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Plot thickens on Lapid murder Hontiveros claims mystery caller tags one ‘Gen. Bantag’ behind killing

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rey Requejo and Vito Barcelo

S

ENATOR Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday disclosed audio recordings and screenshots of text messages made by an anonymous caller who tagged one “General Bantag” as having a hand in the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.

In a press conference, Hontiveros eral Bantag sa pagkamatay nitong si played the recording where the caller Lapid. Kasali si General Bantag (Gencan be heard saying: “Involved si Gen- eral Bantag is involved in the death of

Lapid. General Bantag is part of this).”

Hontiveros said she has yet to talk to suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag over the recording, but said the official is part of the 160 persons of interest in the case.

The caller told Mabasa’s daughter he earlier warned Percival that he might be killed, but the latter did not believe him.

The caller can also be heard in the recording as saying that he also warned Next page

THE THREATS CONTINUE.

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 254 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Optional mask use indoors get mixed reactions

Sen. Risa Hontiveros met with members of the Mabasa family upon their request on Tuesday, where they gave her copies of screenshots of text messages and audio recordings of an anonymous caller who has been contacting them since the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa.

6.4-strong quake jolts Abra, Palace assures aid

By Vito Barcelo, Rio N. Araja and Joel E. Zurbano AFTERSHOCKS rocked the northern Philippines early

By Willie Casas, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

Wednesday, hours after a strong earthquake injured at least 26 people and caused substantial damage to a hospital and several old churches, authorities said.

The 6.4-magnitude quake struck the mountain town of Dolores in

Abra province Tuesday night, followed by more than 400 aftershocks over the rest of the night, the state seismology office said.

Rescuers pulled out 10 residents from damaged buildings in Ilocos Norte, where 15 people sustained injuries, authorities said.

“We hid under a table and my family only went out of Next page

HEALTH professionals and lawmakers split Wednesday over the government’s decision to make the wearing of face masks voluntary even indoors, amid warnings that this could bring a new spike in COVID-19 infections.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, an infectious diseases expert, said with new variants on the rise, COVID-19 cases could rise again as the country eases its mask mandate.

Solante said that while the announcement that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order easing the face mask mandate indoors did not come as a surprise, he remains skeptical about it, especially with the recent detection of the Omicron XBB Next page

US state visit of PBBM being set June 2023 THE Philippines is looking at June 2023 as one of the possible dates for the first state visit to the United States of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

Romualdez said the embassy will try to time the visit during the Summit for Democracy that will be held in the US capital Washington DC, which Mr. Marcos is expected to attend.

“We are going to start working on that one as a possibility,” Romualdez said in a Next page

QUAKE DAMAGE. This handout photo taken on Oc-

tober 26, 2022, courtesy from the Facebook page of parish priest Christian Edward Padua, shows a damaged church of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in La Paz town, Abra a day after a 6.4-magnitude quake struck the province. Inset photos show a damaged classroom of Pulot National High School in Lagayan, Abra and evacuated patients outside Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac city, Ilocos Norte. Christian Edward Padua, Ralf Jo Largo, AFP

Cascolan to do ‘admin audit’ at DOH, Soriano no PR job but creative

By Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas

FORMER national police chief Camilo Cascolan was appointed to the Department of Health to look at its administrative functions with an eye on improving the agency, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday as he defended his

choice for DOH undersecretary.

The President also fended off criticism of his appointment of Paul Soriano as presidential adviser on creative communications, saying people “have misunderstood” why he tapped the director and nephew of First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos for the post.

On Cascolan, Mr. Marcos told reporters in an ambush interview: “It’s not health issues that he has to look at, that’s why he doesn’t have to be a doctor. He’s going to look at the function of the DOH.” “It is an administrative audit, if you want to call it that. We talked about right-

sizing. We talked about structural changes. We need somebody to examine what has been going on,” he added of the former Philippine National Police chief.

As for Soriano, “He’s there to find ways to promote the creative industry because that’s his expertise. We Next page

Washington grants $70m more to modernize AFP

By Rey E. Requejo THE United States will provide $70 million in assistance to the Philippines to bankroll improvements to the country’s military infrastructure over the

next two years, on top of the $100 million that the State Department wants to make available to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said on Wednesday

that the US is willing to extend help to the country as it is looking at more ways to expand the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and directly strengthen the work of both countries.

Next page

BOOSTING ICT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. views an exhibit during the sidelines of the National Information and Communications Technology (NICT) Summit 2022 on Oct. 26, 2022.

Marcos pushes gov’t digitalization

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the need to hasten the country’s digital transformation to enable his administration to provide “fast, transparent, and efficient” services to the public.

During the National Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Summit 2022, Mr. Marcos said the government must take “full advantage” of the new technologies and techniques to provide the Filipino people the “best” services they deserve.

“And if we are to succeed in digitalizing our bureaucracy, our government, Next page

Jose Arturo Tugade

Mama Fatima Singhateh

Dean Cheves

Tugade named new MIAA head

UN rapporteur arriving Nov. 28

‘US sex offender must be tried in PH’

NEWS / A4

NEWS / A3

NEWS / A3

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

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‘Prioritize unsolved killings of judges’

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court on Wednesday said its soon-to-be-created Office of the Judiciary Marshals (OJM) will also prioritize the investigation of the unsolved killings of more than 30 judges since 1999.

ippine National Police or the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the National Bureau of Investigation.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo emphasized that the judiciary marshals are basically intended to provide security and ensure the safety, and protection of the members, officials, personnel, and property of the judiciary, including the integrity of the courts of its proceedings.

Republic Act No. 11691, or the Judiciary Marshals Act was signed into law last April.

The law allows the creation of the OJM to address the killings and other forms of violence committed against the members of the judiciary.

The creation of the OJM, which was patterned after the US Marshal system, was the brainchild of retired Chief Jus-

tice Diosdado Peralta.

Under the law, the Office of the Judiciary Marshals shall conduct threat assessments, investigations, and forensic analyses of crimes and threats committed against judiciary members and court properties.

The judiciary marshals will also investigate alleged corruption committed by justices, judges, and other court officials as directed by the Supreme Court.

It shall have concurrent jurisdiction with other law enforcement agencies to undertake investigations of crimes and other offenses committed against justices, judges, court officials and personnel, halls of justice, courthouses, and other court properties.

The SC has allotted a P50 million budget for the OJM’s operations.

his part, said he is not convinced the alleged middleman in the murder case died of natural causes.

“There’s no poison or medicine that was given to the said dead middleman.

But I’m still not satisfied that it’s natural causes. I told them to investigate further because there are ways to kill a person that do not show up in the medico legal,” Mr. Marcos said.

“The investigation continues, and more importantly, is to really trace who gave the order to the shooter to kill Lapid and why. That is what we are working on now,” the President said.

The alleged middleman, Jun Villamor, died inside the New Bilibid Prison on the same day that Joel Escorial confessed to killing Mabasa.

The NBP is under the Bureau of Corrections that Bantag previously headed.

A second sister Villamor is now under the witness protection program of the DOJ, Remulla said on Wednesday.

This after the first sister, alias “Marisa,” surfaced in Manila and disclosed that her brother Jun sent her a message at 11:59 in the morning on October 18, hours before he died.

“On Oct. 18, he suddenly texted me, ‘Ate, whatever happens to me, take care of this secret. If I die, reveal it. But as long as I am alive, don’t. When I go, tell Joel that it was ordered by 3 commanders here, Sputnik, Happy Go Lucky and BCJ. The order came from the office,’” she told ABS-CBN News in Filipino.

Asked what her brother meant when he texted “from the office,” Marisa said: “There in Bilibid.”

Bantag was the subject of Mabasa’s commentary in his “Lapid Fire” program aired on dwBL and livestreamed on his Facebook and YouTube accounts where the broadcaster said the BuCor official was building a mansion in an exclusive subdivision in Laguna province, with several vehicles parked outside.

Bantag, in an interview on Dobol B TV but before the press conference of Hontiveros, said he is open to undergo a lifestyle check if asked of him after he was tagged as a person of interest in the case.

“Even though my name was not mentioned, I know he was talking about me...The vehicles that were parked there were not all mine. I said six of those are owned by BuCor. Of course, I owned some and some of those vehicles were owned by my neighbors,” he said.

He again blamed “powerful drug lords and syndicates” after he was linked to the murder case.

“What did our former president say?

Narco-politics. We are nearing a narcopolitics (state),” Bantag said.

He, however, has yet to comment on the audio recordings disclosed by the Mabasa family through Hontiveros.

Remulla, for his part, said of the eight persons of interest now in custody of authorities, four are from the NBP who were secured by the National Bureau of Investigation and three are with the Philippine National Police. The eighth person of interest is in another facility and will soon be transferred to the NBI. Meanwhile, forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun has already finished conducting the second autopsy on the remains of the first middleman, Remulla said.

“She will come up with a written report by Friday. Just give her time to prepare for the results of the autopsy.

We can be able to discern from that,” he added.

Remulla said the testimony of “Marisa” was also “very important because she was a recipient of a text message which is a form of a dying declaration.”

“He was conscious that he was in danger at the time he texted (his sister) around two hours before he was declared dead. This is very, very important,” Remulla said.

and in an area with poor ventilation, viral transmission is stronger,” he added.

Other Southeast Asian countries that have lifted mask mandates already gave boosters to more than 50 percent of their population, Leachon also said.

“We’re only at 20 million boosters.

So our countrymen are not ready for this, so while we agree that we need to reopen the economy, we still want face masks worn in indoor spaces,” he said.

Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco said Tuesday that the President will soon issue an executive order to make the indoor wearing of face masks voluntary all over the Philippines with a few exceptions.

Washington...

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Speaking before the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum, Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez, who is supervising the formation of OJM, stressed the body is likely to be activated within the first quarter of 2023.

“Once we are able to create, even at the initial creation of the Office of the Judiciary Marshals and once we already have investigators, we will have these killings looked into. Right now, I think we have around 33 or 34 judges killed while in service,” Marquez said.

“We will request the judiciary marshals to review all the cases of these judges because we cannot just let this go unresolved,” he added.

According to Marquez, out of the 33 or 34 judges killed, less than 10 percent have been resolved and in some of these cases, the masterminds were not arrested or charged.

He said the SC is now vetting persons for the position of Chief Marshall who is preferably a lawyer and a former or retired high-ranking officer of the Phil-

6.4-strong...

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Plot...

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the house after the shaking stopped,” Abra rescuer Ron Sequerra said, adding his family had been woken by strong ground shaking.

Six people were injured in the Abra town of Lagayan, Sequerra added.

The Lagayan mayor’s office and a high school building were sealed off after they sustained cracks and broken glass windows, according to pictures posted on the town’s official Facebook page.

In the city of Batac in the neighboring province of Ilocos Norte, several patients spent most of the night outside a government hospital after the ceiling collapsed on several rooms and damaged equipment, hospital staff said.

Boulders rolling down a hillside temporarily blocked a road linking Batac to the nearby town of Banna, but rescue officials said the landslide had since been cleared.

A number of old churches in Abra and Ilocos Norte also sustained damage, the civil defense office said.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc declared a school holiday and government workers were told not to report for work as the authorities inspected the integrity of buildings.

In July, a 7.0-magnitude quake also in mountainous Abra province triggered landslides and ground fissures, killing 11 people and injuring several hundred others, according to the official count.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public the government is on top of the situation, adding that there is enough food and shelter for the survivors of the earthquake in the affected areas.

“We do not have a critical problem when it comes to food and shelter.

That is the most important part of the relief that we have to provide now for the people affected by the earthquake last night,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President said he is monitoring the situation in the area.

Citing reports he received, families are asking for tents as they fear for their safety due to possible aftershocks following the magnitude 6.4 tremor.

The President said schools remain closed for the day as officials check on the structural integrity of school buildings.

“Everyone is advised to keep out of tall structures,” he continued, and reminded people in affected areas to remain vigilant as the region continues to experience aftershocks.

Mabasa’s brother, Roy, who is also a journalist, as well as Mabasa’s son, Mark, that their lives are also at risk.

“Noong una tinatawagan ko si Percy na mag-iingat ka dahil papatayin ka na. Ayaw niyang maniwala. Ngayon si Roy naman. Ayaw maniwala ni Roy sa akin...Maliit na halaga lang hinihingi ko kay Roy para lang isend ko sa kanya ang ‘Ocho Boys’ ni General Bantag (Before, I called Percy and told him to be careful because he will be killed. He did not want to believe me. Now it is Roy. Roy does not want to believe me...I am only asking for a small amount for me to send to Roy the ‘Ocho Boy’s of General Bantag),” the caller said.

Hontiveros said the calls and text messages happened between Oct. 22 to Oct. 24.

The Mabasa family has already coordinated the anonymous call with the Department of Justice and the Commission on Human Rights, Roy told Manila Standard.

Asked whether authorities are looking into Bantag’s alleged involvement, Roy said: “There are things that are happening as we speak but I am not at liberty to say yet...We also have to unmask the sender of the text.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said authorities now have at least eight “persons of interest” in connection with Mabasa’s murder.

But Remula said he is not discounting the possibility that the numbers may go up to 10 persons.

Asked if government investigators have established the mastermind in the killing, Remulla said: “We cannot conclude yet. Unless we are conclusive, I’d rather not speculate.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for

subvariant and XBC variant.

“When you make face masks optional indoors, then there is really a risk,” Solante said in a public briefing.

Solante said there is always a possibility of infections in indoor settings, especially if they are crowded. This could also be risky for those who are unvaccinated and the vulnerable sector, if they decide not to wear their face masks, he added.

A former adviser to the government response to COVID-19, Dr. Tony Lea-

chon, also said it was too early for the Philippines to lift mask mandates in indoor spaces.

“I don’t think we are ready, I think it’s still premature,” Leachon told ABSCBN TeleRadyo, speaking in Filipino.

Leachon said, on top of the presence of the XBB subvariant and XBC variant in the country, many people are also expected to head out this weekend to commemorate the All Saints and All Souls Days.

“I think we should wait two weeks after the entry of the XBB subvariant and XBC variants, and after the All Souls Day commemoration before we impose aggressive measures,” Leachon said.

“We know that the virus is airborne,

US...

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come to Washington DC and of course, the White House is also looking at it as such. The summit for democracy may be an opportunity for us to schedule it, but it is still up in the air of course,” Romualdez said.

If the US state visit pushes through, it will be the first for a Philippine leader in 19 years. Then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did so in 2003, while then-President Benigno Aquino III was there for an official visit in 2012.

“It will be good for our continuing relationship with the United States,” Romualdez said, adding that bolstering American investments in the country will be the President’s key priority.

Mr. Marcos and US President Joe Biden first met in an informal meeting at the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.

According to Romualdez, the two leaders “had a very good meeting and hit it off very well.”

“This summit is therefore correct, is apt, is timely for what we will discuss here will be instrumental not only in improving our global standing but most importantly, securing the Philippines’ place in the future,” the President added.

Mr. Marcos admitted that the Philippines is behind other countries in terms of digital transformation despite the innovations and technologies available at present.

Carrying the theme, “Toward a Citizen-Centric, Inclusive, and Sustainable

eGovernance Ecosystem”, this year’s national ICT summit seeks to explore developments in the field of ICT, harness innovations in digitalization, and initiate public-private partnerships (PPPs) in using digital tools and resources to provide better services to Filipinos.

The event will also serve as a venue to help the Marcos administration attain its planned digital transformation in national government agencies and local government units. Vito Barcelo

briefing with visiting Filipino journalists.

The state visit would highlight the Marcos administration’s efforts to reaffirm ties with the US in a turnaround from the often-frosty relations with the previous government.

“It is not a goal. It is our view that it is time for a Philippine President to

Marcos...

From A1 and to make the way that we do business, the way that we work, the way that we even communicate with one another, we (have) to make it as efficient, as streamlined, and as affordable as possible so that we can provide that extremely important service,” he said in a speech delivered at the Manila Hotel.

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“These improvements are designed to enhance cooperative defense capacities and support humanitarian assistance disaster response activities, in ways that best meet the needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the alliance,” Carlson said, during a Mangrove Forum held at the US Embassy in Manila.

Carlson said the US is leaving it to the Department of National Defense to decide on what specific projects they want to bankroll with the funds from Washington.

The US will not give a list of what it wants, although it encourages the country’s military to identify projects that will ensure security and territorial integrity.

The US ambassador also observed that despite challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the military organizations of both countries have managed to maintain their alliance “at the

Gesmundo: Final court decisions can be reviewed CHIEF Justice Alexander Gesmundo said certain circumstances may permit the review of final court decisions.

“No decision of the court is written in stone,” Gesmundo said when asked to comment on the statement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that he would like to reopen the estate tax case involving his family.

“First of all, the modification of a decision is dependent on the composition of the court. Similar to the United States, there are conservatives and liberals on the US Supreme Court. If the majority of the justices are conservative, it is difficult to reverse a decision.

But if the majority is liberal, it will be easier,” the chief magistrate added.

In 1997, the Supreme Court ruled that the family of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. owed P23 billion in estate tax. The decision became final and executory in 1999.

In an earlier interview, Mr. Marcos lamented his family did not have the opportunity to answer the estate tax issue since they were in the United States at the time.

“Open the case and let us argue with it. So that all of the things that we should have been able to say in 1987, ’88, ’89 that we were not able to say...

We will really go through each property one by one because the ownership of those properties they claim are ours is not clear. We have been saying those are not ours -- do not tax us for those properties,” the President said.

“In fact, I have signed a quit claim several times already. If they really want those properties, get them because those are not ours,” Mr. Marcos added.

Cascolan...

From A1 have to project that to the rest of the world. That’s the job of Paul,” the President said.

More than 100 days into his administration, Marcos has yet to appoint a Health Secretary. The DOH is currently being headed by officerin-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Cascolan’s appointment to the DOH was met with criticisms, with Dr. Gene Nisperos, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, saying Wednesday the appointment of a non-doctor as health undersecretary is “an insult to all Filipino citizens.”

Defending himself, Cascolan said he could be of help to the health department through his expertise in emergency response.

He said that when he was PNP chief for two months in late 2020, he started COVID-19 protocols in the initial stage “when everybody was in a quandary.”

Cascolan also said he conceptualized the COVID-19 Task Force at the PNP during the early days of the pandemic.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also backed the ex-police general, saying: “The officials don’t have to be doctors, they have different expertise in looking at the functions of the department.”

“I can concede that to the President, the capacity of Police Gen. Cascolan there,” she said.

tactical level” of security cooperation.

“In the coming months, we expect to hold our Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD), and a 2+2 Dialogue of our senior-most foreign and defense officials,” the envoy said, adding that these meetings will \explore ways to modernize the alliance of both countries.

The US diplomat said that the improving bilateral relations between the US and the Philippines, which weakened during the previous administration, is not a “counterbalance” to the strengthening partnership between China and the Philippines.

Carlson said the US-Philippines relationship can stand on its own and is “inherently valuable” with the two countries’ 76 years of diplomatic relations that have nothing to do with China.

While the US, like any other countries in the world, wants to have “constructive relations” with China, Carlson said he US is also looking for partner countries that share its values, which include the view to have a “free, open, prosperous and secure world.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

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LTO set to impose sanctions on errant red Ferrari driver

By Rio N. Araja

FREEDOM REGAINED. The Department of Justice sets free a total of 357 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from various jails nationwide, including 154 prisoners from the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City who were exuberant over the announcement of their release. Avito Dalan

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is poised to impose sanctions on an unidentified foreigner who drives around Metro Manila in a stylish red Ferrari car that intruded into an exclusive bus lane on EDSA. The alien reportedly failed to appear for the second time at the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) in Quezon City to give his/her side of the story.

IID head Renan Melitante said they would recommend to LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz III to suspend the foreigner’s driver’s license for 90 days.

The Ferrari would also be placed under alarm, meaning the owner would not be able to renew the vehicle’s registration until the driver in question appears at the IID office to shed light on the alleged traffic rule violation.

The EDSA bus lane is for the exclusive

DPWH reactivates ‘Lakbay Alalay’ to assist travelers on Oct. 28-Nov. 2

By Vito Barcelo

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HE Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) will deploy teams to assist motorists and other travelers during the forthcoming long weekend for the nationwide observance of All Saints’ Day. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the department’s public assistance program dubbed “Lakbay Alalay” has been reactivated and will be operational along strategic locations nationwide starting on Friday (Oct. 28) until Wednesday (Nov, 2).

The Lakbay Alalay teams are composed of uniformed field and crew per-

sonnel with maintenance equipment on standby at navy blue-colored tents along strategic stations.

“Our teams will be working on a round-the-clock shift to provide emergency assistance to travelers and ensure major thoroughfares are wellmaintained, and free from obstruction and potholes,” Bonoan said.

The secretary also ordered implementing offices with ongoing projects to ensure that proper safety signage and traffic advisories are posted by contractors, in order to prevent traffic slowdown along major roads and routes leading to cemeteries.

The DPWH also keeps close coordination with other government entities such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government units (LGUs) for possible assistance.

Meanwhile, people started to visit the Manila South Cemetery a few days before the so-called long weekend holiday which begins October 29 until November 2.

Some of the early birds said they wanted to avoid the crowd on All Saints’

Day. Irene Petalio, accompanied by her husband and child, visited the tomb of her mother. She lighted candles and offered a prayer.

“Umiiwas po talaga lalo may pandemya pa. Hindi pa natin alam ang panahon kung ligtas na ba talaga tayo.”

Julianne Argota did her own cleaning of the grave of her father, saying she had no money to hire a worker.

The Manila South Cemetery officials said they expect huge crowds starting Saturday.

The public has been warned against bringing alcoholic drinks, sharp objects like knives, flammable materials, videoke machines, playing cards, and other gambling materials to the cemeteries.

Wescom activates unmanned aerial system to boost security capability THE national security capability of the Palawan-based Western Command’s (Wescom) was dramatically boosted with the operationalization and activation of its ScanEagle unmanned aerial system (UAS).

Wescom has a large area of responsibility including the Malampaya Natural Gas-To-Power Project (MNGPP).

Wescom spokesperson Maj. Cheryl Tindog, in a statement, said the ScanEagle UAS codenamed “Alpha Flight” had completed its site set-up, series of ground runs, and test flights earlier in the day.

“With the entire system now in place, the ‘Alpha Flight’ of the Maritime Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron (MUARS) 71 headed by its mission commander, Lt. Joecarnine B. Pulangas, will be placed under the operational control of Joint Task Force Malampaya,” Tindog said.

Aside from conducting intensified maritime air intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in northeastern Palawan, these air assets will be particularly deployed to protect and secure the MNGPP in Wescom’s area of responsi-

SolGen wants ex-US State dep’t. worker tried under PH laws SOLICITOR General Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said the former State Department employee who committed child abuse in the Philippines should also be prosecuted and punished under Philippine laws.

Dean Cheves admitted having engaged in illicit sexual relations with a minor for four years while assigned at the United States Embassy in Manila.

“He (Cheves) is accountable not only under US laws but more so under Philippine laws,” Guevarra said.

“Justice will be fully served if Cheves is also tried and punished in our country where he committed those horrible crimes,” he added.

Cheves, 63, pleaded guilty as charged, according to a statement quoting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite Jr. of the US Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and lawyer Jessica Aber of the Eastern District of Virginia.

“Cheves is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 20, 2023 and faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors,” the press statement read.

Cheves worked at the US Embassy in Manila from 2017 to 2021 when he interacted with minors online.

bility.

“We are beefing up the capabilities of the Joint Task Force Malampaya to ensure that we can protect the country’s crown jewel, the MNGPP, from all forms of threats,” Wescom commander, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, said.

Wescom’s Joint Task Force Malampaya secures the country’s energy and economy in countless ways, including reducing oil imports, ensuring a more stable supply of cleaner energy from an indigenous resource, and meeting up to 20 percent of the country’s energy needs.

“In doing so, we can safeguard the MNGPP’s unimpeded operations and sustain the country’s energy requirements,” Carlos said.

With the ScanEagle UAS now in their inventory, he said they would have more “persistent eyes” for Joint Task Force Malampaya’s operations.

The ScanEagle UAS was acquired through the initiative of the Philippine Navy in coordination with the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) Philippines.

THE EXODUS BEGINS. All roads now lead to bus stations in Metro

Manila, including this one in Cubao, Quezon City ahead of the long weekend in commemoration of the traditional All Saints Day (Undas) on Nov. 1st when residents of the big city usually flock to the provinces to visit their departed loved ones.

Manny Palmero

use of public utility buses, ambulances and marked government vehicles being used for emergency purposes only.

Guadiz believes that the driver/owner was given due process to defend himself/herself, and that the LTO would resolve the case “based on the evidence at hand.”

“In the interest of justice and the LTO’s strict adherence to proper legal procedure.

We have extended all possible leeway for the driver/owner to explain why the violation was committed. Since there was failure to do so, we have no recourse but to apply the law,” he said.

“Let this case also serve as an example that the LTO will not tolerate violations against traffic laws that were put in place for the safety of everyone, especially now that the country is still in a state of national health emergency. We hope that other drivers out there who may think of doing the same thing in the future will rethink their action,” Guadiz added.

CHR welcomes UNSR probe on alleged child abuse incidence in PH THE Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday cited the upcoming visit to the Philippines of the United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) in connection with the alleged sale and sexual exploitation of children.

UNSR Mama Fatima Singhateh is scheduled to be in Manila on Nov. 28 to Dec. 8 upon invitation of the Philippine government.

She will inquire into the reported sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography and other child sexual abuse materials in the country.

The UNSR has the mandate to analyze the root causes of the sale and sexual exploitation of children and identify new and emerging patterns of the phenomena, the CHR said.

She was also empowered to exchange good practices to combat the said problem, promote preventive measures and make recommendations for the rehabilitation of victims, the CHR added.

“The Commission is hopeful that the visit will help enhance the capacity of government agencies and actors to protect children from all forms of abuse, particularly those involving the use of information and communication technology, which have become rampant in recent years.”

“It will also be an opportunity for the government to showcase the measures and mechanisms it has implemented to uphold and protect the rights of child victims of sale and sexual exploitation. It is also expected that the Philippines will learn more about surrogacy, illegal adoption, and online child sexual exploitation, which are the UNSR’s areas of interest,” the agency said.

The CHR said it sees such development as a demonstration of the government’s openness and resolve to address the urgent situation of vulnerable children in the Philippines. Rio N. Araja

PAL announces opening of Cebu-Baguio route this December

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Philippine Airlines announced on Wednesday it is set to launch its first flight between Cebu City and Baguio City this December to coincide with the reopening of commercial flight operations in Loakan Airport.

“This will be PAL’s comeback to the very first destination we served nearly 82 years ago, so we are happy to be flying back to where it all started,” said PAL president and chief operating office

Stanley Ng. “At the same time, we’re inaugurating a brand-new service, linking two progressive tourist and business destinations – the Queen City of the South and the City of Pines.”

PAL’s first flight as a newly incorporated airline was a Manila-Baguio service flown out of Manila’s Neilson Airport on March 15, 1941. The PAL Beechcraft Model 18 carried five passengers to Baguio City, ushering in the dawn of the aviation age for the Philippines and Asia.

“We laud the Department of Transportation, under the leadership of Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo, for upgrading Loakan Airport to enable safe and reliable airline services to and from Baguio City,” Ng said.

“We will work with the aviation authorities, the local governments and the travel community to make our CebuBaguio flights a success,” he added.

The Department of Tourism sees the move as an introduction of Baguio to the

international market, noting that Cebu is an international gateway.

“We at the DOT will continually push for the opening of new local and domestic routes to cater to more tourists in line with our vision to improve connectivity into and around the country. PAL’s new Cebu-Baguio route will certainly provide new opportunities that would propel closer interaction between two of the most prominent tourism destinations in the country,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

CEB opens self-bag drop counters at Clark airport

DIPLOMATIC COURTESY CALL. Unites States Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson calls on Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo to convey her government’s assistance and support for judicial reforms in the Philippines.

THE Cebu Pacific (CEB) has launched its first self-bag drop counters in Clark International Airport (CRK).

“We are happy and proud to finally use self-bag drop counters here in the Philippines, in line with our goal to make flying safe and easy for everyJuan. We believe this state-of-the-art contactless solution will make our services move faster and more efficiently in Clark,” said Lei Apostol, CEB vice president for customer service operations.

“This enhancement is also our way of ensuring that we are ready to cater to the anticipated influx of passengers from Clark,” Apostol said.

Noel Manankil, chief executive officer of the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), the consortium that operates and manages CRK, said the self-bag drop facility is one of the key features of Clark International Airport’s new terminal.

“We are happy that Cebu Pacific has now fully integrated the use of this contactless feature, bringing to fruition our promise of a seamless and hassle-free passenger journey here at CRK,” he shared.

CEB currently flies 6x weekly between Clark and Cebu. It intends to operate once daily by December 2022.

Pre-pandemic, CEB was serving direct flights from Clark to six other domestic destinations apart from Cebu, namely Bacolod, Bohol, Boracay, Davao, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa. It also flew to five international destinations then, namely Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Macau, Singapore, and Tokyo (Narita).

Meanwhile, the CEB management reminded air travelers to allot time for traffic going to the airports this coming holiday break in connection with the traditional observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

President names Tugade acting general manager of airport authority PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated Jose Arturo Maddela Tugade, as the acting general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

Press Secretary officer-in-charge (OIC) Undersecretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil confirmed the appointment of Tugade who is the son of former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

He will replace outgoing MIAA general manager Cesar Chiong. He will also serve as a member of the MIAA’s Board of Directors.

Malacañang has yet to release Tugade’s appointment paper. The younger Tugade has been immersed in the travel and airline industry, particularly in logistics, as well as in petroleum and freight or cargo handling.

MIAA oversees the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which serves the Metro Manila area and is considered the main international gateway to the Philippines.

Vito Barcelo

Congress urged to OK bill on ban on foreign ships

By Maricel V. Cruz A CONGRESSIONAL leader on Wednesday urged Congress to pass a bill that seeks to ban foreign ships from encroaching on Philippine waters.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said the proposed ban is contained in House Bill 2465, which he has filed. The measure is pending with the House committee on foreign affairs.

He said the House had approved the measure in the last Congress but the Senate failed to pass it.

“I have refiled my bill and I urge Congress to approve it. No Chinese or any vessel should be allowed in our waters without our approval unless for innocent passage in the designated archipelagic sea lanes,” Rodriguez said.

HB 2464 is titled, “An Act establishing the archipelagic sea lanes in the Philippine archipelagic waters, prescribing the rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft exercising the right of archipelagic sea lane passage.”

Rodriguez said the proposed law would “penalize arbitrary passage by Chinese and other foreign ships and planes in our archipelagic waters and the adjacent territorial waters.

The bill sets the coordinates designating the sea lanes and air routes for the continuous and expeditious sailing or flight of foreign ships and aircraft exercising the right of innocent passage.

The vessels or planes shall not deviate more than 25 nautical miles from the designated passage routes. They shall not make any activity other than transiting expeditiously.

They shall not make any threat against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of the Philippines.

Transiting ships and planes shall be prohibited from conducting any oceanography or hydrographic survey or research activity unless permitted by the Philippine government.

The proposed law authorizes the President to issue rules and regulations relating to the management and security of the country’s archipelagic and adjacent waters.

The bill imposes the penalty of imprisonment for at least six months and one day to two years and two months, or a fine of $1.2 million, or both upon the discretion of the court, on the ship master or captain of the plane or owner or operators of the vessel or plane.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022 E-mail: mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News PAGASA says typhoon ‘Paeng’ moving west, rains expected

SALVAGE OPERATION. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority reopened flights between 5 am to 5 pm amid an ongoing salvage operation of the damaged Korean Air aircraft three days after its runway mishap. Alan Tangcawan

Palace: OICs, GOCCs can sign new contracts

By Vito Barcelo

M

ALACAÑANG has allowed officers-in-charge (OICs), government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government instrumentalities to enter into new contracts or projects or disbursing extraordinary funds, with the exception of those involved in the food, transportation, and energy sectors.

Malacanang said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular No. (MC) 9, revoking Item 4 of MC 3, which barred certain government agencies and instrumentalities from entering into new contracts or disbursing extraordinary funds to ensure the continuity of operations and the delivery of services.

All other provisions of MC 3 will remain in full force and effect, the order

also read.

MC 3 has extended the terms of designated OICs of departments, agencies, and bureaus until December 31, 2022.

Item 4 of the memorandum circular prohibited OICs, government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and government instrumentalities from entering into new contracts or projects or disbursing extraordinary funds, with the exception of those involved

in the food, transportation, and energy sectors.

“In order to ensure continuity in government operations and delivery of services to the public, and taking into account the assumption to duty of newly-appointed heads of government departments, agencies and instrumentalities, as well as the policy director provided by the Administration through, among others, the two 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Medium Term Fiscal Framework, Item 4 of MC 3 (s. 2022) is hereby revoked,” Bersamin said.

Bersamin directed all government departments and agencies to strictly adhere to the Government Procurement Reform Act and ensure the prudent use of state resources, as well as strict adherence to the ethical norms of honesty, integrity, and efficiency in contract execution and fund disbursement.

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration(PAGASA) reported that tropical depression “Paeng” has maintained its strength while moving westward over the Philippine Sea. In its 5 p.m. severe weather bulletin, PAGASA said Paeng was sighted 945 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 4 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and central pressure of 1004 hPa. At present, Paeng is moving 10 km/h westward and also had strong winds that extended outwards up to 300 km from the center, the weather bureau said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is on red alert status for Paeng, GMA News reported.

At a press briefing, NDRRMC deputy spokesperson Raffy Alejandro said most Regional Risk-Reduction Management Councils (RDRRMCs) will be on red alert status starting Thursday.

“By tomorrow most of our regional offices or regional DRRMCs will be on red alert status starting tomorrow,” Alejandro said, adding that “we will experience the effects of the tropical depression starting Friday and then onwards to Monday until it exits on Tuesday.”

PAGASA further said no tropical cyclone wind signal has been hoisted yet in any area.

However, PAGASA said a cyclone wind signal may be raised for some areas in Eastern Visayas and Bicol region on Thursday morning. The weather bureau said the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 4.

Paeng is also expected to heavy rains are possible over Quezon, Bicol Region, Visayas, and the northern and western portions of Mindanao.

Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains may be experienced over Eastern Visayas, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Quezon, Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan.

Rizal, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Visayas and Cagayan Valley may have light to moderate with at times heavy rains.

Salceda: Gov’t could lose P2.5b on sugar tariffs SARA AND JIL. Vice President Sara Duterte attends the Pastors’ Congress of Jesus is Lord Church at Novotel Manila in Quezon City on Wednesday. The Vice President said she recognizes the role of the church in the development of the country.

Gatchalian bats for agri information system for farmers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Win Gatchalian is seeking the establishment of an agriculture information system (AIS) to help ensure an adequate supply of farm products, boost agricultural output, and reduce poverty.

He said the government needs to provide the infrastructure and the mechanism that would enable our farmers to sell their output where there is demand.

“Our vision is to help our farmers find their markets as this is key in reducing

poverty in the country,” Gatchalian said, as he filed Senate Bill No. 1374.

The proposed measure provides for the creation of the AIS, to be managed by the Department of Agriculture (DA), which will serve as a dynamic online computer database where information on the demand for specific agricultural and fisheries commodities is gathered and uploaded simultaneously with production data from farmers in every barangay.

As envisioned, the AIS shall merge and synchronize agricultural data from

different sources into a cohesive database designed to facilitate linkages from the farm to the intended consumers, including global markets.

He expresses hope that with the establishment of AIS, the lives of our farmers will improve. He aais it will also help solve the problem of hunger in the country.

According to Gatchalian, the measure supports the administration’s goal of ensuring food security, especially during emergencies as the country builds a stronger economy.

PBBM leads Samal-Davao bridge groundbreaking

HEIGHTENED ALERT FOR UNDAS. The Philippine Coast Guard is on

heightened alert in preparation for thousands of port passengers going home to their provinces to visit their departed loved ones this ‘undas.’ Norman Cruz.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to lead the highly anticipated groundbreaking ceremony of the Samal IslandDavao City Connector (SIDC) bridge project on Thursday.

Mr. Marcos will be accompanied by other national and local officials, according to a press release from Malacañang.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian is also expected to witness the groundbreaking ceremony.

Set to be built by engineering company China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the P23-billion twoway, four-lane bridge is expected to spur tourism and economic progress in Davao.

With a total length of 3.98 kilometers, the bridge will connect the Samal Cir-

cumferential Road in the Island Garden City of Samal to the R. Castillo–Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City.

Once completed, it is expected to shorten travel time from Davao City to Samal from around 30 minutes via ferry to merely five minutes.

The bridge will be constructed within five years and is set to be completed and operationalized in 2027.

Last June 13, Huang exchanged with then Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III the signed Framework Agreement and Loan Agreement between the Philippines and China for a loan grant worth $350 million or P18.67 billion for the bridge project.

The Chinese loan will cover 90 percent of the project’s P23.039-billion cost.

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has warned that the government could lose as much as P2.5 billion per month in taxes from sweetened beverages under Republic Act 10963 or the TRAIN Law should industrial beverage makers not able to get sugar for their operations.

“Jobs are on the line. Taxes are on the line. Growth is on the line, if industrial users are unable to get their sugar. Consumers can shift from refined to raw sugar, or even shift preferences altogether to other alternatives. But industrial users always need high-grade refined sugar,” Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, said.

Right now, Salceda said “beverage makers only have around four days’ worth of inventory at a time.

They usually operate at 21 days’ worth of inventory. If they are unable to procure sugar from the 150,000 MT sugar import order of the SRA, we’re going to see more work stoppages. Beverage plants can only produce their zero-sugar or ‘diet’ varieties. That doesn’t account for much of the demand.”

The House resident economist said his committee was expecting P37 billion in sweetened beverage taxes if the sugar crisis had not hit.

He says that as restaurants begin to reopen more widely, and as the economy returns to a greater sense of normalcy, demand of sweetened beverages is moving up.

Companies, however, are at serious risk of being completely unable to meet demand because they are unable to import directly and are forced to make do with “whatever amount of refined sugar they can get from traders.” Maricel V. Cruz

Opinion Holidays the way they used to be

FINALLY, there is a semblance of normalcy as more Filipinos do away with wearing face masks after President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr. made it optional outdoors.

News reports have it that PBBM would soon declare wearing of face masks indoors also optional.

We understand the apprehension of those who prefer to keep wearing face masks compulsory after getting used to it, complying with public health precautions against COVID-19 for over two years.

We understand that we are not “out of the woods” as far as the threat of COVID-19 and its variants is concerned but the Marcos administration will not allow almost half of the country’s families to stay poor, as indicated by a recent Social Weather Stations survey.

We are on our way to economic recovery and revitalization of industries, creation of jobs and start-up businesses, and continuation of infrastructure.

We are aiming to attain upper-middleclass economic stature by 2028, the end of the current administration’s term.

I would like to believe we may have found the balance between observing public health standards and returning to the pre-pandemic mode of activities of daily living. Some would call it the “new normal.”

With the continued rollout of the government’s COVID vaccination program, PBBM has ruled out any more lockdowns, shutdown of businesses and disruption of mass transportation.

I share the President’s enthusiasm about better days to come with the full reopening of the economy and return of our fellow Filipinos to work.

In a message he delivered as guest of honor at Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival last

weekend, PBBM said the Filipino resiliency as dramatized by the traditional Negrense festivity will spur the nation’s recovery from the COVID pandemic crisis.

During the massive street dance, MassKara festival’s big smiling masks showcased Bacolod locals’ resilience amid crisis and tragedy, reason they called their hometown the “City of Smiles.”

PBBM earlier expressed strong support for the rejuvenation of Philippine tourism, beckoning to the world to discover our islands’ fascinating natural wonders and tapestry of cultural heritage Thousands of people including tourists trooped to the streets to watch the colorful masked dancers gyrating to the rhythm of Latin musical beat.

PBBM earlier expressed strong support for the rejuvenation of Philippine tourism, beckoning to the world to discover our islands’ fascinating natural wonders and tapestry of cultural heritage.

As we approach the holidays, I would say it was a timely message that PBBM made to reaffirm his call for unity versus the incessant black propaganda by his critics.

The “longest Christmas season in the world” for which Filipinos are known to observe during the “Ber Months” is around the corner, following All Saints Day. We sure hope and pray the coming holidays will be the way they used to be, simply happy and safe for the Filipino family.

POGO or no go

AFTER a series of criminal incidents, including murders and kidnaps involving mostly Chinese citizens, the outcry to ban offshore gaming operations in the Philippines again resurrected.

Legislators loudly got into the act, and, in a budget hearing of the finance department, they even got Sec. Ben Diokno admitting that the revenue collections from Pagcor-legalized POGOs were not worth the “social costs” it exacted in return.

The Senate President, accompanied by two members of the Senate, one of whom studied in a Filipino-Chinese school, and is expected to fairly comprehend the Mandarin language, visited the Embassy of the PRC in Dasmarinas Village to discuss the issue of the POGOs. Thereafter, Sen. Pres. Juan Miguel Zubiri announced that China has blacklisted the country as a travel destination for its citizens on account of the unbridled operations of online gaming which has caused grave financial and moral consequences among its gambling-addicted citizens.

When everyone trembled at the negative effects of the “blacklist” on our yet-to-be-revived tourism industry which got a big boost with the friendly relations engendered by former Pres.

Duterte’s apertura Sinica, Ambassador Huang denied that there is a travel blacklist.

Lost in translation?

Whatever, the central issue of the POGOs impacts on the currently dismal state of our economy.

Because the industry flourished during the Duterte years, there have been frenzied efforts by many sectors to cash in on the “boom.”

And we refer not only to the operators, legalized or illegal, but to the real estate industry, the restaurants and other services that catered to the POGO employees, mostly from China.

Pagcor in the previous administration succeeded in earning from the legalized POGO operators, reversing the clandestine operations sanctioned even beyond their territorial jurisdiction by out-of-town export processing zones.

But this is no longer a matter of weighing treasury contributions versus social costs.

China clearly wants to curtail POGOs and is likely to increase pressure on the country especially with the newly re-crowned Xi Jinping hammering hard on corruption.

The handwriting is on the wall: sooner than later, that “blacklist” may happen, in the same manner that it was easier for China to implement the same upon Cambodia.

As a result, the gaming industry boom in Sihanoukville and Diamond Island in Phnom Penh withered and became virtual ghost towns.

Realtors in Metro Manila and nearby who cashed in on the POGO boom along with many who invested in condominium units for rental to POGO employees are in panic.

The MOA area with its plenitude of Chinese restaurants may likewise wither in the vine.

We can only continue meanwhile with the Pagcor-legalized POGOs and close down the illegal operators. But how far the industry will remain is solely up to Beijing.

If Xi decrees no go, POGO will go.

The property boom, causing real estate prices to zoom in a country where the poor cannot afford decent housing, will create a huge dislocation to an already weakened economy.

But that is the problem with band-aid fixes.

They are short-term.

••• But it’s not the POGO that caused our visitor arrivals from China to virtually disappear. It is the pandemic.

We had lockdowns while China imposed severe shutdowns of several cities even when only a few residents got afflicted. With that, their own economy took a beating.

Can the other tourism markets match the dislocation should China finally clamp down with its threatened travel restrictions?

To begin with, in the record-high tourism year of the Philippines in 2019 with some 8.26 million visitor arrivals, China contributed 1.74 million compared to Korea’s 1.99 million. Korean visitors have been at the top of our visitor arrivals for many years.

China clearly wants to curtail POGOs and is likely to increase pressure on the country especially with the newly re-crowned Xi Jinping hammering hard on corruption Coming in third is the US of A, with 1.06 million, mostly balikbayans who have since become American citizens. Then Japan with 683,000 visitors. Taiwan comes next with 327,000 visitors, a hefty increase from 2018 figures by almost 100,000 tourists.

Revenge domestic travel will hopefully stanch the bleeding travel industry, but that does not bring in the foreign currencies we need badly.

That may keep Baguio and Tagaytay, Cebu, Boracay, Siargao, Bohol and Palawan surviving, but the good times will not return unless new markets find the Philippines more fun than its regional competitors.

Secretary Christina Frasco needs all the marketing creativity her department, in coordination with the travel industry, can come up with.

That is one area where the presidential adviser on creative communications, Paul Soriano, can perhaps focus upon.

As for the resort owners and tour operators, they will need to do more pencil sharpening.

Our room rates, our tour packages, even our restaurant food services — all of these are not price-competitive with those offered by Thailand and Vietnam, or Indonesia’s Bali for that matter.

The fixation for quick returns on paltry investments will need to be replaced by a longterm view, and for now, survival mode.

Tourism is indeed a major economic driver, but it requires coordinated public-private effort and proper market targeting.

It is a highly competitive economic “propel-

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

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Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

What’s wrong with 4Ps?

W

HO should we listen to when the matter of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps is up for evaluation?

There’s the Commission on Audit (COA), which basically takes a dim view of the performance of the antipoverty program.

It laments that after 13 years of receiving cash grants, about 90 percent of the active beneficiaries of 4Ps are still living below the poverty threshold.

The state auditing agency has even warned that most of them may be delisted from the program if necessary steps are not taken immediately.

The COA performance audit of 4Ps showed the government’s antipoverty program received a total of P780.71 billion in funding between 2008 and 2021.

It noted that there are a total 4.2 million active 4Ps beneficiaries who have been on the program for seven to 13 years.

But 90 percent of them, or a total 3,820,012 households, are still living below the poverty threshold.

The COA report showed that only 32,331 families, or less than 1 percent of the active households, have moved up the poverty line as of the fourth quarter of 2021.

“This shows that achieving breakage of inter-generational poverty is still minimal even when, in the past years, there was no term limit for being a 4Ps beneficiary,” it said.

If that’s the case, COA seemed to be saying, then the government is just throwing good money after bad units and, therefore, that should be discontinued.

From where we stand: 4Ps should really be part of a comprehensive economic development plan, not an end in itself But 4Ps has its staunch defenders.

Former Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo believes that the 4Ps should not be considered a ‘stand-alone’ program that can provide an immediate solution to poverty.

She said: “What the government should do is invest in clear economic programs that would create jobs and more programs that could help our fellow Filipinos, especially those who are below the poverty line.”

The current leadership of the Department of Social Work and Development, the implementing agency of 4Ps, said

they “respect the COA performance audit report, but from our point of view and not to put the blame on anyone or any circumstances, let us remember that the one huge factor here is the pandemic.”

As of July, according to Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, 1.3 million of the current 4Ps beneficiaries were to be delisted since they had “graduated” from poor to non-poor.

The conditional aid program was first implemented under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration and originally meant to encourage the very poor to send their kids to school and avail themselves of free health services, and it was regarded as a success in that regard.

In 2019, the 4Ps program was institutionalized under Republic Act 11310, or the 4Ps law.

But Albay Rep. Joey Salceda believes that 4Ps was “never meant to stand alone” and was always part of a bigger economic plan to revitalize urban and rural communities.” Poverty reduction, he maintains, “clearly requires a whole-of-government approach” and the 4Ps and similar projects are “not sufficient conditions” to reduce poverty without accompanying investments in rural development and urban poor communities.

That’s the proper way to approach it, from where we stand: 4Ps should really be part of a comprehensive economic development plan, not an end in itself.

Communism and politics are destroying UP

THESE are sad times for the University of the Philippines.

The recent Times Higher Education’s World University states that UP is no longer the number one university in the Philippines.

As a regular observer of developments in my alma mater, I believe that UP’s slide to second place in the Times list is a consequence of what UP’s administrative and academic personnel, and contemporary UP students, have been busy with.

The UP charter mandates that the state university should educate its students, make them leaders in their chosen disciplines, and produce outstanding research.

Under ideal circumstances, therefore, UP should produce graduates imbued with impeccable or nearly impeccable theoretical and practical skills and acumen, and generate research output which adds to existing human knowledge.

That may have been true in the past decades, but it isn’t the reality today. Instead of academic pursuits, many UP faculty and students have taken the wrong path through internecine politics and communism.

Many of the current crop of UP faculty members have been spending more time in politics than in academic undertakings.

They were so obsessed with their hatred for then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that most of all classroom and online instruction had been devoted to finding fault in the Duterte administration.

Many of the current UP administration officials and faculty have absolutely no tolerance for pro-government views, and harass those who refuse to toe the “anti-establishment” stance anointed by UP officialdom.

I remember the time in August 2018 when UP President Danilo Concepcion attended a

ler,” as our president describes the sector.

••• A marvel to use as template for creative marketing is Korea’s successful country imaging, with the use of their artistic talents — K-pop, telenovelas, and the like.

An impoverished country when Park Chung Hee deposed the corrupt regime still reeling from the effects of the Korean war stalemate, South Korea began with just two export products: ginseng and Kanekalon wigs.

Despite a lack of natural resources, they went heavy into manufacturing, from ship-building to automobiles, eventually competing with the rest of the world in two decades.

Then, their creative minds focused on the singular revenue generation of a by-now classic movie – Jurassic Park. But they did not ape the

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

party of the Marcos-era Kabataang Barangay hosted by now Senator Imee Marcos at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman.

Concepcion is an “alumnus” of the KB and is a known ally of Imee Marcos, the older daughter of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The next day, angry UP faculty members and radical students publicly demanded Concepcion’s resignation. They insisted that the presence of pro-Marcos personalities in UP Diliman violated the “sanctity” of the campus and the memory of radical UP faculty and students who fought the Marcos government and martial law in the 1970s and the 1980s.

Anti-communism crusader Lorraine Badoy should help expose the communists in UP Those radicals conveniently forgot that UP is public space, and the KB event was held at a venue open for lease by any organization. They stopped badgering Concepcion only after the latter issued a public apology for attending the gathering.

Imagine that!

UP faculty members and students dictated on the UP President what event he may and may not attend inside a state-owned university campus!

The same radical elements are opposed to allowing the presence of policemen inside the UP campuses, on the hollow excuse that their presence there threatens academic freedom.

In other words, the radicals insist that UP campuses are above the law!

The UP Diliman Chancellor boasts that the campus is free space for anyone and everyone who wishes to hold a protest activity there.

That propaganda, however, applies only to anti-administration protests. The Duterte Youth tried to hold a pro-government rally there, but they were repeatedly refused permission to do

same with their version of Godzilla’s and papermache dinosaurs.

They created nice telenovelas, all focused on their culture, whether historic or current. All these are within the realm of potentials for our highly creative directors and artists.

Do you know how much BTS contributed to the Korean economy pre-COVID? Five billion dollars a year.

The “princes of pop” that Billboard labels them have by now sold more albums than any other rock or pop music group except perhaps, UK’s Beatles.

Eat our hearts out. Or following their lead, create a worldwide appreciation of Filipino culture.

What it takes are hard work, determination, patience, and, above all, creativity.

so by the UP Diliman Chancellor.

In 2014, UP Diliman students hurled projectiles and insults at then President Noynoy Aquino’s Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad after the latter delivered a speech at the UP School of Economics.

Abad had been invited as a guest in a symposium, and his speech did not sit well with the radicals.

Irene Marcos-Araneta was almost beaten up by radical UP students when she attempted to watch a play at Palma Hall in UP Diliman.

The timely intercession of security guards saved her from the violent mob.

A Protestant preacher who told his congregation during a Sunday service at the UP Film Center in Diliman (which they leased) “the Bible considers homosexuality a sin” was almost lynched by radical UP students.

Parents have been complaining about the spread of communism in the UP campuses.

As early as their first year in college, many UP students fall prey to cadres of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front troika who clandestinely poison their minds about the government.

Inevitably, the reds entice the gullible and idealistic among the UP students to abandon their school work and attend communist meetings held in stealth.

After a brief period of communist indoctrination, the youngsters join the rebels in the countryside and take up arms against the military establishment. The waylaid kids are then forced to shoot it out with soldiers, and get killed in the fighting.

In the end, many of these UP students return home in a box to their grieving parents who were under the impression that their children have been all along studying to become UP graduates who can be of service to the nation.

Anti-communism crusader Lorraine Badoy should help expose the communists in UP.

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net)

Change is in the air

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

World

Standard

Standard THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022 TODAY B2 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US, JAPAN, SOUTH KOREA WARN NOKOR

Nukes to meet ‘unprecedented’ response T HE United States, Japan and South Korea warned Wednesday that a North Korean nuclear test would warrant an “unprecedentedly strong response,” vowing unity after a blitz of missile launches from the hermit state.

Following talks in Tokyo, the three nations’ deputy foreign ministers said they would ramp up their deterrence in the region.

“We agreed to further strengthen cooperation ... so that North Korea can immediately stop its illegal activities and return to denuclearization talks,” said South Korea’s Cho Hyun-dong.

“The three countries agreed on the need for an unprecedentedly strong response if North Korea proceeds with its seventh nuclear test,” he told reporters.

Seoul and Washington have repeatedly warned that Pyongyang could be close to testing an atomic bomb for the first time since 2017, after a flurry of ballistic missile launches.

One missile flew over Japan last month, and North Korea has separately claimed to have carried out tactical nuclear drills.

1

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

001582

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF ANISH VIJAY PHABIANI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is ANISH VIJAY PHABIANI, but I have also or I have been been known since childhood as N/A . judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) 2. My present place of residence is 432 ROXAS SEAFRONT GARDEN HOMES. ROXAS BLVD. City/ Municipality of PASAY Province of METRO MANILA and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 3. I was born on OCTOBER 8, 1998, in MANILA, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of INDIA. 4. My father's name is VIJAY PARMESHWAR PHABIANI and he was born on APRIL 3, 1968, in INDIA. He is a citizen or subject of INDIA. My mother's name is DEEPA VIJAY PHABIANI and she was born on JANUARY 27, 1974 in INDIA. She is a citizen or subject of INDIA. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is MEDICAL STUDENT and from which I derive an average annual income of N/A , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:N/A (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

Where the above does not apply, I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: MEDICINE, (2) name of school: UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS and (3) year graduated: N/A who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is SINGLE. I was married on ________ in ________ my wife’s husband’s name is ______________ and she/he was born on ________ in. ________ She/he is a citizen or subject of ________________ and presently resides _________________________________.

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of School O.B. Montessory Center

Place of Dates of School Study Sta. Ana Manila 2003-2011

Highest Grade Completed Elementary

O.B. Montessory Center University of Sto. Tomas

Sta. Ana Manila 2011-2015 Espana, Manila 2019-Current

High School Post-College of Medicine

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: FILIPINO. 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of Child N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of

“All of this behaviour is reckless and deeply destabilizing,” said US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, urging North Korea to “refrain from further provocations.”

Last month, the North’s leader Kim Jong Un declared the country an “irreversible” nuclear power, effectively ending negotiations over his banned arms programs.

Kim met three times with Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump, reducing tensions but resulting in no lasting agreement, and the country has shown little interest in taking up US President Joe Biden’s offer of working-level talks.

Japan’s Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori said North Korea’s “intensifying nuclear and missile activities... are a clear and serious challenge to the international community.”

“We agreed to ramp up the deterrence in our region with a view towards the denuclearization of North Korea,” he said.

The trio said they had also discussed a wide range of issues including the war in Ukraine, China and Taiwan.

But Mori and Cho said there had been no discussion of bilateral relations between Japan and South Korea, which have long been strained. AFP

violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to INDIA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are MR. VINOD VASUDEV MOORJANI and JOSE MICO MENDIOLA both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 9 LIMASAWA, MAGALLANES VILLAGE, MAKATI CITY and 2415 LEIVA ST. STA. ANA, MANILA respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ / ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ / ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ / ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ / ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: INSURANCE POLICY, SPORTONIX TRADING CORPORATION - GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET, SPORTONIX TRADING CORPORATION - INCOME TAX RETURN, SPORTONIX TRADING CORPORATION - ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND SHARES OF STOK - DIVIDEND COPY. PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 5 th day of August, 2022.

ANISH VIJAY PHABIANI Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 432 ROXAS SEAFRONT GARDEN HOMES ROXAS BLVD. PASAY CITY Telephone Number: 8851-0710

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

UNITED STANCE. Japan’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori (center), US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman (right) and South Korea’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun-dong (left) pose for photographers before their trilateral meeting at the Iikura guesthouse in Tokyo on October 26, 2022. AFP

Bangladesh cyclone death toll climbs to 28 BANGLADESH rescue workers found the bodies of four missing crew of a dredger boat, taking the death toll from Cyclone Sitrang to 28 as millions remained without power, officials said Wednesday.

Cyclones – the equivalent of hurricanes in the Atlantic or typhoons in the Pacific – are a regular menace in the region but scientists say climate change is likely making them more intense and frequent.

Cyclone Sitrang made landfall in southern Bangladesh on Monday but authorities managed to get about a million people to safety before the monster storm hit.

With winds of 80 kilometers (55 miles) per hour, it still left a trail of devastation in the country’s densely populated, low-lying coastal region, which is home to tens of millions of people.

The government said nearly 10,000 tin-roofed homes

After massive hack, Australia admits lacking cyber defenses HACKERS accessed millions of medical records at one of Australia’s largest private health insurers, the company said Wednesday, prompting the government to admit the nation’s cyber safeguards were “inadequate.”

This was the latest in a series of hacks targeting millions of people that have brought Australian companies’ lax approach to cyber security into sharp relief.

Medibank chief executive David Koczkar said information about each of the company’s 3.9 million policy holders – some 15 percent of Australia’s population – had been compromised.

“Our investigation has now established that this criminal has accessed all our private health insurance customers’ personal data and significant amounts of their health claims data,” he said in a statement to the Australian stock exchange.

“This is a terrible crime.

This is a crime designed to cause maximum harm to the most vulnerable members of our community.” AFP AUCTION SALE ACME PAWNSHOPS INC.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF______) S.S. I, ANISH VIJAY PHABIANI of legal age and a resident of 432 ROXAS SEAFRONT GARDEN HOMES, ROXAS BLVD. PASAY after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

ANISH VIJAY PHABIANI Name and Signature of Petitioner SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at MAKATI CITY, this 05 day of AUG. 2022.

Official authorized to administer oaths/ Notary Public

(MS OCT. 27 - NOV. 3 & 10, 2022)

were either “destroyed or damaged” and crops on large swathes of farmland were wrecked at a time of recordhigh food inflation.

Fire department divers found the bodies of four crew of a dredger boat that sank during the storm in the Bay of Bengal.

“We found one body on Tuesday night and three more this morning. Four crew are still missing,” Abdullah Pasha from the fire department told AFP. Nearly five million people were still without power on Wednesday, Rural Electrification Board official Debashish Chakrabarty told AFP. Nearly a million people who were evacuated from low-lying regions have now returned to their homes.

Trees were uprooted as far away as the capital Dhaka, hundreds of kilometres from the storm’s center. AFP

Auction sale on November 05, 202210:00 a.m. MJ Holding Bldg., Almanza Las Piñas; 12:00 noon Alabang Town Center Stall 2074 U/L, 2:00 pm G/F Majalco Bldg.

Benavidez St., Legaspi Village, Makati and L&R Bldg., 1018 Pasay Road, Makati and 4:00 pm Circle CG14, #17 Congressional Ave. Bahay Toro D1, Quezon City All items Pawned June 01 - 30, MS OCT 27, 2022 2022.

RUN FOR BASIC RIGHTS. People dressed as Marilyn Monroe compete during

the annual 17th Street High Heel Race hosted by the DC Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs on October 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. AFP

Hong Kong arrests two men in record $446 million money-laundering case HONG KONG authorities have arrested two men for laundering funds worth HK$3.5 billion ($446 million) by reselling precious metals, one of the city’s largest money-laundering cases, officials said Wednesday.

The two were involved in a scheme selling around eight tonnes of precious metals—mostly gold and palladium— between 2020 and 2021 for returns “incommensurate” with their backgrounds, customs official Rita Li said at a press conference.

It was a record for money-laundering cases busted by Hong Kong Customs, Li said, although the police have cracked larger cases.

Precious metals can be bought and sold anonymously in Hong Kong and are attractive to criminals because of their high

value, small size and ease of transportation, Li added.

“Unlawful elements can easily use proceeds from crime to buy precious metals and then resell them, or conduct multilayer transactions, to launder money,” she said.

The two men used company accounts to receive large sums from precious metal trading firms and jewellery stores, then quickly transferred the funds to shell companies or accounts abroad, authorities said.

The suspects—believed to be linked to a crime syndicate—were arrested for money laundering last Friday and are on bail pending investigation.

Authorities say they are investigating the origins of the precious metals and will not rule out further arrests. AFP

Gender X: Chile’s first non-binary ID card

SHANE Cienfuegos, the first non-binary person to receive a gender-neutral identity document in Chile, says they feel a “great weight” of responsibility despite their victory over centuries of discrimination.

“It is difficult to be the first,” the 29-year-old told AFP 10 days after receiving their new ID from a civil registry in Santiago.

In the section to indicate gender, the card is marked with an X instead of an “F” for female or an “M” for male.

With long, flowing EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ESTATE dark hair, a neatlyNotice is hereby given that the estate of the late ENRIQUE TAN ANG who died on June 5, 2021 have been extrajudicially settled trimmed beard, lipstick, among heirs namely: Nancy B. Ang (widow) and children: Hazel Mae B. Ang; Hillary Mae B. Ang; and Nathan Harvey B. Ang. a flowery dress and That at the time of his death he left 1/2 share of the ffg. real platform heels, Cienproperties covered by the following certificates of title: TCT No. chooses the 043-2014007293; TCT No. 043-2014007295; and TCT No. 043- fuegos 2014011154. gender-neutral SpanThis Settlement under Notary Public ATTY FRANCISCO G. pronoun ZARATE as per Doc. No. 52, Page No. II, Book No. 289, Series ish-language of 2022.

(MStandard-Oct. 20, 27, 2022 & Nov. 3, 2022) “elle” (they) and de-

scribes themselves as transgender and non-binary.

Cienfuegos fought a nine-year legal battle to finally receive, on October 14, an identity document that reflects how they see themselves.

It was the first ID card to be issued in Chile to identify its holder as neither “male” nor “female.”

“This is not Shane’s victory, it is a collective victory,” said Cienfuegos about non-binary and transgender people in a conservative, Catholicmajority country where they are still the target of discrimination and violence.

Cienfuegos said they were bullied from a very young age, and suffered several violent attacks over the years.

“I’ve had to fight for my life on the street I don’t know how many times,” they recounted at the Cultural Center in Las Condes, Santiago, at the launch of a book they had authored about an eventful life. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business China fiscal deficit soars to $1 trillion as economy cools BEIJING, China—China’s fiscal deficit ballooned to an all-time high of nearly $1 trillion in the first nine months of the year, analysis of government data by Bloomberg showed, as a real estate crisis and tax rebates to boost a cooling economy emptied government coffers.

The budget shortfall for all levels of government from January to September was 7.16 trillion yuan ($980 billion), according to an analysis based on data released by Beijing’s Ministry of Finance on Tuesday -- almost three times the 2.6 trillion shortfalls over the same period last year.

Overall government revenue dropped 6.6 percent to 15.3 trillion yuan from January to September as the government doled out more tax rebates to businesses, according to the finance ministry.

Fiscal expenditure then rose 6.2 percent to 19.04 trillion yuan in the first nine months, following a governmentdriven infrastructure push to boost growth and create employment.

China’s economy grew 3.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, data showed this week, beating expectations.

But President Xi Jinping’s re-election to a historic third term as leader of the Communist Party spooked investors Monday, with China’s currency slumping and stocks in Hong Kong nosediving to their lowest level since the global financial crisis.

China is also battling an unprecedented crisis in its real estate sector, which makes up more than a quarter of the country’s GDP when combined with construction.

In October, second-hand home prices fell by the highest month-onmonth rate since 2014.

“The housing market is still stuck in a downward spiral, global demand is set to cool further, and the weak renminbi is constraining the central bank’s ability to provide policy support,” Julian Evans-Pritchard from Capital Economics wrote in a research note. AFP

B3

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks, peso extend gains; ICTSI, SMIC lead advancers L OCAL stocks and the Philippine peso advanced Wednesday following overnight gains in New York on healthy earnings from big-name firms and as hopes for a slowdown in Federal Reserve rate hikes spread cheer.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark, added 49 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 6,121,53 as four of the six subsectors advanced, led by services and holdings firms.

The broader all-share index also picked up 10 points, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 3,243.27 on a value turnover of P3.7 bil-

lion. Losers outmatched gainers, 90 to 85, while 51 issues were unchanged.

Six of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by International Container Terminal Services Inc. which climbed 3.5 percent to P171.70 and SM Investments Corp. which rose 2.5 percent to P799.50.

Meanwhile, the peso sustained its rebound as it closed at 58.43 against the US dollar on trading volume of $845.50 billion, up from 58.78 on Tuesday.

Most Asian markets also ended higher. Hong Kong and Shanghai enjoyed a much-needed advance after China’s central bank and forex officials pledged support for the country’s equities, bonds and yuan, helping investors bounce back from Monday’s rout.

The mood across trading floors has been generally positive this week after a report on Friday suggested the Fed could begin discussing applying the brakes on

its monetary tightening campaign aimed at fighting decades-high inflation.

That came as some bank officials hinted they could be open to the prospect of hiking by less than the 75 basis points seen after the past three meetings.

While a similar move is expected next month, there are flickers of hope that the pace could slow in December or next year.

Adding to that optimism was data indicating that higher borrowing costs were having an impact on the world’s biggest economy, with house prices falling, consumer confidence at a three-month low and weakness in the factory sector.

“A few economic reports all told a similar story... that the economy is weakening,” said OANDA’s Edward Moya. “A weakening economy will bring down inflation and that is good news for long-term investors looking to get back into equities.” With AFP

FLOATING HOTEL.

Members of the public watch the MSC World Europa cruise ship, equipped with a liquefied natural gas propulsion system leaving the harbor of Saint-Nazaire, western France, on Oct. 26, 2022. MSC World Europa sails to Qatar, where it will serve as a floating hotel during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. AFP

Manila

TODAY

irregularities surrounding the pre-bidding stage of the laptop contract.

No robust competition Over at the House of Representatives, congressmen are set to investigate the alleged backdoor entry of Grab into the government’s motorcycle taxi pilot study after acquiring Move It—one of the three companies given special accreditation by the Department of Transportation’s Technical Working Group (DOTr-TWG).

Manila 3rd district Representative and lawyer Joel Chua earlier heeded the call of transport, civic and rider groups to open a congressional inquiry regarding Grab’s acquisition of Move It. They fear the purchase will tarnish the government’s three-year old pilot program and cause delays in the passage of the Motorcycle Taxi bill into law. They are also concerned about the welfare of riders given Grab’s history of alleged unfair labor practices.

It will be best for the DOTr-TWG to suspend Move It from the government pilot study and temporarily hold its accreditation pending a congressional investigation. Move It is operating using Grab’s platform. It is unabashedly promoting free and open competition when, in reality, it does not recognize regulators.

Move It chairman Francis Juan said the motorcycle taxi industry should be open to multiple companies to ensure healthy competition that will benefit both the riders and commuters. But this is one of the main objectives of the pilot study.

Grab and Move It have basically pre-empted the pilot study. Their transaction clearly does not promote robust competition. With how things are going, one could perceive that it is more about domination. It happened with Uber before—it can happen again.

The government wants to rationalize the operation of motorcycle taxis in the Philippines. Millions of Filipinos benefit from moto taxis—whether it be for livelihood, cheaper commute or for the sake of convenience. The state wants a competitive motorcycle taxi industry that is safe, reliable and fair to riders and commuters. This is the heart and soul of the pilot study.

Pushing for open, fair, and healthy competition, however, is moot and academic at this point because everything is still being determined.

Lawyer Ariel Inton, founder of the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, one of the groups urging Congress to investigate the GrabMove It acquisition, said it best: Move It should get out of the pilot test pending an investigation.

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

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

DITO

2.95

0.37

14.34%

2 3

IDC ATNB

0.8 0.35

0.07 0.025

9.59% 7.69%

4 5 6 7

KPPI REG BRN LR

1.99 3 0.75 2.92

0.14 0.2 0.05 0.19

7.57% 7.14% 7.14% 6.96%

8 9 10

TFHI MEDIC PNX

106.4 0.77 7.98

6.4 0.04 0.4

6.40% 5.48% 5.28%

TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

MBC

6.09

-1.4

-18.69%

2 3

ACE ECP

1.4 3.13

-0.25 -0.37

-15.15% -10.57%

4 5 6 7 8

SCC MHC CREIT RLT ROCK

37.1 0.27 1.97 0.19 1.3

-4.2 -0.03 -0.13 -0.012 -0.08

-10.17% -10.00% -6.19% -5.94% -5.80%

9

TBGI

0.213

-0.013

-5.75%

10

ARA

1.07

-0.06

-5.31%

MOST ACTIVE

Senate hearing over DepEd laptops a dud; Suspend Move It from motorcycle pilot study Standard SENATE investigations into allegedly fraudulent transactions involving state coffers captivate the imagination of the public. Here, culprits are exposed and later punished when found guilty by the justice system.

Laws may be crafted after the probes to address loopholes on public spending. Lawmakers conducting such investigations in aid of legislation are duty-bound to delve deeper into the core of abuses and anomalies on public spending. But what if Senate inquiries fail to live up to public expectations?

Take the case of the final hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the Department of Education (DepEd)’s alleged “pricey and outdated” laptops. It turned out to be a dud.

Its panel chair, Senator Francis Tolentino, earlier hinted of a “bombshell” during the hearing and of text messages that would prove to be “damaging” to several officials involved in the controversy.

Instead, what spectators witnessed were education officials pointing fingers at each other when presented with screenshots of text messages exchanged among them regarding the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the DepEd and the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM), which was tasked to procure the laptop units.

Tolentino apparently wanted to show that long before the bidding for the laptop contract took place, there were already several irregularities involved in the MOA. What Tolentino wanted to prove was already the subject of four earlier hearings of the committee. The entire morning was spent scrutinizing the exchanges of text messages among DepEd officials. It turned out that the screenshots of the text messages submitted to the committee were incomplete and some messages were deleted, as pointed out by DepEd Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla. So much for Tolentino’s socalled “pasabog” or bombshell.

Nonetheless, the blue ribbon committee’s five hearings clearly indicate that any alleged irregularity or wrongdoing were on the part of the DepEd and the PS-DBM. The supplier cannot be faulted for any misdeeds committed by the officials involved in the controversy.

Its role was limited to complying with the terms of reference and requirements specified by the procuring entity during the bidding process, and fulfill the provisions of its awarded contract.

Meanwhile, one of the alleged favored suppliers, Advance Solutions Inc. (ASI), was the losing bidder in the laptop contract being investigated by the Blue Ribbon Committee. ASI had already bagged several deals amounting to about P6 billion from the DepEd, and had hoped to also win the latest contract in question.

An ASI representative was given the chance to tell the committee that his company’s offer was better. But Tolentino failed to dig deep as to why this offer was rejected. The supplier, which got the contract, was able to commit to providing onsite support, replacements for defective laptops and delivery to the DepEd regional offices. Was ASI able to commit these same requirements? Tolentino did not ask this question.

Instead, Tolentino focused on the winning supplier’s supposed tax liabilities and other concerns that strayed far from the core issues involved in the inquiry.

In presentations and in the testimonies of COA officials during the hearings, there was no allegation whatsoever that the winning supplier failed to comply with the requirements and technical specifications of the DepEd in the purchase and delivery of the laptop units.

The supplier merely complied with the requirements set by the DepEd and cannot be blamed if there were

PSEi October 26, 2022

VOLUME

VALUE (PHP)

1 2

ICT ALI

3,650,630 10,767,300

619,592,098 285,996,960

3 4

SCC SM

6,614,700 294,290

248,979,255 233,553,355

5 6

SMPH BPI

5,055,100 1,671,880

165,482,235 155,407,345

7 8 9

BDO AC SMC

1,097,950 184,680 1,153,030

135,051,611 119,568,310 113,495,824

10

BLOOM

16,611,900

108,779,249

Balance Sheet (Head Office and Branches) As of September 30, 2022 (As of September 30, 2022)

Ray S. Eñano (on leave), Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

B4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, October 26, 2022 48.12 PTS. 6,121.53

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

311,254,261 54,011

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES

3,723,844,683.60 85 90

UNCHANGED

51

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

58.8240

Japan

Yen

0.006754

0.3973

UK

Pound

1.147400

67.4947

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127397

7.4940

Switzerland

Franc

1.005530

59.1493

Canada

Dollar

0.734808

43.2243

Singapore

Dollar

0.706115

41.5365

Australia

Dollar

0.639000

37.5885

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652801

156.0484

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266099

15.6530

Brunei

Dollar

0.703631

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Euro

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1.8255 Source: BSP

PRICE STABILITY. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla (center), at the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group annual meetings, says the BSP is focused on bringing inflation back to a target-consistent path, in line with its core mandate of price stability. With Medalla are (front row, from left) former US Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas Hubbard, National Economic and Development Authority assistant secretary Sarah Lynne Daway-Ducanes, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, former US Ambassador to the Philippines John Negroponte, (second row) Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce executive director Olma Inocentes and US-Philippines Society executive director Hank Hendrickson.

SM set to open 81st PH mall in Sorsogon Friday

Higher tax collection reduced 9-month budget deficit to P1t

By Jenniffer B. Austria

By Julito G. Rada

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc., said Wednesday it will open its newest shopping mall in Sorsogon City on Oct. 28.

SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the two-level SM City Sorsogon would have 40,000 square meters of gross floor area offering shopping, dining and entertainment to customers.

“We’re glad to finally welcome our fellow Sorsoganons to SM City Sorsogon and deliver fun, convenient and great shopping and dining experiences to the locality and beyond.

Likewise, SM Prime is committed to providing opportunities for local businesses and talents to thrive and grow while developing sustainable projects anchored on world-class amenities and entertainment for every Filipino to enjoy,” SM Prime president and chief executive Jeffrey Lim said.

The mall is 85-percent leased out to tenants including anchor tenants The SM Store, SM Supermarket, Watsons, Miniso, Surplus Shop, Ace Hardware, Sports Central, SM Appliance and BDO Unibank Inc. It will also house three SM cinemas, food court, cyberzone, wellness and services hubs, amusement, leisure and hobbies shops, parking space with more than 700 slots and a public transport terminal to provide additional convenience.

SM City Sorsogon is located along Maharlika Highway, Balogo, East District, Sorsogon City in Sorsogon province.

“SM City Sorsogon is our fourth mall in the Bicol Region, which comes after SM City Naga, SM City Legazpi and SM City Daet. We are truly grateful for the trust and support of our fellow Bicolanos as we continue to expand our reach in the region,” Lim said.

SM City Sorsogon is SM Prime’s 81st mall in the Philippines, including 57 in the provincial areas and 24 in Metro Manila.

It is the third SM mall to open this year after SM City Roxas and SM City Tanza. SM will also open another mall this year in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

T

HE government’s budget deficit eased in September to P179.8 billion from P180.9 billion a year ago as the 24.8-percent increase in revenue collection outpaced the 13.6-percent expansion in expenditures, the Bureau of the Treasury said Wednesday.

This brought the cumulative fiscal deficit in nine months to P1.0 trillion, down by 11.09 percent or P126.3 billion from a year ago. It was also 20.47 percent or P260.6 billion behind the year-to-date programmed deficit of P1.3 trillion.

Government expenditures in the first nine months reached P3.7 trillion, outperforming the previous year’s level by 8.71 percent or P293.9 billion, but were behind the nine-month program by 1.86 percent or P69.7 billion.

“This was driven mainly by higher capital expenditures, national tax allotment of LGUs and interest payments, alongside the subsidy releases to the Philhealth for the National Health Insurance Program,” the Treasury said in

a statement.

Data also showed that revenues jumped to P288.8 billion in September, as both tax and non-tax collections picked up. Revenues in the nine-month period hit P2.7 trillion, accounting for 80 percent of the full-year program and exceeding the previous year’s performance by 18.79 percent or P420.3 billion. The tally was also 7.74 percent or P190.9 billion higher than the targeted collection.

Tax collections made up P2.4 trillion (90 percent) of total revenues with the remaining 10 percent or P272.6 billion coming from non-tax sources.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P173.6 billion in September, after deducting the P877.0 mil-

lion tax refund. This was 12.58 percent or P19.4 billion higher than last year’s level.

BIR collections in the nine-month period amounted to P1.7 trillion, up by 12.29 percent or nearly P190 billion from a year earlier. This accounted for 72 percent of the full-year target but was 1.99 percent or P35.2 billion short of the P1.8-trillion cumulative goal.

Collections by the Bureau of Customs jumped 37.72 percent or P21.7 billion in September to P79.3 billion from last year’s P57.6 billion. This resulted in a cumulative uptake of P638.5 billion in the nine-month period, higher by 36 percent or P168.6 billion than its performance a year ago and P96.3 billion or 17.76 percent above the P542.2-billion target.

The Bureau of the Treasury generated P7.3 billion in revenue in September, 30.29 percent or P1.7 billion higher than a year ago.

“The year-on-year improvement resulted mainly from higher national government share from PAGCOR profit, BTr managed funds and interest on NG deposits,” the Treasury said.

JLL sees office vacancy widening to 6% by end of 2022

By Othel V. Campo OFFICE space vacancy rate may widen further from 5.2 percent in the third quarter to a range of 5.5 percent to 6 percent in the fourth quarter, property advisory firm JLL Philippines said Wednesday.

JLL head of research and consulting Janlo de los Reyes said the uptick in vacancy was due to the new supplies coming in, the effect of continued work-from-home set-up and the exodus of Philippine offshore gaming operators.

“Vacancy will remain elevated, but will not significantly increase if the POGO market exits the office market for the Philippines,” de los Reyes said in a presentation.

He said JLL sees the continuing WFH policy would also not significantly affect office vacancy after that IT-business process management com-

panies were allowed to transfer their registration from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority to the Board of Investment.

De los Reyes said rentals might gradually increase, but not at the same level at the height of POGO take-up.

Rentals had leveled off, given the weakening of leasing volumes but may start to climb gradually by 2023 and 2024, he said.

He said that since the outset of the pandemic, landlords had pushed the threshold for cheap rentals.

Move-outs in the retail market are at around 5,500 square meters, while move-ins are at 5,100 sq. m. because of late openings by retailers as they prepare for the holiday season.

Many retailers positioned their openings in the fourth quarter in time for the holiday season to capitalize on the traditional surge in holiday demand, he said.

De los Reyes said a gradual recovery in retail rents, which hovers at P1,600 per sq. m. a month, went up by 1.9 percent quarter-on-quarter, but were still lower by 5.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

The residential market showed a slight weakening of leasing demand with the increase in vacancy for both midscale and upscale and luxury segments.

JLL said the real estate market could face headwinds including inflation rate, interest rate and exchange rates.

“For the real estate market, this means a higher cost of investment for developers. And this means the market may slow down as launches may be spaced farther in between,” De Los Reyes said.

He said boutique developers might be hard-pressed to launch new projects as they have smaller or lower financial flexibility.

Pag-IBIG Fund finances socialized homes of more than 13,000 low-wage earners PAG-IBIG Fund financed 13,131 socialized homes of minimum-wage and low-income members from January to September this year, top executives said Wednesday.

Socialized homes made up 18 percent of the 74,708 units financed by the agency in nine months. In terms of amount, socialized home loans made up P5.72 billion or 7 percent of the record-high P83.31-billion home loans released by the agency in the period.

“We are happy to report that we continue to provide our members from the minimum-wage and low-income sectors affordable means to have their own homes. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in address-

ing the country’s housing backlog by ensuring that owning a home remains inclusive and accessible to all, particularly the underserved,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, chairman of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

Pag-IBIG Fund’s Affordable Housing Program is a special home financing program that caters to the needs of minimum-wage and low-income members earning not more than P15,000 per month within the National Capital Region and those earning not more than P12,000 per month outside of NCR. Under the AHP, Pag-IBIG Fund offers a subsidized rate of 3 percent per annum for socialized home loans worth up to P580,000—the lowest rate available in the market today.

Kyuden of Japan gets 25% stake in PetroGreen Energy

By Alena Mae S. Flores KYUDEN International Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan’s Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc., completed on Wednesday the initial closing requirements for the acquisition of a 25-percent stake in PetroGreen Energy Corp.

PetroEnergy Resources Corp., the parent firm of PGEC, disclosed the transaction to the stock exchange but did not provide further details.

This followed the signing of the shareholders’ agreement between PEGC, PERC, EEI Power Corp. and Kyuden in September.

PERC and EEI are members of the Yuchengco Group of Companies.

Under the deal, PGEC will issue primary shares in favor of KIC equal to a 25-percent equity stake upon completing the conditions precedent for the transaction. The transaction will result in PERC reducing its interest in PGEC by 22.5 percent from 90 percent.

EEI Power’s interest in PGEC will also be reduced by 2.5 percent from 10 percent.

PGEC is the renewable energy holding unit of publicly-listed PERC. Its latest project is the 27-megawatt Dagohoy solar power facility in Barangay San Vicente, Dagohoy, Bohol.

PGEC also holds interests in the 32-MW Maibarara geothermal power project in Batangas, the 36-MW Nabas-1 wind power plant in Aklan and the 70-MW Tarlac solar project in Tarlac City.

It acquired three offshore wind blocks from the DOE covering offshore northern Luzon, northern Mindoro and eastern Panay.

PGEC is studying the development of up to 4,000 MW of offshore wind power projects based on data from the DOE. KIC is the overseas investment arm of Kyushu Electric, which has investments in the United States, Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines.

IN BRIEF

SMC Global holding $400-m tender offer for securities

SAN Miguel Corp. said Wednesday the board of subsidiary SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. authorized the conduct of $400-million tender offer to the holders of the US dollar-denominated senior perpetual capital securities.

The board approved during a special meeting on Oct. 26 the conduct of the tender offer to the holders of SMCGP securities listed with the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. “The appropriate announcement of the tender offers shall be made by SMC Global Power in SGX-ST on even date,” SMC earlier said.

The securities subject of the tender offer include the $800-million 6.5% SPCP issued on April 25, 2019; $500 million 5.95% SCPC issued on Nov. 5, 2019; $600 million 5.70% SCPC issued on Jan. 21, 2020; $750 million 7% SCPC issued on Oct. 21, 2020; and the $750 million 5.45% SCPC issued on June 9, 2021.

SMC earlier SMCGP would weather the financial challenges following the denial by the Energy Regulatory Commission of its petition for temporary relief from its fixed-rate power supply agreements with Manila Electric Co. “We’re confident that we will be able to manage the company’s maturing obligations in 2023 and beyond.

If necessary, there will be SMC parent support.

For our bondholders, SMCGP will continue to be fully compliant with its financial covenants at all times,” SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Data Lake to offer Starlink services to PH firms, agencies

DATA Lake Inc., a company of businessman Henry Sy Jr. and Anthony Almeda, signed an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to help bring the service to businesses and government organizations in the Philippines, making the company the first Starlink integrator in the country and the first in Southast Asia.

“The Philippines is an archipelago, and connecting our country to the wider world often requires extensive infrastructure. With the largest constellation of satellites on orbit, Starlink is a flexible service uniquely capable of providing high-bandwidth, reliable internet to the Philippines, even in times of natural disaster,” said Data Lake chairman Anthony Almeda.

“We are excited to help bring this industryleading technology to the country. Connectivity is critical in today’s modern age, and Starlink will help further Data Lake’s goal of sustainable and equitable economic development throughout the Philippines,” said Data Lake vice chairman David Tanael.

“Starlink achieves game-changing connectivity in hard-to-reach, remote areas on land, at sea, and in the air,” said SpaceX vice president of Starlink sales Jonathan Hofeller. “We look forward to making the service available in the Philippines in the coming months, and we’re grateful to those who have aided in our ability to connect everyday people, businesses, and government entities.”

Asialink raises P1.8b to fund ‘sangla’ business

NEW LIFE INSURER. Maxicare, Pin-An Holdings Inc. and the Gokongwei Group’s JE Holdings announce the formation of MaxiLife, the newest member of the Philippines’ dynamic life insurance industry. Sealing the agreement are (from left) MaxiLife president and chief executive Jose Pastor Puno, Divina Law managing partner Nilo Divina, Insurance Commissioner Denis Funa, JE Holdings and MaxiLife chairman Lance Gokongwei, MaxiLife vice chairman and Pin-An Holdings Corp. director Antonio Go and Maxicare president and chief executive Christian Argos.

ASIALINK Finance Corp. raised P1.8 billion from various banks to fund its “sangla” business with cars and trucks as collateral.

“Demand for quick loans from small and medium business owners and individuals have always been high and we have always been there to meet their needs. This year, as we recover from the pandemic, that demand is even higher,” said Asialink president and chief operating officer Apples Mangubat.

She said the company offers quick processing with the least required documentation and steps, which Asialink customers find convenient. “Most of our customers won’t qualify for bank loans while banks are not designed for this business. So we bridge that gap, partnering with banks in effect and lending to the end borrowers”, she said.

Asialink also offers competitive rates and has 94 branches all over the country, making its services affordable and accessible.

Among the lenders that provided Asialink P1.8 billion this year are the Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Business Bank, Small Business Corp., Philippine Veterans Bank, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, CTBC Bank, EastWest, UnionBank, Robinsons Bank and Chinabank.

Sports

Chiefs stun Pirates for 5th victory GAMES FRIDAY (Filoil EcoOil Centre) 12 noon – LPU vs Letran 3 p.m. – SSC-R vs JRU

AN outrebounded Arellano University Chiefs still had enough in its arsenal to stun the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates, 77-63, and stay in contention for the Final Four on Wednesday in the 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Fil-Australian Cade Flores knocked in 14 of his game-high and career-high 23 points in the third period as the Chiefs went on to coast to their fifth triumph in 11 outings.

The 6’4”Flores scored on four of the 12 turnovers that the Chiefs forced at the start of the second half.

The 24-year-old Flores unloaded back-to-back baskets during a 7-2 spurt in the last 7:23, allowing them to start turning the tide in their favor, from a 33-34 halftime deficit into a 40-36 lead.

The Pirates managed to take charge in the shaded lanes with 11 rebounds in the third, but the Chiefs were unmoved as they pressed on with their counterattacks, with Flores knocking in two baskets during a 15-0 blast that gave Arellano a 17-point spread, 55-38, with 2:48 to go.

“We got another chance. Maganda ang naging adjustment at correction namin,” said coach Cholo Martin of Chiefs, who fell behind in rebounds, 40 to the Pirates’ 48.

Flores went on to also finish with 12 boards, two assists and seven steals for the Chiefs.

Axel Doromal shot 18 points for the Chiefs, while Jade Talampas added nine, with his layup off Doromal’s pass keeping Arellano up by 16 in the final 44 seconds, 77-61.

The Pirates stayed in third spot at 8-4.

Martin said the Chiefs had a tendency to collapse on their defense in the fourth and it showed when they lost to the Letran Knights the last time around. But the team managed to make the necessary adjustments against the Pirates this time around.

Meanwhile, Will Gozum struck with a career-high 34 points and hauled eight rebounds to power the solo-leading College of St. Benilde Blazers to a 92-79 demolition of the returning Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers for their ninth triumph in 11 matches.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

Fil-Australian Cade Flores of the Chiefs is met with stiff resistance by the Pirates at the basket.

Serrano stars as Fuel Masters stun Elasto Painters, 92 to 83

By Peter Atencio

E

NCHO Serrano drilled in 18 points, including nine points in the last period as the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters weathered the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ final stand and pulled off a 92-83 win in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Serrano’s driving layup and split charity in the remaining 56 seconds found their marks and gave the Fuel Masters an 89-83 cushion en route to the win, their fourth in seven games.

This helped stretch the Fuel Masters’ winning streak to four as they climbed to third place in the team standings.

“Everybody contributed. We worked to handle our situations well. That’s important,” said Fuel Masters’ coach Topex Robinson.

Gian Mamuyac drained a trey and put the Elasto

Encho Serrano carries Phoenix

Painters within range, 83-86, before Serrano put the finishing touches to the Phoenix triumph.

Steve Taylor Jr. banged in 16 points for the Elasto Painters, who now have a 3-4 slate with Blackwater Elite.

Kaleb Wesson fired 21 points and hauled 17 rebounds for the Fuel Masters, who will seek to stretch their winning run to five when they meet the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday.

Wesson eked out seven points in the third period, with his layup in the final 5:44, putting the Fuel Masters ahead 16, 66-50.

Gilas awaits B. League players, plans daily workout

Dwight Ramos

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THE arrival of Gilas players seeing action in the Japan B. League is expected to provide additional manpower to the national training team preparing for the fifth window of the FIBA Asia World Cup Asian Qualifiers even as the workouts intensify starting next week.

Beginning Oct. 28, players like Dwight Ramos, Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena and Ray Parks will be released by their respective teams in the B. League to join Gilas Pilipinas.

As soon as these players arrive, national coach Chot Reyes will start daily workouts for the training team gearing up for away games on Nov. 10 and 13 in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

The exact date of their arrival hasn’t been pegged yet, however.

“Hindi ako sure. We don’t know the arrival yet of our B.League players,” said Reyes. “We’re planning, hopefully three days – October 31, November 1 and 2, but we’re not sure.”

The PBA is scheduled for a long break, playing its last game of the month on Oct. 30 and returning on Nov. 4. It’s a period Gilas can use to train daily before the team leaves on Nov. 7.

Aside from the B. League players, Gilas Pilipinas is looking to bring in naturalized player Ange Kouame while still trying to find ways to get 7’3” center Kai Sotto on board for the fifth window.

In the previous window, Sotto, who returned to play for his mother team Adelaide 36ers in National Basketball League Australia, teamed up with NBA star Jordan Clarkson when the Philippines played its away game against Lebanon last Aug. 26 and its home game on Aug. 29.

“FIBA has a directive to all the leagues around the world that players cannot be prevented from playing for their national teams. Hopefully, we can get Kai (Sotto).

Just like in Japan, we know that on a certain date, I think until the 28th of this month, and then Dwight Ramos, Kiefer

and Thirdy Ravena and Ray Parks, they’ll be available by then and we’re hoping the same for Kai,” said Reyes.

On Monday, Gilas Pilipinas resumed its training with 10 players participating in the weekly session.

In attendance were Chris Newsome of Meralco, who returned after being sidelined for several weeks because of contusion on his calf, and other PBA stars like reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Jamie Malonzo of Barangay Ginebra, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Poy Erram of TNT, and Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort. Also in the training session were collegiate players Kevin Quiambao of La Salle and Francis Lopez of Ateneo.

Naturalized player candidate Justin Brownlee, the Barangay Ginebra import, has been under the weather and was advised to rest, while Ange Kouame, the current naturalized player, had school commitments.

Lascuna outwits field, leads by 2 with 70 LUBAO, Pampanga – Tony Lascuna continued to defy the odds on a course where length is key, banking on his accuracy, ball control and putting to storm ahead by two on a solid 70 halfway through the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship here yesterday.

He hit all fairways in high winds or against- and cross- with his 250-yard norm, forever relying on his hybrid – and at times 3-wood – in tackling the long par-4s and par-5s while his younger, stronger rivals would pull out and opt for irons. But what makes the good-natured Davaoeno’s game tick and click in big-time championships and on this challenging course is that he always finds a way to give himself chances.

Two strokes clear of Angelo Que, Art Arbole and Guido Van der Valk at five-under 139, Lascuna now gained another crack at victory in this late stage of a checkered career, leading a pack of power-hitters and a Dutch rival whose game also resembles his.

“This course is really for the long hitters,” insisted Lascuna, a four-time Order of Merit winner on the Philippine Golf Tour, also impressive in the accuracy of his short game that saw him go out of regulation just once.

“But my hybrid has been working quite well– and my putts are going in,” he added.

That’s the scary part of Lascuna’s game. When his

putts keep dropping, the titles would keep coming.

He actually flubbed four makeable chances inside seven feet but drilled a clutch one from way out on the 17th, giving him a two-shot cushion heading to moving day of the P2 million championship put up

by ICTSI. But no lead is safe at the well-maintained Pradera Verde as Que stayed in the thick of things at 141 despite slowing down with a 72 after an opening 69; Guido Van der Valk bouncing back from a wobbly frontside 38 with four birdies in a five-hole stretch from No. 12 to save a 70; and unfancied Art Arbole leaned on what he termed as “lucky” streak to put himself in the conversation.

“It wasn’t as good as yesterday (Tuesday) but even-par here is still good,” said Que, who made a quiet two-birdie, two-bogey game in tougher conditions.

“Game-plan is still the same – keep (the ball) in play and give myself chances to make birdies,” said the three-time Asian Tour winner priming up for next week’s LIV-backed Asian Tour events in Morocco and in Egypt the following week with Luisita leg winner Miguel Tabuena.

“It was a tough day,” rued Van der Valk, who braced for a day-long struggle after missing the first 10 greens, leading to three bogeys against a birdie.

“Lots of short game had to be done.”

Tony Lascuna reacts after a missed putt. Manny Marcelo

Lady Blazers, Falcons whip V-League foes GAMES (FRIDAY) 10 a.m. – SSC vs FEU (W) 1 p.m. – San Beda vs UST (W) 3 p.m. – Ateneo vs Adamson (W) 5 p.m. – UP vs St. Benilde (W)

ST. BENILDE thumped fellow NCAA squad San Beda University with its power game, fashioning out a 25-18, 25-18, 25-19 victory for its second consecutive win in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.

The Lady Blazers thus moved a win away from sweeping Pool B and clinching the top seeding. They will take on the UP Lady Maroons tomorrow.

Skipper Mycah Go scored nine points on six attacks and three services to go along with 12 excellent digs and five excellent receptions in a superb all-around game to power the reigning NCAA champions to the one-hour, 17-minute romp.

“Medyo slow start (nu’ng third set) pero every rally lang na-overcome naman namin ‘yung points so less errors lang talaga ‘yung kailangan namin each game, ‘yun lang,” said St. Benilde assistant coach Jay Chua.

“Siguro sa next game alisin lang namin ‘yung slow start namin, dapat maging aggressive kami sa simula hanggang sa dulo para tuloy tuloy kami,” he added.

After taking the first two sets with ease, Benilde majority of the third frame before Cloanne Mondenedo’s steady hands from the service line helped the Lady Blazers anchor an 8-0 finishing kick that turned a 17-19 deficit to a six-point win.

Angel Habacon finished 13 points on 11 attacks, a block, and an ace to go along with six digs and three receptions for the Lady Red Spikers, who fell to 0-2.

Adamson U, meanwhile, overcame a seven-point deficit in the third set to complete its sweep of San Sebastian CollegeRecoletos, 25-13, 25-11, 25-22, also for a 2-0 mark in Pool A. Rochelle Lalongisip finished with 13 points on nine attacks, three service aces, and one kill block on top of 10 excellent receptions and eight digs as the Lady Falcons dispatched the Lady Stags in just one hour and eight minutes.

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Sports

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

Brodeth eyes 3rd ‘double,’ points in PPS San Carlos KIMI Brodeth exudes confidence as she goes for another sweep of the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under titles, this time against a tougher, fired-up field in the PPS-PEPP San Carlos City national juniors championships, which unwrap today (Thursday) at the SJRI Centermall courts in Negros Occidental.

Brodeth dominated at home two weeks ago and sustained her run in Ormoc last week, both Group 2 tournaments under the Palawan Pawnshop juniors tennis program, eyeing more ranking points in this week’s Group I event held as one of the highlights of the host province’s annual Pintaflores Festival celebrations.

She still gained the top seeding in both divisions but the 18-U roster is bolstered by the presence of tough rivals in Judy Ann Padilla, Sanschena Francisco, Jufe-Ann Cocoy, AJ Acabo, Jasmine Jaran, Angelo Vosotros and Louchelaj Estember.

Padilla, from Ozamiz City, and Acabo, from Zamboanga Sibugay, and Jaran are also vying in the 16-U play with Kate Imalay, Shara Paliwag, Therese Gauran and Sandra Bautista beefing up the cast in the five-day tournament hosted by San Carlos City Mayor Renato Gustilo and Vice Mayor Christopher Carmona.

Bautista and Gauran, meanwhile, loom as the players to beat in 14-U class of the event presented by Dunlop which lured close to 250 entries with all but one of the eight age-group categories featuring 32-player draws.

Also on tap are the Legends 35s and 45s men’s singles, the 40s and 50s men’s doubles and the women’s doubles to be capped by the Open Championship for the men’s singles and men’s doubles from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. For details, contact Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Ma. Caroliean Fiel also shoots for a third straight title in 12-U division that also features Alexa Cruspero, Mae Diamante and Jan Dagoon, while last week’s winner David Sepulveda topbills the boys’ side along with Rafa Callao, Matthew Morris, Armik Serillo, Clemente Barrera III and Andrian Rodriguez.

The boys’ 18-U could be a toss-up between Mcleen Gomera and Hans Cabellon with the likes of Pete Rodriguez, Carl Miasco, Cyril Paster and Herman Illusorio also all primed for a title crack with Gomera, from Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, also looking to nail the 16-U crown against the likes of Dilao siblings Nhiele and Vhiele, Gio Manito, Kirby Ramacho and Kurt Barrera.

The Dilaos, on the other hand, lead the 14-U field in the event, backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating), along with Kurt Barrera, Sepulveda, Aaron Tabura, Kenzo Brodeth, Rodrigque and Morris.

Arcilla, Anasta hurdle rivals, make PCA quarterfinals

TOGETHER IN SERVICE, SPORTS. Philippine Sports Commission chairman Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala stands proud beside AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Vicente Bartolome Bacarro, Philippine Air Force Commanding General Connor Anthony David Canlas Sr., Philippine Army Commanding General Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Coast Guard Chief of Coast Guard Staff, Commodore Tito Alvin Andal and Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, together with the participating soldier-athletes, during the awarding ceremonies of the 2022 AFP-PNP-PCG Olympics at Lapu-Lapu Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday. The PSC supported the annual sportsfest, recognizing the partnership which currently nurtures 172 soldier-athletes.

‘Griner’s hopes vanished today’ K RASNOGORSK, Russia­—A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal from US basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison term on drug charges, dismissing her plea for the “traumatic” sentence to be reduced.

The court in Krasnogorsk near Moscow ruled to leave Griner’s August verdict “without change” in the case that came amid fierce tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden’s administration dismissed the ruling as “another sham judicial proceeding” that will keep Griner “wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances” and vowed to continue pressing for her release.

“The President has demonstrated that he is willing to go to extraordinary lengths and make tough decisions to bring Americans home,” US National Security advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

Griner, a star in the Women’s National Basketball Association in the US, had pleaded by video link from her detention centre just outside the Russian capital for the sentence to be cut.

“I really hope that the court will adjust this sentence because it has been very, very stressful and very traumatic,” Griner said.

The 32-year-old was handed nine years in prison in August for possessing vape cartridges with a small quantity of cannabis oil, after she was arrested at a

Moscow airport in February.

Speaking slowly so her words could be translated into Russian, Griner asked the court for leniency given that the amount of cannabis found was “barely over the significant amount”.

“I don’t understand the first court’s decision to give one year less than the max when I’ve been here almost eight months and people with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given,” she said.

“So I just beg that the court... reassess my sentence.”

Not expecting ‘miracles’ Griner’s lawyers said they were disappointed by Tuesday’s decision as it goes against standard legal practice.

“Other defendants in similar criminal cases receive punishment in the form of a suspended sentence or a jail term not exceeding six years,” Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov said in a statement.

“Thus, Brittney Griner remains one of the most severely punished defendants in Russia.”

The lawyers said Griner is doing fine physically and that she spoke to her family last week on her birthday, but Tuesday’s decision was hard for Griner to take.

US basketball player Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony in August for drug smuggling, is seen on a screen via a video link from a remand prison before a court hearing to consider an appeal against her sentence, at the Moscow regional court. AFP

“She had some hopes and these hopes vanished today,” Blagovolina told reports outside the court house.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the ruling “was not unexpected and Brittney Griner remains wrongly detained.”

“It is time to bring this case to an end and bring BG home.”

Griner’s lawyers hope to speak to her later this week about whether she wants to continue appealing the verdict in higher courts.

When she was arrested, the twotime Olympic basketball gold medallist and Women’s NBA champion had been in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team, during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury Women’s National Basketball Association side. AFP

GRIZZLED veterans Johnny Arcilla and Elbert Anasta hurdled their respective opponents in contrasting fashions to march to the quarterfinals of the 39th Philippine Columbian Association Open Tennis Championships at its Plazao Dila indoor shell court in Paco.

The top-seeded Arcilla, 42, routed Norman Enriquez, 6-0, 6-2, while the fourth-ranked Anasta, 40, battled cramps and outlasted upset-conscious Alexa Acabo, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2), to claim their place in the round-of-eight.

Arcilla will battle the winner between John Renest Sonsona and Joseph Victorino, which was being played at press time, with hopes of sustaining his quest for a 10th crown in this meet bankrolled by Smart/PLDT, official ball Dunlop, Manila councilor Jong Isip, San Jose Salt, W. L. Food Products, Palawan Pawnshop and Pagcor.

“So far, so good,” said Arcilla.

Anasta, for his part, will tackle either Ronard Joven or fifth seed Muthu Senthilkumar of India, with an eye of surpassing, if not replicating, his best finish—semis— thrice.

But Anasta’s bid almost came to a screeching halt as he almost succumbed to cramps in the third and final set and the tiebreaker.

There was a point when Anasta blew a 3-2 lead in the third set and even trailed 6-5 and had some grim thoughts of just giving up because of the cramps that had started to hit both his tired and weary legs.

Good thing he didn’t.

“I was close to giving up but I’m happy I kept fighting,” said Anasta.

In the other men’s singles result, Jose Antonio Tria ended Jude Michael Padao’s dream run with a 6-3, 6-1 win.

In women’s singles, Alexa Joy Milliam blasted Mikaela Vicencio, 6-1, 6-1, and Justine Hannah Maneja turned back Joana Tan, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to the quarters of this tilt backed by GAC Motors, GIMACA Convenience Store and Development Corp., Ourzen Chicken, HEAD, Ms. Rina Caniza, Mr. Benito Tan, Primo Dept Fuel Station, Kaizan Steel Trading, Cazneau, Inc. and Knaut Art Glass.

Also barging into the next phase were Makeliah Nepomuceno and Kyle Emana, who eliminated Angeline Alcala, 6-4, 6-2, and Kryshanna Brazal, 6-2, 6-0, respectively.

Bicol Oragons seek redemption REDEMPTION will be high on the agenda of the Bicol Spicy Oragons when they return to action in the Pilipinas Super League, which kicks off with another tournament starting Oct. 29.

To be handled by veteran coach Monnel Kallos and manager Tony Oanes, the Spicy Oragons are looking to bounce back and make a good impression in both local and international basketball community.

“We’re looking for redemption in the coming PSL tournament.With the new

composition of the team, we are ready to make it happen,” said Oanes during the 44th “Sports on Air” online program via Zoom last Oct. 22.

“Right now, we’re satisfied with what we have in the team and I think we can do well in the coming tournament,” explained Oanes.

Oanes and Bicol Spicy Oragons representative to the PSL board Arvin Guinto said the Spicy Oragons are built not just to compete, but also to win.

“The team is determined to put the past behind and move on with our basketball

life,” added Guinto, referring to Bicol’s decision to walk out of its game against Cagayan de Oro in protest of what it perceived as biased officiating in a PSL tournament last April.

“We’re blessed to put together a young and experienced team. Players are joining us and expressing interest to help the team. Normally, some players do not want to be associated with teams which staged walkouts. But it’s the other way around for us. Players come to us,” explained Guinto.

Bicol assistant coaches Cesar Ba-

basa and Rommel Banaga claimed the Spicy Oragons are not looking at the line-ups of their opponents but are focusing on what they can do on the playing court.

“The team management and coaching staff under Coach Monnel are looking at what our players can do. Tinitignan namin kung paano namin ma-maximize yung talents ng mga players; lalo na yung mga bata,” said Babasa.

“We have retained a few veterans in the team, but our focus is our young homegrown players,” added Banaga.

The coaching staff agreed that Bicol is teeming with young and outstanding players and the team is committed to finding and developing them to become good basketball players.

Avaricio slips with 74, but stays ahead by 1 LUBAO, Pampanga – Chanelle Avaricio barely survived a wind-blown day here Pradera Verde, coming in ruffled by the gusts for a 74 that set the stage for a wild finish in the ladies side of the ICTSI Pradera Verde Championship yesterday.

The three-leg winner still held the lead at 141 but the seven-shot turnaround from her fiery opening 67 typified the daunting challenge that the field had to endure although three broke par to make it a wide-open battle for top honors in the 54-hole, P1.25 million championship.

Harmie Constantino fought back from a mishap on No. 4 with birdies on Nos. 6 and 12 for a second straight 71 and a 142 while Florence Bisera gunned down four birdies against two bogeys to wrest solo third at 143 after 36 holes of play.

With Pamela Mariano also firing a 71 for a 145, a four-way battle for top P168,750 is in the works with the rest needing to come up with low rounds in another expected blustery conditions to get a stab at glory.

“I struggled on the greens with my club selection.

I think nahirapan ako sa hangin at yun ang adjustment,” said Avaricio, who hardly recovered from three bogeys in the first six holes although her sec-

ond straight birdie on No. 10 kept her on top of the field she beat by six when she won here last June.

“I really wasn’t hitting it close to the pin and I didn’t really give myself chance (for birdies),” added the Hallow Ridge and Caliraya Springs leg champion who is using this tournament as part of her buildup for the LPGA Q-School Stage II in Florida next month.

She later headed to the practice green to polish her stroke while vowing to make the necessary adjustments and not to be too aggressive in pursuit of a fourth championship.

But her rivals are all keen on ending her domination with Constantino hoping to keep her consistent play to help fuel her drive for a third leg victory after winning two in a resounding rookie season last year.

“I think I really played consistent today (yesterday). Everything else was pretty consistent and I will try to the same thing tomorrow (today) – hit more greens and make more putts,” said Constantino.

But Bisera is also out to make the most of her big second round charge with Mariano needing a lot of work to do from four down to boost her

chances for a breakthrough win in the seasonending regular championship of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and sponsored by ICTSI. Sunshine Baraquiel, the winner at Highlands last year, stayed close to the leaders with a two-birdie, one double-bogey card at the front. But she crumbled at the back, limping with four bogeys for a 76 and a 147 for joint fifth with Gretchen Villacencio, who carded a 74.

Apple Fudolin rebounded from a 76 with a gutsy 72 but at 148, she remained seven strokes off Avaricio, while former Sherwood Hills leg winner Sarah Ababa and brand-new pro Kim Seoyun of Korea, who finished runner-up to Rianne Malixi while playing as an amateur at Riviera, stumbled with 75 and 76, respectively, for identical 149s.

Amateur Mafy Singson, only three strokes behind at second after a 70, never recovered from a bogey-marred frontside 40, dropping another shot on No. 10 and making two double bogeys from Nos. 13 and 14. She, however, birdied the 17th for the second straight day but tumbled from second to joint 10th at 150 with Marvi Monsalve, who struggled with a 77.

Chanelle Avaricio still held the lead at 141 but the seven-shot turnaround from her fiery opening 67 typified the daunting challenge that the field had to endure. Manny Marcelo

Entertainment Kanye West performing in Anaheim, California in 2016

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

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Adidas cuts ties with rapper Kanye West GERMAN sportswear giant Adidas said Tuesday it was ending its partnership with Kanye West after a series of anti-Semitic outbursts by the controversial US rapper.

Recent comments by West – now known formally as Ye – were “unacceptable, hateful and dangerous,” Adidas said in a statement.

“After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately.”

Adidas said it would “end production” of the highly successful “Yeezy” line designed together with West and “stop all payments to Ye and his companies.”

The abrupt end to the collaboration between the sports outfitter and rapper would slash

Adidas’s net income in 2022 by “up to 250 million euros ($246 million),” the company estimated.

Adidas’s decision to dump the artist was “overdue,” said Josef Schuster of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

“For weeks, West has caused worldwide furore with his anti-Semitic remarks,” Schuster said, adding that the rapper’s comments had become “intolerable”.

Adidas began a review of its relationship with West earlier this month after he appeared at a Paris fashion show wearing a shirt emblazoned with “White Lives Matter,” a slogan created as a backlash to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Days later he was locked out of Twitter and

Instagram for threatening to “Go death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE,” using a reference to US military readiness.

Comments made by West “violate the company´s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness,” Adidas said Tuesday.

The artist was associated with rival sportswear company Nike for years but broke away in 2013, lending his name to Adidas as they launched their first Yeezy shoe together in 2015 – a partnership that went on to make him a billionaire.

Along with Beyonce, Stella McCartney, and Pharrell Williams, West’s has been one of the top names used by Adidas to boost sales, especially online. AFP

Dingdong Dantes comes closer to satisfying his foodie side

By Patricia Taculao

A

CTOR and TV host Dingdong Dantes has played numerous roles in his lifetime, whether in film or television. Meanwhile, in reality, he also shares several responsibilities as a father, husband, and businessman.

Last year, Dingdong established his all-Filipino delivery service solution provider called Dingdong. He owns an independent film company, Agostos Dos Productions, which produced Aswang Chronicles’ Tiktik and Kubot.

One business venture that Dingdong hopes to enter is the food industry. As many of his fans know, the Kapuso actor is a food enthusiast, and it also helps that his wife, actress Marian Rivera, is a whiz in the kitchen.

Despite Dingdong’s interest in the food industry, he has yet to acquire the experience to help him run the business he desires. It’s a good thing for him, then, that he works closely with the heads of MESA, a homegrown Filipino casual dining brand.

MESA is a popular Filipino restaurant under the umbrella of FooDee Global Concepts, one of Manila’s leading multi-brand food and beverage groups run by father-and-son duo Rikki and Eric Thomas Dee. As the brand ambassador for MESA, Dingdong symbolizes the brand’s

wholesome image that welcomes families for hearty meals. In the meantime, Dingdong is learning trade secrets about the food industry, which could prove valuable when he starts his venture.

Just like any business, the seasoned actor saw how having determination is vital in any industry. As an actor, he knows the relevance of focusing on a role to give his best performance. He likens the experience to running a business, saying that anyone interested in pursuing a career in any industry should prioritize the growth of their brand.

So when will Dingdong start his food business? The answer lies in the 88th nationwide branch of MESA. Dingdong’s loyalty to MESA and a friendly relationship with the Dees secured him a spot at the table. Dingdong shares that there’s not much symbolism to the branch number he chose. It’ll just give him ample time to prepare for the new opportunity.

On October 25, Dingdong renewed his ties with MESA as its brand ambassador, furthering the brand’s goal of opening 100 stores in the country by 2024.

“Our aim to accelerate opening more MESA branches nationwide and even abroad is stronger with our continued tie with brand ambassador Dingdong Dantes.

He shares MESA brand values and embody the character of a wholesome and modern Filipino family man,” said Eric Thomas Dee, COO of FooDee Global Concepts.

As the brand embarks on its “Road to 100” campaign, MESA unveiled a giant billboard atop its headquarters at One

MESA believes that Dingdong shares the values of a modern Filipino man, as evident in his relationship with his family

Corporate Central in Mandaluyong City.

MESA currently has 70 stores nationwide. It’s known for serving Filipino classics with a modern twist, including pomelo salad, crispchon (crispy lechon), laing 2 ways, and more. The restaurant plans to reach 100 stores in malls and stand-alone locations in commercial areas and hotels nationwide and globally.

As Dingdong uses his influence to further MESA’s objective, he learns a lot of information about the food industry, preparing him for taking on the responsibility.

Dingdong Dantes has an affinity for food, inspiring him to pursue a business in the industry

From left: Rikki Dee, Dingdong Dantes, and Eric Dee

Netflix drums up new lineup via ‘Tudum’event

By Glaiza Lee

chase scene any fan should not miss. Men in Hahoe masks will once again wreak havoc in a world where the two Koreas are close to THERE’S always a sign when the movie is reunification. about to start. After a series of previews and 3. A different kind of chemistry finds trailers, you’d next see the logo of the film its way into The Fabulous. Starring Choi production company or studio that made it, Minho of Shinee and actress Chae Soo-bin, signaling the start of the cinematic journey this Korean romantic series follows four best inside the theater. friends as they chase their dreams alongside And these logos are often recognizable to fashion’s elite while juggling demanding most people. Torch-bearing woman in her jobs, romantic dilemmas, and wild nights on patriotic robes is associated with Columbia the town.

Pictures.

In the series, Minho plays Ji Woo-min, Who would forget the roaring lion of a freelance photo editor established in his Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the mountain peak profession and known for his attractive encircled with 22 stars of appearance.

However, he Paramount, the pegasus of struggles with finding passion for Tristar, the castle of Walt his work. Things change when Disney, the man fishing from he encounters Pyo Ji-eun (played the moon of Dreamworks?

by Chae Soo-bin), a PR manager Netflix found its for luxury brands, and the two recognizable icon through find themselves in a blossoming Tudum, the sound that romance. comes with its logo playing Aside from the compelling plot right before watching which takes a hyper-realistic look Netflix or when a film or at love, friendship, and dreams, series is introduced. tune into this new series for a “We knew we wanted to stunning visual feast. create something special 4. Fans who ship Moon Sefor Netflix, and spent a year hoon and Shin Ji-yeon will have developing a sound that more kilig moment as Single’s would tell audiences around Inferno goes for a second season. the world that they were During the Tudum fan event, the about to watch an amazing 'Hellbound', a dark fantasy drama based on a webtoon series of the same duo got reunited as they took the story unfold in their home. title, returns for a second season fans in an Inferno Island tour to We needed something that tease audiences on what’s to come would work before any genre and translate in Watching Tudum, here are the Korean in Season 2. any country, due to the massive global variety contents you should watch out for: With a longer runtime of 10 episodes, of our content,” said Netflix VP of Design 1. Hellbound returns for a second season. Season 2 will see new hotties who make the Steve Johnson.

Topping Netflix’s global series list following infamous deserted island their home in hopes In creating the iconic sound, Johnson its release last November, Hellbound is a dark of meeting their perfect match. Will there be revealed that the streaming company wanted fantasy drama based on a webtoon series of any love stories coming out of the show that “a sound that communicates a lot in a very the same title. are #relationshipgoals? Only time will tell! short amount of time and builds tension and 2. Korean version of Spanish series Money 5. After a year since it became a global resolves itself, like a good story.”

Heist is also making a comeback. While sensation, Squid Game will return to Netflix.

Netflix partnered with Oscar-winning the first part of Money Heist: Korea - Joint Making history with record-breaking wins sound designer Lon Bender to create Tudum Economic Area captured the magic of the at the Emmy Awards, Squid Game showed – which is a combination of different sounds original while giving audiences a Korean an exclusive look at an unreleased clip from including the sound of wedding rings hitting flavor to it, the second part will have more Season 1, confirming the mysterious identity against the side of a cabinet, the slowed anvil exciting action scenes and a heart-pounding of the Front Man, during the global fan event.

From left: Talent manager Perry Lansigan, MESA CEO Rikki Dee, Dingdong Dantes, MESA COO Eric Dee, and MESA Director for National Operations Raymond Federigan during the contract renewal

Zsara Tiblani in the music video for her rendition of ‘Mr. Disco’

sounds and two muted hits, and the tonal swell nicknamed The Blossom created with a guitar by sound designer Charlie Campagna.

With much thought given to creating this iconic sound, it is not surprising that Netflix global fan event is called Tudum too.

This year, the virtual fan event, which happened on September 24 and 25, featured over 120 series, films, and over 200 talents.

Netflix fandom discovered exclusive news, never-before-seen footage, trailers, and first looks, as well as interviews with Netflix’s biggest stars and creators.

Last year, Tudum debuted with 25 million views in 184 countries around the world.

A modern twist to a classic disco tune AFTER bagging Best Dance Recording Artist in the 34th Awit Awards in 2021 for her debut single “G na G,” Zsara is finally back with her second release under PolyEast Records. This time, she takes on her own version of the 70s hit song “Mr. Disco,” a song that has stood the test of time.

An all-around performer who can act, dance, and sing, the 26-year-old Zsara Tiblani is a passionate talent that you absolutely shouldn’t overlook. After a short stint with a popular local girl group, she is here to make a name for herself. Of course, this already proves to be true with “G na G,” an award-winning single with 6,000 streams on Spotify and 15,000 views on PolyEast’s YouTube channel.

Now, Zsara is also claiming the 1979 hit “Mr. Disco” as her own. Adding a playful sound to it, the song will surely leave you dancing and grooving to the music. Not only that, she even starred in the official music video alongside Albert Nicolas a.k.a Asian Cutie, an online sensation and content creator.

Popularized by OPM singer Ella Del Rosario in the late 70s, “Mr. Disco” was considered a song that stood out during the emergence of the Manila Sound. Although, it also has a distinct tune that people nowadays can describe as “city pop”, a genre initially coined for a specific form of Japanese music.

With a classic take on the disco scene, Zsara’s newest release will surely bring you both a wave of dopamine and nostalgia.

“Mr. Disco” by Zsara is now out on digital music streaming platforms. You can also watch its official music video on PolyEast Records’ YouTube channel.

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

Setting new standards in digital health industry purpose. We were able to come up with these firsts in terms of prodMETRO Pacific Investments Corporation’s (MPIC) mWell unuct features, and innovations not only for patients but also for docveiled a roster of groundbreaking firsts in digital healthcare as the tors. We believe that uplifting the lives of Filipinos is a prerequisite Philippines’ first fully integrated health app at the forefront of into national progress,” says MPIC Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainnovation anchored on good health and well-being. ability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

In an event dubbed as PH1 hosted by no less than beauty queen, “That’s why mWell helps uplift lives by providing access to better TV personality, and youth advocate Catriona Gray, mWell celhealth, which after all is a basic right. It is both a digital health service ebrated the many firsts in a little over a year of its pilot launch and an advocacy because at the heart of mWell firsts is our mission and announced other pioneering efforts that help redefine not only to bring healthcare closer to more Filipinos as we make health and telemedicine but the entire healthcare landscape. wellness available and accessible to anyone, anytime, anywhere,” PH1 witnessed the full display of mWell app features that showCabal-Revilla adds. case its holistic approach to telemedicine from doctor consultaThe culture of innovation continues for mWell—not just as a sution, e-pharmacy, emergency services, and home care – to fitness per app but as a fully integrated healthcare ecosystem that truly reand nutrition programs. Beyond patient care, it has also designed sponds to the needs of Filipinos. Another first to be launched soon is a cutting-edge Electronic Medical Records and clinic management the mWell Wellness Wearable. This is designed to democratize and system for partner doctors. empower more Filipinos by making wellness wearables more affordMPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan able, especially in regional areas. Using the mWell Wellness Wearsays, “Metro Pacific Group’s mWell is the Philippines’ first fully able, anyone can easily and more accurately track steps, physical integrated health app which brings together experts in technolactivity, and sleep time through the mWellness Score on their watch. ogy, medicine, wellness, and healthcare in one sustainable living Soon they can even monitor temperature, oxygen level, heart rate, ecosystem. This high-performing platform gives access to quality and other vital signs that will make teleconsultation easier on the app. healthcare and empowers our countrymen to be in control of their Another telemedicine innovation in the pipeline is the mWell kiosk to health as they rebuild their lives coming out of the pandemic. We be used by local government units for their medical missions. shall continue to set the standards in digital healthcare as we build mWell is supported by top names in technology, wellness, and a healthier nation and be recognized as the flag carrier for innovative digital healthcare in the Philippines.” mWell media event with (from right, seated) host Catriona Gray, Manny V. Pangilinan, Chaye healthcare including Microsoft, Highly Succeed, Telus, Maya, Bayad, Aktivo, Active8me, Smart, PLDT Home, PLDT Enterprise, mWell’s many firsts include: Cabal-Revilla, and MPIC executives (standing) PLDT SME, PLDT Global, PSG Global Solutions, The Solution, l First health app available globally to migrant workers/ Department of Migrant Workers Overseas Workers Welfare AdOFWs ministration, Metro Pacific Health, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, l First to offer the most affordable telemedicine with free accident in- ness Score which measures physical activity, steps, and sleep l First to provide a cutting-edge, full suite clinic management system Gabay Guro, Gabay Kalusugan, Department of Migrant Workers, Oversurance package via the Healthsavers Plan seas Workers Welfare Administration, PCCSC, MedExpress, Healthl First to launch the biggest nationwide digital medical mission with designed by doctors for doctors—mWellMD l First to provide a portable mobile digital clinic to remote communities link, Lifeline 16-911, PhilCare and Generali. hundreds of volunteer doctors simultaneously providing free consultation all in the country—mWell OnTheGo mWell PH app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google over the country through the National mWellness Day “We are celebrating so many firsts through sheer dedication, passion, and Play Store. l First to offer a wellness score developed by data scientists--the mWell-

Which face lotion is perfect for your skin?

FACE lotions, in general, are great for many skin types, as their key goal is to nourish the skin. This is why they are a must in a classic Japanese beauty routine, that’s known to deliver mochimochi skin – named after the beloved dessert famous for its babysoft, bouncy, velvety matte texture. Used after cleansing, face lotions primarily soften and hydrate the skin, and some even come with more benefits.

When it comes to face lotions, the Japanese trust the skincare brand Hada Labo that sells out a bottle every five seconds. It offers two lines in the Philippines: Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion and Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion.

While both promise hydration as they contain good-for-the-skin and water-retaining hyaluronic acid, each has a specific purpose that can help you fulfill your skin needs.

Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion is the brand’s OG bestselling lotion that’s perfect for daily use, especially if you have dry or normal skin. Its updated version Gokujyun Hydrating Lotion Rich has the power of five types of hyaluronic acid (the previous has 4) to introduce high-function moisturizing technology to the skin.

Hyaluronic acid, high molecular hyaluronic acid, acetylated hyaluronic acid, and nano hyaluronic acid all deeply hydrate the skin, replenish optimum moisture, create a moisture-locking shield to prevent moisture loss, and enhance absorption of other skin-care ingredients. The addition of the world’s first fermented hyaluronic acid in this face lotion significantly improves its barrier function even more.

The line also has Hada Labo Gokujyun Hydrating Light Lotion that has the same formula as the former, just tweaked a bit for oily or combination skin with its light, non-greasy texture.

The cult fave Japanese skincare brand also offers Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion that’ll suit you best if you have dull, tired skin. Apart from hyaluronic acid, it also contains brightening ingredients to give you that crystal-bright glow. This face lotion contains two types of hyaluronic acid that form a layer of barrier on your skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss and enhance the absorption of other skincare ingredients, all while penetrating deeply into your skin to provide moisture into the inner skin layers.

The Shirojyun Premium Whitening Lotion is infused with vitamins C and E that are known for soothing and relieving discomfort after sun exposure. Vitamin C is also known as popular skinbrightening ingredient for effectively fading dark spots, reducing redness and dullness, and evening out the skin tone. Vitamin E, on the other hand, can help protect your skin from discoloration and minimize the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Whichever face lotion fits your skin, use it twice a day and apply the product the Hada Labo way—by patting it onto the skin using your palm—for best results.

To find out more about Hada Labo face lotions and its other skincare products, check out the brand’s popup store at The SM Store’s Beauty Section on the Upper Ground Floor in SM Megamall from November 17 to 30. Spend at least P1,500 to get free limited edition Hada Labo mirror and more freebies.

You can also be one of the 10 winners of P1,000 worth of Mochiko Mochi dessert vouchers. Simply follow @HadaLaboPH on Facebook and Instagram, and post about the popup store on your social media pages with the hashtags #HadaLaboPH and #mochimochiskin.

Hada Labo face lotions and other skin goodies are now available at Watsons, Zalora, and online through the official Mentholatum store on Lazada and Shopee.

Face lotions can hydrate the skin and offer more benefits too!

Ghoster or Ghosted?

Not-so-spooky stories worth sharing this Halloween

Halloween or not, being ghosted isn’t nice and ghosting isn’t something to be proud of

well to my flirty messagOME of us es. Then in the middle have a fair of our “landian” she just stopped replying to me. share of No explanations, what‘ghosting’ stories, soever. I was really devand I’m talking astated as I didn’t have a single clue as to the reaabout ghosting in son why she did it. Well, the dating scene.

I’ve moved on now.

JOB WELL DONE Break it to me Perhaps you’ve been

BY JOBA BOTANA gently… or not ghosted, or you were So, if you were the one who isn’t just into him or her, what the one who ghosted. Or on would you rather do? Would you break it different occasions and for to her gently or not? I asked some of your whatever reasons, both.

‘Titos and Titas of Manila,’ and here’s

S

Here are some stories shared with me, some hilarious, some not so.

Ghosting the would-be ghoster I knew I was about to be ghosted since the guy was sharing his not being ready even though we went out three times already. So, one morning, I called it off. He replied to tell me that he would explain but never did. Then the pandemic happened, and I never heard from him again.

In this case, maybe I was the one who ghosted first. - DSJ, Manila, in his/her 30s Tables have turned We were friends for a long time. I was in love with him, unfortunately, he wasn’t that much into me. Nonetheless, we became a couple. Months later he broke up with me and did not offer so much explanation. I was so devastated. I tried to talk to him to understand. I got nothing.

So, I moved on. Lately, he’s been reaching out to me. But I’m ignoring him. I’m unaffected. I guess the tables have turned.

- CF, Mandaluyong, in her 30s Bye childhood crush He is one of my oldest friends in our community, one of those I’d call “Kuya” because he is a few years older than I am.

We were sort of friends. I knew he was in a relationship but when they broke up, we got closer. We talked and hung out for a month. After that… poof! Not even a word. - JA, Manila, in her 30s She led me on…to nothing.

I thought we had something – we were already dating. I could say she was into me.

This was in 2019, just before the pandemic.

We were flirting – and she was responding

ing someone on to nothing. I fully agree with being kind and truthful but be firm.

And bravo to those who finally found the courage to apologize and explain, even if it took them a while to do so. It’s still better than nothing. Halloween or not, being ghosted isn’t nice and ghosting isn’t something to be proud of.

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

what they have to say: The dudes: It depends [on the person’s character and the situation] really. But when I’m not into a girl, my rule has always been ‘be kind and warm but firm.’ - AG, 30s It’s not easy but here are some that I did. a) Said that she’s a great friend— as in I friend-zoned her right away. I think I said To some, being ghosted is both heartbreaking something like: “Alam mo, ang cool mo and traumatizing ka-tropa talaga.” b) Straightforward. I did this before to someone who was set up to be my date by a mutual friend. I told our common friend: “Your friend seems really nice kaya lang wala pa kasi ako sa dating phase sa ngayon eh.” c) Super honest: “It’s a really nice night, but I do think we’re better off as friends nalang.” - CA, 30s I’d make valid excuses such as “My cat just died or something.” - AJG, 20s The dudettes Just don’t make him feel special. If the guy isn’t into me, even if I am into him, I’d appreciate it if he would not make me feel special in any way. - M, 30s I stop engaging. or mention someone who has a crush on you that you’d like to date. - GM, 30s Say things in love. Be direct and honest but say it with a little cushion and caution.

It’s based on Ephesians 4:15. - CL, 30s For some, being ghosted can be quite traumatic, and honestly, sometimes being ghosted by someone you’ve been dating can be quite traumatic. Sometimes, it is To those who finally found the courage to a good call to be upfront with someone; apologize and explain, even if it took them a the truth may hurt but it’s finer than lead- while to do so – bravo!