Sancho, beauty queen turned activist, 71
ABOITIZ BUYS CEBU AIRPORT OPERATOR
QUICK APPROVAL. Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez (back to the camera) expresses gratitude to House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez – whom he later meets (inset right) – and other congressional leaders for the swift termination of the hearing on the 2023 budget of the Office of the President. Romualdez later meets with Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles (inset left), who also lobbies for her office’s allocation. Ver Noveno
By Rey E. Requejo and Vince Lopez
Samahang Plaridel marks the 172nd birthday of Marcelo Del Pilar, recognized as the father of Philippine journalism and founder of the first bilingual newspaper Diariong Tagalog in 1882. The National Press OP gets swift House approval
THE House of Representatives committee on appropriations on Friday approved the P8.969-billion budget of the Office of the President (OP) for 2023 without any question from the panel Questionsmembers.maybe brought up at plenary after all the other branches of government have gone through the committee level, said Ako-Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, chairperson of the House Appropriations Committee. Co said the OP budget will enable President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver on the Next page Next page Next page Next page Next page Next page
FOYER HONOR. The remains of slain Ampatuan, Maguindanao town police chief Lt. Reynaldo Samson are given foyer honors upon arrival at Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Thursday. Samson, who hails from Muntinlupa City, and another police officer were killed in an ambush on Aug. 30 (related story on A2). Avito Dalan
By Willie Casas and Joel E. Zurbano
TINGOG Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre have filed a bill seeking civil recognition of church annulment to make it accessible and inexpensive to many Filipinos. Section 2 of House Bill (HB) 1593 or the “Church Nullity Act of 2022” proposes that a marriage duly and legally solemnized by a priest, imam, rabbi or presiding elder of an established church or religion in the Philippines, which is subsequently annulled, dissolved or
HE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said it would be disastrous if other local government units (LGUs) followed Cebu City’s lead and made maskwearing voluntary while the COVID-19 pandemic rages.
Bill seeks union voided by church valid as by court
P8.969b budget of
Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.netManilaStandardPHfacebook.com/ manilastandard.netS
Next page
By Maricel V. Cruz
Rep. AcidreJude Rep. RomualdezYedda Nelia Sancho during her reign as 1971 Queen of the Pacific (left) and as an activist in her 70s.
THE Office of the Press Secretary, the main communications arm of the President, will soon have a fact-checking team as part of its campaign against fake news or misinformation. "We have a plan to create a factchecking team and give additional information about raging issues. We are monitoring social media and we are being responsive," Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said during a briefing of the House Appropriations Committee on Friday. In another development, former National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) consultant Edgardo Cabarios on Friday said unscrupulous VOL. XXXVI • NO. 199 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
DOH warns of dire results if other LGUs disregard nat'l mask protocol
Cebu City’s lead ‘disastrous’
THE peso plunged to an all-time low of P56.77 to the US dollar on Friday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) showed. The Philippine currency even traded for as low as P56.90 during the day, according to BAP data. Friday's close was weaker than the previous record low of P56.45 on October 14, 2004. "PHP (Philippine peso) slid to its
OPS, NTC act vs. fake news, spam texts
NEWS / A2 NASA READIES NEW MOON ROCKET TRY BUSINESS / B4 Peso weakest as 56.77 to US$ on back of rising trade deficit
Defense, military ties up in PBBM visit to Indonesia
THE Philippines and Indonesia are expected to renew a 1997 agreement to cooperate on defense and security when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. goes to Indonesia for his first state visit on Sept. 4. “The active defense and military engagement between our two countries is really anchored on a 1997 cooperative
By Maricel V. Cruz
T
NELIA Sancho, a former beauty queen who later became an activist fighting for women's rights and co-founded the group Gabriela, has passed away. She was 71.
Sancho, who bagged the Queen of the Pacific title in 1971, was found dead at the UP Bliss House in Quezon City around 10 a.m. on Thursday, "That's one of our worries,” DOH officer-in-charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire said in a mix of English and Filipino. “That would be really disastrous for all of us.”In defiance of a national mask mandate, Cebu City made mask wearing voluntary in open spaces starting Sept. 1, despite an appeal from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Friday said there had been “miscommunication” when he said Cebu Mayor Mike Rama had agreed to suspend the policy until the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) had discussed the issue. At a briefing Friday, Vergeire emphasized the importance of taking a "one-nation approach" in the country's COVID-19 pandemic response. "Just imagine if one or two or three LGUs are implementing different protocols, what will happen to us when the virus crosses borders?" she said. Enforcing different health measures may also increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19, she said.
Bill... From A1 declared a nullity in a final judgment or decree in accordance with the canons and precepts of the church or religious sect, “shall have the same effect as a decree of annulment, dissolution or declaration of nullity issued by a competent court.”
Newsmst.daydesk@gmail.comSATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 3, 2022A2
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday said it is verifying reports of a lone fatality recorded in the CAR that might be attributed to “Henry.” In an update, the agency said it is still getting the details of the incident as well as reports of injuries and missing persons due to the weather disturbance.Onlyonehouse was reported “totally damaged” so far in the CAR. No other damage reports were available so far. The NDRRMC earlier ordered its affiliates to prepare for the typhoon. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
NASA has also been working to correct the technical difficulties that lead to the last-minute delay of the launch during its originally scheduled window Monday. At first, it seemed that one of the rocket's four main engines was too hot, though it turned out just to be a reading from a "bad sensor," the rocket's program manager John Honeycutt said Thursday.
P8.969b... From A1 demands of his office, especially as the world transitions from the pandemic and confronts the effects of climate change. OP’s budget proposal for 2023 indicates how the President will “deliver his constitutional mandates as Head of State and of Government… especially during these challenging times." The 2023 OP budget is slightly higher than the office’s 2022 budget of P8.182 billion. Co said the OP budget presentation allows the House of Representatives to get guidance on the general direction of government. “Equally important to providing us with the governance direction of the Office of the President requiring Congressional support towards our common objective – a brighter future for the Philippines and the Filipino people,” he said. Attending the brief hearing for the proposed budget were officials of the Office of the President Proper, led by Executive Secretary Victor D. Rodriguez. Co, as committee chairperson, thanked the OP for honoring the constitutional mandate to a co-equal branch of the government with the presence of its key officials at Friday’s hearing. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
From A1 Dr. Jean Lindo of Gabriela Women’s Party said in a MindaNews report. Lindo said it was Sancho’s son Antonio Karlo who informed them of his mother’s death. Gabriela party-list confirmed her passing to ABS-CBN News on Friday but did not specify the cause of her death. "She is proof that women are not meant to be submissive and obedient but have a crucial role in pushing for genuine freedom and human rights," Gabriela said in a Hailingstatement.froma prominent family in Aklan, Sancho became a beauty queen between the 1960s and '70s. In 1969, while still a student at the University of the Philippines (UP), she joined Binibining Pilipinas and finished first runner-up to Gloria Diaz, who would eventually become the country's first Miss Universe titleholder. Sancho earned her own title in 1971 when she was crowned "Queen of the Pacific" in Melbourne, Australia. She was also an in-demand model for Pitoy Moreno and other fashion designers. Sancho later left the limelight and became a student activist during Martial Law, earning the moniker "Rebel Queen" from the international media. "She became an active face during demonstrations, she participated and immersed herself to the masses and eventually went underground in pursuit of meaningful changes in the country," non-governmental organization Dakila described Sancho in a 2016 Women's Month tribute. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
In the future, the incorrect information will simply be ignored. Then a fuel tank leak had to be patched. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
From A1 "In this pandemic response, everybody has to be one. We need to be united. We need to have only one protocol so that we can protect everyone,” she added. Vergeire also said COVID-19 cases must stabilize before the government can lift the mandatory face mask policy. She added that COVID-19 was not yet at an endemic stage in the Philippines. “When we say endemic stage, this means that the cases are stable and the immunity of the population is high,” she said. Vergeire said the IATF, the government's policy-making body for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to convene next week. Abalos said despite the mix-up with Rama, he would propose to the IATF that Cebu City be made a pilot test for lifting mask protocols in outdoor areas and wide-open spaces. Also on Friday, the DOH said the country’s total jab rate for the COVID-19 booster shot is improving. “We used to average 50,000-60,000 jabs a day. These past few days we have been at 180,000-190,000, and that's a good indication,” Vergeire told ABSCBN“ButTeleRadyo.ifwe look at the numbers nationwide, that is still a bit slow, although we see intensive efforts on the ground,” she said. “We just really need to convince our countrymen to get boosters because access is already there. We just need to encourage them to get the vaccine,” VergeireVergeireadded.said the government is keen on distributing first booster doses to those who need them before giving second boosters to more of the population. “Let us finish our first boosters first. We need to complete it while we await evidence that second boosters are of good quality and really protect the rest of our population,” she said. As of Aug. 11, about 1.3 million people have received their first COVID-19 booster shot under the government's "PinasLakas" campaign. The PinasLakas campaign aimed to administer COVID-19 booster shots to 23 million eligible individuals within the first 100 days of the Marcos administration.
PNP chief orders area ‘scanning’ to identify risks Cebu...
employees of the state-run broadcasting network are not on par with industry standards, the Press Secretary said. She also said there was no allocation for PTV 4's personnel services, as the salaries of its employees are only funded by the network's corporate fund, which is dependent on its advertising revenue.
Defense... From A1 agreement in the field of defense and security or what is called the DSCA,” said Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza in a briefing Friday. “The agreement has expired and now we’re renewing this agreement. It will serve as the mother framework for all defense and security cooperation with Indonesia,” she added. This developed as top defense officials from the Philippines and the United States are keen on further strengthening the military alliance between the two countries, the US Department of Defense said Friday. In a statement, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force BGen. Pat Ryder said Department of National Defense (DND) officer-incharge Jose Faustino Jr. had a phone call with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, the first time the two officials talked since Faustino assumed his post. Both officials also scored the importance of enhancing the current ties, such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the 2014Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), to address “new and emerging challenges.”
"By doing so, our country will emerge stronger as we pass this tipping point, a nation where our words may not only be expressed freely but may also be used as an instrument to shape our country's future," she said. See full story online at manilastandard.net)
“A marriage solemnized by the Church therefore should have not only canonical but civil effects as well. Priests, pastors, imams, and rabbis who solemnize marriage must have the authority to solemnize granted by the State,” Romualdez and Acidre said in the explanatory note of the bill. The measure was referred to House Committee on Population and Family Relations. While safeguarding the sanctity of marriage, the lawmakers said their proposal was an offshoot of Pope Francis's position to simplify the procedures for annulling marriages in the Catholic Church. “If a marriage can be legitimately contracted under the laws of the Church, then it follows that under the same laws, such marriage can also be nullified or annulled,” they added. The Tingog solons noting Pope Francis’ issuance of “Mitis Iudex Dominus lesus,” which streamlined the process of the declaration of nullity of marriage. Section 3 of the bill states that “the status of children of marriages subject of a decree of annulment or declaration of nullity by the church or religious sect shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order No. 209, otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines." In case the grounds for the church annulment or declaration of nullity is not similar to any of the grounds provided in the Family Code, their common children born or conceived before the issuance of the decree of annulment or declaration of nullity shall be considered legitimate, according to the bill. HB 1593 also proposes that, without prejudice to the conditions set forth by the church or religious sect, either of the former spouses may marry again after complying with the requirements of the bill’s Section 5 and Article 52 of the Family Code, “otherwise the subsequent marriage shall be null and void.”In securing a marriage license, the spouse involved must present a true certified copy of the decree of annulment or declaration of nullity issued by the church or religious sect and registered with the appropriate civil registry. Section 5 provides that the decree of annulment or declaration of nullity issued by the church or religious sect shall be recorded in the appropriate civil registry, together with the agreement of the spouses required in the preceding section within 30 days from the issuance of the said final judgment or decree of annulment or declaration of nullity, subject to the conditions that may be imposed by the church or religious sect. “The Family Code of the Philippines recognizes as valid a marriage solemnized under the laws of the Church. If marriages so solemnized are recognized by the State, it is only proper that the very church that solemnized the marriage should also have the power to rule that attendant infirmity that rendered a marriage null, and its effects binding on the State. This is also same to all other established churches and religions,” the authors stated. Under Presidential Decree (PD) 1083, the State recognizes divorce under the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines, which is based on Sharia, or Islamic law. “In fact, it is noteworthy, Presidential Decree 1083 has incorporated aspects of the Shariah as part of Philippine law, therefore, nullity as well as divorce, according to the Quran have effects for the State as well,” Romualdez and Acidre said.“Under the principle of equality before the law, if a Muslim divorce is recognized, there can be no serious objections towards the recognition of the civil effects of a marriage by an established and duly recognized religious denomination. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought,” they added.
The typhoon packed maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph. It is forecast to weaken in the next 12 hours but may intensify on Saturday morning as it begins to move northward.
Sancho,...
“While the threat to life and property is minimal, we advise the public and disaster responders to monitor the announcements related to the typhoon,” the Office of the Press Secretary said in a Facebook post. “Henry” weakened further Friday, as it slowly moved northwestward over the Philippine Sea east northeast of Batanes, according to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin released by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The central bank on Aug. 18 raised the country's benchmark borrowing rate to 3.75 percent to tame inflation. It has so far raised the policy rate by 175 basis points. BSP Gov. Felipe Medalla earlier said the recent interest rate hikes helped in stabilizing the peso. Medalla said the US policy adjustments are boosting the dollar and causing currency depreciation globally, not just the peso. The dollar rallied earlier this week after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Monday warned of more interest rate hikes to arrest inflation. Economist Vic Abola said early Friday the peso could strengthen temporarily in the last two months of the year due to the seasonal increase in remittances.
The Press Secretary said the government wanted a single messaging standard because it is "serious" about fostering a "renewed sense of unity" in the country. She said stepping up the campaign to stop the propagation of fake news would make the Philippines a "stronger" nation.
For now, Cruz-Angeles noted that her office is responding to issues on government functions but admitted funding “remains a challenge for this advocacy.” Cabarios said that usually spam messages are random, but when it contains the names of recipients or subscribers it means personal information was leaked. The National Privacy Commission (NPC) is already investigating the issue. In a related development, the Press Secretary admitted to Congress that two government broadcast stations, IBC-13, and PTV-4, were deeply in the red and, in the case of the former, would be shut down by January next year unless it is funded. According to Cruz-Angeles, not one centavo of the OPS’s 2023 budget worth P1.2 billion will go to IBC-13, and appealed to lawmakers to adjust the station’s budget during her pitch to the House Appropriations Committee on Friday. As for PTV-4, the salaries of the
Palace: Stay alert for ‘Henry’ rains
By Rio N. Araja M
FLORIDA—The stars appear to be aligned for NASA's Moon rocket to finally blast off on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), with weather forecasts favorable and technical issues that postponed the launch earlier this week resolved.
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Friday ordered an "environmental scanning" to identify the risks in various areas to ensure the safety of police personnel during operations. The order came following Tuesday's ambush inAmpatuan, Maguindanaowhere the town's police chief and another police officer were killed while they are about to serve a warrant of arrest on a wanted person in the area. The government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao condemned the brutal killings as BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim condoled the victims’ families and vowed to seek justice for the fallen cops. Ampatuan Police Chief Lieutenant Reynaldo Orcine Samson and his aide, Police Corporal Salipuden Talipasan Endab died on Tuesday in an ambush allegedly perpetrated by a group led by one Guipar Abdulkarim and/or Bantukan Andog alias Commander Boy Jacket. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
As for the President’s trip, Daza said the South China Sea dispute between the two countries and China would be among the topics that Mr. Marcos would discuss with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. She said the deal would be signed by the Philippine DND and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense. Daza said this was a significant development as defense cooperation between the two countries has increased over the years. During the President’s visit, the two countries would also renew a memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation, which will be signed by the Philippines’ National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Ministry of Education and Culture of PresidentIndonesia.Marcosis also expected to bring up the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino on death row in Indonesia, where she was convicted of transporting illegal drugs. Daza said Veloso’s parents had written President Marcos asking him to seek executive clemency for their daughter who said she was tricked by her recruiters into bringing the drugs inside the lining of her suitcase, into Indonesia. She was supposed to be executed by firing squad in April 2015, but a last-minute appeal from then President Benigno Aquino III and the arrest of the Filipino's recruiters in the Philippines who allegedly planted drugs in her suitcase prompted Widodo to spare her life on the 11th hour. From Indonesia, the President will fly to Singapore on Sept. 6 for a meeting with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. "[T]here will be discussions on key regional discussions of mutual interest, including the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea issues, cognizant that all three countries actually have the common goal of maintaining peace and stability and preventing incidents in this particular part of the world," Daza said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
NASA tries again for Moon rocket launch attempt
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has enjoined the country’s communication experts to join his administration in its fight against misinformation and fake news. During the 2022 National Public Relations Congress held Thursday, CruzAngeles said Mr. Marcos is optimistic that communications professionals would use their voices to "leverage positive communication in stirring the nation towards full recovery and lasting unity." In a speech delivered for Mr. Marcos before public relations (PR) officers and communication experts at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City, Cruz-Angeles said: "The President likewise urges you to join the government in fighting against the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation through inclusive, compassionate, and responsible communication." She noted that the Marcos administration has launched a "One Messaging Policy" which aims to prevent disinformation, misinformation, and“mal-information” through close collaboration among government agencies under the executive branch.
ALACAÑANG on Friday urged the public to remain alert even though Typhoon “Henry” (Hinnamnor) weakened.
The chance for favorable weather conditions within that window sat at 60 percent Thursday evening. "The weather looks good," and isn't expected to be a "showstopper," forecast analyst Melody Lovin said at a press conference.
OPS,... From A1 parties are leaking mobile subscribers’ personal information amid the incidence of spam text messages containing the names of recipients. “Someone should be punished for this because (personal) information was leaked. It can’t come from just anywhere, somebody must have leaked the info,” the former NTC deputy commissioner added during a public briefing. A popular blogger before she was appointed Press Secretary, Cruz-Angeles described how the government would run its fact-checking operation. "For example, recently, some socalled ‘raids’ were conducted by the BOC (Bureau of Customs), so we took the pains to explain what the exercise of visitorial powers is as compared to a raid. It’s probably not as widespread yet on the point that we can answer most instances of potentially fake news," she said.
Peso... From A1 weakest level to date, closing at P56.77 today. Ballooning trade deficit on account of surging imports coupled with financial outflows dragging on currency," ING Bank Manila's Senior Economist Nicholas Mapa said in a Tweet. Mapa said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is likely to keep a hawkish stance and bring the interest rate to 4.5 percent by the end of the year.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was hoisted over Batanes, where winds may reach galeforce strength. TCWS No. 1 was raised over Babuyan Islands and the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana) where strong breezes to near gale strength winds will be experienced. In the next 24 hours, the southwest monsoon will bring rains over Isabela, the western portion of Central Luzon, and the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). “Henry” is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
Liftoff is scheduled for 2:17 pm local time (1817 GMT) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with the potential for up to a two-hour delay if necessary.
Police PNP lauded on safety of illegal settlers
POLICE investigators are now track ing five persons of interest allegedly linked to a fake document suppos edly announcing the appointment of a new commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration (BI). “So far we have identified five peo ple, of which three have been sent subpoenas at their known address. Meanwhile, we continue to track the addresses of two other persons,” Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said in a statement on Thursday night. Lee, meanwhile, called for the coop eration of those who were initially iden tified to uncover the truth through the information that they will be providing.
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian spoke to education stakeholders from the Phil ippine Academy of Teachers, Adminis trators and Practitioners in Education (PATAPE), during its 5th General As sembly at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City on August 27.
Gatchalian
NEW LTSP OFFICERS. The League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP) has its new officers. Elected president was Kathrece Anne T. Caleon (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila, ); VP for Internal John Paul T. Dacuycuy ( Manila Tytana Colleges ) and VP for External is Fiona Gwyneth S. Abao (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila0; Jashmine P. Jusi (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila) as Secretary; Ayesha Marie M. Cuenca (Jose Rizal University ) Treasurer; Juliana Claire E. Luna ( Treston International College )as Auditor; and Eunice B. Cruz and Kaitrin Zia J. Marcelo (Olivarez CollegeCity)ParañaqueasPRO.
THE two-day maritime drills by the United States Coast Guard and the Phil ippine Coast Guard (PCG) will focus on search and rescue, and will not be “a show of force.” PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo, in an ABS-CBN News report said the search and rescue exercise (SAREX) was not meant to intimidate other countries, especially China.
IN BRIEF
THE Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor on Friday lauded the efforts of the Philippine National Po lice to maintain peace and order, and secure the safety of over beleaguered 1,000 informal settler families in a disputed property in Caloocan City. Commissioner Rey Galupo said he believes that the police have stayed neutral to the land dispute besetting both the ISFs and the property developer, the Carmel Development Inc. After a dialogue with Barangay 181 chief Bernardo Quiboy, Galupo sat down with the chief of the Caloo can City Police, Col. Samuel Mina, in a courtesy call at the police head quarter to request police visibility in the area, and validate the complaints of the residents. Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it has already opened the filing period for the petition for ac creditation by political groups. Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said this is to give parties time to answer questions of legalities re garding their petitions. “We made the announcement this early for the filing of a petition for ac creditation with the Comelec. Based on our experience, when petitions for accreditation are filed, sometimes it’s only a few days before the election, the ballot has already been printed, and there are pending petitions for accreditation. We want them to file earlier and then we will finish early the deadline for filing the petition for accreditation,” he said in a Laging Handa briefing on Thursday. He added that the Office of the Clerk of the Commission has already started receiving verified petitions for registration as a political party or a coalition of political parties. Garcia, however, said the deadline for the filing has yet to be decided upon by the Commission en banc. Last month, the poll body urged or ganizations and groups intending to register as political party; a coalition of political parties; or a national, region al, or sectoral group or organization to participate in the party-list system of representation to file their verified petitions for registration before the Commission.TheClerkof the Commission will ac cept petitions compliant with Comelec Resolution No. 10673 (In Re: Guidelines on Electronic Filing, Conduct of Hear ings/Investigations/Inquiries via Video Conference, and Service) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays, ex cluding holidays.
Comelec opens early filing of political parties filed vs. woman in ‘illegal’ beauty clinic
He made the recommendation to overhaul the Consitution at the Senate Constitutional Amendments committee hearing on Friday. For Pimentel, the ideal set-up is a parliamentary rule, citing Cebu, par ticularly traffic. He said it is no longer the concern of the national government when it comes to Cebu’s traffic woes. He said he welcomes the idea of shift ing the country’s form of government to parliamentary with a unicameral system, in contrast to today’s presidential-bicam eral system, ABS-CBN News reported. The “opening” of the Constitution must also include revising the party-list system, Pimentel said. Panel chair Sen. Robin Padilla meantime said he will conduct a na tionwide consultation on the charter change issue, ABS-CBN News fur therPadillareported.onFriday meanwhile aired his dismay over the failure of some officials of the Executive department to attend the Senate Committee on Constitution
A member of the drillSecurityMaritimeandLawEnforcementCommandofthePhilippineCoastGuardtakespartinananti-piracyaboardacoastguardshipattheinternationalportinManila.InsetshowsAUSCoastGuardcutterMidgettleavingtheinternationalporttojoinPhilippineCoastGuardshipsforajointsearchandrescueexercise.TedALJIBE/AFP
MARITIMEDRILLS.
S ENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said he is in favor of overhauling the entire 1987 Charter instead of introducing changes “piece-by-piece.”
EDUCATION STAKEHOLDERS. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian spoke to education stakeholders from the Philippine Academy of Teachers, Administrators and Practitioners in Education (PATAPE), during the PATAPE’s 5th General Assembly at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.
LTSP members elect new officers for 2022-23
The center is believed to have graduated hundreds of students who reportedly shelled out an average of P100,000 as a fee for a few hours of clinical lectures and practical training. Wenie Garupa Argonza, 38, was charged with violation of the Educa tion Act of 1982 after being arrested by NBI operatives during an entrapment operation at her Argonza Aesthetic and Dermo-pigmentation Academy at Unit 102 Makati Terraces Condomini um, Tejeros, Makati on August 12. Argonza posted P12,000 in bail for her temporary liberty. She could not be reached for comment at press time. Also arrested during the NBI op eration was Glenmae T. Bobier, an as sistant of Argonza, who received the P55,000 marked money as training fee from an agent, who posed as an enroll ee for “laser science” training.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022 A3News
By Jun David THE National Bureau of Investiga tion (NBI) has filed criminal charges against a woman found illegally op erating a training center for aesthetic and dermatological procedures.
The PCG’s main functions include safety and humanitarian assistance, he“Thisadded.is a normal task of the PCG, and we would do the same with other countries. Even China and Japan did it before. As long as it’s SAREX, it will not spark any issue with countries in volved in the WPS,” Balilo, quoted by the report said The exercise, which will be con ducted in the West Philippine Sea near Zambales on Sept. 2 and 3, aims to enhance the interoperability of Manila and its longtime defense ally Washington.
al Amendments and Revision of Codes hearing on possible enhancements to theWhileConstitution.Padillareminded these officials to show interest and attend the hear ing, he noted the lack of coordination between the Executive and Legislative would not happened if the Philippines adopted a parliamentary system. “I cannot understand why the Senate has difficulty in inviting other secre taries,” he said. The neophyte senator said the 1987 Constitution says the Legislative and Executive are coequal. “But the Executive department’s representatives who were invited do not show up. This cannot be set aside because this is the Constitution,” Pa dilla said at the start of the hearing.
Charges
Around 250 personnel from the US Coast Guard and 150 from the PCG will participate in the drills. The USCG will be represented by its vessel Cutter Midgett (WMSL-757), while the PCG will deploy vessels BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), and Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft. addresses PATAPE
THE League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP) recently an nounced its newly-elected officers for the year 2022-2023. National Capital Region (NCR) Chapter adviser Dr. Ma. Corazon Villanueva of San Juan de Dios Edu cational Foundation Inc. College said elected president was Kathrece Anne T. Caleon (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila, ); VP for Inter nal John Paul T. Dacuycuy ( Manila Tytana Colleges ) and VP for External is Fiona Gwyneth S. Abao (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila.)
Pimentel says he supports ‘overhaul’ of 1987 Charter
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
PATAPE president and former PA CUCOA commissioner Dr. Nestor V. Dela Cruz presented the organization’s vision for 2030, saying that “these and other relevant advocacies define our strategic relevance in a world that is slowly emerging and vibrant despite the prevailing learning crisis.”
Cops track 5 persons in fake BI appointment
Maritime drills to focus on search and rescue and not to show force
The event centered on the theme “Rein venting Education for Relevance and Qual ity” is an annual gathering of the academy and coincides with the induction of its re cently elected National Board and Regional Chapter Leaders for the year 2022-2023.
Over the years, PATAPE has pursued programs to provide quality profes sional development among teachers and education stakeholders, while influenc ing education legislation and policies.
PATAPE, through its 3000-strong membership across the country, advo cates to reinvent the education system and pushes for more responsive pro grams to develop 21st century skills for students, teachers and school ad ministrators to be more competitive in the academic arena as the Philippines grapples with an education crisis exac erbated by the global pandemic.
ACONTROVERSY is brewing over a joint initiative of the military and the schools division office (SDO) of Aurora province regarding an information campaign among high school students against recruitment and infiltration moves of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).
PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said verbal and written requests, including those posted on the social media platforms have flooded the agency, asking for PAO’s assistance to step into the discrimination issue being experienced at workplaces. “Job applicants have been refused admission due to non-vaccination, which is contrary to what is specifically stated in Item No. III,” she told the Manila Standard. She cited the No-Discrimination or Termination of DOLE Labor Advisory No. 03 of 2021 mandating that “no-vaccine no-work policy shall NOT be allowed.” To require an unvaccinated employee to go through a weekly swab test is such a burden, Acosta said, adding the test is very much expensive.
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Friday welcomed the information drive launched by the military in coordination with the provincial school officials. But the militant Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines hit the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Education (DepEd) Aurora Division and the 91st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. ACT described the information and education campaign as “red-tagging seminars” among Grades 9 and 10, and senior high school“Providingstudents.information and education to the youth about local armed conflict is a critical step to keep them (students) from being deceived and recruited by terrorists and communists,” Duterte said in a statement. Duterte justified the MOA) as an example of a “whole-of-nation” approach against armed conflict. Duterte noted that they expect the information drive to be effective, yet gender-sensitive.“Wetrustthat our schools and their partners will efficiently implement the information campaign while still adhering to the Department’s policies on gender sensitivity, safety, and peacebuilding, among others,” she added. Earlier, 91st IB commander, Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr., who signed the agreement with SDO Aurora superintendent Dr. Catalina Paez, said they will ensure they will use a child-friendly motivation in delivering the message to increase awareness on recruitment activities by communist rebels.
“Many of them are forced to get the COVID-19 jab, an experimental drug,” the PAO chief “Forcingsaid.somebody to be vaccinated directly or indirectly is a willful misconduct,” she added.
TAGUIG City prosecutors have filed a rape case against comedian-television host Vhong Navarro for alleged sexual abuse against model Deniece Cornejo in 2014. The charge sheet filed on Wednesday at the Taguig City Regional Trial Court (RTC), Navarro was accused of intoxicating and raping Cornejo on January 17, 2014 in her condo unit in Taguig. The Court of Appeals earlier granted Cornejo’s petition challenging the dismissal of the rape charge before the Department of Justice. The DOJ junked Cornejo’s rape complaint against Navarro due to inconsistencies in her affidavits, but the CA said Navarro was better off raising his defenses during trial in court. In her initial complaint filed with the DOJ, Cornejo claimed she was raped on January 22, 2014 and that Navarro only visited her on January 17, 2014. In subsequent complaints however, she claimed she was also raped on January 17, 2014, providing additional details such as being intoxicated due to a drug-laced wine in her thirdThecomplaint.DOJ,acting on Cornejo’s appeal, said she was not able to explain inconsistencies in herButaffidavits.theCAsaid the issue of credibility should be determined during trial proper in court. The Jan. 22, 2014 incident was widely covered by the media because it led to the mauling of Navarro, after Cornejo’s “friends,” Cedric Lee and some companions, beat him up inside Cornejo’s condo unit before tying him up and bringing him to a Southern Police District station. In ruling in favor of filing of charges against Navarro, the appellate court did not discuss the grave coercion conviction against Lee, Cornejo and Jed Fernandez nor the alleged impossibility of rape within one minute, as the National Bureau of Investigation previously pointed out.
DepEd-Aurora, Army launch anti-insurgency info drive
By Willie Casas
“It is part of the DepEd’s vision of producing Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation,” Recto said. Paez also expressed her delight in securing a partnership with the Philippine Army.The signing of the pact on Aug. 30 came ahead of the country’s commemoration of the National Peace Consciousness Month in September and World Peace Day on Sept. 21. On the other hand, ACT chair Vladimir Quetua the DepEd was contradicting its own policy of banning extra-curricular activities while it puts into question the priorities of the agency’s current administration.”
Most unvaccinated workers, mostly from the private sector, are “actually victims of constructive dismissal,” she noted.
PAO cites rising prejudice vs. unvaxxed workers
AN ADVOCATE of the gay community has lauded the Department of Education (DepEd) for institutionalizing a “gender responsive basic education policy” in all elementary and high schools across the country.LGBTQIA+ member and advocate Mela Franco Habijan shared on a Facebook post a memorandum signed by the Department of Education about the strict implementation and compliance of the DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2017 for the upcoming opening of school year 2022-2023 and the gradual return of students to inperson classes. The Miss Trans Global 2020 cited the memo signed by Education Undersecretary. Revsee Escobedo and Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas enunciating the guidelines in protecting the rights and safety of all genders. The memo enjoined school officials and personnel to address basic education issues and concerns involving gender and sexuality, ensure the protection of all learners from gender-related violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, and bullying, to promote gender equality and non-discrimination in all governance levels. The DepEd also committed to make a gender-responsive strategic framework, to mainstream gender in all policies and programs, projects, and activities, to ensure gender equality in staffing and create an enabling work environment, and to strengthen gender and developmental institutional“LGBTQIA+mechanisms.kids,simula sa araw na ito, malaya na tayong maging tayo sa paaralan!” Habijan said on the post which she addressed to not only the students but also the teachers. Windie Khyla Pultam
By Rio N. Araja
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has offered P500,000 each to the families of the three shooting victims in Taguig City on August 21, one of them an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), after the suspect, a former Philippine Navy officer, surrendered to him at his office in Mandaluyong on Thursday. Tulfo assured the suspect, Julian Paningbatan Jr., that he will be treated appropriately, but added that nothing would justify the crime he committed. “Rest assured we will attend to this case to ensure that justice will be served and the case to run smoothly in the court,” Tulfo said in a statement on Friday. The police also confirmed that Paningbatan has four outstanding warrants of arrest issued in the cities of Manila and Pasay for robbery with violence and Paningbatancarnapping.confessed to the shooting of his former girlfriend, 25-yearold OFW Angelica Belina of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; food delivery rider Mark Ian Desquitado, 35, of Barangay FortTaguig;Bonifacio,and
Macon Ramos-Araneta
Tashane Joshua Branzuela, 22, a student and resident of the sameWitnessesvillage.told probers they heard successive burst of gunfire at around 3 a.m. They said they later saw the victims slumped on the ground, with gunshot wounds outside the transient house. Belina and Desquitado died on the spot while Branzuela was declared dead upon arrival at the Taguig-Pateros DistrictTheHospital.suspect said he killed Belina out of anger over past issues with her.
Tanza, Cavite under state of calamity due to dengue
AHW: Give our benefits first before pay increase
For the month of September which ushers in the Holiday Season in the country, Ray’s branch at SM City Fairview o ers its Hot Chicken Sandwich that will burn the palate with Carolina Reaper, reputedly the world’s hottest pepper. Manny Palmero
THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Friday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to look into reports of discrimination at workplaces on unvaccinated employees and jobseekers against COVID-19.Atamedia briefing in Quezon City,
AN ORGANIZATION of health workers urges the government to release first their benefits before increasing their salaries. This developed as the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations (PFPA) called on Congress to review the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers. The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) issued the statement in light of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement that he would address the salary disparity between nurses in private hospitals and their counterparts in the public sector. “At present, they should solve the problem with the release of benefits like the One COVID Allowance (OCA) and the Health Emergency Allowance, which health workers have been waiting for since last year,” AHW president Robert MendozaReportssaid.have it that majority of the health workers have yet to receive their OCA and other benefits they are entitled to, Mendoza said, adding that the health and budget departments continue to point fingers over the release of funds. Mendoza recalled that last August 31, the Department of Health (DPH) said negotiations were underway with the Department of Budget and Management regarding the release of the P63 billion they“Butrequested.yesterday the DBM said the DOH is at fault because they have been telling them to submit the required documents, but the DOH hasn’t been doing this, so they can’t release the fund,” he noted.
TV host Vhong Navarro faces rape case
“Sa ngayon, hindi pa naman sila nao-overwhelm, handled pa naman. Pero madalas na nagiging full house na rin,” she said. “Minsan nage-exceed na rin doon sa designated space nila for COVID at saka for dengue,” she said.
COSTLY TREAT. A worker prepares lechon or suckling pig at a store in Quezon City on September 2. The cost of the popular Filipino dish is seen to rise this Christmas due to continuing increase of other products used to make the dish. Danny Pata
HOT CHICKEN, ANYONE?
News
GROUND ZERO VISIT. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval visits constituents during a medical and dental mission being conducted by the Nuestro Señor de Longos Mission Station in conjunction with the observance of its 4th Foundation Day anniversary at the Chinese School compound along Azucena Street, Barangay Longos, Malabon City. Andrew Rabulan Tulfo offers P500k each to kin of three shooting victims
A4 SEPTEMBERSATURDAY,3,2022
THE town of Tanza, Cavite has been placed under a state of calamity amid the continuing increase of dengue cases. Meanwhile, the country’s second monkeypox case has been discharged from isolation after recovering from the disease, the Department of Health (DOH) said onTanzaFriday.municipal health officer Dr. Ruth Punzalan said there were 310 dengue cases in the municipality as of September 1, a huge increase compared to the same period in 2021 and 2020. With the declaration of state of calamity, Tanza will receive additional budget to strengthen its anti-dengue campaign.
“Marami pong mga dahilan na posibleng naging contributory factor doon sa pagtaas [ng kaso ng dengue]. Ang Tanza po kasi ay isa sa mataas na populasyon [sa Cavite] at marami po kaming mga dense areas na barangay. May mga matao na mga lugar dito sa Tanza. Siyempre, ‘yung waste disposal minsan, ‘yung sunod-sunod pag-ulan,” Punzalan said. She also said the situation in three hospitals in the municipality remained manageable, although they encounter admission congestion due to dengue cases. Punzalan recommended the designation of fast-lanes in hospitals to prioritize dengue patients.
DepEd’s inequalitygenderpolicyschoolscited
The promise of Laguna de Bay
Editor
Yes, Putin came at a time when Russia was about to fall into the ravine of historical infamy. When the drunkard Boris Yeltsin appointed him as successor from his anonymous post as KGB intelligence officer assigned to then East Germany, the West was already feasting on what remains of the Soviet empire. There is misconception of what happened during that rowdy transition from coagulated form of socialist republics borne out of the first socialist revolution in 1917, then coming out strong after the Second World War under Stalin to match the West with all regalia of a super power. Russia today continues to carve its own his tory that to this day the US and its allies treat as one of easy picking. Fortunately, Putin was part and even integral to that transition of which he himself continues to straighten and rectify. The disintegration of the 15 republics is be ing blamed on Gorbachev. Nobody remembers that he was ousted by Yeltsin, but nobody wants to talk about it now. Gorbachev was able to return not as trium phantly as one would characterize, but an at tempt to bring back normalcy to an already wobbly Union. After that tumultuous debate that erupted into a bloody shelling at the Duma with Yeltsin arrogating to arrest all those who opposed his program, the hastily formed parliament finally acceded to Western separatist agitation with the former Soviet Republics be called the Com monwealth of Independent States. Before that, Gorbachev dissolved the Warsaw Pact. He was overwhelmed by the glamor of lib eralization, hoping that granting freedom would usher in an era of prosperity to Russia and to its so-called satellite states in Eastern Europe.
Many hoped Putin should live up to his role by closing down that chapter about Russian history without him condemning its past
As Russia was able to economically recover, gradually the US tightened the screw to its eco nomicThusclampdown.today,wesee various forms of econom ic sanctions like what the US did to the alleged Russian invasion of Ukraine. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)
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
If these will not be regulated, it will lead to abuse by agents of the law, private and government alike
“Specifically the domestic waste and untreated sewage that flows into the lake daily from the more than 12 million inhabitants of the 29 towns and hundreds of informal settlements that ring its shores.”Inthe same article, LLDA General Manager Jaime ‘Joey’ Medina said: “Eighty per cent of the biochemical oxygen demand [an indicator of or ganic pollution] is from household pollution.” Despite this, the promise of Laguna de Bay as a vast water resource to meet the demands of nearby provinces and the National Capital Region remains.Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Sys tem (MWSS) concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. in 2011 formally unveiled its Putatan Water Treatment Plant that taps Laguna de Bay as alternative water source.
A new layer of cruelty is added when we look at three women activists who were arrested recently despite their old age and illnesses
fear became intense when the US de cided to scrap the intermediate range ballistic missiles only to install then in countries such as Poland, Rumania and Bulgaria. In the meantime, war erupted in the former Soviet state of Georgia when the two Russianspeaking provinces of South Ossetia and Ab khazia decided in 2008 to secede, paving the way for Russia to intervene and grant their in dependence.Itwaswrong for Putin to say Gorbachev committed geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century. Rather, it was his predecessor Yeltsin that al lowed the dismemberment of the then Soviet Union, part of it was added by the Bolsheviks under Lenin in 1914 as Russia’s price for peace. The treaty of Brest Litovsk became the har binger of Russia’s problem in Ukraine. As Oliver Stone wrote in his book, “The Putin interviews,” he said many Russians were surprised and appalled to wake up that after the disintegration of the Soviet Union, millions of them would be disenfranchised of their citizen ship and nationality as Russians. This has become one of Russia’s unresolved problems with the mass migration of people initially brought about by different nationalities originating back to the days of Joseph Stalin. As Putin himself admitted to Stone, Russia cannot just abandon these millions of people to be left alone and discriminated against in a land they never chose to be citizens of. Today, Russia is at war with Ukraine primar ily because of discrimination, and it is not of Gorbachev’s fault. It is totally different from those African slaves kidnapped and brought to America to work as slaves and to be treated like chattels. These are civilized human beings dislocated by wrong political decisions. The killings in the two runway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk are a result of the classic brutal discrimination of Russians left to the mercy of a proclaimed fascistPutinstate.cannot disengage from Yeltsin because he was personally appointed by that man whom he continues to honor and shower him all of what it means to be in power. Finally, we continue to hear about the socalled Russian mafia oligarchy. Nobody wants to talk about this particular oligarchy or how this new breed of parasites come about? Some believe the Russian oligarchy or Rus sian mafia came about at the instance of the US oligarchs themselves. In their eagerness to funnel funds to Russia they believed the idea of privatization is the best way to help the plight of the Russian people.
An estimated 13,000 fishermen depend on Laguna de Bay for their livelihood with the lake producing about 80,00090,000 metric tons of fish a year
(MTV is a book author whose works include “Silver Linings” featuring the EDSA heroes and one on Paranaque City).
The US was able to transfer their funds to the Russian oligarchs, much that they did not have enough capital to finance many of those multimillion projects that were halted because of the abrupt transition. It was the US oligarchy that conceived the idea of sovereign guaranty to ensure they will be able to get back their investment. Many of these Russian oligarchs were no toriously corrupt than their counterparts in the US. Many of them squandered the funds they borrowed to allegedly help rebuild the Russian economy. The entry of US capital was allowed to fi nance the ailing Russian economy. One good instance was the legalization of non-governmental organizations.
Honor Blanco Cabie, mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Just like our country. The operations of NGO were tax exempt and virtually free to say any thing including the right to slander the Russian government.Eventhe US media such as CNN was al lowed to operate.
LTO should regulate traffic fines, penalties
IT’S not uncommon or new for human rights defenders, activists, and community organizers to face trumped-up charges such as murder and kidnapping.Thisisacommon tactic used to repress those who help marginalized communities and sectors, but it does not make it less vindictive. However, a new layer of cruelty is added when we look at three women activists who were ar rested recently despite their old age and illnesses. Firstly, there’s Elisa Tita Lubi who serves as the chairperson of Karapatan, a non-government organization that advocates human rights and fights against HR abuses. Lubi was arrested last year, in 2021, in Mariki na as she was charged with attempted murder. This murder allegedly happened in 2018 dur ing an encounter between the NPA and the Phil ippine Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion and 10th Infantry Division in Davao City. When Lubi was arrested, she was already 78 years old. In 2018, she was 75. Tita Lubi also suf fers from hypertension and arthritis. Based on her age and health conditions alone, how could she be involved in an armed encounter? Second of the three is Adora Faye de Vera, a Martial Law victim and survivor. She was arrested just last August 24, 2022, over alleged murder and frustrated murder, ac cording to the PNP. She is also being tagged as a communist rebel leader in the Visayas. During Martial Law, Adora was arrested twice – the first time, she was raped and tortured; the second, she was shot on the leg. Ron de Vera, her son, recalled how difficult it had been for their family since Marcos Sr.’s time, with his mother was arrested and his father just disappeared. On August 30, 2022, at the commemoration of International Day of the Disappeared, he said, “Lahat tayo may karapatang mabuhay, hindi ganitong buhay. […] Kuwerenta’y uno na ‘ko ngayon, ganito pa rin. Walang pagbabago.” Ron de Vera also demands the dismissal of fabricated charges, the release of his mother, and her immediate transfer to Manila where she can get proper medical care. Adora is now 66 with chronic asthma and anemia. Injuries she sustained from the illegal arrest also remain unattended. Last of the three is Atel Hijos who serves as the Secretary General of Gabriela Caraga. She was also a former public school teacher and a founding member of Women’s Alliance for True Change (WATCH) – Mindanao, a move ment led by women who struggled against the MarcosHijosdictatorship.wasarrested most recently, just last Au gust 30, 2022, in Butuan City. There were warrants of arrest on charges of murder, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention. Authorities are asserting she combatted with soldiers in 2019 and kidnapped a militiaman in 2018.They are pinning her as a combatant involved in armed encounters at the age of 76. In 2018, she was 72; in 2019, she was 73. How could she be a fighter at that age? In addition, she also has difficulties walking, suffered a mild stroke and now has pulmonary tuberculosis, hypertension, and Alzheimer’s dis ease. She already has difficulty moving around yet she’s being accused of being armed. The disso nance is palpable. All three of them, Tita Lubi, Adora de Vera, and Atel Hijos, have stood and fought with the marginalized.Theyhave dedicated their lives to helping those who have suffered abuse and injustices. Despite their old age, they have chosen to fight in ways that they can. Yet they are being charged for ‘fights’ they couldn’t have done as senior citi zens.Our
EDITORIAL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022 B1Opinion
Another treatment plant was inaugurated in 2019. Raw water quality however has affected the facilities’ production capacity particularly during algalTheblooms.costof treating water sourced from Laguna de Bay is more than the cost of treating water from major dams. “Rather than investing additional funds to keep upgrading our treatment technology, we think the more sustainable option is to protect the lake,” Maynilad President and Chief Executive Office Ramoncito S. Fernandez said. “Maynilad’s water treatment capacity can be affected by the varying water quality of the lake,” he added.
The LGUs, which have been raking in millions of pesos from NCAP fines, in sisted they would continue until the undis puted wisdom of the Supreme Court finally put a stop to the activity by the power of a temporary restraining order (TRO). Topping the questions being raised around the NCAP was the different ver sions of fines and penalties imposed by the LGUs of Manila, Valenzuela, and Quezon City, to name a few. But what poor motorists, like taxi drivers and delivery riders, complained about was the seemingly excessive fines they have to pay for a simple violation like when one of their front wheels touched the middle lane.
A previous project involving a Belgian com pany, Baggerwerken Decloedt En Zoon intended to dredge Laguna de Bay and increase its depth to meet global standard for harvesting lake water for purification was scrapped by the government in 2011.Laguna de Bay stakeholders are proposing the adoption of an action plan to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the biodiversity of Laguna de Bay and promote its sustainable development similar to that adopted in the rehabilitation of Boracay and Manila Bay which involved the creation of a task force for the purpose.
Three brave women and the state
By Melandrew Velasco OUR country is blessed with a pool of water re sources. Yet, the problem of water supply persists. Water is essential to irrigate agricultural lands, drive power plants, and serve the needs of indus tries and for household consumption. And, the growing market’s water requirements must be met anytime. One water resource that holds immense poten tial is the Laguna de Bay. It is the largest inland body of water in the country and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. It has a total volume of 3.2 billion cubic meters, a shoreline of 220 kilometers and an average depth of 2.5 meters. Its water comes from rivers and streams, rain water, stormwater runoff and sewage. The existing uses of the lake include fisheries, flood control, industrial cooling, irrigation, power generation, recreation, and source of potable water. According to the Laguna Lake Development Authority, an estimated 13,000 fishermen depend on the lake for their livelihood with the lake pro ducing about 80,000-90,000 metric tons of fish a year. It is also used for flood control. The Mangga han Floodway diverts floodwater from Marikina River into the lake. As for power generation, water is pumped to the Caliraya Reservoir to generate electricity.Although the lake water is no longer as pris tine as it used to be, Laguna de Bay is known for recreational activities such as fishing, boating and sailing.The lake also provides water to irrigate farm lands in the lake region. It is also the source of in dustrial cooling water and supplies domestic water supply requirement of nearby towns and portions of the Metropolitan Manila area. Sadly, Laguna de Bay also serves as a huge waste sink. It has become the catch basin of indus trial and domestic wastewater pollution coming from the areas that border the lake – among these are Laguna, Rizal and the Metropolitan Manila cit ies and Solidmunicipalities.andliquidwastes from households, agri cultural areas, industries, and livestock and poultry production are carried as surface run-off through the basins of the lake. Polluted water from the Marikina and Pasig Rivers also flow into the lake. An article from UN Environment Programme website stated that while agricultural and industrial run-off contributed to the lake’s declining health, the biggest contributor to eutrophication is human waste.
In one night, a taxi driver was fined P7,500, including penalties for late pay ments. A delivery rider had an accumu lated fine of P70,000. It cannot be denied that NCAP is becom ing a fund-raising program rather than a traffic management platform. Private communities, like gated subdi visions, are now also putting up their own version of road penalties. One car owner claimed he “parked his car at the dead-end road where a building is being constructed” and found one of the wheels had been clamped. It was noted that dump trucks were allowed to park and there was no visible No Parking sign in the area.To his surprise, he was asked to pay P5,000 by guards on duty without official receipts.These kinds of policies, as long as they involve road travel using motorized equipment, should be getting permission first from the LTO before their imple mentation.Ifthesewill not be regulated, it will lead to abuse by agents of the law, private and government alike. The mismanagement and lack of definitive objective of the NCAP, put hastily by some LGUs, led to people getting frustrated and almost every body turned against it. The LGUs and the Metro Manila Met ropolitan Development (MMDA) should now make proper consultations with the LTO and some transport groups before implementing NCAP. And stop focusing on more apprehen sion, but, instead, put a premium on traffic management. As for excessive and oppressive fines, the LTO should make unified rates and policies that all LGUs — and the MMDA — must follow.
Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
The Manila Bay Task Force, meanwhile, was created pursuant to Administrative Order 16 series of 2019.Among others, it is charged with ensuring that the concerned agencies and LGUs under take appropriate measures relative to violation of environmental laws, and “improve resource management of the Manila Bay and create models of inter- LGU cooperation in ecosystem management, with special focus on the Laguna Lake and Pasig River.” Like Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay’s shoreline extends across many local government units and it is essential for them to come up with a concerted effort in the rehabilitation of the lake. The stakeholders believe a task force will be the right body to spearhead the endeavor.
The current leader of the resurrected Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, whose country is currently locked in war with its former state of Ukraine, said his predecessor, Gorbachev, com mitted the greatest political catastrophe of the 20thManycentury.hoped Putin should live up to his role by closing down that chapter about Russian his tory without him condemning its past. Putin himself was a part of that rambunctious transition.
nation is dealing with many societal prob lems which these brave elderly women have committed to responding to and yet they are re paid by being arrested. As Filipinos, we are taught to respect the el derly, and yet the state disrespects them by filing trumped-up charges against them, by arresting them when they fully know that these women are feebler because of their age. The state is allowing this to happen to them despite the service they have done. What is being done to Ludi, de Vera, and Hi jos are also gross violations of the human rights of elderly as promulgated by the United Nations GeneralTheseAssembly.rights,reconized in the UN Principles for Older Persons include: (1) Older persons should have access to social and legal services to enhance their autonomy, protection and care; Older persons should be able to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms when residing in any shelter, care or treatment facility, including full respect for their dignity, beliefs, needs and privacy and for the right to make decisions about their care and the quality of their lives; (3) Older persons should be able to live in dignity and security and be free of exploitation and physical or mental abuse; (4)Older persons should be treated fairly regardless of age, gender, racial or ethnic background, disability or other status.As for me, I believe in respecting our elders, especially those who have fought for freedom and justice, so I express my full support for Lubi, de Vera, and Hijos and I amplify the call of the release of both de Vera and Hijos who remain detained.Elderly women are already oppressed twice, they must not be oppressed a third time. Website; tonylavina.com. Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs LAST Wednesday, the last Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, died at the age of 91. He was the former president of the dissolved Union of Soviet Socialist Republics that finally ended the empire the West feared most as its greatest rival to global supremacy.
Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net
MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine NewspapersPPI can be accessed at: manilastandard.net
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager
The truth about Gorbachev AS
THE government agency tasked to oversee land travel and all the policies connected to it, it’s time the Land Transportation Office flexed its muscle to avoid confusion brought about by the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) implemented by some Local Government Units.Ithasactually made its presence felt by asking LGUs to suspend the NCAP pend ing infrastructure and clarificatory issues.
There was no guaranty NATO would cor respondingly dissolve the alliance or swear that the West would not advance eastward beyond the borders of the erstwhile Soviet bloc. It was only then State Secretary James Baker who made a promise, with some saying it was only written on a napkin paper that the West would not advance eastward. Russia, under Putin, kept on pressing the is sue of NATO’s promise not to move eastward, and Russia’s anxiety became apparent when NATO and its members made up of the former members of the Warsaw Pact like Poland, Ru mania, Bulgaria and the former Soviet republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania were asked to join.This
EvEryman
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila Standard TODAY
AURELIO S. CARLOS
Bankrupt Sri Lanka’s deposed president ‘to return home’
Man,
“Cristina remains alive, because for a reason that has not yet been technically con firmed, the gun which contained five bullets did not fire despite the trigger having been pulled,” Argentina’s President Alberto Fer nandez said in an address to the nation. “This is the most serious event that has happened since we restored democracy” in 1983, Fernandez said. Footage of the incident showed the man pointing a handgun at close range at Kirch ner, who was the country’s leader from 2007 to 2015 and is now facing corruption charges.Theincident took place in Buenos Aires’ upscale Recoleta neighborhood. “I saw this arm come up over my shoul der behind me with a gun, and with people around me, he was subdued,” a supporter of Kirchner, who did not give his name, told AFP.Security Minister Anibal Fernandez said a suspect had been arrested on Thursday night but investigators still needed to exam ine the crime scene and circumstances sur rounding the incident. Local media reported that the suspect was a 35-year-old Brazilian national. President Fernandez declared Friday a pub lic holiday to allow people to “express them selves in defense of the life of democracy and in solidarity with our vice president.” ‘Solidarity’ Several well-known Latin American poli ticians voiced support for Kirchner, 69, after the failed Venezuelanattack.President Nicolas Maduro, a strong Kirchner ally, tweeted his support Thursday night. “We send our solidarity to Vice President Cristina Kirchner in the face of the attack against her life,” he wrote. “We strenuously reject this act that sought to destabilize the peace of the brotherly Ar gentine people. The great homeland is with you, comrade!” AFP NOTICE
PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is MARIBEL LIM LIM CHUA, but I have also been known since childhood as MARIBEL LIM LIM or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N/A 2. My present place of residence is Lot 9 Blk 7 Palm Drive, Green Heights Garden Village, Diversion Road, Buhangin City/ Municipality of Davao City Province of Davao del Sur and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 2000-2008-VINZON STREET, BARRIO OBRERO, DAVAO CITY 1993-2000-ROOM 710 DON MARIANO BLDG., SOLANO ST., SAN MIGUEL, 1962-1993-613MANILA M DE SANTOS STREET, BINONDO, MANILA 3. I was born on SEPTEMBER 19, 1962 in Manila Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of China. 4. My father's name is MARIANO GO LIM and he was born on SEPTEMBER 23, 1937 in MANILA He is a citizen or subject of CHINA. My mother's name is LOLING LIM and she was born on OCTOBER 2, 1942 in MANILA. She is a citizen or subject of CHINA. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is EMPLOYEE and from which I derive an average annual income of 1,400,00.00 , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A-retired and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:N/A (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship. 6. My civil status is M, I was married on Jan. 24, 1993 in MANILA. My wife's/husband's name is PAULINO CUA CHUA and she/he was born on in OCT. 28, 1957 in MANILA. She/he is a citizen or subject of PHILIPPINES and presently resides Lot 9 Blk 7 Palm Drive, Green Heights Garden Village, Diversion Road, Buhangin, Davao City 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A 8. I have two child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows: NameDate of BirthPlaceBirthof Residence Aaron Jeremy Lim Chua July 13, 1995Manila Lot 9 Blk 7 Palm Drive, Green Heights Garden Village, Diversion Road, Buhangin, Davao City Sean Jericho Lim Chua July 10, 2000Davao 9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of School Place of SchoolDates of Study Highest Grade Completed St. Jude Catholic School Manila1968-1976 Elementary Graduate St. Jude Catholic School Manila1976-1980 High School Graduate De La Salle University Manila 1980-1984 College Graduate 10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: Tagalog 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of ChildName and Place of School Date Enrollmentof Aaron Jeremy Lim Chua Davao Christian High School 2000-2012 Aaron Jeremy Lim Chua De Lasalle University2012-2018 Sean Jericho Lim Chua Davao Christian High School 2005-2020 Sean Jericho Lim Chua De Lasalle University2020-uppresentto 12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139. I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. 13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to CHINA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship. 14. My character witnesses are ALGER CHUA TANG and THERESA ESCOVIDAL TEE both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at PACO, MANILA and PARAÑAQUE CITY respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.16.Otherdocuments
Liz Truss on brink of power in UK as Conservative Party ends voting
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF MARIBEL LIM LIM CHUA to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.
The UK is in the throes of its worst cost-of-living crisis in gen erations, with inflation soaring by double digits as energy prices rocket on the back of Russia’s war in MillionsUkraine. say that with bills set to rise by 80 percent from October -- and further from January -- they face a painful choice between eat ing and heating this winter, accord ing to surveys. AFP
AFP GRITTY SPEECH. US President Joe Biden speaks about the soul of the nation, outside of Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 1. AFP Rajapaksa
Biden rips Trump ‘extremist’ assault on USA democracy 35, arrested for attempted shooting of Argentine VP Kirchner
submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: N/A PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139. Dated at Davao City, Metro Manila, this day of _July, 2022__ Telephone Number: 0918-8885511 E-Mail Adress: mari_lim_chua@yahoo.com Right Thumbmark of Petitioner Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark naturalization.
WorldSATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022B2 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Truss enjoys overwhelming support over Sunak in polling of the members.Butthe winner faces a vanish ingly short political honeymoon once they return to 10 Downing Street from meeting the queen in the Scottish Highlands.
SCN CASE NO. x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x
COLOMBO—Bankrupt Sri Lanka’s deposed for mer president Gotabaya Rajapaksa is expected to end his self-imposed exile in Thailand and return home on Saturday, a top defense offi cial told AFP. The 73-year-old fled the island under mili tary guard in July after a huge crowd stormed his official residence, following months of an gry public protests blaming him for the island nation’s unprecedented economic crisis. He issued his resignation from Singapore before flying onward to Bangkok, where he has been peti tioning his successor to facilitate his return. “He has been living in a Thai hotel as a virtual prisoner and was keen to return,” the defense official, who asked not to be named, told AFP on Friday. “We are told he will return very early on Saturday.” “We have just created a new security divi sion to protect him after his return on Satur day. The unit comprises elements from the army and police commandos.” Sri Lanka’s constitution guarantees bodyguards, a vehicle and housing for former presidents. Rajapaksa travelled to Thailand after Sin gapore declined to extend his 28-day visa, but security authorities in Bangkok told him not to step out of his hotel for his own safety. The former president had a 90-day visa to remain in Thailand, but opted to return with his wife, a bodyguard and another aide, the official said. AFP NO SHOT. In this Fernández.Ministersaiddid1.onBuenosresidencearrivesKirchnerFernandezCristinaViceatpointsagency,TelamreleasedphotobynewsamanagunArgentina’sPresidentdeasshetoherinAiresSeptemberThegunnotgooff,SecurityAníbal AFP
Junta to jail Suu Kyi for 3 years for poll fraud
BUENOS AIRES—A man attempted to shoot Argentine Vice President Cristina Kirchner near her home in Buenos Aires on Thursday, a shocking incident that prompted a wave of sympathy from Latin American leaders.
(SGD.) RACQUEL B. ECHAGUE Resource-BasedDirectorIndustries Service (MS-SEPT. 3, 2022)
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Notice is hereby given that PHILNEW HYDRO POWER CORPORATION is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Renewable Energy Developer of Hydropower Resources (6.9 MW Clarin Hydro Electric Power Project) in Clarin, Misamis Occidental to avail of the incentives under R.A. No. 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.
November 12, 1955 - June 24, 2022 Peacefully joined his creator at the age of 66 His loving wife Maria Victoria “Baby”; Children Francesca and Julian, relatives and friends request the reader to pray for his eternal happiness in heaven. His cremains lie in state at Crematory Chapel of La Funeraria Paz, Inc. Quezon City Inurment of ashes at Forest Lawn Cemetery, California U.S.A
LONDON—After a grueling na tionwide tour, a dozen hustings and three televised debates, Liz Truss appears poised to take over as the UK’s next prime minister heading into the close of voting by Conser vative party members on Friday. The result of the summer-long campaign pitting the foreign secre tary against former chancellor Rishi Sunak will be announced on Monday before Prime Minister Boris Johnson formally tenders his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II the next day. Postal and online voting by the estimated 200,000 Tory members began in early August, a month after Johnson announced his resig nation, and concludes at 5:00 pm (1600 GMT).
YANGON—A Myanmar junta court sentenced ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to three years in jail on Friday for electoral fraud over 2020 polls which her party won in a land slide.Suu Kyi was “sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard la bor,” a source with knowledge of the case said, adding that the Nobel laureate, 77, appeared to be in good health.Detained since a putsch last year, Suu Kyi has already been convicted of corruption and a clutch of other charges by a closed junta court and sentenced to 17 years in prison. Journalists have been barred from proceedings in the military-built capital Naypyidaw and her lawyers have been prevented from speaking to the press. The military alleged widespread voter fraud during the November 2020 election, won resoundingly by Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), although inter national observers said the poll was largely free and fair. The military has since cancelled the result and said it uncovered more than 11 million instances of voter fraud. Last month junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said the military was being “lenient” on Suu Kyi and could have taken “more serious actions” against her. AFP
Speaking in Philadelphia, the cradle of US democracy, the pres ident launched an extraordinary assault on those Republicans who embrace Trump’s “Make Ameri ca Great Again” ideology—and urged his own supporters to fight back.“Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extrem ism that threatens the very foundations of our republic,” thundered Biden, speaking near the spot where the Declaration of Inde pendence and the US Constitution were adopted more than two cen turies“Theyago. embrace anger. They thrive on chaos. They live not in the light of truth but in the shadow of “Therelies.” is no place for political violence in America. Period. None. Ever,” warned the 79-year-old Democrat—in a reference to last year’s assault on the US Capitol by hardline Trump supporters refusing to accept his defeat. Citing the nationwide assault on abor tion rights by hardline conservatives — and fears for other freedoms ranging from contraception access to same-sex marriage—the US leader charged that “MAGA forces” were “determined to take this country backwards.” With control of Congress in the bal ance come November, Biden appealed directly to mainstream Republicans to join forces with Democrats and repudi ate Trump’s brand of politics—which still holds sway over much of his party. And he made it clearer than ever that Democrats intended to make the midterms a referendum on Trump, say ing the Republican Party was wholly “dominated, driven and intimidated” by the former president and his MAGA agenda.
PHILADELPHIA —US President Joe Biden took fierce aim Thursday at Donald Trump and his “extremist” supporters, labeling them enemies of American democracy in a prime-time address that sought to fire up voters ahead of key midterm elections.
Name and Signature of Petitioner
MOSTVOLUMEACTIVEVALUE (PHP) 1 BDO 2,965,200 379,559,753 2 JFC 1,284,120 313,863,612 3 EMI 12,071,000 249,952,957 4 SMPH 6,652,500 243,137,200 5 CNVRG 11,037,900 199,014,732 6 UBP 1,946,420 164,319,875 7 URC 1,257,080 156,824,328 8 ALI 5,150,400 149,449,695 9 AEV 2,472,140 143,488,997 10 SM 164,620 141,823,185 TOP LASTGAINERS % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 1 MWIDE 5.31 0.51 10.63% 2 AEV 59.4 4.4 8.00% 3 ABA 2.36 0.17 7.76% 4 BCOR 8 0.53 7.10% 5 PGOLD 35.65 2.25 6.74% 6 WLCON 29.8 1.75 6.24% 7 PXP 6.2 0.35 5.98% 8 ALCO 0.54 0.03 5.88% 9 MEDIC 0.72 0.04 5.88% 10 GTCAP 510 28 5.81% TOPPRICELASTLOSERS%CHANGECHANGE 1 MJC 1.32 -0.18 -12.00% 2 CAT 10.16 -1.32 -11.50% 3 CIC 17.2 -1.7 -8.99% 4 BKR 1.6 -0.13 -7.51% 5 BCB 5.55 -0.34 -5.77% 6 DIZ 4.6 -0.27 -5.54% 7 FOOD 0.52 -0.03 -5.45% 8 BRN 0.78 -0.04 -4.88% 9 ARA 1.3 -0.06 -4.41% 10 EEIPB 102.5 -4.5 -4.21% PSEi September 2, 2022
PARIS, France—The city of Paris on Thursday introduced fees for parking motorbikes and motorized scooters in the capital, sparking outrage and defi ance among bikers. Riders of motorized two-wheeled ve hicles had previously been allowed to park them for free, but city officials said the measure was necessary to control high levels of noise, air pollution and congestion caused by the bikes. Bikers parking their ride in the histor ic center of the capital will now have to pay three euros (dollars) per hour—two in surrounding neighborhoods—for a maximum stay of six hours.
A truck carrying nonpotable water, water that can be used for flushing toilets and cleaning but not drinking, arrives at Thomas Cardozo Middle School where personnel from the Mississippi National Guard were also handing out bottled water in response to the water crisis on September 01, 2022 in Jackson, Mississippi. Jackson has been experiencing days without reliable water service after river flooding caused the main treatment facility to fail. AFP
Cruise rival and subsid iary of Google’s parent company Al phabet, has offered a ride-hailing pro gram in Phoenix, Arizona for several years. AFP
SAO PAOLO, Brazil—Brazil’s econ omy posted higher-than-expected growth of 1.2 percent in the second quarter, official data showed Thurs day, giving President Jair Bolsonaro a boost ahead of elections next month. The result beat analyst expecta tions for 0.9 percent growth in Latin America’s largest economy. It was the fourth straight quarter of expansion for the Brazilian economy as it rebounds from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.Thislatest spurt of growth was fu eled by rises in manufacturing (up 2.2 percent) and the service sector (1.3 percent), the state statistics agency IBGEComparedsaid. to the second quarter of last year, the expansion was 3.2 per cent. Accumulated growth in the first half of the year was 2.5 percent compared to projections of close to stagnation. The figures are good news for Bol sonaro, who is fighting to narrow a 15-point deficit in public opinion polls as he takes on leftist ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. On Wednesday, the government re ported a decline in unemployment to fewer than 10 million people for the first time since 2016. Claudia Moreno, an economist at digital bank C6, pointed to a “recovery in investments (4.8 percent) and fam ily consumption (2.6 percent) in the second quarter compared to the previ ous one” despite high inflation as sig nificant drivers. The improved performance of the economy has led analysts to revise their 2022 growth predictions from under 0.3 percent in January to 2.1 percent, according to the latest central bankEvensurvey.so,economists expect growth to slow in the third quarter due to the delayed effect of the central bank’s hike in interest rates in a bid to slow down inflation. Interest rates have risen from a his toric low of two percent in March 2021 to 13.75 percent last month. Inflation, which is one of the main issues worrying voters, was over 10 percent in the 12 months to July, with Bolsonaro’s government cutting utility rates and fuel prices in a bid to put the brakes on.
Brazil economy grew by 1.2% in second quarter
David Belliard, Paris deputy mayor in charge of mobility and city space, acknowledged that the new rules were “difficult” but told AFP that they were also“Wenecessary.hadtostop making an exception for scooters and motorbikes,” he said, adding he hoped bikers would use more underground parking spots “so we can get some public spaces back.” The French Federation of Angry Motorcyclists (FFMC) meanwhile slammed the measure which it said dis criminated notably against “poor people who live in the suburbs.” They could not be expected “to com mute 40 kilometers (25 miles) on a bicycle” said FFMC Paris region boss Jean-Marc Belotti. AFP
Motorcyclists vow to fight as Paris starts introducing parking fees
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., the Aboitiz Group’s infrastructure unit, is acquiring the entire stake of Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International BV in GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., the operator of Mactan Cebu International Airport, for P25Emperadorbillion. Inc. of business tycoon Andrew Tan, the largest liquor maker, advanced 5 percent to P20.85, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, rose 2.5 percent to P245.80. The rest of Asian markets were mixed Friday and the dollar held gains as rate hike expectations grew, with traders now focusing on a key US jobs report later in the day.
“made significant gains overnight and into this morning,” the city said, a day after an emergency pump was installed while employees worked on getting the facility fully back online. “There are some challenges remain ing to navigate over the next few days, but the outlook for today is currently continued progress,” an official city websiteAcknowledgingsaid. resident frustrations as “warranted,” Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said: “I just want to as sure you that you have a unified front at this hour... endeavoring to fix it.” ‘Getting worn out’ Daily life has nevertheless been se verely disrupted. Schools have been shifted to remote learning, and busi nesses that have been struggling in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic are now suffering further. “Hotels and restaurants, already on thin margins, either cannot open or they have to make special accommodations including the purchase of ice, water and soft drinks,” Jackson chamber of com merce president Jeff Rent told CNN. City residents are “getting worn out” and “choosing not to dine in Jackson,” Sarah Friedler, who manages the Brent’s Drugs diner, lamented to local paper the Clarion-Ledger.MississippiGovernor Tate Reeves, who earlier declared a state of emergen cy, said he has mobilized hundreds of National Guard members to coordinate the distribution of drinking water.
While he acknowledged there has been criticism of how the crisis has been handling, “what we’re focused on right now is the immediate recovery from this emergency,” Reeves told a press confer ence.The situation in Jackson, where a similar water crisis hit early last year, is reminiscent of a water contamination scandal in Flint, Michigan in the past decade, which mushroomed into one of the worst municipal health failures in USInhistory.thatindustrial city, a change in the source of drinking water—which authorities determined would save money—ended up contaminating the system and exposing residents to lead poisoning. AFP
LUFTHANSA STRIKE. Passengers wait and queue for rebooking their flight in front of a schedule board at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on September 02, 2022, as pilots called for a strike affecting the Lufthansa passenger airline and Lufthansa Cargo after pay negotiations with the German airline collapsed. German airline group Lufthansa said it is cancelling ‘almost all’ of its flights to and from its main German hubs in Munich and Frankfurt on September 2, 2022 after pilots called a strike. AFP
WASHINGTON, United States—The 150,000 residents of Jackson, the capi tal of the southern US state of Missis sippi, endured a fourth straight day without clean running water Thurs day, with authorities urging those who still had supplies to shower with their mouths closed. The city, where 80 percent of the population is Black and poverty is rife, has been experiencing recurring water crises for years. But this week’s ordeal plunged Jack son into an emergency, with days of major flooding disrupting the opera tion of a critical but aging water treat mentWhenplant.residents turn on the tap, many see only a few drops emerge, or brown water sputters out. Some are spending hours waiting in line to col lect bottled water. “It’s like we’re living in a nightmare right now,” Erin Washington, a student at Jackson State University, told CNN. Those who do have running water can shower or bathe, but they are being warned not to consume what is coming out of the pipes. “Please make sure in the shower that your mouth’s not open because, again, you do not want to ingest the water,” said Jim Craig, director of health pro tection at the Mississippi Department of Health. City officials said Thursday they were seeing improvements, with some neighborhoods beginning to regain waterJackson’spressure.water treatment plant
Business SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022 || B3 extrastory2000@gmail.com
Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. of the Aboitiz Group jumped 8 percent to P59.40, while unit Union Bank of the Philippines, the ninth biggest lender in terms of assets, climbed 4.3 percent to P85.
AFP
NEW YORK, United States—Gen eral Motor’s autonomous vehicle unit Cruise recalled 80 cars and updated their software after one failed to prop erly predict the trajectory of an oncom ing vehicle. The company, which is the first to have deployed driverless taxis in San Francisco in June, sent a notice this week to the US agency in charge of road safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHT SA). In filings which came to public at tention Thursday, Cruise explains that on June 3 one of its cars was hit from the rear by another vehicle after break ing sharply while making an unpro tected left turn. The self-driving vehicle decided “a hard brake was necessary to avoid a severe front-end collision with an on coming vehicle,” the document said. Two people were slightly injured, according to a report submitted to the California Department of Motor Ve hicles.Police determined that the other vehicle was primarily responsible for the incident as it was not in the correct lane and was traveling over the speed limit.The NHTSA, however, did not fully exonerate Cruise from liability, stat ing that the software could, “in certain circumstances when making an unpro tected left, cause the ADS (automated driving system) to incorrectly predict another vehicle’s path or be insuffi ciently reactive.” Cruise has modified the software and says were the vehicle to be in the same situation again, it would act dif ferently to avoid error. Carmakers, led by Tesla, have been working for several years on development of autonomous driving and driving assistance systems, but progress has been slower than ini tiallyWaymo,hoped.a
Wall Street ended with a late rally, with the Dow and S&P 500 snapping a four-day retreat, though the Nasdaq ex tended its losing streak. Asia continued to struggle, though there were some positives. Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei and Bangkok fell, while Tokyo was marginally down. Shanghai, Wellington, Mumbai and Jakarta were up. Oil prices rose on fading expectations for an Iran nuclear deal anytime soon, but they remained under severe pres sure from a range of issues including the strengthening dollar, COVID lock downs in China and worries about a demand-sapping recession. Healthy readings on US factory activ ity, unemployment claims and private jobs creation indicated the world’s top econo my remained strong despite rising interest rates and four-decade-high inflation. But analysts said the figures were a case of “good news in bad news” as they would give the US Federal Reserve more room to keep tightening mon etary policy, with officials lining up to commit to beating inflation even if that causes a recession. Bets are increasing on a third succes sive 75-basis-point increase at its Sep temberOANDA’smeeting.Edward Moya warned Fed officials could even start considering rising into 2023, with inflation data later this month becoming increasingly im portant. With AFP
City residents get a cheaper deal, as do some Electricbusinesses.motorbikes can still be parked for free. Fines for non-compliance start at 25 euros, going up to 135 euros if a mo torbike is parked outside a designated space.But on Thursday, bikers who talked to AFP said they would not comply without a fight. “There comes a time when you have to say no, and play by the rules a bit less,” said Dominique Gavaud, as he parked his motorbike on a spot reserved for cyclists early Thursday without put ting money in the meter. “It’s hard to find a legal spot, so I don’t really have a choice. If I get a fine, I’ll pay,” he said. Nicolas, another biker who did not give his last name, said he would not pay, hoping that the two private con tractor firms charged with enforcing the new rules would fail to catch him. “I’ll see how quick they are, and I’ll adapt,” he said, adding that he may opt for the purchase of an electric scooter for his commute if fines pile up.
Market surges; Aboitiz, Union Bank top gainers
STOCKS rallied Friday in step with the gains in Wall Street overnight on indications that the US economy remained strong despite higher interest rates. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index surged 104.37 points, or 1.6 percent, to 6,692.65 on a value turnover of P4.6 bil lion. Gainers overwhelmed losers, 116 to 68, with 47 issues unchanged.
Frustrations mount in southern US city without running water
GM recalls 80 driverless cars after accident
RFM allots P1.2-b capex to grow milk, other consumer businesses
The DOE said in a letter to SKLOGC in February that the Office of the President granted it the authority to proceed with the awarding of the contract for nominated area 9, “provided that SKLOGC shall submit an undertaking stating, among others, that it shall abide by the final decision of the Su preme Court relative to tax assumption pro visions of other existing PSCs.”
By Darwin G. Amojelar
Editor Roderick
“In the medium-term, we are serious ly looking at diversifying into other ex citing and high- growth infrastructure platforms, where we can leverage our engineering and construction expertise. At the end of the day, we believe it is the further value creation, which the transaction unlocks, that makes it very rewarding and exciting, and something to look forward to,” Saavedra said. 2022 6,692.65PTS. VOLUME 1,019,420,660 TOTAL TRADES 4,590,264,190.9762,357 116 DECLINES 68
SKLOGC identified 22 sites in the Ma guindanao-Liguasan area with potential for oil and gas deposits.
BSP offering28-daymaintainssecuritiesatP100b
LISTED food and beverage company RFM Corp. said Friday its board of directors approved a P1.2-billion capital expenditure plan to expand the production capacities of its milk, consumer and institutional business es and lay the foundation for future growth.Theboard also approved a cash divi dend of P200 million or P0.059355 per share. Total cash dividends declared by RFM in 2022 would amount to P854 mil lion or 65 percent of its 2021 net income and P0.253626 per share. It has a dividend yield of 6.5 percent at the P3.9-per-share prevailing stock price. Payment date is Oct. 11, 2022 and record date is Sept. 15, 2022. RFM is the maker of Selecta Milk, Royal and Fiesta pasta and sauces, White King Mixes and flour and bread. It is also a 50-percent owner of Unilever RFM Ice Cream joint ven ture that sells Selecta, Cornetto and Magnum brands. RFM chief executive Jose Ma. Con cepcion III said “this P1.2-billion capex approval is one of the biggest sets of ca pex since the purchase of the Royal pas ta brand in 2014. On top of the P200million cash dividends we just declared, we plan to use our excess cash to fund the P1.2-billion capex over the next 15 months. This capex is expected to sup port the double-digit growth of our Se lecta Milk offerings as well as support the growing consumer and institutional businesses that are expected to double in five years.”
The BSP earlier said domestic liquid ity, or the money supply circulating in the financial system, grew by 7.0 percent year-on-year to about P15.4 trillion as of July from the 7.2-percent growth in June. On a month-on-month seasonallyadjusted basis, domestic liquidity in creased by 0.3 percent. Domestic claims rose 11.5 percent year-on-year in July from 9.9 percent in the previous month on the 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 corpora tions and households. Net claims on the central government rose 22.2 percent in July from 15.3 per cent in June on sustained borrowing by the national government.
104.37
Peso falls to 56.77 against US dollar THE peso on Friday depreciated to a new record low against the US dollar as investors sought the safety of the greenback. The peso shed P0.35 Friday to close at 56.77 per dollar from 56.42 on Sept. 1. The peso opened weaker at 56.5 and at one point touched the 56.9 level. “The peso exchange rate [is] weaker vs. the US dollar by 0.35 or 0.6 percent to close at a new record 56.77 [though eased from the new intraday record of 56.90] amid the stronger US dollar vs. major global currencies,” Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., told Manila Standard Ricafort also mentioned as a factor “the benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield at a new two-month high of 3.25 percent amid more hawkish Fed signals.” “However, this is offset by global crude oil prices near 7-month lows,” Ricafort said. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla also said Friday the move ment in the exchange rate was due mainly to a stronger dollar. “There is no peso problem, but a dollar problem,” he said. Julito G. Rada Gov’t seeks payment for Malampaya gas
Assistant Editor extrastory2000@gmail.combusiness@manilastandard.net B4 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022
By Alena Mae S. Flores MINDANAO-BASED SK Liguasan Oil and Gas Corp. is looking at foreign joint venture partners to develop the Liguasan Marsh in Co tababo Basin, an energy official said. “At the moment, they are open for for eign farming-in investors,” Energy Under secretary Donato Marcos said in a recent SenateSKLOGC,hearing.100-percent Filipino-owned company, owns Petroleum Service Con tract No. 77 covering the development of the onshore Cotabato Basin, including the Liguasan Marsh. The service contract covers a 72,000-hectare petroleum-prospective area in the onshore Cotabato Basin—a 1.2-million hectare region in Central Min danao covering the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, North and South Cotabato, including Liguasan Marsh. Marcos said oil and gas companies have 10 years under Presidential Decree 87 to develop the service contract area. He said if the contract holder could find enough reserves for commercial devel opment within the first seven years, they could apply with the DOE to move to the production and recovery stage. “Once they drill, they can determine the magnitude or volume of reserves,” he said. SKLOGC was the challenger for nomi nated Area 9 of the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program, a transparent petroleum service contract awarding mecha nism that allows the government to develop and utilize indigenous petroleum resources through qualified local and international ex plorationSKLOGCcompanies.passedthe completeness check under the evaluation criteria in the PCECP guidelines, but the original nominating par ty, Banaba Oil and Gas Energy Corp., was not able to comply with the requirements.
THE infrastructure unit of the Aboitiz Group is acquiring GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., the operator of Mactan Cebu International Airport, for P25Megawidebillion.Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International BV said Friday they would sell their entire stakes in GMR-Megawide Cebu Air port to Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. The agreement involves GMCAC’s issuance of primary shares and the transfer of secondary shares from Megawide and GAIBV to AIC amount ing to P9.5 billion, which would result in the latter owning 33 and 1/3 percent minus 1 share stake in GMCAC. The transaction also involves the is suance by Megawide and GAIBV of exchangeable notes for the aggregate amount of P15.5 billion. The notes will mature on Oct. 30, 2024 and will be exchanged by AIC for the remaining 66 and 2/3 percent plus 1 share of GM CAC’s outstanding capital stock. “We have always been open to part nerships that will enhance our capabili ties and diversify our portfolio as an in frastructure innovator. The company’s thrust of being an infrastructure innovator remains on track with this deal as we har ness synergies with other major partici pants in the field,” said Megawide chair man and president Edgar Saavedra. The move is also in line with Mega wide’s strategy of constantly re-engi neering its business and financial port folio to support its vision of engineering a First-World Philippines. Saavedra said the agreement would enable Megawide to crystallize the as set’s fair market value and help unlock resources that would accelerate its devel opmental infrastructure portfolio and al low it to strengthen its balance sheet, as part of long-term financial management program. “We at Aboitiz InfraCapital are happy to partner with GMR-Megawide for the continued growth and development of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The GMR-Megawide Consortium has done a tremendous job by significantly expand ing the airport over the pre-pandemic years—almost tripling passenger traffic in five years. This is quite an accomplish ment in setting up a solid foundation for the future,” said AIC president and chief executive Cosette Canilao. Megawide earlier bagged several big-ticket projects such as the MalolosClark Railway Project and the Metro Manila Subway System Project to spearhead its pivot to infrastructure. The company is also exploring several transport-centric development loca tions to complement its hub-and-spoke model with the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and engaging in its own brand of urban renewal through the Carbon Market Redevelopment.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. signs a landmark deal with Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International B.V. to acquire shares in GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., the developer and operator of the Mactan Cebu International Airport. At the signing ceremony are (from left) GMR Megawide Cebu chief executive advisor Andrew Harrison, GMR Megawide Cebu Airport president Louie Ferrer, MCC chairman and chief executive Edgar Saavedra, Aboitiz InfraCapital president and chief executive Cosette Canilao and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz.
Aboitiz buys Cebu airport operator
It said the weighted average interest rate for the bills continued to increase from last week’s rate, rising by 3.3527 basis points to 4.0596 percent. The yields accepted remained broadly unchanged at a range of 3.8800 to 4.1000 percent.
“The results of the BSP bill auction showed stable liquidity conditions even as short-term interest rates adjust fol lowing the recent BSP policy rate hike as well as expectations of continued tightening from key central banks,” BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said.He said BSP’s monetary operations would remain guided by its assessment of the latest liquidity conditions and market developments.
Republic Act 11211, which amended R.A. 7653 (The New Central Bank Act), restored the BSP’s authority to issue its own debt securities as part of its instruments for regular monetary operations.
By Julito G. Rada
THE strong investors demand for the P100-billion securities offered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas resulted in oversubscription despite the recent poli cy rate hikes by monetary authorities.
By Jenniffer B. Austria LT GROUP Inc., the listed hold ing company of tycoon Lucio Tan, said Friday it agreed to sell liquor firm Asian Alcohol Corp. to Vic torias Milling Co. Inc. for P2.21 billion.LTGroup said in a disclosure to the stock exchange unit Tanduary Distill ers Inc. and two other minority share holders signed a share sale agreement with VMC involving entire stake in AAC.VMC said in a separate disclo sure the acquisition would provide cost synergy in terms of shared man power, information technology and supply chain. It will also allow VMV to have access to expertise that can streamline the processes to optimize production, increase recovery and ef ficiency of the plants. “The company being under cor porate rehabilitation is mandated to continuously create measures to attain sustainable financial stabil ity. The horizontal integration will not only improve the profitability and cash flows of the group, it will also increase the group’s market share in the ethanol industry, and in extension its contribution to the energy security of the country with the least negative impact to the en vironment,” VMC said. LT Group is primarily engaged in banking and financial services, real estate, liquor and beverage business es. It also holds a 30-percent interest in ACCVMC.is the second largest distillery in the Philippines operating in Negros Occidental. It has distillation process that uses molasses, yeast, water and other ingredients. It has a 10-hectare plant in Negros Occidental, which is the center of the country’s sugar in dustry. It has a modern wastewater treat ment plant which converts distillery waste into biogas energy for power requirements. It has a daily rated ca pacity of 210, 000 liters of quality ethylVMCalcohol.said it would pay the pur chase price in tranches, subject to closing conditions. The company said it was expecting to complete the acquisition before the end of the year.AAC reported a net loss of P32.88 million in 2021, a reversal of the P181.8-million net income recorded in 2020 as sales fell 7.6 percent to P2.07 billion from P2.24 billion.
F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2022 Currency UnitUS DollarPeso United States Dollar 1.00000056.3620 Japan Yen TaiwanDollar0.0327351.8450NewMalaysiaRinggit0.22326412.5836IndiaRupee0.0125490.7073ChinaYuan0.1447898.1606KoreaEuroEuroUAEThailandIndonesiaRupiah0.0000670.0038BruneiDollar0.71058140.0498SaudiBahrainDinar2.652942149.5251AustraliaDollar0.67820038.2247SingaporeDollar0.71311440.1925CanadaDollar0.76028342.8511SwitzerlandFranc1.01843457.4010HongUKPound1.15430065.05870.0071320.4020KongDollar0.1274187.1815ArabiaRial0.26620515.0038Baht0.0272481.5358Dirham0.27227915.34620.99470056.0633Won0.0007380.0416ZealandDollar0.60760034.2456 Source: BSP TOTAL
PPP ADVOCATES. Members of the Private Sector Advisory Council meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (sixth from left) to discuss the completion of ongoing and upcoming infrastructure programs. With the president are (from left) Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. president and chief executive Cosette Canilao, Local Water Utilities Administration acting deputy administrator for financial service Maria Rosan Perez, former Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System deputy administrator Leonor Cleofas, LWUA officer-in-charge Eileen Dela Vega, Robinsons Land Corp. president and chief executive Frederick Go, PSAC convenor and Aboitiz Group chief executive Sabin Aboitiz, International Container Terminal Services Inc. chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman and president Manuel Pangilinan, Atok-Big Wedge Co. Inc. president Eric Ramon Recto, Gie Polanco and Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar of the Aboitiz Group.
The BSP said in a statement it main tained the volume offering for the issu ance of the 28-day bills at P100 billion.
ADVANCES
IN BRIEF
PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, September 2,
Demand from eligible market partici pants remained stable with total tenders amounting to P141.45 billion or about 1.41 times the volume offering.
STATE-RUN Philippine National Oil Co wants the Malampaya Consortium to pay the government the cost of the banked gas. “As the secretary was saying, whoever are the members of the consortium, that’s a commitment of the consortium, whether or not extended, they should bring it back to the government, if not in natural gas form, in cash form, in monetary form, or a com bination of both,” PNOC president Jesus Posadas said in a Senate hearing. PNOC earlier announced it sold its re maining uncontracted banked gas through a gas sale and purchase agreement with South Premiere Power Corp., a unit of San Miguel Corp.SPPC signed a gas supply agreement with PNOC in June for 70.26 petajoules of banked gas at a daily dispatch volume which is sufficient to run the Ilijan power plant at 45 percent to 75 percent plant factor. Alena Mae S. Flores PH rising as next hyperscaler center THE Philippines is gearing to be the next hyperscaler hub in the Asia-Pacific region, providing opportunities for investments and partnerships for hyperscaler and data center firms, the Board of Investments said Friday. The BOI said a webinar held by Interna tional Investments Promotions Service and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Hong Kong on Aug. 24 underscored the promising prospect and competitive advan tage of the Philippines as the next invest ment destination for the hyperscaler and data center industry. “We believe that the hyperscalers industry will be the next growth engine of the Philippines. We are keen on helping hyperscalers cloud services and start-up ecosystem in the Philippines,” said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual. “We hope that you find these opportuni ties as promising as we do with your trust and passion. Let us make hyperscaler invest ments and partnerships happen in the Philip pines,” Pascual told investors. BusinessRay S. Eñano, T. dela Cruz,
LT Group sells liquor company to VMC for P2b SK Liguasan seeks foreign partners to drill Liguasan Marsh
MitchelltradetoCavaliers
EASL’s ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ to begin in 2023 o season
Marcio Lassiter and Simon Enciso were at the forefront of the Beermen’s dizzying offense as they with the Tropang Giga on Sunday, also at the Big Dome. Lassiter banged in 22 points,
Hot-shooting Beermen send series to deciding 7th game
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022
Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor C1 YENG Guiao won’t be coaching the NLEX Road Warriors in their next campaign in the Philippine BasketballNegotiationsAssociation.for a new contract bogged down and Guiao won’t be around to handle the Road Warriors in the coming Commissioners Cup. The 63-year-old Guiao has handled the Road Warriors for the last five years, steering the team to two semifinals and six quarterfinals stints. Previously, Guiao coached the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to the finals six times during his time with them from 2011 to 2016. Early this year, the Road Warriors bowed to the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Matthew Wright has signed up with Japan B.League Division I team Kyoto Hannaryz. Wright, a 6’4” shooting guard from Toronto, Ontario, is suiting up for Hannaryz following the end of his contract with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters. He averaged 18 points and five rebounds while playing for the Fuel Masters in the PBA for the last six years.Three other former PBA players are currently playing in the B.League, namely Kiefer Ravena (Shiga), Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Nagoya) and Greg Slaughter (Fukuoka).
Jazz
Marcio Lassiter leads a 40-point first-quarter by the San Miguel Beermen, who went on to take Game 6, 114-96, against Talk N Text to level their best-of-seven Philippine Cup showdown at 3-3 and set a deciding Game 7 on Sunday. need for JuneMar (to score). We need JuneMar, and every game, nandu’n naman siya,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.TNT was looking to close out the series, but the absence of chief playmaker Jayson Castro, who sprained his ankle in Game 5; and Glenn Khobuntin, who was out due to an MCL injury, tolled heavily on the Tropang Giga’s bid. The best that the Tropang Giga could muster was to close in to within nine at 62-71, but the Beermen pumped up the assault once again with a 10-0 bomb, including a buzzer-beating triple by Jericho Cruz for a 92-68Theadvantage.Beermen were so dominant, they even led by 30 points, 112-82, with 3:42 left in the final quarter. Backing up Lassiter and Enciso was CJ Perez, who was also a crucial part of the early-game Beermen charge as he finished with 20 TNT’spoints.Roger Pogoy made 31 points, but his efforts went for naught as top offensive man Mikey Williams was limited to a conference-low two points on 1-of-13 shooting from the field.
Philippine Skating Union, the 11-day camp started last August 18, 2022, and culminated on August 29, 2022. The camp was facilitated by Artyem Kynazev, ISU Technical Specialist, and engaged the young athletes in a mix of on-ice and off-ice training. The camp also featured lectures from an International Skating Judge from Malaysia, Surayu Ismail, and sessions on sports nutrition and mental training from Dr. Kim“InMontaniel.tropicalcountries like the Philippines where access to ice forms is very limited, it is an honor for SM Supermalls to provide athletes a training ground in our ice skating rinks. In the last 11 days, I am happy that we were able to share these with our young skaters from India who along with their Filipino counterparts had the honor to be mentored by figure skating Olympian, Artyem Kynazev,” said Hans T. Sy, PHSU Chairman and SM Prime Holding’s Chairman of the Executive Committee during the culminating activity held at The Rink in SM Megamall. During the culminating event, the young figure skaters from the Philippines and their counterparts from India performed a special number where they showcased their learnings from the camp. Donned in their ice skating boots and costumes, the athletes performed a set of movements including jumps, spins, and footwork in a graceful manner. SM Ice Skating has proven its value to the market by hosting exciting events, providing a venue to promote not only family bonding but foster camaraderie among friends and colleagues. SM Skating rinks are at the SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Seaside Cebu.
The SANScores:MIGUEL 114 – Lassiter 22, Perez 20, Enciso 20, Tautuaa 15, Cruz 11, Fajardo 10, Brondial 6, Manuel 5, Ross 3, Pessumal 2, Canete 0, Herndon 0, Zamar 0, Faundo 0 TNT 96 – Pogoy 31, Tungcab 12, Rosario 10, Montalbo 8, K.Williams 8, Marcelo 5, Banal 3, Cruz 3, M.Williams 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Reyes 0 QUARTERS: 40-24, 63-50, 92-68, 114-96
Sports
By Peter Atencio SAN Miguel Beer jumped the gun on Talk N Text using a big 40-point first quarter en route to a monster 114-96 victory on Friday to level their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup showdown at 3-all at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum
AFP
TO some, ice skating is a recreational activity. It is commonly seen as a way to destress and keep cool in a warm country like the Philippines. But for young and upcoming figure skaters, it is a sport that demands serious training. For Cebuana figure skater Erphy Mackenzie, the sport is both a fun and a challenging experience. “Stepping on the ice rink gets me really hyped up. It helped me develop discipline and focus to achieve my dreams” said the 7-year-old ice skating wonder who brought home 6 gold medals at the recently concluded Skate Asia 2022 held in Malaysia.Mackenzie was among the 24 young athletes who joined the Ice Skating Developmental Camp in SM Megamall. Organized by the Ice Skating Association of India, in collaboration with the International Skating Union and the
Participants of the Figure Skating Developmental Camp in SM Megamall display their certi cates. They are shown with Hans T. Sy, PHSU Chairman and SM Prime Holding’s Chairman of the Executive Committee.
RETIRED PBA great Jimmy Alapag lauded the East Asia Super League initiative ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ aimed at creating a new training and development program for top youth players in Asia. Alapag, now part of the Stockton Kings coaching staff in the G League, said the program is a big help among young players in enhancing their fundamental skills and at the same time, learning the game from a professionals’ perspectives. “I previously coaches at East Asia Super League’s coaches’ clinic which had more than 55 different coaches from around the world. I know how valuable these types of programs are for development at all levels, and I can’t wait to work with EASL again to help the next generation of talent,” said the 44-year-old guard, one of the 40 Greatests players in PBA history. Alapag twice graced the EASL preevent in the past and once conducted a coaches’ clinic during the 2018 Super 8 tournament.Theelite training program for young players will be launched during the 2023 offseason.Theprogram involves on-court activities, including pro combine drills and team scrimmages in a tournamentstyleOffformat.thecourt, they will also participate in interactive educational sessions led by industry experts, such as current and former top players and coaches in the region as well as appearances from EASL NBA ambassadors It’s not only Alapag who appreciates the youth program, though, but just about everybody in the league. “The energy, camaraderie and competitive nature will create an exceptional learning environment for the next generation of elite basketball players. I’m excited to see what EASL has in store and I’m looking forward to working with them more on this initiative,” said EASL Ambassador Metta World Peace. “I remember going to elite basketball camps in high school and that is what inspired me to go on this basketball journey. I was introduced to professionals like Steve Nash, trained and learned from him. From that moment on, I was pursuing basketball and all the opportunities that can be found in the sport. I’m excited to now have the opportunity to provide the same inspiration to the next generation by working with young players in the region with East Asia Super League” said former NBA player and current Bay Area Dragons big man Andrew“ThisNicholson.issomething that is needed to continue helping young ballers in Asia make strides towards reaching the next level. As someone involved in youth training, the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ has my full support and I can’t wait to see it grow with Asia’s best hoopers. Who knows, we might just see the next future superstar in this program” said Head of Youth Programs at SK Knights, Kwon YongTheUng.training programs and games will take place in the off-season, taking into consideration youth players’ school schedules and professional players and coaches’ seasons. “My responsibility is to ensure the health and wellness of each player on the Bay Area Dragons. I am looking forward to seeing EASL launch the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ which is part of elevating the game. It’s very exciting that there will be a strong emphasis on athlete wellness on and off the court. The development and education through the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ will enable fans and the best upcoming players to experience the highest level of basketball competition,” said the Bay Area Dragons Head Strength Coach Francesco Berre. East Asia Super League is East Asia’s premier basketball league and entertainment experience, bringing together top men’s club teams together for the first time ever to compete in a home-and-away regional championship integrated into the schedules of their domestic seasons, elevating the sport in the region. EASL’s inaugural home-and-away season panregional format tips off October 12.
NEW YORK—Three-time NBA All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday for three players and three NBA Draft picks, according to multiple reports. The deal, reported by ESPN and The Athletic, comes two months after the Jazz moved superstar French big man Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.Clevelandwill send Collin Sexton, Finnish 7-foot forward Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, a 22-year-old US guard and their top draft pick this year, as well as three future firstround picks plus two pick swaps to theSexton,Jazz. a 23-year-old US guard, will reportedly ink a four-year sign and trade deal worth $72 million on his way to the Jazz. Neither club immediately confirmed the move but Mitchell, nicknamed Spider, retweeted Cleveland All-Star guard Darius Garland’s tweet “10 and (spider emoji)” with exclamationCombinedpoints.with the haul from the Gobert trade, the Jazz obtained seven first-round NBA Draft picks and three pick swaps from 2023-2029 as well as nine players, who of whom were 2022 first-round selections. Mitchell averaged 25.9 points and 4.2 rebounds last season as well as career highs of 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals. He joins a Cavaliers lineup with Garland and 2022 All-Star center Jarrett Allen and 2022 All-Rookie forward Evan Mobley. The Jazz had winning seasons and went to the playoffs in each of Mitchell’s five years in Utah, but never reached the Western Conference finals and only twice reached the second round of the playoffs.
1st figure skating development camp in PH culminates at SM Megamall
The hot-shooting duo combined for 12-of-18 from the outside as San Miguel Beer punched the Tropang Giga in the mouth right in the opening minutes. In the first half alone, Lassiter and Enciso buried nine treys as the Beermen led by as many as 26 in the first half, before posting a 6350 halftime lead. Best Player of the Conference JuneMar Fajardo stayed in the sidelines with 10 po ints, and focused on protecting the boards with 13 rebounds, five assists, and a block.
Peter Atencio
Guiao, NLEX part JapanWrightways;joinsleague
Green roof deck garden
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022C2 Home/DesignJoel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com
Shown in photo is Mayor Calixto-Rubiano (center in pink) and OKBet volunteers with the street sweepers at the ‘Kapit Kamay’ project of the city government and OKBet.
The Mega Tower is built for efficient density planning, with a core workspace of 92,055 sqm. and a minimum 2,000 sqm of typical leasable space per floor. “We are proud to contribute to the already impressive Ortigas CBD skyline and to bring to market an environmentally friendly and premium development that promotes the well-being of our tenants,” said Alexis Ortiga, vice president for SM Prime Commercial Properties Group.
THE pandemic shone a spotlight on the workspace of the future, the re-imaging of which aims to reduce negative environmental impact while helping improve employee morale and health. Companies have turned to integrating sustainability features into the workplace in the postcovid world of work. JEG Tower One Acacia, a LEED Gold certified 22-storey office and high-rise development in Cebu City, recently unveiled six sustainability features which companies should consider when rethinking the workplace of the next generation.According to JEG Realty, the real estate arm of JEG Development Corporation, the features are: Green transportation Green transportation in the workplace, characterized by its cost-efficiency and ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At JEG Tower One Acacia, cycling as an alternative mode of transport as space is by allocated in the building for bike racks for those who want to pedal their way to work.“All employees in the building are encouraged to own a bike to champion a healthy lifestyle and at the same time reduce their own carbon footprints,” claimed Marko Sarmiento, JEG Realty’s president. “After pedaling their way to the office, employees can use any of the five water-conserving shower rooms in the parking area to freshen up before they go to Apartwork.”from bike racks, there are seven specially designated parking spaces that are painted green for Low-Emission Fuel-Efficient (LEFE) vehicles, such as electric and hybrid-powered cars. These allow workers in the building to save up on fuel and reduce pollution.
Shaping the workplace of the future
With office employees spending most of their time indoors, an essential sustainability feature that companies need to integrate into their workplace, includes biophilic design elements, such as views of nature, green walls, and indoor planting. These play a role in minimizing the risks of pollution and building better biodiversity.Research reveals that biophilia have positive physiological and psychological impacts on humans. Businesses should learn to embrace biophilic design as it has been found to reduce stress and improve productivity as well as creativity in the workplace.“JEGTower One Acacia is one of the premium-grade office developments in the Philippines that takes it a notch higher through its pioneering green roof—a relaxing space that features local flora and fauna that is made accessible to all occupants of their building,” said Sarmiento. The roof deck’s flora can also help bolster humidity levels to the 30%–60% range required for human health. It likewise features native and adaptive vegetation to ensure less maintenance and reduced costs by minimizing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Solar panels A growing number of companies in the Philippines have invested in solar panels to attract tenants and occupiers. By using solar power instead of the municipal power supply, businesses can limit the production of greenhouse gases. What makes solar energy an even more viable sustainability feature in the workplace is it reduces operational costs, which means businesses can expect a partial cut in their monthly utility bills. Solar panels are a green feature of JEG Tower One Acacia, making it the first commercial development in Cebu City to use solar energy. This tower entered into a 20-Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with COREnergy for a Zero Cash-Out solar photovoltaics (PV) plant.“The development utilizes a 40 kWp Solar PV System from over 100 pieces of Polycrystalline PV Modules installed on the building crown. The system will be able to supply electricity to power, either fully or partially, the lower ground floor to the 6th Floor,” explained Sarmiento. Sustainable building materials Building workspaces without thinking about the environmental impact of the materials is slowly becoming a thing of theCommonpast. eco-friendly measures include the selection of energy-efficient lights and office equipment, and flooring and wall finishes that are sustainably sourced, such as reclaimed wood or recycled construction materials. Reduced usage of water, power Businesses have also come under increasing scrutiny over the business costs of their operations. By putting in place energy-efficient devices, companies will not only be able to conserve electric power and water. These will also allow them to save money in the long run. “Water efficiency and conservation are at the heart of JEG Tower One Acacia,” said Sarmiento. “It promises around 32% reduced water usage by employing a rainwater collection system and low plumbing fixtures that increase the efficiency of water use in the building. The rainwater collection system can reduce utility costs and allocate treated water for more important use.” Waste management, recycling Another way businesses choose to build a healthier environment is by implementing a recycling program throughout the workplace. Most millennials today want companies to be more environmentally conscious to ensure a sustainable supply chain.One of the ways to achieve this is to practice recycling, which helps to save resources, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy, and minimize emissions associated with transporting waste to landfills. JEG Tower One Acacia prioritizes proper waste disposal and recycling. It collects and stores waste materials for recycling, including the diversion and demolition of debris from disposal in landfills and incineration facilities. The six sustainability features advocated by JEG Tower One Acacia are poised to take center stage in the workplace of the next generation.
Home of choice in Laguna
In 2020, Ameria was awarded by PropertyGuru as winner of best housing development in Metro Davao. This is in addition to Agriya’s award from the same body as winner of best residential green development.DamosaLand recently held a blessing for Ameria’s biggest house model, Acacia – a 330 square-meter (sqm) property with an area curated specifically for gardening. The 9-hectare residential subdivision currently has 177 units of available lots, 75 units of open lots and 102 units of house and lot properties. The company will also be turning over the first batch of Magnolia houses this year to their future dwellers. These units boast of long-lasting and high-performance wall panels from Connovate – a producer of sustainable and recyclable high-performance concrete (HPC).
Damosa Land brings its residents closer to nature
Reach for the sky in Ortigas CBD
Best developmentBestdevelopment,housingresidentialgreenawardee
LOCATED in the agriculture-rich area of Panabo, Davao Del Norte is Damosa Land’s Ameria, a subdivision that offers its future residents a chance to live a contemporary, nature-filled lifestyle within Agriya -- an agri-tourism site recognized by the Department of Tourism as among the country’s “future farms.” The property boasts of wide open spaces anchored in nature – a perfect example of what the future of real estate is bound to look like postpandemic. Damosa Land allotted over 6,000 square meters of space for open parks, playgrounds, and community garden patches for the future residents of Ameria. This is as big as an average of 13 basketball courts combined. “We strive to establish green and eco-friendly spaces, so that individuals and families alike can breathe clean and fresh air while engaging in fun community activities within the property,” said Damosa Land President Cary Lagdameo.
OKBET, PASAY LGU REACH OUT TO CITY’S ‘ALING OTIKS.’ Over 500 street sweepers of Pasay City recently received recognition for their efforts and sacrifice when OKBet, a sports book platform owned and operated by Ekxinum, Inc. partnered with the city government to give our food and safety packs during a ceremony held at the Cuneta Astrodome. Pasay City Mayor Emmy Calixto-Rubiano, who was holding her birthday at the time, personally handed out the food and safety packs to the city’s ‘Aling Otiks’, referring to the beloved street sweeper icon in the Nonoy Marcelo pop comic strip, ‘Tisoy’. Each food pack contained 5kgs of rice, a spaghetti package, canned goods, powdered drinks, and snacks. Over 500 boxes of face masks were also distributed. ‘This activity serves as recognition of the efforts and sacrifice of the city’s street sweeping to keep the city safe and clean amidst the global pandemic,’ said Mayor Calixto-Rubiano.
SM PRIME Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) recently launched its tallest structure todate – the 50-storey Mega Tower located in the SM Megamall Complex, Ortigas Central Business Distrioct. SM Offices, SM Prime’s commercial real estate arm, collaborated with Miamibased Arquitectonica, architect-on-record W.V. Coscolluela & Associates, and LEED consultant C.A. Tatlonghari, for the structure’s design, particularly its curvilinear and sculptural form.
BRIA’s 27-hectare residential enclave, BRIA Homes Calamba, and its mid-rise condominium Astra, both located in Brgy. Bañadero, Calamba, Laguna, are poised to benefit from the Bucal-San Jose Bypass Road, expected to relieve traffic in some of the busiest areas in Calamba. With twenty-one economic zones, Laguna is often cited as one of the fastestgrowing centers of economic growth in the Philippines. The province’s close proximity to Metro Manila and rapid modernization have given rise to a wide variety of booming industries. BRIA further ups the ante for Calamba living with recreational and security amenities that are not ordinarily offered by similar residential developments in the area.Interested homebuyers can immerse themselves through BRIA’s 360 Virtual Tours in www.bria.com.ph, and inquire online through the company’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BRIAHomesIncOfficial
Using your hazard lights while driving can create havoc on the road since the other drivers at your back might think that you are already parked and having some trouble, making him veer dangerously to the left or right in order to avoid you and might cause an accident. Despite the never-ending warnings every now and then, many hard-headed motorists continue to use the hazard lights while driving on a rainy day as if that is the “right way” to be seen while on the road. But that is simply wrong and should be avoided at allTherecost. are so many articles everywhere you can read about the correct driving on the road while it is raining. All you need to do is Google them.
The best thing to do during a driving rain and the visibility is poor is to look for a “bay” where you can park your car and have your hazards on. If you couldn’t find one, slow down towards the inner right lane, open your headlight and continue driving.
Yes, that is completely wrong. Even while you are driving fast on the left lane, you need to give way to those already at your back by simply veering carefully to your right whenever possible. And that is even if both of you are negotiating the same 100 kph limit on the highway. Under the normal highway rule, again the leftmost lane is for overtaking only.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022 C3 MILO RIVERA Sub-editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com
By Julian Cardenas
Honda Trail Ride 2022 brings more customers to Ride Red in Negros Oriental Confessions of a Benz owner: The brutal, yet fulfilling reality endeavors but as with everything there’s a price to Brian Ang, businessman of sold years of being Time for heart-racing drives with all-new Toyota GR 86
HONDA Philippines Inc., (HPI) recently held an exhilarating riding activity in Negros Oriental province with a theme “Feel Your Adventure.” The destination highlights Sibulan as the starting point traversing the trail up to the mountainous landscape of Valencia.According to HPI Vice President for MC Sales and Supply Chain Management Jomel Jerezo, the theme “Feel Your Adventure” showcases Honda CRF’s impressive off-road capabilities and features. “We chose to have the first Trail Ride in Negros Oriental as we want to honor the strong fan base and high demand for the CRF here in Dumaguete, and the rest of the Negros Province”. Additionally, according to Jerezo, the goal is to inspire more customers to take their CRF experience to the next level. “We want to expand the off-road and more customers to choose red, and to Ride Red,” which pertains to the Honda offroad lifestyle using the CRF. The Trail Ride participants are proud owners of CRF150L and CRF300L coming from different places such as Sibulan, Dumaguete City, Guihulngan, Jimalalud, Zamboanguita and as far as San Carlos City. They were welcomed and oriented by the Trail Master and Team Leader for Safety Riding to the 70-km trail route prepared for them with a mix of Dirt, Muddy, Rocky, and concrete road passing Mag-aso Sulfur Vent. The ride concluded at the far wide mountain views of Valencia, where all riders witnessed its glorious water stream, landscape, peaks, view decks, and the mountain region. This year, the CRF reached another milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, which is considered the model that had paved the way in the field of off-road riding and motorsports. Additionally, the rich and winning history of the CRF makes it the most celebrated motorcycle in the off-road world, marked by its remarkable wins at the World Championship such as Dakar, Rally, MXGP, AMA Supercross, and AMA Motocross. Truly, when it comes to adventure bikes, there’s nothing quite like the CRF that will inspire more users to choose red, to ride red, and be connected to off-road adventures. Watch for the announcement of the upcoming trail rides schedules, happening soon in Luzon and Mindanao.
Motoring
DRIVING on rainy days is a hassle especially to the new duringdownneedYoudrivers.reallytoslowespeciallydriving rains in order to “feel” your surroundings. Getting into accidents at this time should be avoided at all cost. Imagine the hassle you and the other parties could create when you get entangled in the middle of the streets full of traffic with the rains pouring so hard. Majority of the motorists slow down during a downpour simply because of several reasons –they couldn’t see the road ahead clearly, carefully avoiding accidents, they are not that experience in negotiating roads under driving rain, vehicles in front are slowing down too, avoiding potholes that are already filled with waters, flooded streets, and many others. For this, the general rule is really to slow down and keep your cool, too! If you cannot stand the very slow moving traffic you better look for a mall parking where you can spend time to wait for the rain to stop and the traffic to ease up. Driving on an ordinary street is different from that on a highway. There is a big difference. You can easily see and differentiate those “men” from the “boys” especially during driving rain and at night on the highway. They make several mistakes that need to be corrected immediately, or else they might think what they are doing is right.
THE country’s leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) finally released the hotly anticipated addition to its TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (GR) lineup —the All-New Toyota GR 86. After its first local appearance at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival last July and the start of pre-orders announced during 8.6 Day last August 6, the GR 86 has been made officially available in TMP’s GR Performance Dealerships nationwide last August 26. The All-New Toyota GR 86 is an exciting upgrade and a great homage to the revered Toyota 86 line. Now branded with the GR badge that celebrates Toyota’s racing spirit, the GR 86 comes in with greater steering feedback and sharper handling, whether you’re tackling the race track or navigating everyday roads. Dominate the roads with the All-New GR 86 as it comes dashing with features that will raise your racing experience to the next level. Roaring with a hefty 2.4L 4-cylinder, horizontally-opposed, DOHC, 16-valve engine, the All-New GR 86 is a full blooded sports car ready to champion the tracks. There is no holding back with its powerful performance at 237PS and 250Nm maximum output and maximum torque—a great step up from its classic predecessor. Driving performance cars will always be exhilarating so it is important that you have peace of mind. The All-New Toyota GR 86 comes with safety features like SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HSA), and Limited Slip Differential (LSD)—which are all safety staples in both the A/T and M/T. Aside from these safety features, the A/T variant also comes with a GR Active Safety Suite, a combination of special safety features which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). As the All-New GR 86 aces in racing power, it won’t back down in design as well. Drive comfortably in leather and suede seats for A/T and all-fabric for M/T. Plus, make your every turn stylish with a leather steering wheel. Its striking ducktail rear spoiler and piano black outside rear view mirrors are sure head turners, along with its alloy wheels. Price starts at Php 2,328,000.00 for M/T and 2,499,000.00 for A/T. It is available in Ignition Red, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Bright Blue, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. Race to the nearest GR Performance Dealership near you to check out the All-New Toyota GR 86. With the arrival of the All-New Toyota GR 86, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing continues to promote the culture of pushing the limits for better, further promoting motorsports in the country. The GR 86 joins TMP’s other GR models previously introduced – the GR Supra and GR Yaris.
T HE Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) has announced the return of the Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), a highlyanticipated biennial event that brings the country’s biggest auto manufacturers and distributors together to showcase their latest vehicles and cutting-edge technologies, happening this September 15-18. Now in its 8th edition, PIMS 2022 focuses on introducing innovations that will provide safer, more efficient and sustainable mobility to the people with the theme “Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good’’. This year’s motor show returns after a fouryear hiatus where the motoring industry players have been constantly adjusting and adapting to the needs of consumers relative to the impacts of the pandemic. Throughout the years, CAMPI has remained steadfast in its commitment to push the automotive industry forward by working with the government and the private sector alike in creating policies, programs, and other activities that not only maximize the industry’s role in the country’s economic growth and development, but also provide mobility solutions that cater to the ever-changing needs of Filipinos. “Despite the challenges, we are positive that the industry is on its way to revival and recovery as evidenced by the double digit growth in the past month with an 18.4% increase in vehicle sales year-to-date. Currently, we are almost at 57% of our annual industry target,” said Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez. In line with our road to recovery, we are happy to bring back the much-awaited Philippine International Motor Show, gathering the industry’s biggest car manufacturers to showcase how the latest vehicles and mobility innovations can drive us towards a better and more sustainable future,”added Atty. Gutierrez. As such, PIMS brings together 13 of the top automotive brands including long-term partners BMW, Foton, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, and Toyota, as well as new members Chery, Geely, and Hyundai in unveiling their latest and most recent innovations that will drive the future of mobility. This year, Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) will be the exclusive auto financing partner and diamond sponsor of the motor show. Serving as the official mobility partner, Foton will be providing 3 Modernized Jeepneys as shuttle service during the 4-day event. From 10AM to 7PM, the shuttles will ferry guests free of charge between two pickup points, World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center.Like previous editions of PIMS, the motor show will feature exclusive car launches and car displays in the brand booths and daily presentations of the country’s leading auto manufacturers. In addition, spectators and guests of the motor show can look forward to test driving some of the latest vehicles in the market from participating brands. There’s a place for aftermarket retail booths where special parts and service appointments will be offered, and several car clubs will hold car meets during the duration of the motor show. Spectators can also participate in a wide variety of family activities prepared to make the 8th edition of PIMS an enjoyable experience for everyone. Don’t miss the 8th PIMS at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from September 15 to 18, 2022 (Thursday to Sunday). Tickets can be purchased at the venue for PHP 200 each, with the first 1,000 ticket buyers getting a 50% discount every show day. Gates will be open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
SINCE its foundation in 1926, The German giant luxury autohaus Mercedes Benz has become a symbol of luxury and power in society - as seen with executives riding at the back of a vehicle with the recognizable three pointed star. The financial capability of being able to afford one shows your success in all of pay.there’sasendeavorslife’sbutwitheverythingapricetoBrianAng,businessman and proprietor of a construction firm shared his ownership experience briefly. “Wanting one weighed more than the cost,” Ang described it all in a single phrase. He has been exposed to the German brand as early as his childhood since his father owned several units, which soon inspired him to be able to have his own. Years later, he was able to purchase a C280 sedan in 2010 but quickly sold it after a few overwhelmed with the maintenance costs - a common plague that afflicts anyone who makes a choice to purchase these luxury vehicles and Ang was not exempted. He declined to reveal the list of expenses that he had done to maintain his Benz. However, with hard work and bouts of success in recent years , he was drawn to purchase another model in 2018, the executive E200 AMG sedan. When asked why he purchased another Mercedes , he stated that he was drawn to the comfort and ambience of the vehicle alongside its durability - something the Silvers Arrows takes more than identity with. But with dark times ahead and the pandemic, Ang has plans to sell his E-class but is willing to purchase another Benz in the future should business be good. “If you can afford them then shoot! Just be ready for the bills,” says Ang in a final statement to future first time Benz owners.
Mobility innovation for humanity’s common good PH INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW RETURNS
New drivers tend to slow down when it rains on highways buy never bother to go on the right side even though the traffic is light on that side. They still continue to hug the left lane which is only reserved for overtaking and fast vehicles.
Another interesting bad habit of many new, and even old, drivers is that of using their hazards when it rains so hard and the visibility is poor. This is wrong since it is very dangerous and you might create a pile-up.
Negotiatingwetroads
By Maria Michaela Nabaza
Ishimaru also underlined that while the cybercriminal group is known for targeting Android devices, Roaming Mantis’ recent campaign showed interest in iOS users. Using the same techniques, the smishing messages targeting iOS users contain a very short description and a URL to a landing page. If a user clicks on the link and opens the landing page, there are two scenarios: iOS users are redirected to a phishing page imitating the official Apple website, while the Wroba malware is downloaded on Android devices. If a victim inputs his credentials to the phishing website, it will then proceed to the 2FA (two-factor authentication) phishing website. This allows the attacker to know the user’s device, credentials, and 2FA codes.“There is a notion that iOS is a more secure operating system. However, we must take two things into account —the increasing sophistication of mobile bankers’ social engineering techniques and malware arsenal and the possibility for human errors. Remember that both Anubis and Roaming Mantis require user’s participation before they can take over a device. With more than half (63%) of digital payments in APAC doing their financial transactions online through mobile devices, awareness is no longer enough. Protecting our smartphones is a step that everyone should be doing by now,” adds Ishimaru.Kaspersky expert suggests two layers of protection for smartphones Basic security: Keep phones up-to-date and install the latest patches; Reboot daily; Do NOT trust third-party apps and mobileconfig; NEVER click on links sent through SMS; Install a security solution like Kaspersky Total Security Advanced protection: Use a VPN to mask your traffic; Check live network traffic using live Indicator of Compromise (IOCs); Use Lockdown Mode for iOS 16 users mobile device users want to be able to play more games and stream more video. The global market for mobile gaming is projected to reach US$153 billion by 2027, growing at an annual growth rate of 11.5% , while the market for video streaming is forecasted to reach US$972 billion by 2030, growing 18.1% on average annually . These glasses are not just about fun and games. As hybrid work has become the new norm, professionals are looking to get more done on their mobile devices, but working on private business-critical documents on a PC in public spaces creates risk. Using the Lenovo Glasses T1, workers have a private workspace to prevent shoulder surfing. The Lenovo Glasses T1 is ready to meet the demands of many different users. In addition to most full-function USB-C-equipped Windows, Android, and MacOS devices, the glasses can also connect with Lightning Connectorequipped iOS devices via an optional adapter . To maximize comfort for extended use, the Lenovo Glasses T1 is equipped with swappable nose clips, adjustable temple arms and supports custom prescription lenses via an in-box attachable frame. Superb image quality is achieved with leadingedge micro-OLED display technology, delivering incredible color richness and a super-high contrast ratio of 10,000:1. With high optical efficiency and low overall power consumption, the Lenovo Glasses T1 can stream videos or play games from tethered mobile devices for up to hours without worrying about draining the batteries of the connected devices.
Suguru Ishimaru, Senior Malware Researcher for Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky
campaignMantis”“RoamingtheTrojanmobilefromsmartphoneshowcompanycybersecurityGlobalsharestosecure“Anubis”andinfamous
DOST, SciencelaunchTikTokPinoySTARCamp2022
“We are one with TikTok in taking an active role in supporting the science and technology community and providing an informative and educational channel for the Filipino audience,” Niñaliza Escorial, Deputy Executive Director, said. Pinoy Science STARs will be given a total of $2,000 TikTok Promotional Coupons with exclusive rewards and perks from DOSTPCIEERD and TikTok, while the top three Pinoy Science STARs will receive $500 TikTok promotional coupons from TikTok, along with certificates, Pinoy Science and DOST-PCIEERD Merchandise, and TikTok Merchandise.
From gaming, streaming, privacy on the go
Mobile banking Trojans are one of the most dangerous species in the malware world. This type of threat steals money from mobile users’ bank accounts usually by disguising the Trojans as legitimate apps to lure people into installing the malware. Kaspersky’s elite researcher—Suguru Ishimaru—zeroed in on the mobile threat landscape in APAC to answer: what if there are no smartphones? Sharing the reality that users cannot live without a mobile device, he unmasked the latest malware targeting iOS and Android users in APAC during the company’s 8th Cyber Security Weekend in Phuket, Thailand. Anubis is a mobile banking Trojan targeting Android users as early as 2017. Its worldwide campaigns targeted users from Russia, Turkey, India, China, Colombia, France, Germany, the US, Denmark, and Vietnam. This malware family continues to be one of the most common mobile bankers, according to Kaspersky’s latest mobile statistics in the second quarter of 2022. In this period, one in 10 (10.48%) of unique Kaspersky users globally who encountered a banking threat have encountered Anubis mobile banking Trojan. Initial infections are done through multiple ways—legitimate-looking and high-ranking but malicious apps available on Google Play, smishing (phishing messages sent through SMS), and Bian malware, another mobile banking Trojan. Once in, this infamous mobile banker can do a complete device takeover. It can steal personal information and identity, access private messages and login credentials, record sound, request GPS, disable play protection, lock the device’s screen, and more. “Anubis is known for compromising hundreds of bank customers per campaign, proving that it’s among the most active malware targeting Android users right now. Our recent findings show that the cybercriminals behind
THE Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development announced its search for potential Science and Technology content creators recently. Called the Science and Technology Advocates for Research Camp 2022, the search is a DOSTPCIEERD campaign to find the next generation of Science Communicators in the Philippines.
Performance-cores with E cient-cores enable you to chat, browse, stream, edit, record, and play and the Intel Thread Director keeps your gaming free of interruptions. troSense utility app to adjust fan speeds, lighting, and other settings.For a gaming experience like no other, the Acer Nitro 5 has dual 2W speakers. With DTS:X Ultra, sounds are clear and can be delivered in a 3D spatial soundscape, so you can hear your opponents clearly and withoutPerformance-coreslags. with Efficient-cores enable you to chat, browse, stream, edit, record, and play and the Intel Thread Director keeps your gaming free of interruptions. This means background tasks won’t slow you down. For more information about Acer, follow Acer Philippines on its social media platforms: @AcerPH on Facebook, @acerph on Instagram, and @acerphils on Twitter or go to www.acer.com.
Acer
“We hope this competition brings out the ingenuity, creativity, and sense of humor of Filipinos using science as content,” Escorial said during the Filipinoslaunching..18yearsold and above with an active TikTok account can apply for STAR Camp 2022 until September 22, 2022, where 10 selected Science Communicators will be the next TikTok content creators for the Pinoy Science account. Content creators, students, social media managers or influencers, DOST-PCIEERD partner researchers and project officers are all eligible to participate. However, each TikTok user is only allowed one account and one video entry. Executive Director Enrico Paringit encouraged researchers, scientists, TikTokPinoybeandAppeal;Information;edge;forcriteriaPCIEERDaSciencewhyDOST-PCIEERD’s(whichDOST-PCIEERD’stioncontaininghashtaguploadtoday.theformative,bleskillsinmunicationpractitioners,science-communicationthemedia,andcom-studentstoparticipateSTARCamp2022toharnessinlearningscienceconcepts.Meanwhile,Escorialurgedeligi-applicantstocreatesmart,in-andrelevantcontentwithproliferationofdisinformationSTARapplicantsmustcreateandacreativevideowiththe#PinoyScienceSTARako,theirname,anexplana-ofthesciencebehindoneoftechnologiesparticipantscanviewonwebsite),andtheyshouldbethenextPinoySTAR.TheBoardofJudgeswillbefive-personteamfromDOST-andTikTok,withtheforjudgingbeing35percentDeliveryofScientificKnowl-25percentforAccuracyof20percentforVisual15percentforCreativity;5percentforOnlineImpact.Thefinal10STARCamperswillannouncedvirtuallythroughtheScienceFacebookpageandLive.
New Lenovo Glasses T1 Wearable Display:
C4 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022 Tech & Gadgetsrumallari@thestandard.com.ph
ACER Nitro 5 is the brand’s best bet for a gaming laptop that will give you value for money. It’s an affordable laptop that can be used not just for gaming but also for content creation, including video editing and even visual effects with its graphically capable hardware and highquality display. This multi-tasking gaming laptop, which is available in 15 inches and 17 inches, offers the most realistic and immersive ray-traced graphics and cutting-edge AI features like Nvidia DLSS.The Nitro 5 offers power with a 12th Gen Intel CoreTM i7 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTXTM 30 Series GPUs (fully optimized for maximum MGP). The laptop can be configured for maximum speed and massive storage with two slots for M.2 PCIe SSDs and up to 32GB of DDR4 3200 RAM. The Nitro 5 offers a 165Hz refresh rate and 3ms2 response time so gaming is quick and powerful. Gaming and content creation will be fast and seamless with the the 4-zone RGB keyboard and dedicated NitroSense Key while the WASD and arrow keys are highlighted for easy visibility.You’ve got the power when you play on the Acer Nitro 5, which has Killer Ethernet E2600 and Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i. For connectivity, there is a full range of ports, including HDMI 2.1 and the newest USB 3.2 standard with Gen1 and 2 support. With the Acer Nitro 5, you won’t have to deal with overheating ever again. The updated chassis has dual- fan cooling, dual-intakes (top and bottom), and a quad-exhaust port design. You can open the NiNitro 5: Power-packed multitasking gaming laptop
Kaspersky unmasksmalicious campaigns targeting Android, iOS users in AsPac
LENOVO announced the new Lenovo Glasses T1 wearable private display for on-the-go content consumption. Compatible with many of today’s modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops with full-function USB-C®, the Lenovo Glasses T1 offers superb image quality, high-efficiency optics for extended battery life, and is lightweight so users can explore and enjoy content well beyond the limited screen size of mobile devices. With mobile devices growing in computing power, mobile gamers, road warriors and just about everyone else will benefit from the power of carrying a personal monitor in their pocket. The trend is clear, this threat have started implementing ransom functionalities. If this modification proves to be successful, chances are other malicious groups will copy the same technique of stealing data and holding devices hostage. As a result, I expect to see more of such attacks in APAC due to cybercriminals’ strong financial motivation,” says Ishimaru, Senior Malware Researcher for Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky. The threat against Android and iOS users: Roaming Mantis Another prolific threat actor targeting mobile banking users, globally and in the APAC region, is Roaming Mantis. The group carries out malicious campaigns that target Android devices and spreads mobile malware initially via DNS hijacking and currently through smishing. Kaspersky experts have been tracking its operations since 2018 and detected almost half a million attacks in APAC from 2021 to the first half of 2022. Most numbers of the malware were blocked from infecting Kaspersky users in Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, and China.
Lenovo Glasses T1
WITH the continued uptick in the adoption of mobile banking in Asia Pacific, global cybersecurity company Kaspersky warns of more attacks against Android and iOS devices. Particularly, active monitoring shows the notorious Anubis Trojan now delivers a combination of mobile banking Trojan with smartphones.functionalitiesransomwaretoitstarget
