and former world number one Osaka has won just twice on tour since April. “I tried as hard as I could. I wanted to play without my back being in pain. I only really started serving two days ago,” said Thursday’sOsaka.action is likely to be dominated by the clash between former world number one Azarenka and Kostyuk, a vocal critic of the presence of Russian and Belarusian players on tour. Only last week, Azarenka was axed from an exhibition on the eve of the US Open aimed at raising money for Ukraine.Kostyuk, 20, said she turned down the chance to play in protest at the presence of Azarenka and the 33-yearold Belarusian was swiftly dumped from the Belarusevent.isa close ally of Russia and has allowed Moscow to use its territory to launch attacks into Ukraine during the ongoing war. World number one and French Open champion Iga Swiatek eased past Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-0 in just 67 minutes. Victory was a relief for the 21-yearold Pole who had suffered early losses at warm-up events in Toronto and Cincinatti.
In a statement, Eala said that sports has always been his passion, and his “involvement in sports for the last 33 years in almost every facet is a testimony to this.” He will be the 11th chairman of the PSC, replacing William “Butch” Ramirez. Ramirez stepped down last June, handing over the reins to executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy and commissioner Bong Coo, who both stood as officers-incharge of the PSC while they waited for the naming of a new chairman Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino Noli Eala
Casugay, a 2019 Southeast Asian Games standout, claimed the bronze medal in the men’s longboard event. Dewi Pirdaus of Indonesia collected 17.9 points in his semis clash with Casugay, who had 17.3. Dean Permana eventually outpaced Pirdaus in the finals with 17.5 points. Pirdaus had 15.3. “This win is another reason to celebrate for the Philippines which proved once again that Filipino talents can keep up and be at par with the best of the best surfers in the world,” said officials of the United Philippines Surfing Association in a statement.ThePhuket Beach Festival 2022 is sanctioned by the Asian Surf Cooperative, and had surfers from 12 countries in the Asia Pacific region joining, including host Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia.
The uncle of top Filipino junior player Alex Eala, the new PSC chief later handled the sports program of San MiguelWhileCorporation.waitingto be sworn in, Eala will continue talking about the topics that he loves to dabble on his weekly television program “Power and Play” on TV5.
survivesfalls;RaducanuChampionNadalscare
Del Rosario: McGregor is fighter Pacquiao needs to take on McGregorandPacquiaoMannyConor RETIRED Filipino taekwondo living legend Monsour del Rosario believes the fight—whether it’s an exhibition or a real fight—that ring icon Manny Pacquiao should be taking is with Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Conor McGregor. The 59-year-old former action star and congressman said the fight, if it happens, will still be a major attraction among fans all over the world, highlighted by their achievements in their respective combat sports professionally. “It’s still the fight that people would love to watch, including me because both fighters are real certified crowd drawers in their respective sports,” said Del Rosario, the 1985 Seoul, Korea World Championships bronze medalist. Del Rosario, the Taekwondo Man of the Year in 2017, said also that only the McGregor fight will give the former Senator a huge payday that he can use for his charitable causes—not the early exhibition bout announced against South Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in December.“Ibelieve if the fight pushes through, Pacquiao will earn a lot of money from that fight, especially if it will be held in the US or in any place in the world where people can go and watch the fight,” the 1987 and 1989 taekwondo Southeast Asian Games gold medalist added. “It’s not the other fights that were announced.”
AFP Alyssa Valdez posts a photo of her medical wristband during her con nement at the hospital. (Alyssa Valdez FB)
Paradigm Sports Management under CEO Audie Attar is the manager of McGregor. s But the PSM has a legal pending case with the 43-year-old Pacquiao at the Superior Court of California for alleged breach of contract last year. PSM is seeking to recover $3.3 million it claims it paid Pacquiao in advance for a fight PSM is eyeing for the boxer. But Del Rosario refused to discuss it. “I hope everything will be settled for Manny’s own good because he’s like a brother to me. I don’t know what’s going on between them, but I am one of those people who would like to see the Pacquiao-McGregor fight happen,” Del Rosario explained.
Eala’s understanding of Philippine sports will help him and the PSC’s plans and programs to work well “I hope for a good chemistry for both the PSC and the POC in achieving common goals for the best of the were very crucial,” she said. After several laboratory tests, her doctors ruled out blood transfusion, but she had to be confined at the hospital.
THE choice of Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala as the new chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission is a goodPhilippineone. Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham Tolentino said this after learning that Eala is coming aboard to handle the affairs of the government sportsTolentinoagency.believes that Eala will be able to work well and have a good relationship with the POC, the national sports associations and national athletes. “A wonderful choice by our President BBM (Bong Bong Marcos), he (Eala) is a sportsman himself and has been involved with it for many decades. He surely knows the necessity of athletes and coaches and all sport federations,” said Tolentino.
Alize Cornet of France congratulatedis by Emma Raducanu of Great Britain after their Women’s Singles First Round match on Day 2 of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
In her most recent post on Facebook, the Creamline frontliner divulged that she contracted a severe case of dengue and her condition reached the point of suffering from bleeding and a swollen liver.“The first few days were so bad— (I) had a high fever, body pain, and headache. I wasn’t able to eat and drink anything,” said Valdez. “After six days, thankfully my fever went down, but my platelet count continued to drop dangerously to 37. I then experienced some complications like bleeding and a swollen liver.” She said that the doctors decided to admit her to the hospital with the big possibility of putting her on blood transfusion.“Myfirst few hours in the hospital Tokong bags gold in Phuket sur ng Casugaymeet;3rd
AFP By Peter Atencio
A LIV statement issued Tuesday said Smith would be among five other players making their debuts among a field of 48 at the International in Massachusetts, including compatriot Marc Leishman, leading Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann, Harold Varner III (world no 46), Cameron Tringale (55) and India’s Lahiri (92). AFP
Hann marks milestone as PH’s only PGA-affiliated development partner
Chooks signs Tolentino, Ando to 3-year deals
Members of the Philippine Taekwondo team display their medals during the awarding ceremony of the 2022 Asian Cadet, Junior, and Para-Taekwondo Championships in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
CLARK, Philippines—The Hann Holdings Inc., a member of the Hann Group (Hann), owner and developer of Hann Resorts in the Philippines, recently sealed the deal with Professional Golfers’ Association of America. The agreement affirms that Hann Reserve, a premium sub-brand under the master brand Hann Resorts set to pioneer an ultra-luxe integrated mountain resort at New Clark City, Philippines, will be home to the first and only PGA-affiliated golf courses and player development facilities in the Philippines.
THE SMART/MVP Sports Foundation National Taekwondo team bagged 19 medals, including eight golds, in the recently concluded 2022 Asian Cadet, Junior, and Para-Taekwondo Championships in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Ian Matthew Corton, Joshua Aaron Erece, Lucas Llarena, Caleb Angelo Calde, Dean Darnet Venerable, Casey De Leon, Acey Kiana Oglayon and Juliana Martha Uy won gold in their respective class in the Poomsae event. Marie Nicole Anne Labayne settled for silver, while Elizabeth Marie Borres, Antonette Medallada, Aesha Kiana Oglayon, Cyrus Rodan Sinugbojan, Ethan Jervey Dayne Chavez, Kent John Ilde Banzon, Tachiana Keizha Mangin, Allain Keanu Ganapin, Andrew Fabella, Eljay Marco Vista, Paul Anthony Rodriguez finished third for the Taekwondo Philippines in the competition. The team’s participation was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO.
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Tolentino, 29, is a 6’5” forward who is coming off a three-year stint in professional 5-on-5 basketball. “I am very excited about this opportunity. This will be my first time experiencing the 3x3 environment and I will do my best to adapt as quickly as possible,” said the Ateneo product. “Having a chance to represent the country is something that motivates me to do whatever I can to put the team in a position to win. Personally, I want to prove that I can contribute and play at the international level. Of course, the goal is to win as many games as possible and hopefully give the Philippines a shot to play in the Olympics,” he continued. Meanwhile, Ando, 22, is a lanky 6’7” big who is coming off a four-year stay with University of Santo Tomas. “Malaking bagay ito sa career ko kasi ibang level na po ito, eh. Nirerepresent ko na po ‘yong ating bansa kaya gagawin ko ang best ko every game para masuklian ang tiwala ni Boss Ronald at ni Coach Chico,” said the young Cebuano. “Kahit galing pa lang ako sa UAAP, talagang nagtiwala ang Chooks-to-Go sa akin sa malaking responsibilidad na ito. Nagpapasalamat talaga ako sa kanila.” Lanete will soon announce where Tolentino and Ando will play, either Cebu Chooks! or Manila Chooks! The team is preparing for the upcoming FIBA 3x3 Penang Challenger (September 10-11), Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 Invitational Quest in Laguna (September 16), and, of course, the Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3x3 Cebu World Tour Masters (October 1-2). “Nagpapasalamat ako kasi sobrang all-out ang suporta at tiwala sa akin nila Boss Ronald at ng Chooks-to-Go,” expressed Lanete, who will still play for Manila Chooks this season. “Pero patuloy pa rin ang paghanap namin ng players para umangat pa tayo sa FIBA 3x3 rankings at umabot sa Paris Olympics.”
LahiriAnirbangolferIndian
Lahiri, runner-up at the Players Championship in March, was one of six new recruits—along with world number two Cameron Smith—announced on Tuesday for the LIV Golf Invitational Boston this week. “I look at the Indian Premier League and T20. When it started, I remember the almost vehement opposition it received,” Lahiri told Wednesday’s Hindustan Times. “But it had the potential of changing the way we consumed cricket. “Look at it now. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is laughing all the way to the bank and so are the players. The broadcasters are delighted because they get off-the-chart ratings,” he said. Lahiri said that he was a “big fan” of traditional, five-day Test cricket but that the shorter Twenty20 format that the IPL pioneered was “so much fun”. “LIV can be the IPL of golf,” the 35-year-old world number 92 said. Meanwhile, British Open champion Cameron Smith has become the latest leading player to sign up to the breakaway LIV Golf Series, which on Tuesday announced that he was in the field for its nextTheevent.Australian was one of six new recruits for the Saudi-backed tour for the LIV Golf Invitational Boston, from September 2-4. As the world’s number two, the 29-yearold Smith will become the highest-ranked player to compete in a LIV Golf event.
Arcilla eyes net title as Jubahib Cup gets going
JOHNNY Arcilla gets the top seeding in the absence of top player Jeson Patrombon, seeking another Open diadem as the Gov. Edwin Jubahib Cup National Tennis Championships unfolds today (Thursday, Sept. 1) at the DavNor Tourism and Sports Complex in Davao del Norte. The seasoned campaigner is brimming with confidence as he sets out for his 3 p.m. duel with Earl Casal but wary of the challenge ahead posed by a slew of rivals out to make an impact in the week-long championship put up by Gov. Jubahib as part of his continuing effort to boost the province’s sports program. Arcilla clinched the first Open crown staked this year in the Fr. Suarez Cup last May but yielded the Mati Open title to Patrombon in Davao Oriental last June. The latter, however, is skipping this week’s event to resume training in the Philippine Army. But the depth of the Jubahib Cup field remains as talent-laden as ever with Vicente Anasta leading the charge in the lower bracket of the 32-player draw that also features third seed Eric Olivarez, No. 4 Charles Kinaadman, Fritz Verdad, Norman Enriquez, Noel Damian Jr. and John Mari Altiche. Others out to fuel their respective drive for the crown and the top P40,000 men’s singles purse in the event, presented by Dunlop and sponsored by Private Island Hills and Palawan Pawnshop-PEPP, are Bruce Hurtado, Vince Serna, Jason Battad, Ronard Joven, Romeo Largo, Geoffrey Bautista, Jarell Edangga, Jaffary Cariga and Jose MariaThisPague.week’s Open comes on the heels of Davao del Norte’s successful staging of the PPS juniors tournament last June with a number of sports activities lined up for the year under Gov. Jubahib’s sports development program. Also on tap in the week-long tournament, backed by Darbmuco, Dacup Surveying Office, WEARBEMPCO, Velocity One Realty Ventures, Inc., Haven United Dev’t Corp., Panabo Mayor Jose Relampagos, CFARBEMCO, Marsman Drysdale Agri Business Corp., PBA Party List and Joan Este, is the Legends 40s, 50s and 60s men’s doubles offering a top prize of P30,000.
Lahiri: LIV can be IPL of golf
CHOOKS-TO-GO Pilipinas 3x3 has signed two versatile players to beef up its pool for the second half of the 2022 FIBA 3x3 Pro Season. Vince Tolentino and Dave Ando signed three-year deals to be full-time 3x3 basketball players with the country’s premier pool on Tuesday evening. The signing was held at Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc.’s office at Taipan Place in Ortigas“AsCenter.promised, we will be giving our new head coach Chico Lanete all the resources he needs to be successful in his first foray as head coach,” said Chooks-to-Go president Ronald“WithMascariñas.VinceandDave, he will have players that are as versatile as they come both in offense and in defense. And both players are what we are looking for—players that stand at least 6-foot-4 and show no fear on defense,” added the godfather of Philippine 3x3.
Other members of the team (Kyorugi), headed by Raul Samson with Stephen Fernandez (Competition Supervisory Board) and coaches Janneth Tenorio, Devy John Singson, Christian Al Dela Cruz and Carlos Padilla, were John Renzo Balido, Legolas Peñaredondo, Jose Jacob Cartagena, John Joseph Timothy Melicado, Renzo Maverick Gavilanes, Justine James Diasnes; Vince Raiane Santianez, Merica Lillyn Chan, Felicity Jana Castel, Ryane Joie De Juan, Caitlin Julia Carlos, Sophia Jane Dorado, Andrea Marie Benocilla, Kurt JyrusTheEmboltura.tournament with 21 participating teams such Korea, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Iran, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Mongolia, India, Singapore, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, was part of a series of competitions for the members of the national junior team.
The multi-billion landmark development which will feature a PGA-branded golf academy and worldrenowned golf courses will rise within a 450-hectare property that incorporates an array of luxury accommodations, branded hotels and resorts, and associated amenities, including clubhouses and, later, a mixed-use commercial center, premium villas and residences, and a 10-hectare public park.
SportsTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022C2
Bringing World-Class Destinations Home Foreign and local tourists can look forward to this collaboration with PGA, the largest and leading working sports organization of over 100 years. The team-up of best and leading practices will also offer exclusive branding for golfer development programs into an even more exclusive segment of the Hann brand experience —Hann Reserve. “We have first given you the ultimate millionaire’s playground at Hann Casino Resort and we won’t stop there. This time, our goal is to cater to both local and foreign golfers and enthusiasts by providing them a world-class venue that can be expected of the PGA brand. This organization has marked their name around the world and here will rise the next premier destination for golfers.” said Daesik Han, Hann Holdings In c. Chairman and CEO. As a testament to Hann’s promise and vision to innovate and raise the bar in integrated resort experiences in the Philippines, Hann Reserve will offer golfers and guests three 18-hole championship golf courses. The first will be designed and supervised by Nicklaus Design, world-renowned leader in golf course design and innovations; The second course will be by acclaimed South Korean professional golfer KJ Choi, the most recognized and successful golfer in Asia. Finally, the third golf course will be the Sir Nick Faldo Signature Golf Course, designed and named after the legendary and universally celebrated former World No. 1 English professional golfer a nd ambassador of the game.
Dave Ando and Vince Tolentino: New Chooks-to-Go players
19teamPHSMART/MVPtaekwondowinsmedals
NEWseriesbreakawayDELHI—TheLIVcandofor golf what the IPL did for cricket, India’s top player Anirban Lahiri has said after joining the lucrative Saudi-backed tour. The new circuit has sparked a bitter split that threatens to tear golf apart and sparked accusations of “sportswashing” of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Saudi Arabia has drawn major criticsm over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and for cracking down on rights activists, many of whom have been jailed or banned from travel. Despite that and the vast financial rewards being offered to lure players away from the more established US PGA and European tours, the defecting Lahiri said that LIV would benefit others a long the way too.
Smith was linked repeatedly to LIV Golf shortly after winning the 150th British Open, at St Andrews, last month, but avoided discussion of the subject while playing in this month’s PGA FedEx Cup playoffs.
“Noong pumasok ako noong unang araw pa lang nagpopromo shoots kami diyan sa GMA Building. Tumingin ako, nakasarado na pala pero doon lang yung nagre-rehearse kami para sa That’s Entertainment before. That was my home since I was four years old,” Billy shared. He added that this collaboration between Viva and GMA to bring The Wall to a Philippine setting allowed him to work with anyone in the entertainment industry again, broadening his horizons as a host and artist. Since he’s back with GMA, some people can’t help but wonder if this signifies his permanent return to the network and if he’ll sign with them as an artist. Yet Billy isn’t one to shackle himself from opportunities in his career. Instead, he follows the path his career takes him.
‘Prince of Pinoy Pop’ takes centerstage at Winford AvanzadoDingdong will perform some of his well-loved hits at ManilaWinford
Entertainment studio introduces new superheroes in sci-fi action series
“Lahat naman may Kapamilya, Kapatid, Kapuso. Ako naman ay pambansang katrabaho,” Billy said. He clarified that this means he’s open to working with anyone who’s willing. A prime example of how this setup works the best for Billy is his present situation with GMA and Viva. Since he’s a Viva artist, the collaboration between the two networks allowed him to work with both media entities. Billy also remains thankful for TV5 for but is looking forward to how his return to GMA will play out. Meanwhile, as a host, Billy shared that adjusting to new projects remains challenging in his career. He recalled that on the first day of shooting for The Wall Philippines they finished at almost five in the morning, hinting they had a long adjustment period for the show.
AFP
‘Ero’ focuses on five random misfits from a superhero academy
“It’s really about showcasing Filipino talent sa buong Asya,” Jodi added. The Broken Marriage Vow captured the hearts of viewers during its run, consistently ranking as the most viewed Asian drama on Viu in the Philippines. It also became widely talked about on social media with influencers spoofing iconic scenes in the series. The country’s adaptation of the hit Doctor Foster series also had a successful digital concert in April that celebratedofficialthe
GENERATIONS of superheroes have come and gone in the history of Philippine shows, each leaving a distinct impact and legacy among viewers. This year, ANIMA, one of the creative business units of tradigital entertainment company KROMA Entertainment, adds a fresh batch to this super roster as it gears up for the launch of a new superherothemed series. As the go-to resource for daring and creator-focused content, ANIMA unveils five new superheroes who will alter the course of mankind in the show Ero, which kicked off via ANIMA’s official Youtube channel this month. Its first three episodes dropped, fittingly, on August 29, National Heroes Day. Succeeding episodes will air every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In the 10-episode series directed by Joel Ferrer and Miko Livelo, five random misfits from a superhero academy become unlikely superheroes as they discover their “useless” powers. Bannered by Gabbi Garcia as Malaya, Markus Paterson as Titan, Alex Diaz as Asher, Anikka Camaya as Hazel, and Dylan Ray Talon as Biboy, they will personify the powers of contact destruction, immortality, time travel, super richness, and illusionism.Asseenin its trailer, the Ero crew will train on harnessing their abilities for the greater good while also learning the fundamentals of controlling them. In their quest to conquer villains and confront challenges, they will strive to surpass the greats that have come before them, and seek their place in greater heights. “In order to maintain our efforts of breaking into the new era of entertainment, our desire is to keep expanding our portfolio by filling every possible category and genre with fresh, original material that only the talents and creatives of ANIMA can deliver,” said ANIMA Managing Director Bianca Balbuena. “We’re very thrilled that we will be able to show Ero to a wider audience for free through our youtube channel. This is for all school misfits. You are your own superhero.” ANIMA continues to claim recognition for its numerous platforms that deliver sensational and groundbreaking content be it in film, podcasts, or video production. With Ero, the creative studio further reinforces its formidable presence in the entertainment industry.
Entertainment THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 C3 E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com Nickie Wang Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant
STANLEY Kubrick once famously said J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy of novels was unfilmable. It is hard to imagine what the great director would have made of Amazon’s $1 billion gamble on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, a 50-hour television series based on the dry historical footnotes published at the end of bookThethree.show, out Friday globally on Prime Video, aims to tap into the huge and enduring appeal of books still regularly voted the world’s best-loved novels of all time, as well as Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning film adaptations. It is central to Amazon’s bid to stand out in the “streaming wars” with Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max – whose own Game of Thrones prequel just launched – and is bankrolled by multibillionaire founder Jeff Bezos, a Tolkien mega-fan. But populated by heroes and villains who are barely – if at all – referenced in Tolkien’s trilogy and its “Appendices” of fictional mythology, and featuring a largely unknown cast and creators, there is no doubting the scale of the gamble. “It is quite nerve wracking – we’re building something from the ground up that’s never been seen before,” said Sophia Nomvete, who plays Princess Disa, the first female and first Black dwarf depicted on screen in Tolkien’s world. “There’s definitely a few nerves. We want to get it right,” she told AFP at the Comic-Con fan event last month. The Rings of Power is set in Tolkien’s “Second Age” – a period of history in his fictional Middle Earth world thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings So while a handful of characters from Jackson’s films reappear in Amazon’s show – mostly younger versions of elves such as Galadriel and Elrond, who are of course immortal – there is no Frodo, Gollum, or Aragorn in sight. Most characters from Tolkien lore are appearing on screen for the first time, and some have even been created entirely from scratch for the show.
“In any episode, ang pinakamahirap lang talaga is adjusting. Everyone worked so hard to make this work. At first, maninibago at maninibago ang mga tao pero, but at the end of the day, we felt at home, and we felt welcome, and we feel na sobrang saya namin,” he said. The Wall Philippines premiered on August 28, Sunday, on GMA.
The hobbits of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’
WINFORD Manila Resort & Casino (WMRC) proudly presents multi-platinum recording artist Dingdong Avanzado , aka the Prince of Pinoy Pop , and his band The Doorbells live in concert every Thursday (beginning tonight) on September 8, 15, and 22 at WMRC’s Hippodrome Bar & Lounge entertainment hub at 8:00 p.m. Avanzado burst into the limelight in 1987 and instantly gained a following owing to his musical talent and boy-next-door image. Soon afterwards, his songs “Ikaw Lamang” and “Tatlong Beinte Singko” became instant favorites on the airwaves, leading him to earn multiple gold and platinum record awards.Two decades later, Avanzado and his fellow recording artist wife, Jessa Zaragoza earned the distinction of becoming the very first Filipino married couple to release an all-duet OPM album entitled Laging Ikaw In 2019, Avanzado participated in the Green and Go concert alongside other OPM icons such as Gary Valenciano Randy Santiago , and Ogie Alcasid. Just last year, he joined the judging panel of a popular television singing competition show and continues to perform for Filipino audiences not just at home, but around the world. WMRC invites guests to witness Dingdong Avanzado perform some of his most wellloved hits. General admission to this next normal concert experience is free, with VIP seating near the stage available for a P500 cover charge, inclusive of food and drink.
‘The ThailandinAwardsContentAsiaBalagtasKylieproducerwithSta.leadMarriageBrokenVow’starJodiMaria(left)supervisingManalo-atthe2022Bangkok, Billy Crawford reflects on his return to GMA
ABS-CBN’s The Broken Marriage Vow emerged as the Best TV Format Adaptation (Scripted) in Asia at the prestigious 2022 ContentAsia Awards. Lead star Jodi Sta. Maria, who personally received the award with supervising producer Kylie ManaloBalagtas at the awards night held in Bangkok, Thailand, dedicated the award to the whole team behind The Broken MarriageNakakatuwaVow kasi kung iisipin mo, panalo ito ng lahat, ‘yung buong team na pinangunahan ng aming direktors na sina Connie Macatuno and Andoy Ranay,” she said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. She also lauded her co-stars who gave their best effort to make The Broken Marriage Vow a success, saying “it really takes a village to produce such an amazing series.”
Amazon bets large on ‘Lord of the Rings’ prequel
Hippodrome Bar & Lounge is located on the second floor of the 22-story resort and welcomes fullyvaccinated guests aged 21 years and above. Visit www. winfordmanila.com more information or follow Winford Manila Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates on special eventspromotions.and
Patricia Taculao S A multi-talented celebrity and host, Billy Crawford owes most of his career to GMA Network. He made regular appearances on an afternoon television show on the network That’s Entertainment. While there, he formed a special connection with the late German Moreno, also known as Kuya Germs and Master Showman. It shows that Billy brought some of Kuya Germs’ influence on him no matter where he went or what he did. After all, he’s a well-loved TV show host, with appearances on It’s Showtime, Your Face Sounds Familiar, Got Talent, to name a few. However, for several years, Billy left his original network to look for greener pastures. Although he had a good run, fate found a way to bring him back to GMA. This time, he lends his hosting prowess to the new game show, The Wall Philippines. Despite being away from the networksomefor Billy still feels welcome and considers GMA his home. He even shared that, for him, it just felt like his home underwent a renovation, and now it’s time for him to return.
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‘The Broken Marriage Vow’ is 2022’s Best TV Adaptation in Asia
Billy is also part of but'TropangTV5'sLOL'isgrateful for the opportunity to forsimultaneouslyworkVivaandGMAAs the host of 'The BillyPhilippines,'Walladmits to some challenges in adjusting, but knows that it comes with the territory Billy Crawford returns to GMA to host 'The Wall Philippines'
“People are defined by the social and historical events they experienced grow ing up and that shaped them as young adults,” I quote from the article by Jean M Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University and author of “Generation Me.” “To some degree, what a baby boomer (born 1946-1964) or a member of Gen eration X (born 1965-1981) expected when entering the workforce is very dif ferent from what the people in Genera tion Y, also known as millennials (rough ly 1982- 1996), now expect,” she says. And now we have Gen Z (1997-2012). Read full story on manilastandard.net
ignation letters are still piling up. Despite widespread predictions of a slowdown, data shows not only are people still leav ing positions in spades, but many work ers who haven’t resigned yet plan to do so in the coming months.” Two factors could be fueling this trend, it stated. In her words: “While the pandemic served as the trigger, the seeds of the Great Resignation were sown well before – and until the deep-rooted factors causing workers to quit are addressed, resignations are unlikely to subside. Peo ple are also now looking at work and the role they want it to play in their lives in a different way, and switching to jobs that better align with their new values. And, say the experts, the extent to which the looming slowdown will affect these quit rates remains to be seen.”
Quido-Co during the recent Beauty Event of her brand O Skin Med Spa
PASCUAL Laboratories, Inc., one of the top-of-mind pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines earned its first Quill Excellence Award for its 75th Anniversary campaign, #Pascu alLove, at virtual awarding ceremo nies held on August 18 via ktx.ph. The 19th Philippine Professional and Student Quill Awards is the Phil ippine chapter of the global organi zation International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)’s award-giving body which recognizes the best communication programs, tools, talents, and academic work. #PascualLove, PascualLab’s campaign for its milestone 75th Anniversary was chosen as one of the Excellence Awardees among 849 en tries. The campaign won for effectively achiev ing its communication objectives through the strategic use of platforms to reach stakeholders, efficient management, consistent messaging, and communication innovation. #PascualLove is a play on the company name and the kind of love it tries to convey through its health and wellness products and services, to its stakeholders, and its contribu tion to nation-building through job creation and philanthropy.
beautypassed-downsecret
Covidone TS, a new brand of povidone-iodine, provides a layer of protection in the throat by killing the viruses and bacteria that cause inflammation and infection
of the beauty secrets passed down from one generation to another are focused on the number of products you put on your skin, but for Filipino-American Olivia , it’s all about going back “Hydration is one, but the best beauty advice I got was from my mom. She told me to take care of myself in general. It’s very broad but it’s a holistic approach – take care of your body, take care of skin, and take care of your wellbeing. That’s the best beauty ad vice that I really took to heart,” the beauty expert told Manila Standard Life during the Beauty Event of her brand O Skin Med Spa.Quido-Co is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of O Skin Med Spa, based in Los Angeles. She has devoted almost two decades of her career to making women feel and look beautiful. Her clinic, which has been servicing a number of A-list ers, is popular among Americans and members of the Filipino community in Quido-Co is also popular among pag eant fans for being the skincare sponsor of Miss Universe for three years in a row. And for the fourth time later this year, her brand O Skin Med Spa, once again, is partnering with the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant as its official sk incare“Thisprovider.time,we are preparing for Miss Universe skincare line. It’s formulated to give visible results in one day like when you wake up, you would al ready see the difference. We are sourcing the ingre dients from different continents and in Asia, we’re using the Philippines’ banana extract. It’s a good form of preservative. I just wanted to tell the world that we’re using the best ingredients for this beauty formula but what binds them is an ingredient com ing from the Philippines,” Quido proudly said. The licensed esthetician expressed her deep grat itude to Miss Universe Organization for giving her the platform to promote her brand. “It helped me and my company so much beyond I expected. Prior to my partnership with Miss Uni verse, my clients and the orders I got are from Los Angeles, but after the generous exposure from the pageant, the territory is getting bigger and bigger. The exposure really helped in brand awareness,” sheDespiteenthused.the organization’s trust in her brand, Quido-Co still feels the pressure of being the pag eant’s skincare provider. “They are like walking barbie dolls,” said Qui do-Co alluding to the candidates of Miss Universe. “It’s quite challenging to make someone already beautiful even more radiant. So, I revamp their beauty regimen so that on pageant night they would look great. Basically last-minute preps.” Armed with a deeply-rooted passion for skin esthetics and nurturing instincts, her holistic ap proach to beauty and life, in general, has brought her success as an esthetician, entrepreneur, wom en’s advocate, and Christian philanthropist. “It gives me so much satisfaction when I get to make other people feel confident about themselves. Of course, it all starts with having clear skin, that bright aura that boosts someone’s confidence,” the top-rated beauty expert underscored “Ms. O,” as most people call her, started her ca reer as a California-licensed esthetician inside a leased spare room in a beauty salon in Artesia, CA in 2003. Undaunted by the pressures of being new in the industry, she zealously honed her skills in performing facials in the confines of an eight-bysix-foot space, while learning the ropes of running a spa. Her resilience and determination paid off as word spread about her talent and work ethic, which later earned her the Woman of the Year award, Top 100 Filipinos in the USA, AARP’s Top 8 Woman Entrepreneur in LA, and a Mayor’s Award for En trepreneurs in Los Angeles. In 2007, Quido-Co moved to a bigger clinic. By 2012, she opened her second branch in Eagle Rock Plaza Mall. In 2013, she moved her Artesia branch in Cerritos Mall to accommodate more clients. O Skin Med Spa is now the most sought-after Filipino-owned medical spa in Southern California employing over 40 people, mostly Filipinos, comprised of licensed nurses, estheticians, doctors, micro-blading artists, and board-certified plastic surgeons. In 2009, Quido-Co signed with ABSCBN Inter national and The Filipino Channel (TFC) to star in her own TV beauty segment. Her show entitled, Beauty by O, is running in its 10th year and is rat ing fairly well. Olivia also appeared on Balitang Amerika, an award-winning international news program on the same network. In 2011, Quido-Co launched her own skincare line which quickly attained a massive following due to its “amazing results.” And the rest, as they say, is history. Using top-of-the-line ingredients from differ ent parts of the world, Quido-Co’s products have earned a reputation for dramatically replacing sur gery for curing certain skin problems, thus revolu tionizing the use of topical products as a non-inva sive alternative. AMANDA (not her real name) arrived in Singapore weeks ago. She did not have it easy at the Immigra tion area. She was asked to proceed to a room where several other Filipinos were waiting to be interviewed by an officer. She was asked to produce proof of income and employment among others. She was already stressed as the plane was due to leave in about 30 minutes. After what seemed like three grueling hours, she was released from the office with a reminder for her to email some documents the officer had asked for. Before the pandemic, the 30-year-old licensed civil engineer in the Philippines was working in the United Arab Emir ates. Her monthly salary would be de layed for two, sometimes, four months, which prompted her to come home to her family in Mindoro. Then the pandemic happened. She became a mom. Deter mined to give her child and family a bet ter life than what her home country can offer, she had asked for her partner’s and family’s blessing to try her luck abroad again. The immigration officer had an inkling that Amanda – who had a return ticket dated three days after her arrival in SG – will be one of the countless others who travel abroad as a tourist, yet with the intention to seek a job. This is old news after all. The unemployment rate in the Phil ippines sits at 6 percent in May 2022, according to a report released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on July 7. Nearly three million Filipinos in the labor force were unemployed in June 2022, the same as that in May. In June, the number of jobless Filipinos increased to 2.99 million from 2.93 million in May as more people joined the labor force. In May, the employment rate was estimated at 94.0 percent or 94 in every 100 per sons in the labor force were either em ployed or had a business. The Great Resignation On the other side of this spectrum is “The Great Resignation” movement among employed people all over the world. What drives them to do so even without a fallback or safety net? There are several factors. In the article pub lished on BBC’s website on August 19, the author noted that “even with COVID restrictions mostly lifted and the pan demic waning in many countries, the res
Nutrana Health and Wellness Co. CEO Ernesto Abad II hopes that, along with colds, flu, and other throat infections, Co vidone can give Filipinos a new sense of hope when it comes to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
This thing about the hustle and burn-out culture
How Filipinos with fromcouldasthmabenefitCovidone
STATISTICS from the World Health Or ganization (WHO) reveal that 12 percent of the Philippine population has asthma, the eleventh leading cause of death in the country.Themost common asthma triggers are dust mites, household pests, mold, and air borne pollen. However, certain illnesses or infections, like a bad cold or a bout with the flu, can also be a factor, especially in adult-onset asthma. While long-term medications such as in haled corticosteroids are used to manage asth ma symptoms, Covidone TS is an antiseptic spray that offers relief of throat discomforts that asthma sufferers endure. By killing the viruses and bacteria that cause inflammation and infection, Covidone TS, a new brand of povidone-iodine, effectively provides a layer of protection in the throat. Covidone TS’s efficacy comes from hav ing 0.5 percent povidone-iodine as an ac tive ingredient. With just two sprays into the mouth and throat—4 to 6 times a day— Covidone TS eases pain and swelling and lowers one’s risk for an asthma flare-up.
“That is why we invested our time, ef fort, and resources in developing Covidone in the middle of the pandemic and making it available as fast as possible so that every Filipino can have that extra layer of protec tion against infection and feel safe again,” saysHowever,Abad. as in all over-the-counter (OTC) medications, consumers must ensure that they follow the correct procedure when us ing Covidone. Asthma patients can only ap ply Covidone up to four times a day, with a maximum of 2-3 sprays per use. They must also avoid inhaling the substance. Parents of asthmatic children must note that Covidone is only safe to use for chil dren aged six years old and above. Kids must spit out any excess Covidone in their mouths, as accidental ingestion may pro duce adverse effects.
The pandemic may have served as a trigger, but the seeds of the Great Resignation were sown well before employees started sending out their resignation letters
JOB WELL DONE BY JOBA BOTANA LifeC4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 Nickie Wang Editor Joba Botana, Associate Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
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Despite widespread predictions of Covid slowdown, people still leaving jobs, and it is predicted that many workers who haven’t resigned yet plan to do so in the coming months
Quiet Quitting And then there is also this new work/ life trend called “Quiet Quitting,” which to be honest, has many definitions. Es sentially, people are saying “it’s about stopping doing work that you think is beyond what you were hired to do and not getting compensated for.” In other words, employees still excel at their jobs but they are not going above and beyond. The catchphrase can be quite misleading. And I think we have to be careful in defining it. The context has to be explicitly stated. This trend is obviously a result of an illness in the work force. People who used to go the extra mile at work got fed up. Hardworking and dedicated indi viduals who asked for some time off work were denied. There are many other reasons. Cecilia (not her real name), has been working at a top 500 compa ny in the Philippines for more than five years now. In the few times we had in teracted, she had mentioned to me her dream to visit Seoul with the hope that she will chance upon one of her favorite Hallyu stars. But her work schedule will not allow it. There’s always an urgent task. She’s always needed. They haven’t hired someone who can be her counter part. In other words, it’s simply not in the work culture; perhaps the leader of the department has to do with this kind of culture, too. Either you put up with it, or you leave. The management perhaps isn’t blind, but they probably turn a blind eye. If you want to stay, this is the life here, if you can’t take it, by all means, leave. The Human Resources Depart ment can find your replacement in no time… or not. The generational thing The New York Times article “Working Relationships Across Generations” pub lished on September 24, 2021 perfectly summed up the behaviors among work ers from different generations.
Olivia Quido Co, CEO and Founder of Los Angelesbased O Skin Med Spa
#PascualLove wins an Excellence Award from PH IABC Quill Awards
PascualLab’s 75th year campaign wins excellence award
