Manila Standard - 2022 September 22 - Thursday by Manila Standard

pledged to accelerate the implementation of a human rights joint program in the Philippines with the United Nations. In his speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General

and revision of codes on measures seeking to revise the 1987 Constitution, Enrile said the current charter made the provisions from the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions complicated.

Assembly in New York on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), Mr. Marcos said this system should work for the "most vulnerable" sectors in society such as the marginalized, migrants, and refugees.

Romualdez said the Filipino leader's participation at the event was a symbolic act that would play a significant role in advancing peace and stability, not only in the Southeast Asian region but in the Philippines’ sphere of influence as well.

United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Marcos said climate change

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 218• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CLIMATE ACTION ALLIES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with UN Sec-Gen Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly where they exchange views on combating climate change.

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Speaker hails speech, marks it to be historic

THE country should revert to the 1935 Constitution and elect 48 senators due to its expanded population, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile proposed Wednesday. Enrile, also the former Senate

"I have never been prouder to stand as a Filipino in the company of world leaders. It was a great experience to see and hear our President spell out, in clear terms, what we as a people expect from the parliament of nations," Romualdez said, referring to the reaffirmation made by President Marcos of the ideals upheld and promoted by the UN.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta President, said the 1935 Constitution was "brief, simple, and easy to understand."

By Maricel V. Cruz

is “the greatest threat affecting our nations and our“Therepeoples.”is no other problem so global in nature that it requires a united effort, one led by the United Nations,” he said in a speech that

FIRST IN OVER A DECADE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on September 20, 2022. He is the first Philippine president to address the UN in person since the remarks of the late President Benigno Aquino III in 2010. Inset photo shows members of the Philippine delegation, including Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and First Lady Liza Marcos.

2022.SeptemberWednesday,Constitution21, Domingo Next page Next page Next page Next page Next page

THE

CHA-CHA PUSH. Counsel and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile returns to the Senate as a resource person of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes during the resumption of the hybrid public hearing on legislative measures calling for a review of the provisions of the 1987

PH bids for seat in UNSC

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (Manila time) called for a united effort among nations to address climate change. In a speech at the 77th session of the

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

country is ready to deport some 280 illegal employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and are set to catch more of them, Jus tice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla saidInWednesday.aninterview with radio dzBB, Remulla confirmed what he told Con gress earlier this week that he would speak with China’s Ambassador to the

Mr.

Philippines, Huang Xilian, for

The Philippines-United Nations Joint

By Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez and Othel V. Campos

280 illegal POGO workers to be deported

Enrile suggests country reverts to ‘brief, simple’ 1935 Charter Marcos calls for end to racism, Asian hate, prejudices

P Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. asked the member-states of the United Nations (UN) to support the Philippines' bid to become a member of the Security Council for the term 2027-2028.

“We still dream of an end to the dis turbing incidents of racism, of Asian hate, of all prejudice,” Mr. Marcos said.

about the protocols

By Vito Barcelo

He said Mr. Marcos' remarks — his first on the world stage since his election last May — show "how we all need to work together to address the urgent problems plaguing the globe in this generation... That we need to act fast if we want humanity to survive."

During the hearing of the Senate committee on constitutional amendments

President pleads for support, cites gov't successes in forging peace

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez said he has "never been prouder" to be a Filipino after listening to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s historic address at the 77th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday in Manila).

BUSINESS / B4 PESO SETTLES AT NEW ALL-TIME LOW OF P58 VS. $1 (Story on A4)PBBM SEEKS UNITED FRONT TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE, FOOD SECURITY

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a "fair international system" to eliminate racism and Asian hate, as he

HARD DAY'S WORK. man pushes a goods cart through a crowded market in Manila on September 21, 2022. The Asian Development Bank on September 21 cut its 2022 growth forecast for developing Asia, with crippling COVID-19 lockdowns in China, conflict in Ukraine and efforts to combat inflation dragging on the region. AFP

deporting the Chinese na tionals.“We’re ready to deport, I think, 280 people by now. We have them in cus tody. We are scheduled to catch more people,” Remulla said in a mix of Eng lish and Filipino. The Justice secretary said there were 216 previously licensed POGO com panies that have stopped paying their dues and estimated that about 40,000

lasted over 20 minutes.

RESIDENT

At the same time, Marcos—who met with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the session—underscored the need for nations to invest in food security, noting that the coronavirus pandemic and

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President Marcos will have a bi lateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Thursday dawn (Manila Time), the Palace said. On Thursday (NY time) Mr. Mar cos will meet with US President Joe Biden, well-placed sources said.

"My country’s experience in building peace and forging new paths of cooperation

"Now, if you will ask me what we should do, I believe there are many things. First, my proposal is we go back, that is my preference, I'm not binding anybody, go back to the 1935 Constitution or at the very least if we want to change it

In a speech at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Marcos also emphasized the importance of adhering to rules-based international order to settle disputes and warned that the peace and stability in Asia is under threat due to ideological tensions.

The President raised the need to create a reformed and more inclusive Security Council and an empowered General Assembly that can hold the council to account.Healso cited the importance of equipping nations, especially developing countries, with the tools needed to “navigate the uncharted waters of this century.”

warned against the ill effects of POGOs in the country, saying that offshore gam ing undermines the government's battle against illegal drugs, graft and corruption, money-laundering, and other gamblingrelated

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Widening geopolitical polarities and sharpening strategic competitions have transformed the international political landscape, he added.

HE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will open around 50 additional routes in Metro Manila to put more public utility vehicles on the road.

to discuss the repatriation of about 40,000 Chinese nationals who lost their jobs with the closure of some 175 POGOs.

to the peace and stability in our region,” he added.ThePresident delivered the Philippine national statement before members of the UN at its 77th General Assembly at its global headquarters in New York.

‘Friend to all, enemy of none’ Marcos, in his keynote address, renewed his resolve to pursue an independent foreign policy that makes the Philippines a “friend to all and an enemy of none.”“AsIhave underscored, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all, and an enemy of none,” he said.

The LTFRB official said the agency is also studying a proposal to extend the validity of the franchise of PUV

In his speech, Marcos also emphasized the importance of food as “the very basis of human security.”

nic Clavano said Remulla would meet with Chinese

It also clarified that the collection of bus fares at the Carousel from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily was not a new regulation but a policy implemented since 2021, LTFRB board member and lawyer Mercy Jane Paras-Leynes said at a public briefing on Wednesday.“Inour previous meetings, to my knowledge, we will open around 50 additional routes. If possible, we will release it this week,” Paras-Leynes said.

He also stressed the country’s contribution to reinforcing the predictability and stability of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, wherein the Philippines provided an example of how states should resolve disputes, which is through reason and right.

Filipinos ranked third among eth nicities that have become victims of hate crimes directed against Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States, ac cording to the latest report released by StopHate,AAPIa broad coalition that gathers data on racially motivated attacks relat ed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

territorial dispute over the resource-rich South China Sea (SCS) where Beijing claims around 80 percent of the strategic waters.The Philippines on July 12, 2016 won its petition filed before the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) after the arbitral tribunal invalidated Beijing’s claim of supposed historic rights over almost the entire SCS.

The Chief Executive stressed, among others, the importance of the UN in enforcing and applying international law, as well as championing international dialogue and Romualdezcooperation.saidthe President’s impassioned speech before the UN also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to honor its obligations under international law.“By reaffirming the ideals of the UN, we also recognize that the Philippines is a part of a bigger world community and, as such, must adhere to the principles mutually agreed upon by members of the UN,” the Speaker said.

half of the Senate will be elected every six "That’syears. a delicate topic. They did not understand why under the 1935 Constitution the wise men of the Philippines... they made it 24 (Senate seats), but every two years exposed to the mandate of the people, eight of these 24 people and the 16 will remain standing all the time was embedded in the Constitution," he said.

“We just want to correct the information. We have been implementing the free rides on the Busway from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m., since 2021.

“The effects of climate change are uneven and reflect an historical injustice: Those who are least responsible suffer the most. The Philippines, for example, is a net carbon sink, we absorb more carbon dioxide than we emit. And yet, we are the 4th most vulnerable country to the effects of climate change,” he said.

can enrich the work of the Security Council,” said Mr. Marcos, who cited the peace forged with Muslim separatists in Mindanao. “And to this end, I appeal for the valuable support of all UN member states for the Philippines’ candidature to the Security Council for the term of 2027-2028.”“Thepeace that we have forged after many decades of conflict among warring factions and clansmen demonstrates that unity is possible even in the most trying circumstances,” the President said.

The President’s words struck a chord in every Filipino household,” the Speaker said.“He verbalized what an average Filipino family would want to tell world leaders: Please get your acts together so that we keep families all over the world feeling safe and secure for generations to come," Romualdez said.

“We look forward to concrete outcomes at the Conference of Parties in Egypt later this year,” he said.

This is not a new decision by the new board. We had since allowed them to charge from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.” she said.

“Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., the services of EDSA Busway PUBs have a corresponding fare collection or transport fare,” Paras-Leynes said, referring to a joint advisory of DoTr and LTFRB.

Turning his attention to the tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos said disputes must be resolved "through peaceful means" and "through reason and through right."

In his speech, Mr. Marcos said the challenges today are “as consequential as those that faced us 77 years ago” when the UN was founded.

280... From

“As host to 17 UN agencies, programs and funds, the Philippines strongly supports reforms to ensure that the UN Development System delivers as one through its UN Country Team,” he said.

In his first State of the Nation Address delivered on July 25, Marcos said the Philippines will continue to be a “good neighbor” that is seeking collaboration and cooperation to yield “mutually beneficial outcomes.”Marcossaid unity will contribute to the success of all nations.

This was so that in case of danger, war, invasion, or rebellion “like what happened to us, or any kind of emergency, epidemic, pandemic, there must always be 16 senators that can be relied upon to maintain the government of the Republic of the Philippines, not for their sake but for the sake of the Filipino people, for their safety and security," the presidential counsel

Speaker...

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“Reaffirming the principles that the UN stands for means we also reaffirm our commitment to pursue dialogue and cooperation as a peaceful means to settle conflict and disputes. And this is crucial

Despite being one of the smallest contributors to CO2 emissions, the Philippines remains among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, Marcos said.

"For amidst the challenging global tides, an important ballast stabilizes our common vessel. That is, our open, inclusive, and rules-based international order that is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice," Marcos said.

Food Security

Mr.....

ment; one that requires a re-founding of these, our United Nations,” he said. “The world is ready for a transformation. It is up to us as leaders of our nations to move and shape that transformation.”

"President Marcos’ call for global unity resonates with each one of us who fear what the tectonic shifts in the world today may bring in the coming century.

But peace and stability in Asia is under threat due to ideological tensions, he said.

Clavano said Remulla will talk about “the canceled POGO companies as listed by PAGCOR (the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation).”

The UNCLOS, adopted in 1982, lays down a comprehensive legal framework governing all activities and uses of the world's seas and oceans. It also establishes general obligations for safeguarding the marine environment and protecting freedom of scientific research on the high seas.On the other hand, the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes is a landmark instrument adopted by the UNGA in 1982 to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

"As we've seen over the last years as a result of Covid, before that climate change and, more recently, conflict –notably Russia's aggression against Ukraine – profound food insecurity touches well over 200 million people on this planet, including, of course, in Yemen," Blinken said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

The LTFRB also clarified that phase 3 of the EDSA Busway Carousel “Libreng Sakay” program under the Department of Transportation stays until December 2022 from 4 a.m. until 11 p.m.

ian said he would hold a public hearing Thursday to tackle the various issues in volving POGO operations in the country, including any economic benefits they mightGatchalianbring. said the government al lowed POGOs in the country precisely for the purpose of generating additional revenue."Ifwe are not able to realize this, then we must have a careful review of POGO operations to determine whether they should remain in the country,” he said.

The President also called on member states to help each other amid pressing issues worldwide, including climate change and food security issues.

The GAA of 2022 extended the program’s phase 3 from April 2022 until December 2022.

Russia-Ukraine conflict have resulted in difficulties in accessing food worldwide. Climate Change

“When future generations look back, let them not ask why we did not take this opportunity to turn the tide, why did we continue in our profligate ways, until it was too late? This threat knows no borders, no social class, nor any geopolitical consideration. How we address it will be the true test of our time,” he said.

“These behoove us to uphold the ideals that led to the establishment of this parliament of nations, and to reject any attempt to deny or redefine our common understanding of these principles,” he said.

“The UN has long been an independent arbiter and an effective facilitator of the international dialogue between and among nations.

The Philippines takes the same approach in Asia, he said, noting that the Philippines builds partnerships for peace and development through dialogue, including through interfaith and interreligious dialogue, especially through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“The future beckons and we can embark upon that journey as single nations or as a world in harmony. I say let the challenges of one people be the challenges for all nations. And in that way the success of one will be a success for us all,” he told the UN “Themember-states.peoplesofthe world look to their leaders, to us, to make into reality these aspirations for our future. We must not fail them. And if we stand together, we will not fail them. If we stand together, we can only succeed. Let us dream, let us work for those successes for all our nations, united," Marcos said.

mediate assistance can be rendered to victims.USPresident Joe Biden also re cently met Vilma Kari, the 66-year-old Filipino-American seen in a video being viciously attacked by a man in Times Square in New York City.

"If we are going to change the number of senators at the present time, to be in tune with the number of the expanded population of the country (because) at the time of the adoption of the 1935 Constitution we were only 12 million people,” the former justice and defense minister“Now,added.weare more than 100 million people and if we are going to increase the number of senators, I would suggest that we double the present number (24) to 48," he said."With that 48, 16 would go out every two years to be elected by the people, so that new, fresh, and modernized minds will enter the system to contribute to the intellectual capability or academic capability of the remaining members," he added.Enrile said the 1935 Constitution established the number of senators at 24, but the 1987 Constitution decreed that

“We need to take concrete steps towards modern and resilient agriculture. For food is not just a trade commodity nor is it just a livelihood. It is an existential imperative, and a moral one. It is the very basis of human security,” he said.

The Philippines, which accounts for less than 1 percent of the world’s emissions, has committed to reducing its emissions by 70 percent by 2030.

The LTFRB last week approved fare increases for traditional and modern jeepneys, buses, taxis, and transport network vehicle services (TNVS). Rio N. Araja

From A1 immediately, go to the 1973 Constitution," he said.Enrile also suggested doubling the current number of senators from 24 due to the country's growing population.

of their employees may be staying in the Philippines illegally.

Some lawmakers have joined calls to shut down POGOs due to the series of kidnappings, bribery and rise of crimi nality, especially involving Chinese and Filipino-Chinese.SenatorNancy Binay said she has no qualms supporting the move to ban POGOs.

“There must be a coordinated ef fort between the two countries to bring them back to China given that they have no more basis to stay here in the Philip pines,” Clavano also said.

Settling Disputes Peacefully

A credible and solid foundation for self-government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Marcos said, was a result of inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including women, youth, faith leaders, and civil society.

Newsmst.daydesk@gmail.com A2

Marcos, who concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture, discussed the Philippines' efforts to address problems in the agriculture sector such as providing innovative solutions and financial support to farmers and fishers to adopt new technologies and connect to national and global value supply chains.Healso expressed a desire to forge cooperation with the UN and other partners to boost agricultural productivity and food security.

“I stand today on behalf of 110 million Filipinos. At this time of crisis and opportunity, I bring with me the spirit of their enduring commitment to the ideals of our United Nations,” Marcos said.

Enrile...

of international cooperation.

China, however, has repeatedly ignored the PCA ruling.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

PBBM...

In June, Marcos said he was seriously considering his invitation to attend the UN Climate Change Conference’s 27th session of the Conference of the Parties in Egypt in November this year.

Under the General Appropriations Act of 2021, the program’s phase 2 was extended from September 2021 to December 2021.

He said the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes provide "useful guidance for our time."

"A profound lack of trust is putting enormous strains on our multilateral system. Our very Charter is being violated around the world as we speak. In Asia, our hard-won peace and stability is under threat by increasing strategic and ideological tensions," he said without mentioning any country.

A ranking House leader on Wednesday

The body has 15 members and each member has one vote. The council’s five permanent members with veto powers are China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“This commitment is reflected in our solid contributions to the cause of peace and of justice, '' he added.

“Our people chose survival. They chose cooperation. They chose peace. And by doing so, they made history. Today, history once again calls to us to make these choices,” he added.

Marcos also vowed that the Philippine government would continue to do its part to avert what he described as a “collective disaster.”

The chief executive cited the Philippines’ role in shepherding the Manila Declaration of 1982 noting that it helped affirm that differences should only be resolved through peaceful means.

He also enjoined industrialized countries to fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to “cut their greenhouse gas emissions, provide climate financing and technology transfer for adaptation for the most vulnerable, and developing countries to lead by example.”

“In the face of great diversity, we believe that partnerships form the bridge to unite all of us in promoting peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region,” Marcos added.

The service-contracting or free-ride program was extended in April this year.

“I say let the challenges of one people be the challenges for all nations. And in that way, the success of one will be a success for us all,” he added.

Before this, over 100 bus, jeepney, and UV Express routes were opened in anticipation of the reopening of face-toface classes last August.

“We are, indeed, at a watershed mo

In his first State of the Nation Address on July 25, Marcos also vowed to increase the Philippines’ use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal, solar, and wind to help slow down the effects of climate change.

The Philippines, China and several other littoral states are locked in a

Amid the string of attacks against Asian-Americans in the US, the Phil ippine Consulate General in New York encouraged Filipino victims, or those who have witnessed such inci dents, to contact the consulate so im

"It is not true that we allowed buses on EDSA to charge fares just recently," Paras-Leynes added.

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Kari was one of the hate crime survi vors invited by the White House during the “United We Stand Summit” hosted by Biden last Thursday.

The joint program seeks to affirm the country’s commitment to human rights, the importance of free democratic space for civil society, as well as the principle

On Tuesday, Senator Sherwin Gatchal

In January 2004, the Philippines assumed one of the elected seats in the UN Security Council for the term 2004-2005.

Program on Human Rights, he said, is an example of a constructive approach that “puts our people, not our politics, at the center of this work.”

It continues to be our country’s honor to be part of this global family of nations that has continued to remain faithful to its mission of fostering world peace,” said Romualdez, who accompanied Mr. Marcos on his visit to the US.

PH... From A1

Enrileadded.saidhe also agrees to reinstate the phrase "imminent danger" in the martial law provision of the Constitution, as this would enable the government to respond to any looming war, rebellion, or insurrection. A1

The Philippines is one of the origi nal 51 charter members that created the United Nations in 1945.

Marcos emphasized the need for nations to correct injustices by accepting their share of responsibilities.

operators and drivers who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as waive their penalties.

“Is it worth it?" asked Binay, citing the low earning from POGOs amid the increasing number of crimes involving them. She also said they are ready to pass a law for the total ban of POGOs.

"The purpose of changing eight (senators) every two years was to be sure that two-thirds of all the senators must be in place at any given time without any interregnum,” Enrile added.

World powers met Tuesday at the United Nations on how to address rising food insecurity, with dire warnings of a devastating harvest next year due to the war in TheUkraine.UnitedStates joined the European Union, African Union and Spain for a meeting at the ministerial level on food prices, seen as a key factor in conflicts andUSinstability.Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted the effects of rising prices in some of the world's most vulnerable places, including Yemen, which has been devastated by eight years of war from which it is seeing a respite.

Marcos is the first Philippine president to attend the UNGA in person since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. He was also the first leader from the ASEAN to deliver a statement during the High-Level General Debate, which was attended by more than 150 heads of state and government.

“It provides a model for revitalizing the structures that facilitate solidarity between the United Nations and a sov ereign duty-bearer,” the President said.

Surigaocrimes.delNorte Rep. Robert Ace Bar bers, chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs, reiterated his longstanding opposition to POGO operations in the Phil ippines, arguing that they pose social and security concerns for the country. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

The Libreng Sakay program was launched in December 2020 to end in June 2021 under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act.

LTFRB to open 50 more NCR routes

embassy officials Thursday

In March 2017, the Philippines ratified the Paris climate pact -- a worldwide effort to achieve a below 2-degrees Celsius increase in global temperatures.

“We know where they all are, we know where the offices are, soa it’s a matter of time before we resolve everything here,” RemullaJusticesaid.Assistant Secretary Jose Domi

Romualdez thanked the President "for emphasizing to the community of nations what to expect from the Filipino nation... That we are a friend to all, and enemy of none."Mr. Marcos’ recent visit to the US is part of a series of international travels that aims to bring in much-needed investments to the Philippines after the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aside from Boratong, the court also found Godofredo Aquino Medenilla, a bank manager, guilty complicity for supposedly helping the Boratongs facilitate the opening of accounts and bank transfers of their funds.

Estomo welcomed the returnees and fa-

“But rest-assured that constant and close follow-ups are being done. As soon as we get the needed parts, the rest of our ﬁghter jets will be ﬂying soon,” she said.

“The huge amount of funds that Sheryl

Boratong was sentenced to up to 13 years of imprisonment and a ﬁne of P3 million for six counts of violation of Republic Act 9160 or the Anti-Money

QC o ers tech-voc education for PDLs

“Violent and cruel initiation rites threaten the well-being and future of our young people who are supposed to be in academic institutions to develop their full potential and build their dreams,” De Guia“Wesaid.note the said university’s prohibition of fraternities and similar groups in line with the Anti-Hazing Law of 2018 and its support in ensuring accountability of perpetrators. Local authorities are urged to conduct an immediate probe in the pursuit of justice for the victims and to deter similar crimes against students,” she

Manhit noted that building investor conﬁdence is all about building the policy environment to sustain investment-led growth. And if the Filipino people themselves

HE Pasig City Regional Trial Court has convicted for money laundering Sheryl Boratong, the wife of the late Amin Imam Boratong, operator of the socalled ‘shabu tiangge’ reportedly located near the Pasig city hall.

Laundering Act of 2001.

THE Quezon City government is bringing senior high school program for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) right inside the Quezon City Jail’s (QCJ) male dormitory under the K-12 program of the Department of Education.

“We need industries and services to grow stronger. We need manufacturing to grow stronger,” he said. “At the core of these is digital infrastructure,” Manhit said. But it would take a lot to encourage investments, both domestic and foreign, he added.

IN BRIEF

tions of their top clients as smooth as possible. He said top clients were those with deposits of over P20 million such as the Boratongs, who deposits increased to P40-million.

Sheryl and her husband Amin Imam were arrested in an anti-illegal drugs operation by the police on February 10, 2006 that led to the discovery of the “shabu tiangge,”

small, and medium enterprises – to transform the Filipino citizenry into a new digital society.

PAF: Some ghter jets grounded for repair

RTC convicts ‘shabu tiangge’ owner’s wife

“We are now experiencing the impact of the PNP program where a component of peace will build a genuine development in our country which is also the dream of our President Bongbong Marcos. I also believe that good and strong relations with our communities are the way to maintain peace in the region,” said Estomo.

Representatives of the city government, the School Division Ofﬁce, and the Fernando C. Amorsolo Senior High School signed a memorandum of understanding to enable these inmates learn and earn a high school diploma while in “Itdetention.istheright of every city resident to have a good education. Here in our city, we cannot allow that the sorry state of our people would be a stumbling block for them to study,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

cilitated their renunciation of membership in the communist insurgency movement by taking their “Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.”

The DBM reiterated its warning to local chief executives not to fall prey to scammers who are soliciting under the false pretense of immediate release of Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).“The Budget Chief requested the help of the DILG to inform the public against dealing with individuals representing themselves to be ofﬁcials or personnel of the DBM, as well as those acting as middlemen to earn or solicit money for the false guarantee of the expedited release of Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance under the General Appropriations Act,” the statement said.

10 ‘hard-core’ NPA rebels surrender to NCRPO chief Estomo

Besides violations of the Dangerous

The court added that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) stated in a letter that Sheryl had not paid any tax, “thus the funds are proceeds and/or related to the unlawful activity of violation of RA 9165. Sheryl was even convicted for violation of RA 9165 as shown in the decision dated June 30, 2009.”

Upon graduation, the PDLs can obtain a National Certiﬁcate Level II once they pass the competency-based assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Meanwhile, Medenilla is meted with up to six years of imprisonment for two counts of the same offense.

“We need conﬁdence in our systems, we need legal frameworks like the Public Service Act and the Foreign Investment Act. These are the initiatives that will drive growth,” he said.

However, Memie, testiﬁed before a Manila court that it was due to Medenilla’s advice that she transferred her accounts to her siblings.

They also turned in their ﬁrearms and explosives, including a 5.56 riﬂe with six short magazines and 122 rounds of ammunition, four rounds of 40mm grenade launchers; one

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has stepped into a hazing incident allegedly perpetrated by the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity that resulted in the death of a graduating student from the University of Mindanao in Davao City, and severe injury to another student last Sept. 18.

She added that the delays in the delivery of the parts were largely affected by the slowdown of the supply chain due to recent global events.

The surrenderees,, whom the NCRPO described as hard-core rebels, were identiﬁed only in their aliases as Ka Roger, Ka Roy, Ka Primero, Ka Velyn, Ka Darrio,, Ka Beng, and Ka Jomari; and certain Bunso, Junjun, and Janjan; all based in the Bicol Region.

The NCRPO described the rebels’ surrender as “spectacular and one of a kind mileage” for the police command under the supervision of Estomo and Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. on the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

ELECTRONIC TRACKING SYSTEM. The Bureau of Customs enhances its cargo monitoring capability with the use of state-of-the-art Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) system, designed to eradicate technical smuggling or unauthorized and irregular discharge of imported shipments.

“Furthermore,time. with the prospects of additional aircraft as part of our modernization plans, our Air Force can even be so much better, “ she added.

News A3THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, mst.daydesk@gmail.com2022

have adapted to the digital environment, ushered in by the pandemic, then the government must ask itself if it is also ready to transform itself and its policies, he“Governmentsaid. should transform its policy to work better with the private sector to transform the Philippines into a digitally ready society—from infra to systems, the use of other technologies, to push the economy forward.”

Reports had it that only three FA-50s are operational at present due to sustainability

He told reporters that the 10 rebels had already sent feelers way back during his stint as the Regional Director of Police Regional Ofﬁce 5 (Bicol Region), but the planned surrender was called off when he was transferred to Metro Manila.

transacted for just three months from December 2005 to February 2006 cannot be justiﬁed by any legal source of purpose,” the court said.

QCJ chief Michelle Bonto expressed gratitude and appreciation for the continuing support given by the city government for their institution that boosts the capability and morale of their personnel and the PDLs.

Pangandaman also asked the NBI to investigate the scam and hold those responsible accountable for their criminal activities.

THE National Capital Region Police Ofﬁce (NCRPO) on Wednesday announced that 10 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered to NCRPO acting director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo.

COASTAL CLEANUP. Volunteers from the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and the Pico Sands Hotel pose for a souvenir photo with guests and members of the Yanarra Watersports and Tour Services of Santelmo Cove to cap their joint coastal cleanup activity at the famous tourist spots in Nasugbo, Batangas.

“These scammers would draft documents and would ask local chief executives to sign their fake requests, identify contractors, and ask for money in exchange for the supposed expedited release of funds for certain programs and projects,” the department said.

Globe Group president and CEO Ernest Cu said the pandemic showed how crucial digital technology and ICT are in daily life.

DBM seeks NBI, DILG help to go after victimizingscammersLGUs

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has sought the help of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after unscrupulous individuals using the agency’s name for fraudulent solicitationBudgetschemes.Secretary Amenah Pangandaman coordinated with the DILG and NBI to ferret out the people posing as DBM personnel, the agency said in a press statement on Wednesday.

This was the consensus from the virtual business roundtable dubbed “Promoting Broad-Based Prosperity Through Digital Infrastructure,” held September 7 and organized by the Stratbase Group in partnership with consumer group CitizenWatch Philippines.Professor Victor Andres Manhit, Stratbase Group president, said the Philippines needs both skills and business investments on every level – from the micro,

DIGITAL infrastructure is crucial to economic recovery and development, but it can only be achieved if the Philippines has investment-friendly policies and if the combined workforces of the public and private sectors possess the digital skills that would support and sustain the transition.

Eightadded.fraternity members were arrested following the death of August Ceazar Saplot, 19, a criminology student who went through the hazing rites on Sunday. A rescue team reportedly failed to revive the victim at the house of one of the fraternity

Anothermembers.student, Michael Angelo Ligaya, 18, was seriously injured in the hazing incident. Rio N. Araja

CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said CHR Region XI has already launched an independent investigation, condemning the violation on the right to safety and security of the students.

“Someissues.are also awaiting spares which are coming from abroad. These parts are mostly what we call Time Change Items (TCI) and they need to be replaced after certain hours of use to ensure safety of ﬂight operations,” Castillo said.

Under the MOU, the school, with the assistance of the city government would offer the technical, vocational and livelihood strand specializing in home economics, bread and pastry production, cookery and commercial cooking; information and communications technology, animation and computer programming and shielded metal arc welding.

He said Globe has been providing digital solutions that enable businesses, including ﬁber connectivity, communication tools, payroll solutions, and even logistics trackers.

Medenilla was also ordered to pay a P1.5-million ﬁne.

In her testimony, she was asked about the explanation given by the bank manager on the need to transfer the accounts to people she could trust.

THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday said its non-operational FA50PH light jet ﬁghters are undergoing mandatory maintenance.

By Rey E. Requejo

In July 2009, a Pasig court found Boratong and his wife guilty of owning and maintaining the shabu tiangge. Amin Imam died during the COVID-19 pandemic.Meanwhile, an investigation by the Anti-Money Laundering Council showed that Sheryl has been maintaining bank accounts with millions of pesos in deposits despite the absence of a legitimate source of Inincome.thejoint decision by the Pasig City RTC Branch 167, the total amount involved in the case of Sheryl was almost P1.5-million involving several deposits made in three months.

Estomo presented the surrenderees to the media Wednesday morning at Lupang Pangako, Phase 2, covered court in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. He said the 10 rebels gave themselves up to the authorities in time with the 50th anniversary of martial law.

Pangandaman asked DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. to warn local government units (LGUs) against unauthorized solicitations in exchange for faster release of funds for programs and projects.

And despite the limited number of its operational ﬁghter aircraft, Castillo said that the PAF is still able to perform its mandate as needed with commendable response

CHR probes hazing death in Mindanao

“While it is true that we have FA-50 aircraft that are currently on non-operational status, most of them are just ongoing scheduled maintenance which are mandatory precautionary checks and they will be back in the air soon,” said Air Force spokesperson, Col. Ma Consuelo Castillo.

Drugs Act, the arrest of the couple also triggered an investigation for possible violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Law.

Medenillamillion. denied the allegations saying his duty was only to make transac-

sumpak (improvised ﬁrearm) with 18 rounds of ammunition, two 12 gauge shotguns with 36 rounds of ammunition, and two .38-cal revolvers with bullets.

For his part, Medenilla was convicted for facilitating the transfer of Boratong’s funds from another bank in Pasig to an account under the name of the sisters of Boratong’s ﬁrst wife Memie, worth over P9

By Rio N. Araja

By Joel E. Zurbano

Group: Digital infra crucial to national development

“ROLLING THUNDER.” A Philippine Army contingent conducts a warm send-o for the 10th Field “Rolling Thunder” Battalion of the command’s Artillery Regiment in a ceremony held at the Army’s headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Rolling Thunder will serve as the lead of three batteries of newly acquired Autonomous Truck Mounted (ATMO) howitzer system consisting of Israeli-made 155mm. self-propelled missiles for deployment in Central Mindanao. Danny Pata

“Because of the raid of the Mapayapa tiangge, according to the Manager, my husband’s name was already mentioned, so he advised us to transfer the Accounts to our trusted person,” she said.

The DOLE-Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns leads the implementation of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL), which aims to trans

The suspect Jeremiah Sarment, who is now under police custody, used differ ent names and identifica tion cards to claim medical assistance which is sup ported by several medical papers from a government hospital showing his claim of an alleged ailment. Upon verification of his identity by a DSWD

Rep. Mujiv Hataman is seek ing an increase in the budget of the Depart ment of Public Works and Highways, say ing that infrastructure projects are vital in generating employment in provinces and remoteHatamanareas.made the appeal as he lamented the department’s budget cut of P64.8 billion compared to 2022 figures.

DEPARTMENT of So cial Welfare and Develop ment (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo on Wednes day advised the agency’s personnel to be more vigilant against unscru pulous individuals taking advantage of government programs and services in tended for supposed ben eficiaries.This,after a man was ar rested in an entrapment on Sept. 16 for allegedly us ing a fake ID and submit ting falsified documents in availing of medical assis tance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).

Quimbo explained the infrastructure bud get is not only lodged in DPWH but in other agencies as well. In fact, Quimbo added, the proposed national budget also contains funds to enhance digital infrastructure, bringing the infrastructure allocation to P1.019 trillion in total.Quimbo said DBCC will yield to the wishes of Congress and that she is one with Hataman in saying that there is inadequate infrastructure spending. She said she will support Hataman if he proposes to increase infrastructure spending. Maricel V. Cruz

“Retail prices, however, might be affect ed by the ongoing drought in China due to its implications in the cost of palay produc tion, as well as the presence of rice varieties from other countries. Despite this, the DA confirmed that local production is enough,” it added.According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country has recorded a steady increase in rice stocks inventory reaching up to 2,034.57 metric tons (MT) (Household 1,064.25 MT; 809.83 MT; and NFA 160.50 MT) in July from the 1,632.51 metric tons (Household 864.92 MT; Com mercial 611.93 MT; and NFA 156.26 MT) recorded last March.

On Tuesday, the House of Representa tives passed on third and final reading the measure to postpone this year’s BSKE to December

meat

Rice, supply for holiday season —

SEN. Robinhood “Robin” C. Pa dilla has started exploring ways to stop the abuse of TikTok, YouTube, and other “new media” platforms that use streaming content.

delighted to share that the issue of eradicating child labor is among our priority programs),” Laguesma said.Laguesma’s message was deliv ered by DOLE Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay during the 3rd Anniversary Celebration of the In stitutionalization of the National Council against Child Labor (NCA CL) on September 15 in Manila.

The LTFRB earlier approved a P1 provisional increase in the minimum fare for first four kilometers travel in both traditional and modern jeepneys.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NIA said it has secured PHP1 trillion investment pledges from the private partnership.

These prospective investments are expected to speed up irrigation projects through public-private partnerships, it added.Besides ensuring the sufficiency of rice supply, the DA also assured the public that meat products will also meet the holiday demands.“TheDA livestock group… confirmed the country’s meat-sufficiency, especially in terms of local chickens and pigs,” it added.Based on the department’s supply out look, the local production of 1.65 million MT actually meets the expected demand of 1.64 million MT, not to mention that the total broiler supply is expected to be at 1.82 million MT.

According to the International Labour Organization, poverty re mains a strong force driving chil dren into the workplace.

IN BRIEF

“In two months, NIA now has a total investment pledge of more than one tril lion pesos from potential private partners, which would then allow NIA to pursue its irrigation projects without the restriction of limited funding,” the NIA said.

Mindanao solon eyes bigger DPWH budget

Comelec acting spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said they are looking at two sce narios on the holding of the special polls.

Cavite special polls depends on BSKE sched

Philippine National Taxi Op erators Association also said this will “help alleviate their plight brought by fuel price hikes.” The taxi group’s president Atty. Jesus Manuel Suntay said the flagdown rate for taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS), which was recently adjusted up wards by P5, is not enough, GMA NewsSuntayreported.saidthe P5 increase only HAIRCUT.FREE Soldiers from the AFP Joint Wednesday.coveredLupangCaravan”“Serbisyogovernment’sduringQuezonBarangaytogiveCapitalForce-NationalTaskRegionfreehaircutschildreninPayatas,CitythenationalatthePangakocourton PNA

Upon assumption as head of the DSWD, Tulfo vowed that he will go af ter unqualified individu als who take advantage of the government’s aid programs.Healso said the agen cy will continue to work with the authorities, spe cifically the Philippine National Police, to put an end to these illegal ac tivities to ensure that only rightful beneficiaries will receive government aid.

amount of liters they utilize and the number of their passengers per day, GMA News further reported.

The suspect, who was charged with estafa (swin dling) under Article 315 (2a) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Re public Act No. 10951, is now temporarily detained at the Batasan Police Sta tion in Quezon City.

Wednesday.BASILAN

Under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by the national government to Congress, DPWH has a slashed proposed budget of P717.31 billion, down by 8.7 percent from this year’s P785.24 billion ap proved budget.Hataman raised the question after one of the sponsors of the proposed na tional budget, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, said in her sponsorship speech stated that one guiding principle in crafting the 2023 spend ing bill is economic recovery.

ELIMINATING child labor re mains a top priority for the Depart ment of Labor and Employment (DOLE).Inamessage, Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said DOLE presented to Congress its priority projects and programs, and eradicating child labor is among the department’s priority programs.“Ihaverecently appeared before Congress to present the projects and programs that the department would like to focus our attention and funds on. I am

translates to an additional P100 if they have an average of 20 passengers per day.“The price of gasoline increased by P30 per liter. At an average of 40 liters a day, P1,200 was added to the drivers’ expenses. What was only given to us was P100. This means that drivers still have to pay P1,100 more. The addition al P5 in flag-down rate is not enough,” SuntaySuntaysaid.explained that the proposed P60 flag-down rate was based on the current fuel prices vis a vis the average

The

This was after he learned that the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has limited powers in acting against inappropriate content specially on such new platforms.

In the same event, representa tives from different government agencies, non-government organi zations, civil society, and advocacy groups also received certificates of recognition as NCACL members and social partners.

“A big chunk of the supply comes from the locally produced rice, and production of farmers will be enough to meet the demand towards the end of the year,” the DA said.

AXI operators are asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow the increase in the taxi flag-down rate to P60.

Tulfo warns DSWD staff against fake claimants

photo by

form the lives of child laborers, their families, and communities through protection, withdrawal, reintegration into a caring society, and poverty reduction measures.

OFFICIALPata

Padilla also asked the MTRCB under Lala Sotto-Antonio on what it

On the other hand, adjustments in the prices of rice in the market may be felt due to the effects of drought in China.

Robin seeks review of ‘new media’

DOLE vows to focus priority programs on fighting child labor and poverty

POLICE BLOCKADE. Members of the Manila Police District Command form a blockade against members of the Southern Tagalog Movement Against Tyranny conducting protest actions at Mendiola Bridge in Manila coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Martial Law on Wednesday. Danny

Meanwhile,2023.the Senate has yet to come up with its decision on the fate of the Dec. 5 polls.On the other hand, Laudiangco noted that they are now preparing resolutions on the holding of the special polls in Cavite as the permanent vacancy of the province’s 7th district has been transmitted.

employee, the suspect used a fake name, Alex ander Diaz Bartolo, and has claimed several medi cal assistance from the DSWD Central Office and Field Office-National Capital Region.

VISIT. Vice President Inday Sara Duterte talks to Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa during visit. The two officials discussed Japan’s role in the government’s infrastructure projects, among other topics.

needs the Senate to do, to address this problem - but without violating the Constitution and its guarantee of freedom of Sotto-Antonioexpression.notedthe MTRCB’s powers are limited by the provi sions of Presidential Decree 1986, and currently cover only content on television, including “TeleRadyo” or radio shows that feature televised content. She added the MTRCB also does not have jurisdiction over “straight news” without “public af fairs”

“I am concerned - is there no law on this yet? We must thus craft a bill on this, keeping in mind its legality under the Constitution)?” Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Mass Media and Public Information, said Tuesday at the hearing of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on the budget of the MTRCB for 2023.

“If the BSKE will push through in De cember, we will set it (special polls) on March 25, 2023. If a law was passed post poning the village and youth polls, we are looking into the possibility of setting it this year, perhaps late December 2022 or at the very least, January 2023,” he said in a mes sage to reporters.

enough

For its part, the National Irrigation Ad ministration (NIA) has been also doubling its efforts to reach the administration’s goal to increase local production.

THE special polls for the 7th congressional district of the province of Cavite will depend on the fate of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set for Dec. 5 this year, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday.

“The budget and the machines to be used are being prepared. We are looking at hold ing automated polls since it is cheaper and faster. The machines are there, we just have to prepare the program and print the ballots for it,” he said at the Laging Handa briefing

An additional P0.30 per succeeding kilometer was approved for traditional public utility jeepney (TPUJ), while an additional P0.40 per succeeding kilo meter will be implemented for modern PUJ.For public utility buses (PUB), the land transportation regulator ap proved a P2 uniformed base fare hike for city and provincial buses for the first five kilometers and the succeed ing kilometer fare increase of P0.35 to P0.50 depending on the type of bus.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

GROUP ASKS LTFRB AMID RISING OIL PRICES

“We really don’t want to file a peti tion for fare increase if it’s not really necessary, but the price of gasoline has doubled. Also, the fare for succeeding kilometers for jeeps and the buses was increased, but that’s not the case with taxis,” the lawyer said

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) expressed confidence on Wednesday that the country has sufficient supply of rice and meat, a few months before Christ mas.In a statement, the DA said the majority of the rice supply comes from the local pro duction of Filipino farmers.

Alfred Frias

‘Hike taxi flagdown rate to P60’

an official

Whencontent.asked by Padilla if the MTRCB has jurisdiction over streaming platforms like TikTok and YouTube, Sotto-Antonio said it does not, due to the limitations of PD 1986 which was crafted in the 1980s. “Kaya hindi pa kasama ang online streaming sa MTRCB (That is why our charter does not yet cov er online streaming),” she said.

research thoroughly to come out with realistic and believable charges.

This is the reason why I proposed in last Monday’s article, that we do away with admin istrative models based on the “checks and bal ance” principle, in fact, too many of such.

This template would thus come up with an approximate 35 to 40 barangays for all of the capital city, down from the present 897.

government to subsidize campaign financing for the two parties, such as but not limited to party watchers or inspectors, even media ad vertising.Donations by the private sector to include corporations should be done openly, and not sub rosa, given to political parties instead of individ ual candidates, subject to imposed limitations.

As DSWD Secretary, yours truly and PAO Chief Atty. Persida Acosta signed a Memoran dum of Agreement that will facilitate the filing of criminal as well as civil cases against dead beat

cilors.But

N HIS first three months in office, FerdinandPresidentMarcos Jr. has had to tackle mainly domestic issues and concerns.ButonSeptember

As concurrent Agriculture Secretary, he is in a good position to give agricul ture the importance it deserves in the country’s economic development.

He described climate change as the “greatest threat” affecting all coun tries and people: “Those who are least responsible suffer the most. This in

Opinion

Legislation could be passed to allow the

Given the president’s current high popularity ratings, the time to effect such political reforms is now, and not later.

Days of deadbeat dads are numbered

Time to revise the Constitution (4)

Theindustries.mainconcern on allowing foreign own ership of land is its cost-push effect on the price of real estate. As it is, our real estate prices, es pecially in the major urban capitals, have been atrociously high and non-competitive com pared to some of our Asean neighbors. But merely pushing for the lifting of the eco nomic provisions that restrict the entry of for eign capital is not enough.

Echoing his call for unity in the country, Mr. Marcos rallied world leaders to unite and shape the transformationworld’s

Earlier I wrote about our Manila barangay having less than 400 registered voters, but if its territory was rationalized to cover the area bounded by Taft Avenue to the west, Osmena Avenue to the east, Quirino Avenue to the north, all the way to its boundary with Pasay City on the south, a barangay would have as many as 30,000 registered voters.

Some would even say that Vic Rodriguez has become even more powerful in his new ap pointment because, this time, he has more lee way to maneuver and operate politically.

One of the theories circulating is that Vic Rodriguez and wife have accumulated dozens of bank accounts here and abroad amounting to millions in different currencies.

To conclude this series, now is the right time to effect changes in the fundamental law of the land.There is an Oriental saying that goes like this: When the heavens pour rain, take out your ba sins and fill it with precious water, for when the rain falls upon sand, it will quickly disappear.

Well, the days of hayahay for deadbeat dads are numbered. We encourage the mothers and their children who experience the aggravation to come to the DSWD for immediate action. If they do not heed the mother’s demand for financial support and do not respond to our warning, the PAO will then assist the mother in filing the appropriate cases against the chil dren’s father.

justice must be corrected, and those who need to do more must act now.”

The Vic Rodriguez resignation

We have seen Vic Rodriguez being floored after taking a punch in the chin. He was howev er, able to get up and still up and about fighting. The next chapter should even be more inter esting.

We need to overhaul the political system that remains as feudal as ever in actual practice. We need not pattern our democratic institu tions with those of the United States, or shift to other governance models of the Western world. Rather, we must evolve our own.

EDITORIAL

A strong two-party system coupled with the lifting of term limits for all officials other than the president would in due time curb political dynasties, as party conventions would more democratically choose candidates for office, and reward good performance while cutting short the stay in power of the incompetent and theThegreedy.concentration of power and resources in what is derisively labelled as “imperial Ma nila”, referring to NCR and nearby prosperous provinces will be more equitably shared if we had equal representation for heretofore “ne glected” and marginalized regions. These proposals would lessen dramatically

Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 B1

The Rural Bank that the wife’s family owns has been, as I understand, in operation for many years long before Vic Rodriguez entered gov ernment service. This bank, therefore, could not be the result of Vic Rodriguez being the Execu tiveFromSecretary.what I have been able to gather, the principal cause of the infighting inside the Pal ace is apparently due to the appointment of pub lic Oneofficials.faction it appears has recommended several people to be appointed but not one of them was Anotherappointed.factionhas been questioning the wholesale replacement of officials with new appointees. Because of this, the two factions appear to have joined forces to bring down Vic Rodriguez.Butwhat happened as we have seen is that PBBM appointed Vic Rodriguez as his Chief of Staff which, if analyzed, may not be the best solution.Why? Because although it solves part of the problem, it also creates other problems. It will for instance create another power center in the Palace.

But has it really? What has happened is that instead of Vic Rodriguez packing his bags to go home, he simply transferred his office because he has just been designated as the new Presi dential Chief of Staff.

In his speech at the UN high-level debate, Mr. Marcos emphasized that disputes should only be resolved through peaceful means, citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: “By reinforcing the predictability and stability of in ternational law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, we provided an example of how states should resolve their dif ferences: through reason and through right,” he said. This is the correct policy particularly in relation to our territorial and maritime disputes with China on the South China Sea.

And if we think our restrictive economic provisions are the only hindrance to our growth and prosperity, I submit that our flawed political system that has been much abused by powerful

How could the couple have opened all those bank accounts all and deposited millions in the very short time that he has been in office? 75 days is not enough time for the couple to open all those bank accounts and deposit and transfer all those foreign currencies. Money transfers as we know always leave paper trails. If true, this should therefore be easy to trace.

To some people, it would seem that the reign of the so-called little president abruptly ended before it could start.

Focus on changing the flawed character of our politics by revising the fundamental law now.It could well be the greatest legacy of Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

I share Atty. Acosta’s misgiving over dead beat father’s failure to financially support his children.Shelikens him to a negligent plantito, “Magaanak ka nang mag-aanak pagkatapos hindi mo susustentuhan. Ano ka, nagtanim ng halaman tapos hindi mo didiligan? Eh, di natigang yan. Diligan mo nang diligan!” This leads me to assert that our efforts must

Rather, I believe in the more cohesive man agement principle of teamwork, utilizing wellgrounded political players such as barangay captains in policy as well as implementation, or senators distributed according to regions, giv ing equal opportunity to long disadvantaged re gions, in lieu of Metro Manila-centric senators.

If not now, Experiencewhen?hastaught us that revising the charter in the latter part of a presidential term magnifies the opposition to it. FVR tried it,

There is even one questioning the wife’s family owning a rural bank. I do not know Vic Rodriguez and wife. I have never met them. But people trying to bring him down should have at least done their

The recent moves by Congress to postpone the barangay and SK elections scheduled for December this year actually plays along with the proposals set forth in this series of articles on constitutional change.

This is partly true because it could be a re warding experience. It can be compared to working in the White House or Buckingham Palace.But sometimes Malacanang, as many have found out too late, could also be a snake pit where careers can be destroyed and ideals bro ken.But for people who thrive in pressure and can roll with the punches, the reward can be enormous.Thisiswhy many still aspire to work there and why not? The very word Malacanang alone evokes power and authority which is intoxicat ing to Whatmany.we are witnessing that is going on there right now is just, shall we say, routine. It happens all the time.

But since Vic Rodriguez will no longer be signing appointment papers, perhaps this will satisfy the faction wanting a number of people to be This,appointed.however, is just postponing the in evitable showdown which will come some where along the line if PBBM will not step in and resolve the conflict with finality which he has to do for him to take control of his ad ministration.Allowingthe infighting to continue might affect negatively the administration’s programs and other agenda. To many people, working in Malacanang may appear to be the ultimate reward if one is working for the government.

have far-reaching implications not only arous ing the sense of paternal financial responsibil ity.This move we are making should help break the culture of dependency on government sup port.While we wholeheartedly extend financial assistance to distressed mothers through pro grams such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), we are well aware that many parents are merely abusing public assistance programs.Although living separately, parents actu ally connive in seeking and receiving 4Ps cash grants for years despite their undeclared finan cial capability. It’s a shame they are used to getting government cash aid on behalf of their school age children.

the number of elected officials, as contradistin guished from a shift to the federal system where we would be electing regional legislatures on top of provincial and city ordinance -making bodies, multiplying what is already a bloated of ficialdom.Itwould even make our voting system less cumbersome and more cost-efficient. One does not need a kilometric ballot to be fed to ma chines. Voters need write only five or six names; a presidential team, two senators, a gubernato rial tandem; a mayoral tandem; and a congress man for the district. Canvassing would be easier even if done manually. And prolonging the term to six years, with the barangay elections held mid-term reduces the humongous cost of campaign expenses every three years as in our present practice.

Only this time, the factions that are fighting decided to do it openly without giving due re gard to the damage it will do to the President’s leadership which has taken a hit. All the quarreling factions should be think ing first and foremost about protecting the inter est of the President. After all, they all work for PBBM. Clearly, we have not seen the end of this sordid episode.

Many would probably oppose my proposal to limit the number of elected officials, such as abolition of the party list congressmen, as well as provincial boards and city and town coun

There are also several instances where the children are forced to live with grandparents or relatives in which case they are susceptible to physical and verbal abuse, owing to the ab sence of both parents.

Mr. Marcos likewise cited the need for investments in food security for a “future that is resilient and inclusive” where people can be “healthy, happy, andHesecure.”saidnations must take concrete steps towards a modern and resilient agriculture as “food is not just a trade commodity nor a livelihood — it is an existential imperative and a moral one” and the “very basis of human security.”

THE resignation of Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez generated a lot more questions than putting anything to rest. For the past several weeks we have been reading reports of him resigning.Hisstanding down instead exposed to the public the infighting going on among the fac tions in the President’s camp.

In the past several days, there have been sev eral trolls circulating in social media as to what triggered the reshuffle.

But for people who thrive in pressure and can roll with the punches, the reward can be enormous.

IN A team up with the Public Attorney’s Of fice, we at the Department of Social Welfare and Development have taken concrete steps to compel parents, particularly the fathers of chil dren left in the care of their ex-wives, former live-in partners or girlfriends.

Therefore,dads. I would like to express my heart felt gratitude to the indefatigable Attorney Acosta for taking time off her busy schedule to forge this partnership on this noble cause with DSWD.Itishigh time we acted decisively on the ever-growing cases of failure or refusal of the biological fathers to provide financial support for the basic needs of their estranged children.Atty.Acosta and I recognize the govern ment’s mandate to fulfill the provisions of Articles 194 and 195 of the Family Code and Republic Act 9262 which, in sum, define the duties and obligations of a father and failure to meet them as tantamount to denial of financial support.Art.194 defines support as everything in dispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical attendance, education and transporta tion, in keeping with the financial capacity of theArt.family.195 says the parents are obliged to sup port illegitimate, as well as their legitimate chil dren.In the same breath, Sec. 5 of RA 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, categorizes as “psychologi cal violence” the denial of financial support to theWechildren.arecertainly now getting the word out that we are seriously going after negligent fa thers who otherwise have the financial means but instead choose to renege on their obligation to their biological offspring.

For people who are knowledgeable of how the Palace works and operates, there are some unavoidable overlapping of functions between Executive Secretary and Chief of Staff.

support of the United Nations for the Philippines’ candidature to the Secu rity Council for the term 2027-2028, saying the Philippine experience in building peace and forging new paths of cooperation can “enrich the work of the Security Council.” The Secu rity Council’s primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.Echoing his call for unity in the country, Mr. Marcos rallied world leaders to unite and shape the world’s transformation.“Thefuture beckons and we can embark upon that journey as single nations or as a world in harmony. I say, let the challenges of one people be the challenges for all nations. And in that way the success of one will be a success for us all,” he pointed out.

20, he had the unique opportunity to bring his key advocacies to the premier world stage: no less than the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

political dynasties and the economic oligarchs as well as gambling syndicates who influence them, is in truth the biggest stumbling block to both economic prosperity and poverty allevia tion.Besides which, there really are no quick fixes for the economy, especially when the whole world is reeling from the after effects of a pan demic that may yet reappear, or geopolitical conflicts.There is little legroom for the new president or his good economic managers to wade into. No matter what they do, the external economic situation will militate against high growth.

It’s not often that the Philippine Presi dent has the chance to address other world leaders and ask for unity and co operation in solving common concerns.

think of the money we can save, which can be used for better social services, especially in our woeful health and education sectors.

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine NewspapersPPI can be accessed 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 Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board ManilaStandard ONLINE Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

The law says non-payment of child support or “threatening” not to provide child support constitute “economic abuse or psychological harm or suffering.”

The child’s biological father need not be connected to the mother by marriage or former marriage, as he could be someone who had a sexual relationship only.

RA 9262 criminalizes violence against women and their children perpetrated by the woman’s husband, former husband or any per son against whom the woman has or had a sex ual or dating relationship with, or with whom the woman has a common child, whether legiti mate or illegitimate.

The President also asked for the

The minimum term of penalty shall be pri sion correccional or from six months and to six years, while the maximum term shall be eight years to 10 years of prision mayor.

so did GMA, but they ran into a wall of dis sent mostly anchored on the suspicion that the president merely wanted to prolong his stay in power.Erap initiated charter change on his second year, but retreated (unwisely if I may say) after Cardinal Sin and Cory rallied against their “pro prietary” opus.

Honor Blanco Cabie,

FOR quite some time now, there has been a growing demand for the lifting of the restrictive provisions of the 1987 Constitution insofar as the entry of foreign capital and the ownership of land by foreigners is concerned. For the most part, I agree with the concept of an open economy, especially since we have scarce domestic capital to invest in our own country. The oligarchs and the nouveau riche have re-invested the blood of our economy into foreignOpeninghavens.the economy to foreign capital without the restrictions imposed by the cur rent charter will not only result in an increase of FDI’s which we badly need; it should also improve the level of technological innovation in out

This move we are making should help break the culture of dependency on government support

It shows that PBBM is not ready to part ways with his trusted man who has been with him thru thick and thin.

At present, we have 36 elected councilors, plus one ABC president and one SK represen tative. Most municipalities in the countryside have only 12 to 14 component barangays.

PBBM takes to the world stage

But barely three months in office, Mr. Marcos has demonstrated a clear grasp of the challenges that all nations face today, and, more important, of fered suggestions on how we can all move forward in the years to come.

“This threat knows no borders, no social class, nor any geopolitical con sideration. How we address it will be the true test of our time,” adding that fighting climate change would require a “united effort,” and that industrial ized countries should do their part in mitigating the environmental crisis.

We need not pattern our democratic institutions with those of the United States, or shift to other governance models of the Western world. Rather, we must evolve our own

“The peoples of the world look to their leaders, to us, to make into real ity these aspirations for our future. We must not fail them. And if we stand together, we will not fail them. If we stand together, we can only succeed.”

The President also called on all na tions to take part in the common effort to fight the effects of climate change.

By mid-morning, the only sign of the inci dent was a scorched patch of grass and bush, with police and media nearby.

The amount is 30 percent more than that raised during the organization’s sixth and most recent replenishment, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France in 2019, which raised a thenrecord $14 billion.

Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, was shot dead on July 8 while campaigning, and a publicly funded state funeral honouring him will be held on September 27.

“When the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will certainly use all the means at our disposal to pro tect Russia and our people. This is not a bluff,” Putin said.

“Swells from Fiona are expected to reach Bermuda by early Thursday. The swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” the NHC said in its latest advisory.

Manila Standard TODAY AUCTION SALE ACME PAWNSHOPS INC. Auction sale on October 05, 2022, 10:00 a.m. MJ Holding Bldg., Almanza Las Piñas; 12:00 noon Alabang Town Center Stall 2074 U/L, 2:00 pm G/F Majalco Bldg. Benavidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati and L&R Bldg., 1018 Pasay Road, Makati and 4:00 pm Circle C G14, #17 Congressional Ave. Bahay Toro D1, Quezon City All items Pawned May 01 - 31, (MS-SEPT.2022 22, 2022) (MS-SEPT. 22/29/OCT. 6, 2022) LATESETTLEMENTEXTRAJUDICIALOFESTATE-EDGARALLIDELROSARIO(WITHWAIVEROFRIGHTS) Notice is hereby given that the intestate Estate of the late EDGAR ALLI DEL ROSARIO has been extrajudicially settled among his heirs as per EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed on September 09, 2022 and entered as per Doc No. 49, Page No. 11, Book No. 1, Series of 2022 of notarial registry of Atty. Ryan John J. Pernato, a notary public for the City of Pasig (MS-SEPT. 22/29/OCT. 6, 2022) NOTICE Notice is hereby given that GOLDELIO G. RIVERA executed an Affidavit and Indemnity Agreement that he Is a planholder of APEC Plans under Agreement No. 3755797 and that the original copies of the Policy Contract and Certificate of Full Payment have been lost or misplaced and that the said plan has not been sold, assigned or encumbered per Doc. No. 437, Page No. 89, Book No. I, Series of 2022 of Notary Public for Makati Kenneth Peter P. Molave. (MS-SEPT. 15/22/29, 2022)

PRACTICE. Participants from an art group wearing traditional dresses rehearse the Garba dance ahead of the Navratri festival in Ahmedabad, India. AFP singing competition in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat

Putin said that through its support for Ukraine the West was trying to “weaken, divide and ultimately de stroy our country,” while Shoigu said Moscow was “fighting not so much Ukraine as the collective West” in Ukraine.

For the Munupi people, one of eight Tiwi clans, he said “the most important thing... is to protect our Sea Country.”

Dennis Tipakalippa, an Indigenous el der on the remote Tiwi Islands, filed the lawsuit against Santos in June, alleging the Australian gas and oil company failed to consult properly with the Munupi Clan. He argued that because of this failure, the national regulator, which signs off on offshore drilling, should not have given Santos approval for its Barossa gas proj ect.The Federal Court sided with Tipaka lippa, invalidating the approval and in structing Santos to vacate the Barossa field by October 6.

Hurricane Fiona heads to Bermuda

In a pre-recorded address to the na tion early on Wednesday, Putin ac cused the West of trying to “destroy” his country through its backing of Kyiv, and said Russia needed to support those in Ukraine who wanted to “determine their own future.”

Australian IPs win case vs. oil giant

“But details are currently being examined by police,” he added, declining to answer fur ther questions on the incident.

Jiji news agency said handwritten notes found near the man said he was “staunchly op posed” to the state funeral.

Rising obesity seen to hamper many nations—reportdeveloping$18bsought

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

During the case, Tiwi Traditional Owners told the court they feared the Barossa gas project could harm their food sources and also their spiritual connection to the area.

The NHC said Fiona was 105 miles (170 kilometers) north of Turks and Cai cos and had been upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane, the second highest level on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

“It appears about half of the animals areAerialalive.”images showed a devastating scene of dozens of black glossy mam mals strewn along a stretch of beach where the frigid southern ocean meets the sand.

Four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine—Donetsk and Lugansk in the east and Kherson and Zaporizhzhia in the south—said on Tuesday that they would hold the votes over five days be ginning Friday.

A GROUP of Indigenous Australians won a “historic” legal case against Santos on Wednesday, with the country’s Federal Court tearing up the energy giant’s ap proval to drill in the Timor Sea.

WorldTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022B2 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

lenge since the start of the conflict.

“Everything is still at play and no decision has been made until it’s been made...But we have very strong pledges already in the bag.”

Pilot whales are highly sociable and can follow podmates who stray into dan ger.

AROUND 230 pilot whales were found stranded on the rugged west coast of Tasmania Wednesday, with Australian officials saying only half appeared to be alive.“A pod of approximately 230 whales has stranded near Macquarie Harbor,” said the state’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

IN BRIEF

RISING levels of obesity are set to cost the world economy 3.3 percent of GDP by 2060, slowing development in lower-income countries and making it hard for people to lead healthy lives, according to a new study published Wednesday.Thepeer-reviewed paper, published in BMJ Global Health, provides the first country-by-country estimate of the economic impacts of obesity, a ma jor driver of other non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart conditions.

“There’s a lot at stake, and the $18 billion target is very much based on get ting back on track to end AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030, recovering ground lost during the COVID pandemic and sav ing no less than 20 million lives over the next three years,” she said.

“Hurricane Fiona has proven to be an unpredictable storm,” Anya Williams, the deputy governor of Turks and Caicos, said in aWilliamsbroadcast.said no casualties or serious injuries had been reported in Turks and Caicos, but she urged residents to con tinue to shelter in place. AFP

Officials said marine conservation ex perts and staff with whale rescue gear were en route to the scene. AFP

“We are aware that a man with burns was found by a police officer at 7:00 am (2200 GMT) this morning at an intersection below the cabinet office,” top government spokes man Hirokazu Matsuno said.

“Globally, nearly two in three adults are now living with overweight and obesity. And we project that will be three in four adults by 2060,” lead au thor Rachel Nugent told reporters at a briefing on the margins of the UN General Assembly.

The conditions currently cost 2.2 percent of global GDP, and the biggest increases are expected to be seen in lower-resourced countries.

on September 21, 2022. Some 1,500 birds from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore were entered in the annual contest. AFP 230 pilot whales stranded in Australia, ‘about half’ feared deadBEACHING.DEADLY This handout photo received on the21,September2022fromDepartmentofNatural

A MAN set himself on fire near the Japanese prime minister’s office on Wednesday after expressing opposition to a state funeral for as sassinated ex-premier Shinzo Abe, local media reported.

“I am the happiest man alive,” Tipaka lippa said of the ruling.

State funerals are rare in Japan, and the deci sion has been controversial. Recent polls show more than half of the public is opposed to the idea.Abe was Japan’s best-known politician and remained a prominent public figure after re signing for health reasons in 2020. He was campaigning for ruling-party can didates in upper-house elections in the Nara region when he was shot by a man who alleg edly believed the former leader had ties to the Unification Church. AFP

The sudden flurry of moves by Mos cow this week came with Russian forc es in Ukraine facing their biggest chal

PRESIDENT

way” to its target.

The Global Fund was created in 2002 and brings together governments, multi

Putin mobilizes 300,000 reservists to defend Russia

Police declined to confirm the incident, but the government said an individual with burns had been found near government property.

It also included projections for the numbers of people in each country who are overweight or obese – defined as a body mass index in adults greater or equal to 25 and 30, respectively.

ononlypapersity.lostmortalityprematurefromandproductivPrevioushadfocusedtheformer. AFP Man sets himself on fire near Japan PM’s office–local media

The report analyzed both direct costs, made up primarily of medical fees, and indi rect costs

Like in 2014, Washington, Berlin and Paris denounced the latest referendums and said the international community would never recognize the results. AFP

THE Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tu berculosis and Malaria will hold a donor conference Wednesday in New York, where it aims to raise at least $18 billion during an event hosted by US President Joe Biden.

AFP

Local media said the man was taken to hos pital and was conscious.

But spokeswoman Francoise Vanni told AFP she was buoyed by recent pledges—including most recently 1.3 billion euros from Germany, which followed $6 billion from the United States and $1.08 billion from Japan— that had brought the fund “about half

As a proportion of the economy, the worst impacted countries are set to include the United Arab Emirates, where obesity would account for 11 percent of GDP, and Trinidad and Tobago at 10.2 percent.

The man was believed to be in his 70s and told police he had doused himself in oil, the agency added.

The votes, already denounced by Kyiv and the West as a “sham,” will dramatically up the stakes in the sevenmonth old conflict in Ukraine by giving Moscow the ability to accuse Ukrainian forces of attacking its own territory.

The Russian leader announced a par tial military mobilization, with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu telling state television that some 300,000 reservists would be called up.

In a rare admission of military losses from Moscow, Shoigu said Wednes day 5,937 Russian soldiers had died in Ukraine since the launch of the military intervention in February.

A sweeping Ukrainian counter-offen sive in recent weeks has seen Kyiv’s forces retake hundreds of towns and vil lages that had been controlled by Russia forThemonths.referendums follow a pattern first established in 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine after a similar vote.

Almost two years ago to the day the area was the scene of another mass stranding involving almost 500 pilot whales. Just over 100 survived.Thecauses of mass strandings are still not fully Scientistsunderstood.havesuggested they could be caused by pods going off track after feeding too close to shore.

EVEN CAGED BIRDS SING. Birds sit in cages during a bird

“We want Santos and all mining com panies to remember – we are powerful, we will fight for our land and Sea Coun try, for our future generations no matter how hard and how long. We will fight from the beginning to the end.”

HURRICANE Fiona continued its slow and devastating march northward after slamming the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday and leaving a trail of destruction in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

lateral agencies, bilateral partners, civil society groups, and the private sector to tackle the three deadly diseases, with new funding cycles usually every three years.Vanni said she hoped donors would look at the fund’s track record of suc cess—last week it announced it had helped save 50 million lives over the past 20 What’syears.more, “countries around the world realize that no one is safe until everyone is safe. We’ve been saying that during COVID-19, and we cannot lose thatLastmomentum.”year,the Global Fund warned that the pandemic was having a “dev astating” impact on its work, leading to declining results across the board for the first time in the fund’s history. AFP

At least five people have died as the storm churned across the Caribbean –one in the French overseas department of Guadeloupe and two each in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

“Those who are trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the wind can also turn in their di rection,” Putin added.

According to the television station, a police officer who tried to extinguish the fire was in jured in the process.

to end HIV, TB and malaria

It is the highest ever “replenishment” goal set by the organization, and comes amid rising economic pressures – both on donor countries and recipients – fol lowing the COVID-19 pandemic and the food and energy crises caused by the Ukraine conflict.

TV Asahi said he told police he was opposed to the planned ceremony for Abe.

Vladimir Putin ordered a partial military mobilization and vowed on Wednesday to use “all available means” to protect Russian territory, after Moscow-held regions of Ukraine suddenly announced annexation referendums.

China, the United States and India are projected to experience the highest impact in absolute terms – costing the countries $10 trillion, $2.5 trillion and $850 billion, respectively.

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Wednesday morning that the storm had grown stronger, registering maximum wind speeds of 130 miles per hour (210 kilometers per hour) as it bar reled toward Bermuda.

He had to plow 80 percent of his dy ing crop back into the ground to stop the land drying out. Of the few small plants that actually grew, it may not even be eco nomical to harvest them.

China’s growth forecast for 2022 was reduced to 3.3 percent from 5.0 percent, as Beijing pursues a zero-CO VID strategy that has devastated the world’s second-largest economy.

But a contraction of the world’s largest economy would be a more damaging blow to Biden, to the Fed’s credibility and the world at large.

Stocks tumble; URC, Jollibee decline

MJC

5 JFC 1,072,290 257,774,688

It took tough action—and a reces sion—to finally bring prices down in the

Powell and other central bankers have been sending the same message: a down turn is better than continued high inflation given the pain that would inflict, especial ly on those least able to withstand it.

lic for profit. Motorcycles before the conduct of the study were not allowed to ply the trade because of safety issues.

THE Asian Development Bank on Wednesday cut its 2022 growth fore cast for developing Asia, with crippling COVID-19 lockdowns in China, con flict in Ukraine and efforts to combat inflation dragging on the region.

Texas produces almost half of Ameri ca’s cotton, and the United States is the world’s third largest supplier, behind In dia and China.

4 SMPH 9,056,000 315,901,970

TOPPRICELASTLOSERS%CHANGECHANGE

The Fed’s policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has made it clear that officials will contin ue to act aggressively to cool the economy and avoid a repeat of the 1970s and early 1980s, the last time US inflation got out of control.

10 HLCM

to announce its decision at 1600 GMT Wednesday.

“Since inflation began to accelerate in early 2021, Fed officials have been overly optimistic that it would quickly recede to the central bank’s 2% target,” economists Mickey Levy and Andrew Levin wrote in The Wall Street Journal.

1 CAT 11.38 1.38 13.80%

2 VVT 17 2 13.33%

9 1.81 -0.11 -5.73% 5.45 -0.33 -5.71%

“A significant downturn in the world economy would severely undermine demand for the region’s exports,” Park said.“Stronger-than-expected monetary tightening in advanced economies could lead to financial instability. And growth in the PRC (China) faces chal lenges from recurrent lockdowns and a weak property sector.”

1 ALI 20,100,100 544,523,585

Officials have imposed targeted lockdowns and travel restrictions, dis rupting businesses and forcing millions of people to stay home. AFP

“The economy now faces a serious risk of persistent high inflation.”

As a result, the bank slashed its 2022 growth forecast for developing Asia— which refers to the 46 members of the ADB, stretching from the Cook Islands in the Pacific to Kazakhstan in Central Asia—to 4.3 percent.

WPI

6 ION 0.55 -0.04 -6.78%

Chinese officials are under pressure to curb even the smallest virus out breaks swiftly, ahead of a key political meeting in October where President Xi Jinping is expected to secure an un precedented third term.

The rest of Asian stocks fell Wednes day while the dollar hit fresh multi-decade highs against the pound and euro after Russia stepped up its war in Ukraine.

Fed officials have for months stuck to the mantra that they will only ease up on their hawkish drive when inflation comes down and remains subdued.

9 BDO 1,382,160 167,900,048

1980s, and the Fed is unwilling to give up its hard-won, inflation-fighting cred ibility.

7 0.495 0.025 5.32%

He added the Aboitiz Group should not be allowed to hold sway over the ERC to maintain the checks and bal ance regulating the energy sector.

Universal Robina Corp. of the Go kongwei Group, the biggest snack food maker, sank 3.7 percent to P117, while Jollibee Food Corp., the largest fast-

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

5 MED 0.255 -0.02 -7.27%

But Grab pursued the transaction with little regard to the conduct of a pilot study on the operation of motor cycle taxis in the country, which is on its third year now. The study is under the helm of the Department of Trans portation Technical Working Group (DOTr-TWG).Underthepilot study, the DOTrTWG granted three motorcycle taxi companies (Angkas, Joyride and Move It) a provisional license to operate in the hopes of drawing up specific rules and regulations needed to better protect the riders and the riding public. Once the pilot study is concluded, a law on motorcycle taxis will be in place that will give more structure, security and order to the whole ecosystem.

MRC

ACEX

In total, he predicts an 85-percent drop in production compared to a normal year. Like so many others, he has crop insurance, so “financially we’re not really doing that bad. But as a farmer, it sucks pretty bad that we can’t grow stuff sometimes.” Depressing

MOSTVOLUMEACTIVEVALUE (PHP)

Soaring prices that are putting the squeeze on American families and busi nesses have already become a political li ability for President Joe Biden, as he faces midterm congressional elections in early November.

2 14.12 -1.9 -11.86%

WASHINGTON, United States—The Federal Reserve is poised to roll out an other big increase in interest rates Wednes day as it tries to cool the economy to tamp down the highest inflation in 40 years, but recession fears are rising.

Bare fields in Texas: Severe drought decimates cotton crop

In the northwest of the state, where cot ton is the lifeline of the local economy and water is scarce, the 2022 harvest “could be one of the worst in 30 years,” worries Darren Hudson, professor of agricultural economics at Texas Tech University.

4 2.1 0.15 7.69% TCB2C 53.9 3.4 6.73%

8 15.2 -1 -6.17%

3 ICT 2,332,550 422,616,505

8 14.7 0.66 4.70%

Other central banks are also meeting this week. On Tuesday, officials in Swe den surprised markets by unveiling a one percentage-point hike, while the United Kingdom and Switzerland are expected to announce more increases. With AFP

That compares with its April fore cast of 5.2 percent growth. The region grew by 7.0 percent in 2021.

With the cascading consequences for the global textile industry, in an economy already reeling from the pandemic, Hud son put the likely economic impact for the region at $2 billion.

6 0.55 0.03 5.77%

9 0.207 0.009 4.55% 4.3 0.18 4.37%

IT SEEMS Grab Philippines is reliv ing the old glory days of Pac-Man, the most popular arcade game in the 80’s in which a player gobbles up everything in its Grabpath.isbuying yet another ride hail ing app to maintain its dominance over the riding public, four years after pur chasing the Southeast Asia’s operations of rival Uber.

However, while the hike has largely been priced into the markets, the US central bank’s forecast and post-meeting comments from boss Jerome Powell are the main attraction for investors.

not the rate hike... but what the Fed plans to do next.”

6 SMC 2,612,290 255,970,738 AC 332,940 232,028,785

In Washington, the Fed is due to con clude its latest policy meeting, with most analysts predicting it will announce anoth er 75 basis-point lift, though some have tipped a full percentage-point move.

Move It’s general manager Wayne Jacinto has said the company informed and received the approval of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regu latory Board (LTFRB), the DOTr and members of the Congress and Senate about the acquisition. Jacinto, though, conceded the company did not inform the DOTr-TWG, claiming that the group was co-terminus with the previ ousGrabgovernment.andMove It for all intents and purposes completed the acquisition at the time when the government was in transition phase. The transaction could have waited until a new TWG was formed or the two parties should have at least consulted with the new TWG— the direct regulator of motorcycle taxis.

The controversy over the appoint ment of Ms. Mona Lisa Dimalanta as the new chief of Energy Regula tory Commission (ERC) refuses to die down. A leader of a power consumer advocacy group has challenged the

Pete Ilagan, president of the Nation al Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (NASECORE), has for mally requested President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to recall the appointment of Ms. Dimalanta on the basis of the allencompassing principle of conflict of interest.

10 PMPC

PBC

Bank of the Philippine Islands of the Ayala Group, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, dropped 3.3 percent to P93.65., while sister firm Ayala Land Inc. declined 2.5 percent to P26.95.

impartiality and objectivity of Ms. Di malanta in discharging her duties and obligations to the public at large.

FOOD

Ilagan, in his Sept. 5, 2022 letter to the Chief Executive, stressed that Di malanta worked with the energy arm of the Aboitiz Group. He feared the Aboitiz Group would ostensibly enjoy a distinct advantage over the competi tion, thereby defeating the very spirit and intentions of the Electric Power In dustry Reform Act (EPIRA) that seeks to promote competition with a view to keeping the cost of electricity at afford able

Grab’s hasty acquisition; Furor over ERC appointment

While easing pandemic restrictions had spurred consumer spending and in vestment in the region, the Philippinesbased bank warned of “global head winds” to the recovery as food and fuel prices soared and central banks hiked interest rates.

Inflation is a global phenomenon amid the Russian war in Ukraine on top of glob al supply chain snarls and COVID lock downs in China, and other major central banks are taking action as well.

2 SM 524,240 425,572,895

HARE prices slumped Wednesday ahead of what many expect to be a third successive jumbo rate hike by the Federal Reserve.ThePhilippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 106.77 points, or 1.7 percent, to 6,341.69 on a value turnover of P5.4 bil lion. Losers routed gainers, 151 to 39, with 33 issues unchanged.

4 FJP 2.5 -0.2 -7.41%

“Volumes remain light and the mood cautious, with few looking to take on large positions before hearing what the Fed says and where policy makers see rates going by the end of the hiking cy cle,” Fiona Cincotta, at City Index, said. “This is what will drive the markets,

In Lubbock, the region’s cotton hub, rainfall over the past 12 months has roughly been half its normal volume, and what little fell came too late to save the crop.“Starting in January, all the way to the month of May, no, no literally no rain,” said Sutton Page, 48. And from May “we started having 100 degree days and 30 mile an hour winds and it just dried ev erything out.”

Many economists are expecting a third straight three-quarter point rate hike when the meeting concludes Wednesday, which would be an unprecedented action since that era. But there is a chance the Fed could opt for a full point increase.

This has led many to warn that rates are unlikely to come down anytime soon, possibly as late as 2024, with a recession more than likely in the United States as well as other major economies.

This year, national production will hit its lowest level since 2015, down 21 per cent year-on-year, and Texas will suffer a 58-percent drop, the US Department of Agriculture estimates.

1 1.32 -0.18 -12.00%

The Grab acquisition of Move It should not have been rushed. If they are really after the quality of service, safety of commuters and the welfare of the rid ing public, they should wait for the pilot study to conclude or let the government thoroughly review the acquisition.

ADB

Grab’s acquisition of Move It, thus, puts the government’s pilot study in jeopardy because it disregards efforts to further protect the welfare and safety of both the riders and the commuting pub

3 PHA 0.42 0.04 10.53%

“Thelevels.EPIRA is all about protecting the electricity consumers by ensuring the quality, stable, secured, and afford able supply of electricity thru the es tablishment of a level playing field and introduction of competition in the open market,” said Ilagan in the letter.

ADB chief economist Albert Park warned “risks loom large” for the re gion’s outlook and urged governments to remain “vigilant.”

Landon Orman, 30, works on 2,000 acres of cotton near Abilene, three hours west of Dallas. His non-irrigated cotton did not even sprout, while his partially watered crop grew but its yield will be slashed by half.

8 URC 1,588,610 187,793,673

APVI

Powell’s press conference after the meeting will be closely scrutinized for clues on how much more he thinks the Fed will have to do before it declares victory in the inflation fight.

Even so, many economists say at least a short period of negative GDP in the first half of 2023 will be needed before infla tion starts coming down. AFP

TOP LASTGAINERS CHANGE CHANGE

EASING UP. A vendor sells fruits on a street in Hong Kong on September 21, 2022. Hong Kong’s leader on Tuesday said he will soon make a decision on further relaxing coronavirus restrictions, as residents and businesses decry quarantine rules that have kept the finance hub cut off for more than two years.AFP

Fed set to raise interest rates as recession fears mount

“It’s a little depressing to some degree, because you work hard all year and you get to get the farms ready and you fertilize and, and and your crop doesn’t come up,” he said. AFP

10 BPI 1,670,760 157,268,747

Business

food chain, fell 2.5 percent to P238.

US policymakers have the luxury of a strong job market, and low unemploy ment, which gives it some leeway to tack le high prices.

Ilagan argued that as government regulator, Ms. Dimalanta cannot be ex pected to make policy decisions with absolute fairness since she had worked with the Aboitiz Group of Companies that has enormous stakes in the power industry.CanMr. Marcos take back the ap pointment without being ungrateful to Ms. Dimalanta’s patron? This, I be lieve, is a huge challenge at the moment for our excessively popular President.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said Tuesday that more increases will be needed to stop inflation from taking hold.

7 BLOOM 6.9 -0.47 -6.38%

This year, his harvest is “not well,” he says, but in reality, the drought in northern Texas has proven to be a disaster, with most of Page’s neighbors not even bothering to harvest their crop, leaving “bare, bare fields.”

WASHINGTON, United States—On Sut ton Page’s ravaged cotton fields, there is almost nothing left to pick. The Texas farmer managed to salvage maybe a fifth of his crop, but the rest was lost to the severe drought that has taken a steep toll across the region.

growthreducesforecastfordevelopingAsiato4.3%

Equities around the world have been clattered by fears of a recession in ma jor economies as central banks ramp up borrowing costs to combat the highest inflation in decades, which has been compounded by the Ukraine war and supply chain snarls.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 || B3 extrastory2000@gmail.com Cotton is harvested from a 140-acre field in Waxahatchie,County,Ellisnear Texas, on September 19, 2022. Indiasupplier,world’sUnitedcotton,halfproducesTexasalmostofAmerica’sandtheStatesisthethirdlargestbehindandChina. AFP

By Ulysse Bellier

These concerns gave rise to the TWG. Any safety issues that can arise now, however, will negate the years of work of the pilot study and ultimately put the commuting public at a disadvantage. Can’t Grab and Move It wait until the pilot study has been concluded and sys tems are in place? Why the rush?

The transaction is obviously de signed to give Grab a provisional li cense when it chose to purchase Move It, which earlier received accreditation from the TWG.

% PRICE

Grab on August 5, 2022 announced its 100 percent acquisition of Move It’s business operations. Move It claimed it was strengthening its motorcycle taxi position through the sale to Grab with the hopes of onboarding at least 6,000 driver-partners within three months.

PSEi September 21, 2022

3 ECP 3.53 -0.35 -9.02%

Impartiality issue

ASLAG

GrabMart Trike rolls out in 2 cities

Villar’s ALLTV teams up with cable operators

The new projection was contained in the update of the Asian Development Outlook 2022 released to the media.

The National Telecommunications Commission awarded the frequencies of Channel 2, which was previously controlled by ABS-CBN Corp., to AMBS in January 2022.

The NTC ordered the closure of ABS-CBN in May 2020, after the Lopez-led network failed to secure a broadcast franchise extension from Congress.

Upson, which offers its retail products through stores like Octagon Computer Superstore, Micro Valley and Gadget King, initially planned to con duct the IPO in October. Under the plan, Upson will sell up to 888.157 million common shares, with an over-allotment option for another 98,684 million shares at P5.50 apiece.

Meanwhile, the ADB lowered its forecasts for economic growth in de veloping Asia and the Pacific, amid mounting challenges that include increased monetary tightening by central banks, fallout from the pro tracted Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurrent COVID-19 lockdowns in China. Julito G. Rada

SM-UNIQLO ADVOCACY. Executives of SM Foundation Inc. and UNIQLO’s parent company Fast Retailing Co. inaugurate

The Cadlao oilfield is covered by Service Contract 6B in the Palawan

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AUTOMOTIVE parts manufacturer

He said the peso already depreciated by a total of P7.001 or 13.7 percent from 50.999 in end-2021.

“We see massive opportunities to develop oil and gas in the Philippines territory. Our highest desire is to ex plore frontier areas with large poten tial near the Malampaya Gas Field that supplies natural gas to Manila and surrounding areas. The size of the prospects in this area [SC 58] are such that successful drilling would dramatically change the Philippines’ energy picture for the better,” said Sacgasco managing director Gary Jeffery.

Yokowa Manufacturing of the Philip pines set up a P230-million facility inside the Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park in Bataan province.

Grab teamed up with the Pasig City local gov ernment and the city’s Tricycle Operation and Regulatory Office to deploy tricycle drivers for the pilot rollout of the GrabMart Trike Delivery.

The company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO to expand its store network and im prove its supply chain and logistics.

“This is the 8th record-high closing rate for the US dollar/peso exchange rate since the start of 2022,” he said.

position as a leading global auto parts manufacturer.Amemberof the ICCP Group, SPPI owns develops, and operates private economic zones estates in Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna provinde, Sto. To mas and Malvar in Batangas province, Hermosa in Bataan province and LapuLapu City in Cebu province.

“Close to 1,000 groceries and GrabMart orders have been delivered within Pasig City since the Trike Delivery’s launch in third quar ter of 2022,” Grab said.

ALLTV, the broadcast channel of the Villar family’s Advanced Media Broadcasting System, said Wednesday it signed a partnership agreement with Philippine Cable and Telecommunications Association Inc. to expand the network’s market reach.ALLTV said in a statement the partnership would enable the network to be streamed to almost 300 more cable operators nationwide.

Robert Dan Roces, chief economist of Security Bank, said the continued peso weakness was due to “US dollar

By Julito G. Rada

SPPI is one of the largest private ecozone developers with almost 800 hectares of aggregate area. Its locators include companies from diverse nation alities and business sectors.

THE peso settled at a new all-time low of 58 against the US dollar Wednesday as investors closely watch the expected new interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve.Thepeso shed P0.52 to close at 58 against the greenback Wednesday, down from 57.48 Tuesday. Total trade volume reached $1.051 billion, up from $967 million a day earlier.

“Bad weather has constrained the domestic supply of some agriculture commodities, and petitions for addi tional transport fare increases have been submitted by transport groups to the government,” the report said.

Inflation is seen decelerating to 4.3 percent in 2023 as global oil and nonoil prices start to ease. The cumula tive policy rate adjustment will also contribute to slowing inflation, it said.

Ricafort said the peso also weakened after global crude oil prices corrected slightly higher, but still near eightmonth lows.

“Our vision is well-aligned with the new administration’s goal of increas ing the level of energy production in the Philippines as the country’s energy demand far exceeds reliable supply as

“We are indeed on track to the golden age of franchising in the country. Things may have changed but opportunities still abound,” Lim said.

stated by President Marcos during his SONA,” Jeffery said.

MONEYBILITY E-BOOK. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. chief marketing officer

Grab Philippines is in talks with the office of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto to upscale the number of tricycle drivers recruited to the plat form. Darwin G.

2023

FRANCHISE Asia Philippines, the biggest franchise show in Asia organized by the Phil ippine Franchise Association, will take center stage this month and in October to showcase a wide variety of franchise investment oppor tunities and learning sessions for franchise in dustry practitioners.

3.7-hectare factory will produce automotive wiring harness and components. Operations will be sup ported by at least 800 plant and admin istrative employees.

“The partnership of ALLTV and PCTA is very significant to us because it will allow us to reach more homes, even the far-flung areas in the country,” said AMBS president Maribeth

“For tomorrow, the peso exchange rate could range [at] 57.85 to 58.05 lev els,” Ricafort said.

ADB upgrades 2022 PH growth forecast to 6.5%

He said the World Bank noted the “most synchronized rolling back of monetary and fiscal stimulus measures by central banks around the world in about 50 years.”

“This could lead to higher import prices and overall inflation, as well as could lead to more aggressive lo cal policy rate hike especially on Sept. 22, 2022 to help stabilize the peso, inflation and inflation expectations,” Ricafort said.

strength and positioning still ahead of the Fed and BSP meetings.” The Bang ko Sentral ng Pilipinas would hold its policy meeting Thursday.

ALLTVTolentino.isairing on Channel 2 on free TV and Planet Cable, Channel 35 on Sky or CignalTV, Channel 32 on GSAT, Channel 23 on Cablelink and Channel 2 on other cable TV providers.“This collaboration between AMBS and PCTA is very timely and I’d like to say that cable TV still plays an important role as far as distributing content or programs like this as we are the last mile in delivering content to the most far-flung areas across the country,” said PCTA president Venancio

THE Asian Development Bank raised on Wednesday its 2022 growth fore cast for the Philippines to 6.5 percent from a previous estimate of 6 percent, following the robust expansion of 7.8 percent in the first half.

basin. A successful test would lead to the redevelopment of area.

SACGASCO of Australia, operating as Nido Petroleum in the Philippines, said Wednesday it plans to deploy a drill ing rig to conduct an extended well test on the prospects of reviving the Cadlao oilfield by early 2023.

The proposed exploration of the oil field is expected to set off a series of tests on the Nandino Prospect, which is covered by SC 54A in offshore Pala wan.Sacgasco said the initial invest ments on the oil projects in SC 6B and SC54A could amount to $15 million each for the drilling and testing of oil production, with a follow-up invest ment of $10 million to 50 million for eachSacgascoproject. is also involved in SC 14C2, which includes potential the redevelopment of the West Linapacan oilfield.

Upson delays P5.4-b IPO to first quarter

three more community health centers in the Bicol region. The partners upgraded community health centers in the region, including the Angas Barangay Health Center in Basud, Camarines Norte; Cararayan Barangay Health Center in Naga City, Camarines Sur; and the San Isidro Health Center in Baao, Camarines Sur. These centers were also equipped with the necessary health apparatus, furniture, appliances and vitamins and medicines.

FranchiseAmojelarAsia PH offers opportunities

Digs Dimagiba introduces Moneybility—a pioneering comprehensive and dynamic financial education e-book and platform created by Metrobank to make Filipinos financially resilient. Moneybility has a collection of money management topics that gets updated as market conditions change. It also has multimedia and interactive features and tools like quizzes, money tracker and calculator that will make different topics on money more relatable and understandable.

The ADO 2022 Update also re vised up the 2022 inflation forecast to 5.3 percent from the earlier 4.2-per cent projection. It said inflation was expected to remain elevated over the rest of the year on supply-side fac tors, including elevated global com modity prices.

By Othel V. Campos

Roces said the BSP “should opt for a stronger message by way of clearer forward guidance beyond the actions to morrow. Inflation is an upside risk with weakerMoody’speso.”Investor Service, a unit of debt watcher Moody’s Corp., said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas might an nounce a 50-bps rate hike Thursday that would bring the overnight borrowing rate to 4.25 percent.

The economy expanded 8.2 percent in the first quarter and 7.4 percent in the second quarter, bringing the firsthalf growth to 7.8 percent. The bank said broad-based domestic demand would continue to underpin growth through 2023.

The international virtual conference is set until today, while the international franchise expo is to be held on Oct. 14 to 16 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Sacgasco representatives were ini tially part of the business delegation to the Philippines in August, but had to delay their plans for a few weeks be cause of COVID-19.

ALLTVLo.early this month signed a content license partnership with CNN Philippines to boost its delivery of reliable news and timely information to Filipino viewers.

It also maintained the growth fore cast for 2023 at 6.3 percent, as financial tightening and a broader pass-through of price pressures would likely weigh on consumption and investment.

Reports overseas said the Federal Open Market Committee headed by Je rome Powell might announce a 75-ba sis-point interest rate hike, with many economists not ruling out a 100-bps increase.TheFed earlier increased interest rates by 75 bps, saying it was committed to rein in inflation at 2 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

The Department of Trade and Indus try’s overseas trade office in Sydney said it was ready to provide any form of assistance to help the Australian en ergy firm.

The firm’s operation is expected to contribute to the country’s auto parts exports to buttress the Philippine’s

Peso sinks to new all-time low of 58 against US dollar firm seeking to revive Cadlao oilfield in

“Growth this year should be high er than was projected in April, and higher inflation and a wider current account deficit are expected through 2023. ADO 2022 Update raises the forecast for growth for 2022 to 6.5 percent from the earlier 6.0-percent projection on the basis of the stron ger-than-expected first half,” the mul tilateral lender said.

Ricafort earlier said the peso also weakened after the World Bank warned that the global economy might face a re cession in 2022 on aggressive monetary policy tightening or interest rate hikes that could still be not enough to bring down elevated inflation.

IN BRIEFBusinessRay S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor extrastory2000@gmail.combusiness@manilastandard.net B4 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 Australian

Franchise Asia Philippines 2022, with the theme Live.Love.Franchise, brings back the international expo face-to-face, while the con ference widens its online reach as it continues to reach out to more delegates here and abroad.

UPSON International Corp., a leading retailer of personal computers and information tech nology products, delayed its planned P5.4billion initial public offering to the first quarter of 2023.Upson did not provide a reason for the new schedule, but market conditions this year were volatile on inflation and interest rate concerns.

GRAB Philippines said Wednesday it rolled out in Pasig City and Quezon City GrabMart Trike Delivery—a new service tapping tricycle drivers for inter-city delivery services.

It also started to deploy tricycle driverpartners along with the Quezon City local gov ernment to roll out the service within the city before the fourth quarter.

“We can help the Philippines address its energy challenge and in the most successful scenario, the country can even become a net exporter of energy,” heJefferysaid. said his company would push through with a visit this month to meet with local partners, the Department of Energy and other stakeholders, to ac celerate plans for offshore oil develop ments in the country.

Most of the companies are Japanese, Taiwanese, Korean, American, Aus tralian and European, including major multinational companies and Fortune 1000 and Forbes Global 2000 compa nies. Othel V. Campos

“We are excited of what our show this year brings in terms of conference topics that will be tackled and the business opportunities that will be showcased,” said PFA president Sam Christopher Lim.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Japa nese electrical machinery and automo tive parts maker Yokowo Co. Ltd., the local unit joined the distinct roster of lo cators and enterprises of industrial park developer Science Park of the Philip pinesYokowo’sInc.

Japanese parts manufacturer builds P230-m facility in Hermosa Ecozone

Upson said in a statement Wednesday it remained committed with its IPO. “We are encouraged by the interest and support we’ve received from the public with regard to our up coming initial public offering. We remain com mitted to deliver on our growth and expansion plans,” Upson president and chief executive Arlene Sy said.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the 58 intraday level of the peso was also the new intraday record low.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, September 21, 2022 -106.776,341.69PTS. F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 Currency Unit US Dollar Peso United States Dollar 1.000000 57.4200 Japan Yen 0.006958 0.3995 UK Pound 1.138300 65.3612 Hong Kong Dollar 0.127398 7.3152 Switzerland Franc 1.037667 59.5828 Canada Dollar 0.748335 42.9694 Singapore Dollar 0.709270 40.7263 Australia Dollar 0.668600 38.3910 Bahrain Dinar 2.652731 152.3198 Saudi Arabia Rial 0.265887 15.2672 Brunei Dollar 0.706764 40.5824 Indonesia Rupiah 0.000067 0.0038 Thailand Baht 0.027038 1.5525 UAE Dirham 0.272279 15.6343 Euro Euro 0.997200 57.2592 Korea Won 0.000719 0.0413 China Yuan 0.142499 8.1823 India Rupee 0.012542 0.7202 Malaysia Ringgit 0.219491 12.6032 New Zealand Dollar 0.589100 33.8261 Taiwan Dollar 0.031922 1.8330 Source: BSP TOTAL VOLUME 69,504569,251,426 TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) 5,421,049,074.90 ADVANCES 39 UNCHANGEDDECLINES 33

Former Philadelphia 76ers’ guard Myles Powell exploded with 41 points, eight rebounds and three assists for the Bay Dragons, who wasted no time in taking the lead from the start.

THE Bay Area Dragons gave themselves a huge introduction in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Lee: notfightingXiongtolose

By Peter Atencio

Sungjae Kim was excited about the visit, saying “We can’t wait to see more of these events in the future. Aside from honing their skills on the court, each team also gets exposed to different cultures.”

“From the start, our defense was good. We stayed in front ‘em. We did a good job on the odd balls and the offensive end,” said the 69-year-old Goorjian.

Yambing to cut the deficit to 57-59 entering the payoff period. San Sebastian, however, could not break the two-point barrier until the Coachend.Yuri Escueta gave credit to James Kwekuteye, who led the Red Lions with 20 points, three steals and three rebounds, for his hustle in the game to complement his“Hindiscoring.ko siya napanood last season. I know he can score but one thing I appreciate what he is doing right now is his

Meanwhile, the newest hit reality TV show “ONE Warrior Series Philippines” continues every Sunday night on GTV, the ONE Super App, and watch.onefc. com. Weekly replays will also air on Tap Go, ONE Championship Philippines Facebook, and ONE Championship’s official YouTube channel.

defensive side,” said Escueta on Kwekuteye.PeterAlfaro added 11 points and three rebounds, Tony Ynot had 10 points, six boards and four assists, while JB Bahio had a double-double outing of 10 points and 10 rebounds to go with two blocks and two steals for San Beda.

Fans have also criticized Xiong, so it would be fair to assume that she’s heard it all. Because of that, this match could actually be the perfect time for the Chinese superstar to respond to those critics by making a point.

MVP to Obiena: I hope you become an example, a catalyst for youth

Games tomorrow (Filoil EcoOil Centre) 12 noon – Benilde vs Letran 3 p.m. – Perpetual vs Mapua

Donning their red and white Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF) jackets, the two MVPs had a chance to catch up and discuss what’s next for the athlete.

THE Changwon LG Sakers, a professional basketball team based in South Korea, is back in the Philippines for a series of tune up games against local PBA and UAAP teams.

Gutang gamely talked to the media about his new stint for KBL.

Obiena has been based in Formia, Italy, training for the last three years, and this visit marked his first time back in the Philippines in some time.

“Definitely, I’ll be looking to take her out in the early rounds, and I feel like her game plan is to take me out in later rounds. We’ll see who gets what they want.”

“I think both our PBA and KBL (experience) made it possible to level up in our playing field.”

At least that’s what Lee expects from Xiong.

Dragons scorch Blackwater to ashes in 46-point victory

The Dragons made an impression with their 133-87 annihilation of the Blackwater Elite Bossings in a win that proved to be the most lopsided in the league in five years.

Lee Gwan Hee, who used to play locally for the Phoenix Fuel Masters, was happy to be back in the country.

“It has been amazing so far, it’s a blessing.”Inaquick meet and greet event at The Arena at Kerry Sports, BGC, LG PH Managing Director Sungjae Kim and LG PH Product Director Changsoo Jang met with the team and gave all the players LG Puricare Wearable Air Purifiers to use while they are in the country.

The 6’2” Powell knocked in 14 points in the first period as the Dragons quickly moved away from a 7-all deadlock with a 20-0 blast.

The MVPSF has been supporting Obiena since 2021 for his training to better his chances of making it to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Smart Communications, Inc, and Executive Director at MVPSF. “By engaging with them, we can inspire Filipinos with the values of sports and contribute to nation-building,” he added.

Obiena also shared three tips for young athletes who dream of competing in the world stage. “Enjoy your sport. It’s going to be tough, but it becomes easier when you’re happy doing something you love.” He also added resilience to the list. “You need to be resilient to be able to bounce back when trials arise.” And lastly, he reminded athletes to have faith. “Believe in yourself that you will be able to achieve what you want to achieve. Give it the best that you’ve got.”

LG Electronics Philippines’ Managing Director Sungjae Kim and LG Philippines Product Director Changsoo Jang, hand over units of LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifiers to the LG Sakers, headed by head coach Sang Hyun Cho. Inset shows Justin Gutang, the Sakers’ Filipino player, and team captain Lee Gwan Hee.

The team is based in Changwon and has LG Electronics as its major sponsor, which is also based in the sameJustincity.Gutang, one of the collegiate standouts from College of Saint Benilde, also recently joined the Sakers.

SBU Red Lions regain winning ways

PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan with Asia’s best pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena

found their marks in the last 3:06, giving the Dragons as 22-7 edge.

After holding the Bossings to just 19 points in the first quarter, the Dragons never looked back from a 36-19 edge entering into the second canto.

“I thanked EJ for his service. He brings such great honor to the country and to Philippine sports. I hope that he becomes an example and a catalyst for the youth, so that they would emulate what he is doing,” said Pangilinan, who also serves as the chairman and trustee of MVPSF.

SAN Beda University weathered a San Sebastian College fightback from a 23-point hole to carve out a 78-71 victory and rediscover its winning ways Wednesday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

LGChangwonwelcomesfirmSakers

“It is important to us that we support our athletes,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and

While the Chinese heavy hitter has remained dominant, Lee thinks that her fire has been dwindling in recent performances.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 C1 Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

Dragons, who have adjusted to the quickness of the game plays and their months of tuneup games in the Philippines, showed on the floor with their great game.

“Thank you very much for believing in me. I am very honored to be a part of this group, this family,” the athlete shared on the sidelines of the meeting.

Coach Brian Goorjian said the

Powell’s three free throws and layup

Sumoda finished with 19 points and six boards, Villapando had 13 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two assists while Yambing also scored 13 points to go with five boards and two steals for the Stags.

“I do think that she’s going to hear that, she’s going to get angry and think that she wants to make a statement in this fight,” Lee said.“She wants to prove to everyone that, ‘No, I’m still dangerous. I’m a killer. I’m a finisher.’ And so I’m not going to be overlooking her and using her previous fights as something to base my assumptions of her Withon.”the match less than two weeks away, Lee is confident that she has done the necessary preparations for this trilogy, and she’s confident that she can get the early“Thefinish.preparation has been great, and I’m confident because she didn’t experience my full game yet, but I think I think I’ve experienced hers. So I think that’s going to be to my advantage,” she said.

San Beda’s James Kwekuteye leads the Lions with 20 points.

Sports

“We really clicked. And we’re playing through Myles with the ball in his hands,” added Goorjian. Powell struck with 12 points in the second period, with his pull up jumper and threepointer with a second left, allowing the Dragons to enjoy a 28-point edge, 64-36.Powell’s two freebies gave the Dragons a 38-point spread, 97-59, at the end of the third. Former NBA player Myles Powell powers the Bay Area Dragons with 41 points.

“I feel like when I watched Xiong in [those recent defenses], she was not fighting to win – she was fighting not to lose,” Lee told ONEFC.com.“Sometimes when you’re champion for a while, you become stagnant and you’re just fighting to keep your belt, not fighting to win and destroy every person that’s in front of you.”

A DAY after he returned to the Philippines for a quick break after his sensational stint overseas, Filipino champion pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena visited the PLDT Inc. headquarters in Makati City to meet with Philippine sports patron and chairman of the country’s largest telco network, Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Winning back-to-back medals, including a huge upset win over world champion Armand Duplantis at the Brussels Diamond League in Belgium early this September, Obiena shared that he feels happy, but still hungry for a better outcome next year. The bemedaled pole vaulter also thanked MVPSF for providing some of the crucial support that he needed in joining tournaments overseas.

Their 46-point win is now considered as the 10th all-time biggest win margin in PBA h istory.

The Red Lions improved to 2-2 to tie their victims and climb at the upper half of the standings.Determined to rebound from last Saturday’s stunning 81-89 loss to Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Beda ran out the gates early with a 25-2 lead.The Stags, however, stormed back behind Jessie Sumoda, Ken Villapando and rookie Rhinwill

After a solid game in San Sebastian’s one-point win over Mapua, Rommel Calahat was held to just three points on 1-of-6 shooting from the field.

LG PH

LONGTIME ONE Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee believes that her rival in ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan may have gotten too comfortable in her last few defenses.Leeknows all about Xiong, as she’s shared the Circle with her twice already, accumulating one loss and one win.

IN the life of every UP student-athlete, there is much sacrifice involved — from grueling training to time management — in order to achieve their dreams in both sports and academics.

With their focus zeroed in on their careers and finishing their degrees, it is easy for precious time with those who are important to get lost in the thick of things.

Rep. Bingo Matugas

General Luna is one of the most affected areas when typhoon Odette hit Surigao del Norte last year, incurring a damage of P1.3 billion.

Breanna Stewart, the Most Valuable Player at the last World Cup, said that winning another title would be the best way to honour Griner and keep her in the conversation. AFP

Being able to communicate with family with constancy is of the utmost importance for the Fighting Maroons, as a number of them say that their family is the source of their biggest motivation.

The HD Spikers swept the Nationals, 25-22, 25-22, 25-22, at the close of the elims Tuesday in a match that staked nothing but the seeding although the former’s victory over their erstwhile unbeaten rivals served as a big moraleboost to their finals drive in a round robin semis tipped to be tight and fierce.

WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner was sentenced to nine years in a penal colony after being arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing vape cartridges with a small amount of cannabis oil.

But the 31-year-old is instead in a Russian prison, sentenced to nine years in a penal colony after being arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing vape cartridges with a small amount of cannabis oil.

to communicate with their teammate via email, sending “messages of love and support and strength”.

A White House statement released af-

“Siyempre malaking bagay sa amin ‘yun kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Converge na napadali ‘yung pag-communicate namin sa mga magulang namin, sa mga mahal namin sa buhay lalo na syempre, may COVID parin so pinadali nila ‘yung buhay namin,” he said.

Griner fate weighs heavily on US women at World Cup

The Warriors had the chance to extend the game, but Elorde and Dhan Reverente missed probable gametying jumpers in the last 12 seconds.

Though admitting it’s a challenge to live independently, they are able to adjust with the help of Converge and technology.“Atfirst it was a struggle, but like for hoopers

She pleaded guilty to the charges, but said she did not intend to break the law or use the banned substance in Russia.

BatangastripsZamboangaGenSan;Sarangani,win withSealionsNationalsSpikers,clash;duelGriins

homesick UP

US President Joe Biden met Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, last week as top officials work to bring the player home, with Moscow saying last month it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap.

– VNS

Muntinlupa slid to 3-14 despite the 24-point, 7-rebound effort of Domark Matillano and the 12-point, 10-rebound line of Harold Arboleda.

GenSan, which trailed by as far as 12-29 in the second quarter, even had the chance to send the game into overtime, but Elorde and Dhan Reverente missed probable gametying jumpers in the last 12 seconds and allowed Zamboanga to tally its 14th victory against three losses in the single round-robin elimination phase of the 22-team tournament.

Games today (Thursday) 2:30 p.m. vs Navy 5:30 p.m. vs Cignal

When she was arrested, the two-time Olympic gold medallist and Women’s NBA champion had been in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team, during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury.

“It’s on their minds every day. It’s heavy, it is really, really heavy especially as we participate in this USA basketball competition,” she added.

Zamboanga found a new idol in Jaycee Marcelino, who drilled in 22 points, on 9 of 10 field goal shooting and snared 7 rebounds. Marcelino was supported by Jhaps Bautista with 12Nicopoints.Elorde again led GenSan’s offense with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, followed by Cruz with 12 and Reverente with 10.

Reyland Torres, for his part, noted that because of the distance, he would only get to see his family for twice a year. Be-

“’Yung family ko halos twice a year lang kami magkasama kaya sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa internet na binigay sa amin, makapag-usap kami ng family ko kahit malayo sila sa amin and araw-araw minemake sure namin makausap sila, kung okay lang sila. Okay lang din ba kami dito,” Torres said.

“To keep Brittney top of mind, no one will wear the number 15. That will be the first way to honour her and keep her in our thoughts,” said Reeve.

Cignal coach Dexter Clamor cited his wards’ cohesion and the intangibles that the rest of the team had chipped in throughout the match but remained wary of their rematch with the Nationals at 5:30 p.m.

Fil-Canadian Antonio Eusebio and Fil-Am Henry Galinato Jr. had to adjust the most as they joined the helm of the Maroons, as they needed to get used to life in another country.

Other games saw Batangas subdue Muntinlupa, 85-81, and Sarangani clobber Manila, 74-55.

“It’s hard but I got pretty used to it because Zav [Lucero] helped when I was here. But, you know, I miss my mom and everybody over there. I’m a lot older so it’s not as hard as if this was a few years ago, it probably would be much more of a struggle for me but it’s not that bad [with technology]. It’s not like I’m going away forever, it’s how I see it,” quipped

“People are hard at work and I think the biggest thing is that we know it’s top of mind for many, many people that are a part of this process and they’re working very, very hard to try and get Brittney home,” said Reeve.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022C2

The Navy Sealions are also all set to re-assert their mastery of the VNS Griffins in their 2:30 p.m. encounter with the former enjoying the momentum of a four-game streak, including a four-set victory over the latter last Saturday.

Griner, a standout when they won gold at the Tokyo Olympics last year, would normally be with the squad as they attempt to claim a fourth straight title and 11th overall, starting Thursday against Belgium.

The UP Maroons with Converge CEO Dennis Uy and Converge president Maria Grace Uy.

terwards did not include details about the status of talks with Russia, but National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said “discussions are ongoing” to secure Griner’s release.

September, October contests to revive Siargao surfing season

Janjan Felicilda also noted the flexibility Converge’s internet provides, as the threat of COVID-19 continues to loom and limits in-person visits with family members.

No USA team member will don Griner’s number 15 jersey in Sydney.

Galinato.UPnewcomer

“The 26th Siargao International Surfing

time,” said Eusebio, who says his mother gets upset when he misses a video call. “They’re all very clingy.”

TWO surfing tournaments are expected to bring back the lively vibe to Siargao’s economy, tourism and sports scene in September andGeneralOctober.Luna Mayor Sol Matugas has announced the staging of the 1st Mayor Sol National Surfing Competition and the International Surfing Cup, to be held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1, while the international tournament will be held from Oct. 15 to “The21.Mayor Sol’s Cup sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association, will be a qualifying event for the 26th International Surfing Cup,” said Mayor Sol. The surfing events will be supported by the office of Surigao Del Norte 1st District Rep.

– NU-Sta. Elena

The Mayor Sol Cup will be a feeder to the 2022 World Surfing League international event.Atotal of P1.5 million worth of prizes await the winners of the Mayor Sol’s Cup, to be participated in by 200 professional surfers from Siargao Island and other parts of the Meanwhile,country.64 men and 40 women professional surfers have committed to join the international tournament in October.

“We’re not going to relax,” added Espejo, referring to their performance in the third set which they dominated in the early going only to slow down midway through, enabling the Nationals to mount a rally.

“Important role ‘yung parents ko sa pangarap ko kasi sila nagbibigay sa akin ng motivation, simula pa nu’ng bata ako, sila na ‘yung palaging nagsusupporta sa akin. Sila ‘yung laging nasa likod ko pag gusto ko abutin ‘yung pangarap ko,” quipped Harold Alarcon, who is also from Bacolod.

As in the first two sets, however, the HD Spikers proved steadier in the end to emerge No. 2 behind Navy at the close of elims play with Sta. Elena settling for No. 3. All three finished with 5-1 slates.

She added that players had been able

Felicilda hails from Butuan, while Torres is from Bacolod.

“While the boys’ morale is high, we still have to study our lapses and the strength of the Nationals. Sure, they will make the necessary adjustments, so we need to be ready,” said Clamor.

But the Japan league veteran insisted that the HD Spikers still have a lot of adjusting to do as they brace for a big bounce-back from the top UAAP squad.

SYDNEY—Coach Cheryl Reeve admitted Wednesday the fate of “gentle soul” Brittney Griner was weighing heavily on the USA team at the basketball World Cup in Sydney and the jailed star’s number 15 jersey would not be worn at the tournament.

Release talks

Ahead by eight points, 73-65, with less than 4 minutes left, Zamboanga watched GenSan charged right back at 75-73 through crack guards Mark Cruz and Nico Elorde.

GenSan, which is assured of a quarterfinal slot like Zamboanga, skidded to 12-6.

Batangas City Embassy Chill leaned on Cedrick Ablaza, Levi Hernandez and Jeremy Cruz to climb to 16-2. Ablaza posted 17 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists to complement the 18-point output of Hernandez and the 12-point contribution of Jeremy Cruz.

The last time competitive surfers rode the waves in Siargao was during the International Surfing Cup held late in 2019, months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

this time, I think I’ve experienced all the things that I’ve needed to experience and it’s much better. I’m having an easier

ing able to communicate via the internet helps douse the homesickness.

“She’s such a big part of many of our lives, so it’s challenging.”

CIGNAL and National U-Sta. Elena slug it out for the second time in three days but in a far more vital setting even as Navy and VNS-One Alicia collide in a pair of explosive matches kicking off the semifinal round of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena today (Thursday).

Cup will also serve as the venue of the First International Women Surfing Competition,” former Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco MatugasGovernorsaid.Matugas said the organizers have put together the $110,000 for the prizes of the winners as well as the salaries of judges and otherMayorexpenses.Solsaid the tournaments will help not just General Luna, but also the other municipalities in Siargao as they reel from the COVID-19 pandemic and the destruction Typhoon Odette caused.

“It’s non-bearing but it’s a big psychological win. May gigil or takot factor na since natalo namin sila,” said Cignal main man Marck Espejo, who spiked his top-scoring 17-point effort with 19 excellent receptions and five excellent digs to earn the game’s best player honors.

Griner had testified that she had permission from a US doctor to use medicinal cannabis to relieve pain from her many injuries, and had never failed a drug test. The use of medical marijuana is not allowed in Russia.

Francisco Jose Matugas II.

For those who hail from the provinces and overseas, there is also the added layer of being away from their family and loved ones for most of the calendar year.

But luckily for members of the UP Men’s Basketball Team, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. dishes an assist in the form of high speed internet in their dorm to help the players communicate with their loved ones from miles away.

Converge #DobleNa erases distance

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines survived General Santos City’s final assault to prevail, 75-73, in the OKbet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Presented by Xtreme on Tuesday night at the people-filled Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum here.

Reeve said Griner would be “top of mind” throughout the 10-day tournament, and revealed players had been in touch with her to send messages of support.“Themindset is just trying to stay strong for her and doing what we can,” Reeve said, describing Griner as “a gentle soul, just full of love”.

“It wasn’t the best song I had in the album. I couldn’t feel the emotion when I was singing it, so I was really surprised when I was told that it’s going to be the carrier single of my album then,” he

OPM hitmaker chronicles journey through iconic songs

Becoming Ice: The 35th Anniversary Concert tickets are available on TicketWorld.

A usual activity for him is checking his blood sugar to ensure they remain at the optimum level. But at a young age, Gary’s sugar levels sometimes skyrocket

active users in the country in April 2022—reaching the 6th spot among countries with the most Facebook users worldwide, according to Meta’s advertising resources.

“When the technology started advancing, which I am so thankful for, all the more it spurred me on to carry on the advocacy in helping Filipinos living with diabetes,” he said. “My advocacy is to provide medical assistance to Filipinos with diabetes through the Shining Light Foundation.

often do we meet big stars who would sit down with you for a casual dinner and even perform a few songs to keep you entertained?

ABS-CBN received a total of 14 awards for its outstanding shows, celebrities, and journalists at the Gawad Pilipino 2022 Icon Awards recently held at the Metropolitan Theater.

GMA Network’s TikTok account now has 1.3 million accounts as of writing

supportershislovehitmaker’stheIce’‘BecomingisOPMlettertofansand

Editorial Assistant

Gary, with his wife, established the Shining Light Foundation some time ago. It previously channeled support through church work before branching out to support underprivileged individuals. Now, it carries out Gary’s vision of providing medical aid to diabetes patients through donations and proper education.

“There were only two or three tables there. One of the tables occupied pa ng parents ko,” he recalled.

accepting lavish gifts and hotel stays from studios courting their votes – a near-constant source of criticism, including from acerbic British comic Ricky Gervais as he hosted the ceremony — and highlighted its philanthropic work.

Globally, the Philippines ranks 7th among countries with the most TikTok users. Figures from ByteDance’s advertising resources indicate that the country has 40.4 million active TikTok users aged 18 and above, as of April.

GMA Network accounts continue to lead on Facebook and TikTok

The awards, voted for by members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), have traditionally been seen as second only in importance to the Oscars. But disquiet grew around the HFPA over accusations of racism, sexism, bullying, and corruption, with television rights-holder NBC

Back then, monitoring glucose levels wasn’t easy and accessible. Gary shared he had to get samples, such as blood and urine, into test tubes to get a reading. Even then, its accuracy was anybody’s guess.

Early this month, Ice Seguerra and wife Liza Diño welcomed the members and officers of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) into their home in Quezon City. Diño was in charge of the kitchen while Suegerra was the one entertaining the group with his stories and songs.

Nickie Wang Patricia Taculao,

Notably, the previously aired GMA Afternoon drama Bihag, which was uploaded on Kapuso Watchfest from August 10 until September 3, already accumulated a total of 125.9 million views and 2.8 million engagements for all its episodes as of September 6. The Millionaire’s Wife, which was launched only last September 4, already has 12.8 million views and 281.8K engagements.Facebook has 86.6 million

On October 15, Seguerra will take us on a musical and visual journey of his evolution. Becoming Ice: The 35th Anniversary Concert will take place at The Theater at Solaire from 8:00 p.m. onwards.

The years went by, and Gary started finger pricking. He did that for a long time, and the skin on his fingertips started thickening, causing problems for Mr. Pure Energy whenever he used touchscreen phones. Yet innovation for helping diabetic patients monitor their glucose didn’t stop there.

In a press release on Tuesday, the HFPA said there were 103 new voting members, representing 62 countries.

investigation by the Los Angeles Times that showed it did not have a single Black member at the time. That opened the floodgates for criticism from across Hollywood to burst out into the open, including from A-list stars such as Tom Cruise.

Entertainment THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 C3 E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

sensor. The sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm and can be worn for up to 14 days.

Diabetes patients monitoring their glucose levels know that their blood sugar sometimes increases during sleep as a normal bodily function. With FreeStyle Libre, Gary just places his reader near the bed where his wife, Angeli Pangilinan, can later turn it on, scan the patch behind Gary’s upper arm, and determine whether he’s at the optimum condition or not.

Before the night ended, Seguerra huddled with the press to talk about his struggles being confronted by the awkward stage – the phase where most child stars find it hard to fit in and find their place again in the business. He also talked about the success of “Pagdating ng Panahon,” which he considers the song that saved his life and career.

to perform in a small band along Aurora Boulevard.

DIABETES is among the leading health problems in the Philippines. Data from 2019 reveals that 6.3 percent of Filipinos have diabetes. Numerous individuals know the struggle of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the condition’s harmful effects on the human body.Even Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, experienced the challenges of living with diabetes. Since he was 14, Gary struggled with Type 1 diabetes. Yet he isn’t bitter about it. His strong faith and positivity inspired him to push through the hurdles and become an example for Filipinos who share a similar affliction.

Mr. Pure Energy has an advocacy of providing medical assistance to Filipinos with diabetes through donations and proper education

Award-winning actress and host Charo Santos-Concio was hailed as the Outstanding Drama Anthology Host of The Year for Maalaala Mo Kaya , the longest-running television drama anthology in the Philippines.

Running Man Philippines, which raked in 236.3 million video views on TikTok with its official #RMPHGrandFanFest,hashtag recently held a Grand Fan Fest attended by the cast Glaiza De Castro, Ruru Madrid, Buboy Villar, Lexi Gonzales, Kokoy de Santos, Angel Guardian, and Mikael Daez GMA Network was also nominated for the Top Entertainment Award, under the Judges’ Pick Category, in the 2022 TikTok Awards

TikTok accounts were also included in the top PH news publishers with the highest followers on TikTok as of September 2. These were the respective TikTok handles of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, GMA Public Affairs, Unang Hirit, 24 Oras, GMA News, as well as Born to be Wild.

Stories like these are some of the things that the audience can expect from Seguerra’s upcoming concert entitled Becoming Ice

Tickets are priced at P7,200.00 for SSVIP; P6,100.00 for SVIP; P5,000.00 for VIP; P4,650.00 for Gold; P3,350.00 for Lower Box; and P2,250.00 for Upper Box seats. The “Meet and Greet Package” for SSVIP tickets includes an exclusive meet and greet with Seguerra complete with a personal selfie and exclusive Becoming Ice merchandise item, while the SVIP and VIP tickets come with exclusive Becoming Ice merchandise items.

“Combined with the current HFPA membership, the total Golden Globe Awards voting body is now 52 percent female (and) 51.5 percent racially and ethnically diverse,” the statement said. AFP

Using test tubes and pricking his fingers are things of Gary’s past. He now uses FreeStyle Libre, a sensorbasedmonitoringglucosesystemwithareaderanda

“You see, I had so much struggles before, with my sexuality and my career. I even tried to be part of a love team kasi yun yung uso before,” Seguerra went on.

It allowed Mr. Pure Energy to take more control over managing his diabetes and related concerns.

Join Seguerra as he shares his 35-year journey – the highs and the lows and everything in between – and discover how he is becoming the person he is meant to be, finally, on his terms.

“If it wasn’t for my mom, I wouldn’t be here celebrating my 35th in the business. At the time when no one watches my shows anymore, it was my mom who kept pushing me to just perform. But if you’re asking what’s the turning point? It was that song,” Seguerra said alluding to the iconic song he released in 2001.

Prioradded.to Seguerra’s second wind in showbiz, he said he became part of a showband that used

This milestone event came after a 10-year hiatus from the major concert stage when Seguerra celebrated his 25th year in the business. Fire and Ice Media and Productions, Inc., his own production company with his wife, Liza Diño, will produce the show in cooperation with Nathan Studios. Seguerra will be the stage director in collaboration with musical director Ivan Lee Espinosa

Kapamilya artists were also honored including Anne Curtis (Outstanding Female Host), Ogie Alcasid (Most Outstanding Male Host of the Year), Joshua Garcia (Outstanding Performance by an Actor), Ivana Alawi (Best Actress), Jed Madela (Favorite Balladeer of The Year), Anthony Barion (Promising Young Male Host Award of The Year), Moira Lacambra (Promising Pop Solo Award of The Year), and Arjo Atayde (Outstanding Public Servant of the Year).ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime was also named as the Best Noontime Show during the awarding ceremony.Meanwhile, ABS-CBN News personalities took home awards including Castro (Outstanding News and Public Affairs TeleRadyo Host of the Year), Amy Perez (Outstanding Female TeleRadyo Host of the Year), Alvin Elchico (Most Outstanding Male News Presenter of The Year), and Bernadette Sembrano (Outstanding Broadcast Journalist of The Year).

Editor

ABS-CBN bags 14 awards at Gawad Pilipino 2022

Living with diabetes has been a struggle for many Filipinos throughout the years. But Gary serves as an example that with the right technology, perseverance, and knowledge, they can take better control of their lifestyles to enjoy what each day brings.

On TikTok, the official GMA Network handle now has 1.3 million followers and 17.9 million likes as of September 5.

last year pulling the plug on its annual awards broadcast.

The extensive influence of the Kapuso Network on both Facebook and TikTok suggests that a large number of audiences choose to be entertained on social media by GMA’s top-notch content that Kapuso fans continue to engage with.

careersavedsongtoaccordingPanahon,’NgIce,isthethathis

This concert is Seguerra’s love letter to his fans and supporters, who remained loyal despite the many challenges he has encountered throughout his career. He will sing the soundtrack of our lives with phenomenal hits like “Pagdating ng Panahon” and “Anong Nangyari sa Ating Dalawa” among many others. The multi-platinum artist promises a night of reminiscence, nostalgia, and feel-good vibes.

Gawad Pilipino 2022 names Kapamilya star Joshua Garcia as the recipient of the Outstanding Performance by an Actor award

The Gawad Filipino Awards is an annual event that aims to recognize the excellence of Filipinos through their passion and work ethics that influence Philippine culture, tradition, and society.

GMA Network continues to be the leading Philippine TV Network on Facebook and Tiktok, which remain two of the country’s top social media platforms.OnFacebook, the GMA Network page has amassed 22,392,031 likes as of writing. With the number of likes having more impact than follower count, Facebook Help Center defines likes as a user “showing support for the Page and that they want to see content from it. The Page will show up as being liked in the About section of that person’s profile.”

from Sprout Social GMA Network’s Facebook page is also ahead of its competition in terms of Public Engagements, or the number of times users reacted to, commented on, or shared posts during a selected period – giving a significant measure of how compelling the content of the page is. GMA got an average of 13.5 million, almost double its competitor’s.Someof GMA Network’s top Facebook content include Kapuso ArtisTambayan, Kapuso Watchfest, Kapuso Exclusives, Program Online Exclusives from GMA programs, Kapuso Stream, and Kapuso Covers.

HOW

On the other hand, “when someone follows a Page, it means they may receive updates about the Page in their News AugustAccordingFeed.”to2022data

Becoming Ice

THE scandal-hit Golden Globes, one of Hollywood’s most important awards events, are to return to television next year, organizers said Tuesday, after being dumped by broadcasters and shunned by industry figures over ethics lapses.

By Patricia Taculao

Some of its top posts are from the daily showbiz news updates ‘Kapuso Showbiz News’, Kapuso Rewind, which are highlight clips of previous GMA shows, TikTok Live of Kapuso artists, and behindthe-scenes exclusives.

As it sought to stave off attacks, the HFPA – made up of entertainment writers connected to foreign publications – rushed through reforms, including admitting its biggest ever annual intake of new members last year. It also banned members from

“It can be the most deceiving of all illnesses because sometimes you think you’re okay, but things could be going on inside of you if you don’t take care of yourself the way you should,” Gary said during a Zoomcon.

Gary V gets honest about diabetes battle

“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Golden Globe Awards on NBC and to hosting the ‘Party of the Year’ for audiences around the world who have been waiting for its return,” said Helen Hoehne, HFPA president.“TheHFPA remains committed to important changes and supporting programs which prioritize diversity, inclusion, and transparency.”Theorganization found itself in the spotlight following a 2021

Golden Globes to bring scandal-hit awards back to TV

‘Pagdati

to concerning numbers.

Meanwhile,Philippines.other GMA Network

The Golden Globe Awards, voted for by members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), have traditionally been seen as second only in importance to the Oscars

“I’m very excited to do a major solo concert again after ten years. I miss the energy, the emotions, and the presence of people who appreciates the experience of a live event. Becoming Ice is very personal to me because this is the first time that I’m going to do a major concert as Ice Seguerra. And happy ako, I get to share my 35-year journey in this business with my fans,” Seguerra mused.

— Chuchie L., writer and professional makeup artist

Reunited again as the 2022 ambassa dor for Ultherapy, Pia shared what it took for her to overcome those challenges.

Social media experts advise users to be extra cautious when sharing details of personal matters online

If natural radiance feels like something of a wonder, let The Body Shop’s new and improved Vitamin C range do the heavy lifting. The brand has squeezed even more vitamin C into its best selling formulas, now with concentrations of up to 10 percent and made with at least 90 percent ingredients of natural origin.

THESE days, it’s easy to fall into (some of) the traps of social media. If you’re having a bad day or pissed with someone and didn’t get hold of your emotions, it’s easy and even tempting to pour your heart out on your so cial media channels and before you know it, things have turned messy.

Overtly promotional content

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–

Miss Universe 2015 advocatehealthand newestUltherapy’sWurtzbachPiaisface

•

Political or religious posts

– Lyn M., market ing and corporate commu nications

Hosted by Issa Litton (2nd from left), Pia shared the stage with Dr. Ed Tolentino (4th from left), FPPS, and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas

Psychiatrist Dr. Ed Tolentino shared a more current perspective on how these challenges have been amplified with the pandemic and how people can help themselves to find ways to cope –one of which is self-care.

“Familyprofessionalproblems, rela tionship problems, money problems, other people’s problems, luxury purchases, sex stuff, and reason for breaking up with an ex.” –Cyrian A., filmmaker and

•

Socialmediatoday dot com, for example, advised people to shy away from posting the following:•Negative posts about customers

•

“It depends on the platform I’m using. On Twitter, I don’t show my face, real name, and my exact location. Although now, it has an option to tweet only to a select few. On Facebook, basically, anything that is asked in a forgotten password question.

multimedia producer “Fake news, unverified news, misleading informa tion; anything damaging to another person’s reputation; anything with an intent to hurt or malign (even if war ranted); my mental health situation; anything negative about my job or employer; family spats, private details about my relationships; negative opinions of other people; medical issues; my finances; any opinion that might come across as controver sial or polarizing; spoilers of movies, shows, or books; and requests for donation posted by people or groups that I can’t vouch for.”

“My relationship and/or details of my personal trav els, work-related issues, my rants (to keep things posi tive on my space), my plans, (e.g. change jobs or trips I’m planning, and personal suc cesses.”

Martha H., marketing professional

•

Filipinos look better, feel better and live better, now at your fingertips.

ments. That is why Ultherapy remains to be the Gold Standard in skin lifting and tightening on the brows, chin, and neck areas, and improving lines on the décolletage.MerzPhilippines, General Manager, Jorge Libanan, also shared the first ever aesthetic app in the Philippines, the Merz Aesthetic Serendipity Journey or MASJ Myself app, proving how the company continues to be driven by our purpose: to fuel confidence and help

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas shared that she sees a lot of this with her patients. When they’re stressed or want to relax, they go and get some me-time. What’s important is that they see and feel the difference in the treatments they get. That’s why they keep on going back forWithUltherapy.more than two million treat ments worldwide with over 95 per cent patient satisfaction one year after treatment rating, Ultherapy is the only non-invasive ultrasound treatment that allows you to see below the skin’s sur face, promoting safe and effective treat

With Ultherapy’s new campaign #ALL IT TAKES IS U, it focuses on overall confidence. Feeling it inside and out. How you can go out in just a shirt and jeans and still feel beautiful. You don’t need a fancy dress to look your best. Or even too much makeup. You’re con fident that you’re beautiful, no matter what. And all it takes is Ultherapy® to make every angle your best angle.

Two trusty favorites, the Daily Glow Cleansing Polish and Glow Boosting Moisturiser, also feature in the range, alongside brand new creations to transform that inner fire into a sizzling natural radiance. Get ready to glow like never before.

Go with the Glow with The Body Shop’s new Vitamin C Range. This is available at The Body Shop stores and on its online store www.thebodyshop.com.ph

For more information, you may visit www.ultherapy.com www.merzaesthet ics.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram: @UltherapyPH @ MerzAesthetics.ph.

confidenceonIS#ALLcampaignnewUltherapy’sITTAKESU,focusesoverall

Attempts to capitalize on tragedy

On IG, it’s the same with my take on FB. Although, here, I somehow allow people to know where I am via stories. Generally, I don’t post personal conver sations and the companies I’ve worked for, as well as my purchases.”

Robredo-Vitas

Bakuchiol is one of the brand’s freshly innovated formulas for The Body Shop’s new Vitamin C range. Known for its complexion-boosting capabilities, it’s said to help improve the appearance of uneven pigment Camu complexiontollthatagentsoxidizingandfreeskinhelppotentialforindustryinacclaimedThey’reantioxidants.richnaturallyberriescamuareinthebeautytheirtoprotectfromradicalsothertakeaonthe What would

GLOBAL Google searches for vitamin C, a superstar ingredient in glow-boosting skincare, have soared by 1000 percent since 2020, while searches for ‘how to get glowing skin’ have climbed by 400 percent. Skincare has taken center stage in recent years. In fact, a whopping 73 percent of people have upgraded their skincare routine since the pandemic.

Essentially, the best credo that applies when using social media is K.I.S.S. (Keep it super safe).

This was the topic of the talk when Pia was launched again as the face of Ultherapy at The Shangri-La at the Fort Hotel on September 8. Hosted by Issa Litton, Pia shared the stage with Dr. Ed Tolentino, FPPS, and board-cer tified dermatologist, Dr. Irene Gaile

Other experts also cautioned users against posting about personal conversations, social plans, linking sites, company information, photos of kids, your address and phone num ber, personal finance information, password and password hints, among others you don’t want to share.

LifeC4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 Nickie Wang Editor Joba Botana, Associate Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Since the advent of social media many moons ago, experts have been explicitly ad vising users to be extra cautious when shar ing details of personal matters online.

Wurtzbach may have won Miss Universe back in 2015 yet she continues to inspire everyone with her beauty and strength.

There’s no shame in admitting that you aren’t perfect and there’s no shame in admitting that you need help.

Unattributed content

cial media you can undo your previous actions. I like using social media to connect with people , and to learn, while also being aware of its dangers and the importance of being the one in control of it and not the other way around. In the interest of this topic, I’ve asked some communi cations professionals from different industries to share the things (content) they will never share on social media platforms.

Irrelevant viral content

Glow with vitamin C you not share

Content that isn’t edited

The above list may even be underrated as hackers nowadays can easily gain insight into your personal life through bits of infor mation you share online, even those that you have shared sporadically in the past.

What really makes Pia Wurtzbach feel confidently beautiful

As one of nature’s richest sources of vi tamin C, the Amazo nian camu camu berry extract is the hero in gredient in some of the new and improved Vi tamin C creations. Native to the tropical forests of South America, camu camu berries have long been considered a symbol of good health and strength. Naturally rich in antioxidants, they’re acclaimed in beauty for their potential to help protect skin from free radicals and other oxidising agents that take a toll on the complexion.

At the same time, celebrated skincare ingredient bakuchiol also takes the spotlight in one of the brand’s freshly innovated formu las. Known for its complexion-boosting capabilities, it’s said to help improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and skin texture. It stars in the all-new Glow Revealing Serum, enriched with 10 percent vitamin C – the brand’s highest concentration ever.

Ultherapy Merz Aesthetics and Merz Aesthetics Serendipity Journey are reg istered trademarks of the Merz group of companies. Imported by: Merz Philip pines Healthcare Inc. 10/F Ore Central Bldg., 9th Ave. cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Misleading posts

JOB WELL DONE BY JOBA BOTANA

– Ana V., content writer

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“Personal info like birthday, full name, passwords etc.; dirty laundry – literally and figuratively; personal problems with no purpose except to rant; comments, sugges tions, and violent reactions that are not of public interest; humiliating photos, stories, and information about other people; photo of a dead person inside a casket; photo of an animal run over by a car; gossip, blind item, anything that are unverified and slanderous; screenshots of private conversations that are not of public interest; personal thoughts and opinion that may inspire others to harm themselves and others, too; as a makeup art ist, I am not fond of posting before and af ter photos of my clients. They’re all equally beautiful, with or without the help of my skills; a group message FB status that’s meant to be sent to a group chat; I will not dare post my fitness journey as I do not have the patience to explain why I still haven’t made any progress since I started. I’m going to give my fats the privacy they deserve sans the judgment.”

on social media? theirprofessionalsCommunicationssharethoughtsonthis When it comes to social media posts, best to K.I.S.S. (keep it super safe)

Amid the pandemic in 2021, it took a lot of strength for Pia to talk about her struggles growing up, as well as leading to and during her reign as Miss Universe in 2015 on her YouTube channel. It was the first time for her to open up about her mental health struggles in public because she wanted to paint a picture not of a per fect beauty queen, but of a real person with real-life experiences.

“I was determined to stay strong, to continue my mission, my purpose, and to turn things around,” she said. “I wanted to face my demons and finally take care of my heart, something which I didn’t do or never cared to do.

Personally, I usually (operative word: usu ally) only share about light or matters I deem trivial such as new food joints I find interest ing, inspiring quotes or reads, funny stuff I read online, or mundane musings on issues I care about, just enough for friends (read: chosen audience) to know my personal stand on it. Sometimes, I do feel that I andovershare,fortu