WARM WELCOME. President Ferdinand Marcos and his delegation, which includes members of the Cabinet and Speaker Martin Romualdez, are warmly welcomed by members of the Filipino community in Jakarta Sunday evening. Mr. Marcos is in Indonesia -- home to around 7,451 Filipinos – for a three-day state visit before he proceeds tomorrow to Singapore in his two-nation inaugural foreign trip.
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
HIS first foreign trip as Chief Executive and first visit to Jakarta, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday vowed to make the Philippines more conducive for tourism and investment and create more jobs at home so Filipinos wouldn’t have to chase opportunities abroad.
DA
AN INCREASE in global hospitali zation and deaths from COVID-19 in the coming months is “reasonable to expect,” a World Health Organization (WHO) official said. In a recent media briefing, WHO Di rector-General Tedros Adhanom Ghe breyesus said COVID-related deaths have been declining globally, but the approaching colder weather and the continued spread of Omicron subvari ants may bring risk to people’s health.
On Sunday warned of low farm yields and even food shortages if farmers are unable to use the P9 billion government subsidies as she urged the Department of Agri culture (DA) to hasten its release. The amount, Marcos said, would be used by farmers to buy fertilizers and other farm inputs. Marcos said the subsidies should be distributed to the rice farmers who are now preparing for the wet planting sea son this September to October. “The DA is creating bigger problems for itself if it delays the release of farmer sub sidies. Farm yields for the country’s staple crops cannot be maintained, much less in creased, if farmers can’t afford fertilizers and quit their livelihood,” she said. Rice farmers sought help from Mar cos’s office and complained that the sees more patients, deaths calls out for slow release of gov’t
“With colder weather approaching in the northern hemisphere, it’s rea sonable to expect an increase in hos pitalizations and deaths in the coming months.
By Rio N. Araja
“These vaccination gaps pose a risk to all of us. So, please get vaccinated if you are not, and get a booster if it’s rec ommended that you have one,” he said.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not step in just yet to resolve the face mask mandate row in Cebu City as he is still weighing the positions of various agencies as well as that of the local government, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in an inter view in Jakarta on Sunday. “Primarily, this is a matter for the Department of Health and it will be the DOH who will primarily advise the President on health matters. That being said, we will also have to wait because
In Indonesia for three days in his first state visit, Mr. Marcos nevertheless lauded overseas Filipino workers in Ja karta and elsewhere in the Philippines’ southern neighbor for becoming “valued members of the local society.”
TIGER Resort Asia Ltd. (TRAL) has suc cessfully reinstated its board members in Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI) and ousted a rival board in casino resort Okada Manila. This came after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAG COR) enforced its order to implement the status quo ante order (SQAO) within its proper context over the weekend. Despite a brief scuffle, as Kazuo Okada’s board tried to bar government authorities from entering Okada Ma nila, the transition was generally peace ful, TRAL said in a statement Sunday. Police officers assisted PAGCOR repre sentatives in enforcing the order, it added.
Press chief says Palace won’t act yet on face mask concern in Cebu
By Vince Lopez I N
PAGCOR intervention brings order to Okada Manila row caption LocsinTeodoroJr.
The Philippines is seeing an “im provement” in its COVID-19 situation with the continued decline of reported COVID-19 cases, ABS-CBN Data Ana lytics head Edson Guido said. But Department of Health (DOH) of ficer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire
High-income countries, meanwhile, have yet to vaccinate 30 percent of health workers and 20 percent of older people.
COVID
Pimentel said the P1-billion fund would be used to provide tax-free compensation to lawful owners of res idential, commercial and other prop erties, including cultural structures, destroyed or damaged during the Marawi siege, and owners of private properties demolished in accordance with the Marawi recovery, rehabilita tion and reconstruction program.
WHO
By Vince Lopez
subsidy to farmers Locsin named envoy to Britain, Northern Ireland VOL. XXXVI • NO. 202 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
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Sub-variants of Omicron are more transmissible than their pre decessors, and the risk of even more transmissible and more dangerous variants remains,” he said.
Ghebreyesus also noted that vaccination rate among most at-risk people remains low, particularly in low-income countries.
SENATOR Imee Marcos
Locsin will have concurrent jurisdic tion over Ireland, Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey, and Bailiwick of Guernsey, according to his appointment papers dated Aug. 30. He will also have the salary and emol uments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. Under his term as DFA chief, Locsin pursued former President Rodrigo Du terte’s “independent” foreign policy. He earlier said he left the department proud of its accomplishments in the field of Locsindiplomacy.isalawyer, politician and for merHejournalist.servedas speechwriter and press secretary of the late President Corazon Next page
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“The allocation for the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Fund has been included in the 2023 national budget,” he said. “The item is lodged in the P31-billion Calamity Fund for next year,” he added. The reparation fund is pursuant to the Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Law of 2022, or Republic Act No. 11696.
PBBM vows more local jobs
AT LEAST P1 billion has been set aside to compensate residents of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur who lost private property during the 2017 siege, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pi mentel said Sunday.
BRACE FOR HIGHER GRAIN PRICES. A rice retailer is seen arranging placards bearing the price per kilo of the different grain varieties at Commonwealth Market in Quezon City. An agricultural group warned on Friday that the retail price of rice could increase by as much as P5 per kilo due to the delayed disbursement of government subsidies to farmers. Manny Palmero Next page Next page Next page Next page Next page Next page
“We expect the compensation pay out to rev up reconstruction activities in Marawi by private property own ers,” he said. “The private rebuilding activities in turn will have a multiplier effect on the local economy in terms of creating new jobs and income that tend to ben efit low-income households,” he said. Under the law, the compensation fund also covers owners of mosques, madaris, schools, colleges, hospitals and other health facilities destroyed P1b set aside for victims of Marawi siege
“We made sure to visit on a Sunday on the day-off of the Pinoys here,” the President said, as he looked forward to meeting with Indonesian counter part Joko Widodo to strengthen their two countries’ bilateral relationship and partnership as well as people-topeople ties. But not losing sight of a campaign promise that helped sweep him to power via landslide in the May 9 elections, Mr.
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PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named former Foreign Affairs secre tary Teodoro Locsin Jr. as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Malacañang an nounced Sunday.
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Reassures OFWs in Indonesia of options at home during his term
During the organizational hearing of the Senate agriculture and food com mittee, Villar cited the need for their collaborative efforts to improve the lives of Filipino farmers through finan cial assistance provided to them by the government.
Bringing the rocket in and out of the building will take “several weeks,” Sarafin said.
About P18.9 billion in rice tariffs were collected by the government last year, allowing the allotment of close to P9 billion in additional farmer subsidies besides the P10 billion mandated under the Rice Tariffication Law. Marcos said that a farmer tilling one hectare to rice can save 25 percent to 33 percent on fertilizer costs with the P5,000Farmerssubsidy.usefrom six to eight bags of fertilizer per hectare and will be spend ing P15,000 to P20,000 at today’s prices of urea fertilizer. The tight global supply of fertilizer has sent local farmers reeling from prices that have tripled since 2020, from about P800 per 50-kilogram bag of urea to P2,300 to P2,500 this year. On Thursday, Senator Cynthia Villar re buked officials of the DA and challenged them to resign if they cannot do their jobs and threatened to file charges against them if they did not suspend the implementation of a memorandum that goes against the spirit of the Rice Tariffication Law.
Marcos stressed he brought along his economic managers and House Speaker Martin Romualdez to show OFWs “that the country will rise again.” “Your success here makes us proud back home. We dream that the day will come when Filipinos will only travel abroad to work because it is their choice, not because they don’t have any other option. Ito ang aking pangako na tutuparin ko bilang bago niyong Pan gulo (this is the promise I will fulfill as your new President),” he said. Before he left, the President designat ed Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio as officer-in-charge while he is in Indo nesia and Singapore for state visits. Marcos’ Special Order No. 75 dated Sept. 2 mandates Duterte to “oversee the general administration of the Exec utive Department” while the President “is outside the Republic of the Philip pines from September 4-7, 2022.” In a related development, the Philip pine government will “proceed with deliberation” on the case of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipino worker who has been on death row for 12 years in Indo nesia over drug-related charges. Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said this when asked if President Mar cos will visit Veloso, who remains in detention in Yogyakarta. Cruz-Angeles said Veloso’s case may be tackled in meetings between Filipino and Indonesian officials but did not give further details. She also assured that the President is “aware” of the appeal made by Veloso’s parents to negotiate with Widodo for clemency.
Once launched by SLS, the Orion capsule will take several days to reach the Moon, flying around 60 miles (100 kilometers) at its closest approach. The capsule will fire its engines to get to a distant retrograde orbit (DRO) of 40,000 miles beyond the Moon, a record for a spacecraft rated to carry humans. Mannequins equipped with sensors are standing in for astronauts on the Ar temis 1 mission and will record accelera tion, vibration and radiation levels. The trip is expected to last around six weeks and one of its main objectives is to test the capsule’s heat shield, which at 16 feet in diameter is the largest ever built. On its return to Earth’s atmosphere, the heat shield will have to withstand speeds of 25,000 miles per hour and a temperature of 5,000 degrees Fahren heit (2,760 degrees Celsius) – roughly half as hot as the Sun. Artemis is named after the twin sis ter of the Greek god Apollo, after whom the first Moon missions were named. Unlike the Apollo missions, which sent only white men to the Moon be tween 1969 and 1972, Artemis mis sions will see the first person of color and the first woman step foot on the lunar surface. A successful Artemis 1 mission would come as a huge relief to the US space agency, after years of delays and costTheoverruns.costof the Artemis program is estimated to reach $93 billion by 2025, with each of its first four mis sions clocking in at a whopping $4.1 billion per launch, according to a government audit. AFP
“Just imagine if one or two or three LGUs are implementing different pro tocols, what will happen to us when the virus crosses borders?” she said. “That’s one of our worries... That would be really disastrous for all of us.” 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.
Aquino before being elected as Makati representative for three consecutive terms from 2001 to 2010. Locsin also served as speechwriter for two presidents, Gloria MacapagalArroyo (2002 to 2006) and Joseph Ejercito Estrada (1998). He was also the publisher of the Philippines Free Press, and the na tional broadsheets, the Daily Globe andLocsinToday.earned his Bachelor of Laws from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1977 and a Master of Laws degree from Harvard University in 1983.
P5,000 worth of cash aid allotted to some 1.6 million farmers was slow in coming, months after the Department of Budget and Management first an nounced its availability. “Don’t put farmers’ funds in a time deposit since they’re not meant to earn interest. Speed up the release, right now,” said Marcos. The Land Bank of the Philippines said the delay was allegedly due to the DA’s problem with its ID system. “If the DA lacks the capacity to up date its RSBSA (Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture), then it should call on municipal agriculturists who ought to have a list of farmers’ co operatives in their areas of responsibil ity,” the chairman of the Senate com mittee on cooperatives said. Marcos added that the RSBSA’s list of individual farmers given access to fertilizer and seed subsidies should not exclude but continue to support those whose livelihood has grown to process their crops into value-added products.
Villar said there was a huge budget al located to projects for the farmers and stakeholders in the agriculture industry, but they found out that these funds have remained undisbursed and unobligated.
Mr. Marcos arrived at SoekarnoHatta International Airport around 1:35 p.m. PST for his inaugural state visit to Indonesia, after Widodo invited him shortly after his inauguration last July. The presidential delegation was on board Philippine Airlines PR001 includ ing First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, his son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and For eign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Members of the Marcos economic team, among them Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Finance Sec retary Benjamin Diokno, Trade Sec retary Alfredo Pascual, National Eco nomic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Bangko Sentral of the Philippines (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla, were also part of the delegation. “Together, we will make the Philip pines more conducive to tourism, for investment, at the same time creating more jobs for the economy. I am fully committed to revitalizing our country’s agricultural industry,” the President, who is concurrent Agriculture Secre tary, said of his delegation. Mr. Marcos thanked the Filipino community for their love of the coun try and their sacrifices abroad, as suring them the new Department of Migrant Workers would be fully oper ational in 2023 under Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople. “We Filipinos share with the Indo nesians a common cultural heritage. I am very happy to see that this kinship and close people-to-people ties con tinue to endure as shown by the vital ity of the Filipino community here,” the President “Napakalakisaid.ngrespeto ng mga Indo nesians sa Pilipino dahil sa inyo (Indo nesians have great respect for Filipinos because of you). You have become valued members of the local society,” he said.
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Those who got tongue lashing from Villar during the Committee’s organi
During the hearing, Villar mentioned Memo No. 34, issued during the time of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, creating an advisory council for the implementation of the farm mechanization program. This was supposed to be done by the PhilMech. The Rice Tariffication Law created a P10-billion Rice Competitiveness En hancement Fund (RCEF), P5 billion of which would be allotted to farm mecha nization, P3 billion to seedlings, and P1 billion to expanded rice credit assistance. “Don’t implement this memo. You have two memos that you implemented through Secretary Dar. The Memo 34 which cre ated an advisory council to implement the mechanization program of the RCEF, that is against the law. I will tell you I will file a case against you if you don’t stop this advisory committee,” Villar, who heads the committee, said. The senator also flared up when she learned that the P1.1 billion budget for the procurement of composting facili ties has not yet been spent. She noted that one composting ma chine will produce one ton of organic fertilizer every month. “That would be 12 tons a year. They will no longer buy fertilizer. They can recoup the cost of the composting facil ity in one year,” said Villar. Being vice chairperson of the Sen ate finance committee, Villar said she asked that P1.1 billion from the P4.4 bil lion allocated for the national rice pro gram be moved to purchase of a com posting facility for sustainability.
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NASA unsure of next Moon rocket launch
or damaged as well as other properties such as home appliances, jewelry, ma chineries, rice mills and other equip ment of value. In 2017, government troops clashed with terrorist groups who overran Marawi City. The five-month siege left Marawi in ruins, with 95 percent of the structures within the “main affected areas” of 24 barangays either heavily damaged or destroyed due to sustained aerial and artillery bombardment. An estimated 1,200 people died during the battle. While most of these were armed extremists, Amnesty In ternational reported that the militants took civilians as hostages and carried out extrajudicial killings. A number of civilians who were killed during the siege remain unidentified. The conflict dislocated over 200,000 of the city’s civilian population.
The PAGCOR resolution, dated Sept. 2 and signed by Acting Corpo rate Secretary Jessa Mariz Fernandez, stated that the gaming regulator has decided to withdraw the recognition of the Okada Manila board of direc tors created on May 2, 2022, as the Supreme Court’s SQAO dated April 27, 2022 only resulted in the return of Kazuo Okada as stockholder, director, chairman and CEO of TRLEI. As such, Dindo A. Espeleta, Anto nio O. Cojuangco, Maximo Modesto Joel C. Flores, Tetsuya Yokota, and Hiroshi Kawamura were ordered to “cease and desist from discharging their functions in connection with Okada Manila’s casino operations.” Furthermore, the court barred the so-called Cojuangco group from fur ther “disbursing funds in the Okada Manila cage and to peacefully vacate the gaming premises of Okada Ma nila’s casino and offices.” “We believe that the order from the PAG COR reflects how we have always been correct in our position in the intra-corporate dispute in Okada Manila. We are confident that the honorable Supreme Court, through the Court of Appeals, will also see the cor rectness of our position and we are hoping that we can finally set this issue to rest very soon,” TRAL Director Kenshi Asano said. The management and operations of Okada Manila were turned over to the TRAL-backed board led by TRLEI Presi dent Byron Yip, their statement said. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Re mulla issued a formal agency opinion on the matter, assuring PAGCOR of its authority to exercise its regulatory pow ers on corporate disputes concerning its stakeholders such as casino operators. “We believe that the status quo ante or der of the Supreme Court mandated only the return of Mr. Okada as stockholder, director, chairman, and CEO of TRLEI. It did not empower him to reconvene or form a new board of directors,” Remulla said in the document dated Sept. 1. “The strict interpretation of the SQAO is even expressly directed by the Supreme Court in its resolution of the motion for reconsideration that was filed to clarify the High Court’s intent in issuing the SQAO,” the Jus tice Secretary added. Kazuo Okada will be recognized in the Board for now in view of the SQAO, which temporarily restored him to his position prior to his ouster, TRAL said. “While we have successfully retak en control over the management and premises of Okada Manila, we will remain focused on resolving this mat ter with finality. A favorable outcome will help us in our plans of listing Okada Manila in the NASDAQ this year,” Asano added. Kazuo Okada and his group, in a separate statement, said they will not ac cept an opinion that is not supported and promulgated by the proper courts, add ing that legal actions will be initiated.
A FTER scrapping a second attempt to get its new 30-story lunar rocket off the ground due to a fuel leak, NASA officials said Saturday it may not be possible to try again thisThemonth.current launch window for NA SA’s Artemis 1 mission to the Moon ends Tuesday and is “definitely off the table,” said Jim Free, associate ad ministrator for Exploration Systems Development. The next possible launch window is September 19 to October 4, and failing that, October 17 to 31, NASA said. The ability to take off during those windows “will really depend on the options that the team comes back with likely on Monday or early Tuesday morning,” said Free. Millions around the globe tuned in to live coverage and crowds gathered on beaches in Florida on Saturday hoping to witness the historic blastoff of the Space Launch System (SLS). But a leak near the base of the rocket was found as ultra-cold liquid hydrogen was being pumped in, forcing a halt. The Artemis 1 space mission hopes to test the SLS as well as the unmanned Orion capsule that sits atop, in prepara tion for future Moon-bound journeys with humans aboard. The first launch attempt on Monday had also been halted after engineers de tected a fuel leak and a sensor showed that one of the rocket’s four main en gines was too hot. “This is a whole new vehicle, a whole new technology, a whole new purpose of going back to the moon and prepara tion to go to Mars,” said NASA admin istrator Bill Nelson. “Yes, it’s hard.” Artemis mission manager Mike Sarafin described the hydrogen leak as “large,” and said one of their “leading suspects” was a seal on a fueling tube. Engineering teams believe they will have to replace the seal, either directly on the launch pad or after taking the rocket back to its assembly building a few miles away. It was “too early” to entirely rule out a launch before the end of September, said Sarafin, who promised a status up date next week. NASA has previously said that the early October period would be compli cated to coordinate because a crew of astronauts will be using the Kennedy Space Center for a rocket launch to the International Space Station. In addition to the leak, another prob lem facing the SLS is its emergency self-destruct system. Designed to explode in case the rock et deviates off course, the system will likely need to be reexamined before the next launch, which can only be done in the assembly building.
clarified that the numbers are not yet stable.Vergeire said the country’s vaccina tion has yet to provide enough immu nity to the population. “We can see that our vaccination has not yet given the immunity to our population so we can proceed with the new normal that we want,” she said. “So while we are waiting for that to happen and we are working diligently toward that, I hope we can unite our efforts,” Vergeire said. Data from DOH showed that 72.6 million individuals were already fully vaccinated, but only 18.1 million re ceived booster doses, as of Friday. “That’s how big the gap is between those that have the booster shot versus those who already have two doses. So it means that many of our countrymen are fully vaccinated but have not re ceived their boosters,” Guido noted. Health officials urged the public to continue following minimum health standards to reduce the risk of COV ID-19 infection and other diseases that come with the change in weather.
Acknowledging that the farmers belong to the country’s poorest sector, Villar said the government should help them to in crease their production that would even tually augment their earnings.
right now, although the issue is ranging, there is intervention by the SILG [Sec retary of the Interior and Local Govern ment] and he has asked Cebu to kindly defer their plan,” she said. “I understand that there is a response that they [Cebu City] will not defer. So, we will wait first for further action on the part of the Department of the Inte rior, and so all of that will be taken into consideration by the President.” “For now, we will wait for a defini tive statement. The President – what we can say – is he values the opinion of the DOH but he will likewise listen to eve rybody,” Cruz-Angeles added. In defiance of a national mask man date, Cebu City made mask wearing voluntary in open spaces starting Sept. 1, despite an appeal from the DILG. DOH officer-in-charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire emphasized the importance of taking a “one-nation approach” in the country’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
Mr. Marcos noted that not all OFWs abroad chose to work away from home. “Workers are abroad not because it’s a matter of choice, but they are away from our familiar and beautiful shores constrained to leave loved ones due to the lack of opportunities back home,” he said. “That’s why I, together with the Cabi net, am fully committed to making sure that every Filipino’s economic, social, and cultural potential is fully realized in our own country,” the President added. Before his departure, the President faced the public at the Ninoy Aquino In ternational Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 to reiterate the highlights of his trip, which include strengthening the country’s bilat eral relations with Indonesia and promot ing investments in the Philippines. It was followed by departure rites led by the Armed Forces of the Philip pines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro. Also saluting their Commander-inChief during the ceremony were ma jor service commanders such as Navy Vice Commander Rear Admiral Cae sar Bernard Valencia, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Can las, and Philippine National Police Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Jose Chiquito Malayo. Marcos Jr. also shared his plans to discuss agriculture matters—which were not part of the initial advisory re garding his trip—with Indonesian Pres ident Joko Widodo, who invited him for the visit.
zational meeting were Dr. Junel Sori ano, OIC director of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM); Di onisio Alvindia, Director IV, Philippine Center for Postharvest, Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and Benjamin Madrigal, Philippine Coco nut Authority (PCA) administrator. Villar also demanded from the three a commitment that they will resign should they fail to do their jobs.
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has refiled a bill that seeks to establish in every city and municipality a nursing home that shall serve abandoned and homeless senior citizens. Under Senate Bill No. 950 or the “Homes for Abandoned Seniors Act of 2022,” these nursing homes will be operated and maintained by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with local government units (LGUs) concerned.
AUTHORITIES seized P16.3 million worth of illegal drugs from 11 suspects in separate police operations in the provinces of Kalinga and Bulacan and Davao City, the Philippine National Police said on Sunday. Salang-oy Alunday, 31, was intercepted at a checkpoint of the Tabuk City Police Station in Barangay Dupag on Friday while attempting to transport marijuana worth P15.6 million on board a white commuter van. The contraband was packed into 126 bricks and four tubular packages weighing a total of 130 kilograms.
Lawmaker wants facility for homeless elderly in all LGUs
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The appellate court made the move even as the CA reminded trial courts of its duty to protect the people’s right against illegal searches and seizure. In a 26-page decision penned by Associate Justice Emily San Gaspar-Gito, the CA’s Twelfth Division also held that all the evidence seized during the implementation of the search warrants cannot be used to prosecute Casino and her“Searchcompanions.warrants No. 5944 (19) and 5945 (19) are declared void for failure to meet the standards of a valid search warrant, and all evidence procured by virtue thereof are deemed inadmissible,” the CA said. Casino, who was then pregnant, was ‘PS-DBM likely to get zero budget, may be abolished’
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
THE Court of Appeals has nullified the search warrants issued by a Quezon City Regional Trial Court judge that led to the arrest and filing of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives against three human rights activists—Reina Mae Casino, Ram Carlo Bautista and Alma Moran.
The LGUs, however, will be tasked to build these nursing homes, the bill added.Gatchalian’s measure takes inspiration from Valenzuela City’s “Bahay Kalinga” and “Bahay Kanlungan Tahanan Nila Lolo at Lola,” both of which provided home-like environments for seniorBahaycitizens.Kalinga, which was established in 2012, is a two-story half-way home of 25 homeless or abandoned senior citizens. The four-story “Bahay Kanlungan,” which can accommodate up to 90 elderly residents, was opened in 2021. Bahay Kanlungan has its own clinic, physical therapists, psychologists, nutritionists and house parents who watch over the senior citizensWhile24/7.Valenzuela City was able to come up with solutions to cater to the needs of abandoned and homeless elders, Gatchalian said the number of unattended, neglected and homeless seniors nationwide cannot be ignored.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, for her part, said the agency has become a breeding ground for corruption. “I support my colleagues in abolishing the PS-DBM but we must investigate all transactions. One process is to give them zero budget but as of now, our priority is to identify the culprits and give justice to our countrymen,” Hontiveros said. Last week, Senator Imee Marcos filed Senate Bill 1123 or An Act Abolishing the PS-DBM, saying “the series of procurement controversies that surfaced during the pandemic must end” and that it has outlived its usefulness. “The PS-DBM acts as a procurement arm of other government agencies for the procurement of common-use supplies, equipment, and infrastructure projects,” Marcos“However,explained.the passage of the Government Procurement Reform Act undermines the mandate of the DBM-PS through the inclusion of relevant provisions that seek to strengthen the procurement service of national government agencies,” she added. The PS-DBM has been accused of overpricing in the procurement of P42 billion worth of medical equipment for the Department of Health last year and recently, P2.4 billion worth of teachers’ laptops for the Department of Education (DepEd).
CALACA, Batangas is now a city after a majority of the residents voted in favor of converting the municipality into a component city, the Commission on Elections said. Comelec acting spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said 29,424 residents voted in favor of the conversion as against only 3,781 “no” votes during the plebiscite conducted on Saturday.MayorSofronio Ona Jr. expressed his gratitude to all residents who supported Calaca’s bid for cityhood. “Calaca will experience faster development because it is now a city,” Ona said. “This means more funding and more financial capabilities for more programs and projects for the Calacazens,” heWithadded.this development, Calaca is now the fifth city in Batangas, after Lipa, Tanauan, Batangas, and Sto. Tomas. It is also the first city in the western part of Batangas.
P16m illegal drugs seized, 11 nabbed—PNPsuspects
DND: Expand defense ties with Israel
THE Philippines and Israel are planning to further expand bilateral defense and militaryThisrelations.afterDepartment of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. met with Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Ilan Fluss during the diplomat’s courtesy call. “Among the topics discussed were the ongoing consultations on broadening Philippines-Israel defense relations, areas of defense and military cooperation, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement. The two officials underscored that trust and commitment between both countries remain the foundation of a strong partnership.
arrested along with Bautista and Moran on November 5, 2019 at the Bayan-Manila office in Tondo after QC Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of RTC Branch 89 issued the search warrants. Police said the search yielded one hand grenade, a .45 caliber pistol and magazine with live ammunition, a Bushmaster M16 5.56mm rifle with magazine and live ammunition and several other illegal items. Subsequently, criminal cases were filed against the three before Manila RTC Judge Marivic Balisi-Umali for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. While in detention and at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Casino gave birth to a baby girl on July 1, 2020, who was turned over to her mother for care after a month. The three petitioners have denied the charges against them and claimed they were arrested without a warrant. The petitioners said Judge Umali committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing the orders. In its ruling, the appellate court agreed with the petitioners, declaring that “such grave abuse of discretion is present in the assailed act,” adding that there were irregularities in the application and implementation of the search warrants. The CA said the documents forming part of the record of the application for the search warrants revealed three different addresses in Sampaloc and Tondo Manila. “These apparent irregularities in the application and implementation of the subject search warrants are more than enough to debunk the presumption of regularity of performance of official duties,” the appellate court said.
THE resolution seeking for the abolition of the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) due to questionable contracts is gaining support but the Senate is still open to reforms in the agency, Senator Francis Tolentino said on Sunday. He said PS-DBM is in danger of getting zero budget next year as abolishing it will take some time. All government agencies and local government units, Tolentino said, must use their own Bids and Awards Committees, instead of getting the services of the PS-DBM.“ThePS-DBM was created to procure materials and things that are commonly used by government agencies but it seems the agency is now in control of all procurements,” he said.
“The suspect may have been involved in large-scale trafficking of marijuana as evidenced by the huge quantity confiscated from him. The vigilance of our personnel was instrumental in suppressing the possible consumption of illegal drugs in case the marijuana bricks were successfully delivered,” PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said in a statement. In Davao City, operatives of the Talomo Police Station 3 and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 11 arrested Jezrel Adalwan, Antonio Mangin, Daniel Bustamante, Alan Leal, and Leo Alquizar also on Friday. They yielded approximately 13 grams of suspected shabu valued at P88,400. Meanwhile, the police and PDEA raided a drug den in Sta. Maria, Bulacan on Saturday and nabbed Jumar Nicariel Uligan, Grace Sta. Cruz, Nicole Figueroa, Arnold Viola, and Patrick Sta. Cruz with about 100 grams of suspected shabu valued at P680,000.
“It’s our responsibility to make sure that our grandparents have decent homes and get proper care. To make it happen, we will push the construction of nursing homes for our senior citizens in every city and municipality,” Gatchalian said in a statement on Sunday. Under Gatchalian’s proposal, nursing homes for the homeless and abandoned elderly shall provide comfortable living quarters, adequate food and clothing, medical consultation or treatment, health care and counseling, amongGatchalianothers.was the primary author of this measure when he filed this during the 17th and 18th Congresses.
During their meeting, Faustino also said to further enhance logistics and procurement cooperation, it is time to broaden the Philippines-Israel defense collaboration. He also expressed appreciation for the invitations received by the Department to attend security-related conferences and summits in “Furthermore,Israel.the OIC, DND welcomed other possible areas of cooperation, including high-level visits, education and training exchanges, intelligence sharing, and self-reliant defense posture (SRDP) programs, among others,” Andolong said. Fluss also highlighted that defense cooperation is one of the important aspects of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Israel.
IMITATING LIFE. Actor and visual artist Jao Mapa showcases his latest artwork in an exhibit held at the Drybrush Art Gallery at SM North Edsa. Teddy Pelaez
PAVEMENT HOLES. Heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon (habagat) strengthened by Typhoon Henry, which has since left the country, caused potholes to form in some streets in Manila. Norman Cruz MIND-BENDINGLY SMALL SCALE. A miniature artist from Barangay Atlubola in Mabalacat, Pampanga shows o his hyperrealistic creations. Norman Cruz Calaca now a component city of Batangas—Comelec
CA junks warrants vs. 3 activists
“Filing of cases are also underway to make sure those involved in this illegal business will face the consequences of their actions,” said Azurin
incopTrigger-happysurrendersQuezonCity A QUEZON City Police District (QCPD) officer involved in an alarm and scandal incident in Marikina City surrendered on Saturday night. Cpl. Felipe Pauig of the District Tactical Motorized Unit voluntarily gave up his service firearm at Camp Karingal and is now under restrictive custody, Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, QCPD Director, told reporters on Sunday. The 32-year-old Pauig was tagged in an indiscriminate firing incident in Barangay Tumana where he lives Thursday night. Investigation showed that after a drinking binge at about 10:30 p.m., Pauig and his friends, Jail Officer 1 Dolfino Gatan of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and security guard Jestony Pauig, took turns firing Gatan’s gun along Kangkong Street. Nobody was reported hurt in the firing that was caught by security cameras. The Marikina Police Station likewise filed a case for violation of Article 155 (Alarm and Scandal) of the Revised Penal Code while the QCPD has initiated a precharge evaluation to determine Pauig’s administrative liability. “We will never tolerate abusive policemen who ruin the good image of the police force especially here at QCPD. Good thing he gave up and didn’t wait to be cornered. We assure the public that such activities do not reflect on the entire organization,” Torre said in a statement.
By Rey Requejo
Comelec chairperson George Garcia on Sunday also said the election peri od is from October 6 to December 12, which will also mark the duration of the Comelec gun ban.. Garcia said there will be no COC fil ing on October 9, based on the Come lec’s calendar of activities for the BSKE elections on December 5. The election period is from October 6 to December 12, which will also mark the duration of the Comelec gun ban. “The gun ban will also take effect on October 6. For those who got the gun ban exemption in 2022, this may be carried over until the BSKE elections,” Garcia, in a radio interview, said. The campaign period, meanwhile, will be from November 25 to Decem ber 3. Should the December 5 BSKE elections push through, casting of bal lots will start from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Comelec said. The last day to file Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) will then be on January 4, 2023, the regulator also said. Without further advisories from Congress, the Comelec said it contin ues to gear up for the BSKE originally set on Dec. 5, 2022. “We are 80 percent prepared. This September, we are aiming to complete the printing of ballots and other docu ments needed for the barangay and SK polls,” Garcia said. Garcia said by mid-September, the Comelec will start printing the bal lots at the National Printing Office in Quezon City. “In the event that the BSKE (Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataaan Elections) are postponed, the printed ballots will not go to waste as it can still be used in the next elec tions,” he said. Several bills to postpone the two political exercises elections are still pending in Meanwhile,Congress.theComelec is push ing for a law that will allow senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women to vote earlier than the general public in the next elections.
“We do not and will not tolerate such acts that only perverse justice, defeat the rule of law, undermine the most basic of constitutional principles, and speculate on the worth of human lives,” the SC said. “To threaten our judges and our lawyers is no less than an assault on the Judiciary. To assault the Judiciary is to shake the very bedrock on which the rule of law stands,” the high court added.“This cannot be allowed in a civi lized society like ours. This cannot go undenounced on the Court’s watch,” it further said. The lawyers’ group lamented that “there are wayward elements who, in their zeal to do what they think is nec essary, would simply brush aside the limitations in our law as mere obstacles.
Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Ac idre have filed a bill seeking to grant employees in both private and public sectors a 10-day bereavement leave with full pay to allow them to grieve and recover from the loss without sac rificing their “Currently,income.employees are entitled to the following statutory leaves: service incentive leave; maternity leave or pa ternity leave, whichever is applicable; parental leave for solo parents; special leave for women, and leave under the Violence Against Women Act. How ever, no mandatory leaves are granted to employees who have recently lost a family member,” their explanatory note of House Bill No. 2345 read. “This bill seeks to grant employ ees, both in private and public sector, bereavement leave of 10 days with full pay. It shall allow the employee to take a leave from work to grieve and recover from the loss without sacrificing his/ her income,” it further stated. Section 3 of the proposed “Bereave ment Act of 2022” defines bereavement leave as a leave taken by an employee to grieve the death, or to attend or plan for the funeral, of an immediate family member such as an employee’s spouse, parent, child, brother, or sister, and relatives within the third degree of con sanguinity or affinity. The measure, once passed, shall im pose a P20,000-fine or imprisonment of 15 days to one month against viola tors.If the violator is a corporation, trust or firm, partnership, association, or any other entity, the penalty of impris onment shall be imposed on the entity’s responsible officers, including but not limited to, the president, vice president, chief executive officer general man ager, managing director, or partner di rectly responsible therefore. HB 2345 provides that existing ben efits granted under existing laws, de crees executive orders, or any contract, agreement, or policy between the em ployer and employee shall not be re duced, and employees who will avail of the bereavement leave shall be assured of security of tenure.
By Rio N. Araja TINGOG party-list Representatives
PCUP vows to look into settlers’ plight
CAMARINES Sur Rep. LRay Villa fuerte has scolded the Department of Health (DOH) “for seemingly messing up the paperwork in the grant of extra monetary benefits to our nurses and other health-care workers, which has prevented many of our medical front liners from receiving them in con nection with their COVID-19 related services, almost a half-year after the enactment of a new law that is sup posed to guarantee the timely release of such extra pay.” “Instead of putting off the required documentation, as claimed by the De partment of Budget and Management leadership for the release of additional economic benefits for our nurses and al lied HCWs, our health officials should be riveted on wrapping up such budget ary paperwork so our medical frontrun ners can, at last, get such extra pay due them under the new law that was enacted earlier this year precisely in recognition of the excellent job that they have been doing to save lives since the onset of the pandemic,” he said. “It is awful to learn that our health officials have allegedly messed up the paperwork needed for the swift release under Republic Act 11712 of additional allowances and other benefits for our medical frontliners at continuous risk of COVID-19, at this time when Presi
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2022 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October 6 to 13, despite calls for the postponement of the said polls. By Rey E. Requejo THE National Union of Peoples’ Law yers on Sunday appealed to the Su preme Court (SC) to create “Quick Re action (Legal) Teams or QRTs” for the swift response to actual and imminent attacks and threats against members of the judiciary, prosecutors, and law yers.”The NUPL reiterated its plea even as it condemned the recent attack against a female lawyer and her son in Cebu City last Sept. 1. “The NUPL calls for the prompt and ef fective investigation on the attempt on the lives of lawyer Karen Quiñanola-Gonzales and her son in Cebu City on Sept.1, 2022,” the NUPL said in a statement. “The attack on Atty. QuiñanolaGonzales underscores the continuing aggression against lawyers and legal professionals, aggravated by the culture of impunity nurtured by the failure of the previous administrations to address attacks and threats,” it added. In prodding the SC for the creation of QRTs, the NUPL reminded that the Basic Principles on the Role of Law yers, which was adopted in September 1990, mandate governments to “ensure that lawyers are able to perform all of their professional functions without in timidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference” and to provide adequate safeguards “when the security of lawyers is threatened as a result of discharging their functions.” On March 23, 2021, the SC issued a strongly-worded statement on attacks and killings of judges, prosecutors and lawyers.
SENATOR Sonny Angara said the majority of the jobs being occupied by Filipinos between the ages of 15 and 30 are some of the lowest paying in theHecountry.cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which showed there are 13.8 million total employed youth in the country. The PSA data also indicated that the top industries where the youth are em ployed include wholesale and retail; re pair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; agriculture and forestry; construction; manufacturing; and administrative and support service activities. “Looking at the top industries, clearly these are not high-paying, high-quality jobs,” he said. In 2021, the PSA noted that 17.2 percent of Filipino youth were unem ployed while 14.7 percent were under employed. Because of this, Angara said there should be an intensified effort to produce higher quality and higher paying jobs in the country. He believes this move will help ad dress unemployment and underem ployment among the youth. Angara recently presided over a hearing of the Senate Committee on Youth as its chairperson. In the said hearing, the PSA de fined underemployment as referring to employed individuals who are still looking for additional work hours or other jobs that can provide them with additional work hours.
The GMA News report said that in Casiguran, Aurora, some senior citizens queued up for the payout but were sent home since they had no con firmed schedule. Other walk-in appli cants insisted that they submitted an online registration but received no text confirmation while some argued they could not open the website. Cash distribution was canceled in Batanes, Ilocos Sur, and Tanay, Ri zal, due to bad weather conditions, the DSWD said. For those who do not have gadgets or access online, the DSWD is conducting an off-site payout. The DSWD said it is trying to speed up the distribution, noting that online registration is open until September 25.The DSWD said the conduct of as sessment and pay-out in more than 300 implementation sites nationwide was “safe and Assistantorderly.”Secretary Romel Lopez, DSWD spokesperson, said that the educational assistance pay-out sites have significantly increased, with the Field Offices coordinating with their respective local government units (LGUs) for the identification of addi tional sites. Of the said total, 113 payout sites are in Region VII.
Party-list solons file bill on bereavement
Angara: low-payingworkersYouthhavejobs
JOINT EXERCISE. The Philippine Coast Guard and the US Coast Guard completed their two-day joint search and rescue exercise conducted in the West Philippine Sea, 40 nautical miles off Luzon Point in Mariveles, Bataan on September 2 and 3. Three ships participated in the exercise: the USCG’s Cutter Midgett (WMSL-757), and the PCG’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Gabriela Silang.
A RANKING official of the Presi dential Commission for the Urban Poor Commissioner (PCUP) has initiated exploratory talks with the Carmel Development Inc. (CDI) to address concerns and issues be ing raised by over 1,000 informal settler families in a dispute lot in Pangarap Village in barangays 181 and 182, Caloocan City. Commissioner Rey Galupo for the National Capital Region met with a CDI representative, field operations manager Ryan Arojo, who gave the assurance to exert efforts to ensure that the rights of the beleaguered residents would not be violated, and that they would be given sufficient time to beHerelocated.saidhe has informed Arojo that he would see Caloocan City Mayor Dale Malapitan discuss the possible relocation of the residents. He vowed to “seriously” fulfill PCUP’s mandate to assist the ur ban poor within the boundaries of the“Welaw. are here for everyone. While we are mandated to protect the rights of the urban poor, we must also ensure that the stake holders, including property own ers, are likewise protected on the basis that under our Constitution everyone is entitled to equal pro tection of the law,” he said. Rio N. Araja SKAL MAKATI. The Skal Int’l Makati general membership meeting and network ing with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (4th from left) as guest speaker, was recently held at the Conrad Hotel. From left) PAL president and COO Capt Stanley Ng, Skal president Farid Schoucair; Cynthia Norton, Skal treasurer ; Cong Duke Frasco; Menchie Orobia , board member; Angel Ramos Bognot, vice president; Pete Dacuycuy , PR consultant; and Linda Pecoraro, Conrad Hotel general manager.
dent Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had just praised our nurses as ‘my (his) heroes’ and assured HCWs of his government’s full support for measures to equalize their pay, polish up nursing education and upgrade their career prospects,” he lamented.“Thenew law was written by the 18th Congress exactly to prevent a repeat of last year’s incident in which many of our HCWs had complained about not getting on time the health emergency allowance due them for their invaluable services in caring for Covid-infected Filipinos even at great risk to their own lives since the pandemic broke out in early 2020,” he said. Rio N. Araja By Macon Ramos-Araneta
MASONIC TEMPLE. Member of the Gran Logia Soberana del Archipielago Filipino Rizal Masonic Temple including Hno. Vladimir Sunga, Hno. Morpheus Gorobat Jr., IPB John Ritchie Jongco, IPB Rainer Sarol, IPB Randy Cabangon, IPB Albert Jordan, Coun. Atty Hizon, IPB Manuel Gomez, MWGM Felipe L. Navarro Jr., SRC IPB Renato Irasusta, IPB Victor Raquipiso, IPB Edwardo Reyes, IPB Ralph Eleazar Monteser, IPB lodix grafia, Hno. JC Simborio, Hno. Ding Pagsibigan, and Hno. Oliver Corronel gather for the reconsecration and rededication of the group’s temple in Cavite St, Manila. Norman Cruz
Villafuerte slams DOH on nonpayment of COVID cash
News COC filing set for brgy., SK polls Oct. 6-13 A4 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
‘SC should create teams to protect lawyers’
P100mpaidDSWD:leaveGov’tmorethanincashaid
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that it has so far paid more than P100 million to more than 42,000 beneficiaries on the third day of its distribution of edu cational cash aid. The DSWD also said walk-ins are not allowed to claim the cash aid. However, many still took their chances and trooped to DSWD central office, GMA News reported.
The Manila City Government claims that traffic violations and road accidents in Manila have gone down by 90 per cent and 62 percent, respectively, with the NCAP enforced in Manila in 2021. “The evidence shows that NCAP keeps traffic flowing smoother and fast er and keeps motorists, bicycle users, and pedestrians safe on the city roads and streets,” said Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.
MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine NewspapersPPI can be accessed manilastandard.netat: 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 Supreme Court acted on a petition filed last month by four public transport groups that said the NCAP places mo torists “under the constant threat of be ing arbitrarily apprehended remotely.”
The transport groups also deplored what they registrationrenewalNCAP,penalties‘unreasonable’calledundertheincludingnon-ofvehicleuntil traffic fines are paid Cry over Manila Bay’s loss THE Supreme Court deserves credit for acting promptly on the petition to stop, at least temporarily, the controversial No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) implemented in Metro Manila.
The temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the High Tribunal last week directed the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metro Manila Develop ment Authority (MMDA) and the city governments of Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque and Muntinlupa to stop NCAP implementation “until further orders” and set hearings on the issue in January next year.
By Ramon Sahmkow FOR more than 20 years he lived alone in the Brazilian Amazon eating nuts, fruit and game — a symbol of the struggle of indigenous people who exist in isolation in the rainforest. Now this man whose very name was un known is dead, and his passing has made headlines around the world. His life was marked by massacres that left him as the lone survivor of a small tribe at tacked by gunmen apparently hired by ranch ers seeking to exploit the pristine Amazon. He was found dead lying in a hammock on August 23 in Tanaru Indigenous Territory. Authorities found no signs of violence and be lieve he died of natural causes. The man was covered in the bright feathers of a bird called the guacamaya, a kind of ma caw, local news reports said. The Tanaru Indigenous Territory covers 8,000 hectares of protected rainforest in Bra zil’s southwestern Rondonia state, bordering Bolivia. The reserve is surrounded by sprawl ing cattle ranches. Rife with rogue miners and wood cutters whose work is illegal, it is one of the most dangerous regions of Brazil, according to the Survival International NGP. The Tanaru land “is like an oasis of green in the sea of destruction,” said NGO director Fiona Watson. An arrow shot The “man of the hole” was first spotted in 1996 by a documentary team traveling with officials of the National Indian Foundation, a government agency that was probing a mas sacre committed against his tribe. Proving the presence of indigenous people in the Tanaru forest area was necessary in or der to grant the area legal protection. The footage was featured in a documentary called “Corumbiara” in 2009. In it, the man’s eyes are seen peering out from inside a straw hut. A spear pokes out at one point, as if to scare visitors away. But no one utters a word. Over the years Funai teams came back with representatives of neighboring tribes to try to determine what language the man spoke and learn more about his people. But he made clear he did not want to engage anyone. Feeling threatened, one time he shot an arrow that left a visiting team member seri ously“Onewounded.canonly imagine what this man was thinking, going through, living on his own, not able to speak to anybody and I think very fright ened because any outsider for him represented a
return the bay walk to us, gone will be our be loved sunset view of the horizon. The “approval” of these projects show how tribal our LGU officials are. They care only for their territorial jurisdiction, and to hell with the rest of the nation. First, they salivate over the potential real property taxes and the business and occupan cy Second,permits. their territories are over-crowded.
Cruz’s Asian Seas Resources and Construc tion Development Corporation (Asserco) has a NEDA-approved reclamation while Gatch alian’s project supposedly has none. In short, the City of Manila under Estrada failed to do what Pres. FVR called “complete staff work” (CSW), when they awarded the huge area supposedly sans public bidding, to Gatchalian’s Waterfront Manila Premier com pany.As the matter is still with the Makati RTC with two judges giving conflicting decisions, and will likely go further up the judicial ladder, again, I will not comment on the legal merits.
France is actively working with the Philippines and other countries to strengthen maritime security by exploring prospects of defense partnerships that may lead to joint patrols to protect exclusive economic zones of jurisdictionsrespective
ManilaStandard ONLINE Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor
“We saw one of his gardens and it was full of produce – very beautifully kept,” said Wat son who visited the site in 2005. AFP Full version on www.manilastandard.net
Apparently, former mayor of Manila and former Pres. Estrada awarded a 318-hectare reclamation project fronting the bayside to a corporation controlled by William Gatchalian, which overlaps with another project claimed by a corporation once controlled by construc tion magnate F.F. Cruz, now by his heirs.
The devil and the deep blue sea
Our French connections
The transport groups argued that the city ordinances implementing the policy are invalid since Congress has not amended Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, the 1964 law creating the LTO.
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) 8325550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net
EDITORIAL
NAIA with its more or less 640 hectares can thus be converted into a well-planned real es tate development with about a fifth of it trans formed into a huge sprawling park similar to Manhattan’s Central Park or San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The two new international airports will thus obviate the salivating “need” for Metro Ma nila’s local governments to expand via recla mation in Manila Bay, while raising hefty rev enues for the government at a time of financial difficulties which I imagine will stretch over the entire term, even beyond, of President Marcos’ six-year term. I do not anchor my objection to the many bay reclamations on environmental issues, simply because I have no expertise on such matters.ButI am being consistent, because in previ ous articles on this space I have already writ ten about why I object to these reclamation projects, and, at one point, even praised Pres. Duterte for speaking out against them. The issue has reared its ugly head once again because there was a recent protest rally against the many reclamation projects, and there have been conflicting judicial actions on cases involving overlapping metes and bounds of two of these “approved” projects.
France is actively working with the Philip pines and other countries to strengthen mari time security by exploring prospects of de fense partnerships that may lead to the conduct of joint patrols to protect exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of respective jurisdictions. The scope of cooperation will extend to disaster and humanitarian aid with long term timelines.Being an archipelagic nation, defend ing Philippine maritime territories is now a top priority after continuing incursions have threatened the lives and livelihood of Filipino fishermen and as the extensive damage to pre cious marine resources crucial to national food supply rampantly persists. There is urgency to modernize the defense capability of the Philippine armed forces in particular, the Philippine Navy’s fleet. In support of the Philippine’s moderniza tion of its armed forces, France is open to the possibility of joint patrols to secure EEZs and to provide the assets and supplies to build a Philippine submarine force which has been sort of an elusive dream since the 1950s and remains unrealized due to inadequate budget. There is now hope that there will finally be funding to acquire the country’s first subma rine as part of the Horizon 3 phase of the AFP modernization program.
VIVE la France et vive les Philippines! An apropos cheer as France and the Phil ippines celebrate 75 years of diplomatic rela tions with a series of commemorative events that highlight what French Ambassador Mi chèle Boccoz has described in a recent public statement as a long relationship “united by common values.” The historical legacy of Franco-Philippine connections can be traced back to 1819 or 128 years before the Treaty of Amity was signed in Paris in 1947. In fact, in the French city of Biarritz, our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal finished his novel “El Filibusterismo,” the second of two liter ary masterpieces that inspired the Philippine Revolution in an era when the liberal and democratic values of Europe were stirring the revolutionary fervor for a national identity and independence from oppressive colonizers. Today, ongoing cooperation with France continues to expand in cultural and economic exchange, agriculture, science and technology, higher education, film, and tourism. In times of calamities, the French Develop ment Agency is supporting the Credit Facil ity Agreement (CFA) with EUR 250 million financing for the Disaster Risk Reduction Enhancement at the Local Level Program, a program for the devolution of disaster risk reduction and management and climate action mandate to LGUs. Beyond many areas of partnerships, France has become a stabilizing force in the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the region with the adoption of an Indo-Pacific Strategy in May 2018.Inher published article, Ambassador Boc coz states, “As nations of the Indo-Pacific, France and the Philippines share a common commitment to defend international law and multilateralism in the Indo-Pacific. “This commitment is marked by a growing cooperation in defense and security, as well as in the fight against climate change.” During the 6th anniversary of the Philip pine victory in the Arbitral Ruling on the West Philippine Sea, France declared its commit ment to the rules-based international order in accordance with international law or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), highlighting the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in an Indo-Pacific that is open and inclusive.
A submarine force patrolling our maritime territories will be a game-changing develop ment that will greatly boost the security of our porous water borders not just from any mili tary, terrorist, and illicit trade sorties but the strategically critical protection and preserva tion of our blue economic assets. This dimension of French-Philippine bilateral relations will be the agenda during the interna tional symposium with the theme “Revolution izing the Philippine Defense Posture with France in the Indo-Pacific” on September 14 and hosted by the Stratbase Group under the patronage of the French Embassy in Manila. Strategic initiatives in the context of the French Indo-Pacific Strategy and PhilippineFrench Defense Partnership with updated analyses of potential geopolitical flashpoints are among the program topics of the event. Among the esteemed speakers that will grace the event are: Ambassador Michèle Boccoz; Foreign Secretary Enrique A. Mana lo; Dr. Eric Frécon, Adjunct fellow of the Re search Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia, Bangkok and the Institute for Strategic Research of the French Naval Academy; Brig. Gen. Caroline Salahun, Asia-Pacific Director, (French) Directorate General of Armaments. The uncertainties consequent to the global pandemic crisis aggravated by the economic fallout of the war in Ukraine and the emerg ing geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific calls for a renewed commitment to democratic values and the rule of law that have been the bedrock of stability that braces the engines of economic development. This is a shared concern that the Philip pines must and can address in partnership with France.
threat, given his terrible experience,” Watson said. After that, authorities just tried to patrol his ter ritory and look for signs that he was still alive. In the last known footage of him alive — shot in 2011 but not released until seven years later — he is seen semi-naked cutting down a tree with an axe. Besides bows and arrows that showed he hunted, there were gardens where he grew fruit and vegetables, such as papaya and manioc.
The transport groups also deplored what they called “unreasonable” penal ties under the NCAP, including non-re newal of vehicle registration until traffic fines are paid.
Opinion
Blame that on a population that thinks making babies is great even if they cannot feed them. And poor people from the provinces trying their luck in the “big apple” that Metro Manila to them is. As for the proponents of this reclamation craze, they know that it is cheaper to reclaim one square meter of land in the bay than it is to buy the same natural land area in the inner metropolis.Imaginea million pesos per square meter in BGC or upscale Makati, as against reclaiming the same from the bay, getting Chinese busi nessmen to invest up-front, and selling the finished product at atrocious prices, probably higher even than inland BGC or Makati. My biggest objection to reclamation is it will make the inner cities of Metro Manila and nearby Cavite and Laguna even more densely populated.Whenthe construction workers brought in from the provinces are done with their work, guess whether they will go back to where they came from. They won’t. Instead, finding temporary work and hoping to find continuing work in the metropolis, they will re-populate our al ready groaning slum communities. And those myopic LGUs who sponsor the massive reclamation of the bay will be left with even more social and economic problems than the quick financial fix of reclamation will deliver.Sure, there is little land left for human habi tation in NCR. But the solution lies not in re claiming the bay for the rich. The solution is to build better, well-planned infrastructure for the rest of the country that will create livelihood opportunities in the countryside. Only the Office of the President can put a stop to these reclamation projects now. Never mind the cases that the “developers” will bring to the courts, even if they reach the Supreme Court that has in the recent past man dated the clean-up of Manila Bay. Mr. President, save Manila Bay, so future generations will not have to cry over its loss.
They claim that the law allows only face-to-face apprehension of traffic vio lators and places such liability on erring drivers, not the registered vehicle owners.
The Quezon City local government said it “fully respects” the Supreme Court’s order but also pointed out that the NCAP helped reduce traffic vio lations in Quezon City by 93 percent and “instill… a culture of traffic disci pline among motorists. [Thus] we be lieve that its implementation is legal andButproper.”perhaps it was the position of the LTO that could have convinced the Su preme Court to issue the TRO. LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz III said his office “together with the LGUs, trans port groups, and other concerned stake holders will have more time to sit down and discuss issues related to the policy.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022 B1
One of the LTO’s main concerns from the very start regarding the NCAP was on the issue of data privacy and com pliance with the country’s data privacy laws.”With the NCAP temporarily suspend ed and city governments forced to field more traffic enforcers in major intersec tions where state-of-the-art computers used to identify traffic violators, will traffic flow be better? Or worse? It appears to be a choice between the devil (the NCAP that sees violations where there’s really none in some cases, or its hefty fines not commensurate with the gravity of the offense) and the deep blue sea (corrupt traffic enforcers flag ging down motorists for real or imag ined violations and asking for bribes). Is it any wonder that the traffic mess in Metro Manila is not likely to go away very soon?
‘Man of the hole’ dies, last known survivor of Brazil’s Amazon tribe
Moreover, as of this writing, Pres. Marcos has yet to appoint replacements for the offi cers of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, assuming he has no intention of retaining the DuterteApartappointees.fromthese two, there are other “ap proved” reclamation projects from Las Pinas and Paranaque in the south to Navotas in the north, going through Pasay and Manila. In several helicopter trips during the cam paign, I saw one such project already being land-filled with amazing speed by a big-time Mindanao-based contractor fronting Pasay and Manila’s boundaries. For one who grew up in Manila, and has re sided in the nation’s capital almost all my life, I rue the loss of the fabled sunset over our be loved bay. Many more will cry when eventu ally all that is gone, covered by glitzy high-rise condominiums (or so the project proponents dream) owned and occupied by the rich and entitled, from here or abroad. By then the dolomite beach of former DENR Sec. Roy Cimatu and his “Mandamus Agencies” will have turned gray or dark green with fetid waters, and when these agencies
My reclamationobjectionbiggesttois it will make the inner cities of Metro Manila and nearby Cavite and Laguna even more densely populated Rife with rogue miners and wood cutters whose work is illegal, it is one of the most dangerous regions of Brazil
Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
IF PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not put a stop to it, and wealthy land specu lators from China and elsewhere are allowed to partner with reclamation claimants to a thousand and a half hectares of Manila Bay, ordinary folks like you and me will no longer be able to view the fabled sunset, even if we sit for weeks on end in the wasted dolomite beach off Roxas Boulevard. I have no complaints over the landfill over marshland that would expand Ramon Ang’s Bulakan aerocity where a new inter national airport will hopefully rise within myNorlifetime.would I object if Gov. Jonvic Remulla reclaims part of the bay surrounding his pro posed Sangley international airport. Both projects will make the NAIA complex obsolete as an airport because in the case of Sangley, they share the same air corridor.
A lawyer, meanwhile, also filed a pe tition last August 18, claiming that his right to due process was violated since he had not been notified about his four supposed traffic violations in Manila -for which, he said, he had to pay more than P20,000 in penalties just so he could renew his vehicle registration.
BERLIN -- —Prime Minister Denys Shmygal will be the first high-level Ukrainian official to visit Germany in months on Sunday, in a sign of eased tensions after a rocky patch between Kyiv and Berlin. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has repeat edly vowed Germany’s strong support for Ukraine in its battle against Rus sia’s invasion. But in the immediate weeks after Russian troops marched on Ukraine, Kyiv had blasted German aid as too little and too late. A visit by Scholz to Kyiv in June and the arrival of weapons from Germany have since led to a change in tone.
AFP
In case the respondent fails to file his verified Answer within the reglementary period, this Court shall direct the Public Prosecutor to investigate whether collusion exists between the parties. If the Court is convinced that there is no collusion, the petitioner shall be allowed to present her evidence in support of the petition. However, if the Public Prosecutor finds that collusion exists, the Court shall set the report for hearing and if convinced that the parties are in collusion, the Court shall dismiss the petition. Respondent is reminded to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the verified Answer, in conformity with IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, WITNESS2002.THE HONORABLE JOSE L. BAUTISTA, JR., Presiding Judge of this Court, this 7th day of July 2022 in Quezon City, Philippines. (Sgd.) ATTY. ETHELENE G. VELASCO-GOTOHIO Branch Clerk of Court V (MStandard - Sep. 5 & 12, 2022)
WILKES-BARRE—Donald
“We are the ones trying to save our democracy, very simple. The danger to democracy comes from the radical left, not from the right,” Trump added. He was appearing at the rally ahead of November’s midterm elections, which could see Biden’s Democrats lose control of both houses of Congress. ‘Top secret’ files Although Trump is not on the ballot, Biden, 79, is seeking to turn the vote into a referendum on his predecessor in a bid to hold on to the Senate and House of Representatives. At the Wilkes-Barre rally—where Trump took to the stage to support his candidate in the Senate race, TV phy sician Mehmet Oz—Trump supporter Edward Young said he had been “dis gusted” by Biden’s speech.
ROYAL AMUSEMENT. Prince Albert II (2nd L), Princess Charlene (R), Prince Jacques (L), and Princess Gabriella (2nd R) of Monaco are welcomed by dancers wearing costumes during the traditional “U Cavagnetu” Monaco picnic
Ukraine PM Shmygal visits Berlin, seeking more weapons vs. Russia
WorldMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022B2 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
IN BRIEF CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK TODAY (MS-AUG. 22/29, SEPT. 5, 2022)
BelgiumAFP arrests British conman BRUSSELS—A British conman who fea tured in a Netflix documentary and was wanted in France after injuring two police officers while fleeing a raid has been ar rested and held in Belgium, police and prosecutors said on Saturday. Robert Hendy-Freegard, a 51-yearold former bartender, has been on the run since late August, when he hit two officers with his Audi A3 in a remote village in central France before speeding away. Earlier this year, he was the subject of a three-part Netflix documentary “The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman” which appeared to have brought about the raid in France. He was detained on Friday near Brus sels, a spokeswoman for the Belgian fed eral police told AFP. Belgian prosecutors confirmed he ap peared before a magistrate in Brussels on Saturday and was placed in detention pending his extradition to France.
Hendy-Freegard faces a European ar rest warrant issued by France and must appear in court in Belgium within 15 days. The prosecutors said they did not know if he would contest the extradition.
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: KUNIO FUJITA 206-41 SANRIZU-KA, NARITA-SHI, CHIBA, KEN, GREETINGS:JAPANPursuantto the Order of this Court dated June 27, 2022 granting petitioner’s Motion to effect service of Summons by Publication, the undersigned hereby issues this Summons by Publication in accordance with Section 17, Rule 14 of the Rules of Court as amended, and Section 6 of A.M. No. 02-11-10-SC.
Steinmeier’s office has not said whether the president will make a formal apology during the ceremony at Fuerstenfeldbruck air base, west of Munich, where the hostage-taking reached its violent end.
Israeli president to attend 1972 Olympics memorial Al-Shabaab fighters kill at least 19 Somali civilians in night raid
AFP
Making his first public appearance since the August 8 raid, Trump told a rally in Pennsylvania that the search was a “travesty of justice” and warned it would produce “a backlash the likes of which nobody has ever seen.”
AFP
It will mark 50 years since gunmen from the Palestinian militant group Black September stormed the Israeli team’sTheylodgings.shottwo people dead and took nine others hostage, all of whom were killed. Germany was blamed for botching an operation to rescue them.
Germany’s SPD has historically championed close ties with Russia, born out of the “Ostpolitik” policy of rapprochement and dialogue with the then Soviet Union, devised by former SPD chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1970s. That tradition had led in part to Ger many initially refusing any weapons deliveries to Kyiv, with a previous decision to send only 5,000 helmets sparking anger and mockery.
Trump slammed it as the “most vi cious, hateful and divisive speech ever delivered by an American president.”
JERUSALEM—Israeli President Isaac Herzog departed Sunday for Germany, where he will attend a me morial for 11 Israeli athletes killed by Palestinian militants at the 1972 Mu nich Olympics. “I am leaving this morning on a state visit to Germany, at the invitation of the President of Germany, FrankWalter Steinmeier,” Herzog said in a statement. “The main part of the visit will be the memorial marking the 50-year an niversary of the terrible massacre of the 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972,” he added. The president’s trip to Munich fol lows a last-minute compensation deal reached last week between Germany and the families of the Israeli victims. The bereaved relatives were offered $28 million by Berlin, in addition to $4.5 million previously granted. Around 70 family members of vic tims are due to attend Monday’s me morial, Ankie Spitzer, whose husband Andre Spitzer was killed, told AFP. The Israel Olympic Committee con firmed it would send a delegation to the September 5 memorial.
Trump brands Biden ‘enemy of the state’ at Penn rally
Trump branded Joe Biden an “enemy of the state” Saturday as he hit back at the US president’s assertion that the Republican and his supporters are undermining American democracy and slammed last month’s FBI raid of his Florida home.
“He’s an enemy of the state. You want to know the truth. The enemy of the state is him,” Trump said. “Republicans in the MAGA move ment are not the ones trying to un dermine our democracy,” continued Trump, who has repeatedly claimed the 2020 presidential election, which he lost, was rigged; and whose party has made unfounded claims of voter fraud a central plank of their platform.
Steinmeier, a former foreign min ister from Scholz’s Social Demo cratic Party, had been shunned over his years-long detente policy towards Moscow—something which he has admitted was a mistake following the outbreak of war.
‘Smiling’ John Paul I set to be beatified VATICAN CITY—Thousands of people are expected to gather in St Peter’s Square on Sunday as Pope Francis presides over the beatification of John Paul I, the socalled “Smiling Pope” who led the Catho lic Church for just 33 days before dying in contested circumstances. John Paul I, the son of a bricklayer from the Dolomite mountains and a par ticularly warm and pastoral figure, was elected pope on August 26, 1978, at the age of 65. He died just 33 days later, on Septem ber 28, 1978, of a heart attack, making him the shortest serving pontiff in modern church history. His death sparked intense speculation as to the cause, from suicide—he seemed reluctant to take on the position of pope —to murder, allegedly by those who op posed his plans to reform the church, par ticularly the powerful Vatican bank. Many have since discounted this and biog rapher Christophe Henning said the swirling rumours can be explained by the sudden na ture of his death and the “calamitous commu nication” by the Vatican at the time. No autopsy was conducted to deter mine the cause of death, and the Vatican issued inconsistent and false information about what happened. For example, his lifeless body—sitting in bed, his reading glasses on his nose and typewritten documents in his hand—was found by a nun.
on September 3. AFP
AFP
MOGADISHU—Fighters from the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab have killed at least 19 civilians in a night-time attack in central Somalia, clan chiefs and local officials said on Saturday.Theattack comes two weeks after Al-Shabaab, which has waged a long insurgency against the Somali state, besieged a hotel in the capital Moga dishu for 30 hours, leaving 21 people dead and 117 injured. The sources said at least eight vehi cles were travelling on a road between the towns of Beledweyne and Maxaas when the insurgents intercepted and burned them and killed the passengers overnight Friday to Saturday by AfarIrdood village. “The terrorists massacred innocent civilians who were traveling... last night. We don’t have the exact number of victims, but 19 dead bodies have been collected,” local clan elder Abdu lahi Hared told AFP. “The dead bodies are still being col lected, including women and children. They could be more than 20,” said Ali Jeyte, the governor of the Hiiraan re gion where the attack happened.
AFP TRASH.TYPHOON A man walks past trash and debris brought about by northeast.Taiwan’sapproachescyclone4onbeachWaimushancirculationperipheralHinnamnor’sTyphoonalonginKeelungSeptemberasthetropical AFP
“There can be no more vivid example of the very real threats from American freedom than just a few weeks ago, you saw, when we witnessed one of the most shocking abuses of power by any administration in American history,” Trump claimed, despite long-standing protocols by which the Justice Depart ment and the FBI act independently of the White House. Trump told cheering supporters at the “Save America” gathering in the city of Wilkes-Barre that the “egregious abuse of the law” was going to produce “a backlash the likes of which nobody has ever seen.” He also hit back at Biden’s speech this week in which the president said his predecessor and Republican supporters “represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic.”
Hendy-Freegard had been illegally breeding dogs and living on-and-off in the village of Vidaillat in the sparsely populated Creuse region of central France since 2015, according to local officials. French workplace and animal rights inspectors came to the house with po lice officers on August 25 to examine the premises, but Hendy-Freegard started his vehicle and hit two officers before speed ing off. AFP
NOW, THEREFORE, respondent KUNIO FUJITA with address at 206-41 SANRIZU-KA, NARITA-SHI, CHIBA, KEN, JAPAN is hereby summoned and required to file with the Regional Trial Court Branch 107 Quezon City sitting at Room 601, 6th floor, Hall of Justice Annex, Quezon City Hall Compound, Quezon City 0860, his verified ANSWER to the above-captioned Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed by petitioner MICHELLE SANTOS ARIGA praying that her marriage with respondent KUNIO FUJITA be declared NULL and VOID due to bigamous marriage under Article 35(4) of the Family Code of the Philippines. Respondent KUNIO FUJITA must file his verified ANSWER within sixty (60) days from the last publication of this Summons in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, serving at the same time a copy thereof upon the petitioner MICHELLE SANTOS ARIGA or her legal counsel, Atty. Suzy Claire R. Selleza with address at 503 Boni Ave. cor San Rafael St., Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila 1550.
Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region BRANCH 107, QUEZON CITY Email Address:rtc1qzn107@judiciary.gov.ph Tel. No. (02) 8553-6283/0966-7814256 MICHELLE SANTOS ARIGA, Petitioner, -versus- CASE NO. R-QZN-21-10933-CV For: Nullity of Marriage under Art. 35(4) KUNIO FUJITA, x-------------------------------------------------xRespondent.
Speaking in Philadelphia, the cradle of US democracy, on Thursday, the presi dent launched an extraordinary assault on those Republicans who embrace Trump’s “Make America Great Again” ideology -- and urged his own supporters to fight back in what he billed as a “battle for the Soul of the Nation.”
POINTED SPEECH. Former US President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in support of Doug Mastriano for Governor of Pennsylvania and Mehmet Oz for US Senate at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on September 3.
“Germany has made huge progress in its support of Ukraine with weap ons,” Shmygal told German media ahead of his trip, in a transcript pub lished by his press office. But the prime minister said Kyiv needs more from Berlin, including “modern combat tanks” like the Leop ard 2.
Scholz will welcome Shmygal with military honors in the afternoon. But Shmygal will be starting his day with talks on Sunday morning with German President Frank-Walter Stein meier, whose offer to travel to Kyiv in April was rebuffed, sparking a row.
Norway’s future CO2 cemetery takes shape off North Sea coast
8 BRN
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, DLSU. He can be reached at theTherovin_cincollagas@dlsu.edu.ph.viewsexpressedaboveareauthor’sanddonotnecessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
US hiring slowed sharply in August, joblessness rose
Weekly top price losers were ABSCBN Corp., which sank 19.6 percent to P9.15; LT Group Inc., which dropped 5.3 percent to P8.76; and ACEN Corp., which declined 4.9 percent to P7.64. Meanwhile, sfter following Euro pean equities higher Friday, Wall Street stocks reversed course, finishing sharply lower after Russia kept shut a key gas pipeline to Germany. US stocks had initially gained following August jobs data that showed employment growth moderating and unemployment ticking higher in a report seen by investors as lessening pressure on the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates. With AFP
4 BKR 1.6 -0.13
AFP 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
AFP
9 ARA 1.3
Hectares of Hope
7 FOOD
INFLATION RELIEF PACKAGE. The co-leader of the Greens Omid Nouripour, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (from left), German Finance Minister and Free Democrats Party (FDP) leader Christian Lindner, the German Government’s spokesman Steffen Hebestreit and the co-leader of the Social Democrats Party (SPD) Saskia Esken arrive to address a press conference on the government’s relief plan to cope with soaring energy costs, on September 4, 2022 at the Chancellery in Berlin. AFP
By Jenniffer B. Austria TRADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange this week is expected to remain volatile on fears of higher interest rates and rising inflation rate. Stock market veteran Jonathan Rave las said investors should brace for more pain as US stock indexes and other eq uity market have not yet hit the bottom for the Investorsyear. this week will focus on the release of the August inflation rate that could provide a signal on Bangko Sen tral ng Pilipinas’ next possible policy decision in its next meeting. ]The BSP last week said headline in flation rate likely settled within 5.9 per cent to 6.7 percent in August amid the spike in food prices. Inflation averaged 4.7 percent in the first seven months, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2022. The weakening of the peso, which dropped to a new record low of 56.77 per dollar, is also adding to investors’ list of concerns. The benchmark PSE Index dropped 0.9 percent to 6,692.65 while the broad er All Shares Index declined 0.8 percent to 3,548.53.
AFP Green
THE Aim2Flourish assignment is both an inspiring and humbling ex perience. My chosen organization, Hectares of Hope, is not only a hope for the farmers but also the Filipi nos. Tancho Baes is a servant leader worth emulating by everyone. I learned that businesses prosper by taking care of all their stakeholders. Helping the farmers improve their lives is a noble cause. Breaking the stigma that farmers can’t be prosperous helps them succeed. Also, it gives a new face to our agriculture sector that anyone can prosper by pursuing sustainable farming.Secondly, investors must seek returns both financially and socially. If the business destroys the environment and exploits the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized, financial returns are immaterial. Third, customers are partners for a better society. From consumers who passively buy the product, get utility from using them and dispose of waste, they become prosumers who play a vital role in ensuring that businesses make sustainable decisions. Consequently, I will be a sustain able and compassionate stakehold er. As an employee, I will influence my organization to practice sustain ability. As an investor, I will consid er the triple bottom line in choosing a sound investment. As a consumer, I will buy sustainable products de spite paying a premium. On the other hand, I am moved by the spirituality of Tancho as a business leader. His faith is vital in all his endeavors as the Execu tive Director of Hectares of Hope. His actions are aligned with the concepts of servant leadership and “others-centric.” He coined the lat ter to emphasize that we are doing business to help other people and not because of selfish intentions. Previously, I always separated my faith from my leadership style. I do not want to characterize my leader ship as too religious or too ceremo nial. However, my interview with Tancho made me realize that faith is a vital component of authentic lead ership. I will integrate my faith and spirituality into all my leadership decisions from now on.
PARIS, France—Swedish home ap pliance giant Electrolux and French industrial gas company Air Liquide both announced plans to withdraw from Russia on Friday, the latest for eign firms to leave since Moscow in vaded Ukraine. Electrolux, which suspended its operations in Russia after the inva sion, said it had “decided to exit Russia and divest the business to lo cal management through a sale of its Russian subsidiary.” It said Russia’s invasion and sanc tions that followed “have made it im possible for Electrolux to continue its business in the country.” The Swedish group does not have a production site in Russia, but before the war the country accounted for 1.6 percent of its global turnover. A provision of 350 million kroner (around $35 million) will be made in third quarter accounts, Electrolux said.Meanwhile Air Liquide, which employs nearly 720 people in Russia, said it plans to withdraw from Russia by handing over its activities in the country to local managers. It said its turnover in Russia rep resents less than one percent of the group’s total, which exceeded 23 bil lion euros ($23 billion) in 2021.
AFP WASHINGTON, United States— American employers slowed the pace of hiring in August after the surprising surge in the prior month and the jobless rate edged up, according to government data released Friday, which could offer the central bank some relief that its in flation-fighting efforts are working.
A photo taken on April 24, 2022 in Oygarden near Bergen, Norway, shows the construction site for a terminal that will collect liquefied carbon dioxide CO2, which will arrive by ship from industrial facilities in Europe and will run through a pipeline into geological formations deep beneath the sea bed, so that it does not contribute to global warming. LiGht ROVIN CINCOLLAGASJHON
The Federal Reserve is paying close attention to the progression of the hot job market, looking for signs of easing as it tries to cool the economy with steep interest rate hikes to tamp down infla tion which has reached a 40-year high. While the data showed wages con tinued to rise, the unemployment rate ticked up as more workers joined the la bor force, a welcome development that could allow the Fed to opt for a smaller move later this month after two consec utive super-sized rate increases.
Volatile trading seen; eyes on inflation
Except for the industrial index, all major sectoral index posted week-on-week de clines. Services fell 1.8 percent; financials lost 1.5 percent; mining and oil dipped 1.4 percent; property declined by 1.2 percent; and holding firms slipped 0.5 percent. Foreign investors were net sellers for the week by P128.9 million, while the average daily value traded stood at P6.1 billion, slightly higher than the previous week’s average of P5.87 billion. Weekly top gainers include Megawide Construction Corp., which advanced 21.3 percent to P5.31; Union Bank of the Philippines, which climbed 6.2 per cent to P85, and Jollibee Foods Corp., which rose by 3.7 percent to P245.80.
PSEi September 2, 2022
Meanwhile, the Aim2Flourish assignment helped me acquire a deeper appreciation of sustainabil ity. Using Appreciative Inquiry al lowed me to look at an opportunity differently. It made my mind create solutions and innovations more cre atively than approaching them tra ditionally. Also, I realized that sus tainability must be integrated with every organization’s strategy. As a business leader, I will inspire more colleagues to browse stories on the Aim2Flourish website to inspire them to create innovations that will help our business integrate sustainability into our practices. As a business teacher, I will encourage my students to share stories on the Aim2Flourish website. I believe this assignment provides better op portunities to make our world a bet terYouplace.cannot expect a different outcome by doing the same action repeatedly. Aim2Flourish assign ment revolutionized my apprecia tion of sustainability, and I know that sharing more stories on the site will revolutionize the way of doing business worldwide.
5 BCB 5.55
Editor’s note: Rovin’s story is one of the 2022 Flourish Prize Finalists. The 17 Flourish Prizes are given annually, recognizing businesses’ role in achieving the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The 17 Honorees are chosen from stories of positive business innovation published on AIM2Flourish.com during the preceding calendar year - stories discovered and published by stu dents worldwide.
You can check out the full Aim 2Flourish story through this link: innovations/1-3-5-pathway-to-lifehttps://aim2flourish.com/
President Joe Biden, who has been rid ing a wave of legislative and economic victories, cheered the latest report. “More great news: Our jobs market re mains strong. Even more Americans are coming back to work,” Biden tweeted. Even with the slowing pace, the job gains bring employment above the prepandemic level, the Labor Department said in the closely watched monthly re port.The US economy added 315,000 jobs last month, the report said, which was in line with what economists were expect ing after 526,000 hires in July. The unemployment rate moved back up to 3.7 percent, after dipping to 3.5 percent in the prior month, according to the data. And the labor force participation rate rose three-tenths to 62.4 percent. But wages continued to climb in Au gust, as average hourly earnings rose another 10 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $32.36—slower from the pace in recent months. Over the past 12 months, work er pay has increased by 5.2 percent. Continued upward pressure is a cause for concern since the Fed fears it could lead to a wage-price spiral and push in flationSurginghigher.inflation, exacerbated by high energy prices due to Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as supply chain struggles and COVID-lockdowns in China, has prompted the Fed to raise the benchmark borrowing rate four times this year, including giant 0.75 percent age point increases in June and July. However, the latest data “may tip the scale towards a 50-basis point rate hike” at the September 20-21 meeting, said Rubeela Farooqi of High Frequency Economics, although the next report on consumer price inflation also will be a key factor.
The company said its activities in the country will no longer be ac counted for in the group’s financial results from September 1 “as a con sequence of the evolution of the geo political context.” Many major Western companies have pulled out of Russia since Mos cow invaded Ukraine on February 24.
withdrawingAirElectrolux,LiquidefromRussia
By Alexiane Lerouge
6 DIZ 4.6
10 EEIPB
OYGARDEN, Norway—On the shores of an island off Norway’s North Sea coast, engineers are building a burial ground for unwanted greenhouse gas. The future terminal is to pump tons of liquefied carbon dioxide captured from the top of factory chimneys across Europe into cavities deep be low the seabed. The project in the western municipality of Oygarden aims to prevent the gas from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. It “is the world’s first open-access transport and storage infrastructure, al lowing any emitter that has captured his CO2 emissions to deliver that CO2 for safe handling, transport and then perma nent storage,” project manager Sverre Overa told AFP. As the planet struggles to meet its cli mate targets, some climate experts see the technique, called carbon capture and storage, or CCS, as a means to partially reduce emissions from fossil-fuel-based industries.Norway is the biggest hydrocarbon producer in Western Europe, but it also boasts the best CO2 storage prospects on the continent, especially in its depleted North Sea oil fields. The government has financed 80 per cent of the infrastructure, putting 1.7 bil lion euros ($1.7 billion) on the table as part of a wider state plan to develop the technology. A cement factory and a waste-to-energy plant in the Oslo region are set to send their CO2 to the site. But the most original feature of the project is on the commercial side: inviting foreign firms to send their CO2 pollution to be buried out of harm’s way. Pipeline plans Using CCS to curb carbon pollution is not a new idea, but despite generous sub sidies the technology has never taken off, mainly because it is so costly. One of the world’s largest carbon cap ture facilities, at the Petra Nova coal-fired plant in Texas, was mothballed in 2020 because it was not economical. There are only a couple of dozen opera tional CCS projects around the world, ac cording to the industry-run Global CCS Institute. -8.99% -7.51% -0.34 -5.77% -0.27 -5.54% 0.52 -0.03 -5.45% 0.78 -0.04 -4.88% -0.06 -4.41% 102.5 -4.5 -4.21%
Business MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022 || B3 extrastory2000@gmail.com
Saavedra said the company would only be interested in big airport projects like the Ninoy Aquino International Air port.He said that aside from raising funds to finance pipeline projects, the sale its stake in MCIA would also reduce Megawide to reduce debt.
Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor extrastory2000@gmail.combusiness@manilastandard.net
GMR-Megawide Cebu Airports Corp., the joint venture that operates MCIA, restructured P23.9-billion worth of debt in May 2021 as the pandemic wreaked havoc on the travel industry. GMCAC started operating MCIA in 2014 after wining the project through a public bidding. Daily traffic in MCIA went down down to 18,000 this year amid the pan demic, way below the pre-pandemic level of 35,000. Domestic foot traffic could return to pre-pandemic level by the fourth quar ter of 2022 while international traffic would go back to pre-pandemic level by the third quarter of 2023, according to industry projections.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE umbrella association of real estate and housing industry players expressed support to a proposed bill that will create a comprehensive home financing program to make all income-earning Filipinos en titled to fixed, low-interest and long-term housingChamberloans.of Real Estate & Builders Associations Inc. national president Noel Toti Cariño in a recent session with House of Representatives committee on housing chair Rep. Francisco Benitez and OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, said the program is necessary if the national gov ernment wants to address the more than 6.5 million housing backlog. The CHFP bill, filed in the 17th and 18th Congresses provides an annual fund ing of P270 billion to be secured from bond investments by the Social Security System at P25 billion; Government Ser vice Insurance System at P25 billion; and a minimum of P70 billion or all of PagIBIG Fund’s investible funds for housing as allowed by its charter. It proposed an additional P100 billion to be sourced from the unused or residual agri-agra funds of banks plus a P50-bil lion government budgetary allocation to serve the informal settlers’ segment for 20 years―all with mandatory guaranty cover from the Home Guaranty Corp. The CHFP is planned to be exclusive for home loan borrowers with no compo nent for development financing to ensure that the funds will go directly for shelter acquisition by the homeless.
NEA wants faster sitio electrification THE National Electrification Adminis tration asked the electric cooperatives to speed up their committed sitio electrifica tion“Basedprojects.on the status of project imple mentation reported by the ECs, there’s still a minimal number of projects under construction up to this time and a majori ty of which are still unreleased, under bid ding and not yet awarded, despite our go signal to proceed with the bidding process issued earlier,” NEA administrator Em manuel Juaneza said in a memorandum. NEA advised the ECs to implement strate gies to ensure the completion/energization of the committed SEP projects until Dec. 31. These strategies include assignment of a project manager to monitor project implementation and/or contractor’s per formance closely, utilization of stock materials while awaiting delivery of bid ded materials, requiring contractors to increase their crease, create a taskforce for the projects, prioritize SEP implemen tation, coordinate with local government units and fast-track the liquidation of pre vious subsidy funded projects.
Megawide plans to use airport proceeds to put up 10 bus hubs
GMA-7 allots P1b for digital upgrade
B4 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022 PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, September 2, 2022 104.376,692.65PTS. F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
NICKEL ASIA’S DONATION. The students of Manicani in Guiuan, Eastern Samar are this year’s recipients of Nickel Asia Corp.’s ‘Lapis at Papel’ Personal Social Responsibility program. The program is a companion to NAC’s corporate social responsibility program in support of the Department of Education’s yearly ‘Brigada Eskwela.’ Manicani is where NAC’s subsidiary, Hinatuan Mining Corp.-Manicani Nickel Project, operates.
INFRASTRUCTUREcompanyMegawideConstructionCorp.saidovertheweekenditplanstoventureinto“pandemic-resilient”businesses,suchastransportterminals,redevelopmentofpublicmarketsanddatacenters,usingtheP15-billionproceedsfromthesaleofitsstakeintheairportterminalbusiness.Megawidepresidentandchiefexecu
By Darwin G. Amojelar NLEX Corp. expects to complete the entire expressway connecting the south and north of Manila by the second quar ter of 2023, a top executive said over the weekend.“Weare rushing the completion of NLEX Connector Road Section 2, hope fully by second quarter of next year,” NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista said. The Department of Public Works and Highways turned over 85 percent of the right-of-way requirements for the Sta. MesaThesection.three-kilometer Section 2, a part of the eight-kilometer NLEX Connector that extends the North Luzon Express way southward, will traverse España Blvd., R. Magsaysay Blvd. and connect to the Skyway Stage 3 near the Poly technic University of the Philippines in Sta.TheMesa.Sta. Mesa section will involve building 72 piers to support the ele vated, four-lane expressway above the Philippine National Railways line. It will co-exist with the Department of Transportation’s North-South Railway project and will have two interchang es at España Blvd. and R. Magsaysay Blvd. The first five-kilometer section of NLEX Connector between Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road and the future España Interchange in Manila is now 80-percent complete and is expected to make a positive impact on the traffic conditions in the metro.
GMA Network Inc. said it is spending an additional P1 billion to further expand its digital television coverage to reach entire households in the country. The network so far spent almost P860 million for the upgrade of DTT stations. It said that as the country continues the shift from analog to digital transmission, it similarly enables more viewers to ac cess a clearer and more vibrant TV view ing experience through digital receivers GMA Affordabox and GMA Now. The network is also expanding its reach and signal strength by building new oper ating stations and upgrades. GMA has 93 TV stations strategically placed in various areasDatanationwide.fromNielsen Phils. TV Audi ence Measurement from January to Au gust showed that GMA, combined with its other channels GTV, I Heart Movies, Heart of Asia, Hallypop and DepEd TV reached 97.1 percent or 18.4 million of all TV households nationwide.
tive Edgar Saavedra said in a briefing late Friday the sale of its stake in Mac tan-Cebu International Airport would enable the company to build its war chest to accelerate the development of pipeline projects. “We now have a war chest to fund our pipeline projects and pursue new oppor tunities,” Saavedra told reporters. The group disclosed plans to build 10 transport bus terminals across the coun try over the next three years and forged partnership with a foreign group to roll out data centers. It is also looking to bid for three more packages of the Metro Manila Subway project.Megawide is also undertaking the con struction of the Malolos-Clark Railway Project Package 1, Metro Manila Subway Contract Package 104 and the moderniza tion of Cebu’s Carbon market district. Megawide and Indian joint venture partner GMR Airports International on Friday announced they agreed to sell their interest in MCIA to the Aboitiz Group for P25 billion. Saavedra said while Megawide exited the airport business, the company could always go back to the sector once travel returns to normal.
ODA-funded projects
Other issues are the change of the rates under the ancillary services procurement agreement with Na tional Grid Corp. of the Philippines and reform in the manner by which NGCP enters into ASPAs and the possibility of taking away the re sponsibility from NGCP and given to a market platform.
IN BRIEF
The action plan includes the determination of a discount or refund mechanism if the Philippine Competition Commission finds that the CBK HEPPs hold a dominant market position after the plant has been bid out, procurement of a third-party consultant for the financial evaluation, assessment of the impact of the ancillary servicecompetitive selection process and the commercial operation of the reserve market on the privatization of the CBK HEPPs such as opportunities for selling capacity.PSALM president Irene Garcia said earlier that the CBK is one of the bigticket hydropower projects up for priva tization, apart from Agus-Pulangi hydro project.TheCBK hydro facility consist of the 22.6-megawatt Caliraya in Lumban, the 20.8-MW Botocan in Majayjay and the 684.6-MW Kalayaan I and II in Kalay aan,J-PowerLaguna.and Sumitomo Corp. of Ja pan operate the CBK power plants.
More borrowings to push gov’t debt to another record
OFFICIALS of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Finance met on Friday for the review of flagship infrastructure projects funded by official development assistance. DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain said the review meeting with the DOF International Finance Group headed by Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven was in line with the goal of stepping up implementation of key infrastructure projects to support the government’s eco nomic recovery and create the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth. Public Works Secretary Manuel Bono an earlier said the administration of Presi dent Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. would ‘build better more’ as it continues to complete flagship infrastructure proj ects that were started and approved by the previousSadainadministration.saidseveral roads, bridges, and flood control projects handled by the DPWH Unified Project Management Of fice Operations are financed by foreign grants and loans and passed on to the new administration in the advanced stage of implementation.
PSALM eyes third-party consultant on 797-MW Caliraya hydro bidding
NLEX expects to finish Connector Road Section 2 by second quarter
METROBANK EXHIBIT. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., in celebration of its diamond year on Sept. 5, the opens an exhibit at the Metrobank Plaza in Makati City. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 60th anniversary exhibit are (from left) Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto Sobrepeña, Metrobank chairman Arthur Ty, Mrs. Mary Ty, Metrobank vice chairman Francis Sebastian and Metrobank president Fabian Dee.
Darwin G. Amojelar
By Othel V. Campos
The segment has on and off ramps and toll plazas along C3 Road and España Boulevard, crosses over the Blumentritt Station of LRT 1 and Di masalang Bridge and uses steel box girders for curved and highly elevated areas.Once completed, the four-lane Con nector Road would serve around 35,000 motorists per day. It would would run mostly above the alignment of the Phil ippine National Railways and cross Tondo, Sta. Cruz, Sampaloc and Sta. Mesa.
Alena Mae S. Flores DOF, DPWH review
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2022 Currency Unit US Dollar Peso United States Dollar 1.000000 56.3620 Japan Yen 0.007132 0.4020 UK Pound 1.154300 65.0587 Hong Kong Dollar 0.127418 7.1815 Switzerland Franc 1.018434 57.4010 Canada Dollar 0.760283 42.8511 Singapore Dollar 0.713114 40.1925 Australia Dollar 0.678200 38.2247 Bahrain Dinar 2.652942 149.5251 Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266205 15.0038 Brunei Dollar 0.710581 40.0498 Indonesia Rupiah 0.000067 0.0038 Thailand Baht 0.027248 1.5358 UAE Dirham 0.272279 15.3462 Euro Euro 0.994700 56.0633 Korea Won 0.000738 0.0416 China Yuan 0.144789 8.1606 India Rupee 0.012549 0.7073 Malaysia Ringgit 0.223264 12.5836 New Zealand Dollar 0.607600 34.2456 Taiwan Dollar 0.032735 1.8450 Source: BSP TOTAL VOLUME 1,019,420,660 TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) 4,590,264,190.97 DECLINES 68
Developers support bill on comprehensive home financing program
By Jenniffer B. Austria
STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. plans to tap a third-party consul tant for the financial valuation of the 797.92-megawatt Caliraya-BotocanKalayaan hydropower plants in La gunaPSALMprovince.said in a mid-year accom plishment report the third-party consul tant should consider all operating costs of the CBK HEPPs, including unpaid transmission charges. “These operating costs shall also be reflected in the transaction documents for the privatization of CBK HEPPs,” the agency said. The PSALM board earlier approved the privatization of CBK-HEPPs through Board Resolution No. 20220323-04 dated March 23. PSALM said it was preparing an ac tion plan to address the issues and con cerns raised in the study of the Asian Development Bank for the privatization of CBK HEPPs. These issues include the determina tion of the competitive position of the CBK HEPPs in the ancillary market and change in the definition of the CBK HEPPs from a “load” center to a “gen erator” in accordance with the Philip pine Grid Code, given that a load center has to pay for transmission charges.
By Julito G. Rada PUBLIC debt is expected to reach new record highs in the coming months as the government looks for additional sources to finance the budget deficit, an economist said over the weekend. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Rica fort said in a report the weakening peso contributed to the increase in government debt in the past few months.Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed outstanding gov ernment debt hit an all-time high of P12.89 trillion as of end-July. “For the coming months, the gov ernment’s outstanding debt could still reach new record highs in view of additional government borrow ings to finance the budget deficit,” Ricafort said. He, however, said this might hap pen at slower increments after the government front-loaded borrow ing requirements before the elec tions.“The weaker peso exchange rate vs. the US dollar in recent months [new record of 56.90 as of Sep tember 2, 2022; up 11.3 percent vs. 50.999 in end-2021] partly in creased the peso equivalent of the government’s foreign debts,” Rica fortThesaid.Treasury said Saturday the P96.09-billion or 0.8 percent in crease in government debt from the end-June level was due to the net issuances of domestic and external loans as well as currency adjust ments.Government debt also increased P1.16 trillion or 9.9 percent since end-December 2021, but the debtto-GDP ratio improved to 62.1 per cent in the second quarter from 63.5 percent in the first quarter. Data showed that of the total debt stock, 31.5 percent was sourced ex ternally while 68.5 percent repre sented domestic borrowings. Domestic debt amounted to P8.83 trillion in July, up by P65.07 billion or 0.7 percent from the end-June level.
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Kouame and Joseph Obasa both tallied six markers each as well. Up next for Ateneo will be Elitzur Eito Ashkelon at Zysman Arena on Monday at 10:30 PM. The game will still be streamed live on Smart Sports.
ATENEO de Manila University began its Israel camp with a win after staving off Israeli National League team A.S. Ramat HaSharon via a 7369 triumph in a tune-up game held at Oranim Sports Hall on Saturday evening (Manila time). With the game tied at 69-all, BJ Andrade drained a huge three with 36.8 seconds, before a defensive stop courtesy of an Ange Kouame block led to a Sean Quitevis’ free throw with 12.8 seconds left, which ultimately sealed the win for Ateneo. Andrade, who is in his final year with the Blue Eagles, scored all six of his points in the second quarter. The Blue Eagles figured in a slow start in the contest before Dave Ildefonso caught fire. Coming off a strong second quarter, Ateneo built its biggest lead at 10, 5444, after Ildefonso converted a four-point play with 3:33 left in the third frame. Ramat Hasharon, though, was able to catch its opponents flat-footed with a nine-point swing to trim the deficit down to one during the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. The Israelis scored 10 more unanswered points with 1:24 left in the game to even the score at 69-all. Then came Andrade’s heroics. Ildefonso bannered the Katipunanbased squad with 27 points built on five three-pointers. Forthsky Padrigao supplied 10 points while Josh Lazaro got nine points of his own.
Garcia, on the other hand, trailed Sophia Muñoz after swim (23.30-22.17) but took charge in the bike (1:12.42) then turned back Lourdes Ramos in the run (1:04.02) to clinch the women’s overall diadem in Lourdes2:43.15.Ramos struggled in the water with a 29.11 clocking but posted the best time in the closing stage (57.49) for 2:46.47 while Kriska Sto. Domingo placed third in Joshua2:49.40.Ramos (20-24) and Garcia (15-19) thus ran away with two gold medal feats as they likewise ruled their respective agegroup divisions in the event sponsored by Penong’s Barbecue Seafood and Grill, Powerball/ Go for Gold, Davao del Norte, Hijo Resorts Davao and Tagum City. Alejo also finished runner-up to Ramos in the age-group while Christian Baldelovar came in third in 2:24:58 in the top enduring race backed by Finis, Rudy Project Sante (Barley), Manila Bulletin and Tempo. Sharing the podium were Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint overall winners Matthew Hermosa and Nicole del Rosario, who timed 1:02.55 and 1:18.57, respectively, over the 750m open-water swim, 20km bike and 5km run racecourse. Other 5150 age-group winners were Akihiko Uematsu (M15-19-2:47.41), Rejei Librando (M25-29-2:23.49), Dwight Genovia (M30-34-2:26.30), Eljan Pelegrino (M35-39-2:18.06), Jethro Ramos (M40-44-2:13:32), Dexter Tulibas (M50-54-2:37.09), Richard Cagape (M5559-3:06.42), Robert Shannon (M60-642:50.55), and Eliseo Villanueva (M65-693:45.04);
Cone said the 7’3” Sotto has shown a lot of maturity and talent in his game in the last three years and this would likely show in his future games. “He is a dominating force in Asia and will continue to be for the next several years. He will dominate Asia for quite a while, quite a long time with his ability to protect the rim,” said Cone in his talks with newly appointed Philippine Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala on his weekly television program “Power andThePlay.”64-year-old Cone made this observation at the end of fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers after the Philippines lost to Lebanon in an awaygame and then beat Saudi Arabia in a home encounter.
Cone, who recently returned from his stint as one of the assistant coaches of Miami Heat in the NBA Summer League, was not present in the Saudi Arabia game after he contracted COVID-19, while in Lebanon as he had to take a break. The arrival of Utah Jazz cager Jordan Clarkson made Gilas a complete squad. And it showed Cone what it was like when Sotto interacts with his teammates and with the NBA star. “His instincts to defend are off the charts for a big man like him. I think that his offense will continue to grow and grow and grow as he grows older, as he fills out his body,” said Cone. Maturity in Sotto’s game is finally showing after he spent a year in the United States, while training with NBA G-League team Ignite, and two years in Australia, where he is now playing for Adelaide 36ers in the Australian National Basketball league. In his last two games with Gilas, Sotto averaged 13 points, 10.5 rebounds, and three blocks in 26.8 minutes of action. With the growth that Sotto is showing, Cone feels that he will even be better than Wang Zhi Zhi of China. wasWang7’0”The tionketballChineseplayerdominantaintheBas-Associa-duringhistime as a player with the Bayi Rockets, and has also see action for three teams in the NBA. “Of all the players I’ve coached against, the guy he reminds me the most of at this level, at this point, and he’ll go beyond this, is Wang Zhizhi of China. He was the absolute beast. Kai is kind of a little like him, I think a little bit better than Wang Zhizhi, and has a lot more room to grow,” said Cone. Cone feels that the current roster of Gilas should be kept together for a long time. That’s because there are two guards, Jamie Malonzo and Calvin Oftana, who can back up Clarkson real well at the point guard position. “The athleticism in terms in this team is really exciting,” said Cone.
C1MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
JOSHUA Ramos dominated from start to finish, while KC Joy Garcia rallied in the bike stage then held off Lourdes Ramos in the closing run leg as they shared top honors in Penong’s 5150 Davao Triathlon in Tagum City, Davao del Norte yesterday. Ramos, from Baguio Benguet Triathlon, pulled away after emerging on top of the opening swim event, flashing his superb riding skills then storming to the finKai
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Participants head into the swim part of the tournament.
Perfect 4thintoSwiatekNadal,headUSOpenround
Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor
AFP
Ramos, Garcia top Penong’s 5150 Davao
Coca-Cola, another huge sponsor, has the sole right to sell non-alcoholic drinks at the eight stadiums to be used for the first World Cup in a Muslim nation. Alcohol is a sensitive topic at stadiums around the world. In England, most Premier League clubs allow beer sales inside stadiums but fans cannot drink in sight of the pitch. While alcohol is not banned in Qatar as it is in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, it is only sold in about 35 international hotels and restaurants. Foreign residents can buy alcohol in government stores. Drinking in public is illegal.
NEW YORK—Rafael Nadal defeated close friend Richard Gasquet for the 18th time to reach the US Open fourth round on Saturday as world number one Iga Swiatek made the last 16 for a second successive year. Four-time champion Nadal took his record over Gasquet to a perfect 18-0 with a 6-0, 6-1, 7-5 victory to stay on course for a 23rd Grand Slam title. Nadal has now won 34 straight sets against Frenchman Gasquet who he first played as a junior. On Saturday, he was barely troubled, winning the first nine games of the contest before Gasquet got on the board. Next up for the Australian and French Open champion is 22nd seed Frances Tiafoe for a place in the quarter-finals. “He’s a great player, very charismatic, very fast,” said Nadal of the American. Tiafoe made the last 16 for a third successive year by seeing off Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, 6-4. The 36-year-old Nadal showed no ill effects of the bloodied nose he suffered when he accidentally bounced his racquet into his face in the second round. “It’s a little bit bigger than usual but it’s okay,” he joked. Alcaraz breaks shoe Carlos Alcaraz, widely-regarded as Nadal’s Grand Slam heir apparent, claimed a season-leading 47th win despite breaking one of his shoes. The 19-year-old third seed defeated Jenson Brooksby of the United States 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 on the back of 46 winners. Alcaraz, a quarter-finalist in 2021, managed to break one of his tennis shoes as he slid to reach a ball mid-match. “It’s the third time that I have done this. As you can see, I do a lot of sliding,” he Alcarazsaid.next faces 2014 champion Marin Cilic who fired 26 aces and 74 winners in total past Britain’s Dan Evans in a 7-6 (13/11), 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 7-5 win. British seventh seed Cameron Norrie made the fourth round for the first time with a comfortable 7-5, 6-4, 6-1 win over Danish teenager Holger Rune. He next faces Russian ninth seed Andrey Rublev who needed five match points to see off Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 2-6, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 7-6 (10/7). World number one Swiatek downed unseeded Lauren Davis 6-3, 6-4. Swiatek came back from 1-4 down in the second set to reel off five successive games against the American who called a medical time out in the first set to have her blood pressure taken. The 21-year-old Pole will face Wimbledon quarter-finalist Jule Niemeier of Germany for a place in the last eight. AFP DOHA—Beer will not be sold inside stadiums during World Cup matches in Qatar, where alcohol is severely restricted, but FIFA said Saturday that drinking will be allowed in the stadium zone before and after games. The global body gave first details of beer sales after months of sensitive talks with authorities in the conservative Muslim Gulf state. The issue is important for FIFA as beermaker Budweiser has been a major sponsor for three decades while foreign fans have also questioned what to expect at the November 20-December 18 tournament. Qatar has predicted more than one million visitors for the World Cup. A source with knowledge of the plans said beer stands would open in zones around stadiums when gates open for a match and close 30 minutes before each gameThestarts.source said stands would reopen for a short time after the game. FIFA did not confirm times but a spokesperson said it had focused on “catering for those who wish to enjoy an alcoholic drink while being respectful towards the local culture”. In a statement to AFP, the spokesperson said “ticket-holders” would get access to beer “within the stadium perimeter prior to kick-off and after the finalInsidewhistle.”stadiums, only Budweiser’s zero-alcohol beer and soft-drinks would be available, the spokesperson added.
Cone: Kai a dominant force in Asia for years
BJSottoAndrade
By Peter Atencio THE development of Kai Sotto as a dominant big man has impressed Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team assistant coach Tim Cone.
Blue Eagles edge Israel team Ramat HaSharon
World Cup fans will only get beer outside stadiums
ish in 2:04.47 in ideal conditions to beat Lucian Alejo and Jethro Ramos for the men’s overall crown in the first Olympic distance 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run event in Mindanao since the pandemic at Hijo Resorts Davao. Alejo timed 2:12.35, edging Jethro Ramos, who clocked 2:13.32 for runner-up honors in the second 5150 event organized by the IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. after the Sun Life Bohol race last July.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022C2
Cavaliers excited to acquire Mitchell
Rianne Malixi
“I’ve been prepping for this tournament with my dad (Roy),” said Malixi, who also routed the field in near-record fashion at Midlands to close out the 2021 season for her first victory on the pro tour. “I’ve also played the South course several times so I’m quite familiar with it.” That should make her the player to watch in all three days of the championship, together with ICTSI teammate Singson, who topped the Splendido Taal leg, also last May. The rising Davaoeña star, who also won a top junior tournament in Florida last June, is likewise fresh from a duel with the world’s best in the World Amateur Golf Team Championship in France. Joining them in the hunt for top honors in the eighth leg of the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit are fellow amateurs Eagle Ace Superal, Abigail Abarcas, Alethea Gaccion and Julianna Go while the other pros in the field are Lucy Landicho, Apple Fudolin, Majorie Pulumbarit and Eva Miñoza. Riviera will host the next stop for the ICTSI Riviera Championship on Oct. 4-6 before Pradera Verde hosts the circuit for the second time this year on Oct. 25-27. The LPGT winds up its season in Morong, Bataan for the Anvaya Cove Ladies International on Nov. 2-4.
AFP
inKinaadmanJoshuaaction
In the semis, Kinaadman pulled through in a pressure-packed tiebreaker to break Arcilla in the 10th game of the opening set then matched that feat in the next, capping the big reversal with another break via shutout to earn a crack at the crown in the event put up by Gov. Jubahib as part of his commitment to boost the province’s sports program. Arcilla actually asserted his might early with a break in the fifth game but the lefty Kinaadman from Lapu-Lapu City broke back in the next and came out of a held-held-held game with a strong finishing kick in the 10th, overhauling a 0-30 deficit with a sweep of the next four points to snatch the opening set. He broke Arcilla early in the second set, 2-0, but the latter held serve then broke back in the fourth. But after the Cebuano ace and the veteran campaigner traded serves in the next five games, Kinaadman surprised Arcilla with a string of points in the 10th and took the first finals slot in emphatic fashion.
Malixi, Singson boost LPGT Valley golf cast
All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell received an excited welcome to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday as his trade from Utah became official while the Jazz thanked him for incredible performances. Mitchell was sent to the Cavaliers in exchange for Utah getting Finland’s Lauri Markkanen, guards Collin Sexton and Ochai Agbaji, firstround NBA Draft picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029 and pick swaps in 2026 and 2028.Multiple reports Thursday disclosed the blockbuster deal, which gives the Cavs a load of young talent and the Jazz a horde of draft picks to rebuild the“Theclub. acquisition of Donovan Mitchell presented us with an incredible opportunity to bring one of the NBA’s most dynamic young All-Stars to Cleveland,” Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman said. Mitchell averaged 25.9 points and 4.2 rebounds last season as well as career highs of 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals. His average of 3.6 3-pointers a game ranked fourth in the league. “Already a special and proven talent at just 25, Donovan brings a competitive mentality that organically fits with the core group of this team,” Altman“We’resaid.excited to see the impact that someone of Donovan’s caliber can bring to the Cavaliers with his ability to score the basketball, but also make plays for his teammates.” Mitchell joins a Cavaliers lineup with Darius Garland and 2022 All-Star center Jarrett Allen and 2022 All-Rookie forward Evan Mobley.
pull o reversals, seal title clash
nailsfoes;RizalZamboanga,hurdleMarikina5thwin
Cleveland has not reached the playoffs since LeBron James departed for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 after leading the Cavs to four consecutive NBA Finals, including a title in 2016. 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.Butthe team tweeted its appreciation to Mitchell once the trade became official.“We got to watch you light up the league as a rookie and cheer you on as you became a perennial All-Star,” the Jazz tweeted. “We witnessed you embrace and serve our community while standing for what’s right and uniting Jazz fans “Thankeverywhere.youforall the good you did here“There@spidadmitchell.willalways be Donovan Mitchell fans in Utah. Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman.” AFP Olivarez
Olivarez, on the other hand, used a strong start to beat Anasta in the opening set, racking up three straight games from a 3-2 lead but the latter imposed his will in the next frame to win convincingly on a fourgame romp from a shaky 2-1 lead. But Olivarez proved a lot tougher in the tiebreaker, winning the first two points, then after Anasta scored in the ensuing play, the former took the next four which he used as a springboard to pound pout the victory he spiked with another three-point binge from a 7-3 lead. Kinaadman and Olivarez were also in the hunt for the doubles crown in the event backed by Darbmuco, Dacup Surveying Office, WEARBEMPCO, Velocity One Realty Ventures, Inc., Haven United Dev’t Corp., Panabo Mayor Jose Relampagos, CFARBEMCO, Marsman Drysdale Agri Business Corp., PBA Party List and Joan Este, with the former teaming up with Amasona to beat Verdad and Noel Damian Jr., 6-2, 6-4, to reach the semis against John Altiche and Anasta, who repelled Earl Casal and Renato Casal, 7-6(4), 6-3.
FOURTH-RANKED Joshua Kinaadman kept his nerves in check as he sustained a superb baseline game to bundle out top seed Johnny Arcilla, 6-4, 6-4, and barge into the finals of the Gov. Edwin Jubahib Cup National Tennis Championships at the DavNor Tourism and Sports Complex in Davao del Norte yesterday. No. 3 Eric Olivarez also advanced but in tougher fashion later in the day, needing to rebound from a crushing second set defeat to upend second seed Vicente Anasta, 6-2, 1-6, 10-3, in their side of the semis duel. They dispute the crown and the top purse of P40,000 at 8 a.m. today (Monday). Kinaadman earlier ousted Bruce Hurtado, 4-1, 4-0, then bested Christian Lopez, 7-6(8), 6-0 before trouncing Fritz Verdad, 6-2, 6-0, to arrange a semis clash with Arcilla, while Olivarez eased out Carlos Santiago, 4-0, 5-3, toppled Jelic Amazona, 6-4, 6-2, then turned back Ronard Joven, 3-6, 6-0, 10-7, to set up Final Four duel with Anasta.
WASHINGTON—NBA
NEW YORK—Talor Gooch rolled in a birdie bomb at the penultimate hole on Saturday to grab a one-stroke lead over Joaquin Niemann heading into the final round of the LIV Golf InvitationalAmerica’sBoston.Gooch, who had top-10 finishes in the first three events of the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, had six birdies and a bogey in his five-under par 65 at International Golf Club and led the 48-man field on 12-under.Niemann, one of six new recruits for this week’s tournament -- a group led by second-ranked British Open champion Cameron Smith -- also had six birdies and a bogey in a 65 that put him“It11-under.wasan unbelievable round,” said Chile’s Niemann, who said Friday he had “a blast” playing his debut round in the series that promises “Golf, but louder” for what it insists will be a new wave of fans. The upstart circuit has plunged the golf world into turmoil, with the established US PGA Tour and DP World Tour scrambling to prevent their star players from jumping ship to a circuit that offers massive purses of $25 million for it’s 54-hole events as well as reported signing bonuses for big-name players. The signing of Australia’s Smith earlier this week was the biggest coup so far for the series, which has been accused of “sportswashing” Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Smith, one off the lead to start Saturday’s round, fired a one-under par 69 that featured a double bogey and twoButbogeys.the29-year-old Aussie closed on a high note with an eagle at the 18th, set up by a second shot over a stand of trees straight toward the flag. His seven-under total had him tied for eighth, five shots off the lead going into the final round. Gooch used a methodical approach as he shook off an opening bogey to work his way to the lead. “Out here it’s about hitting the fairways,” Gooch said. “I know for me I’m going to score better from the fairways. If that means laying back, that’s what I’m going to do.” Gooch will be vying to become the first US winner of a LIV Golf event. Former world number one Dustin Johnson was also poised to strike for that title after a seven-under par 63 that put him third on 10-under. Gooch grabs 3rd round LIV Golf lead over Niemann
Sports Kinaadman,
Donovan Mitchell dunks during the second half of Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mitchell received an excited welcome to the Cleveland Cavaliers, as his trade from Utah became official while the Jazz thanked him for incredible performances.
ZAMBOANGA and Rizal thwarted their opponents on Saturday and boosted their playoff drives in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino presided over Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines’ 71-67 victory over Bacoor by scoring 14 and 11 points, respectively, in the tight game that saw neither team lead by more than seven points. Jaycee wound up with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, while Jayvee ended up with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Zamboanga, which climbed to 12-3 in the singleround elimination phase of the 22-team tournament.JhapsBautista also did his share with 12 points for Zamboanga, which pulled down Bacoor to 5-9 as only RJ Ramirez managed to score in double figures with 11. Rizal Xentromall, on the other hand, drew double digits from Edgar Louie Charcos, Keanu Caballero, Laurenz Paul Victoria and Alvin John Capobres to subdue Valenzuela, 82-73, and improve to Charcos10-5.finished with 14 points plus 3 steals, Caballero 13 points plus 4 rebounds, Capobres 11 points plus 9 rebounds and Victoria 11 points, 5 assists and 4 Valenzuelarebounds.was led by Patrick Cabahug with 19 points and 3 assists and Andrey Armenion with 17 points, 9 assists and 5 Marikina,steals. led by Antonio Lorenzo Joson, trounced Imus, 89-76, in the opener to make it back-to-back and rise to Joson,5-10.now Marikina’s main man following the release of Yves Sazon, posted 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. He was supported by Jexter Tolentino with 14 points and 11 rebounds, Nhomer Gonzales with 12 points and 9 rebounds and Carl Kenneth Sumalacay with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. Imus, which skidded to 4-10, got 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists from Adven Jess Diputado, 12 points and 9 assists from Jeymark Mallari and 11 points and 4 rebounds from Leo Najorda.The MPBL flies to General Santos City on Monday with a double-header featuring Quezon City against Bacoor at 7 p.m. and GenSan against Bacolod at 9 p.m.
NATIONAL players Rianne Malixi and Mafy Singson take time out from their respective overseas campaigns not only to reinforce a compact pro field in the ICTSI Valley Golf Ladies Challenge but also fuel another title run on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. The P750,000 tournament unfolds beginning Wednesday (Sept. 7) at the Valley Golf Club’s South course in Antipolo with Chihiro Ikeda seeking a third leg championship after winning at Mt. Malarayat last May and at Eagle Ridge-Aoki last July before the country’s premier ladies circuit took a twomonth break. That makes the pros hungry and driven for recognition, including two-leg winner Harmie Constantino and Sunshine Baraquiel, who are both coming off stints abroad, along with Marvi Monsalve, Sarah Ababa, Gretchen Villacencio, Lovelynn Guioguio and young guns Martina Miñoza, Kristine Fleetwood and Pamela Mariano.ButMalixi and Singson are also heading to the Valley event in top form with the former, who humbled multi-titled Princess Superal at Luisita in the kickoff leg of this year’s LPGT last March, gaining in the American Junior Golf Association and world rankings after a threemonth campaign in the US.
IN KEEPING with their constant quest to be the best for themselves and their supporters, Star Magic artists and performers are going home not only with loads of fun but also with lifelong lessons and career takeaways after embarking on a series of immersion and workshops in the US. Following their successful, three-leg Beyond the Stars US Tour in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles last August 4, August 12, and August 14, respectively, Star Magic performers AC Bonifacio, Kyle Echarri, Angela Ken, Marlo Mortel, Sab, Lian Kyla, Janine Berdin, Maymay Entrata, KD Estrada, and Alexa Ilacad attended and completed several workshops in singing, acting, and dancing. Acting coach Shannon Sturges crop of the group’s world-class mentors and facilitators. The Hollywood actress-turnedacting-coach is best known for her roles in S.W.A.T., Den of the Thieves Fate of the Furious picked their minds and had them flexing their acting muscles in the Speiser/ Sturges Studios. On top of their acting classes, they likewise took the chance to have a studio tour and actor’s audition workshop at the Disney ABC Studios. This activity led them to meet Disney’s casting director Aaron Testa, the man behind the shows The Wonder Years, Big Sky, and the world-renowned medical TV series Grey’s Anatomy. They likewise met Michelle Paulino, Disney Branded Televisions’ Executive Assistant for casting and talent relations. Singers Janine, Lian Kyla, Sab, Angela, Marlo, Alexa, and KD didn’t miss the chance to hone their musicality by participating in music classes spearheaded by Filipino-Canadian songwriter and producer, August Rigo. August is best known for creating hits for world-class personalities like Justin Bieber, One Direction, and Chris Brown, as well as several K-Pop acts like were memorable because they did their recordings at Marilyn Monroe’s former residence. KD, Alexa, Lian Kyla, Sab, Angela, and Kyle continued learning more about their voice together with award-winning Filipino-American musical director Troy Laureta. Drummer Nate Laguzza, who works for David Foster, and session guitarist Andre Frappier, best known for working with Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson, also joined Troy and the singers’ group.Maymay and AC unleashed their moves while training with dance choreographers and Nika Kljun. Both choreographers are known for being the minds behind the rocking dance moves Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Justin and Jennifer Lopez, amongTheothers.classes in the US might have been short and sweet, but the experience and the takeaways would last longer for this hard-working group. Soon enough, the lessons culled by these Star Magic artists would be seen as they take on their respective stages recharged, reaffirmed, and ready.
AMAZON announced Saturday that its big-budget series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, had marked the biggest premiere in the history of Prime Video with 25 million viewers. With this flagship production that started streaming Friday, Prime Video aims to counter the lure of HBO and its prequel to the hit series Game of Thrones House of the Dragon, which began airing on August 21.HBO also has said it had its best premiere, with its prequel, with nearly 10 million viewers in the United States alone. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power attracted more than 25 million global viewers on its first day, breaking all previous records, marking the biggest premiere in the history of Prime Video,” a company statement said. It has aired the first two episodes. “It is somehow fitting that Tolkien’s stories among the most popular of all time, and what many consider to be the true origin of the fantasy genre have led us to this proud moment,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. The series, which will air until October 14, is crucial for Amazon, which wants to play in the ultracompetitive streaming landscape, where Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max are already battling it out.
The Rings of Power is set during Tolkien’s Second Age in Middle-earth, thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Tolkien’s cult trilogy which has already been adapted for film. Amazon paid $250 million to buy the rights, and some $465 million was spent on the first season alone. The group has committed to five seasons, the final sum should top one billion dollars by far.
Hearing it for the first time urges the listener to just get up, dance, and sing together with these male wonders. What is next for SB19? The already sold-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum is a solid indicator that they have fans and supporters with fantastic purchasing power since the tickets to the one-nightonly shindig were sold out in 24 hours. The P-Pop Kings phenomenon is unstoppable especially now that major brands have seen their power and value in not only bringing awareness to their brands but the revenues as well. For now, they are the faces and ambassadors of a pizza chain, electronic cash, donuts, and computer products. World domination is not just a dream as it is truly manifesting and will happen in Singapore, the US, UAE, and more. To SB19, this republic’s standard bearer of world-class Filipino talent, your reign in pop music is definitely supreme! Bravo!
Star Magic artists with their Hollywood mentors Richard Yap considers his new role as a dream come true Jillian Ward (left) and CarminaVillaroel play a respectively,anddaughtermother, in ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap’
‘Marikit’ artist management launched Marikit Artist Management aims to be the go-to agency for talents that encapsulate the quintessential Filipino charm
The supreme reign of SB19
Entertainment MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022 C3 E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant
Gusto namin silang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na ma-showcase ang kanilang versatility and talent,” the CEO stated.
Star Magic artists complete Hollywood training with world-class mentors
AFP ‘Lord of the Rings’ prequel is Amazon Prime Video’s biggest premiere
New TV series spreads love and inspiration
Gusto namin sa Mindanao o Visayas makakita ng kakaiba at magiging isang bituin tulad nila Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Piolo Pascual, at iba pa. Gusto ng Marikit na makadiskubre ng kakaibang talento at kagandahan na sa Marikit lang makikitaMarikit.” plans to produce shows, television commercials, and other campaigns. Marikit Artist Management also believes in reimagining unique and eccentric talents that are already known in the industry and establishing those that are yet to be discovered. Marikit is committed to caring out its mission in the most creative way possible.“Marami kasi tayong mga seasoned actors and actresses na di na nabibigyan ng mga proyekto sa kabila ng husay na napatunayan nila sa industriya. Gusto namin na maging daan kami para mabigyan sila muli ng mga proyekto na magpapamalas muli ng kanilang talento at husay sa pag-arte,” the Marikit CEO said. At the moment Marikit Artist Management is on the lookout for goodlooking and talented Davaoeños and Cebuanos who want to be the next big star. Everyone is encouraged to introduce themselves via a one-minute audition video and send it to vroll.digital@gmail. com.Deadline for submission is September 10. To those who are interested, they may also contact Melai Camagan at 09163026057.
Carmina Villarroel and Richard Yap with Jillian Ward , aims to make afternoon viewing filled with love, values, and inspiration. Entitled Abot Kamay Na Pangarap , the series premieres today on GMA-7. Carmina teases the audience about their very interesting show, “It’s another first from GMA because it has a medical aspect, so it’s something new. Hindi rin mawawala siyempre ‘yung kwento ng pagmamahal ng isang ina sa kanyang anak . It’s not a hardcore drama pero tagos talaga sa puso and it will talk about hope.”Richard, on the other hand, considers his new character a dream come true, “I took up pre-medicine in college but I didn’t pursue it because my father didn’t approve of it. Since I didn’t become a doctor, I might as well just play one. Completely different ang genre nito for me. It’s about family, love, and career. You’ll see a different Richard Yap here.”Meanwhile, Jillian admits that this is by far her most challenging role, “My experience doing the series is priceless. Tinuruan kami ng live brain surgery as part of our immersion. Kaya mas lalong tumaas ang respect ko sa mga doktor. Sa totoo lang kinakabahan ako , but I’m very grateful and excited.”
Amazon’s big budget series ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ rakes in 25 million viewers during its premiere
‘Where You At’ sends disco groove and vibes while reminding listeners to stay connected during troubled times The nostalgic settings in the videos bring ‘kilig’ to SB19 fans
NEWLY-LAUNCHED Marikit Artist Management aims to build a stable of fresh faces, seasoned and high-caliber actors, and actresses while targeting brands through campaigns, films, and live shows. Marikit’s vision is to be the go-to agency for talents that encapsulate the quintessential Filipino charm. “We are extremely glad to announce this new venture because most of all, anumang pakinabang ang aming makukuha sa negosyong ito ay ang mission din namin na makahanap ng mga bago at dating artists na magbibigay ng higit na sigla sa ating industriya,” Marikit CEOMarikitstates. Artist Management aims to be a pioneer in artist management that transcends its artists regionally. Marikit strives to discover and sign up actors and actresses that personify comfort through relatability and heartedness. “Our goal is to discover new talents not only in NCR but in the nearby regions, too. We believe that we have a lot of undiscovered talents that greatly need exposure and a platform.
Furthermore, the feat by the group gets the support of OPM icons namely Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Avanzado. Even millennial bombshell Sanya Lopez digs the ditty. Credit and congratulations are in order of course to all the A’TIN fandoms all over the planet. They are doing their share in making sure that Mahalima’s new song will have massive exposure on all the important social media sites and streaming platforms. Truly, the A’TINs are the wind beneath the wings of Nase, Santos, De Dios, Suson, and Ajero. Another major plus factor of the song is its danceable tempo and the easy-to-remember lyrics.
Joining the cast of the afternoon series are Dominic Ochoa, Pinky Amador, Andre Paras, Chuckie Dreyfus, Sophie Albert, Denise Barbacena, Wilma Doesnt, Ariel Villasanta, Dexter Doria, Kazel Kinouchi, Jeff Moses, Alexandra Mendez, John Vic De Guzman, and Heart Ramos Abot Kamay Na Pangarap follows the story of an illiterate mother, Lyneth (Carmina), and her genius daughter, Analyn (Jillian). They go through hardships together while hoping that someday, they would reach their dreams and share each other’s triumphs.Becauseofpoverty, Lyneth was not able to study. When her father died, she went to Manila to work as a flower vendor. She then meets the handsome and rich Dr. Robert (Richard). Lyneth falls in love with him and later on gets Surprisingly,pregnant.Robert is already married to someone else and he doesn’t want to take responsibility for Lyneth’s child.Lyneth’s boss Michael helped her instead to give birth and raise a beautiful and loving daughter, Analyn. Years later, Lyneth would struggle to send her daughter to school because of financial problems.Untilone day, a researcher discovered Analyn’s exceptional intelligence. She gets featured on television as the genius child from a poor family. This will open the doors for her to receive a scholarship and study in a prestigious medical school. Amid all the odds in life, will Analyn achieve her ultimate dream to become a doctor? How can she guide her mother toward literacy? Is there a second chance in love for Lyneth and Robert? Directed by LA Madridejos, Abot Kamay Na Pangarap premieres today and will air from Monday to Saturday at 2:30 p.m. after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime.
A FLASHBACK has never carried this kind of a wallop and we have Pinoy Pop Royalty SB19 to thank because of its latest song, “Wyat” or “Where You At.” The song is not only sending the disco groove and vibes, but the message of staying connected in these troubled times also pulls at your heartstrings without the mush and blushing red cheeks.Themajority of the fans scream in delight and kilig because of the nostalgic settings in the videos produced by SB19 Pinuno Pablo Nase and his brother Josue The 1950s vibe in the diner scene and the attention to detail are most evident in the outfits, hair, milkshakes, and the James Dean-ish visuals of Ken Suson and Josh Cullen Santos. One will not only get the decadence and all of the fun that dominated the ‘70s and the ‘80s, it will also make you feel that extra special bump, grind and swag courtesy of Stell Ajero plus Santos’s twirls and jumps while on roller skates. Justin de Dios looks like the rich kid which one covets from a distance. And then the arcade segment, with its machines and trippy neon lights, and the electrical energy that only this Filipino quintet can radiate.“Wyat” has been receiving so much love from the shrieking fans since it dropped on September 2. It is number one on the iTunes Chart of the Philippines, Qatar, UAE, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, it dominates three charts specifically the All Genres, Pop Category, and Dance/Electronic. It holds the #1 spot in Singapore and UAE and #15 on Canada iTunes Chart and #2 in Antigua and Barbuda. Pablo, Josh, Justin, Ken, and Stell are on the cover of Tidal’s New Arrivals: Global Pop playlist – another massive international moment for our “yabang” Pinoy in a great way. The official music video has already amassed almost a million views since it premiered on YouTube and the digits are adding up every minute. In most of the major streaming platforms, they let us connect with each other, and forever pop song gets the appreciation and streams it deserves. Let us not even go to the video reactions from local and international music vloggers who are universal with their praises for the freshest anthem from SB19.
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TRULY, no province in the Philippines exudes an image of prestige and progress as Cebu does. Metro Cebu, for one, is now a striking blend of modern industry, urban development, and a deep reverence for its rich traditions and history. It is this balance of culture and commerce that Cebu derives its charm from. To date, Cebuanos take pride in the province’s natural attractions that including pristine beaches, island getaways, and vast expanses of greenery, as well as the sight of majestic mountains rising on the horizon. It is not a surprise, then, that Golden Haven, a renowned name in the Philippine deathcare industry, chose Cebu as the site of the country’s most beautiful memorial park.
beautifulofchosedeathcarePhilippineindustry,Cebuasthesitethecountry’smostmemorialparkGoldenHavenCebufeatures
BoholGarcia-FrascoGovernorAris
Shalimar Tamano, Office of Product and Market Development Director Paulo Benito Tugbang, Philippine Airlines President and COO Capt. Stanley Ng, and Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado
The Moon Gate, for instance, is an East Asian-styled structure that serves as a gateway to the island mausoleums. Three columbaries that house notable religious figures like St. Teresa de Avila, St. Mary of the Child Jesus, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta comprise another major feature of Golden Haven Cebu—the Thereseum. One popular amenity for guests who want to take a sweeping view of Golden Haven Cebu is the Vatican Deck. From this sky deck’s vantage point, guests can rest their eyes on a panoramic vista of the beautiful park. All these features ensure that no other memorial property trumps Golden Haven Cebu for long-term reliability and for appreciation value that goes up to an average of 20 percent annually. And for memorial property investors, Golden Haven Cebu’s close proximity to key landmarks like Gaisano Saversmart Bacayan, Cebu International School, and the soon-to-rise Asian College of Technology further boosts its stock. As Golden Haven works towards having a memorial park in every Filipino’s hometown, Golden Haven Cebu remains to be one of its most viable investment options—and one of its most serene final resting places, too.
Conrad Manila’s Brasserie on 3 presents Malaysian culture on a plate sauce).Traditionally, nasi lemak is a breakfast staple. But being comfort food, most Malaysians are now eating it any time of the day. Rice, after all, is a staple in a Malay meal, just like how it is in the Philippines.Likeits Southeast Asian neighbors, Malaysian cuisine is known for its rich flavors emanating from the herbs and spices commonly found in the region. One can always find lemongrass, shallots, ginger, chilies, and garlic in Malaysian dishes. These spices are often blended together and sauteed to make sambal, a popular condiment. Dishes are made flavorful with lengkuas (galangal), bunga kantan (torch ginger), kunyit (turmeric), pandan leaves, lime, and laksa leaves. These ingredients add zest to meat, seafood, and vegetables. Coconut milk is ever present in various Malay dishes. Rendang, which is sometimes erroneously thought to be curry, is always cooked by simmering ingredients in coconut milk until the liquid evaporates and thickens. Then, there is also laksa, the spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk-based broth, spiced with paste generally made with dried chilies, shallots, lemongrass, galangal, and shrimp paste. A variety of this all-time favorite noodle soup is the asam laksa, with its spicy-sour broth. Its sourness comes from asam or tamarind.Aside from its variations of laksa (Singapore is also associated with this dish), Malaysia has its own version of satay or grilled skewers. This grilled staple can also be found in Thailand and Indonesia.Spicyand aromatic, Malay food is an amalgamation of various influences –Southeast Asian, Chinese, Indian, among others. Being one of the trading ports during the 15th century, many ingredients from different parts of the world made their way to Malaysia, enriching its cuisine. If you want to experience the diverse flavors of Malaysian cuisine, head to Conrad Manila’s Brasserie on 3. Guest chef Karim Mustaffa prepares flavorful dishes that will surely give a glimpse of the rich and vibrant culture of Malaysia in everyWorkingbite. together with chef Warren Brown, the hotel’s executive chef, chef Karim brings to the table Malaysian favorites such as nasi lemak, rendang, kari kambing (lamb curry), ayam bakar and masak (grilled and braised chicken dishes), and satay, among others. “As you explore our buffet spread, I hope you will rediscover Malaysia’s three dominant indigenous communities –Malay, Chinese, and Indians. In my two years in the Philippines, I have discovered that Malaysia’s characteristics of these communities have settled perfectly in the country’s penchant for food, mostly laced with pepper and curry for spiciness, sweetness, and sourness,” shared Conrad Manila outgoing general manager Linda Pecoraro Aside from the sensory feast, diners can sample “Junglebird” mocktail, inspired by the popular tiki cocktail created at Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s Aviary Bar in the 70s. Taste of Malaysia buffet feast is available daily for lunch and dinner until September 16, with price starting at P2, 450 nett per person. For inquiries, email conradmanila@conradhotels.com or visit the website and follow their official social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
OUR Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to energize the tourism industry with interesting events, now that domestic and international borders have opened. People all over the world are now raring to travel anywhere and everywhere, just to make up for whatever travel time they lost during the twoand-a-half years of Covid-related restrictions.TheDOTofficers and staff are even busier now with new projects that, not only banner our country’s interesting destinations but also ensure the sustainability of our tourism industry.
As early as now, the DOT is starting to prepare for next year’s edition, as it adds to the list of invitees more local and foreign divers so they can also experience our country’s rich and wonderful marine world. More information on PHIDEX 2023 is available at phidex@tourism.gov.ph or www.phidex.asia Philippine Tourism Job Fair In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Tourism (DOT) will soon stage the biggest job fair in the country, which is designed to help our tourism stakeholders recruit competent staff to run their respective businesses. Due to the pandemic, many of our tourism enterprises had to let go of their trained and experienced staff in order to minimize their operational losses. But, now that the Industry is surging towards the pre-pandemic volume of business, additional staff have to be hired. Unfortunately, those who were earlier let go have now found jobs abroad, thus, the need for this job fair. With the theme “Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso!”, the event will be held at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia from September 22 to 24. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco announced that this event will be a multimonth campaign and will include venues not just in Metro Manila but also in Cebu and in Davao. This extended Job Fair will conclude on May 2023, coinciding with DOT’s 50th Founding Anniversary. Another welcome development for our tourism workforce is Sec. Frasco’s report that, during her recent visit to Thailand, that country’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, asked her for help in recruiting Filipino staff for Thailand’s tourism enterprises which are also experiencing the same lack of competent staff as our stakeholders. Secretary Frasco is now liaising with our Department of Migrant Workers to address Thailand’sAccordingrequest.toDOT Asec. for Human Capital Development and Industry Manpower Development Maria Rica Bueno, this Job Fair will certainly provide the muchneeded push in the revitalization of the Tourism Industry’s problem with human capital which was caused by the pandemic. More information on this landmark event is available at dot-oimd@tourism.gov.ph For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@ gmail.com
manicured gardens and lush landscaping that harmonize with its Italian-inspired amenities Revving up the industrytourism A tourist enjoying the beach in El Nido, Palawan YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE FROM SIR NORMAN WILSON: “As you get older, three things happen. The first is – your memory goes…and I can’t remember the other two.”DOT Secretary Christina
A peek into Cebu’s beautiful memorial park Golden Haven, a renowned name in the
Aumentado
and Boracay Adventures Travel and Tours’ Peter Tay
PHIDEX is the only Dive Show in the world that features a Dive Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) showcasing exhibition booths of dive resorts, centers, and dive gear and equipment. It also has a businessto-business (B2B) meeting program for local and international dive operators, conferences, and seminars. It ends with familiarization tours, for the guests, to the top and emerging dive destinations in the country.With this year’s theme “Back Into The Blue: One With The Sea,” the well-attended three-day event featured educational talks, an Usec.Chiefofficers:Expoofficiallyprizes.andphotographyunderwatercontest,araffleofexcitingOnhandtoopenthewereDOTOIC-DivisionRowenaSorioso,
Golden Haven Cebu is a mountaintopsanctuary-inspired memorial property that sprawls on rolling, grassy terrain amid nature’s bounty. It’s a picturesque haven – all 13 hectares of it – that inspires nostalgia and the loveliest memories of the dearly Locateddeparted.onBinaliw Road, Golden Haven Cebu features manicured gardens and lush landscaping that harmonize with its Italian-inspired amenities like the Pope John Paul II Memorial Hill, the Garden Plaza, and the Imperial Gardens. The latter offers zen-like tranquility for visitors who need to destress as they savor its soothing breeze and stoke memories of loved ones who have gone ahead. Park visitors can linger at Golden Haven Cebu’s enchanting Butterfly Garden, and take a calming break in an open green space abundant with flowers and the butterflies that thrive around them.Meanwhile, the classic design aesthetic of Golden Haven Cebu is reflected in its Italian- and Chinese-inspired amenities.
By Glaiza Lee NASI Lemak is the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear Malaysia. My foodie heart has always been interested in Malaysian cuisine, with its interesting and varied culinary elements that are best savored and enjoyed with family and friends.Literally means “fat rice,” this unofficial national dish of Malaysia is basically rice cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in bungkus or triangular packet made using banana leaf or wax paper. It might sound simple, but this rice dish can surprise you with its variety of sides and accompaniments. While rice, cucumber, anchovies, and peanuts are the staples, one can add various ingredients. Some like it with ayam rendang or chicken stew, while others put curry or seafood. Assortment of vegetables and hard-boiled eggs can be added. If one wants a little spicy kick on their nasi lemak, they put a dollop of sambal (chili
PHIDEX The DOT and Dive Philippines recently staged the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia. World-renowned divers, underwater photographers and dive media attended the popular event that showcased the beauty and diversity of the top diving destinations in the country. The respective DOT regional offices where these popular diving destinations are located worked tirelessly in the last twoyears-plus, when international borders were still closed, to further develop and enhance the attraction of these dive spots. Now that our country has reopened to foreign tourists, our dive industry is confidently poised to welcome dive enthusiasts from all over.
Conrad Manila’s guest chef has prepared dishes that give a glimpse of the rich culture of Malaysia such as rendang and satay Malaysian cuisine is known for its rich flavors from the herbs and spices commonly found in the region
Life C4 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2022 Nickie Wang Editor Joba Botana Associate Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
Taste of Malaysia
