Manila Standard - 2022 November 5 - Saturday

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Oct. inflation at 14-year high Driven by fast price hikes in food, beverages; Nov. rate may be even higher—PSA

By Julito G. Rada, Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

NFLATION in October shot up to an almost 14-year high of 7.7 percent from 6.9 percent in September, driven by faster increases in the prices of food and nonalcoholic beverages, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Friday.

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National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Dennis Mapa said in an online briefing that the inflation rate in

October was the fastest since the 7.8 percent posted in December 2008 during the global financial crisis.

Inflation, which is the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time, was also significantly faster this month than the 4 percent posted in October 2021.

Mapa said the inflation rate for food was 9.4 percent in October, accounting for an 18 percent share in

overall inflation.

The October rate brings the average inflation for the first 10 months to 5.4 percent, well over the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent set by the government.

Mapa said more price increases were likely.

"Inflation may still accelerate this month [November]... There is a substantial probability of an increase in Novem-

ber 2022," Mapa said, noting the recent increase in the price of liquefied petroleum gas.

"There was a push in food prices and the recent typhoons would not help," Mapa said, referring to a series of destructive typhoons that did significant damage to agriculture.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Next page

Value of peso declines further to P0.85 per P1

By Othel V. Campos, Alena Mae Flores and Vito Barcelo THE purchasing power of the Philippine peso declined further in October as inflation shot to an almost 14-year high and as the local currency weakened against the US dollar.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) chief Dennis Mapa said the value of one peso in 2018 slipped to 85 centavos in October, down from 86 centavos in July.

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VOL. XXXVI • NO. 262• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 SATURDAY SATURDAY,, NOVEMBER 5, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BEACONS OF HOPE. Giant parol (ornamental lanterns) from Pampanga dot the stretch of Ayala Avenue in Makati City to officially welcome the season in the country’s central business district. The ceremonial lighting was spearheaded by Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Jr, Bea Zobel de Ayala, Patricia Zobel de Ayala, Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay and Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo. Danny Pata

DOJ to file murder raps vs. 10 more in Lapid slay

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta Additional murder complaints are poised over at least 10 new personalities involved in the killings of radio commentator Percival “Percy Lapid”

Mabasa and alleged middleman Crisanto “Jun Villamor” Palana by Monday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said yesterday.

Remulla earlier said the Department of Justice could file the additional charges by Saturday or Monday but said Friday that the Phil-

ippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation are still discussing the cases.

“We’re playing it by ear, we’re trying to close everything as early as we can but there are 2 to 3 people that we still want to talk to just to be thorough about it,” he said.

Remulla did not confirm if these persons are government officials but said they are “very high in the chain” in the Lapid case. He said it would be up to the NBI and the PNP to disclose additional information.

Lapid’s brother, Roy Mabasa, claimed Next page

PBBM to raise South China Sea issue in Asean

OFW deployment to Saudi resumes Nov. 7—Sec. Ople

By Vince Lopez

FILIPINOS who want to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) may troop to the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar, which will resume accepting job offers by November 7 after the government lifted the worker deployment ban there in September.

“We will not hastily lift the Saudi deployment ban without a clear and strong foundation for the protection of our workers,” Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople said Friday in a hybrid media briefing.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Leaders’ Summit in Cambodia next week before proceeding to Thailand the week after for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week.

Mr. Marcos will raise the South China Sea issue as well as post-pandemic economic recovery and transformation in his Asean meetings in Phnom Penh, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Next page

CLOSER TIES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. receives Dr. Mori Masafumi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Thursday. Mr. Marcos said he “looks forward to strengthening the ties between our countries and working together on climate change, the West Philippines Sea, agriculture and food security, as well as infrastructure development.”

Teachers told: Don't be friendly with students on social media SCHOOL teachers don’t have to be friends on social media with their students unless the tutor and pupil are already relatives, the Department of Education ordered recently.

Through Department Order No. 49 series of 2022 released on Wednesday, DepEd told its officials and employees to exercise caution in using Facebook and other online platforms and refrain from "following social media with learners" unless they are family members or are related.

The order was issued to promote professionalism in the delivery of basic education programs and services.

It stressed the provisions of the current Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officialsand Employees and reminded department workers to always adhere to "acceptable norms of conduct and relations in DepEd." Next page

DSWD chief belies Trump all but declares presidential bid lack of food aid given in Novoleta

CAMPAIGN BLITZ.

Former US President Donald Trump arrives during a campaign event at Sioux Gateway Airport on November 3, 2022 in Iowa where he all but declared another presidential bid. AFP

PRESIDENT Joe Biden and Donald Trump launched multi-state campaign blitzes Thursday (Friday Manila time) ahead of midterm elections that could end up hobbling the Democrat's next two years, while setting the stage for a Trump comeback attempt.

Trump stopped short of announcing his candidacy during an 80-minute speech in Sioux City, Iowa on Thursday. But only just.

"This is the year we're going to take back the House," he told a cheering crowd.

"We're going to take back the Senate.

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We're going to take back America and then in 2024, most importantly, we are going to take back our magnificent White House," he said.

"I will very, very, very probably do it again."

Trump—who remains the Republican party's de facto leader and possible 2024 presidential candidate despite losing the 2020 election and being under investigation for stashing top secret presidential documents at his Florida golf resort and for other reasons —is on the offensive.

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By Rio N. Araja SECRETARY Erwin Tulfo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday denied the claim of Noveleta, Cavite Mayor Dino Chua of incompetence in the release and distribution of government assistance due to stringent requirements being asked from victims of severe tropical storm Paeng.

Interviewed over radio dzBB, Tulfo said that investigation showed that the Next page

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Oct....

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Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said tropical storm Paeng could lead to some pick up in food and agricultural prices and overall inflation especially in hard-hit areas, as well as some seasonal increase in demand and prices of holiday-related products towards December. But he said price increases might ease after the holiday season by early January."

The continued increase in inflation in October was driven by faster inflation rates in key commodity groups, particularly food and non-alcoholic beverages, which increased to 9.4 percent from 7.4 percent in September 2022.

Among the top contributors to October 2022 inflation are meat, fish, and vegetables (1.7 percentage points); electricity, gas, and other fuels (1.1 percentage points); operation of personal transport (0.6 percentage points); food and beverage services (0.5 percentage points); passenger transport services (0.5 percentage points); and housing rentals (0.5 percentage points).

The National Economic and Development Authority said the surge in prices resulted from external price pressures, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID-19 lockdowns imposed in parts of China, which disrupted global supply chains. It also pointed to the lingering aftermath of recent typhoons.

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government's immediate priority was to continue supporting the most vulnerable sectors of the economy, hence, the cash transfers and fuel discounts would continue.

Value...

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The purchasing power of the Philippine peso is computed as 1 divided by the consumer price index (CPI), multiplied by 100.

Inflation, which refers to the rate at which prices change over a period of time, shot up to 7.7 percent in October.

Mapa said that year-to-date, the purchasing power of the peso stands at 87 centavos against its value of P1 in base year 2018.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the decrease in the purchasing power of the local currency “may largely reflect the 15 percent depreciation of the peso vs. the US dollar from a year ago and also since the start of 2022.”

Ricafort said the weaker peso led to higher import prices, which, inturn, led to higher overall inflation.

Meanwhile, the labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) said inflation has wiped out at least P76 from the P570 minimum wage in Metro Manila.

“The P570 minimum wage in NCR is actually just worth P494 by October.

P76 has been shaved off the real value of

Trump...

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Hitting four key electoral states in five days – Iowa on Thursday, then Florida, Pennsylvania and finally Ohio on Monday – Trump is reinforcing his role as Republican overlord. If his efforts pay off with victories for his preferred candidates on Tuesday, he will notonly expand his powerful group in Congress but create momentum for what many believe is a likely announcement that he's seeking a second presidential term in 2024.

For Biden, the personal stakes are also high.

If Republicans seize control of Congress, Biden will likely face a permanent political dog fight and legislative gridlock over the next two years of his administration.

It's believed that declaration of a Trump presidential candidacy would also strongly motivate Biden to seek his own second term, despite already being the oldest person in the job ever and turning 80 this month.

Biden used a visit to a community college in New Mexico to tout his administration's bid to ease crushing student debt and other policies that have "delivered enormous

OFW...

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Ople said a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s human resources department is expected to arrive in the Philippines next week to discuss other topics such as labor issues, wages, automation of payment for OFWs, and the unpaid claims of thousands of OFWs since 2016, among others.

“We seek everyone's cooperation especially that of stakeholders in ensuring that the reopening of the Saudi labor market

DSWD...

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agency was able to deliver enough food aid to the people of Noveleta, and that the remaining 300 individuals failed to avail of the assistance because their names were not on the list of the barangay or the local government unit.

“The mayor was not around when the aid was given out. Only his personnel and the barangay officials were there.

Last Oct. 31, we sent them (LGU) 1,600 boxes of food packs. How could it happen

"This will alleviate the effects of the sustained increase in commodity prices as a result of global headwinds as well as the recent typhoons which damaged our domestic production and disrupted food supply,” Balisacan said in a statement.

Balisacan said the medium-term strategy was to invest in innovations and appropriate technologies and systems to make the economy and communities resilient.

Equally important is the need to improve the governance structure for managing water resources and, at the same time, mitigating the risks from water-induced disasters. These strategies will be elaborated in the upcoming Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“It’s high time that we boost support for the agriculture sector not only in postdisaster recovery, but more importantly through preemptive measures. To sustain productivity and resilience, climateadaptive agricultural technologies should be put in place and value chains strengthened," Balisacan said.

The 7.7 percent October 2022 inflation was within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ forecast range of 7.1 to 7.9 percent for the month.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla earlier said monetary authorities will increase the benchmark interest rate by another 75 basis points in the next policy meeting in the middle of this month after the US Federal Reserve raised again its policy rate by 75 bps on Wednesday to rein in inflation in the world's biggest economy.

"This supports the BSP’s stance to hike its policy rate by the same amount in its next policy meeting on Nov. 17," Medalla said, noting that this would temper any impact the Fed rate increase would have

on the country’s exchange rate.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the continuation of support to the most vulnerable sectors through the distribution of cash transfers and fuel discounts to help cushion the impact of rising inflation, the Palace said.

Office of the Press Secretary officer-incharge Cheloy Garafil said this would be part of the government’s key response to rising inflation.

“We assure the public that the government continues to monitor inflation and all contributing factors and will explore all other measures to alleviate its impact on our people,” she said.

The OPS also said that Mr. Marcos committed to support farmers and other stakeholders in agriculture in post-disaster recovery while improving the value chain and investing in climate-smart technologies in the medium and long term.

“Effective management of water resources will also be prioritized to reduce water-induced damage to lives, livelihood and property,” she said.

The President also directed concerned agencies to “invest in innovations and technologies to make... communities and businesses resilient amid extreme weather challenges.”

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Friday that addressing inflation remains the top priority of the Marcos administration.

“Although inflation is expected to remain elevated for the rest of the year with the impact of severe tropical storm Paeng on food supply and persistent global supply chain issues, the government will help ensure that inflation will be on a targetconsistent path over the medium term with

the implementation of direct measures to address supply shocks,” Diokno said.

Diokno assured the public that the government is taking measures to address supply shocks and bottlenecks.

These include improving local production, ensuring the timely importation of key commodities including fertilizers and raw materials, improving distribution efficiency, and ensuring energy security.

To help address food and energy inflation until the end of the year, the economic team is working for the extension of Executive Order No. 171, which reduced the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates on pork, rice, corn, and coal. The Tariff Commission will conduct a public hearing on Nov. 9, 2022 to gather position papers from various stakeholders.

Last month, the President acknowledged that life “is getting hard” for Filipinos amid rising inflation. He said his administration is committed to giving continuous assistance to vulnerable sectors who are most hurt by surging consumer prices.

Leading the distribution of government cash assistance to various sectors in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Marcos acknowledged how many Filipinos continue to struggle to make ends meet with the costs of basic goods and necessities rising further due to recent oil price hikes.

“We know that life is getting hard today. Prices for basic commodities are increasing, gasoline, crude, all our basic necessities are increasing. That’s why even in our own small way, at least we can help,” he said in Filipino.

“As long as the people need help, the government will do everything to somehow help them,” he added.

the minimum wage and workers are now poorer by that amount every day,” said Rene Magtubo, PM national chairman and a city councilor of Marikina. “Before the P33 minimum wage hike in June 2022, the minimum wage was P537. Meaning, not only has the P33 been effectively wiped out by inflation, workers’ wages have [been] pushed back even further.”

He called for a new round of wage hikes to recover the lost purchasing power of workers, not just in Metro Manila but in the whole country.

The labor group’s demand for a wage hike is based on an initial computation by the Labor Education and Research Network. The computation for wage erosion took account of the rise in prices since the effectiveness of the P570 minimum wage in Metro Manila on June 4.

Also on Friday, an industry group asked for government support to make Philippine products more competitive and affordable.

"You will find that Philippine products are at least 25-percent more expensive than its neighboring countries,” Philippine Export Service Providers and Consolidators Association Inc. president Tom Medina said at the monthly food forum “Usaping Pagkain” organized by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc.

The export consolidators specifically asked the government to scrap the 12-percent value added tax on indirect exports, particularly on products of micro, small and medium enterprises.

PESPCA said prospects were bleak given the government’s lack of support to the industry and MSMEs on top of global challenges.

The group has a pending petition with the Board of Investments to include export consolidation as one of the preferred industries in the strategic investments priority plan of the Department of Trade and Industry to gain incentives in the form of VAT-exemption.

The group said while the Department of Finance admitted to an oversight on the imposition of VAT on indirect exports, correcting that specific mistake would need corrective legislation by Congress and may take another two years.

Medina said VAT on indirect exports creates a price level which the market would not be able to absorb, “and thus, in a matter of a few more months with the challenge of the inflation and recession abroad, we will see a lot more MSMEs closing shop.”

The group said that by eliminating the 12-percent VAT, Philippine products would become more competitive against

similar products that lined up the shelves of supermarkets in other countries.

In other developments: • Terry L. Ridon, convenor of Infrawatch PH, said the President should pause scheduled increases in regulated sectors such as water, power and transport until inflation has normalized to acceptable levels.

• Jay Layug, president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc., said it is critical to manage the cost of electricity that is factored into the prices of basic consumer goods.

• Danilo Fausto, agriculture economist and president of the PCAFI, said the high inflation rate will have the highest toll on the low income families who spent almost 60 percent of their income on household needs. This will also include those who went in refuge to the farm sector and the under employed, because of the pandemic, after losing their jobs from tourism, transportation and service sectors, and reduced working days from industries.

• Angelo Palmones of the Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Mamamayan (AGHAM), said the worst is yet to come, saying the administration must come up with drastic, scientific medium-term strategies to increase food production and exports.

progress for the nation."

Over three days, he is flying on to California, Chicago and finally Pennsylvania, where popular former president Barack Obama – for whom he served as vice president for eight years – will join him at a rally Saturday.

Biden's big final push comes on the heels of a speech Wednesday warning that Trump and the increasingly dominant far-right wing of the Republican Party are threatening the survival of US democracy with conspiracy theories aimed at undermining confidence in election results.

Biden passionately argues that refusals by Republicans to accept election defeats – starting with Trump's unprecedented attempt to overturn the 2020 election – imperils the nation's democratic survival.

In New Mexico Wednesday, Biden linked a brutal home invasion and attack on the husband of Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the political violence unleashed by Trump supporters against Congress on January 6, 2021.

Republicans, he said, have "emboldened violence and intimidation of voters and election officials."

"That is the path to chaos in America," he said. AFP

Teachers...

This includes avoiding "relationships, interaction, and communication, including following social media with learners outside of school setting," the order dated Nov. 2 emphasized.

In explaining the order, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said the friendship between teachers and students should stay within a school setting and not extend outside the campus.

Both teaching and non-teaching personnel of the DepEd must relearn and emphasize what she called "professionalism," the VP added.

“As a teacher, there should be a line between him or her and the learner. They should not have friendly relations with their learners outside of the learning institution setting because a bias will be created for a person who is friends with someone. Of course, relationships have their own problems," Duterte-Carpio said.

The new order amends DepEd Order No. 47, or the Promotion of Professionalism in the Implementation and Delivery of

Basic Education Programs and Services.

Meanwhile, amid its five-day in-person classes mandate for all public schools nationwide, the DepEd has allowed public schools with "exceptional circumstances" to proceed with blended learning.

Under DepEd Order No. 50 series of 2022, dated Nov. 3 and signed by DuterteCarpio, public schools that are unable to comply with the mandated five-day in-person classes "due to exceptional circumstances" must submit their request for continuation of blended learning beyond Nov. 2.

DepEd earlier said at least 261 schools sustained damage from Tropical Storm Paeng.

"Nonetheless, schools can continue to implement the blended learning modality during the pendency of the request," the order read.

"The approving authority for the implementation of blended learning modality in select public elementary and secondary schools beyond Nov. 2, 2O22 shall be the schools division superintendent (SDS), whose decision shall be subject to review by the regional director (RD)," it added. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

this Monday will be smooth, safe, and fair to everyone concerned, especially our OFWs,” she said.

According to the DMW, a total of 189,826 newly hired overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were deployed to KSA in 2019, of which 37,278 are domestic workers and cleaners, while 152,548 were employed in construction and other occupational skills.

Following months of bilateral talks, Ople said the Philippines and Saudi Arabia agreed on “first-time” reforms in labor policies for migrant work.

They include a new Saudi-specific

employment contract with insurance coverage for domestic workers and skilled workers covering unpaid salaries, airfare, and refund of recruitment costs in case of unfinished contracts and other contingencies.

The Saudi government will shoulder the insurance cost for skilled workers, while Saudi employers are mandated to pay for the insurance coverage of Filipino domestic workers.

It also includes a pre-termination clause in the contract that would specifically allow a domestic worker to transfer to or change employers before the end

of the contract based on certain grounds, such as the non-payment of salary and cases of abuse/maltreatment.

The countries also adopted a joint alternative dispute settlement mechanism that would pave the way for a more transparent, fair, and amicable settlement of employment disputes.

It also provides for the integration of the contract, and implementation of the Wage Protection Program, which will regulate and ensure the timely payment of wages to all OFWs. (See full story online at manilastandard. net)

that only 200 people were able to receive [them]?” he asked.

He said all that was being asked from the victims were ID cards.

“In times of calamities, your name must be listed in the barangay or the chairman must know you. The problem lies in the report of the mayor. It seems that it was fake news,” he said.

He said the DSWD is just following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to rely on the list of the LGUs. “When I asked the village chairman about the residents of those seeking assistance, he could not tell or identify [them].

We need proof to show to the Commission on Audit,” Tulfo said.

“Should COA question us about where the allocated aid for Noveleta went, at least we would have a list to show,” he added.

The Noveleta mayor, however, said the 1,600 food packages from DSWD were intended for other evacuation centers, and for Barangay San Juan in his town.

“Secretary Tulfo arrived at the San Jose evacuation center, bringing along food packs separately for the evacuation center. That is where the shortage is,” he said.

Earlier, Tulfo relieved Region 4A di-

rector Barry Chua and Assistant Regional Director Mylah Gatchalian and transferred them to the DSWD central office in Quezon City while the investigation was being conducted.

The reported number of fatalities due to severe tropical storm Paeng increased to 154, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Friday.

In its 6 a.m. report, the NDRRMC said only 101 of the reported deaths have been confirmed so far while the other 53 are still up for validation. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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on ANC’s Dateline Philippines that the masterminds in Percival’s killing are former Bureau of Corrections officials, but the DOJ has yet to confirm the claim.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department said the remains of Jun Villamor will be brought back to Leyte, his home province, Saturday afternoon.

Villamor, a detainee at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, died on October 18 a few hours after the selfconfessed gunman of Percy Lapid, Joel S. Escorial, was presented to the media.

Also, the DOJ said Escorial and the other alleged middleman, Christopher Bacoto, are unlikely to qualify for the witness protection program in the Percy Lapid case.

“That is unlikely because there are requirements, and the last one there—they should not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude,” DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said. “Because they are in maximum security, most likely they are convicted of a crime that involved moral turpitude.”

Moral turpitude refers to depraved or immoral acts such as murder, kidnapping, and rape.

In another development, Senator Raffy Tulfo called for a top-to-bottom investigation of the personnel of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and their offices to find out how contraband items, which are among the root causes of many crimes involving inmates, are persistently being smuggled into the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Tulfo said this upon learning from the sister of NBP inmate Jun Villamor that her brother had access to a mobile device while in prison.

By preventing the entry of contraband items, especially cellphones, which are used to communicate with the outside world, Tulfo said killings and other crimes could be prevented in Bilibid.

The new murder complaints will be different from the existing complaint being heard by the DOJ in connection with the Lapid killing, involving Escorial and Bacoto.

Escorial showed up at the preliminary investigation of the murder complaint on Friday but did not submit additional statements.

Bacoto was represented for the first time by his lawyer, Salvador Quimpo, who said he advised his client not to attend, since they still need to check the complaint and affidavits of witnesses.

But Quimpo said his client was surprised he was tagged in the Lapid killing, considering he has been detained at a BJMP jail for the past two years while on trial for drug possession and trafficking, and frustrated homicide and murder charges.

“He has been in prison at a high-security detention facility for the last two years so how can he do that? How can he recruit? He doesn’t know,” the lawyer said.

Other suspects in Lapid’s murder— brothers Israel and Edmond Dimaculangan, as well as a certain Orly—are still at large.

Escorial identified them as his companions when he shot the radio commentator in Las Piñas on October 3.

The investigating prosecutors gave Bacoto and the other respondents until next Friday, November 11, to submit their counter-affidavits.

Danilo Pelagio, the lawyer for the Mabasa family, said it is possible the new complaint in the Lapid case to be filed on Monday may be consolidated with the existing murder complaint before the DOJ. The separate Villamor murder complaint could also be consolidated later, he said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PBBM...

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Daniel Espiritu said, "The South China Sea will also be there because we always carry that in all of our meetings in the international fora," Espiritu said. "(Post pandemic recovery discussions) would cover food security, energy security, digital transformation and the digital economy, and also climate change in as much as this is very much related to our disaster management efforts in the Philippines," he added.

Marcos will travel to Cambodia to attend the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits scheduled from Nov. 10 to 13.

The DFA official said the country will also push for the implementation of the five-point consensus regarding the peace situation in Myanmar, which calls for an immediate end to violence and dialogue between the military and the anti-coup movement.

"With regards to international issues especially in Myanmar, we are very much at the forefront of the call for the implementation of the five-point consensus," Espiritu said.

During his state visit to Singapore in September, Marcos and Singaporean leaders expressed deep concern over the political crisis in Myanmar in which they called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, U Win Myint, and foreign detainees.

Myanmar's junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, was not invited to the Asean Summit.

News

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

PNP hierarchy undergoes minor reshuffle

ISABELA-BOUND RELIEF GOODS. Volunteers from the House of Representatives and the Philippine National Police load up some 100 boxes of relief goods on trucks for distribution to victims of tropical storm Paeng in the northern Luzon province of Isabela.

The humanitarian project was spearheaded by Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Ver Noveno

Nationwide earthquake drill set Nov. 10 A

NATIONWIDE simultaneous earthquake drill will be held on November 10 focused on an 8.3-magnitude temblor with tsunami scenario, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced on Friday.

The exercise, to be held at 9 a.m., is part of the continuing effort to strengthen earthquake preparedness, the NDRRMC said.

The agency said Parañaque City government would host the ceremonial pressing of the button signaling the full-

LTO flashes alarm vs. snotty driver of red Ferrari car

By Rio N. Araja THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has flashed an alarm against a pricey red Ferrari car whose driver snubbed summons by the agency for questioning over an alleged traffic violation along E. de los Santos Ave. (EDSA).

LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz III signed a resolution by the Intelligence and Investigation Division that found the vehicle liable administratively for ignoring a traffic sign.

Apart from a fine, the affected driver’s license is suspended for 90 days.

The LTO’s Data Control Unit of the Law Enforcement Service was directed to tag an alarm on the records of the red Ferrari F8 Tributo (NEM 8999).

The alarm will stay until such time that the vehicle’s owner provides the identity of the driver at the time of the incident.

This also means that the vehicle owner will not be able to renew the registration of the vehicle until the driver shows up at the IID office to shed light on the alleged violation.

The Ferrari car reportedly entered an exclusive lane for EDSA Carousel buses. The intrusion was captured on video and was brought to the LTO’s attention for immediate action.

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scale exercise.

The activity is also in support of the observance of World Tsunami Day on November 5 The NDRRMC said the exercise would test Parañaque’s contingency plan for tsunami; demonstrate the evacuation pro-

cedures in the local community and services specifically for the fishermen and vulnerable groups, as well as the combined efforts for water search-and-rescue and air rescue capabilities of the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Air Force, including the interoperability of their communications systems.

The NDRRMC urged academic institutions, the business community, private and government offices, and the public I n general to strictly observe minimum public health standards when

conducting evacuation drills.

It noted that as in the third-quarter NSED (national simultaneous earthquake drill), organizations may opt not to conduct evacuation drills if the situation do not allow it.

The event will be live-streamed through the Civil Defense PH’s and NDRRMC’s Facebook pages.

This earthquake drill is the second face-to-face rehearsal since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, after the conduct of the third-quarter NSED on September 8.

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has designated Maj. Gen. Michael John Dubria as chief of the PNP directorial staff.

Dubria, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991 becomes the PNP’s fourth highest official. He replaced Maj. Gen. Arthur Bisnar who was transferred to the office of the PNP chief.

Lt. Gen. Patrick Villacorte, chief of the Area Police Command (APC) in Eastern Mindanao, succeeded Dubria as head of the APC Visayas.

The latest revamp in the PNP hierarchy took effect on Friday.

Dubria’s latest appointment came less than a month after he was designated as chief of the APC Visayas in October vice Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia who was appointed deputy chief for administration.

Meanwhile, the PNP received food supplements from a pharmaceutical company, aimed at helping police officers maintain a healthy body and boost their immune system while performing their mandated tasks.

Azurin, along with Director for Logistics Maj. Gen. Ronaldo Olay and Health Service acting director Col. Jezebel Medina, received 39 boxes of Provital Immuna Plus and 21 boxes of Royale Immuno Boost Premium from Mercury Drug Corp. executives Inigo Lim and Malone Juan at the turnover rite in Camp Crame.

“Let me extend the sincerest gratitude of the PNP leadership to the Mercury Drug Corporation for always providing our police officers with medical and nutritional products to boost their immunity while performing their duties, most especially during rainy season and from exposure to different infectious diseases such as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” Azurin said in a statement.

Traffic around San Beda, DLSU to be rerouted during BAR exams SOME roads around two universities in Manila will be closed to traffic for the convenience of wouldbe lawyers taking the 2022 Bar examinations on November 9, 13, 16, and 20, the city government) announced Friday.

The two schools are De La Salle University and San Beda University which

have been designated as Bar test sites by the Supreme Court (SC).

As a result, traffic will be rerouted in the two areas.

In the vicinity of San Beda, Mendiola St. will closed from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Concepcion Aguila St. will be a one-lane road to accommodate local

residents, while 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th streets will be closed from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. An alternative route from the Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. would be along Legarda St. At the De La Salle University area, Taft Ave. northbound – will be closed from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. while Taft Ave. southbound will be

closed from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Southbound motorists are advised to turn right to Quirino Ave., left to Adriatico St. , then left to P. Ocampo St. toward their destination.

Northbound motorists should turn right to Ocampo St., left to Arellano St., left to Estrada St., then turn right to Taft Ave..

Manila

Standard

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

TODAY

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS The following provisions of the New Rules of the Commission on Appointments and its Standing Committees were amended to read as follows: THE NEW RULES OF THE COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS CHAPTER II Organization Section 5. STANDING COMMITTEES. There shall be twenty-five (25) Standing Committees of the Commission on Appointments, to wit: xxx 9. COMMITTEE ON LABOR, EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE AND MIGRANT WORKERS: Composed of seventeen (17) members, to which shall be referred all nominations or appointments to the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Migrant Workers submitted by the President of the Philippines for confirmation or approval (Plenary Session No. 11, Journal 30 May 2022); xxx 17. COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION: Composed of seventeen (17) members, to which shall be referred all nominations or appointments to the Department of Transportation, submitted by the President of the Philippines for confirmation or approval (Plenary Session No. 1, Journal 20 August 2019); xxx 19. COMMITTEE ON THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICES OF THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, AND THE PHILIPPINE SPACE AGENCY: Composed of seventeen (17) members, to which shall be referred all nominations or appointments to the Office of the Executive Secretary, Presidential Communications Secretary, and the Philippine Space Agency, submitted by the President of the Philippines for confirmation or approval (Plenary Session No. 9, Journal 12 February 2020); xxx 24. COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY: Composed of seventeen (17) members, to which shall be referred all nominations or appointments to the Department of Information and Communications Technology, submitted by the President of the Philippines for confirmation or approval (Plenary Session No. 1, Journal 20 August 2019); and

NATIVE CRAFT. Tabaco City craftsmen show off their creations at the Pasalubong Center and Hiraya Manawari Nature Park. The admirable handicraft were produced during the Metamorphosis: Tabak Upcycling Workshops held under the auspices of the city government. Norman Cruz

25. COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: Composed of seventeen (17) members, to which shall be referred all nominations or appointments to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, submitted by the President of the Philippines for confirmation or approval (Plenary Session No. 1, Journal 20 August 2019).

CHAPTER III Meetings Of The Commission SECTION 10. PLACE OF MEETING AND QUORUM. The Commission shall meet at either the session hall x x x

WB execs visit DAR project in Narra, Palawan OFFICIALS of the World Bank (WB) have visited a Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) project in Narra, Palawan to observe the validation process and interview farmer-beneficiaries of the government’s land reform program.

The trip was in line with a directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Conrado Estrella III to expedite the subdivision of lands for distribution to the farmer-tenants.

It also ensures that the progress of

subdivision of lands awarded to the agrarian reform beneficiaries under collective certificates of landownership award was on track The agrarian project being carried out, under the auspices of the WB was meant to improve land tenure security and stabilize the property rights of farmer-beneficiaries nationwide.

Field Operation Office Assistant Secretary Joey Sumatra, SPLIT national project director of the support for parcelization

of lands (SPLIT), said the project would also help increase land productivity and income of the small farmers that could contribute to boosting the economy in the countryside.

“Our team here in Palawan is working incessantly to achieve their target this year. Tomorrow, we will be going to Aborlan to continue our activity and with the effort that they are showing to us, I believe that they can attain their objective for the year,” he said. Rio N. Araja

Quezon City government virtually sweeps CMCI awards THE Quezon City government has achieved a virtual sweep when it placed among the top 3 in all categories during the recently concluded 10th Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Awarding Ceremony.

Quezon City competed with other highly urbanized cities and landed first place in the Innovation category, and second in four other categories — Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure and Resilience.

The city also won the award for the overall

Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City.

The Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Summit is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities developed by the National Competitiveness Council (through the Regional Competitiveness Committees), with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development.

The rankings were based on the five categories of the cities and municipalities com-

petitiveness index (CMCI)— Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resilience and Innovation.

The awards won by the Quezon City government this year marked a continuation of its consistent performance in the CMCI. Since Mayor Joy Belmonte took office in 2019, the city government has repeatedly been recognized as one of the most competitive highly urbanized cities by other award-giving bodies. Rio N. Araja

In case of declared national emergency, force majeure, and other unforeseeable events, which may prevent the convening of the Commission, or the physical presence of its members in the session hall, the Commission may conduct sessions through teleconference, video conference, webcast or other similar reliable forms of remote or electronic means, using appropriate information and communications technology systems, at the call of the Chairman or the majority of the members of the Commission.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Members who elect to be physically present during the holding of the session through remote or electronic means may personally attend and participate in the said session inside the plenary hall.

The nominee or appointee shall be required to be physically present during the confirmation by the Commission in plenary of his/her appointment or nomination; Provided, that if his/her physical presence becomes extremely difficult, the Chairman may, upon the written request of the nominee or appointee, waive his/her physical appearance in the plenary (Plenary Session No. 1, Journal 24 August 2020). xxx CHAPTER V Action On Referral Of Nominations Or Appointments SECTION 23. VOTING. Voting by the Commission on any nomination or appointment submitted for confirmation shall be by viva voce; except, upon request of any member, the voting shall be nominal, by ballot during caucus, or by any other appropriate technological means (Plenary Session No. 5, Journal 30 September 2020). xxx RULES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES ARTICLE IV Meetings Of The Committees SECTION 1. MEETINGS AND NOTICES. Each Committee shall hold meetings, on such days, times, and places as may be determined by the Chairman or by at least one-third (1/3) of the members of each Committee in coordination with the Committee on Rules and Resolutions while Congress is in session or during any voluntary recess. x x x In case of declared national emergency, force majeure, and other unforeseeable events, which may prevent the convening of the Committee, or the physical presence of its members, the Committee may conduct meetings through teleconference, video conference, webcast or other similar reliable forms of remote or electronic means, using appropriate information and communications technology systems, at the call of the Chairman or at least 1/3 of the members of the Committee.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Members who elect to be physically present during the holding of the meeting through remote or electronic means may personally attend and participate in the said meeting.

The nominee or appointee shall be required to be physically present during the deliberation by the Standing Committee of his/her fitness and qualification; provided, that if his/her physical presence becomes extremely difficult, the Chairman of the Committee may, upon the written request of the nominee or appointee, waive his/her physical appearance in the said Committee meeting (Plenary Session No. 1, Journal 24 August 2020). xxx CERTIFICATION This is to certify that the foregoing amendments of The New Rules of the Commission on Appointments and Its Standing Committees were adopted on the respective dates indicated and have ave been entered into the records of the Commission.

ATTY. ALFREDO ALVIN S. CRUZ Deputy Secretary for Legal Affairs Commission on Appointments (MS-NOV. 5, 2022)

A4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

News

Sara underscores importance of libraries vs. misinformation VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Friday stressed the importance of libraries in preventing misinformation that can easily be found online.

The Vice President recently spoke at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Library and Information Services Month in Manila, and said that the “vast, endless ocean” of digital information is “not without dangers.”

“Those waters are often perilous. Like the deep blue sea, the digital world has an ecosystem that, if not managed and utilized well, may confuse the public, steal quality and truthful information, contribute to miseducation, and lead them right down its darkest parts,” Duterte said, quoted by a GMA News report.

“We have seen how accessibility to online information has diluted depth and quality, or how convenience [has] watered down hard work, diligence, and thirst for knowledge,” Duterte added.

She also cited the “over-reliance” on digital

platforms, where many people source their information from online search engines.

“And true enough, you only need to go to Google, and all the information you supposedly need would come streaming before you in seconds. You only need to click a link that you think is relevant, [that] you feel is relevant but [are] not sure if it is relevant. But that’s not a problem. You can find another link if you are unsure, and then another,” she said.

According to Duterte, these pieces of information can be copied and pasted to finish a research project regardless if the data are reliable or not.

The GMA News report further quoted Duterte saying that “I find this part of technology worrisome as a mother of three young children with access to technology and online information, [and] I am aware of the possibility of them wandering around the dark side of the online world.”

But in libraries, Duterte said, the public LIBRARY MONTH. Vice President Sara Duterte graces the launch of the 32nd Library and Information Services must go through a process of research that is Month today at the National Library in Ermita, Manila. In a speech during the event, she cited the important role of libraries against misinformation. “as ancient as time.”

Corona family lauds graft case dismissal

T

HE family of the late chief justice Renato Corona on Friday thanked supporters and lauded his vindication in a forfeiture case that was dismissed by the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court.

In a statement sent to the media by family lawyer Carlos Villaruz, Corona’s wife, Cristina, and their children said they ”cannot contain their happiness and joy with the Sandiganbayan’s dismissal of the forfeiture case against them.”

“They thank God for this wonderful blessing, and to all those who joined them in prayer and supported them during these difficult and heartbreaking times. They also

give their utmost gratitude to the Honorable Justices of the Sandiganbayan who ensured that true justice and the rule of law would be upheld,” the statement read.

The statement added that the Corona family has been in agony for years because of the cases.

“With the dismissal of this last case, they cannot help but feel vindicated since our courts have consistently ruled that CJ Co-

rona and his family did nothing wrong,” the statement said.

The Sandiganbayan dismissed the forfeiture case on Thursday against Corona and his heirs, as well as his trustees, assignees, transferees, and successors-in-interest, because they were able to “adequately prove that their income could enable them to acquire the questioned assets.”

The Ombudsman had claimed that Corona amassed P137.93 million in assets by 2010 but declared only a portion of the same in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

From 2002 to 2011, Corona reported a total income of P30.36 million from being an associate of the Supreme Court (SC), a

member of the Judicial and Bar \ Council, a member of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal, and in his 15-month stint as chief of staff of President Glorial Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001 to 2002.

The Corona family said that the prosecution’s computation did not consider other sources of income such as the expropriation by the city of Manila of a property worth P34.7 million from the family-owned Basa-Guidote Ent. Inc., and commingled personal funds from the Corona children, Ma. Carla Beatrice Corona-Castillo, Francis Corona, and Charina Corona-Salgado.

The Coronas also maintained that the funds were put in money-market place-

ments, which were repeatedly rolled over to several long-term investments or dollar time deposits that have matured over the years and have earned substantial interest income, including during the time when Corona was in the SC. The Sandiganbayan noted that while Corona may have been liable for negligence as he failed to properly indicate his assets in his SALN, the assets cannot be labeled as unexplained wealth because the late magistrate, his wife, and children have legally accumulated wealth over years of working.

Corona was appointed chief justice by Arroyo in May 2010, a month before her term ended.

Bill imposes BuCor seeks to deploy K9 dogs penalties vs. in Bilibid after contraband haul agri smuggling

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Maricel V. Cruz AGRI Party-Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Friday sought to amend Republic Act 10845 to impose stricter penalties on public officials or employees who take part in agricultural smuggling.

Lee filed House Bill 5742 amid the continuous proliferation of large-scale agricultural smuggling in the country.

In filing the bill, Lee stressed the need to punish not only the illegal importers but all those involved in agricultural smuggling, including public officials and employees with perpetual absolute disqualification from holding office.

“The agriculture sector will not progress and issues relating to it will not be solved if the supposed protectors and implementors of public interest are behind agricultural smuggling,” Lee said.

“Strict enforcement is needed as government officials and employees are agents of the people. The power and position entrusted to them should only be used for the benefit of all and not for their own personal gain,” Lee added.

The enactment of RA 10845 or the “Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016” which was authored by AGRI Party-list paved the way to promote the productivity of the agricultural sector, and protect farmers and enterprises from unscrupulous trades and importers.

RA 10845 declared large-scale smuggling of agricultural products as “economic sabotage”. But, up to this day, agricultural smuggling remains rampant in the country.

“Agriculture industries are still competing against smuggled products, the latter dominating the market. As a result, there is a decline in local produce. Local agricultural sectors are restrained from continuing their production because of fear of their products going to waste or being sold at much lower prices and resulting to loss of profit,” Lee said.

TO strengthen its campaign against the smuggling of contraband, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) will deploy K9 dogs inside the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

BuCor officer-in-charge Gregorio Catapang Jr. said that “dogs won’t lie,” but expressed misgivings that their handlers might be corrupted.

Aside from illegal drugs, K9 or socalled “police dogs” can also smell mobile phones and electronic devices. The BuCor also currently deploys bombsniffing dogs.

Earlier, the BuCor seized 70,000 cans of beer and other smuggled contraband inside the NBP. The BuCor said 55 of its personnel who were assigned to the NBP in connection with the incident are now being investigated.

Senator Raffy Tulfo meanwhile called for a top-to-bottom investigation of BuCor personnel and their offices to find out how contraband items, which are among the root causes of many crimes involving inmates are persistently being smuggled into the NBP. Tulfo made the statement upon learning from the sister of NBP inmate Jun Villamor, the dead middleman in the slaying of broadcaster Percy Lapid, that her brother had access to a mobile device while in prison.

Tulfo said by preventing the entry of contraband items, especially cellphones which are used to communicate with the outside world, killings and other crimes could be prevented.

He said aside from regular inspections on inmates, the BuCor should also conduct searches on the offices of BuCor staff.

Villar bats for ‘Buy Pinoy’ month to spur support for local firms

ILLEGAL VAPE TRADE. Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) deputy commissioner Jun Lumagui led a raid of a warehouse in Tondo, Manila on November 4, confiscating thousands of vapes from alleged illegal vape traders not complying with excise tax payments. Manny Palmero

Tolentino bill seeks to enhance nursing law SEN. Francis Tolentino has filed Senate Bill No. 1447 or the proposed “Philippine Nursing Practice Act of 2022” which aims to provide a comprehensive nursing law.

Aside from existing components enshrined under existing laws, the measure introduces a new provision on the so-called Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), which according to Tolentino “will be the prime mover” of the nursing profession in relation to the Universal Health Care Act. “This will give qualified nurses expanded and collaborative roles that will aid in the delivery of a comprehensive health care service to Filipinos,” the

PAENG AFTERMATH. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Cong. Jamjam Baronda together with Department of Public Works Personnel made an ocular inspection of a damaged sea wall at Rizal Pala-Pala in Iloilo City. Arnold Almacen/ Iloilo City Mayor’s Office

bill’s explanatory note read.

Under SB 1447, an APN refers to a nurse “who has acquired substantial level of theoretical knowledge and decision-making skill in a specialty area of nursing practice and demonstrated proficiency in clinical utilization of such knowledge and skill in providing expanded and collaborative expert care” from a recognized higher educational institution (HEI), aside from being a board passer.

The proposed legislation authorizes the practice of the so-called “Agreed Upon Based Care”—a mutually agreed upon patient care made by an APN. This should be approved by the prima-

ry physician in charge, through teleconsult or other means of communication after evaluation of the case referred.

However, this should be limited only to circumstances “during an emergency” for example if there are no physicians in the area to physically assess the patient or lack of an available physician due to inaccessibility of the area.

SB 1447 also seeks to provide improvements in the practice of the nursing profession by instituting measures to promote comprehensive and relevant nursing practice standards, ensure decent working conditions, and support the professional growth of nurses.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

DEPUTY Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar has filed a measure proclaiming November as “Buy Pinoy, Build Pinoy Month” to encourage the public to support Filipino entrepreneurs and to help them recover amid the pandemic.

In filing House Bill 5682, Villar recognizes the contribution of homegrown enterprises to the domestic economy, job generation and national development, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which employ more than 90% of the workforce and bore the brunt of the pandemic.

“As we transition to the economic recovery and revival, stronger support for local enterprises is crucial now more than ever. Assistance and support in the form of marketing, information, and

capacity-building campaigns which can be drivers of sales and advertisement will be substantial to boost local businesses,” she said.

Under the measure, the Trade department shall be the lead agency in carrying out activities for the “Buy Pinoy Month” which shall include wide-ranging trade fairs, bazaars, marketing missions, and other similar events that feature Filipino ingenuity.

Also, a national trade fair shall be held simultaneously in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for at least two weeks in November.

The Philippine Information Agency shall conduct a nationwide information and advocacy campaign for the Buy Pinoy, Build Pinoy Month activities.

Maricel V. Cruz

Gatchalian files bill addressing ‘learning loss’ AMID the nationwide celebration of National Children’s Month this November, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the government to ensure that the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will uphold the welfare of children.

He emphasized the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, especially during the imposition of lockdowns.

Aside from learning loss due to the lack of faceto-face classes, Gatchalian also pointed out that children became more exposed to different forms of violence and mental health issues, among others, at the height of pandemic restrictions.

While the resumption of full face-to-face classes is a significant step forward, Gatchalian pressed the need to strengthen measures

that will address the pandemic’s impact on children’s well-being.

These include the implementation of genuine learning recovery, sustained psychosocial intervention, and child protection measures.

Gatchalian’s Senate Bill No. 150 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Act, a priority measure for the 19th Congress to address learning loss, seeks to institute a national learning intervention program that will include well-systematized tutorial sessions and well-designed remediation plans.

“It will focus on essential learning competencies in Language, Mathematics, and Science,” said Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Opinion In Egypt, a fight on climate change I

WRITE this column on the plane from Manila to Doha on my way to Egypt.

My ultimate destination in Sharm-El-Sheikh, the famous tourist resort city at the edge of the Sinai Desert and by the shores of the Red Sea. I will join thousands of government officials, scientists, environmental activists, business lobbyists, and young people attending the TwentySeventh Conference of the Parties (COP 27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

I have attended 22 of these conferences – Berlin (1995), Geneva (1996), Kyoto (1997), Buenos Aires (1998), Bonn (1999), The Hague (2000), Bonn (June 2001) Marrakech (December 2001), New Delhi (2002), Milan (2003), Copenhagen (2009), Cancun (2010), Durban (2011), Doha (2012), Warsaw (2013), Lima (2014), Paris (2015), Marrakech (2016), Bonn (2017), Watowice (2018), and Madrid (2019, just before the pandemic).

I missed the COPs in 2004 (Buenos Aires), 2005 (Montreal), 2006 (Nairobi), 2007 (Bali), 2008 (Poznan), and last year in Glasgow. But I followed them closely as an academic and advocate.

In most of these meetings, I was a lead negotiator of the Philippines and played major facilitation roles for the process. However, in Sharm, I will be a climate justice advocate.

I am part of a 12-person strong delegation from the Manila Observatory (MO).

Led by our Executive Director Fr. Jett Villarin SJ, we hope to influence the discussions in COP 27.

Although some of us are in the Philippine Delegation to assist our officials led by Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga (like me a former executive director of Manila Observatory), most of us will be in Sharm because MO is a core member of the Allied for Climate Transformation by 2025 (ACT2025), a consortium of research, led by the World Resources Institute, working to achieve climate justice.

MO is also implementing with Ateneo de Naga College of Law and other Ateneo Law schools the Climate Justice Capacity Initiative, supported by Client Earth and the Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE), and a pioneering effort in Southeast Asia on loss and damage, supported by the Stockholm Environment Institute, the Samdhana Institue, and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.

We will be sharing lessons from these projects in Sharm, hoping that governments will listen to civil society voices.

They should as stakes are high in this meeting which is expected to begin with an agenda fight over the most critical issue in these negotiations: the creation of a loss and damage finance facility.

The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the importance of loss and damage.

First, it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. These include the burning of fossil fuels, continuing deforestation, and unsustainable agriculture, production, and consumption practices Second, global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep

reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades.

We need a cut of 45 percent of global emissions by 2030 so we can achieve a state of net zero emissions by 2050.

Third, if global warming transiently exceeds 1.5°C, many human and natural systems will face additional severe risks. Right now, if business as usual continues, we will exceed 3°C. That is catastrophic.

Fourth, human-induced climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme events, has already caused widespread adverse impacts to nature and people.

Sea level rise and severe weather will affect more people here in our country than many other places It will get much worse as we overshoot 1.5°C, 2°C, and beyond. Typhoons will be stronger and droughts will be more frequent and last longer. All regions will experience seasons of extreme heat and excessive precipitation.

Fifth, the rise in weather and climate extremes has led to irreversible impacts as natural and human systems are pushed beyond ability to adapt. Among others, there will be serious Impacts on public health, including more pandemics and outbreaks of diseases such as dengue, malaria, etc.

Fifth, the most vulnerable people and systems are disproportionately affected.

Poor countries and poor people in all countries will be first and most affected. Rich countries and rich people will also be affected but they have more resources to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

That is why climate justice is our battle cry in this fight.

The Philippines will be one of the most affected by climate change. We are not a stranger to the loss of lives and the damage to property, infrastructure, livelihoods, and non-economic assets caused by climate change.

Sea level rise and severe weather will affect more people here in our country than many other places.

We may not be an island state but we are a state of many small islands and we have one of the world’s longest coastlines when you combine our coasts in one stretch.

Agriculture, fisheries and biodiversity will be severely affected, compromising livelihoods and increasing social conflict as saw this week with Typhoon Paeng devastating many parts of the country from Luzon to Mindanao.

We experienced this earlier this year with Typhoon Agaton and before that, last December 2021, with Typhoon Odette destroying much of Siargao and Dinagat Islands and parts of Bohol.

And a year before that, large areas of Luzon from South to North was hit by a quinta of storms in the last quarter.

We trust our delegation will not fail us in this fight over loss and damage in Egypt.

Website: tonylavina.com.

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Russia’s ‘disposable soldiers’ fighting for Bakhmut

By Daphne Rousseau WITH Russian artillery exploding around him, a Ukrainian soldier takes shelter in a tunnel and recounts the scene at the front line in Bakhmut, just a kilometer away.

“It’s horror over there. The ground is black like asphalt. Everything is destroyed,” 38-year-old serviceman Yevgen told AFP. “There are bodies everywhere.”

The eastern Ukraine town, known for its salt mines and vineyards, has been under attack for months by Russian forces, who are mostly on the defensive in other regions across Ukraine.

A driving force behind the offensive is the Wagner mercenary group, say war observers and Ukraine troops.

The shadowy force was founded by Kremlinlinked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The 61-year-old has taken an increasingly prominent role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — leading some to question if he might harbor personal political ambitions.

Ukrainian officials say Prigozhin has been sending thousands of soldiers recruited in Russian prisons to the front line, with the promise of a salary and an amnesty.

Several Ukrainian soldiers in Bakhmut told AFP these alleged ex-convicts are used as a type of “human bait”.

“It starts at around 6:00 pm, when it’s getting dark,” said Anton, a 50-year-old Ukrainian soldier from the 93th brigade who was resting after an injury.

“These soldiers — with no experience — are sent towards our guns and stay there for a few minutes,” Anton, nickname “Polyak,” told AFP. He estimated seven or eight were sent every night.

“Their job is to advance towards us, forcing us to fire on them, to reveal our positions,” said Sergiy, a major in the 53rd brigade.

“After that, they fire artillery or send more experienced commandos towards our positions.”

‘Number of your prison’ Most of these fighters — dubbed “disposable soldiers” by the Ukrainians — are killed, they said.

Some are wounded and captured.

Sergiy said he found one alive one morning.

In a video he said he took and showed to AFP later on the same day, a Russian captive is seen lying on the ground in a room, his right arm and left leg injured, being interrogated by the major.

“What is the number of your prison?” the major

is heard asking in the video.

“Kopeika,” the man says, giving the nickname of a prison in Voronezh in western Russia.

The Russian mercenary then says he joined Wagner one month earlier and received training in three different places, including a Russian-occupied area in eastern Ukraine.

The man is heard saying that all his fellow fighters were ex-inmates recruited by Wagner.

AFP could not independently confirm the contents of the video.

‘Getting you out of here’ The mercenary group emerged in 2014 in Ukraine and is suspected by the West of doing the Kremlin’s dirty work in countries like Syria and the Central African Republic — a charge that Russia has always denied.

The Russian mercenary then says he joined Wagner one month earlier and received training in three different places, including a Russian-occupied area in eastern Ukraine Apart from prison recruits, the private company also employs hardened mercenaries and professional soldiers, who work for Wagner because they are better equipped and better paid than in the regular Russian army.

Prigozhin only last month put an end to years of rumors and acknowledged he founded Wagner.

A few days earlier, a video had emerged in which a figure strongly resembling Prigozhin was seen recruiting prisoners from a Russian jail to send them to fight in Ukraine.

“I’m getting you out of here alive. But I won’t always get you back alive,” the figure is heard telling a crowd of detainees.

Prigozhin’s company Concord did not confirm or deny whether he was the man in the video.

‘Pyrrhic victory’ Experts say recruiting prisoners is a sign of weakness by Moscow, following battlefield setbacks and

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EDITORIAL

S

Setting street vendors’ rights

TREET vendors, or popularly known in the Philippines as sidewalk vendors, oftentimes play catand-mouse with authorities from local governments and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

There is a story about a single mom who sells toys with the help of her three daughters. They set up makeshift shop in front of a bank at the close of its office hours. But they are always on alert for clearing operations.

She says to prevent her children from possibly getting trauma, she lightens up their “escape plan” by sending the instruction in the form of a joke. “O alam ninyo na mga anak ha, run.”

If they get caught, the merchandise are confiscated and not returned. “Inuutang lang po naming puhunan nyan.”

She admits that street vending sans permit is illegal, “pero wala kaming magagawa. Yan lang ang alam kong paraan para mabuhay ko ang mga anak ko at mapag-

aral ko sila.”

This brings us to the conclusion why illegal vendors abound and growing in number, especially in these difficult times when jobs are becoming scarce and most businesses are closing down.

With most people still recovering from the debilitating effects of COVID-19 pandemic on their families’economy, the government should go easy on those who would like to sell on the streets for a living Just recently, the MMDA conducted clearing operations along rounds leading to cemeteries in Metro Manila, hitting hard on illegally parked cars and vendors.

Local governments continuously operate against sidewalk vendors, yet they don’t diminish. They are actually multiplying in numbers.

In a Third World country like the Philippines, small-time selling on the streets or even at home (Sari-sari store) will never go away. Even in developed cities like New York, street vendors are a natural urban sight.

With most people still recovering from the debilitating effects of COVID-19 pandemic on their families’ economy, the government should go easy on those who would like to sell on the streets for a living.

There should be more expanded regulations, more permits to be issued. Ambulant taho or fish ball vendors can be issued IDs by the local government for security and sanitary purposes.

Their operation may be set at a certain time. Theire locations can be set, too.

Think of every conceivable regulations just to create a balance between chaos and economy.

Somebody said a business without a sign is a sign of no business.

Imagine Quiapo and Divisoria, which cater to an underground economy worth millions of pesos, without street vendors.

Without the makeshift stores that extend to the roads.

Street vendors help make the economy work. They deserve dignity, too.

What the social media is all about SINCE the start of the war in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the world saw the United Kingdom leading the Western World to ostensibly fight in the name of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a country not officially a member of the alliance or much more contributing to the coffers of the European Union.

The US and its poodle state in Europe to date will never understand why the continent is being brought into the abyss of nuclear catastrophe.

Is it for the cause of freedom and democracy as the neoliberals like to hanker or that behind the eagerness to plunge the continent is to revisit man’s greatest devastation of humanity?

Or is it because mankind is again being blinded by the profiteers to resuscitate their dying economy to satisfy the US military industrial complex?

US has been so successful in manipulating the social media for while it talks much about freedom, seldom did the world realize it was the US that first introduced this most precious aspect of human freedom, all because some fortunate members of our race managed to own and have the capital to systematically direct and manipulate our freedom.

It is not only freedom they curtail but limit us also on what we are going to say.

Their ownership of the social media went beyond censoring us on what we are going so say, which by logical deduction is the natural domain of the state.

The ownership of the social media is now being capitalized by the owners on what we are going to say.

The role of the fact-checkers is totally unheard of before the advent of this new medium. Their role is much dangerous than by censorship because there is in them the role of pre-empting what the individual contributor to the social media is going to say, which is essentially illegal.

Allegedly, a crime of libel is being pre-empted.

However, a crime has to be committed first to make one liable for it.

To pre-empt what one has to say like playing the role of fact-checker is in fact the role of a state.

First, everybody knows that it is the owner of the social media that appoints and selects their factcheckers.

Second, as fact-checker-owners, they have their set of prejudice on what should be allowed or not allowed, and weighing the values on what should ultimately be allowed to appear by the owner in the social media.

Third, pre-censorship is even more drastic than censorship because the contributor is being prohibited from writing and this is done not by the state but by a private entity that now takes on the cloak of owner of the social media.

Their ownership has allowed them to usurp the role of private owners to say what they have in mind, which is the purist form of freedom.

We talk much about this because it has been the West that has been talking loudly of freedom not knowing that even before Russia launched its alleged invasion of Ukraine, the US had already imposed a worldwide sanction on Russia like a ban on its state-owned television, RT. People who have their cable station and subscribe to this channel are automatically denied from seeing RT. The whole issue of banning RT has become

the huge controversy surrounding the drafting of around 300,000 Russian citizens.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prigozhin may have recruited up to 2,000 former prisoners to fight.

The other question for experts is why the mercenary boss would fight so hard for a city with little strategic value.

“The Russians are exhausting themselves without managing to surround or destroy enemy positions,”

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

complicated for it seems the tentacles of the US social media is already well entrenched in this country.

Individual subscribers to RT are visibly affected because they are the ones paying the local cable station which includes RT as one of its channels.

The local station that subscribed to this channel does not seem to mind this censorship, for it seems they are not directly affected.

In other words, the Philippines is doing the censorship for America’s giant social media outlets for free.

We are presenting this to the whole world because the US is in fact imposing a unilateralist policy on the social media.

The very concept of globalization today is being taken advantage of by foreign mass media to erase the core issue which is normally jurisdictional Russian news and other social media broadcast are simply being omitted from beaming to countries to prevent them from broadcasting their interest to this country which was considered logical during the Cold War. Today, Russian television is not only being omitted but is totally ignored. As one western journalist would comment, US would rather ban views from the other side of the fence but can tolerate fake news much that they contribute to increase circulation and muddle the issues to the intelligent understanding of the reading public.

The very concept of globalization today is being taken advantage of by foreign mass media to erase the core issue which is normally jurisdictional.

They cannot operate without a permit from the governing authority.

Take, for instance, the appointment of local editor to its publication which traditionally would require Filipino citizenship to emphasize loyalty and registration in the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission, which today is blatantly ignored.

In fact, to facilitate wider coverage, many of these foreign-operated radio and TV stations entered into some kind of partnership with local network, thereby enhancing further news coverage and promoting the interest of their countries obviously without the permission of the government.

Many believe the former owner of Twitter was tricked by Elon Musk to grab his offer of $44 billion, an offer no businessman could hardly resist.

When he attempted to back out, Twitter then threatened to sue him, not knowing that Elon had things tapped in his sleeves.

That was when he started to come out with condition like firing many executives possibly in return to buying Twitter at such a fantastic price.

Many of those who were fired could not do anything, for it seems it was the price they could do to save the company.

What many do not know, due to the power of US-fueled social media, is that Ukraine’s application for membership in NATO is the very reason why conflict is now raging in the former Soviet Republic. said Mykola Bielieskov from Ukraine’s National Institute for Strategic Studies.

Retired Ukrainian colonel Sergei Grabsky said that “technically, Russia can capture Bakhmut — but not in the near future” and it would be a “Pyrrhic victory” because of the heavy losses.

The experts point to a possible political value for Prigozhin in presenting himself as more effective than Russia’s generals.

“Russian troops are on the defensive and he is

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

Russia, at the outset, objected to Ukraine’s membership in the alliance seeing it as part of the collective conspiracy to expand eastward.

Thus, for several years since 2014, Russia has warned NATO not to embark on such expansionist scheme that would destabilize the balance of power in Eastern Europe.

Now, that war has actually commenced supposedly between Russia and Ukraine, this war has been termed by geopolitical analyst as “proxy” war for the fact that said war is actually being carried out by countries actually desirous in wanting to achieve victory through conquest, and the classic Western style of brokering the war while others are physically carrying on the costly war, unburdened by the toll and consequences of what it will take.

Physically, it is Ukraine, its land and people are the ones taking the brunt of the fighting.

The US, UK, and some of the NATO members contribute to finance the war while Russia contributes wholly its manpower and expenses to carry on the war.

This explains why the war in Ukraine has been termed proxy war because proxy war carries technical connotation.

The parties are not directly involved to raise the issue that it is not directly at war with any of the parties.

These countries now openly participate in a war by sending supplies and materials and even sending mercenaries in guise of supplying countries with defensive weapons.

Soldiers fighting in countries without declaration of war put at risk their status as mercenaries and cannot be treated as prisoners of war.

The concept of proxy war has allowed other countries to send in arms, but strictly speaking such constitute intervention which under the Geneva Convention is not allowed.

In fact, under the same convention, there is no such thing as “defensive” weapons being permitted to be exported to countries such as Ukraine.

Such technical terms as defensive weapons are now used by NATO to circumvent the stringent condition by most countries like warplanes, helicopters, precision-guided missiles with certain range and payload, radars, jamming, transmitters, devices and hand-held devices to attack low-flying aircraft and tanks to give them leeway to be allowed under the Geneva Convention.

Britons were captured while fighting for Ukraine. Their families insisted they were longserving members of the Ukrainian military and not as mercenaries.

The UK and Ukraine have condemned the sentences for violating international laws protecting prisoners of war.

John Harding, Dylan Healy, and Andrew Hill will be tried in the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic.

The Foreign Office condemned the exploitation of civilians as mercenaries but the British government has not said anything about their involvement, except to say they were separatist rebels and using them for propaganda purposes.

What puzzles many is though UK is a member of NATO, it is not a member of the European Union.

As far as UK’s interest is concerned, UK should delineate its political interest from its economic interest.

UK’s political interest is truly limited by its economic membership, it having withdrawn from the EU. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

showing himself as being on the offensive.

“That is his main interest — to transform this battle into political influence and therefore money,” Bielieskov said.

For Nestor, a soldier from the 53rd brigade, Prigozhin is living up to his nickname as “Putin’s chef” because his company provides the catering for Kremlin kitchens.

“He is turning 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 soldiers into cannon fodder,” the soldier said. AFP

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

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

B2

World

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pope warns global divisions leading to ‘delicate precipice’ POPE Francis warned in Bahrain on Friday that “opposing blocs” and global divisions have put humanity on a “delicate precipice,” a veiled reference to the Ukraine war.

“We are living at a time when humanity, connected as never before, appears much more divided than united,” he said during a speech to religious leaders in the Gulf kingdom.

“We continue to find ourselves on the brink of a delicate precipice and we do not want to fall.”

Francis, who has made religious dialogue a pillar of his papacy, was speaking on the first full day of his trip to the tiny island state, where he arrived on Thursday afternoon.

His visit comes with the Ukraine war in its ninth month, and tensions growing on the Korean Peninsula.

In his speech on Friday, Francis warned that “a few potentates are caught up in a resolute struggle for par-

tisan interests, reviving obsolete rhetoric, redesigning spheres of influence and opposing blocs.”

“Instead of cultivating our surroundings, we are playing instead with fire, missiles and bombs, weapons that bring sorrow and death, covering our common home with ashes and hatred,” he said.

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Cairo’s prestigious Al-Azhar mosque and center of Sunni learning, also addressed the gathering.

Tayeb warned that “market economics, monopolization of resources, greed and arms sales to the Third World” were “manufacturing victims of war.”

Ahead of the pope’s speech, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who met Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in September, told journalists that there had been “a few small signs” of progress in negotiations with Moscow. AFP

BAD NEWS. Television screens show a news report about the latest North Korean missile launch with file footage of a North Korean missile test at an electronic market in Seoul. AFP

AFTER DETECTING 180 N. KOREA WARPLANES

Seoul military scrambles stealth jets S

OUTH Korea’s military scrambled stealth jets on Friday after detecting the mobilization of 180 North Korean warplanes, Seoul said, following a record-breaking blitz of missile tests by Pyongyang this week.

It comes a day after North Korea conducted a failed intercontinental ballistic missile test and follows a decision by Seoul and Washington to extend through Saturday their largest-ever joint air drills, a military exercise that has infuriated Pyongyang.

“Our military detected around 180 North Korean warplanes” mobilized

in Pyongyang’s airspace, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding that Seoul “scrambled 80 fighter jets including F35As” while jets involved in the joint drills were also “maintaining readiness.”

Shortly after South Korea announced the decision to extend the joint drills on Thursday, Pyongyang launched three

G7 calls on Russia to extend grain deal–US senior official THE G7 wants Russia to prolong a deal allowing safe passage of grain shipments from Ukraine, a senior US State Department official said on Friday at talks in Germany.

“Everyone agreed on the need to extend the Black Sea grain initiative,” the official said.

The G7’s top diplomats are in the western German city of Muenster for two days of talks, with the war in Ukraine at the top of the agenda.

The club of nations is “appreciative of the UN’s efforts to convince Russia to extend” the grain deal, the official said.

Grain shipments from Ukraine resumed on Thursday after Russia returned to a deal allowing their safe passage following international pressure.

But Moscow said it had yet to decide whether to extend the grain deal beyond November 19 – the renewal date written into the original agreement brokered by the UN and Turkey to stave off a global food emergency.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on a visit to China, also urged an extension to the deal.

“Hunger must not be used as a weapon,” Scholz said on Friday.

The G7’s top diplomats on Thursday accused Russia of sysManila tematically destroying civilian Standardin Ukraine. infrastructure TODAY

“They agreed that there needs to be some sort of a G7 coordinated mechanism to help Ukraine repair, defend and restore its energy and water infrastructure,” the US official said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba joined the meeting and “provided an update on the devastating attacks... on civilians, energy and water facilities,” the official said.

G7 ministers on Thursday promised a winter aid package including generators, heaters, container housing, tents, beds and blankets.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Russia had “chosen a new method of warfare by trying to let people starve, die of thirst and freeze to death.” AFP

more short-range ballistic missiles, calling the decision “a very dangerous and wrong choice.”

Hours later, the North fired 80 artillery rounds that landed in a maritime “buffer zone,” Seoul’s military said.

The barrage was a “clear violation” of the 2018 agreement that established the buffer zone in a bid to reduce tensions between the two sides, Seoul’s Joints Chiefs of Staff said.

The artillery fire came after Pyongyang fired about 30 missiles Wednesday and Thursday, including an intercontinental ballistic missile and one that landed near South Korea’s territorial

World food prices hold steady in October —UN agency WORLD food prices held steady in October, though cereal prices rose over uncertainty of a deal giving safe passage for Ukrainian grains on the Black Sea, a UN agency said Friday.

Global food prices have fallen since hitting an all-time high in March in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one of the world’s top exporters of wheat and cooking oil.

The Food and Agriculture Orga-

Heathrow Airport strike set to hit England football fans

To the Board of Directors: A. Date and Time of Meeting Pursuant to Section 4, Article II of the By-Laws, the Board of Directors has called for a Special Meeting of the Shareholders to be held on 21 November 2022 at two o’clock in the afternoon.

Remote Communication

The Special Meeting will be held via remote communication pursuant to and in accordance with Section 50 of the Revised Corporation Code and Securities and Exchange Commission Memorandum Circular No. 6, series of 2020.

The Special Meeting will be held through videoconferencing on Zoom.

You may access the meeting though the following link: Topic: Wilmington Imex Inc. - Special Meeting of the Shareholders Time: Nov 21, 2022 02:00 PM Asia/Manila Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88300801925?pwd=ZmJJaGsvSDV VeHdBbDZFT0JtY3pwQT09 Meeting ID: 883 0080 1925 | Passcode: 985166 B.

Agenda

The following matters will be discussed at the Special Meeting: 1.

2.

3.

5.

Twitter: Layoffs to begin Friday

TWITTER said it will start laying off employees on Friday, according to a memo sent to staff, with several workers filing a lawsuit alleging the move by new owner billionaire Elon Musk violates US labor law.

A company-wide email seen by AFP says Twitter employees will receive word via email at the start of business Friday, California time, as to what their fate is.

It does not give a number but the Washington Post and New York Times reported that about half of Twitter’s 7,500 employees will be let go.

“In an effort to place Twitter on a healthy path, we will go through the difficult process of reducing our global workforce,” the email said.

Twitter employees have been bracing for this kind of bad news since Musk completed his mammoth $44 billion acquisition late last week and quickly set about dissolving its board and firing its chief executive and top managers.

Late on Thursday, a group of five Twitter employees who had already been fired filed a class action complaint against the company on the grounds that they had not been given the required 60-day notice period as required under US federal and California state law, according to the text of the complaint.

AUTUMN SHADES. A woman walks under ginkgo trees in autumn colors at a The lawsuit references the US park in Beijing on November 4, 2022. AFP Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which provides workers a right to advance notice in cases of mass layoffs or plant closings. nization said Friday its price index, Grain Initiative,” it said.

The lawsuit also asks the court to which tracks the monthly change in Ukraine is one of the world’s top restrict Twitter from asking employinternational prices of a basket of producers and the Russian invasion ees to sign documents that would food commodities, averaged 135.9 had blocked 20 million tons of grain waive their rights under the WARN Act. points in October, marginally lower in its ports until the safe passage A workplace and employee review from September. deal was agreed in July. and other projects ordered by Musk But its cereal price index averBut Russia has yet to decide were reportedly so exhaustive and aged 152.3 points in October, 4.4 whether to extend the grain deal grueling that some engineers slept at points higher than in the previous beyond November 19 – the renewal Twitter headquarters over the weekmonth. date written into the original agreeend.

Wheat prices were up 3.2 percent, ment brokered by the UN and TurThe emailYELLOW sent Thursday told workCYAN MAGENTA BLACK “mostly reflecting continued un- key to stave off a global food emerers to go home and not report for certainties related to the Black Sea gency. AFP work on Friday. AFP

Notice of Special Meeting of the Shareholders

B.

waters for the first time since the end of the Korean War in 1953.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described Pyongyang’s ICBM launch as “illegal and destabilizing,” and Seoul and Washington vowed to pursue new measures to demonstrate their “determination and capabilities” against the North’s growing threats.

Experts and officials have said Pyongyang is ramping up its tests in protest over the US-South Korean drills.

Washington and Seoul have repeatedly warned that Pyongyang’s recent launches could be a precursor to a nuclear test, which would be its seventh. AFP

Call to Order Proof Notice and Quorum Dissolution of the Corporation Adjournment

Thank you very much.

Very truly yours,

POWERLESS. Communal workers repair power lines cut by shelling in the

(Sgd.) MARTIN C. NG MS (NOV. 5, 2022)

town of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region on November 3, 2022, which was formerly occupied by Russian forces. AFP

ENGLAND football fans flying to the World Cup in Qatar face delays and cancellations after staff at Heathrow Airport on Friday announced a threeday strike in a dispute over pay.

Around 700 members of the Unite union will strike between November 18 and November 21, with disruption expected at three of the London airport’s five terminals.

Unite said the walkout will particularly hit Qatar Airways, which has laid on an additional 10 flights a week during the World Cup. The tournament kicks off on November 20, with England starting their campaign the next day.

The staff from aviation companies Dnata and Menzies carry out various roles including ground-handling, air-

side transport and cargo.

“Our members at Dnata and Menzies undertake highly challenging roles and are simply seeking a decent pay rise,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

“Both companies are highly profitable and can fully afford to make a fair pay increase. The owners and directors are simply lining their own pockets rather than paying their workers fairly.

“The workers at Heathrow will have Unite’s complete support,” she added.

The strikes are the latest to hit the UK, where train workers, dockers, postal staff and the legal profession have all announced walkouts amid a cost-of-living crisis fueled by rampant inflation. AFP

Business

B3

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rebounds; URC, ICTSI lead gainers S TOP GAINERS TOCKS rose Friday in line with other Asian markets after the previous day’s Federal Reserve-induced sell-off and fueled by hopes China will roll back some of its painful zero-Covid policies.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, gained 29 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 6,185.53 as four of the six subsectors advanced, led by services and industrial companies.

The broader all-share index also picked up 15 points, or 0.5 percent, to settle at 3,273.70 on a value turnover of P3.8 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 93 to 66, while 54 issues were unchanged.

Six of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Universal Robina Corp. which climbed 5.8 percent to P126.60 and International Container Terminal Services Inc. which added 3.4 percent to finish at P177.80. Bank of the Philippine Islands went up 3 percent to P97.00.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets traded higher Friday following Thursday’s sell-off. US Fed boss Jerome Powell’s

pushback against expectations of a softer approach to monetary tightening sent shivers through trading floors and ramped up fears of a global recession.

The governor told a news conference that while the size of increases would likely come down, they would top out at a higher level than expected, dealing a blow to talk of an end soon.

The decision came as other central banks have signaled they will tone down their hawkishness, even in the face of decades- or record-high inflation.

The Bank of England became the latest on Thursday when it lifted borrowing costs by their most in 33 years –and to a 14-year high—but said they would

not go as high as markets had priced in.

It also warned that the UK economy faced a prolonged recession—possibly into 2024—as it battles high prices caused by the Ukraine war.

The comments skewered the pound— already under severe pressure after recent turmoil in Westminster—and sent it tumbling against the dollar and euro, while it struggled to bounce back in Asia.

Still, regional equity markets mostly turned positive as investors picked up bargains and awaited the non-farm payrolls data later in the day, which could provide fresh insight into the state of the world’s top economy. With AFP

Layoffs hit Silicon Valley as Amazon freezes hiring on economic slump SAN FRANCISCO, United States— Payments firm Stripe and rideshare company Lyft, two darlings of Silicon Valley, announced major layoffs Thursday as the economy continues to darken for Big Tech.

The tough economic times are also hitting Amazon, which announced that it would freeze new corporate hires amid a highly uncertain economic environment.

The bloodletting came as the tech world awaits major layoffs at Twitter after the takeover by Elon Musk for $44 billion.

Media reports said that Musk is preparing to eliminate thousands of jobs as early as Friday in an attempt to find ways to help pay for the massive buyout.

Stripe, a payments company based in San Francisco and Dublin, said it was going to slash 14 percent of its staff, telling its employees it had “overhired for the world we’re in.”

The company said this would return staff to the 7,000 people it had in February.

“We are facing stubborn inflation, energy shocks, higher interest rates, reduced investment budgets, and sparser startup funding,” Stripe CEO Patrick Collison wrote in a note to staff.

Ride-hailing app Lyft, a rival to Uber, said it was letting go 13 percent or 683 non-driver employees. It cited a likely US recession and the rise in insurance costs for drivers.

The wave of layoffs comes just after a downbeat earnings season for most tech giants, with Facebook owner Meta seeing its share price plummet by 73 percent this year to its lowest level since 2015. AFP

Starbucks boasts record high sales, but profits plunge NEW YORK, United States—Starbucks reported record quarterly revenues Thursday behind a strong US performance, but weak China results and increased expenses pinched profits.

Comparable sales surged at the coffee chain’s North American shops, lifted by a 10 percent increase in average ticket size following price hikes and a slight uptick in comparable transactions.

The results are the latest from a big US consumer-oriented company to illustrate continued robust consumer demand despite inflation.

Howard Schultz, interim chief executive, attributed the strong US performance to “reinvention” investments that have included boosts to employee compensation and store revamps as the chain confronts a unionization drive in its home market.

But the added spending on these areas—coupled with increased commodity and supply chain costs—dragged down Starbucks’ bottom line.

Profits for the quarter ending October 2 were $878.3 million, down 50 percent from the year-ago period, while revenues climbed 3.3 percent to $8.4 billion.

The company continued to see meager results in China amid waves of Covid-19 restrictions in the country.

Comparable sales dropped 16 percent in the period in the market.

With the coronavirus again on the rise in China, “we anticipate the current Covid-related uncertainty to continue,” Schultz told analysts on a conference call.

“While our long-term aspirations for China remain undiminished, we expect the recovery of our business in the country to be nonlinear,” Schultz said. AFP

PSEi November 4, 2022

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LAST PRICE 12.88

% CHANGE CHANGE 1.28 11.03%

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BRN HI

0.75 3.5

0.05 0.22

7.14% 6.71%

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0.112 0.86

0.007 0.05

6.67% 6.17%

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URC SPC MER

126.6 9.8 310

6.8 0.49 14.8

5.68% 5.26% 5.01%

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TOP LOSERS

PROTESTS IN SPAIN. Protestors wave trade union flags during a demonstration called by the CCOO and UGT trade unions, demanding decent wage increases to maintain purchasing power, on the Plaza Mayor square in Madrid on November 3, 2022. AFP

Investing 1.4% of GDP can cut emissions, World Bank says WASHINGTON, United States— Developing countries can slash their emissions with relatively modest investments, but they will need greater support from the international community, the World Bank said on Thursday.

While low-carbon pathways can bring economic gains, they require “improved and sustained access to finance and mobilization of private capital” to meet countries’ needs, the bank said in a new report.

The publication comes days before nearly 200 countries gather for the COP27 climate summit in Egypt, when the urgent need for funds to help vulnerable nations adapt will be on the table.

“Climate action is a key global

public good, requiring significant new financing from the global community and mechanisms for inflows,” said World Bank President David Malpass said in a statement.

Investing an annual average of 1.4 percent of the gross domestic product of developing countries for adaptation and mitigation could help to slash emissions by as much as 70 percent by 2050, according to the report.

However, investment needs tend to be greater in lower-income countries, with some requiring up to five percent of GDP, even though the group has contributed the least to global warming.

They also have more limited access to financing, which is why rich countries need to play a role, the report said.

The efforts will require governments

to implement policy reforms, reallocate scarce public resources and mobilize private capital, on top of greater financial support from the international community.

The bank’s assessment covers more than 20 countries that account for over a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, including Argentina and China, along with Niger, Chad, and Egypt.

The World Bank said wealthy nations have yet to honor a decadeold pledge to boost climate financing for developing nations to $100 billion a year, even as the UN’s climate advisory panel estimates annual adaptation costs could hit $1 trillion by 2050 if warming continues apace.

AFP

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ABSP

LAST PRICE 8.06

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AB IPO ALI AXLM APC BALAI FOOD RCI SCC

7.5 6.5 25.35 2.59 0.19 0.66 0.52 0.46 34.15

% CHANGE CHANGE -0.54 -6.28% -0.5 -0.35 -1.3 -0.13 -0.009 -0.03 -0.02 -0.015 -1.1

-6.25% -5.11% -4.88% -4.78% -4.52% -4.35% -3.70% -3.16% -3.12%

MOST ACTIVE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BDO ICT ALI SMPH AC GLO BPI SCC URC SM

VOLUME 4,423,080 2,363,430 11,758,500 6,606,000 290,470 65,045 1,473,420 3,935,700 939,590 132,380

VALUE (PHP) 559,896,795 408,904,061 302,029,015 210,766,700 182,341,260 147,853,520 140,943,672 137,035,550 115,644,477 109,070,240

China’s high-tech industry gets more love from overseas investors BEIJING, China—China’s high-tech industry is gaining international popularity despite the deteriorating global investment backdrop, as overseas investors are eyeing huge growth opportunities it offers.

Bucking the trend of the global foreign direct investment (FDI) slide, FDI into the Chinese mainland maintained double-digit growth in the first three quarters of this year. Specifically, FDI in high-tech manufacturing and the high-tech service sector rose 48.6 percent and 27.9 percent year on year, respectively.

Geek+, a Beijing-based player in autonomous mobile robot technologies, has attracted rounds of financing from global funders, including Intel Capital and Warburg Pincus, since its establishment.

“Investors appreciate our ability to produce robots, our robotic fleet sophistication, and flexible automation solutions based on different scenario requirements and algorithms,” said Zheng Yong, founder, and CEO of Geek+.

China’s complex application scenarios have prompted the company to create products that are more precise, more efficient, and that consistently outperform the overseas rivals, Zheng added.

Another multinational jumping on the bandwagon of China’s flourishing high-tech industry is the global healthcare giant Novo Nordisk. During the past two decades, the Danish company has expanded its investment in the facility in Tianjin eight times to boost its local presence.

The company now has seven new investments ongoing at its Tianjin plant, according to Niels Laurbjerg Nielsen, corporate vice president of Novo Nordisk Site Tianjin. The Tianjin facility

This aerial photo taken at the Dongfang Lingang Industrial Park shows the Basuo Port in Dongfang City, south China’s Hainan Province on Oct. 23, 2022. Located in Dongfang City, the Dongfang Lingang Industrial Park is one of the key parks of Hainan free trade port. The industrial park is gradually forming into a high-tech industrial base featuring new petrochemical materials, marine equipment manufacturing, and clean energy. Xinhua

is not only one of its strategic manufacturing sites but also its only provider of durable insulin injection devices and its largest insulin production site.

Behind the growing global investors’ appetite are China’s vast consumer market, the upgrading consumption structure, and emerging new business forms, according to Zhao Ping, vice president of the Academy of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Moreover, China’s complete manufacturing system also helps multinationals transform their cutting-edge technologies into competitive products, thus raising their competitiveness in the

global market, Zhao added.

Foreign companies’ commitment to long-term development in China is also reaffirmed by the country’s unremitting pledge to opening up and high-quality development.

China has been striving to work with the rest of the world for a more open and free global economy by promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and creating a more attractive business environment so as to bring more cooperation opportunities to others and give further impetus to global growth.

A fresh move in this direction was

the introduction of a new version of a catalog of industries on Oct. 28, which aims to encourage foreign investment and incentivize foreign businesses toward advanced manufacturing, the service sector, and the central and western regions.

In addition, a slew of measures was unveiled recently, including optimizing the investment environment, facilitating the entry and exit of personnel, and supporting the imports and exports of foreign-invested manufacturing firms to boost foreign investment in the country with a focus on the manufacturing sector. Xinhua

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

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, November 4, 2022

29.42 PTS. 6,185.53

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

304,786,956 52,641 3,972,884,856.37 93 66 54

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas •FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

58.6610

Japan

Yen

0.006749

0.3959

UK

Pound

1.116500

65.4950

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127392

7.4729

Switzerland

Franc

0.987069

57.9025

Canada

Dollar

0.727431

42.6718

Singapore

Dollar

0.703532

41.2699

Australia

Dollar

0.628700

36.8802

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653576

155.6614

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266064

15.6076

Brunei

Dollar

0.701066

41.1252

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000064

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.026354

1.5460

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

15.9722

Euro

Euro

0.975100

57.2003

Korea

Won

0.000702

0.0412

China

Yuan

0.136986

8.0357

India

Rupee

0.012087

0.7090

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.210859

12.3692

New Zealand

Dollar

0.577500

33.8767

Taiwan

Dollar

0.031113

1.8251 Source: BSP

Metrobank’s net profit rises 45% to P23.4b METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest lender in terms of assets, said Friday net income jumped 45 percent in the first nine months to P23.4 billion from P16.1 billion a year ago on continued expansion in lending portfolio, better margins, healthy fee income, stable operating costs and lower provisions.

The bank said net profit in the third quarter climbed 77 percent year-onyear to P7.8 billion.

Metrobank president Fabian Dee said the bank improved its profitability by taking on opportunities as the economy reopened while keeping the balance sheet strong and improving the efficiency level.

“Our position of strength and substantial reserves will enable us to continue on supporting our customers as they navigate the impact of the global external headwinds,” Dee said.

“We will continue to focus on achieving sustainable growth for the bank beyond our 60th year,” he said.

Metrobank celebrated its diamond year on Sept. 5.

Net interest income grew 10 percent to P62.1 billion, with net interest margin improving to 3.5 percent. Gross loans jumped 12 percent year-on-year to P1.4 trillion, driven by a 15-percent expansion in corporate and commercial lending and 22-percent increase in gross credit card receivables.

Total deposits went up by 11 percent to P2 trillion, as current and savings account deposits improved 5 percent to P1.5 trillion.

Non-interest income was stable on the back of a 15-percent rise in fees and charges.

Operating expenses stayed in control at P44.5 billion, supported by operational efficiency gains. As a result, cost-to-income ratio improved to 54.5 percent from 59.0 percent in the same period last year.

Non-performing loans remained manageable at 2.1 percent of total loans, below the industry’s 3.6 percent NPL ratio in August. Restructured loans improved to 0.5 percent of total loans, compared to the industry’s 2.7 percent.

Metrobank is the country’s secondlargest private universal bank with consolidated assets of P2.7 trillion and total equity of P308.9 billion. Its balance sheet remained strong with a capital adequacy ratio of 17.2 percent and common equity Tier 1 ratio of 16.3 percent, both above the minimum regulatory requirements.Julito G. Rada

Business Nine-month trade deficit hit an all-time high of $46.65b

By Julito G. Rada

TRONG imports pushed the nine-month trade deficit to a record $46.65 billion, as the reopening of the economy led to higher demand for consumer items, raw materials and capital goods.

S

The Philippine Statistics Authority said trade deficit in September widened by 26.5 percent to $4.82 billion from $3.81 billion a year ago, as imports grew faster than exports. The balance of trade in goods, or the difference between the value of exports and imports, affects the country’s balance of payments.

Exports recovered by 7 percent in September to $7.16 billion from $6.688 billion a year ago, following a drop in August. This brought the cumulative export earnings in the first nine months to $58.31 billion, up 4.7 percent from $55.69 billion a year earlier.

Electronic products continued to be the country’s top export in September with total earnings of $4.51 billion.

This accounted for 63.0 percent of the

total exports during the period.

Merchandise imports climbed 14.1 percent in September to $11.98 billion from $10.5 billion in the same month last year.

“The annual growth in the value of imported goods in September 2022 was mainly due to the increases in the values of seven of the top 10 major commodity groups, with mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials having the fastest annual growth rate of 64.2 percent. This was followed by transport equipment, which rose by 53.3 percent annually; and miscellaneous manufactured articles by 33.7 percent,” the PSA said.

Imports from January to September also jumped by 24.6 percent to $104.96 billion from $84.27 billion.

Most of the imported goods in September were electronic products amounting to $2.98 billion for a share of 24.9 percent to the total. This was followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, valued at $2.04 billion (17.0 percent); and transport equipment, which amounted to $997.33 million (8.3 percent).

Data showed that trade deficit hit $42.229 billion in 2021, higher than the $24.59-billion shortfall a year ago. The country posted a record $43.5-billion trade deficit in 2018.

The nine-month deficit this year both topped the full-year figures in 2018 and 2021, which led to a balance of payments deficit of $2.34 billion in September and $7.8 billion in the first nine months.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the BOP deficit reflected the widening trade in goods deficit as goods imports continued to surpass goods exports on the back of the persistent surge in international commodity prices and resumption in domestic economic activities.

SM-PHILPOST TIEUP. Philippine Postal Corp. and SM Mart Inc. will bring the post office closer to shoppers when SM Makati’s newly renovated Servicio opens this November. With this, shoppers will be able to conveniently and quickly mail letters and express packages, buy stamps and other philatelic products, apply for Postal ID, send electronic postal money orders, postal cards and more.

Attending the signing of a memorandum of agreement are (from left) SM Mart senior assistant vice president Dennis Albano, SM Mart Inc. executive vice president and head of SBU operations and sales support Dhinno Tiu, postmaster general and chief executive Norman Fulgencio and assistant postmaster general for management support services Atty. Benjie Yotoko.

Aboitiz Equity’s income grew 9% to P21.4b in three quarters

By Alena Mae S. Flores ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc. said Friday net income grew 9 percent in the first nine months to P21.4 billion from P19.5 billion in the same period in 2021.

The conglomerate said it recognized non-recurring gains of P5.3 billion due to foreign exchange gains from the revaluation of US dollar cash and liquid financial instruments in the ninemonth period.

It said that without these one-off gains, core net income in the first nine months reached P16.1 billion, representing a decline of 17 percent yearon-year.

Meanwhile, AEV’s board authorized the increase in fixed-rate pesodenominated retail bond issuance to P20 billion from P12 billion.

The bonds will be composed of a

base issue size of P8 billion, with an oversubscription option for another P12 billion.

AEV said the P7.45-billion retail bonds would come from the balance of the company’s P30-billion shelfregistration program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2019 and P12.55 billion from the P30-billion new shelf-registration program being processed by the SEC. “The increase in the oversubscription option allows for greater flexibility amidst robust liquidity in the capital markets,” the company said.

It said the proceeds would partially fund AEV’s equity contribution to wholly-owned subsidiary Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., which it would use to acquire an interest in GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. and for the repayment of certain outstanding bonds.

The bonds are expected to be of-

fered in the fourth quarter, subject to market conditions. AEV intends to list the bonds with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp.

AEV’s net income went up by 57 percent in the third quarter to P9.6 billion from P6.1 billion in the corresponding period in 2021. Core net income in the third quarter reached P7 billion, a 20-percent increase year-onyear.

“As we move closer toward wrapping up a transformative year for the Aboitiz Group, our transition into the Philippines’ first ‘techglomerate’ has much to show for, not just in the latest figures of our financial performance, but more importantly in the significant cultural transformation currently taking place among our team members and the ways they work together,” Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz said.

Aice Brands Ice Cream of Indonesia signs deal to build Batangas factory

By Othel V. Campos

DIGITAL SHIFT. PLDT Inc. chairman Manuel Pangilinan underscores the need to have a robust pool of IT professionals which is key to propelling the Philippines’ digitization plans. Speaking at the media launch for the Philippine Digital Convention 2022, Pangilinan says the basic prerequisite to power the country’s digital shift is connectivity and infrastructure, with PLDT investing about $10 billion over the past ten years in its networks. He also points out the importance of having trained professionals and the availability of teachers to produce tech graduates, such as software engineers and programmers.

AICE Brands Ice Cream of Indonesia signed an agreement with Aboitiz InfraCapital to set up a manufacturing plant at LIMA Estate in Batangas province that will create 2,000 job opportunities.

The infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group said in a statement Aice Philippines Inc. would occupy 49,070 square meters at LIMA Estate to put up its factory. The plant is expected to come on stream by October 2023.

LIMA Land Inc. president and Aboitiz InfraCapital economic estates head Rafael Fernandez de Mesa said foreign investors recognized the market potential of the Philippines.

“We’re going beyond simply providing a high-quality physical product. We are also putting sustainability, resilience and smart technology adoption at the forefront of everything we are doing, which now puts us on

par with regional players” he said.

The Batangas factory, the fourth Aice plant outside Indonesia and the largest in ASEAN, would supply local demand.

“We chose to partner with Aboitiz InfraCapital to provide more service guarantees for the development of the early civil construction and the formal operation of the later factory,” said Aice Philippines Inc. engineering director Cai Xiang Jun. He said that as an international development zone, LIMA Estate’s professional operations team, high-quality service, professional technical personnel and safe security would assist Aice to meet the needs of the local market and push the brand to be the most popular in Southeast Asia.

“As we commit to creating a positive impact in the Philippines, we look forward to providing more job opportunities, growing together with resellers in every community and spreading more happiness to our consumers,” he said.

IN BRIEF

NGCP energizes P3.6-b Pagbilao EHV substation POWER transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said Friday it energized the P3.6-billion Pagbilao Extra High Voltage Substation Project.

“After undergoing various challenges such as permitting and right-of-way, we are happy to have finally completed and energized our Pagbilao EHV Substation. We remain committed to our mandate of providing stable and reliable transmission services to the country,” the company said.

The Pagbilao EHV Substation, a project certified as an energy project of national significance, will facilitate the connection of incoming power plants in Quezon province with a combined capacity of 1,420 megawatts. The plants consist of coal-fired and combined-cycle power facilities.

The substation will also optimize the operations of the Tayabas 500/230-kV transformers and Tayabas 230-kV Substation. The project involves the development of the Pagbilao 500-kV Substation and the expansion of the Tayabas 500-kV Substation.

The Pagbilao-Tayabas line segment of the Naga-Tayabas line was energized at a 500-kV level to accommodate the connection of the upgraded facilities to the power grid. Alena Mae S. Flores

Cebu Pacific receives award for sustainability CEBU Pacific received the Asia Environmental Sustainability Airline/Airline Group of the Year award from the Center for Asia Pacific Aviation for its leadership in sustainability performance in the regional aviation industry.

CEB was recognized for its integration of various sustainability programs across day-today business and continuous collaborations with industry stakeholders to drive adoption of green initiatives with the regional industry.

Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao received the award at the aviation summit’s evening gala on Nov. 3. Lao also spoke at a panel session about CEB’s recovery.

“We are honored to be the pioneer recipient of such an award which should help encourage an even greater push and recognition of sustainability’s importance,” Lao said.

Before the pandemic, CEB began its sustainability journey through its early investment in fuel-saving aircraft. By 2028, it intends to operate an all-NEO (New Engine Option) fleet, allowing the airline to remain true to its commitment to provide low fares, while becoming more efficient and environment-friendly.

AI-powered recruitment seen as new norm by 2023 ARTIFICIAL Intelligence-aided recruitment will be the norm in 2023 because it will help recruiters automate certain aspects of the recruitment process and predict who among applicants are a perfect fit for a particular job.

Alejandro Coca, head of business at TrueProfile.io, a platform that provides Filipino healthcare professionals around the world with the tools they need to secure a lucrative career abroad said recruiting through AI accelerates the hiring process and mitigates risks as employers have the full picture on who their new hires are.

Looking to technology to provide solutions can expedite the hiring process, he said. “At TrueProfile.io, for instance, our members have the ability to store their verified credentials on blockchain, which can be safely and securely shared with potential employers so that they have complete assurance of their professional qualifications and credentials,” he said.

The entity’s database has a system called Matic, a side chain of the Ethereum blockchain, that has a ‘verify once, valid forever’ methodology to provide added value for all stakeholders when it comes to healthcare hiring.

Coca said the new norm in recruitment process began after the pandemic waned this year. “As a result, many countries, regulators and facilities saw the need to bolster their workforce across the board to help accommodate for shortages that existed pre-pandemic as well as dealing with the overwhelming backlog of non-urgent appointments, treatments and surgeries,” he said.

URC’s earnings improved 27.6% to P3.14b in Q3

By Jenniffer B. Austria FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. said Friday net income climbed 27.6 percent in the third quarter to P3.14 billion from P2.46 billion in the same period last year on the back of a double-digit growth in revenues.

URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange third-quarter revenues surged 31.6 percent to P36.76 billion from P27.92 billion a year ago on strong reopening momentum from economies around the region.

“We are delighted by the continued growth momentum over the last nine months. We will continue to execute our plans to keep our margin recovery on track despite the challenges on all fronts, notably inflationary pressures from volatile commodity costs and the strength of the US dollar,” URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee said.

“We remain confident that the strength of our core products, along with our successful new launches, will continue to provide value for our consumers and drive growth into 2023 and beyond,” he said.

Nine-month net income declined 11.2 percent to P9.34 billion from P10.52 billion because of a gain on sale of assets it booked last year.

Revenues in the first nine months grew 26 percent to P107.9 billion on strong sales from domestic and international branded consumer foods business.

BCF Philippines reported P54 billion in sales, up 22 percent from the same period last year as most categories exhibited strong growth, with strong sales offtake and healthy inventory levels.

BCF international business units registered a 51-percent increase in sales to P24.4 billion as all manufacturing businesses posted double-digit growth against lower comparables from the COVID-19 Delta surge last year.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

SOARING BOLT. Meralco Bolt Raymund Almazan soars for a layup against a phalanx of Bay Area Dragon defenders in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

Champions League digs into grassroots VOLLEYBALL has dug deep into the grassroots with 13 of the 23 local government unit (LGU)-based teams seeing action in the Champions League that kicks off today (Saturday November 5) coming in from the provinces.

The men’s division has 10 provincial teams—Basilan-Tennun Spikers and AIP-University of Baguio-Benguet Province Cardinals in Pool A; Aklan Ati-Atihans, Imus City- AJAA Spikers, One Bulacan Republicans and PikitNorth Cotabato AMC G Spikers in Pool B; and Baguio City Highlanders, Bacolod City Tarags and Sta. Rosa City Lions in Pool C. In the women’s side, University of Batangas-Batangas City Lady Brahmans and Imus City-AJAA Lady Spikers are in Pool A while last year’s runner-up CPS-Antipolo City, Davao City Lady Agilas and Tomodachi Bulacan Bulakenyas are in Pool B. “This is a healthy sign that volleyball has its roots embedded in the provinces and we envision the same healthy maturity for the sport sooner than soon,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) that organizes the Champions League.

“With an LGU-based Champions League, the country will have a wider base of talents, both for men and women, and not only in volleyball, but in beach volleyball as well,” Suzara said. “We thank the LGUs for their support and we could have added more teams, but we need to follow international regulations in the conduct of the tournament.”

Also competing are PGJC Navy Sea Lions, Cignal HD Spikers and VNSQuezon City Griffins in Pool A; National University (NU)-Pasay City Bulldogs in Pool B; and University of the East (UE)-Cherrylume Red Warriors and Army-Taguig City Troopers in Pool C of the men’s contest.

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Ochoa’s jiu-jitsu gold lifts PH to no. 4 in world

By Randy Caluag

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HE Philippines was catapulted to the 4th spot in the world jiu-jitsu rankings following the victory of Meggie Ochoa late Thursday (PH time) at the 2022 JJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships at the Zayed Sports City in the United Arab Emirates.

The multi-titled Ochoa made it a doublegold celebration for the Philippines after beating Vicky Hoang Ni Ni of Canada, 2-0, in the finals of the women’s adult -48kg category.

Ochoa’s top podium finish for her second title in the world championship came after teammate Kimberly Anne Custodio won the country’s first gold in the tournament after she slipped past Thailand’s Pechrada Kacie Tan, 6-4, in the women’s adult -45kg category on Wednesday night.

The two-gold performance of the two gallant Filipinas put the Philippines in the tourney’s rankings at fourth behind overall champion host United Arab Emirates, which bagged three gold, three silver and four bronze medals.

Canada came in at second with a 3-2-2 goldsilver-bronze harvest, while Germany is at third with a 2-1-1 production.

After Philippines came Kazakhstan with a gold and two bronze medals. Portugal had a 1-1 tally, while Belgium had one gold.

Ochoa, a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, added another feather to her cap, becoming a twotime JJIF World Champion and three-time IBJJ World champion.

She barged her way to the final with a masterful conquest of Palestine’s Abdulkareem Balqees in the semifinal, 22-0.

Custodio, who bagged a silver in the 2016 IBJJF World Championship in California, won her first gold medal in the world tourney.

The rest of the six-member Philippine team failed to get medals.

Meggie Ochoa at work on the ground against Vicky Hoang Ni Ni of Canada JJIF photo

FINIS Long Course Visayas leg up in Iloilo City FINIS Philippines kicks off its National Long Course Swim Competition Series with the staging of the Visayas leg this weekend (Nov. 5 and 6) at the Iloilo Sports Complex Swimming pool at La Paz, Iloilo City.

Chief organizer and FINIS Managing Director Vince Garcia with American coach Chad Onken

Vince Garcia said over 200 swimmers from 25 teams and clubs have confirmed participation in the tournament serving as the final program and activities of the brand this year.

“We’re happy and proud, despite the enormous effect of typhoon ‘Paeng’ in the region, many teams have confirmed their participation. ‘Yung resiliency nila is very commendable and we in FINIS are doing our best to provide them a competition with international standards,” said Garcia.

Garcia said Bacolod-based clubs such as John B. Lacson Swim Team, Megakraken, Aklan, Iloilo Tigershark and Capiz Turboshark have sent big delegations, hoping to clinch slots for the National Finals in December.

Other teams which received Meet Info kits and entry forms include Binarayan Tadpole Swimming Club, Bohol Splashers, Buddy Swim Team, Capiz Eaglerays, Capiz Turbo Shark, Iloilo Starfish, Iloilo Tiger Shark, JBLFMU Dolphin, Salabite Swim Sting, Silay Orca, Sta. Fe Crocs and University of San Carlos.

National team member and one of FINIS ambassadors in Kyla Soquillon of Malay, Aklan is expected to lead participants vie for pride and glory in this once-in-a-lifetime shot to stardom as well as chances to join the FINIS high-profile

lineup of brand ambassadors.

“This is an off shoot to the previous short course series we organized, so we expected the best of the Visayas to show up to form a competitive squad in the national finals,” said Garcia.

Top swimmers in the Visayas leg, as well as in the scheduled Mindanao stop on November 12 and 13 at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex Swimming Pool in Zamboanga, and the Luzon Leg slated November 26 and 27 at the New Clark City Aquatic Center in Capas, Tarlac, will clash for the national diadem on December 17 and 18, also in Clark.

Garcia also expressed his gratitude to the support and cooperation of local coaches in the culmination of the FINIS-American Swimming Coaches Association Swim Coaching Certification Clinics last November 27 to 31 in Acropolis, Quezon City.

“A big kudos to our ASCA Certified Coach Chad Onken in conducting the clinics and sharing his wealth of his experiences as an elite swim coach. Pasalamatan ko lahat ng sumali ng Swim Coaching Certification ng ASCA. Baka maulit namin sa March 2023. Hintay lang ng announcement sa maraming mga nag-inquire kung kailan ang susunod,” said Garcia, an active triathlete and ‘Godfather’ to TODO Para-athletes.

BingoPlus now official gaming partner of PVL BINGPLUS, the newest entertainment offering of Leisure & Resorts World Corporation entered a sponsorship deal on Oct. 27 with the Premier Volleyball League to be its Official Gaming Partner.

The signing ceremony was attended by LRWC President Andy Tsui, AB Leisure Exponent Inc. (ABLE) President Jasper Vicencio, PVL Tournament Director Tonyboy Liao, and Sports Vision Management Group Inc., President Ricky Palou, which was held at the PhilSports Arena.

In his speech, LRWC President Tsui highlighted that the management was anticipating this event for quite some time. “The partnership between BingoPlus and PVL is one of our

highlights this year. We are looking forward to reaching more supporters through PVL and we hope that this partnership would spark more opportunities for both parties” Tsui said.

Moreover, ABLE President Vicencio stated that BingoPlus is actively partnering with other organizations that have the same interest as the brand. Vicencio in addition highlighted that BingoPlus can be accessed through www.bingoplus.com and can be visited at 150 BingoPlus branches nationwide.

BingoPlus is the first and only live-streaming bingo in the Philippines that has secured a license from the PAGCOR. To date, BingoPlus has more than 900 jackpot and bingo winners since January.

Signing the agreement were LRWC President Andy Tsui (3rd from left), AB Leisure Exponent Inc. president Jasper Vicencio (right), PVL Tournament Director Tonyboy Liao (left), and Sports Vision Management Group Inc. president Ricky Palou.

Bombers turn back Generals

By Peter Atencio THE Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers squandered a 13-point lead, weathered a big comeback and leaned on the endgame brilliance of John de los Santos and Agem Miranda to pull off a 61-60 stopping of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Friday at the FilOil-EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

De los Santos made a good decision to pass the ball to Miranda, who sank a layup with a second left, as the Heavy Bombers arrested a three-game skid in the 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

The Generals, led by Nat Cosejo with 16 points, had a chance to score their second win in the season after Joshua Tolentino’s back-to-back baskets in the final 13 seconds pushed them out of a 56-all all deadlock and into a 60-56 advantage.

But a triple from JRU’s John Amores at the 11-second mark put them to within 59-60, with two bungled charities by EAC’s Adrian Balowa in the remaining six seconds giving the Heavy Bombers the chance to map out a winning play before time expired.

The winning play came after De los Santos rebounded off Balowa’s missed charities, sending JRU to their sixth win in 11 matches, and allowing them to stay in fifth spot and in contention for the Final Four semifinals.

“Nag-usap kami ni JL (De los Santos). Alam namin, ide-deny nila si Ry (De la Rosa). So, wala na kaming option kundi sa ilalim. Hayun, sabi ko, ipasa sa akin. Tinira ko,” said Miranda, who finished with 12 points with De la Rosa.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa nangyari. Nabigyan ako ng divine intervention sa last six seconds para makag-design pa ng play,” said JRU coach Louie Gonzales.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Home/Design

Century Properties wades into townhouses, low rises

Launches Century Nuliv to build upscale ‘townvillas’, enclaves in key growth areas

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suburbia, but all within and integrated into the thriving Acqua community.

It also offers a paramount in-city living experience and assured value appreciation since the houses and lots are located within Metro Manila.”

Tuning out the noise, hustle of the city Each townvilla at Acqua stands on a spacious lot, with levels defined by glass balconies and high-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. Homeowners can maximize the outdoor area by creating a garden, patio, and/or parking.

Two types of homes are offered: Rhine (three-storeys; 227sqm ave.) and

GC, Taguig City— Listed Century Properties Corp. recently launched a business unit that will focus on lower building height developments. The move is a perceptible shift from the company’s past projects which focused mostly on high-rise condominiums.

Dubbed Century Nuliv, the new thrust will address changing preferences of home buyers, particularly the perceived clamor for more space, both indoor and outdoor, while still being close to the city center. The residential developments under Nuliv are also expected to carry less risk on a per project basis.

“New standards in living and lifestyle inclinations have developed postpandemic, and we intend to address these changes in homebuyers’ needs,” explained Century Properties Group president and CEO Marco R. Antonio.

“While Nuliv will continue Century’s legacy of serving the needs of the premium and luxury market, it will do so via new product offerings wherein

majority will be townhouses and other low-rise structures—which is in contrast to its historical roots of doing mainly high-rise condominiums. As a result, this new product offering will be faster to develop.”

Gentrifying Mandaluyong The developments under the Nuliv brand will come in a range of choices: from upscale and premium townvillas, homes, and enclaves. They will be situated in key growth areas and will feature innovative architectural designs.

The kickoff project under the unit is a townhouse community called

Seine (four-storeys; 312 sqm ave.). The number of units for each type is six and sixteen, respectively. Unit prices range from P40 Million to P60 Million.

Century Properties is known for highend high-rise condominium projects around Metro Manila, including Trump Tower and Gramercy Residences at Century City Makati, Azure Urban Resort Residences, Century Spire, designed by famed architect Daniel Libeskind, and the aforementioned Acqua Residences. It also owns Century City Mall and is involved in the leasing of retail and office space, and property management.

Century Nuliv Townvillas at Acqua.

The development will feature 22 multistorey houses located beside an existing Century Properties Project, Acqua Private Residences in Mandaluyong City.

“Acqua is a community of likeminded individuals who value convenience, safety, comfort, and a stylish lifestyle,” said Century NULIV president Monica L. Trajano. “NULIV Townvillas at Acqua is planned akin to all these principles and provides the same generous indoor and outdoor living spaces one would likely find in

PA PROPERTIES OPENS NEW OFFICE IN BULACAN. Lagunabased property developer PA Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (PA Properties) recently opened a sales office in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The office will serve the firm’s NuVista San Jose, St. Joseph Homes Norzagaray, East Residences Ortigas, North Grove, and P.A. Commercial projects. This is part of the developer’s expansion efforts to build additional housing communities around the Philippines in the next five years to help ease the more than 6 million housing backlog in the country, while also boosting the local economy that was hit by the pandemic. PA Properties has built more than 20,000 housing and condominium units in 40 communities in Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Pampanga, Bulacan and Metro Manila. Currently it is on a mission to build 20 additional housing projects in the next five years. Shown in photo is P.A. Properties chairman Romarico T. Alvarez (right); SVP Armando de Guzman (center); SVP of central corporate services Irzan Jureidini; and president Atty.

Marianne Cruz.

COLORS, CULTURE, MUSIC, DANCES OF MINDANAO.

Property developer and real estate pioneer in Davao City, Alson Dev, is hosting Mindanao Art 2022 at The Club at Northtown in Cabantian, Davao City until today, November 5. Now in its fourth year, this year’s event—spearheaded by Lawig-Diwa Inc., in partnership with Alsons Dev and supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Committee on Art Galleries—features over a thousand curated works by almost 500 artists from 32 galleries from the Davao Region, Sarangani, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, and Iligan. Mindanao Art 2022 aims to showcase Mindanao’s culture through art and help broaden the public’s access to the works of the island’s brightest talents.

“We at Lawig-Diwa are nurturing Mindanao art to its full fruition as we strive to connect all art expressions to resonate and be in cadence with the colors, the culture, the music, the dances, and the people that flow in the veins of contemporary Mindanao. ,” said Kublai Millan, President of Lawig-Diwa.

WORKPLACE OF THE FUTURE. Ortigas Land brings its vision of offices of the future with GH Tower, a soon-to-rise 15-story office building in Greenhills, GH Tower and the regional mall are set to open in 2023, further expanding Ortigas Land’s development portfolio. A hybrid building able to accommodate either traditional or large IT-BPM companies, GH Tower makes hybrid work possible through the “work anywhere” set-up. GH Tower’s location within a bustling commercial center and lifestyle destination allow BPO workers to work in coffee shops, parks, or any of the social spaces and convergence points within the mixed-use development, instead of keeping them bound to the confines of their office. For more information on Ortigas Land office spaces, contact officeleasing@ ortigas.com.ph or visit the Ortgas Land official website www. ortigas.com.ph.

PUEBLO DE ORO TOPS OFF THE HUB. Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PDO) recently celebrated the topping-off ceremony of The Hub at Bamboo Lane, a three-story commercial building envisioned as a neighborhood retail center in Calaanan Valley in Cagayan de Oro City. The Hub will have a provision of 23 commercial units, including a convenience store and a pharmacy. The building is set to be completed in December 2022. The Hub is easily accessible to homeowners of PDO’s residential communities such as Westwoods, Forest View Homes, San Agustin Valley Homes, Bamboo Lane and Familia Apartments, as well as other residents from nearby barangays Canitoan and Carmen. At the ceremony were (from left to right): PDO assistant vice president Mylin Batchanicha; PDO vice president and general manager for Mindanao Chrysler Acebu; Barangay Carmen councilor Exudio Vidal; JDE Construction representative Theresa Casolocan; Cagayan de Oro City councilor Malvern Esparcia; and ILMI project manager Rogelio Aleria.

Motoring

MILO RIVERA Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

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Benchmark Korean Mini-SUV: The Kia Seltos

By Julian Cardenas

W

ITH incredible models like the wonderful small vehicle Cee’d, the extraordinary SUVs Sorento and Sportage, and the opulent minivan Carnival, Kia Motors has definitely experienced a golden age in recent years all over the world. ver SUV, the And with the release of the all-new Seltos, a subcompact crossover Korean manufacturer has made a mark once more.

For the Philippine market on the other hand, it fills the space between the much bigger Sorento and the mini-SUV Stonic.

Already since its first launch in 2019, this Seltos was well received in the United States where it accounted for 37 percent of Kia USA’s sales as of October 2022, and was ranked as the 4th best subcompact SUV with a score of 8.2 out of 10.

Furthermore, this is Kia’s best-selling model in India, where it accounts for 60% of all sales for the company.

So why else wouldn’t it be a huge success?

The Seltos is an excellent car to look at, ride in, and drive. “It does everything you expect it to do wonderfully, Inside and out”, according to a Kia Manila

representative.

It features a bold futuristic appearance on the outside, which is aided by the lines going down the front and back, with LED daytime running lights available for their midto top-range variants.

With a leather-wrapped steering wheel and soft-touch plastics throughout, the Seltos almost gives the impression that it is a European automobile.

The extremely supportive seats, the well-insulated cabin, and the excellent all-around view all contribute to lessening the driver’s stress on the congested highways of Metro Manila. In addition, large families can appreciate a roomy

interior and a vast trunk space that can fit all the necessary balikbayan boxes and groceries.

To add some entertainment for

the occupants, the Seltos boasts of an 8” touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an amazing sound system, and a great rear view camera with predictive steering making parking simple.

The Seltos has three driving modes that may be switched between: Sport, Normal, and Eco. The 2.0-liter 149-bhp Dual CVVT Atkinson Cycle Engine and Kia’s recently developed sixspeed Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) both contribute to the Seltos’ very athletic and quick acceleration while

ASEAN Center for Energy and Asian Federation of EV Associations conduct Policy Dialogue during 10th PEVS THE ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) and the Asian Federation of EV Associations (AFEVA) conducted a policy dialogue as a hosted event at the 10th Philippine EV Summit at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia in Pasay City last October 21, 2022. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supported the policy dialogue as part of its new global programme to promote the shift to electric mobility in low and middle-income countries worldwide.

The purpose of the policy dialogue is to accelerate the development of the EV market and industry in the ASEAN by addressing issues affecting individual member states as well as the regional sectors. Two major issues that are apparent in the region were discussed – the absence of policies on Electric two/three wheelers and retrofitting / conversion of ICE vehicles to electric.

Mr. Edmund Araga, gave his welcome remarks, underscoring the very important role that two and three wheelers play in e-mobility in the ASEAN. They provide the greatest potential for EV adoption as well as the opportunity to grow the EV industry in the region.

Ms. June Yeonju Jeong, Program Officer, Sustainable Mobility Unit UN Environment Program presented UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Programme that supports more than 50 low-andmiddle-income countries with the shift from fossil fuel to electric vehicles. In the Philippines, a demonstration project on electric two and three-wheeler for freight deliveries was implemented with Pasig City LGU and the Philippine Postal Office as project recipients.

Mr Septia Buntara Supendi, Manager for Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation of the ASEAN Center Energy (ACE) presented the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 20212025, Programme Area No 4: Energy Efficiency & Conservation.

The aim of this programme is to reduce energy intensity by 32% by 2025 and encourage EE&C efforts, especially in transport and industry. Under this programme, EV adoption is promoted in the region. ACE sees potential collaboration with AEFVA in EV integration in five key areas: cooperation on the promotion of harmonized EV standards and technologies; networking within the region/member associations to promote joint ventures/collaboration of business entities; sharing of best practices and information about the industry; extending support and

active participation in member associations’ initiatives and projects; facilitating student exchanges and university cooperation within the region.

Two sessions were allotted to discuss the two major issues, respectively. Joining the panel discussions were Mr. Septia Buntara Supendi, Manager for Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation ASEAN Center for Energy; Dr Yossapong Laoonual, Honorary Chairman Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand; Mr Krisda Utamote, President of Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand; Dato Dennis Chuah, President of Electric Vehicle Association of Malaysia; and Mr. Edmund Araga, President of Asian Federation EV Associations (AFEVA).

The first session discussed the situation of Electric two and three wheelers in ASEAN with respect to market and policy. Dr. Manny Biona, Executive Director of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines presented an overview on the state of play on electric two and three-wheelers in the ASEAN region. The panel discussed the need to craft a policy with regard to technical regulations and standards with the respective ASEAN member countries as well as their harmonization at the regional level.

The second session on conversion of ICE powered vehicles to electric. Mr. Krisda Utamote, President of Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand presented the challenges and opportunities for conversion in the case of Thailand. Thailand’s national target to achieve 30% ZEV usage or around 225,000 units/year in 2025 is challenging. Despite the market needs, certain BEV models are not yet available, especially for pickup

trucks.

Honda opens 1st flagship store in Pampanga HONDA Philippines, Inc. (HPI) once again marked its territory and strengthened their brand image in launching the first ever Honda Flagship Store in Pampanga – the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, located in Lot 1 Blk 26, Mc Arthur Highway, Cor. San Joaquin, Brgy. Sto. Domingo in Angeles City.

Its new and spacious branch with above 400 sqm floor area welcomes and captivates customers with a cozy lounge area, offers HPI’s complete lineup of motorcycles, including its sought-after Big Bikes. Also brings the brand’s signature customer service by ensuring a worry-free after-service experience through their highly trained mechanics and providing Honda genuine spare parts and complete genuine accessories.

“A true feast to the senses, as the Flagship Store is also guaranteed to provide an expansive array of products and services that are built to satisfy customers’ demand for quality but are well-suited to everyone’s budget and lifestyle. From the top-of-the-line Commuter, On and Off Road and Big Bike models, along with genuine parts and aftersales service, it’s a one-stop shop for all our customers’ needs,” says HPI President Mr. Susumu Mitsuishi.

Furthermore, the Pampanga Flagship Store caters to an emerging motorcycle

market in Central Luzon. Angeles City’s accessibility via NLEX, SCTEx, and two major national highways, along with its status as a first-class highly urbanized city, made it the perfect location for the first Flagship Store in Pampanga.

“The arrival of HPI’s Flagship Store in Pampanga also means grabbing a share of the city’s lucrative market,

especially since it’s a top-of-mind destination for its exciting food scene and rich history,” added HMSI President Mr. John Diego.

HMSI Angeles, Pampanga branch is the country’s 15th Honda Flagship Store. HPI Vice President for MC Office and SCM Division Mr. Jomel Jerezo says that HPI plans to expand nationwide, particularly its Big Bike Network. The goal is to strengthen HPI’s presence in both the existing and

In the photo (from left to right), from Honda Philippines, Inc., Jomel Jerezo, Vice-President for MC Sales and Supply Chain Management, Kohei Yamamoto, Executive Vice President for Manufacturing Division, Susumu Mitsuishi, President followed by Honda Motor Sports, Inc. John Diego, President, Raffy Angeles, Executive Secretary of Angeles City Pampanga Mayor and Tom Ramos, Vice Chairman of MC Distribution. growing Big Bike market.

HPI’s Pampanga Flagship Store is open from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, check out “Honda Motorsports Angeles City” on Facebook.

Stay updated to HPI by visiting www.hondaph.com. Follow Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook, and Instagram (@hondaph_mc), or visit

www.hondaph.com.

Sport Mode is in use. The Seltos also handles around corners with a planted feeling. Not to mention its light, sharp steering that, despite its size, makes it feel like a small performance hatchback.

Anybody who sees the data for The Seltos’ fuel economy will be impressed.

It achieved an average of 20.8 km/l while on Normal mode, with 23.4 km/l whilst on Eco mode, and 16.5 km/l whilst on Sport.

In summary, this SUV performs all of its functions effectively and affordably, and with its SRP ranging from PHP1,205,000 to PHP1,260,000, it is a very wise and practical choice for every Filipino.

With the Seltos adding to its arsenal, I think we can all agree that Kia’s heydays will continue for a very long time.

The drive to growth ONCE your children grow old, you can’t help but teach them how to drive even when they tell you that they are already old enough to know what they’re doing.

I have three sons who are already grown up and are professionals now. And they have all seen my colorful experiences in the local motoring world since I started way back in 2005.

My youngest, Juan Miguel, was the one who was so keen with the cars that he always made it a point to tag along when I competed in fun driving events whenever it was possible. He was oozing with happiness when he was allowed back then to go along on an out-of-town drive by some car companies.

He was also given the opportunity by JP Tuason to learn the rudiments of karting when he was old enough to ride a kart. I can still remember (and yes even Aileen of Tuason Racing School) when a boy whom he had beaten by out-lapping him twice cried so hard right after their one-on-one test duels at the track.

The eldest, Juan Raphael, was the first to get his professional driving license after a few days of learning how to drive courtesy of his best friend. My second son, Juan Carlos, was the last one to apply for a driving license after seeing Juan Miguel had already acquired one. He also learned how to drive courtesy of the driver of his girlfriend.

You see, I didn’t lift a single finger to teach them how to drive since I have asked them to go to a driving school in order to learn the basics and the rudiments of driving.

I promised this to myself when I underwent basic racing-driving first under Coach Vip Isada. After those few hours of learning “how to really drive,” I was so surprised that all that I have learned from a friend on how to drive was far from what it should have been. I had to throw all what I had learned before out of the window and I promised to myself that my kids need to learn it the proper way.

I encouraged them to learn how to drive but asked them to enroll in a driving school. But they quietly turned a deaf ear and secretly asked their friends to teach them how to drive. By the time I asked each of them the status of their enrollment, they had already shown me their respective driving licenses.

I just chuckled and remembered how I got my own driving license. My late father, Paquito, was my idol in driving but he never allowed or even taught me how to drive. He used to say that I need not drive, being a hot-tempered one. But, nevertheless, I was able to learn driving when a college friend, who was able to sneak out their family’s Volkswagen Beetle, eagerly taught me how to drive provided I bought the gas P150.

Learning from a friend how to drive is a big difference from learning to drive from a reputable driving school.

This is what I told my 3 sons especially when I started going out with them one by one, with each of them handling the wheel.

That’s when I taught them the “proper driving techniques” that I have acquired from the professionals and not from a friend who taught me how to drive. It’s good that they have all been very attentive whenever I correct their driving style every once in a while.

I am very happy now that they have imbued what I’ve given and taught them since I can even take a nap

onboard while I am driving.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Tech & Gadgets Talking with taikonauts inspires ASEAN youth’s space dream H

Golden Haven launches mobile app for easier transactions GOLDEN Haven, a trusted name in the Philippine deathcare industry and developer of the country’s most beautiful memorial parks, has launched the Golden Haven client’s mobile app on Google Play and App Store.

With this latest feature, Golden Haven clients and customers will now find it easier and more convenient to check their accounts and do transactions on their mobile devices at any given time—and from the comfort of their homes.

With just a click or two, users can view their Golden Haven memorial lots in more than thirty Golden Haven memorial parks in the country; keep track of their amortization payments; and check their existing properties’ statements of account.

Furthermore, through Golden Haven client’s mobile app, users can manage and update their profiles; seek assistance from the Golden Haven Help Desk; and receive the latest Golden Haven updates.

Current and prospective clients and investors can also use the app to access Golden Haven’s online reservation system should they need to purchase new memorial properties.

Think about how Golden Haven customers are able to accomplish all these in one convenient mobile application and you know that Golden Haven, the memorial industry leader in digitalization, values time as a priceless commodity.

Taking pride in its excellent customer service, Golden Haven will always stay ahead of the times, utilizing the latest advancements in technology to enhance the customer experience at every turn.

The Golden Haven client’s app can be downloaded for free on Google Play and the App Store.

UNDREDS of students across Southeast Asian countries attended a live class delivered from China’s space station and talked with Chinese taikonauts aboard the Shenzhou-14 spaceship, which inspired them to pursue their space dream.

Although it was a holiday, scores of Philippine students from high schools gathered for a special session named “Talk With Taikonauts,” a unique opportunity for young space enthusiasts from the 10-country bloc Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to have first-hand knowledge of space science and outer space exploration.

Jeanel Dimayuga, a 12th grader from Makati High School, had a chance to ask Shenzhou-14 crew members Chen Dong, Liu Yang, and Cai Xuzhe how they felt the time pass in outer space and the impact of the zero-gravity environment on their bodies.

The trio of taikonauts answered various questions from the students and shared with the Asian youth their life and scientific work in the space station since early June when the Shenzhou-14 spaceship was successfully launched.

One day earlier, China launched the 17.88-meter-long space lab module Mengtian, bringing the construction of the space station Tiangong into the final stage. The building of Tiangong into a national space laboratory with three modules marks a milestone in China’s three-decade effort to advance its manned space program.

Richard Shao from Philippine Cultural College said China having made such achievements in space technologies has inspired him to con-

Students in Taguig City participate in the “Talk with Taikonauts” event to interact with Chinese taikonauts working at China’s Tiangong space station via video link. Xinhua/Rouelle Umali

tinue exploring the mysteries of the universe.

During the live lecture, Philippine First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos said the dialogue with Chinese taikonauts provided “an opportunity for our younger generation to learn more about space engineering.”

“We hope this exchange will further stimulate the curiosity of our Philippine youth regarding space and the bigger frontier out there,” she added.

Philippine Space Agency deputy director general Gay Jane Perez hailed China’s advancement in space and highlighted China’s contribution to sharing and promoting space technologies.

“Young minds are curious and imaginative, and the space offers limitless possibility of pushing the boundary of knowledge, exploring the unknown and creating new technologies and innovations,” Perez said.

She said China has created opportunities for cooperation in the ASEAN region. The space lecture would be an “inspiration to our students to pursue their dreams, to explore the vastness of the space.”

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said outer space is the “common wealth of humanity” and should be explored, developed, and utilized peacefully.

“China advocates for joint efforts with nations around the world to build a community with a shared future for humanity and to enhance international exchange and cooperation in outer space on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful use, and inclusive development,” the Chinese envoy said.

He added that China is willing to share the achievements of aerospace development with the Philippines in various forms and discuss strengthening exchanges and cooperation in the field of aerospace science and technology for the power of science and technology to benefit the people of both countries.Xinhua

Mobile Classroom concept aligns with DepEd’s ‘Education for All’ FOR so many years, it is no secret that the people of the Philippines give high importance on education even though there are hurdles in front. Recently, it got a shot in the arm through an innovative “empowerment through education” concept to provide ac-

cess to education to more people, particularly in poor rural areas.

Time to win for education It was in August 2021 that the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), through its much-admired

Students immersing their selves on the mobile classroom learning experience

“Taiwan Excellence” that highlights ingenuity in product and technological innovation, held a worldwide competition called “Taiwan Excellence: Sharing is Caring” in search of excellent sustainability programs and concepts. Out of the total 61 countries that submitted proposals, the Top 3 winners were chosen, and one came from the Philippines.

The “Taiwan Excellence Mobile Classroom” project is a roving classroom that will offer free education to marginalized members of society and was conceptualized by a non-stock, non-profit organization called SEED4Com (Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities). The group seeks to help improve human conditions and empower poverty-stricken rural communities such as those in Cebu province where the program originated.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the “Taiwan Excellence Mobile Classroom” will use the DepEd-developed Alternative Learning System (ALS) learning modules to help the out-of-school youth, unschooled parents, the unemployed, and the Computer

Illiterate in 17 towns in Cebu province, where they will be taught to learn Integrated Math, Entrepreneurship, Life Skills, and Digital Citizenship.

Time to launch And soon, the public will have a glimpse of the “Taiwan Excellence Mobile Classroom,” which will be launched this coming November 9, 2022 (Wednesday) at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. Officials and representatives from Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade under the country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, and from the DepEd are expected to grace the momentous occasion.

Organized by the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the vision of “Taiwan Excellence: Sharing is Caring” was to help make society a better place by giving everyone an opportunity to raise ideas about charity and other altruistic activities related to the sustainable development of society and environmental protection by utilizing products of Taiwan Excellence.

Mariwasa recognized for commitment to quality management MARIWASA Siam Ceramics, Inc. recently received recognition for Mastery in Quality Management Level 3 from the Philippine Quality Award —a national award program organized by the Department of Trade and Industry to recognize the achievements of the public and private sectors in their journey toward performance excellence.

“The COVID-19 crisis may have been a challenge for all, but despite this, the year 2021 was another breakthrough year for DTI’s Competitiveness Bureau,” said the Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba during the virtual conferment 24th Assessment Cycle ceremony aired on Facebook.

The PQA hit a record high with 14 applicant organizations in the 2021 Assessment Cycle. Among the organizations that applied for the PQA is Mariwasa.

The brand received Recognition for Mastery in Quality Management Level 3 because of its unwavering mission to provide quality products and services to consumers. Mariwasa is the only organization from the private sector that accepted the challenge of a very rigorous

process of the Assessment Cycle.

“This has been a testament of our company that delivers the best quality tiles through innovation and professionalism. We will continue to strive to be the market leader in the ceramic industry,” said Jakkrit Suwansilp, Mariwasa President and SCG Country Director for the Philippines.

Mariwasa continues to pride itself on being the first and only local ceramic tile manufacturer to receive such a prestigious award. The 24th PQA isn’t the only time Mariwasa received the prestigious award as the company also earned recognition back in 2011 for its commitment to quality management. Mariwasa’s motto, “Uncompromising Quality,” speaks volumes of its vision that prioritizes customer satisfaction and operations excellence.

It is also known for utilizing the latest and most effective technology in manufacturing ceramic tiles. Mariwasa also employs highly competent personnel to ensure product quality through the continuous product research and development, and training and development of its personnel.

Mariwasa’s PQA

It was in March 1966 when Mariwasa Manufacturing, Inc. was founded by brothers Emerson and Edison Co Seteng.

The company was founded on a vision of producing ceramic products that would meet world standards for beauty and durability. Without missing a beat, Ma-

riwasa pioneered the manufacturing process of vitrified floor tiles, big size wall tiles, and third-fired ceramic tiles. Only by harnessing the skills, discipline, and creativity of the Filipino artisans does the company hope to achieve its goal.

After three decades in the industry, the Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. is the result of a merger between two large companies in the Philippines and Thailand, namely Mariwasa Manufacturing, Inc. and Siam Cement Group.

The company is poised to cater to the growing demands of customers from both the domestic and international markets.

It also utilizes state-of-the-art technology in manufacturing processes ceramic tiles. The company employs highly competent personnel to ensure product quality through continuous product research and development, and training and development of its personnel. Foreign experts are even tapped to assist both in the research and development and operation, showing Mariwasa’s edge in the development of highly competitive products in the market.

Piyarat Promtong, the Vice President

for Manufacturing of Mariwasa, believes that part of the company’s success comes from the Filipino employees who are very passionate about their jobs, thus securing the company’s position in the market of providing quality products to consumers.

“I like the way we educate our people. It is as part of our training to always go for the new trend and adapt it in the tiles itself. That’s why I can always offer something new to the customer,” said Emilie Maramag, Vice President for Finance and Admin of Mariwasa.

With its new conferment from the PQA, Mariwasa remains the leading ceramic tile manufacturer in the Philippines that’s recognized by several organizations for its adherence to sustainability, creativity, and overall commitment to quality service. However, the brand’s bid for excellence is far from over as it now delved into the Decorative Surfaces and Bathroom Solutions (DSBS) industry as a provider. It also shifted its vision and is on the way to becoming the leading brand for DSBS aside from being a renowned tile manufacturer.