Manila Standard - 2022 October 20 - Thursday

San Juanico gets glow up with lights, sound project

By Ronald O. Reyes

PBBM to unveil growth path

Biz leaders to submit 10-point wishlist for faster economic recovery

By Othel V. Campos

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will discuss with business leaders today (Thursday) his administration’s plans to sustain economic growth amid elevated inflation and consecutive increases in prices of oil and petroleum products.

Price hike for canned goods, coffee, ham pushed

SEVERAL canned goods manufacturers will seek to increase prices on their prod ucts following the rise in the cost of in gredients and raw materials used in their production, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Wednesday.

Manufacturers of sardines, canned meat, coffee, and evaporated milk will seek to increase prices from 50 centa vos to five pesos, the department said in a statement, adding it is waiting for the documents from these firms to justify

LTFRB to study ‘surge fee’ plea, DOTr chief finds move ‘logical’

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will study the call of transport groups to charge an additional P1 to P2 to com muters during rush hour carefully, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautis ta said Wednesday, saying the petition was “logical.”

This was as transport group Pasang Masda on Wednesday urged the LT FRB to schedule a hearing “at the earli est possible time” on their petition for a “surge fee” or fare surcharge during rush hours in Metro Manila.

Pasang Masda president Obet Martin

Murder raps filed vs. Mabasa killer, kin clears doubts after walkthrough

By Joel E. Zurbano and Rey E. Requejo

fessed

the price increases.

Meanwhile, some manufacturers of ham products would lower their prices from P20 to P284 depending on the ham’s weight.

At the closing ceremony of the twoday Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (PBC&E) organized by the Philippine Chamber of Com merce and Industry (PCCI), the Presi dent will present the government’s economic agenda.

PCCI chairman Ferdinand Ferrer is also expected to submit to the Presi dent 10 recommendations that the business group believes will help the country recover faster amid the con tinuing global crisis.

The country’s largest business group,

the PCCI, called on the government to achieve food security by amending the Agrarian Reform Law to increase land retention limit from five to 24 hectares, implement a debt condonation program for unpaid amortizations of agrarian reform beneficiaries, and convert Cer tificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) into fee simple titles.

On health, PCCI asked the govern ment to reform the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) into a sci ence-based and transparent health care

President vows support to PCG modernization

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that his admin istration will continue to support its modernization efforts as he lauded the group for its role at the height of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

“As your leader, I assure you that this administration will always be be hind you, supportive of your efforts and initiatives to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard, which will redound to the better delivery of service to the nation,” the President said during the PCG’s

By Willie Casas

DAILY COVID-19 cases could reach as high as 18,000 by Nov. 15, the Depart ment of Health (DOH) said.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosa rio Vergeire said the figure was based

Public schools may also apply for hybrid setup

PUBLIC schools can also apply for an exemption to hold five-day face-to-face classes beyond November 2, Depart ment of Education spokesperson Mi chael Poa said on Wednesday.

“If there are public schools that can not hold 5-days of in-person classes,

they may apply for an exemption to their respective Department of Educa tion regional directors,” Poa said.

This was after DepEd announced on Monday that private schools will be ex empted from an earlier mandate where all public and private schools must shift

121st founding anniversary.

“When the pandemic came to the Philippines and we were in need of skilled workers to help in again another duty or another mission that was not originally the mission of the Philippine Coast Guard,” he said.

on its Oct. 11 projection, and does not yet factor in the recent detection of the Omicron XBB subvariant and XBC variant of the coronavirus.

“The low part for this would be 2,400 cases in a day and the high part, if there is a decline in the practice of

sees a high 18k COVID cases mid-November SC to Badoy: Answer contempt

to five days of in-person classes begin ning next month.

DepEd, through Order No. 44 allows private schools to continue distance and blended learning beyond Nov. 2 Meanwhile, the DepEd has not

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court has ordered Lor raine Marie Badoy, former National Task Force to End Local Commu

minimum health standards, we can see as much as 18,000 cases per day by Nov. 15,” she said.

The government has since lifted the outdoor mask mandate and resumed inperson learning in schools.

nist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson, to answer the indirect contempt petition filed against her by several groups within 15 days.

PURSUIT

slain radio broadcaster Percy Lapid, affirms before the Depart ment of Justice the murder complaint filed against confessed gunman Joel Estorial and three other suspects who reman at large. Norman Cruz

FULL SUPPORT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vows to give his administration’s full support to the Philippine Coast Guard, which he said is taking on “many new duties” beyond its turf, as it marks its 121st founding anniversary. Marcos is joined by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bau tista and PCG Admiral Artemio Abu in touring the BRP Gabriela Silang, the third biggest modern vessel in the Coast Guard fleet. Revoli Cortez

TACLOBAN City—President Ferdi nand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the switch-on of the P80-million San Juan ico Bridge Aesthetic Light and Sound

Show Project, which is seen to bring spark and more economic development to Eastern Visayas’ two main islands— Samar and Leyte.

“This bridge holds a special place in

SPECTACULAR LIGHTING. The San Juanico Bridge Aesthetic Light and Sound Show – the first of its kind in the country – comes to life late Wednesday evening as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the much-awaited switch-on of the P80 million project. Screengrab from RTVMNext page

No road diggings Nov. 14 to Jan. 2

By Joel E. Zurbano

BEGINNING Nov. 14, 2022 until Jan. 2 next year, there will be no road works and diggings in Metro Manila to provide relief to commuters and motorists during the Christmas season when traffic is expected to be heavier.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chairman Carlo Dima yuga III said his agency will implement the moratorium, except for the govern ment’s flagship projects, as part of the MMDA’s traffic mitigation measures for the holidays.

The moratorium will cover any dig gings in the road right-of-way, includ ing passage ways and sidewalks, within the cities or municipalities of Metro Manila for the installation, repair, or improvement of water pipes, telephone or telegraph wires or cable conduits,

sewers and drainage systems, commu nication and power line improvements being undertaken by any government agency, public and private contractors.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Coun cil (MMC) gave the MMDA the go signal to establish the exclusive lanes for bicycles, public utility vehicles, and motorcycles along Commonwealth Av enue in Quezon City.

The MMC, composed of 17 mayors in Metro Manila, is the governing board and the policy-making body of the MMDA.

Road Crash Statistics records from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center

showed there were a total of 1,010 fa tal, non-fatal, and damage to property accidents involving motorcycles along Commonwealth Avenue.

Dimayuga said the exclusive motorcy cle lanes shall be implemented, pending the adjustments recommended by the Quezon City local government unit.

“The exclusive motorcycle lanes lo cated at the third lane from the right along Commonwealth will depend upon the road conditions as the road has some inconsistencies in terms of lane width due to different construction projects,” he said.

Among the ingredients used by canned goods makers is mechanically deboned meat (MDM), which saw its prices rise recently.

“We have no MDM here, so they (man ufacturers) import it. Prices have moved, so we want to verify from them also,” DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said.

Noche Buena item prices would also likely increase since these products are not considered essential items and the Christ mas season is coming, Castelo added.

The DTI said it would release a new suggested retail price guide in the fol lowing weeks.

“We’re hoping to limit the price increases [on Noche Buena items]. If they do increase prices, hopefully not more than 10%,” Castelo said.

Vergeire said the COVID-19 situa tion in the country has become “man ageable.”

“I think we are going to that point where COVID becomes manageable because we have already prepared,” she said.

In the fight against COVID-19, the Philippines has the capacity to test, detect and isolate cases, sequence samples, and mobilize localities to vaccinate the public, she said.

“By next year, we still expect that we will have cases. But our hope is, because we continue to have vacci nation, this will not be so severe that patients need to be hospitalized,” Ver geire said.

As of Oct. 17, more than 73.4 mil lion Filipinos are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Of this number, more than 20.3 million have received their first booster dose while over 3.2 million have had their second booster shots.

Despite the uptick in infections in most areas of the country, the Philip pines is still at low risk from COV ID-19, the DOH said.

From Oct. 11-17, the country logged 15,144 additional COVID-19 cases or an average of 2,163 daily infections.

In terms of health care system ca pacity, all areas are considered lowrisk for total bed and ICU utilization rate, the agency added.

system and encourage public-private partnerships (PPP) in the implementa tion of the Universal Health Care Law.

Business owners also called for tighter collaboration between the gov ernment and the private sector to reen ergize the economy by supporting new investments to generate employment, provide assistance to pandemic surviv ing micro, small and medium enter prises, amend all restrictive and puni tive labor laws and enact laws that will increase productivity.

In education, the PCCI asked the government to amend the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) Law to create a Philippine Qualifications Authority (PQA) that will establish and maintain qualification standards for all levels of education and training.

The groups also called for deeper

cooperation with neighboring states, expanded participation in regional and multilateral defense agreements and the acceleration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.

Another resolution is for the develop ment of digital structures and to imple ment a nationwide internet connectivity program that is reliable and competitive by passing into law the Open Access in Data Transmission Act.

On environment and climate change, the business group proposed PPP on world-class water and waste manage ment infrastructure.

On power, the group sought the accel eration of the integration of the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids to enable the free flow of electricity nationwide and for the Department of Energy to amend the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Renewable Energy Act to al low 100 percent m foreign investment in solar and wind projects.

Also on Wednesday, Senator Imee Mar

rush hour periods of 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., except on Sun days and national holidays.

cos urged concerned agencies to arrest smugglers of agricultural products who still continue to operate despite existing laws.

Marcos said these smugglers have ob viously established accomplices in the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Customs (BoC).

In an interview on radio dzMM, Sen ator Marcos named alleged smugglers, saying “we know them all.”

“The worst part is if they manipulate the prices, they use cooperatives, the farmers. That’s what happened in white onions. That’s also what happened in our area,” she said in Filipino.

The lawmaker said some traders buy farmers’ produce at a very low price and store it in warehouses to eventually declare a shortage.

“The small cooperatives are being made importers by cartels and big syn dicates. Think of it, small farmers can import $5 million worth of onions, veg etables. Can you believe that? They are just being used,” Marcos said.

The Philippine Amalgamated Su permarkets Association Inc. (PASAI) advised the public to use affordable goods during the coming holidays.

“They could also have a staggered (price increase). It could be 2% now, another 6% next time. Buy something which is affordable,” PASAI President Steven Cua told consumers.

my heart, as it was one of the flagship projects completed during the admin istration of my late father. In fact, it was my father who spearheaded the inauguration of the bridge, so you can all imagine how genuinely de lighted I am to be present to witness the lighting as your President,” Mr. Marcos said.

“I look forward to seeing the bridge turn into a true sight to behold, not just during the day, but now even in the dark at night. I look forward to the economic opportunities that will be stimulated by this, as well as other Spark Samar initiatives, in the near fu ture,” he added.

The project, the first in the coun try, was proposed by Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 8 to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in 2015.

TIEZA allocated PP80 million for the project that was completed by Amigo Entertainment Technologies, Inc. after more than three years of de lay due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

cited the impact of recent fuel price hikes on the income of public utility vehicle drivers and operators.

“The LTFRB will carefully study that. Although we acknowledge the hardships of our drivers because of fuel price in crease, we also need to balance its effect on commuters,” Bautista told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Coast Guard 121st founding anniversary.

“I think it’s a logical request because it’s true that the cost of their operations has increased,” he added.

Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Trans port Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Or ganization (ACTO) recently filed their petition before the LTFRB.

They asked the government to allow traditional and modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs) to charge an addi tional P1.00, and public utility buses (PUBs) an additional P2.00 during

The additional fares the groups are asking are on top of the respective ap proved minimum fares.

Last September, the LTFRB approved a P1.00 provisional increase in the mini mum fare for the first four kilometers of travel in PUJs, bringing the minimum fare for traditional PUJs up to P12, and modern PUJs up to P14.

In filing the petition, the groups said the recent provisional increases, while helpful, were “not enough to alleviate the woes of public utility vehicle op erators in the face of further fuel price hikes, higher operational costs caused by inflation, and also due to rush con gestion in the city.”

On the possibility that the govern ment’s “Libreng Sakay” would con tinue, Bautista reiterated that while there is no fund allocated for the free rides program under the Department of Transportation’s proposed P171.1billion budget for next year, lawmakers have expressed support to continue it.

biggest modern vessel in the Coast Guard flotilla.

“It’s not included in the budget that was submitted to Congress, although a lot of lawmakers have said they will support the program. Hopefully, if the budget is passed, a certain amount will be given to Libreng Sakay,” Bautista said.

On the rush hour surcharge, Pasang Masda’s Martin said in a televised pub lic briefing: “Traffic jams during rush hour are really heavy on oil consump tion. Once approved, we will just imple ment the surge fee temporarily. And if oil prices normalize, we can file a peti tion to withdraw.”

The regulatory body earlier said it might no longer approve any additional fare hike this year.

Martin said the surcharge petition does not seek a fare increase. “This is just meant to serve as additional help. It will not be implemented the entire day; we will follow a window period. The surge fee will cover only 8 hours per day when traffic gets heavy,” he said.

But some transport groups said the surcharge might cause confusion among passengers and overburden them following recent fare hikes.

Law school deans and lawyers be longing to the Movement Against Dis information sued Badoy following her remarks against a Manila City trial court judge, who dismissed the gov ernment’s case seeking to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, as terror organizations.

“Acting on the Urgent Petition for Indirect Contempt, the Court resolved, without giving due course to the peti tion, to require the respondent to com ment thereon within a non-extendible period of 15 days from notice hereof,” the Court En Banc resolution said.

The petitioners said Badoy’s verbal attack against Manila RTC Branch 19 Judge Marlo Magdoza-Malagar aimed to “assault and humiliate” the latter after she rendered the decision.

Former Philippine Bar Association (PBA) president Rico Domingo, Ateneo Human Rights Center executive director Ray Paolo Santiago, former Ateneo law dean Antonio “Tony” La Viña, Soledad Deriquito-Mawis of the College of Law of Lyceum University, Anna Maria Abad of Adamson University College of Law, Rodel Taton of the Graduate School of Law of San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and several lawyers filed the petition.

They stressed that the “vicious as sault” against Magdoza-Malagar has alarmed and shaken the judges and law yers so much so that several law groups described the online vilification and red-tagging as constituting “endanger ment” of a member of the judiciary and an “attack on the rule of law and the in dependence of the judiciary.”

Edmon and Israel Dimaculangan, and a certain “Orly” or “Orlando” — who are still at large, were also included in the criminal complaint filed by the Las Pinas City police and Mabasa’s brother Roy Mabasa before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Mabasa said he expected a prelimi nary hearing in the next few days.

The case was filed a day after the De partment of Interior and Local Govern ment (DILG) presented Escorial, who surrendered to the police and confessed that he was the one who shot the victim.

Escorial also said the order to kill the radio broadcaster came from in side the New Bilibid Prison and that he and his companions were paid a total of P550,000.

“I believe the mastermind was the sub ject of an expose that Percy discussed,”

“Yet the Philippine Coast Guard rose to the challenge, and to this day are con tinuing that duty to help alleviate the problems brought about by COVID-19, and in your duty and in your service, you have saved many, many lives,” Mr. Marcos added.

During the event, the President also led the presentation of awards to the ex emplary members of the PCG. He was assisted by Coast Guard commandant Admiral Artemio Abu.

The Chief Executive also toured BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-3801), the third

Roy said in Filipino. “I don’t want to mention anyone here because it might jeopardize the police investigation.”

The police earlier identified the sus pect as Joel Estorial but later corrected the spelling of his name to Escorial.

If found guilty, Escorial will be im prisoned for 20 years (reclusion tempo ral’s maximum period) to life impris onment – since the death penalty was already abolished.

Members of Special Investigation Task Group Percy Lapid together with Roy conducted a crime scene walk through Tuesday night when Escorial narrated how they planned and execut ed Mabasa’s murder.

Escorial gave a detailed description of where they waited and followed Ma basa, up to where they shot and killed the media man.

Roy, also a journalist, said that he was able to talk to Escorial during the walkthrough and found his ac count credible.

Also present during the PCG anniver sary celebrations were Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Special Assis tant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, Senator Francis Tolentino, and various members of the diplomatic corps.

“As you fulfill your duty, know very well that you will never sail as a lone body in these unsettling waters. The entire force of the Filipino people will fuel your voyages, aiding you in your mission, as you brave our seas and make a difference in the lives of the people that you serve,” Mr. Marcos told the Coast Guard.

The Chief Executive said for 121

“I asked him last night what was the motive and who was behind the mur der. He said he was contracted by an inmate of the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City to do the hit on the victim,” Roy said.

Roy said he asked the PNP to ensure the safety of Escorial.

Percy was ambushed at around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 along Aria Street in Ba rangay Talon Dos, Las Pinas City.

“The walkthrough gave us a lot of perspective on how my brother was killed,” Roy said.

Roy added that the suspects made plans and conducted surveillance of his late brother.

Roy said PNP investigators told him that they have secured closed circuit television (CCTV) from a restaurant located near the house of Percy in Las Pinas City.

“They were there at the restaurant for more than four days to monitor the ac tivity of my brother,” he said.

years, the PCG has bravely performed maritime search and rescue operations, enforced maritime law, and ensured maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection, among others.

“I congratulate each and every one of you for this impressive record. This suc cess speaks well of your loyalty, your perseverance, and also your triumphs in carrying out your mandates, as you continuously evolve into a more reli able, relevant agency over the years in the future,” the President said.

He also honored the nation’s oldest and only humanitarian armed service for its invaluable aid to those in need, proactive approach to preventing and

mitigating the risks associated with maritime incidents and weather distur bances, and assurance and maintenance of peace and order at sea.

The Chief Executive likewise urged the Coast Guard personnel to remain dedicated and persistent in their du ties and responsibilities and “move full throttle towards the realization of your vision to be a world-class guardian of the sea.”

“With the brave men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard, guarding our shores, I am confident that we will be able to steer our nation in a direction towards safer shores and even onwards to a better, brighter, and more prosper ous future,” the President added.

smaller private schools being unable to meet their enrollment targets,” he said.

changed the implementation of fiveday in-person classes in public schools despite the detection of 81 cases of the COVID-19 Omicron XBB subvariant and 193 cases of the XBC variant.

“Right now, there is no advice on any change. In fact, we just issued DO 44 on Monday. DepEd will always take its cue from the advice given by the DOH (Department of Health) when it comes to health guidelines or any health con cerns,” Poa added in a public briefing.

He added that the department was considerate of the situation in private schools owing to the pandemic, as many of them have invested to switch to online learning.

Many have already developed and in stitutionalized best practices for blend ed learning, Poa added.

“But the pandemic found a number of

However, DepEd recognizes studies that found face-to-face classes to be “more advantageous and beneficial” for learners’ academic development and mental health, Poa explained.

“Students learn better from interac tion and direct instruction from teach ers, and interaction with fellow learners is beneficial,” he said.

Public schools which face limita tions in holding 5-day in-person classes can expect a Department Memo from DepEd detailing the bases of granting an exemption from the mandate.

Public schools, meanwhile, are man dated to proceed with the full imple mentation of in-person classes next month except for those that are express ly provided an exemption by the Re gional Director, those whose classes are automatically canceled due to disasters and calamities, and those implementing Alternative Delivery Modes.

DND: Purchase of submarines not a priority

THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday clarified that the purchase of submarines for the Philippine Navy (PN) is not a priority, adding that the government is more focused on the pursuit of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization contracts signed by the previous administration.

“Although submarines are on our wish list for Horizon 3, the department is prioritizing the implementation of contracts signed during the previous administration, cognizant of the limitations in the resources available to the government,” DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Andolong said that the DND is recalibrating its proposed projects under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

“We would like to clarify that, contrary to published reports, DND officer-incharge Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr. said in a recent interview that the procurement of submarines is actually not yet a priority as of now,” Andolong stressed.

While many suppliers have expressed interest to sell submarines to the Philippines, Andolong said there is no truth to reports claiming that France has offered submarines in exchange for permission to explore the country’s waters.

“We do have a 2016 arrangement with France on defense cooperation, and in the course of the Department’s engagements with representatives from France, there was never a mention or discussion of such a proposal,” he added.

Andolong also said agreements entered by the DND would always be in accordance with the country’s Constitution and laws and will always uphold the national interest.

“The DND continues to pursue the modernization of the AFP with the acquisition of multi-role and game-changing platforms that can be used for internal security, territorial defense, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” Andolong said.

BI agents arrest American, Korean in failed shabu deal

By Vito Barcelo

IMMIGRATION agents have arrested an American and a Korean for allegedly trying to smuggle illegal drugs into the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Detention Center in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Detention center officer in-charge Adelfo Marasigan identified the foreigners as Robert Wayne Boling, Jr., and Kwon Hyeok Soo who were reportedly apprehended trying to bring in two sachets of shabu that weighed almost seven grams inside the jail.

“The narcotic substance was found hidden inside a Korean stew that was delivered for Boling,” Marasigan said.

It can be recalled that on Sept. 21, Korean national Yang Heejun was also caught sneaking in four grams of shabu found wrapped in plastic inside a kimchi container.

According to Marasigan, the BI agents became suspicious when they noticed that the food delivery requested by Boling was done almost the same time as Yang’s back in September.

Boling reportedly confessed however that he was only asked to seek approval for the delivery of the food supplies and pointed to Kwon as the real recipient of the food delivery.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has predicted heavy to intense rains over parts of northern Luzon during the weekend due to tropical depression Obet.

The weather agency, in an advisory, said Obet maintained its strength while moving northnorthwest over the Philippine Sea.

Moderate to heavy with intermittent rains are possible over Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and the northern portion of mainland Cagayan from Friday through Saturday, PAGASA said.

Batanes, the northern portion of Ilocos Sur, Abra, Kalinga, and the

rest of mainland Cagayan will also experience light to moderate with at times heavy rains.

PAGASA warned residents of these areas against flooding and rain-induced landslides.

Most of these places have yet to recover from the onslaught of typhoon Neneng earlier this month.

The weather bureau said it might raise wind warning signals for some areas in northern Luzon on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

Moving at 15 kilometers per hour, Obet may cross extreme northern Luzon or the northern portion of mainland Luzon between Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Obet may become a tropical

storm. It is likely to further intensify once it reaches the West Philippine Sea, PAGASA said.

‘Obet’ seen to bring rains over parts of N. Luzon Typhoon Neneng left over P440m agri, infra damage

The tropical depression was last spotted 1,025 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon at 10 a.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and 55 kph gusts, PAGASA said.

Meanwhile, the shear line and the southwesterly surface wind flow will continue to cause rains over parts of the country, the weather bureau said Wednesday.

Both will bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas and the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan including the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao.

AS MORE reports came in, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday said damage to agriculture and infrastructure due to Typhoon Neneng has surpassed the P440 million mark.

In its latest situation report, the NDRRMC said damage to agriculture was estimated at P366 million, affecting more than 14,500 farmers and fishermen.

At least 19,000 hectares of agricultural lands were reportedly affected by flooding in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Neneng’s damage to livestock, poultry and fisheries was estimated at P1.8 million. Damage to infrastructure was placed at P81.5 million.

At least 34 public infrastructure were damaged, mostly roads.

A total of 115 houses were also partially damaged, while 51 were destroyed.

No fatalities or missing persons were reported, but two people sustained injuries at the height of the typhoon.

The NDRRMC also reported that over 50,000 families, or 175,000 individuals, were affected by Neneng. 163 of them still staying in evacuation centers.

DENR-DOLE tie-up to create jobs in environment sector

US envoy, military brass visit historic Balangiga bells

By Rey E. Requejo

UNITED States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson flew to Eastern Samar on Tuesday just to see the historic Balangiga bells, describing it as something that witnessed “the entire arc of history” of the two countries.

Carlson was accompanied on the trip by Col Edward Evans, deemed the most senior American defense official in the Philippines.

“These bells have witnessed the

entire arc of history between our countries—from the painful conflict of the early 1900s when we were adversaries to the moment four years ago when they were finally returned to the Filipino people with whom we now stand as friends, partners, and allies,” Carlson stressed.

“The return of the bells reflects the strong bonds and mutual respect between our two nations and our peoples. These bells are more than just historical objects. They represent

the quest for identity, sovereignty, and freedom,” she added.

Carlson met with Balangiga Mayor Dana Flynch de Lira and parish priests Fr. Serafin Tybaco and Fr. Manuel Lunario.

The Balangiga bells were the three church bells taken by US Army soldiers from the Church of San Lorenzo de Martir in Balangiga as war trophies in retaliation to the Balangiga massacre in 1901 during the Philippine–American War.

Robin hits idle water projects in Marawi

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla on Wednesday blew his top over nondelivery of water services in Marawi City, and questioned the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) why it cannot do its job despite availability of huge budget.

Padilla angrily raised this question during a Senate hearing on the 2023 budget of LWUA, noting it has been more than five years since the infamous 2017 Marawi Siege occurred.

“The people of Marawi know that the government has given more than P1 billion as budget for the water projects. We cannot understand why they are not yet implemented. It is

hard to explain to our people why we cannot implement something when we already have the budget for it,” he said.

Padilla also agreed with the observation of fellow Senator Ronald dela Rosa that some “extremist” groups might exploit the situation to incite the residents and bring about a “Marawi Siege Part 2.”

He added it will be hard to explain why despite a budget, authorities cannot give them basic services-especially water, which he said is a source of life.

Among the projects that have yet to be implemented are a bulk water supply system worth P225 million, and a sewage treatment system worth P676 million.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have partnered to create new job opportunities, particularly in the environment sector.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma inked a memorandum of agreement to promote employment opportunities aligned with the protection and conservation of the country’s natural resources and the ecosystems.

Loyzaga said the DENR is working closely with the DOLE in determining how many jobs to cover by identifying all the regions, both land and coastal areas, which are in need of support in terms of forestation and implementation of the government’s greening programs.

The Forest Management Bureau is looking at the country’s geography with a view to mapping out possible areas where the so-called “green jobs” would be available, she said.

“There is a full range of opportunities available, and we hope that this may begin to serve as a strategic way of looking at how our environment and our economics might actually intersect, especially in the case of the most socially vulnerable, and most environmentally vulnerable geographies,” she added.

RICH MARIJUANA HAUL. Operatives of the Drug Enforcement Unit of the -Northern Police District, in with coordination of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency intercept 100 kilos of dried marijuana leaves valued at P12 million during a joint operation in Caloocan City, resulting in the arrest of two suspects identified as John Kenneth Herna, 30, and Grant Gallano, 24. Andrew Rabulan

CANDLE MAKER. Robert Usi,  a candle maker from Grace Park, Caloocan City, gears up for briskK business during the forthcoming traditional observance of All Saints Day on Nov. 1. Andrew Rabulan

Manny Palmero

News

Comelec will work with OSG on BSKE petition

THE Commission on Elections (Come lec) is preparing to answer the petition filed by an election lawyer questioning the legality of the law rescheduling the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to next year.

“The Comelec is currently working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to draft our Comment to the Petition filed by Atty. Romulo Macal intal questioning the constitutionality of RA (Republic Act) 11935, the law post poning the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE),” Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said they are also preparing for the Supreme Court’s (SC) oral arguments on the matter which has been scheduled for Friday. The poll body reiterated that they welcome the petition as it will determine who has the power to extend the terms of office of village and youth officials.

“We welcome the abovementioned peti tion as it gives the High Court the opportu nity to resolve, once and for all, the question on whether the power of Congress to extend the term of office of Barangay and SK of ficials carries with it the power to postpone an election. Or, whether it is the Comelec who has the sole power to postpone the BSKE,” Garcia added.

Garcia said the poll body will abide by the ruling of the SC on the said petition.

Senator Francis Tolentino on Wednes day meanwhile asserted that Congress has the authority to postpone elections, similar to what it did to the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that was supposed to be held last May.

Padilla urges BSP to feature heroes on bills

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla has asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to bring back Philippine heroes feature in peso bills.

“To make sure we will not forget our debt of gratitude to them, it is proper that the BSP feature Philippine heroes in our peso bills,” Padilla said.

Padilla said it is important to con tinuously educate the people on Philip pine heroes by using money, which all Filipinos - regardless of age or gender - regularly see every day.

“From what I know, we are exposed to money every day, regardless of age or gender. It is very important that we always remember who we owe our freedom to. It is very impor tant we know who our heroes are,” he said at the hearing of the Sen ate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies.

BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tan gonan explained the designs of Philip pine currency notes are “cyclical,” and that they used heroes as the theme some years back.

At present, the BSP uses the Philip pine Eagle which Tangonan said is an “endangered indigenous species that we are all proud of.”

‘DOLE should have plan for Pinoy POGO workers’

By Joel E.  Zurbano

RTC affirms its order on Ragos claim

By Rey E. Requejo

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Gabriela party-list group on Wednesday decried the proposed “hefty” increase in water rates by the concession aire Manila Water Company Inc. starting January 2023 for the next six years.

The women’s group, represented by its nominee in Congress, Rep. Arlene Bro

SENATOR

Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to come up with a plan to assist Filipino workers to be affected by the closure of Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) should they get banned in the country.

An estimated 22,000 Filipinos are currently employed by POGOs in the country.

Gatchalian said while the agency is al ready looking at how it can assist workers who might lose their jobs, he emphasized there is a need to come up with a mean ingful and detailed program for them including the retooling and upskilling of their skills.

“While we do not expect an abrupt

displacement of POGO workers, it is important that immediate assistance or intervention is readily available for these Filipino workers to find replacement jobs as soon as possible,” Gatchalian said.

For instance, the DOLE could provide a mechanism that would directly engage displaced POGO workers with other in dustries such as the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, the senator said.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secre tary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednes day meanwhile said six Chinese nation als, who worked with POGOs whose licenses have been canceled, flew to Wuhan, China yesterday afternoon, on “self-deportation.”

Remulla said the departure of the six Chinese nationals will be the first de portations since the government started its crackdown on those working with il legally operated POGOs. The DOJ chief also said that “there are 400 more for eigners in custody who are being sched uled for deportation.”

On POGOs, Gatchalian said that the local BPO industry, which has been existing in the country for the past 20 years, currently employs around 1.5 million Filipinos and posts an annual growth rate of 8%.

THE Muntinlupa City regional trial court has sustained its order allowing former Bureau of Corrections (Bu Cor) chief Rafael Ragos to again tes tify and recant his allegations against detained former Senator Leila De Lima.

In a four-page order, the Muntin lupa City RTC Branch 204 denied for lack of merit the prosecution’s motion, saying it presents no cogent justifica tion for reconsideration.

“This Court recaps that the inter ests of justice would best be served if the supposed recantation of Mr. Ragos be tested in a public trial with a sufficient opportunity given the prosecution to cross-examine the recanting witness,” stated the court order, a copy of which furnished the Department of Justice.

Ragos was unable to testify in the September 30 hearing of De Lima’s case due to the motion of reconsid eration filed against the court’s earlier decision.

PROTESTING FARMERS.

Farmers from 14 different provinces stormed the Commission on Elections national headquarters in Intramuros on Wednesday, claiming that the MAGSASAKA Partylist was hijacked after Roberto Gerard Nazal Jr., was proclaimed as its representative.

Danny Pata

Last May, Ragos recanted his allegation against De Lima. The court stressed that recantations are viewed with “suspicion and res ervation” and that it looks upon retractions of testimonies with “disfavor.”

“Mere retraction by a prosecu tion witness does not necessarily vitiate the original testimony. To disregard testimony solemnly given in court simply because the wit ness recants ignores the possibility that intimidation or monetary con siderations may have caused the recantation,” the trial court said.

“Before allowing the recantation, therefore, the Court must not be too willing to accept it, but must test its value in a public trial with sufficient opportunity given to the adverse party to cross-examine the recanting wit ness,” it added.

sas, said the “inhumane water rate hike proposal a death sentence to povertystricken Filipinos.”

Based on the proposal of Manila Water, Gabriela said the rate of per cubic meter of water will increase by P8.04 per cubic meter (m3). If approved, the water rate will increase from P26.81/m3 to P35.86/ m3 starting January 2023.

Manila Water also proposed to increase the rate in the following years: P5/m3 in 2024; P3.25/m3 in 2025; P1.91/m3 in 2026; P1.05m/3 in 2027; and P0.97/m3 in 2028.

The Gabriela party-list group said that this unprecedented water rate hike pro posal is one of the many reasons why Makabayan bloc has been very critical in

granting a franchise to water concession aires like Manila Water and Maynilad.

Gabriela decries ‘hefty’ increase in Manila Water rates Lawmakers OK measure on nat’l hijab day

“This unprecedented water rate hike confirms the failure of water privatiza tion and the need for public control of this essential service. Prayoridad kasi ng mga korporasyong ito ang tubo kaysa serbisyo sa mamamayan,” the group said in a statement.

PBBM backs development of MULA satellite

By Vito Barcelo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he fully supports the development of the Multi-spectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, which will be designed and built by an all-Filipino team of en gineers from the Philippine Satellite Agency (PhilSa).

“I am looking forward to the develop ment of our MULA satellite and its sub sequent launching sometime in 2025,” Mr. Marcos said in his meeting with Sci ence and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum and PhilSa officials.

The MULA satellite will be the larg est Filipino-made satellite launched three years from now, ushering in a new era in Philippine space technology.

The satellite will also improve mari time domain awareness as well as 24hour territorial monitoring and security evaluation.

Malacañang said the Filipino-made satellite, which weighs about 130 kilo grams could cover 73,000 square kilom eters in 24 hours, gathering data on all land, air, and sea territory of the Philip pines.

Once in orbit, the MULA satellite can detect air and water quality, abundant fishing grounds, traffic situations in cities and urban areas, and the presence of ships in the country’s territorial waters.

The funding for the MULA satellite is included in the 2023 National Expendi ture Program, which, once approved by Congress, will be part of the General Ap propriations Act for 2023.

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives com mittee on Muslim affairs has approved a measure declaring February 1 of every year as “National Hijab Day” as a means to raise awareness on Muslim traditions and to fight discrimination based on religious beliefs.

Deputy Minority Leader and Basi lan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Wednes day welcomed the bill’s approval at the committee level.

“It is time to pass this measure into law to highlight the importance of wearing hijab by Muslim girls and women,” Hataman, former governor of the now-defunct ARMM, said.

Hataman authored House Bill 3725 which has been consolidated with House Bill No. 1363 filed by Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura. The consolidated measure com prises the report of the Committee on Muslim Affairs that has been approved by a majority of its members.

BUSINESS EXPO. Vice President Sara Duterte poses with officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the 48th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel. With her are (from left) William Co, PCCI chair; George Barcelon, president; Ferdinand Ferrer, business conference chairman; and Sergio Ortiz, PCCI treasurer. Danny Pata

SUGAR.’

staff of

Sugar Regulatory Administration shows bags of refined

of the sugar, dubbed

Sugar.” Manny Palmero

Opinion

Banking on revitalized tourism

and Siargao’s renowned Cloud-9 surfing haven are truly more fun than anywhere else.

So, there is no reason why we continue to lag behind our Asian neighbors, like Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam in tourism arrivals although the figures have grown gradually.

Privatization of EDSA busway

THE Philippines is endowed with countless natural wonders and cultural heritage sites in that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos believes the tourism industry can contribute significantly as a key economic driver in the country’s post-pandemic re covery efforts.

PBBM addressed the Philippine Tourism Industry Convergence Reception in Pasay City on Monday.

I share the enthusiasm of the President and Tourism Secretary Christina GarciaFrasco that domestic and international tour ism will generate more jobs in the area of travel and tour businesses, which were hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis.

With the lifting of travel restrictions, the Philippines beckons to the world to come and visit our refreshed many, many an is land paradise.

Boracay, Palawan and Cebu islands have consistently received international recogni tion as among the world’s best tourist desti nations, particularly in the “sun and beach” itinerary.

Thousands of visitors flock to the white sands and clear waters of Boracay, thanks to the government’s multi-billion peso island rehabilitation which began in 2018.

Palawan’s mind-boggling natural beauty has attracted both local and foreign visitors who can afford the costs of island-hopping and accommodations.

The Calauit island Safari Tour has also attracted more tourists to Busuanga, Palawan.

Cebu Province offers a variety of tourist attractions such as five-star beach resorts, diving and water sports, whale-shark watch ing, and the most spectacular Sinulog and other traditional festivities, not to mention the mouth-watering pork lechon and other delicacies.

The pristine waters of Camiguin, Bo hol, Siargao islands and many more have world-class sites for water sports, diving, underwater photography, and eco-park ad ventures.

Camiguin’s unspoiled greenery, water falls and white sandbars; Bohol’s diverse natural wonders like the tarsier sanctuary;

I agree with PBBM’s view that the coun try’s tourist destinations must be made more accessible by improving our “gateways” to welcome international visitors.

This means the smaller airports must be upgraded to world standards to accommo date direct flights from major travel hubs abroad, thereby improving “connectivity” to our tourist destinations.

The Philippine experience, as the alluring Secretary Frasco says, should be one of discovery of the Filipino people’s diverse and proud heritage

In my humble opinion, the Department of Trade and Industry should be involved not only in promoting our native products but also to regulate rates or costs of accom modations, food catering and transport ser vices.

I understand our entrepreneurs, both big and small, want to recover the huge losses incurred during the lockdowns in the past two years but we should be reasonable in charging fees for tourist services.

Keeping prices and fees on various tour ist services should be part and parcel of Fili pino hospitality.

After all, PBBM was right on the money when he said the Filipino people are our best assets in the tourism industry or any sector of the economy for that matter.

The Philippine experience, as the alluring Secretary Frasco says, should be one of dis covery of the Filipino people’s diverse and proud heritage.

We are hoping our tourist sites’ environ mental protection, conservation and preser vation of cultural sites will be sustained for the future generations.

Good cops, bad cops

Police Regional Office-4A or Calabarzon area, was said to have been the one who ini tiated the entire anti-illegal drug operation which led his operatives to Manila.

IFTHERE’S one positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s to reduce the horrible traffic along the nearly 24-km EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare, straddling at least five cities, at least for the past two years.

Now, with lockdowns and mobility restrictions a thing of the past with the pandemic easing up and the World Health Organization optimistic the deadly dis ease could be declared just an endemic, heavy traffic along EDSA has returned, with more private vehicles being moni tored there than even before COVID-19.

To rationalize traffic along the vital artery, the Metro Manila Development Authority experimented with the EDSA Carousel that keeps buses along the in nermost lanes in both directions.

This was a bold step as buses were con fined to the outermost lanes before CO VID-19.

Now, the EDSA Carousel, or the EDSA busway, is considered a welcome devel opment as it has streamlined commuting by bus along EDSA.

With the rehabilitated MRT-3 spanning almost the entire length of EDSA, the busway and the MRT-7 awaiting comple tion, we may yet see significantly reduced heavy Metro traffic during rush hours, if only private motorists would use the two modes of public transport instead of clog ging the avenue with their sheer numbers.

But the EDSA busway is government-

operated, and there are now growing calls for it to be run by the private sector as this would make its operations supposedly more efficient, at least in theory.

Some 30 organizations comprising dif ferent business groups, trade unions and private sector associations are backing the privatization of the EDSA Busway.

Will this vastly improve the public transport system and cut the present endto-end travel time on EDSA of one-and-ahalf hours to perhaps less than an hour?

They are urging immediate changes in ownership and control of one of Metro Manila’s most used public transportation systems.

“To expeditiously carry this work-inprogress project forward to its comple tion in accordance with global standards, as laudably committed by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, we strongly urge and fully support its privatization, conformably with PPP (public-private partnership) process and under conces sion terms beneficial to all concerned,” read a joint endorsement letter made pub lic by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) recently.

The 30 groups backing the effort in clude: Agriwatch Inc., American Cham ber of Commerce of the Philippines,

Anvil Business Club, Federation of Fil ipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation For Economic Freedom, IT-Business Process Association of the Philippines, Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation-Go Negosyo, and the Philip pine Institute of Certified Public Accoun tants, among others.

They represent a broad section of the urban population.

“The EDSA busway system provides an opportunity for the government to up grade the country’s public transportation system, despite the challenges posed by severe fiscal constraints brought by the pandemic,” their joint letter read.

“It is high time that the government and the private sector join hands to provide the critical components that are needed to complete the busway system and finally put an end to the daily scenario in which thousands of commuters wait in long queues in overcrowded stations while en during unnecessary pains and hardships,” it added.

It’s a compelling argument, and we agree completely with their stand. After all, the busway system carried an average of 325,000 passengers daily in August 2022, with only 550 buses com mitted to its operations.

But what if the pre-pandemic level of 3,300 units were fielded along the bus way?

Will this vastly improve the public transport system and cut the present endto-end travel time on EDSA of one-anda-half hours to perhaps less than an hour?

We really don’t know at this point, but the wait shouldn’t be that long.

The arrest

LOST in the bustling noise of inflation and the economic turmoil it has created is the news about the confiscation of almost a ton of shabu worth an estimated P6.7 billion last October 8 in Manila.

Sure it made the news, but the treatment for such a feat would have been different under the previous dispensation of Presi dent Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who placed the war against drugs as his government’s top priority.

The shabu seizure, which Interior Secre tary Benhur Abalos says is the “biggest drug haul to date,” stemmed from an anti-illegal drug operation in Tondo, Manila.

Subsequent police operations led to the arrest of a police master sergeant assigned with – drum roll please – the Special Opera tions Group of the National Capital Region Police Office Drug Enforcement Unit!

I can only imagine the expletives Presi dent Duterte would have said upon learning that a policeman, much more one assigned to go after illegal drugs, is the one safekeep ing and distributing shabu in the streets of Metro Manila.

“P…..I.., patyon ta ka,” he would have thundered.

Curiously, the shabu stockpile was dis covered inside the premises of the Wealth and Personal Development Lending Inc. or WPD Lending Inc.

This coven of bad cops has very little cre ativity in using the WPD as acronym for the lending company, SEC-registered at that. Or perhaps more aptly — are they flaunting their power?

The drug syndicate’s model may have been a “one-stop shop” where they could in conspicuously store their product, distribute the drugs and launder the money all at the same time. Call it the “Wa-is Pulis Distribu tion and Lending.”

I will not be surprised if WPD Lending Inc. caters to loan applications from mem bers of the former WPD, which is the West ern Police District, now Manila Police Dis trict, and other police units in Metro Manila.

Pwede na maski walang bayaran?

And while the commander of the Metro Manila police office, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Es tomo, was eerily silent, perhaps unaware about the operation, a “silent operator,” Brig. General Joseph Nartatez, the chief of

Kudos likewise goes to Brig. Gen. Andrei Dizon, the new chief of the Manila police, whose initial move to reshuffle all the unit and station commanders gained brickbats for going against the norm of the highly tra ditional and tightly knit culture of what is often called Manila’s Finest, for efficiently conducting the follow-up operations against the policeman suspect.

There are many journalists, active and retired, who are or have been assigned to Camp Crame, whose advice the police officials could have sought before such program was implemented

Interestingly, both Nartatez and Dizon opted to stay behind the cameras while DILG Sec. Abalos, PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna basked in the limelight of the accomplish ment. Ah, all in a day’s work.

To these good cops, may your tribe in crease.

• • •

A week later, reacting to public outcry over the murder of broadcast commentator Percy Lapid, a communications snafu (as the police establishment explained it) result ed in a most chilling incident, when GMATV’s JP Soriano got an unexpected visitor by his doorstep.

A policeman in plainclothes, after intro ducing himself and showing his ID, told Soriano he was “checking” on his security. Why Soriano and how the cop knew his home address, his employer did not know.

The cop in civilian attire asked if Soriano was getting threats to his life, just as TV-5’s Ed Lingao and Lourd de Veyra were getting threats on the internet.

The cop added that they received a direc tive from NCRPO Chief Jonnel Estomo to do house-to-house checks on the security of media personalities, which the general later confirmed when the incident was exposed.

Estomo said the intention of the police

This was necessary because the arrested individual happens to be the son of the cur rent Secretary of Justice, Jesus Crispin Re mulla.

As we know, there have been calls for the resignation of the father in the regular and social media.

I do not know why it is that every time an individual is arrested who is related to a gov ernment official, the relationship is at times the focus of the reporting and not the crime.

For instance, when a nephew of a Con gressman or a Mayor is arrested, it is the relationship that is emphasized in the re porting as if it is a given that the arrested individual will beat the charge.

This appears to be the drift of those de manding the resignation of the Justice Sec retary.

The age old question to ask in this cir cumstance is: should a relative like a father who happens to be in government resign ev ery time a son, daughter or any other relative is arrested?

There is no easy answer to such a ques tion, principally because of some cases in the past.

Some relatives may have gotten away but it is also equally true that relatives of public officials and even officials them selves have been sent to jail because of what they did. So, maybe the answer is -- it depends.

In this case, I was surprised that some of the usual government critics came to the de fense of Secretary Boying Remulla and for good reason.

In our kind of judicial system, I quite

officer who visited Soriano was good “but unfortunately, this caused undue alarm and fear.” The police hierarchy forthwith stopped their “security” operation.

While I would not really classify the action as a case of “bad cop mentality,” someone should have advised the police of ficers that there are such institutions as the National Press Club (NPC), the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and other media organizations where they could have communicated — institution to another institution — on how the police could have assisted media men in the wake of the mur der of journalists and threats to their security.

agree with former Senator Leila De Lima that every arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. Furthermore, the father has issued a categorical statement recusing himself from any involvement in the case, saying that his 38-year-old son will have to face the music on his own.

The uncle and current Governor of Cavite also issued a statement that he will not inter fere in the case.

There was, however, no mention that would indicate that the young Remulla has imported marijuana before or whether the imported stuff was just for his personal use

The public, in the interest of fairness, should therefore perhaps reserve judgment and see how this case will move forward.

Because it is a high profile case, I am sure that it will be covered by the media every step of the way and scrutinized in every de tail.

If there will be any signs that the young Remulla will be getting any special treat ment, the usual critics I am sure will punch on it as hard as they can.

This case must be a very unwelcome dis traction to Secretary Boying Remulla that he would rather not have.

I am sure that a lot of us who are parents understand the situation well.

But as he very well knows, this goes with the territory of being a parent and public of ficial.

There are many journalists, active and retired, who are or have been assigned to Camp Crame, whose advice the police offi cials could have sought before such program was implemented.

Hopefully, lessons have been learned, and cooperative relations between the PNP and media could be strengthened.

• • •

Just as we were writing this article, news came in that the Southern Police District under Gen. Kirby John Kraft and DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos presented to media the confessed gun man in the Percy Lapid murder case.

The presence of closed circuit monitors

Sometimes, things do not always turn out the way we want it.

Fortunately for him, in his three months as DOJ Secretary, his pronouncements and actions have been well studied, proper and correct. This is perhaps one reason why even the usual critics are giving him some slack and the benefit of the doubt.

In the initial report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Juanita Remulla lll was arrested when he attempted to claim the imported high grade marijuana.

Question is, what did PDEA mean by high grade marijuana?

Does this carry a higher penalty than say an ordinary marijuana or just a way of mak ing the arrest more dramatic?

There is also some indication in the initial report that PDEA may have had an infor mant which is the reason why the arresting personnel were well prepared and ready.

There was, however, no mention that would indicate that the young Remulla has imported marijuana before or whether the imported stuff was just for his personal use. This in a way is important because this will influence the development of the case if the marijuana is only for his own consumption and not to be marketed.

Now we know that the charge is for il legal possession of dangerous drugs which falls under Sec 11 of R.A. 9165, or the Com prehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

The lawyers of young Remulla whoever they are should be breathing a sigh of re lief. For good lawyers they must be seeing opportunities and not all doom and gloom. Furthermore, part of their job is to see to it that this case remains focused on the mer its of the case and not allow it to become a circus.

At this stage of the case, I do not know whether the young Remulla realizes the kind of problem he has just given his family.

I hope he does because this case has the potential of affecting the political fortunes of his clan which is on the rise. It would be a pity if it takes a dive.

in the crime scene helped police in coming close to winnowing the suspect’s features, which the confessed gunman alleged made him fear for his safety, and made him sur render to the police authorities.

Although the veracity of the confessed gunman, a certain Joel Estorial, is still sub ject to further investigation, we have to com mend the police for quick action on the La pid murder case.

Pinpointing the mastermind and arresting him, allegedly a denizen of the notorious Bilibid prison in Muntinglupa, will hope fully bring justice not only to the Mabasa family, but to the entire media community.

THE high profile arrest of Juanito Jose Re mulla lll for allegedly importing marijuana, a prohibited drug, from San Diego, Califor nia worth about P1.2M has certainly gener ated enough controversy that PBBM had to issue a statement.

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

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Bolsonaro apologizes amid ‘pedophilia’ row

BRAZILIAN President Jair Bolson aro apologized Tuesday after his vis it to a group of teenagers he implied were sex workers drew accusations of “pedophilia” from opponents.

Fighting for re-election in an Oc tober 30 runoff against veteran left ist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the far-right president has been swept up in a firestorm over his remarks about the underage Venezuelan girls, whom he called “very pretty.”

“If my words, which were taken out of context in bad faith, were somehow misinterpreted or caused discomfort to our Venezuelan sisters, I apologize,” Bolsonaro said in a video posted online.

“My commitment has always been to better welcome and assist all peo ple fleeing dictatorships anywhere

in the world,” he added, flanked by his wife and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido’s representative in Brazil.

Bolsonaro recognizes Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, rath er than socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

The controversy erupted Friday when Bolsonaro spoke in a YouTube interview about visiting the home of “three or four very pretty 14- or 15-year-olds” last year in a poor Brasilia neighborhood.

“There was a vibe between us. I turned around. ‘Can I come in your house?’ I went inside. There were 15 or 20 girls (in the house), all Venezu elans aged 14, 15, getting ready on a Saturday. Why? To earn a living,” he said.

The anecdote appeared intended as one of Bolsonaro’s frequent warn ings that Brazil will suffer the same fate as crisis-torn Venezuela if it elects Lula.

But Bolsonaro found himself on the defensive after Lula allies at tacked the comments as “depraved” and the hashtag #Bolsonaropedofilo (Bolsonaro pedophile) went viral on line.

His campaign succeeded Sunday in a petition to electoral authorities to ban an attack ad based on excerpts from the interview.

But Bolsonaro said the preceding day had been “the most terrible of my life.”

In an interview on Tuesday, Lula said Bolsonaro’s behavior “is that of a pedophile.” AFP

Pyongyang fires artillery into buffer area, Seoul cries foul Australia probes claims China recruited former Air Force pilots

AUSTRALIA launched an inves tigation Wednesday into what the defense minister called disturbing reports that China has been hiring retired Western air force pilots to train its military.

The UK government had earlier announced it would take “decisive steps” to stop Beijing from head hunting former pilots after British media reported that over 30 former pilots had accepted offers upwards of £240,000 ($273,750) to train China’s air force.

“We are taking decisive steps to stop Chinese recruitment schemes attempting to headhunt serving and former UK Armed Forces pilots to train People’s Liberation Army personnel,” a spokesperson for the British defence ministry told AFP.

Australian defense minister Rich ard Marles announced a probe into whether Australian pilots had also been recruited.

“When our ADF personnel sign up to the defense force, they do so to serve their country and we are deeply grateful of that,” he said in a statement.

“I would be deeply shocked and disturbed to hear that there were personnel who were being lured by a pay cheque from a foreign state above serving their own country.”

According to the reports, many of the recruited pilots were in their 50s and had recently left the British air force.

Chinese foreign ministry spokes man Wang Wenbin denied any knowledge of British pilots being targeted, telling a regular press briefing: “I am not aware of the cir cumstances you mentioned.”

Marles launched Australia’s in vestigation from Tonga, where he has been attending a meeting of de fence ministers from South Pacific nations.

Australia and the United States have been scrambling to shore-up diplomatic support as China expands its footprint in the Pacific.

AFP

NORTH Korea on Wednesday fired an artillery barrage into waters off its coast for the second day in a row, targeting a maritime “buffer zone” set up in 2018 to reduce tensions with the South.

Pyongyang has dramatically ramped up missile launches and military ex ercises in recent weeks, as Seoul and Washington say North Korean leader

Kim Jong Un is close to conducting what would be his country’s seventh nuclear test.

Roughly 100 artillery shells were fired from South Hwanghae province into the West Sea around 12:30 pm (GMT 0330) Wednesday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said, calling it a “clear violation” of the 2018 agreement.

“The North’s continuing provocations not only undermine peace and security on the Korean peninsula but also for the international community. We strongly urge North Korea to immediately halt its actions,” the JCS said in a statement. It said none of the shells landed in

South Korean waters south of the buf fer zone.

Pyongyang on Wednesday said the latest barrage was intended to counter a “military provocation” by the South Korean army along the border earlier in the day.

“Enemies shot over 10 shells of mul tiple rocket launchers in the frontline zone off the foremost line occupied by the 5th Army Corps of the KPA between around 8:27 to 9:40 Wednesday morn ing,” a spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

“The enemies’ successive military provocations in frontline areas must be stopped right now.”

The latest barrage marked the North’s second consecutive day of military provocation. It launched roughly 250 rounds into the maritime buffer zone off its east and west coasts on Tuesday.

Pyongyang earlier in the day said the Tuesday barrage was also in response to the “enemy’s war drill against the North” along the border “as a powerful military countermeasure.”

The North also fired artillery rounds into the military buffer zones last week. AFP

IN BRIEF

Suspected serial killer charged in 3 murders in US

AUTHORITIES in California on Tuesday charged a suspected serial killer with the murder of three men in a string of shoot ings that have shocked the local commu nity, officials said.

Truck driver Wesley Brownlee, 43, was arrested Saturday in the city of Stockton, around 80 miles east of San Francisco, on suspicion of killing six men and wound ing a woman over the past 18 months.

Police said Brownlee was potentially seeking another victim when he was ar rested.

District attorney Tori Verber Salazar said Tuesday she expects to file more charges in the other murders Brownlee is suspected of carrying out.

“We’re waiting for additional evidence to be processed through that will most likely... allow us the opportunity to add those additional charges,” said Salazar.

“We’re only four days into this,” she added.

Five men were killed in one area of Stockton between July 8 and September 27, and the murders bore a number of similarities.

Another man was killed in Oakland, about 50 miles away, last year.

One woman also survived a shoot ing believed to have been carried out by Brownlee.

John Lee, a Beijing-anointed for mer security chief, gave a debut policy speech that focused heavily on reviving the economy and maintaining secu rity while recognizing that tens of thousands of people had left a city that serves as a gateway to China.

“Over the past two years, the local workforce shrank by about 140,000,” he said. “Apart from ac tively nurturing and retaining local

Hong Kong has undergone its most tumultuous period since the city’s 1997 handover to China.

Huge and sometimes violent democ racy protests three years ago were fol lowed by a sweeping crackdown on dissent and some of the world’s strictest coronavirus pandemic rules, many of which remained in place long after rival hubs were reopening.

The city, which only scrapped manda tory quarantine for international arrivals last month, is set to end the year in fullblown recession and has seen its fiscal deficit soar.

The border with the Chinese main land remains all but closed because of Beijing’s strict zero-COVID rules.

Lee’s speech offered up his blueprint to reverse the downturn and reboot the city as an attractive international hub.

Among the measures rolled out were HK$30 billion ($3.8 billion) for a new investment fund to attract overseas businesses and make it easier to hire foreigners in 13 key professions.

The city will also give preferential treatment for “top talent,” described as people who earn HK$2.5 million or more annually and graduates from the top 100 universities around the world who have relevant working experience. AFP

India bars Pulitzer-winning photographer from flying to US

INDIAN authorities have prevent ed an award-winning photographer from flying to the United States to collect her Pulitzer Prize, the lat est of several Kashmiri journalists barred from leaving the country.

Sanna Irshad Mattoo was one of four journalists working for Re uters news agency that took home the prestigious award for feature photography this year.

The 28-year-old has won plaudits for documenting life in Indian-ad ministered Kashmir, a disputed and highly militarised Himalayan territo ry home to a decades-old insurgency.

Mattoo was stopped by immigra tion authorities at New Delhi airport late Tuesday and prevented from boarding while two of her colleagues were permitted to leave the country.

She later tweeted a picture of her ticket that was stamped “cancelled

without prejudice.”

“I don’t know what to say... this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportu nity for me,” Mattoo, who is also a fellow of the prestigious Magnum Foundation, told AFP.

“Only I was stopped without any reason and the others were allowed to go. Maybe it has something to do with me being a Kashmiri.”

Tuesday was the second time this year that Mattoo was prevented from leaving India.

In July she was stopped in a similar manner at the same airport while on her way to Paris for a book launch and photography exhibition.

India has sought to entrench its control of Kashmir, which is also claimed in full by neighboring Pakistan and which has been a con stant source of tension between the nuclear-armed archrivals. AFP

The victims ranged in age from 21 to 54.

Investigators, including the FBI, are working to piece together a possible mo tive and to identify any other potentially related homicide cases. AFP

Several of the victims were homeless,

US citizen jailed in Saudi for tweets on Khashoggi

A US citizen jailed in Saudi Arabia is be ing punished for “mild” Twitter posts on topics including the war in Yemen and the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashog gi, his son told AFP on Wednesday.

Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a 72-year-old of Saudi origin, was this month sentenced to 16 years in prison, the latest in a spate of what human rights groups describe as draconian sentences for social media criti cism of the government.

The case risks further ratcheting up ten sions between Riyadh and Washington, longtime partners currently at odds over oil output cuts approved by the OPEC+ car tel, which the White House says amount to “aligning with Russia” in the Ukraine war.

Almadi was detained on arrival in Sau di Arabia in November last year for what was meant to be a two-week trip, said his son Ibrahim, who went public with the case this week, criticizing US officials for failing to do more to secure his release.

The State Department said on Tuesday it had “consistently and intensively raised our concerns regarding the case at senior levels of the Saudi government,” and that “exercising freedom of expression should never be criminalized.”

On Wednesday, Ibrahim shared with AFP a list of Twitter posts he said had been used in evidence against his father – information he said had been confirmed by the State Department.

They include posts on taxes as well as controversial demolition work in the Red Sea city of Jeddah. AFP

Hong Kong to ‘trawl world for talent’ in reboot attempt

HONG KONG’S new leader unveiled plans to resuscitate the business hub’s fortunes on Wednesday, hoping to lure international expertise back to a city that has suffered an exodus of talent and is mired in a deep downturn.

talent, the government will proactively trawl the world for talent.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

HEIR

LONELY GRAVE.

A communal worker fills up a grave of 44-year-old Oleksiy Telyzhenko, whose body has been missing since his capture in Russia’s aborted assault on Kyiv in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion in March 2022, after his funeral ceremony in Kyiv suburb of Bucha. AFP

BLESSINGS ON THE GO. Pope Francis blesses attendees from the popemobile car as he arrives for the weekly general audience on October 19, 2022 at St. Peter’s square in The Vatican. AFP

Sanna Irshad Mattoo

TOP GAINERS

TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

Market sustains gains; PLDT, Globe Telecom up

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME VALUE (PHP)

13,360,100 344,050,675

SMPH 7,466,200 251,384,515

92,815 218,379,270

1,219,570 212,400,892

1,620,330 197,683,976

US bares plan to release oil from reserves

WASHINGTON, United States—Presi dent Joe Biden will announce Wednes day he’s putting the final 15 million bar rels on the market from a record release of US strategic oil reserves, with more releases possible if energy prices spike, a senior US official said.

The new tranche of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will be “completing the 180 million barrel release authorized in the spring,” in response to price hikes linked to Rus sia’s invasion of Ukraine, a senior US official said Tuesday.

The order, which Biden will an nounce in a speech, means the presi dent will be “making clear that the administration is prepared to under take significant additional... sales this winter if they are needed due to Rus sian or other actions disrupting global markets,” the official added.

The decision to make the biggest-ev er dip into the emergency oil reserves —usually kept for responding to situ ations such as hurricane-related shut downs at oil refineries -- was Biden’s gambit to calm energy markets and shield the world’s biggest economy from Ukraine war shocks.

Major energy exporter Russia was hit with US and European sanctions soon after it invaded Ukraine in Feb ruary, causing turmoil in markets. In addition, the Kremlin has threatened to use its leverage over energy supplies as an economic weapon against the West, which supports Ukraine’s fight to repel the invasion.

For Biden there are serious domestic concerns, with gasoline prices at one point averaging more than $5 a gal lon, causing nationwide anger. While prices have since moderated, inflation remains the biggest factor driving Re publican hopes of defeating the Demo crats in November’s midterm legisla tive elections.

The senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stressed that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve was not being used irresponsibly.

At the same time as announcing the 15 million barrel drawdown for deliv ery in December—and flagging the possibility of more to come -- Biden is highlighting a plan to refill the reserve as soon as prices hit around $67-72 a barrel, the official said.

UK inflation climbs back to more than 10% on high costs

LONDON, United Kingdom—Brit ish inflation jumped back above 10 percent in September on soaring food prices, official data showed Wednesday, with the country gripped by a cost-of-living crisis bedeviling the government.

The Consumer Prices Index acceler ated to 10.1 percent on an annual ba sis, up from 9.9 percent in August, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

The September rate matched the level in July and is the highest in 40 years as a result also of sky-high en ergy bills.

“I understand that families across the country are struggling with ris ing prices and higher energy bills,” Britain’s new finance minister Jeremy Hunt said in a separate statement.

“This government will prioritize help for the most vulnerable while delivering wider economic stability and driving long-term growth that will help everyone.”

The government has been rocked by chaos in markets in the wake a budget that pledged tax cuts that would have been funded by state debt.

Most of those measures have since been reversed, leaving Prime Minister Liz Truss fighting to save her job.

LOCAL

stocks rose Wednesday in line with the movement of other markets after robust US corporate earnings and rising Wall Street futures helped cheer investors.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Phil ippine Stock Exchange, gained 19 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 6,148.31, as four of the six subsectors advanced.

The broader all-share index also picked up 13 points, or 0.4 percent, to settle at 3,266.62 on a value turnover of P4.15 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 94 to 87, while 44 issues were unchanged.

Six of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by PLDT Inc. which jumped 7.5 percent to P1,590.00 and Globe Telecom Inc. which rose 4.1 percent to P2,400.00.

Meanwhile, the peso weakened Wednesday to close at 58.94 against the US dollar from the previous day’s 58.75 on trading volume of $654 million.

Japan’s stocks traded higher Wednesday. Benchmark Nik kei 225 index gained 0.37 percent, or 101.24 points, to end at 27,257.38, while the broader Topix index edged up 0.19 percent, or 3.62 points, to 1,905.06.

Traders were also monitoring the yen as it sits around lev

els last seen in 1990 and edges towards 150 per dollar, with finance minister Shunichi Suzuki saying “we’ll respond ap propriately against excessive moves”.

The greenback bought 149.33 yen, against 149.21 yen late Tuesday.

Investors in Japan took heart from an upbeat mood on Wall Street, where shares rallied on more positive earnings results.

All three main US indexes enjoyed back-to-back gains following forecast-beating results from Goldman Sachs and Johnson & Johnson.

In other Asian markets, investors battled to push markets higher following another healthy run-up on Wall Street boosted by more positive earnings results that raised hopes for the report ing season.

While there is a more up beat mood on trading floors for now, analysts warned that the current rally could soon turn as central banks press on with interest rate hikes aimed at fighting multi-decade-high inflation. With AFP

Following widespread criticism over the budget, Truss sacked Hunt’s predecessor, Kwasi Kwarteng, after less than six weeks in the role.

Analysts said Wednesday’s data would put pressure on the Bank of England to keep raising its main inter est rate by sizeable amounts.

Capital Economics noted that the BoE could hike its rate by as much as one percentage point to 3.25 percent at its next meeting in November. AFP

NOTICE OF SPECIAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Special Stockholders Meeting (“SSM”) of Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (the “Corporation”) will be held on Thursday, 24 November 2022, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually via Zoom Teleconference with the following details: Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/824091045 53?pwd=dUlicW1objBWdjZxOS9oT1UvejhV QT09 Meeting ID: 824 0910 4553 Meeting Password: 394076

The

SAN FRANCISCO, United States—Netflix on Tuesday reported that it gained more than 2 million subscribers in the recent quarter, calming investor fears that the streaming gi ant was losing paying customers.

The company said it ended the third quarter with slightly more than 223 million subscrib ers worldwide, up some 2.4 million, after see ing subscriber ranks ebb during the first half of the year.

Netflix shares shot up more than 14 percent in after hours trading to $275 on the earnings news.

“Well, thank God we’re done with shrink ing quarters,” Netflix co-chief executive said during an earnings call.

“We’re back to the positivity; we’ve got to pick up the momentum.”

The turn-around in subscriber growth comes as Netflix is poised to debut a subscrip tion option subsidized by ads in November across a dozen countries.

The new “Basic with Ads” subscriptions will be priced at $6.99 in the United States -three dollars less than a no-ads basic option, Netflix chief operating officer Greg Peters said in a briefing.

“The timing is great because we really are at this pivotal moment in the entertainment in

dustry and evolution of that industry,” Peters said.

“Now streaming has surpassed both broadcast and cable for total TV time in the United States.”

Netflix is working with Microsoft on its adsupported tier, and teams at both companies will likely need to be bulked up to handle the huge demand by advertisers, Peters said.

“We’re turning some folks away right now because we just don’t have the marketing ca pacity to serve everyone,” Peters said

After having shunned advertising since it started its streaming service, Netflix acquiesced as competition in the market intensifies and as consumers recoil from soaring inflation.

Rival streaming platform Disney+ is to launch ad-subsidized subscriptions in December.

With the launch of cheaper, ad-supported subscriptions, Netflix and Disney+ are ex pected to bite into the revenue of traditional television channels.

“In directly acknowledging competition and using advertising, Netflix is adapting to the streaming landscape’s new normal,” said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Ross Benes. AFP

the purpose of the meeting,

In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Company will not be conducting a physical SSM. The conduct of the SSM will be via Zoom Teleconference, and stockholders may attend the meeting by registering on or before 1:00 p.m. on 24 November 2022. Due to the limitations of available technology, voting will not be possible during the Teleconference, but participants may send in questions or remarks via Zoom chat, and vote through the submission of their respective signed proxy forms with the specific votes per item in the agenda that is subject to the shareholders’ approval.

If you wish to cast your votes as a stockholder, you may vote remotely or in absentia, or through proxy. Voting by remote communication or in absentia, may be done by sending your respective votes by e-mail to investorrelations@LRWC.com. ph on or before 12:00 p.m. on November 22, 2022. The procedures for attendance and voting during the SSM will be posted in the Company’s website at https://lrwc.com.ph/ stockholders-meeting/.

Stockholders who cannot attend the meeting in person may designate their authorized representative by submitting a Proxy instrument in accordance with Sec. 57 of the Revised Corporation Code. Validation of the proxies shall be held on November 16, 2022 at the office of the Corporation’s transfer agent, Stock Transfer Services, Inc., Unit 34-D Rufino Pacific Tower, 6784 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. WE ARE NOT SOLICITING PROXIES.

To facilitate your registration of attendance, please have available some form of government-issued identification such as passport or driver’s license.

Thank you.

Pasig City. 23 September 2022.

Wildflowers grow near oil pumpjacks along a section of Highway 33 known as the Petroleum Highway north of McKittrick in Kern County, California. President Joe Biden will announce Wednesday he’s putting the final 15 million barrels on the market from a record release of US strategic oil reserves, with more releases possible if energy prices spike, a senior US official said. AFP

TRADE EXHIBIT. Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo (center) and Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan (second from left) visit a trade exhibition in Tangerang on Oct. 19, 2022. AFP

Lower fuel surcharge to bring down airfare next month, says CAB

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Civil Aeronautics Board said Wednesday airline passengers can expect cheaper airfare next month on lower fuel surcharge.

CAB executive-director Carmelo Arcilla said jet fuel prices averaged P42.87 a liter from Sept. 10 to Oct. 9, which corresponds to Level 8 of the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge matrix in November.

The CAB said that under Level 8 of the new passenger fuel surcharge matrix, airlines are allowed to col lect fuel surcharge of P253 to P787 for domestic flights and P835.05 to P6,208.98 for international flights.

It said that for cargo fuel sur charge, airlines are allowed to charge P1.30 to P3.80 per kilogram for domestic flights under Level 8 and P4.29 to P31.92 per kg for in ternational flights.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharge must file its application with CAB on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” Arcilla said.

The CAB said airline fuel sur charge is an optional fee, imposed and collected by airlines to recover fuel costs and stem losses caused by upward spikes in fuel cost.

It said fuel surcharge is not a part of the basic airfare and maybe re duced or removed depending on the price of jet fuel in the market.

Data from CAB showed that air passenger volume in the Philip pines reached 13.17 million from January to June, up from 2.95 mil lion passengers in 2021.

Domestic passenger volume reached 9.69 million in six-month period, up from 2 million passen gers a year ago.

International passenger traffic to taled 3.48 million in the first half, higher than 957,573 passengers served in the same period last year.

International passengers reached only 2.19 million in the whole of 2021.

Peso slips to 58.94 a dollar as BOP deficit reaches $7.8b

By Julito G. Rada

THE peso retreated Wednesday to 58.94 against the US dollar, near its record low, following reports that the balance of payments yielded a deficit of $2.3 billion in September on strong imports.

The local currency depreciated from 58.75 a dollar on Tuesday, but was still stronger than an all-time low of 59 reg istered this month.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipi nas showed that the BOP deficit in Septem ber was the largest in four years and wider than the $412-million shortfall registered in the same month last year as the government settled some of its foreign debt.

The deficit was the largest since it reached $2.69 billion in September 2018.

Nine-month BOP deficit also wid ened to $7.8-billion from the $665-mil lion shortfall recorded in the same pe riod last year.

“Based on preliminary data, this cu mulative BOP deficit reflected the wid

ening trade in goods deficit as goods imports continued to surpass goods ex ports on the back of the persistent surge in international commodity prices and resumption in domestic economic ac tivities,” the BSP said in a statement.

“The BOP deficit in September 2022 reflected outflows arising mainly from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ net for eign exchange operations and the national government’s payments of its foreign cur rency debt obligations,” it said.

Data also showed that the gross in ternational reserves fell to $93.0 billion as of end-September from $97.4 billion in August 2022. It was the lowest GIR since the $90.94 billion in April 2020.

The BSP earlier vowed to temper large

peso-dollar movements, an indication that it was active in the foreign exchange market using the reserves.

It said the latest GIR level still represent ed a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. This was down from almost 12 months of imports cover in 2020.

The GIR was also about 6.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.0 times based on residual maturity.

The BSP raised the projected BOP deficit this year to $8.4 billion from the $6.3-billion shortfall in 2021, taking into consideration the further weakening of global demand. The projected BOP defi cit would be equivalent to around -2.0 percent of the gross domestic product.

The Monetary Board approved the new set of 2022 and 2023 balance of payments projections during the Sept. 16, 2022 meeting. The BOP projections incorporate the latest available data and emerging developments.

Araneta-led company planning to construct P41-b pumped-storage hydro plant in Laguna

By Alena Mae S. Flores

BELISAMA Hydropower Corp., a company led by businessman Grego rio Araneta III, plans to build a P41billion 800-megawatt pumped stor age hydropower project in Laguna province.

BHC said in a draft environmental impact report submitted to the De partment of Environment and Natural Resources the project would occupy five barangays in the municipalities of Pakil and Pangil.

“The proposed hydropower facil ity as a renewable energy resource is seen to augment power supply and contribute to energy security in the country. In addition, the project is consistent with the strategy directions of the Philippine Development Plan and the Power Development Plan,” BHC said.

The company said it selected pumped-storage hydropower because it is the only available with mature technology to store large-scale en ergy.

“Similar to storage hydropower plants, the pumped-storage technol ogy usually generates electricity dur ing peak demand hours,” BHC said.

“The major benefit of utilizing a pumped-storage facility is that only a minimal amount of water [closed cycle] is required during operation. Water losses due to evaporation, leak age, or seepage will be provided by rainfall or additional pumped water from Laguna de Bay,” it said.

BHC said the project would only use about 0.5 percent of the lake volume. It said the project also supports the Department of Energy’s target to bring to 35 percent the share of re newable energy in the generation mix by 2030.

UnionBank taps NOW Corp. for broadband connectivity

UNIONBANK of the Philippines tapped NOW Corp. to roll out high-speed broadband con nectivity within the UB Innovation Campus in San Pedro Laguna.

The hub, the first in the Philippines, is set to be a strategic site for training and development about digital banking, blockchain, artificial intelligence, metaverse and other future tech nologies—not just for the lender’s employees and parent Aboitiz Group, but also for small businesses and public sector agencies that need to learn and understand digitalization.

“NOW Corp has been our connectivity part ner for a few years now, and we are very happy with their service, UnionBank said The partnership marks an extension of the existing service relationship between Union Bank and NOW as the company also provides guaranteed internet connectivity to the bank’s head office in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

UnionBank is one of NOW Fiber Air’s big gest client, as its headquarters rely on the 1.2Gbps dedicated internet connectivity provided as backup. Darwin G. Amojelar

NGCP: Suspension of San Simon power substation construction to affect supply

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philip pines said Wednesday customers in Pampanga may face transmission ser vice reliability issues after the local government unit of San Simon ordered the closure of the San Simon 230-kilo Volt substation construction site.

“Without this substation, the reli ability of transmission services in the Pampanga area is threatened, and pow er interruptions are a real possibility,” NGCP said.

The closure order dated Sept. 9 and signed by Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. alleged that the construction of the sub station was being undertaken without the necessary permits required by the local government of San Simon.

NGCP responded by presenting to the LGU a copy of the building permit it issued for the project on June 1, 2021 before the project implementation.

“To date, the closure order remains in effect, necessitating the stoppage of critical construction activities,” NGCP said.

The Department of Energy in 2019

certified San Simon 230-kV Substation Project as an energy project of national significance.

The project aims to reinforce the reli ability and stability of power transmis sion services in the Luzon grid by serv ing as an alternate source for customers connected to the existing Mexico sub station.

“We are appealing to the local officials of San Simon led by Mayor Punsalan, to lift the closure order and allow NGCP to continue with this grid improvement initiative. We share the common goal of delivering efficient and reliable services to the Filipino people,” the company said.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the coun try’s power grid. It is led by majority shareholders and vice chairman of the board Henry Sy Jr. and co-vice chair man Robert Coyiuto Jr. It is the sole operating asset of Synergy Grid and De velopment Philippines Inc.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Megaworld expects P5.2b in sales from Arcovia Parkplace

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said Wednesday it expects to generate P5.2 billion in sales from a newly-launched residential condo minium project along C-5 Road in Pasig City.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 50-story Arcovia Parkplace would offer 494 units, with sizes ranging up to 32 square meters for a studio unit and up to 195 sq. m. for a three-bedroom unit with balcony.

Arcovia Parkplace is the third residential tower to rise within the 12.3-hectare mixed-use township de velopment Arcovia City.

Megaworld said the tower offers green and sustainability features that include occupancy sensors for hallway lightings, low flow rate fixtures for faucets in toilets and bathrooms, high energy efficiency rating for the major building equip ment, rainwater harvesting and reuse facility and its own material recovery facility.

The new residential tower will also offer lifestyle amenities that include swimming pools, fitness center, play ground, function hall, game room, daycare center, co-working spaces, garden and lounge areas.

All units of Arcovia Parkplace will have wireless smart home system and devices with WiFi router, the company said.

Arcovia Parkplace will be ready for turnover to unit buyers by 2029.

Meanwhile, Megaworld reported that it is rolling out the Township Analytics and Technology through TAT Lab, the first data science lab dedicated to a property development company in Asia.

PH saves P8.55b annually in tariffs under EU GSP+

THE Philippines saved an average of P8.55 billion annually from tariff exclusions on ex ports to the European Union through the Gen eralized Systems of Preferences Plus.

The Department of Trade and Industry dis closed this during a virtual stakeholder consul tation on Wednesday between the Philippines and the EU on the country’s petition to reapply for the program. The EU is expected to come up with a report on the Philippine performance with respect to its request to renew the GSP+.

EU representatives underscores the Philip pines rate of compliance to 27 international conventions , including seven on human rights, eight on labor rights, eight on environment and four on good governance.

The EU parliament was vocal against the Phil ippines, particularly on alleged human rights viola tions, extra judicial killings, freedom of the press, freedom of association and labor rights, red tagging and pending bills such as on death penalty.

The GSP scheme is set to expire by De cember 2023, and the report will be used as a springboard for the new assessment when the Philippines reapplies for the new GSP+ scheme in 2024.Othel V. Campos

BDO promotes sustainability, supports green companies

BDO Unibank Inc. reinforces its commitment to sustainability as it continues to provide fi nancing to notable projects that facilitate cli mate resilience and promote inclusive growth.

Menarco Development Corp., a multiawarded and internationally-recognized real estate developer and property management company, takes a leading role in driving a more sustainable environment. MDC’s first project, Menarco Tower, a commercial build ing at 32nd Street in Bonifacio Global City, is the embodiment of Menarco’s commitment to people and the planet.

Menarco Tower is LEED (Leadership in En ergy and Environmental Design) gold certified and was awarded as Best Green Development at the Southeast Asia Property Awards and Philippine Property Awards.

“A good relationship with a bank is like sus tenance. Knowing that they are around to sup port our next endeavor provides assurance. We rely on our bank relationships to help us with our daily activities, maximize assets, and now with digitization processes—it makes us dependent on banks to ensure our payments are done on time. We know that BDO wants us to succeed in our business and they are our partner in finding a winwin situation,” said Menarco Development Corp. chief executive Carmen Jimenez-Ong. BDO Unibank has the same vision as Men arco Tower. The bank’s unwavering commit ment to sustainability is evident as its BDO Corporate Center Ortigas’ 47-story office structure is also LEED certified. It is the first high-rise office commercial building in the Philippines to achieve a LEED Gold “New Construction Category” certification.

SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENT. Conglomerates and corporations show their all-out support to the government’s environment and natural resources direction in the 2022 Multi-Stakeholder Forum of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at the Diamond Hotel in Manila where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (seated, fourth from left) delivered a keynote speech. With the president are (standing, from left) Manuel Paolo Villar of Vista Land and Lifescapes, Mariana Zobel-Aboitiz of Ayala Corp., Piki Lopez of First Philippine Holdings, Hans Sy of the SM Group, Christian Gonzalez of International Container Terminal Services Inc., Atty. Mike Toledo of the MVP Group of Companies, Lance Gokongwei of JG Summit Holdings and Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp.. Seated are (from left) special assistant to the President Secretary Anton Lagdameo, Labor Secretary Benny Laguesma, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, DENR Secretary Maritoni Loyzaga, Presidential Management Staff head Secretary Zenaida Angping and Senator Cynthia Villar.

STRONG.

Equity Ventures, with 35,000 employees, blazes its trail as the Philippines’ first ‘techglomerate’ by making it to Forbes’ 2022 World’s Best Employers list.

marks the second straight year that AEV, the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, is on the Forbes’ list.

Phoenix storms to 3rd straight triumph

By Peter Atencio

THE Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters limited Meralco to just eight points in the first six minutes of the last period and their big effort on defense yielded them an 89-82 upset of the Bolts on Wednesday in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena.

Kaleb Wesson, a 6’10” power forward, punctured the hoops with 23 points and 13 rebounds as he towed the Fuel Masters to their third straight triumph in six outings.

After forcing the Bolts to six turnovers, the Fuel Masters led by 13 on Wesson’s three-point play in the remaining 35 seconds of the third, 73-60.

Encho Serrano drilled in 14 points for the Fuel Masters, who joined the Blackwater Elite and NorthPort Batang Pier in a share of fourth.

“We knew everyone’s gonna play. We focused on us and we really pounded it on defense,” said Fuel Masters’ coach Topex Robinson.

Serrano’s pullup jumper in the final 9:13 of the fourth saw the Fuel Masters ahead by 19, 82-63.

The Bolts then struggled after they got limited to eight points in the first six minutes of the last period.

Tyler Tio banged in 14 points, including a trey with 3:03 left to keep the Fuel Masters in front, 87-77.

After the Bolts got over their poor scoring situation, Aaron Black managed to put Meralco within range with his trey in the last 2:37, 80-87.

But Wesson’s jumper with 1:40 left proved enough as the Fuel Masters gained enough distance to hang on to the win.

Bong Quinto hit 22 points for the Bolts, who dropped near the bottom of the standings at 1-4.

Eala wins battle with Russian in Hamburg tilt

ALEX Eala broke serve thrice in the final set to outplay Ekaterina Kazionova of Russia, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, yesterday (Tuesday in Germany) in the first round of the ITF W60 Hamburg Tennis Futures.

The 17-year0old Eala fought off Kazionova in a two hour and 44-minute contest to reach the second round against Ysaline Bonaventure of Belgium.

Her breaks in the third set came in the first four games, allowing Eala to quickly take a 4-0 advantage.

After a third break came, Eala never looked back from a 5-1 edge.

“Good start ! Happy with the way I played today. Round 2 match is on Thursday,” said Eala after the match in a post on Facebook.

Eala, who rose to a new career-high no. 245 this week, was able to send in 53 of 97 first serves.

She scored 32 points from there, after giving up the first set.

She gained the momentum following long rallies in the last three games of the second set as Eala moved away from a 4-all tie.

Bonaventure set a match with Eala after getting past Jana Fett of Croatia, 6-4, 6-4.

Peter Atencio

Fil-Am Bade wins 4th Muay Thai title in US, stays unbeaten at 7-0

By Randy Caluag

FILIPINA-AMERICAN Lee Bade, who represented the Philippines in the recent World Games, bagged her fourth amateur Muay Thai title in the United States, after winning against Jenny Freitas at the India Community Center in Milpitas, California.

Bade dominated Freitas in their five-round bout that served as the main event of the West Coast Elite martial arts tournament promoted by Eight Limbs Promotion, which had former ONE World Muay Thai and Kickboxing champion Stamp Fairtex as the guest of honor.

“This was probably the first fight where I felt kind of calm. The last time I fought was at World Games back in July,” said Bade, daughter of former Philippine Basketball Association player Chris Bade, who formerly played for Shell.

Bade, who is training at Smash Fighter in California, now has an unblemished 7-0 record in amateur Muay Thai and holds four Muay Thai titles.

She and her coach trained for three months “to focus on getting more comfortable fighting in my orthodox stance again. I’m so glad I did.”

Although she is right-handed, she used to fight in the southpaw stance and her return to the orthodox style did her good.

“To be honest, this was one of the best fight camps and easiest weight cuts I’ve had so far. I felt immensely confident, mentally and physically ready,” added Bade, who didn’t rule out carrying the Philippine flag again in international competitions.

Bade admitted that she’s inspired by Fairtex, who is currently ranked no. 1 in the ONE Championship MMA women’s atomweight rankings.

“I love this sport with a (great) passion, through the ups and downs. Can’t wait to step in the ring again,” she said.

Bade competed in the World Games for the Philippines after qualifying in the 63.5-kilogram category as a wild card entry through the efforts of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines.

Fil-Am Men’s Invitational Golf in Baguio returns

AS the country’s health situation improves, the Fil-Am Men’s Invitational is pushing through with the 72nd edition of the biggest annual golf tournament next month at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay Golf Club courses with eased protocols, the organizers said Wednesday.

In a press conference held at the BCC’s newest museum, Fil-Am co-chairman Anthony de Leon explained that unlike last year, participants will no longer have to go through antigen tests except when they exhibit symptoms of the Covid-19 virus.

“Those players who will experience symptoms will have to be tested and the results must be disclosed. If they fail to declare those truthfully, it would mean automatic disqualification from the competition,” said De Leon, who is also the general manager of BCC.

Bulldogs score 1st win over Archers in 7 years

THE National University Bulldogs found a way to turn things around and veteran big man John Lloyd Clemente was there at the right spots to make it happen on Wednesday in the 85th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

After enduring the La Salle Green Archers’ repeated comebacks, the 6’3” Clemente fished a foul off Kevin Quiambao, with his free throw at the three-second mark pushing the Bulldogs to their fourth consecutive triumph, 80-76.

It was the Bulldogs’ first win over the Archers since October 28, 2015 during their second-round encounter in Season 78. La Salle won the next 10 matchups.

The 24-year-old Clemente went on to tally a game-high 16 points, with Steve Nash Enriquez and their efforts powered the Bulldogs to the top of the standings with their 5-1 win-loss record.

“Sinabi ko sa kanila that we find ways para mapunta sa amin ang situation,” said Bulldogs’ coach Jeff Napa.

The Bulldogs were comfortably ahead by eight, 79-71, in the last 2:20 off Omar John’s basket.

But Evan Nelle’s passes to Michael Philips and Kevin Quiambao allowed La Salle to move within range on the former’s hookshot and the latter’s triple, 76-79.

The Green Archers continued to press on. But Quiambao bungled two three-point attempts, with the last one missing its mark with five

seconds remaining.

Quiambao and Philips finished with 15 points apiece for La Salle, which is now in fifth at 3-3.

La Salle last grabbed the lead, 6361, at the end of the period off Earl Abadam’s hook shot.

Meanwhile, Bryson Ballungay knocked in a career-high 21 points for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their 7655 smashing of the Adamson Falcons, for their fourth triumph in six games.

Dave Ildfefonso added 15 points for the Blue Eagles, who coasted to their sixth straight triumph over Adamson.

The Blue Eagles, who are in third position, enjoyed a 23-point edge off Ballungay’s jumper in the remaining 3:49, 72-49. Peter Atencio

course of the Fil-Am in 2021.

CJHGC general manager and Fil-Am co-chair Jude Eustaquio said: “Our health and safety committee is instrumental in crafting a system that we will be following for the three-week event.”

For this year’s tournament, the anticipation is so hyped that 240 teams or 1,200 players are registered— already near the pre-pandemic level in 2019 when 256 teams played—with 107 teams on the wait list.

“We did not expect the number on the wait list to swell that much. It seems they are just excited and happy to have the Fil-Am back to normal order,” Eustaquio said.

The seniors’ competition will be from November 26 to December 1, while the regulars will see action from December 6 to 11.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

“Furthermore, we will only accept those fully vaccinated, with booster shots,” he said, noting that that there was zero case of the Coronavirus in the

Fil-Am co-chairs Jude Eustaquio (left) of Camp John Hay Golf Club and Anthony de Leon of Baguio Country Club

Filipina-American Lee Bade raises her hand in victory while former ONE world kickboxing and Muay Thai champion Stamp Fairtex (extreme right) looks on. (Photo from Smash Fighters)

John Lloyd Clemente

Tyler Tio of Phoenix drives to the basket against 2 Meralco defenders.

Sports

Former IronKids champ levels up, vies in Sunrise Sprint triathlon

WACKY Baniqued, the most prominent star to have come out of the IronKids program, steps up his drive for multi-sport honors in a higher level as he banners the cast in the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint spicing up the Alveo 5150 Subic Bay triathlon on Sunday (Oct. 23).

Now 20, the Team TNST spearhead from San Pedro, Laguna seeks to sweep both the overall and age-group titles in the short-distance event, which features 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run at Subic Bay Boardwalk.

Dubbed as S2, the sub-category to the centerpiece Alveo 5150 is aimed at providing a venue for those making a comeback in the ever-growing sport and at the same time provide quality triathlon experience on an Olympicstyle course setup.

It is also designed for beginners wanting to race without having to worry about long periods of training and those seeking to immerse themselves into triathlon.

“The Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint symbolizes strength and hope – hope for everyone that things will get better and time to draw strength from each other as we heal around the world,” said Go for Gold PH founder Jeremy Go.

For Alveo 5150 details, log on to www.ironman.com. For the Sunrise Sprint, log on to www.goforgold.sunrisesprint.com

The IronKids, meanwhile, ushers in the triathlon weekend on Saturday with the future of local tri-sport clashing for top honors in their version of the swimbike-run race set at various distances.

Tipped to crowd Baniqued for the overall championship are Dash Ramirez, Jyrehn Sales, Lawrence Uy, Michael Balasbas and Jacob Tan, who are all competing in the 15-19 category and Jerome Sales (20-24), while Lucienne Aragones, Erika Burgos, Michelle Cabaron, Tiffany Cabero, Dondi de Vera, Kira Ellis, Ashley Payumo, Maurelle Salas, Katrina Salazar and Marianne Suico gear up for a showdown in the distaff side of the event organized by the IRONMAN Group/ Sunrise Events, Inc.

Other titles to be disputed in Alveo 5150, sponsored by SBMA, Finis, Rudy Project, Sante Barley, Lalamove, Active, Manila Bulletin and Tempo, are the men’s and women’s relay and the mixed relay.

Qatar’s 2022 World Cup: Ready, glitzy, expensive

Dasmariñas City rules Masskara chess meet

DASMARI ÑAS City relied on its 1-2 punch of International Masters Daniel Quizon and Michael Concio, Jr. as it ripped General Santos City in the finals to rule the 1st Masskara National Team Inter-Provinces, Cities and Municipalities Championships in Bacoloda.

Quizon swept Ellan Asuela on top board, 2-0, while Concio downed IM Joel Pimentel, 1.5-.5, on second board to power the squad from Cavite to a two-game finals sweep to bag the top purse worth P100,000.

Completing the Dasmarinas triumph were Mark Jay Bacojo’s 1-1 split with Eric Labog, Jr. on third board and Christian Gian Karlo Arca’s 2-0 rout of Sherwin Tiu on the final board.

General Santos settled for P100,000.

Muntinlupa City A’s FIDE Masters Nelson Mariano III and Arden Reyes, Leonard Reyes and Chester Neil Reyes needed a deciding third game to edge Bacolod City B’s David Elorta, Grandmaster Darwin Laylo, Brylle Arellano and Jerry Areque to claim third spot and the P50,000 purse that goes with it.

DOHA,

Qatar—The bill being paid by Qatar for the most expensive World Cup ever held is set to rise to fantasy levels in the one month left to the November 20 kickoff.

Gleaming new stadiums that cost more than $6.5 billion are ready, a driver-less metro system with a price tag of $36 billion serves five of the eight venues.

The palm tree-styled street lamps and neon office blocks that line the highway from the expanded international airport to central Doha will be an instant sign to the million-plus incoming fans that the first World Cup in an Arab nation is going to be a glitzy affair.

But with Qatar’s organisers desperate to convince the world of the event’s lasting legacy—clouded by a corruption investigation, and criticism of Qatar’s rights record and even of

the use of stadium air-conditioning— more cost is likely.

Thousands of labourers are working through the night to finish some hotels, apartment blocks and roads.

Qatar’s natural gas riches have given the emirate seemingly bottomless pockets to pay for the football extravaganza.

But mind-boggling estimates of up to $300 billion have been given for the total infrastructure spending over the past decade.

By contrast, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil cost an estimated $11.5 billion and Russia 2018 about $14 billion.

Qatar, with a population of

just 2.8 million, is one of the world’s wealthiest countries. And comparisons are unfair, according to Danyel Reiche, a visiting associate professor at Georgetown University Qatar who is leading a research project on the World Cup.

“So much of the infrastructure spending was already part of Qatar’s 2030 development plan and has just been brought forward for the World Cup,” he said.

FIFA has lauded Qatar’s preparations and the eight stadiums designed to highlight Arabic tradition and culture.

“Together we will deliver the best World Cup ever, on and off the field,” its president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed this week.

But rights groups are still pressuring FIFA and Qatar to dig into their pockets

Dasmariñas made it through despite finishing just third out of the four teams that made the semifinals.

From there, Quizon and Concio turned things around as the World Cup veterans trounced Muntinlupa Am, 2-0, in the semis before romping off with a shutout win over General Santos in the finale.

to compensate South Asian workers who died or were injured during the building frenzy since the tournament was awarded in 2010.

“There are families that have been left in debt because of the workers who moved to Qatar to build this infrastructure and died. We can at least put it right before the World Cup starts,” said Rothna Begum of the Human Rights Watch campaign group. AFP

Warriors thump Lakers in opener; Celtics sink Sixers

LOS ANGELES—Stephen Curry scored 33 points as the Golden State Warriors launched the defense of their NBA crown with a season-opening 123-109 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

After being presented with diamondencrusted rings and watching their championship banner being hoisted at a pre-game ceremony at San Francisco’s Chase Center, the Warriors put on a dazzling performance to overpower LeBron James and the new-look Lakers.

The Warriors’ pre-season had been overshadowed by a practice court bust-up that saw Draymond Green floor teammate Jordan Poole with a sucker punch—sparking what coach Steve Kerr described as the “biggest crisis” of his eight-year reign.

But Golden State served notice they have already put the episode behind them with a commanding performance that suggests they are more than capable of mounting a successful title defense.

Significantly, Green and Poole played without any hint of lingering tension, notably when Poole engineered a lay-up for Green with a clever pass midway through the third quarter.

The Lakers, in their first competitive game under new coach Darvin Ham, showed signs of being a more disciplined defensive unit, but ultimately were run

to race to a 27-point lead at one stage.

“The ceremony was an amazing celebration, to take time to reflect on what you accomplished, watching the banner go up, looking at the highlight tapes and all that,” Curry said afterwards.

“It’s really hard to turn the page and go and play a game of basketball, but we figured how to do it. Now we can look forward to the rest of the year.”

James said the Lakers were still a work in progress.

“We were what I expected—some great moments, some not so great moments,” James said. “That comes from a team coming together for the first time.

“Once we start getting on the same page, it will get better with time. But it was kind of what I expected—we had some good times, but some other times we weren’t as good as I’d like.”

Celtics down Sixers

In Tuesday’s other opening-night game, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 35 points each as the Boston Celtics brushed off their pre-season woes with a 126-117 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tatum—roundly criticized after a series of disappointing performances in Boston’s NBA Finals defeat to Golden State last season—led from the front in a dazzling display at the TD Garden.

Blazers whack Cardinals, strengthen hold on lead

COLLEGE of Saint Benilde vented its ire on Mapua, 85-72, to solidify its grip on the lead in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre Wednesday.

The Blazers capitalized on the Cardinals’ offensive struggles in the payoff period to improve their league’s best record to 8-2.

Bouncing back from its stunning 75-80 loss to last-placed Emilio Aguinaldo College, Benilde made sure that there won’t be a repeat of last Sunday’s reversal.

Will Gozum produced a career-high 25 points to go along with eight re-

bounds and four assists, while Miggy Corteza chipped in 22 points and eight boards for the Blazers.

After a scoreless first three periods, Migs Oczon contributed six points in Benilde’s 24-8 fourth quarter.

Warren Bonifacio led Mapua with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals while JJ Pido contributed 16 points, six boards, two assists and two blocks.

The Cardinals suffered their ninth loss in 11 games.

The Blazers went on a telling 19-1 run to put the game beyond recall at 80-65 with less than three minutes left to play.

The 24-year-old Tatum went 13-of-20 from the field while Brown’s 35-point salvo came on 14-of-24 shooting with four three-pointers.

Malcolm Brogdon (16 points), Grant Williams (15) and defensive linchpin Marcus Smart (14) also hit double figures as the Celtics handed interim head coach Joe Mazzulla the first win of his reign.

Mazzulla only took over as head coach last month after the stunning season-long suspension of Ime Udoka.

Udoka, one of the NBA’s rising coaching stars, was banned for the entire 20222023 campaign after details emerged of an improper relationship with a female member of the Celtics staff.

But while the scandal upended the Celtics’ pre-season preparations, there was no sign of it affecting Boston on Tuesday as the new campaign got under way with an emphatic win over a team expected to be one of their main Eastern Conference rivals. After the Sixers started brightly to lead 29-24 at the end of the first quarter, Boston roared back to level at 6363 at halftime.

The Celtics then pulled away late in the third quarter with Smart punishing a sloppy Joel Embiid turnover to make it 8778 before a Tatum three-pointer gave the team a 12-point cushion. AFP

The malachite green marble base of a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Trophy, is pictured at the Italian trophy and medal manufacturer GDE Bertoni in Paderno Dugnano, north of Milan. While the original 18 carat gold trophy made by Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga belongs to FIFA and is rarely exhibited, the GDE Bertoni factory is still tasked with producing brass gold-plated replicas of the trophy every four years for the winning team. AFP

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors inspects his championship ring during a ceremony prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. AFP

Benilde’s Will Gozum (center) jockeys for better rebound position with Mapua’s Jomer Marcado (18) and Warren Bonifacio (4).

Alyssa Milano: Women ‘refusing to be silenced’ since MeToo

FIVE years after lighting the fuse of MeToo, US actor Alyssa Milano says she is delighted with the way women are “refusing to be silenced.”

“A lot has changed,” Milano told AFP, since sending her famous tweet on October 15, 2017 asking women to share their stories of sexual harassment under the hashtag #MeToo.

The 49-year-old, who grew up in public as the star of Who’s the Boss? and Charmed , was herself a victim of sexual assault during a shoot in the 1990s.

“The most obvious thing is that we are refusing to be silenced and

really coming together,” she said in Cannes, where she was taking part in the Mipcom TV festival. She pointed to new legislation against gender discrimination and harassment across the United States, as well as the introduction of “intimacy coordinators” to assist during sex scenes in movies.

“It made no sense to me how, if there was an animal on the set, we would have to have someone from the humane society to oversee the health and welfare of the animal, and yet the actors are in such vulnerable situations not only with love scenes, but with all sorts of

A daring movie showing more than just sex

tubero or plumber is already an intriguing title making you think of things other than pipes). It’s nothing new of course, but Lee is consistent with his promise.

“I had to come up with references because I watch Vivamax [movies] to check what else has not been done, which is why I asked my actors to see some videos, some of them were Japanese, some were Western,” the director shared.

AFTER watching Topel Lee’s Tubero at Gateway Cinema, I was asked by a member of Vivamax staff to share what I felt about the movie, including the things that could say about the story.

With the camera already on my face and a bit blinded by the clamp light, I immediately told the interviewer that “the director is able to capture the sexiness of the actors using tight shots, and despite it being a sexy movie, it’s able to present a decent story, and I think Topel Lee did a good job.”

During the film’s press conference, held after the movie screening, Lee said that his goal was to showcase sex scenes or coital positions that have not been seen in any Vivamax movies.

If you are a Vivamax subscriber and an avid viewer of the platform’s catalog, you’d definitely get intrigued by the director’s sales pitch.

Like the title suggests, the film has an interesting storyline (given that

“In the beginning, the sex scenes were a bit condensed, but as the story progresses and the relationship of the characters deepens, the sex scenes become more experimental. And throughout the process, I consulted the actors to make sure that they’re comfortable doing the scenes,” Lee added.

Newcomers Angela Morena (Ex-Deal 2, 5-in-1, Iskandalo, High (School) on Sex), Vince Rillon (Pusoy, Kaliwaan, Virgin Forest, L Series), and JC Tan star in this story about love, loyalty, passion, sex, and making a relationship work even on the hardest days.

It follows the story of a young couple, Paula (Morena) and Logan (Tan), whose relationship is on the rocks because Logan is not sexually satisfied with Paula. Though conservative and reserved, Paula makes a deal with Logan and is given an ultimatum by her man that would make or break their relationship.

Desperate to not lose him and determined to give him what he desires, Paula seeks the help of Gimo (Rillon), a plumber who also offers extra service that brings pleasure to his clients. They sleep together, and Paula experiences a sexual awakening with Gimo. But what was supposed to be a one-time thing that could help Paula’s relationship with Logan becomes a way for her to have a new sexual and compatible relationship with Gimo.

The movie wanted the questions “Will Paula pursue the original plan to fix her relationship with Logan? Or will she realize that it is better for her to be with Gimo” to be answered.

“Originally, I wanted to do a campy love story with a bit of erotica. I want the audience to get the same experience as watching porn that’s why the sex scenes are a bit longer than usual. And those scenes took us a day to shoot,” the seasoned director said adding that he felt he’s a neophyte compared to his actors who are more exposed to doing sexy scenes in front of the camera.

Tubero premieres on Vivamax on October 21.

Knowledge Channel pays tribute to educators

KNOWLEDGE Channel recognized the selfless sacrifice and unwavering passion of all Filipino teachers through various activities and initiatives in celebration of the 2022 National Teachers’ Month (NTM).

“This year’s celebration had greater significance in light of the challenges our Filipino teachers faced during the pandemic. Despite the heavy restrictions, they remained in the frontline ensuring the continuity of learning and supporting the well-being of all their students,” said Rina Lopez, president and executive director of Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc.

The month-long celebration kicked off with a motivational power talk at the Manila International Book Fair (MBFI) where Rina emphasized that hard work and effort are keys to success in a growth mindset-directed life, eagerly sharing that the secret to life is effort.

She highlighted the role of teachers in instilling a growth mindset among children in learning and education.

“When teachers have a growth mindset, they teach their students that failure is not an end result, but the beginning of a journey of self-improvement,” she added.

Following the power talk is a

emotional scenes,” Milano said.

Recent moves to ban abortions in the United States were a reaction against the empowerment of women triggered by MeToo, she added.

“Equality and equity are terrifying to a lot of white men in power,” she said. “Taking away our body autonomy is the most extreme case of trying to impede our evolution and our growth and our drive for a more equitable future.”

Milano’s activism did not start with MeToo, however.

When Who’s the Boss? was the number one show in the United

States, a 15-year-old Milano received a request from none other than Elton John

The singer asked her to meet a young fan, Ryan White , who had been expelled from his school after contracting HIV.

“He asked me if I could go on TV and kiss him to prove that you couldn’t get HIV/AIDS through casual contact, and I said yes,” she said on a panel at Mipcom.

“That was the moment that my life completely changed because I realised what it meant to be famous, and to do good with that voice,” she said. AFP

Keeping global Pinoys ‘Stronger Together’ beyond television

series of content and programs dedicated to reach all Filipino teachers and public schools nationwide.

In a special video tribute “Mga Guro, Dangal Kayo ng Sambayanang Pilipino” posted on Facebook, celebrity hosts Robi Domingo Bianca Gonzalez, and social media personalities Lyqa Maravilla Precious Gamboa, and Michelle Agas expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the dedication of all Filipino teachers.

Together with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, KCFI handed over the Portable Media Library and provided food packs and smile masks to students from Cuyambay Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal. Almost 200 kilometers away,

thanks to Subic EnerZone Corporation the Special Education Center for the Gifted (SPED-G) in Olongapo City also received the Knowledge Channel TV and Portable Media Library with educational materials that are accessible anytime, anywhere.

Meanwhile, through its existing partnership with BDO and Huawei, KCFI held a three-day virtual training focused on capacity-building and enhancement of teaching skills to address the challenges and harness the opportunities of hybrid learning for the 149 public school teachers from 10 schools in Dasmariñas City.

Capping off the month-long celebration was the launch of KCFI and Breeze’s EcoProject Year 2: Kilos Kabataan Para sa Kapaligiran campaign for environmental awareness and building eco-habits to a new batch of 17,000 students, teachers, and parents from the Schools Division Office of Taguig City and Pateros.

Since 1999, KCFI has been at the forefront of efforts to improve K-12 education and learning outcomes through the creation of relevant and engaging multimedia learning resources and the delivery of training for the professional development of educators.

KAPUSO Network’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV remains true to its promise of bringing Filipinos all over the world “Stronger Together” through engaging and innovative content beyond its on-air platforms.

Making the full Kapuso abroad experience at best, GMA Pinoy TV’s programming is complemented by its events and digital shows.

Just last month, the Filipino community in the US was thrilled with GMA Pinoy TV’s highly successful return via Together Again: A GMA Pinoy TV @ 17 Concert. The channel’s biggest 17th anniversary treat starring Bea Alonzo Aiai Delas Alas Lani Misalucha, Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, and Dingdong Dantes was sold-out for its two-night show.

From holding live shows, GMA Pinoy TV continues to think of many different ways to creatively make the Filipinos abroad informed on the latest important updates as well as entertained through various activities with Kapuso stars.

GMA Pinoy TV recently launched a new digital show and a new season of its well-received podcast.

The new digital minitalk show, Break Seven, gives Pinoys all over the world a glimpse of the personal life of some of the brightest Kapuso personalities. With guests such as Alden Richards, Andrea Torres, Ruru Madrid, and Atom Araullo, each episode allows netizens to eavesdrop as they share their pet peeves and desires, guilty pleasures, and the first thing they do in the morning. Catch it on GMA Pinoy TV’s Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram pages.

GMA Pinoy TV also delved into the podcasting scene via the Stronger Together: The GMA Pinoy TV Podcast, which is now in its second season. The podcast features conversations with Kapuso personalities, global celebrities, and Filipinos around the world who remain strong and resilient amidst the challenges of life. Listen to the stories of Season 2 guests Eric Bauza, Bobby Rubio, Xian Lim, Glaiza de Castro, Kylie Padilla, Andrea Torres, Stefanie Arianne, DJ Javier, Rich Asuncion, Garrett Bolden, Princess Punzalan and more. It is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and GMA Pinoy TV’s Facebook page.

Break Seven and Stronger Together: The GMA Pinoy TV Podcast are only two of several GMA Pinoy TV content that spotlight Global Pinoys and Kapuso personalities beyond their on-air shows.

Global Pinoy Unlimited, a shortform content that focuses on Filipinos with significant contributions to the community, was even recognized at the 2021 Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) Migration Advocacy and Media (MAM) Awards for the

Television Journalism Award – Best Interstitial. Similarly, EntrePinoy Abroad which highlights the stories of Filipinos abroad who boldly put up their own businesses in a foreign land and continued to persevere and promote Filipino products to the world, was also named Best TV Special in the said award-giving body.

Notably, GMA Pinoy TV earned praises at the 12th Annual The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) Awards and was given the inaugural Global Award for successfully fostering cultural pride and gratitude for the modern-day heroes who perpetuate the greatness of the Filipino race through its programs and various initiatives.

Driven by GMA Pinoy TV’s groundbreaking digital initiatives and campaigns, GMA Pinoy TV continues to be the leading international Filipino channel on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

As of September 30, 2022, GMA Pinoy TV has amassed over 1.96 million Facebook followers which beats its competitor, The Filipino Channel (TFC), by 200K.

with 109K followers, is notably more than double TFC’s numbers which only has less than 46k. Its Instagram follower count is twice as high as its counterpart, with 248k versus 116k.

On the fastest-growing platform TikTok, GMA Pinoy TV likewise went along with the upward trend, which now has 4 million likes and 307k followers.

GMA Pinoy TV makes sure that Global Pinoys are always in the know with the latest Kapuso updates through its Viber Community which currently has over a thousand members from different parts of the world.

As GMA Pinoy TV continues the celebration of its 17th anniversary, Kapuso viewers abroad can surely expect more treats coming their way!

Watch GMA Pinoy TV shows everywhere! Subscribe now to Comcast Xfinity Stream TV, Charter Spectrum TV, and Cox Contour TV in the United States; Telus Optik TV, Rogers’ Ignite TV, and Bell’s Fibe TV in Canada; Starhub TV+ in Singapore; and PCCW Now Player in Hong Kong.

Nickie Wang Editor

Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant

GMA Pinoy TV’s Twitter account,

US actress

Alyssa Milano remains steadfast in advocating for equality and equity

‘Together Again Concert’ with the Kapuso stars in the US

From left: Miles dela Cruz (TOFA), Joseph T. Francia (GMA Pinoy TV), and VicenteGesmundo (TOFA)

Robi Domingo (upper right) and Bianca Gonzales (lower right) hosting the special video tribute, ‘Mga Guro, Dangal Kayo ng Sambayanang Pilipino’

Vince Rillon plays a plumber who also offers extra service that brings pleasure to his clients

JC Tan joins the cast of ‘Tubero,’ a story about love, loyalty, and passion

Angela Morena is

niece of

sexy actress Lara Morena

Agusan-Manobo cultural heritage exhibited in Morocco

KINABUHI : Suyam and Ompo of the Agusan-Manobo, an exhibition on the rich cultural heritage of the Agusan Manobo tribe, was recently show cased and gained wide recognition at the Université Internationale de Rabat in Morocco.

In line with the National Indigenous Peoples Month in the Philippines, fea tured visual artist Carlito Camahalan Amalla , a member of the tribe, unrav eled and explicated the interconnect edness between the social, cultural, and visceral ecologies through narra tives from his homeland.

Amalla, founder and leader of the Agusan Artists Association in Bu tuan City and the Balangay Artists Association in Manila, gave a public lecture where he presented an im pressive collection of sculptural ce ramics – puppets and dolls that are tell-tales of important characters, including chieftains, shamans and warriors.

As it depicted a historical panorama, the pieces had their very own tradi tional embroidery, suyam . Character ized by various geometrical design, the pattern has become an extension of the body and a form of universal art grounded on their rituals, unity, and life.

The exhibition displayed Amalla’s array of paintings and textiles, which provided glimpses of the life of the Manobos, as well as recent writings from his scholarly work and creative practice.

Amalla is a performer, dancer, chant er, musician, puppeteer, ceramist, and researcher, who participated in exhibi tions in Wales, Belgium, England, and USA.

He holds a bachelor in Fine Arts with major in sculpture and a mas ter’s degree in Art History, both from the University of the Philippines.

His Agusan Manobo embroidery art thesis, paintings, and puppetry

in Sinuyaman: Awit ni Baylan were part of the Mindanao: Cartography of History, Identity and Representa tion presented at the School of Ori ental and African Studies of the University of London in 2019.

Kinabuhi: Suyam and Ompo of the Agusan-Manobo was curated by arts-lifestyle writer and Benil

Jelly Balbuena: A multitude of talents

de Arts Management Program

Chairperson Alain Zedrick Camiling, who also maintains an active curatorial practice.

Kinabuhi: Suyam and Ompo of the Agusan-Manobo was presented by the Philippine Embassy to Morocco in Rabat. The show was in partnership with Université Internationale de Rabat with auxiliary support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

ITHINK

in every high school batch in every school, there are always that few who stand out for their talents. My high school batch indeed has some and fortunately, I happened to be friends with one of them.

Jelly Balbuena, Anj or Boks to us, is smart, funny, gregari ous, and simply knows his way around. He is also fabulous, then and now. As a teenager, he was already doing stand-up comedy and singing for different occasions. Here’s the thing, Jelly has always been a good friend to many, and if you are part of his inner circle, you are lucky.

It is no surprise that he has continued to soar even higher as he continues to make a name in live entertainment in the United States where he has been based for more than a decade now. Along with his group, the Awe some 3some, he has been touring major cities on the West Coast. And for years now, has been performing for various crowds alongside the likes of Lea Salonga, Martin Nievera, and Jed Madela among others. Here’s an ex cerpt of our chat recently.

I’ve always known you were made for a bigger stage. How did it all start? What made you choose this path?

Ever since elementary, I knew in my heart that I wanted to perform and sing. I was a member of a children’s choir called The Singing Angels, where we once became the national champions in the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA). If I wasn’t in school or singing in the choir, I was hosting local beauty pageants, birthday parties, or weddings. My being a stand-up comedian started in high school. I joined a declamation contest and one of the judges was the owner of a club. He noticed my talent and hired me to do a 30-minute stand-up every weekend. Back then, my name was Bumble Bee.

I would listen to the songs of Lea Salonga Regine Velasquez Martin Nievera Lani Misalu cha Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston. I also have a fascina tion with show tunes. And I really love comedy so I would always watch Jon Santos Nanette In ventor, and Vice Ganda When I came to the US in my early 20s, a family friend intro duced me to Edna Ramos, the owner of Ichiban karaoke bar. They were looking for talents to do live entertainment. At first, I was hesitant because I didn’t have enough confidence yet in throwing punchlines and join ing the banters. With the help of my senior performers, I started coming out of my shell. I’m thankful to all of them and to all that I have come to work with for the pieces of advice they have shared. It certainly helped me a lot.

You are a multitude of talents-- a performer, host, come dian, make-up artist, and thespian-- what’s the best title that would describe you?

Ha-ha! I really don’t know. I guess I just do whatever is be ing thrown my way. There was a point in my life when I didn’t know what to do because of the many choices. So, I asked God, why do you have to give me so many talents? Why can’t you just give me one and be good at it? Ganon ang prayers ko sa kanya before. Tapos sabi ko sa Kanya, ikaw na bahala. You lead the way. I am starting to realize how lucky am I to be able to do the things I love to do and to have the option and the flexibility to do all of these. So I guess ‘hustler’ lang talaga ang best description for me. Ha-ha!

What’s been keeping you busy lately? Is there something we can look forward to in terms of your performances in the US or here in the Philippines?

Aside from my full-time job at Assist on Call, Inc., and make-up gigs, I’m also busy with live entertainment. Since everything seems to be going back to normal, live shows are

coming along. I’ve been busy with private events and local shows. Our group, the Awesome 3some, with Jesse and Xiao, has been touring the West Coast. Hopefully, come December, we will be in New York and other cities on the East Coast. I’m so look ing forward to our roadshow next year. We have created a team to help us with book ings and selling the show. Exciting times!

A little bit personal, who is Jelly or Boks behind the stage?

Boks is a chill and quiet person. I am usu ally just confined in my room, watching Netflix, reading online stuff, or watching vlogs if walang work. I love to eat and try out different restaurants, I love good red wine and I usually dine alone. There is so much peace in dining alone, going to the movie theatre, and even going to the bars alone, not because wala akong friends but because I just enjoy it talaga. I am fun and outgoing, too but I get older I get to enjoy quiet time or metime. I’ll call my mom in the Phil ippines para inisin siya – that’s our equivalent of lambingan, or kumustahan with friends. Ganon, happy na ako.

Any memorable performanc es and upcoming giga or proj ects?

I guess my performance for 2015 The Outstanding Filipino Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York. It’s every performer’s dream to perform at this prestigious hall. Plus I got to meet fellow FilipinoAmericans who have made a name for themselves. They are truly inspiring. There’s that one per formance also with Lea Salonga where I had the chance to sing ‘A Whole New World’ with her. Jusko! Kilig na kilig ako doon.

I’m looking forward to our upcoming shows as ‘Awesome 3some’. We will have shows in San Diego and New York. We hope to spread more fun and entertainment to all of our kababayans here in the US.

What advice would you give to aspiring performers back home?

Keep doing what you’re doing. Never stop, never give up, and put your heart into everything that you do. Walang maliit naproject. What ever work you have, do your best and always remain hum ble. As Quincy Jones said:

“Once a task has begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.”

Follow Jelly Balbuena on IG @jelly_balbuena.

For feedback, I’m at joba. botana@gmail.com.

Spruce up living spaces with Urban Sanctuary at the Shang

WITH an extensive array of top home brands, Shangri-La Plaza has put to gether Urban Sanctuary at the East Atrium. The exciting home exhibition, which runs until October 27, features the contemporary design ideas of the current crop of interior design students from leading schools University of Sto. Tomas (UST), De La Salle-College of. St. Benilde (CSB), and SoFA Design In stitute (SoFA).

Enabled by participating brands of the Shang, these young design wunderkind are presenting fresh new ideas to maxi mize living spaces with impactful design choices.

Futuristic living room. UST sopho more students are presenting a living room concept that cleverly pulls off an intimate and cozy space that’s as functional and efficient as one would want it to be. Fu ture living for this young team is all about aligning with the needs of an urban home by maximizing the functionality of areas with more limited spaces, and combining an inviting atmosphere with energy-effi cient design.

Their inspiration is a luxe high-end space in “dark mode” that’s a reaction to the fast-paced urban lifestyle, that incor porates technology in homes to enhance the physical and mental health of its owners. Key highlights include multifunctional and ergonomic furniture from Natuzzi, a massage chair slash personal assistant from Ogawa, and mood lighting from True Value. The living room design also ensures room for recreational activi ties and sufficient storage for a clutter-free space with brands like Cutting Edge, LaZ-Boy, Ashley Furniture, Bang & Oluf sen, Restoration, and Yankee Candle.

Out of the ordinary dining and kitch en space. Aptly called “Transcendent Liv

ing,” CSB students’ dining and kitchen vignette is a convergence of natural and industrial elements like marble, suede, leather, metal, glass, and ceramic carefully selected to emphasize the space’s main function—as an area where people cook, dine, and commune. With a color scheme of forest green, bronze, copper, it features sleek furniture and cabinetry with sculp tural accessories to break sharp lines and express artistry.

Key pieces of CSB’s work include green dining chairs and a marble table from Furniture Republic and a stylish black Samsung digital inverter fridge from Abenson that has a built-in touchscreen Family Board for exchanging messages, noting grocery lists, sharing schedules, and playing music. The space is complet ed by home pieces from Ashley Furniture, Restoration, Hacker, True Value, Cutting Edge, BLIMS and Yankee Candle.

A room for rest and productivity. Students from SoFA tackle the master’s bedroom not only as a space for rest, but also as a sanctuary for growth and pro ductivity. Punctuated with warm colors of forest green, dull blue, and terracotta, the vignette includes a sleeping area and allo cates separate spaces for lounging, study ing, and relaxation.

The room’s centerpiece is a gray super king size bed from Luxeroom with linens and pillows in warm neutrals from Sheri dan, flanked by Hyndell nightstands from Ashley Furniture. The lounge features a pedestal chair from La-Z-Boy, the study area includes a home office desk and an ergonomic chair also from Ashley, while the relaxation area fittingly has an Ogawa massage chair as its highlight. The vignette is rounded off with pieces from Bang and Olufsen, True Value, and Yankee Candle, as well as Restoration and Hacker.

Amalla is also a founder and leader of the Agusan Artists Association in Butuan City and the Balangay Artists Association in Manila

Visual artist and Benilde Design Foundation educator Carlito Camahalan Amalla

This master’s bedroom is not only a space for rest, but also a sanctuary for growth and productivity

CSB students’“transcendent living” as presented in this out of the ordinary design

A nook from a room for rest and productivity designed by students from SoFa

Out of the ordinary dining and kitchen space designed by College of St. Benilde students

JOB WELL DONE BY JOBA BOTANA

Jelly performing “A Whole New World” with Lea Salonga

Arts writer, curator, and Benilde Arts Management Program Chairperson Alain Zedrick Camiling

One of Jelly’s regular gigs

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A ‘rearview mirror’s’ peek at PH motoring industry

By Patricia Taculao

opened new opportunities for motorists by unveiling one of the most awaited vehicles of 2022, the allnew Toyota Raize.

Honda instills road safety into younger generation thru new SENSING technology

By Stephanie Caesar HONDA Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) launched its program to increase the aware ness and appreciation of young drivers on road safety, showcasing their latest “Honda SENSING” technology.

Together with students from internation al youth leadership organization, AISEC, HCPI conducted experiential driving learn ing sessions where youth members could test remarkable safety innovations. Additionally, the program included an indepth discussion of traffic rules and regula tions, repercussions for non-compliance, and the ideal conduct for young and first-time drivers.

“Honda wants to make our roads safer for you, our next generation, and everyone we share the road with. This is one of the ways we are working to contribute to the develop ment of society,” said HCPI President, Mr. Masahiko Nakamura.

Honda’s commitment to “Safety for Ev eryone” extends to all other road users, in volving pedestrians, cyclists, riders, and other vehicles, in addition to the demands of drivers and passengers.

As a result, efforts are continuously being done to improve safety from the viewpoints of different factors, including products, sys tems, and education.

“With our collective effort, we can be more effective in preventing traffic accidents and injuries. I am grateful that you are taking part in this global campaign on road safety,” added Nakamura.

The company ensures that everyone will have access to road safety education by 2030, noting that by 2050, there should be no fatal traffic collisions involving Honda cars or motorbikes.

Honda’s SENSING technology works to identify potential dangers and take appropri ate action to prevent them, including singlevehicle accidents, collisions, harm to pedes trians, and ignored road signs.

Some of the features in Honda sensing technology include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which lessens a vehicle’s fatigue by maintaining a certain distance through brak ing and accelerating as necessary, and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), which keeps the car at the center of road lanes and the best driving position.

Honda Sensing can be observed on most of the latest vehicles, such as their 2023 HRV, 2023 CR-V, 2023 Civic Sedan, and the 2022 Accord. During the program, the stu dents got to experience the technology using the all-new Honda HR-V and Civic models.

Students from the youth leadership orga nization, AIESEC, tried out the Honda Sens ing technology with the all-new Honda Civic (left) and Honda HR-V (right) last October 8 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Although the features seem to be at their prime, their main purpose is to provide driving support to users and does not make the vehicle self-driving or fully automated. There are still limitations to the high-tech components of the new sensing technology, particularly recogni tion and control functions.

Aside from promoting safer roads through its sensing technology, Honda also plans to advance their efforts when it comes to sus tainability.

The Honda Integrated Report, published in September, stated that the company’s en deavors toward global environment direc tion would be demonstrated in the complete electrification of all Honda automobiles by 2040 to achieve carbon neutrality for all goods and business operations by 2050.

PHILIPPINE

roads are always abuzz with traffic from passing cars. In recent years, the automobile industry saw a boost in sales as the public saw the benefit of driving privately. Nowadays, it’s rare to see streets without any cars in them.

Consumers consider several factors when buying automobiles for personal use. They often opt for models that meet their size, performance, and safety preferences. Once done, they move on to a car’s exterior and model.

Many people don’t always see eye to eye when choosing a car model since some prefer older, iconic cars, while others are partial to newer versions. Eventually, people favor a particular automobile brand or model because of its quality.

Some consumers also factor in environmentfriendly and cost-cutting aspects in their purchases. Today, hybrid cars take the spotlight because they can run on electric charge amid rising fuel prices.

During the previous months, the Philippine automobile industry released several new models to cater to consumers’ needs. Here’s a quick overview of the latest car models released by popular brands this 2022.

TOYOTA MOTORS PHILIPPINES

Last February, the complete mobility company

Pronounced “raise” or “race,” the vehicle is a versatile SUV that provides utility for everyday use or leisure activities. Toyota’s Raize is suitable for motorists who want to experience an SUV to carryon luggage while driving a compact and effortless vehicle.

It promises to realize the goal of achieving outstanding levels of driving performance, safety, and peace of mind.

Yet that’s not the only vehicle TMP released this year. In August, the automobile company also unveiled the 2022 version of its popular Toyota Avanza model. The latest version of the Avanza is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), which is more suitable for families.

The 2022 Avanza features sleek exteriors with quality interiors for everyday use. It also boasts safety and security aspects that motorists will appreciate.

MITSUBISHI

Another well-known car brand in the local scene is Mitsubishi. It’s well-loved for its dependability, accessibility, and durability. Early this year, the brand released the Montero Sport Black Series, which has blacked-out parts on the exterior.

When it comes to the interiors, motorists can enjoy some of the latest technology, like a built-in GPS, a second-row USB port, and a 220V power socket, among other new features. And staying true to Mitsubishi’s dedication to providing a seamless

HCPI president Masahiko Nakamura (middle) and students from the international youth leadership organization AIESEC in the Philippines (AIESEC).

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Lexus electrified vision: Now a luxurious lifestyle

By Kyla Marie Victoriano

A ‘rearview...

From

riding experience, the latest version of the Montero is spacious, comfortable, and safe.

For instance, TMP already began holding reservations for the all-new Toyota GR86 slated for release in 2023.

The sports car is exclusive to TMP’s Gazoo Racing dealers, marking only 19 out of the 72 dealerships in the country.

LEXUS

recently launched its new UX 300e, a significant evolution of the company’s first batterypowered electric vehicle (BEV) model, and is set to make its world debut. With deliveries set to start in the spring of 2023, the upgraded UX 300e will join the redesigned UX 200/250h unveiled earlier this year.

Ever since the RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid SUV launched in 2005, the luxury car industry has shifted towards electrification. In line with the electrification vision “Lexus Electrified” introduced in 2019, Lexus seeks to address the various needs of customers throughout the world by offering a diverse selection of electrified vehicles, from hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and BEVs.

As Lexus continues to refine the timeless experience of driving by using electrification technology to greatly improve the fundamental performance of the automobile through its first BEV model and core part of the UX family, “the UX 300e incorporates the continuous performance improvement and evolution of advanced technologies applied to the UX 200/250h unveiled earlier this year, while enhancing the qualities specific to an all-electric car,” said Lexus International Chief Engineer Mitsuteru Emoto.

“Most notably, based on an “Always On” philosophy, we significantly extended the cruising range to further enrich the lifestyles of our customers. As a leading light for “Lexus Electrified,” the refinement of UX 300e is a key step on the path towards a carbon-neutral society,” he added.

The newly built battery pack has increased capacity from 54.4 kWh to 72.8 kWh, giving the BEV powertrain significant improvements in terms of performance and longevity - with an improved cruising range of more than 40% greater than its predecessor.

And to further complement the complete

driving experience, the “Lexus Safety System +” active safety technology’s capabilities - such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (PCS), dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC), lane departure alert (LDA) with lane trace assist, among others - are developed to be more intelligent, and to provide the perfect blend of luxury, safety, and security.

Lexus unveiled the UX 300e in 2020 as the company’s first production BEV vehicle. Following that in 2022, a specifically designed BEV model, the Lexus RZ, was unveiled. As the brand quickens their development and acceptance to help realize a carbon-neutral society, cumulative sales of Lexus electric vehicles as of the end of August 2022 are estimated to be over 2.3 million units.

Being a global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsman-ship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests. And to couple it with a greener and cleaner vision that is savored as early as today, what more can you ask for?

Besides developing one of its top models, Mitsubishi also released the 2022 Outlander PHEV. Its main characteristics include powerful motors, a larger battery, and more seats, but it caught more attention thanks to its hybrid aspect. The Outlander allows motorists to drive around using a few drops of oil or a charged battery.

HONDA

In 2022, Honda renewed its influence on the Philippine automobile market with the latest generation of the Honda CR-V. It boasts of developments inside and outside the hood. Compared to its earlier counterparts, the sixth generation of the CR-V has the most rugged look, more space, and a hybrid setup.

MAZDA

Following its promise in 2021, Mazda Philippines unveiled its premium line of cars. The Mazda CX-8 brought a new definition to class, with redefined luxury features that always meet its consumers’ standards.

The CX-8 has a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine that produces 190ps of power and 252Nm of torque. The engine matches a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and cruise control. Other performance-enhancing features include G-Vectoring Control Plus and OffRoad Traction Assist.

Other automobile brands in the country also took significant steps in marketing new models, thus adding to the list of available options.

ENOUGH WITH THE REARVIEW

MIRROR, TIME TO LOOK AHEAD

Although 2022 is still far from over, local automobile companies are already amping up consumers for new releases in the following year. Some of these models are developments of already existing series, while others take things to the next level.

South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai isn’t backing down on producing quality and eye-catching car models in 2023. The company endowed its Santa Cruz pickup trucks with a stealthier appearance. It will come with an all-wheel-drive and run on a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 275hp and 420Nm of torque.

Moreover, the brand is eyeing to launch the Stargazer and Ioniq 5 in the Philippine market. The Stargazer is the brand’s latest seven-seater multipurpose vehicle, while the Ioniq 5 is Hyundai’s electric vehicle.

In the meantime, the luxury brand

the hood, the model has a 2.0-liter fourcylinder TwinPower Turbo engine that generates 190hp and 400Nm of torque. With all these specifications, BMW marked the retail price for their X3 at P3,790,000. Each purchase comes with a standard five-year comprehensive warranty from BMW.

Lastly, Kia will make EV6, its first dedicated electric vehicle, available in the Philippine market during the first quarter of 2023. The launch will make the Philippines the fourth country in South East Asia to unveil the pure EV model.

EV6 also makes Kia the only brand to introduce a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) among the automotive brands in the country.

Despite the available predictions and plans from car manufacturers, the future remains uncertain, and there may be new changes along the way.

Thanks to new technology, the local

BMW landed its latest model and has plans to improve the local lineup. The X3 bears a signature Bimmer look with a subdued front bumper for a sharper design. It also uses less plastic.

BMW X3’s interiors have sleek, modern designs made more compelling with state-of-the-art technology. Under

automobile industry has grown steadily in sales because of their constant updates on existing models and attention to detail for newer ones. Traveling on Philippine roads will become more exciting as motorists and commuters alike can enjoy old and new cars taking to the streets.

MS

12 reasons why Chery Tiggo

delivers safest and most stress-free drive

IN THIS age of pandemic, one of the most crucial aspects in the car-buying decision is safety—especially at a time when people are revenge-traveling and going back to face-to-face work and school.

And we’re not talking about your basic seatbelts, airbags, ABS, and crumple zones. We’re talking about features that will actively protect you and your loved ones by helping avoid or eliminate the risks that can lead to accidents. These are state-of-the-art smart features that will not only help prevent accidents before they happen, they actually help direct you away from situations that can lead to an accident.

Which is why CHERY Auto Philippines has loaded its new 7-seater midsized SUV, the Tiggo 8 PRO 1.6 Turbo, with no less than 12 Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS).

1. Rear Cross-Traffic Assist — RCTA alerts you when another vehicle is approaching you just as you reverse out of a parking space

2. Blind Spot Detection—BSD notifies you if a vehicle is approaching your blind spots on either side of your car

3. Autonomous Emergency Braking—AEB automatically activates the brakes once it detects an obstacle and doesn’t receive any braking inputs from the driver

4. Door Opening Warning—When DOW detects an oncoming car from behind as you or your passengers are about to go down from the car, the DOW automatically issues an alert

5. Forward Collision Warning FCW detects objects ahead and alerts the driver for potential collisions

6. Adaptive Cruise Control—ACC automatically adjusts your vehicle’s

speed depending on the speed and distance of the vehicle in front

7. Lane Keeping Assist—LKA helps the driver remain inside the marked lanes, which comes in handy during drives with low visibility or when temporarily blinded by other cars’ high beams

8. Traffic Jam Assist—TJA serves as

an extension of cruise control, but works in slow-moving traffic for enhanced comfort in gridlock situations. It will autonomously accelerate and brake the vehicle in traffic.

9. Integrated Cruise Assist—ICA constantly measures the distance to the vehicle in front of you in real time and automatically maintains a safe distance

10. Intelligent High-Beam Control—IHBC automatically adjusts the headlights to maximize vision even in poorly lit roads

11. Lane Departure Warning LDW alerts you via audible alert and force-feedback when your vehicle inadvertently drifts to another lane— very helpful when the driver’s alertness

is impaired due to fatigue or other factors

12. Traffic Sign Recognition—TSR alerts you when your speed exceeds that of posted speed limits Over and above these 12 Advanced Driver Assist Systems, the Tiggo 8 PRO 1.6 Turbo offers an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and ISOFIX childseat tethers, among others.

With all these smart safety features and Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS), the new CHERY Tiggo 8 PRO 1.6 Turbo is convincingly one of the safest automobiles on the market.

The Tiggo 8 PRO 1.6T is made even more irresistible with the brand’s industry-leading CHERY Premium Preserv consisting of a 7-year engine warranty, 7-year bumper-to-bumper general vehicle warranty, FREE 3-year preventive maintenance service (PMS), and FREE 3-year roadside assistance.

The CHERY Tiggo 8 PRO 1.6T has been a recipient of numerous awards and accolades globally, and was recently lauded as the Best Midsize Crossover by the respected C! Magazine.

The all-new CHERY Tiggo 8 PRO 1.6 Turbo has a retail price of PHP 1,700,000.

For more info, follow CHERY Auto Philippines (Facebook) and @ cheryautophilippines (Instagram). You may also call the 24/7 CHERY Auto Philippines hotline at (0917) 552 4379 or email chery@uaagi.com for more inquiries.

College students get green light to make ‘campus comeback’

With mini-SUVs as ideal choice for their return

By Gabriellea Parino, Julian Cardenas, and Chelsea Din

NEARLY 2 years after remote learning, students have finally returned to inperson classes - once again filling campuses with joy and laughter. After a long period of studying from home, face-to-face classes have finally been allowed to resume by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in a program adhering to the new normal as a blended learning method is introduced.

For students who live farther away from their universities, this means early mornings to embark on the challenge of commuting—especially in a crowded metro where public transportation is in high demand. Yet for those college students who have their driver’s licenses, it’s easier to go to school with their

personal vehicles. However, some have long aspired to drive their dream car to school, with the majority of college students naming the popular mini-SUV as their dream car.

As quickly as it has taken over the online sphere, the mini-SUVs have taken University Campuses by storm as the majority of college students around the metro have claimed it as

their dream car.

With the retro trend now bouncing back, students have commended the nostalgia and “throwback” feelings these real-life “toy cars” have brought back. The evident wave of time-traveling to the past in a timeless and classic piece brings back the easier days of childhood.

Other motoring media platforms have described mini-SUVs as worth it, with

one stating that it “taps into our childhood and reminds us of the toy jeeps and trucks we played with when all we had to worry about was doing homework and having enough money to buy Chippy,” as posted on their official website.

Carlito De Leon Jr, a 22-yearold student from De La Salle University, however, is one of the many dreamers who can’t wait to get his hands on a mini-SUV.

“It is the optimal vehicle for my size and build. It has the features of an SUV in a small size, and the recent iterations make it a viable choice for designers who would want a replica of their favorite offroader,” he said.

The majority of college students drive an SUV to school, this comes from the insight that these types of vehicles are roomy and comfortable, with space to spare.

Seconded by sedans, students have said that they are left to drive these vehicles out of the pure choice of their parents and easy availability.

“My parents bought the SUV as a replacement for the older vehicle for obvious reasons such as endurance, quality, space, and price,” said De Leon.

Despite driving an SUV, his eye had always been on off-road mini SUVs.

Students have also decided to take personal vehicles to school because of convenience and safety reasons.

JP, 22, who trains for judo after school, said that by bringing a car, he’s able to bring all his equipment and extra clothes with him which might be hassling if he were to commute from his home to his university,

“I like to bring my clothes and equipment with me, including the pads after class. It makes more sense for me,” he said.

Some of the students also stated that they had only acquired driver’s licenses during the pandemic. Taking their own personal car also saves more money and is less time-consuming than commuting or hailing taxi services.

After being quite lifeless for a couple of years, roads around Universities will once again be filled with the sound of revving engines as students make their return, continuing down the road on a journey of educational fulfillment in a comeback of style and speed. And if we were to observe what would normally come in and out of those university gates nowadays, bet your bottom dollar those quaint yet functional mini-SUVs shall definitely be on the upper end of that list.