Manila Standard - 2022 November 15 - Tuesday

Bantag defiant, won’t give up

Says surrender out of question until Remulla resigns as DOJ chief

PBBM notes ‘little progress’ on Code of Conduct in SCS

LITTLE progress has been made on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, even as the need for it has become more urgent, President Ferdi nand Marcos Jr. said over the weekend.

“Well, nothing new actually has hap pened in terms of the code of conduct. We all just restated over and over again. We need to have a code of conduct,” he said in a media briefing on the side lines of the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Mr. Marcos was among the heads of state who brought up the need for a COC at various summits.

“It is urgent. It is becoming more and

more urgent...to have the actual code of conduct, already finalized and already in place as soon as possible,” he added.

Mr. Marcos said ASEAN leaders all agreed to apply the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UN CLOS) and uphold the international rule of law.

“Everybody, including the Chinese says we follow UNCLOS and interna tional law. So at least that position of ASEAN is clear,” he said.

He said they also reached a consen sus to abide by the One-China Policy, a position held by China that there is only a single sovereign state under the name China and that Taiwan is part of China.

By Rey E. Requejo

SUSPENDED prisons chief Gerald Bantag said Monday he will not surrender even if a warrant of arrest is issued against him for as long as Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla remains in his position.

Philippines.

Biden, Xi agree to avoid conflicts, manage issues

day issued subpoenas against Bantag and his co-respondents to answer the two murder complaints filed against them for the killings of broadcast er Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and inmate Cristito “Jun Villamor” Palaña, the alleged middleman in the murder contract.

The DOJ’s panel of prosecutors set the preliminary investigation hearings at 9 a.m. on November 23 and at 1 p.m. on December 5.

BuCor to set up high-tech Bilibid security system

Catapang made the announcement as a forensic pathologist likened the pileup of unclaimed cadavers of Bili bid inmates at a funeral parlor in Muntinlupa City to a “mass disaster.”

Catapang said high-tech equipment such as facial recognition will be used to “guard the guardians” at NBP.

“Similar to the command center of the AFP so I can see on the screen eve ryone who is on duty -- who is on duty in quarter one, in quarter two, quarter three, and quarter four,” he said.

“And once operational, the inmates will also undergo the facial recogni tion machine then they will be ac counted for,” Catapang added.

Catapang confirmed the bureau al ready has a list of personnel involved in contraband entry into the Bilibid.

Some 12,000 contraband items were seized from the NBP earlier this month.

The illegal items include cellular phones, laptops, illegal drugs, and

DND admits PH military capability ‘among weakest’ in Asian region

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE military capability of the Phil ippines is among the weakest in the region, Department of National De fense officer-in-charge Jose Fausti no Jr. admitted Monday at a congres sional hearing.

Lawmakers also expressed dismay over what they viewed as the failure of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prevent China from building struc tures in the West Philippine Sea.

“I would not say that we are a pushover. Admittedly, our military capabil ity is one of the weakest in the region. It is exactly why we are trying to modern ize right now,” Faustino told the House committee on national defense.

“We are trying to strengthen our position… we align with our treaty partners, allies, like-minded coun tries. We would like to have a rulesbased international order in those areas,” he told legislators.

P63b in yearend cash gifts out today for gov’t workers

THE government will start releasing today (Nov. 15) the year-end and cash gift bonus to qualified civilian and military/uniformed per sonnel totaling at least P65.3 billion.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the total budget for the grant of the yearend bonus is P56.73 billion while the cash gift amounts to P8.6 billion.

“The release of the year-end bonus and cash gift is provided under our General Appropria tions Act for this year. For sure, many of our fellow government workers have been looking

Malls adjust shopping hours as MMDA sees traffic spike

MALLS and commercial centers in Metro Manila adjusted their business hours Monday to comply with a proposal by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to help ease traffic congestion during the holi day season.

Starting November 14 until January 6, these establishments will open at 11 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. for a 12-hour operating window.

Meanwhile, the volume of vehicles on Met ro Manila’s major thoroughfares is expected to increase by around 10% to 20% during the

Tugade named new LTO head, Perez to ARTA

Mr.

“I will definitely face this case to gether with my supporters, but if SOJ Boying will not step down, I will not surrender even if I have a warrant of ar rest,” Bantag told CNN

“Why will I surrender? They will just conspire against me again. But if Boying leaves, then I can surrender,” he added.

The Department of Justice on Mon

BUREAU of Corrections officer-incharge Gregorio Catapang Jr. said he will be implementing a technologydriven security system for the New Bilibid Prison.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named lawyer and business man Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade as the new Assistant Secretary to head the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Marcos also named former Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officer-in-charge (OIC) Ernesto Perez as the new Director General of the anti-red tape body. Perez succeeds lawyer Jeremiah Belgica, who served from July 2019 to June 2022.

After taking his oath of office before Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista

NEW OFFICIALS. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (left) shakes the hand of the new Land Transportation Office chief, lawyer Jose Arturo Tugade, on Monday. Inset shows lawyer Ernesto Perez, whom President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. elevated from Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) officer-in-charge to its new Director General.

G20 DEAL. US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 14. AFP

Danny Pata

Marcos still unsure of Davos trip

PRESIDENT

The President said the WEF would take place immediately after his state visit to China set for the first week of January.

“I am undecided yet. It’s traveling too much. That’s already the end of Janu ary. I’m going to China on the third,” Mr. Marcos said in a media interview on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sunday. He said other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also invited him to make state visits.

“They’ve all invited me. I said, okay, I won’t reject invitations. I just want to have everything scheduled whenever we’re available. That’s down the road. Perhaps next year, we’ll start honoring those invitations,” he said.

Mr. Marcos said his mother, former First Lady Imelda Mr. Marcos, had once teased him about spending plenty of time out of the country.

“Like my mom says, ‘When did you ever stay in the office?’” the President said.

Mr. Marcos said the more important

Bantag...

From

some 7,500 cans of beer.

The BuCor is also investigating an alleged tunnel at the Director’s Quar ters of the NBP.

The tunnel was dug below the swimming pool.

“Escape route? I’m not saying it’s possible. We will have to find out. At the very least, it was illegal quarry ing,” Catapang said.

Catapang has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resourc es for help in the investigation.

As this developed, Dr. Raquel For tun said she is set to conduct an au topsy on the deceased NBP inmates this week.

“The biggest challenge here is how do you manage [the] dead, and you can liken this to a mass disaster,” she said in a television interview.

During her Saturday visit to East ern Funeral Services, Fortun found that some 120 cadavers were already “mummified” while about 50 cadav ers, including recent deaths, are still suitable for examination.

“The internal examination of the mummified remains could be very difficult,” she said.

“A full autopsy, I believe, would still be possible, especially in the re cent deaths. Some of them can still be examined,” she added.

Prosecutor General Benedicto Mal contento earlier said subpoenas have been issued for suspended Bureau of Corrections Director General Bantag, BuCor Supt. Ricardo Zulueta, and oth ers allegedly involved in the twin slays.

While subpoenas have been signed, they have yet to be released, Malcon tento said.

DOJ spokesman Assistant Secre tary Mico Clavano said authorities hoped to serve the subpoenas to Bantag’s and Zulueta’s “last known addresses” yesterday.

“As per the law and as per the rules, it’s the last known address that needs to be served,” he said.

if Bantag or Zulueta waive their rights to file counter-affidavits, Cla vano said it’s their right, but the risk is that the resolution will be based on the complaint affidavit.

“This is the forum we have been say ing, the proper forum where they can answer the allegations,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National

question that needs to be asked is when he would start inviting investors to do business in the Philippines.

The President said the “determining factor” for his decision to fly to Swit zerland would be whether the Philip pines has improved the ease of doing business in the country.

“The real decision there is really go ing to be, if we are going to ask people to come to the Philippines, who are go ing to invest in the Philippines, [and] are we ready for them?”

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos admitted that he barely had enough rest since ar riving in Cambodia to attend ASEAN Summits and meet with the Filipino community in Phnom Penh.

“Well, you know, because what hap

Police said it will probe Bantag’s claims that another convict, German Agojo, was involved in the killing.

“The PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation will investigate and look into Bantag’s claims regarding German Agojo,” PNP spokesperson Police Colo nel Jean Fajardo said in a separate inter view with GMA-7.

“As I have said before, even the De partment of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government said that we will proceed where the evi dence takes us,” she added.

Bantag earlier claimed Remulla or dered the transfer of Agojo from inside the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

Agojo, who is under the Witness Pro tection Program, is connected to the self-confessed gunman, Joel Escorial, and Palaña, Bantag said.

He said Agojo’s men were the ones who killed Mabasa.

Bantag and Bureau of Corrections Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zu lueta were charged as “principals by inducement” in the killings of Mabasa and Palaña.

Also charged in the Percy Lapid

pens --- you’re sitting there for what, eight hours, 10 hours, 12 hours, what ever it is. And then you come home, you have to take care of the things that have happened back home. So, you don’t re ally go straight to sleep. You don’t re ally eat properly. But you know, it has to be done. It’s okay. I mean, you know. Nobody died from honest, hard work,” he said.

Six months into office, Mr. Marcos has so far made state visits to Indonesia and Singapore and a working visit to the United States to attend the 77th United Nations General Assembly.

His most recent foreign trip was a working visit to Cambodia to attend the ASEAN Summits and Related Summits from Nov. 10 to 13.

killing as “principals by indispensa ble cooperation” were inmates Denver Batungbakal Mayores, Alvin Corni sta Labra, Aldrin Micosa Galicia, and Alfie Penaredonda.

For the killing of Palana, also charged as “principals by direct participation” were inmates Christian Dizon Ramac, Ricky Lamigo Salgado, Ronnie Pa bustan Dela Cruz, and Joel Alog Reyes.

The two murder complaints were consolidated with the first complaint filed by the Philippine National Police on Oct. 18 against Escorial and his four alleged accomplices – brothers Edmon and Israel Dimaculangan, a person identified only as “Orly” or “Orlando,” and Christopher Bacoto.

Bacoto, a Bureau of Jail Manage ment and Penology (BJMP) inmate, and Palana, had been tagged as middlemen in the Mabasa killing.

Bacoto earlier submitted his counteraffidavit denying any involvement in the crime.

Lawyer Salvador Quimpo said Ba coto denied he was the one who talked to Escorial for the payment of the mur der contract.

Quimpo said his client knew of Esco

PBBM praises OFWs, savors Cambodia food

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday pledged to improve the work ing conditions in the Philippines as he extended his gratitude to the overseas Filipinos working in Cambodia who are thriving on greener pastures.

Mr. Marcos made this remark in his meeting with the Filipino community in Phnom Penh, where he vowed to ad dress the lack of opportunities in the Philippines so Filipinos would no longer venture abroad to seek a better life.

Meanwhile, in an interview in Phnom Penh, the President said he enjoyed the taste of Cambodian food, adding that he is “an enthusiastic ex perimenter” when it comes to food.

He said dishes served during the Gala Night of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summits on Saturday were similar to Filipino food.

“I liked it all. And then in the lunch es, they gave us some of the local dish es. So yes,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President mentioned food akin to Filipino dishes like “okoy” (shrimp patties), rice cakes, and curry with peanuts, like the local “kare-kare.” Meanwhile, he said of the Pinoy com munity in Cambodia: “My dream is for a Filipino not to leave the country because they can’t find any jobs here. If they leave the country for work, I hope it is not compulsory. This is be cause there would be a position far greater that they can achieve abroad, but if they opt to stay here there would be jobs for every Filipino.”

The President also lauded overseas Filipinos for their sacrifices and for up holding professionalism and the core values of Filipinos wherever they go.

DND...

From A1

But he said tensions between China and Taiwan must be resolved peacefully.

“We believe that Taiwan is part of China, but you must resolve those issues peacefully. That’s all ASEAN is asking for. Don’t cause trouble,” he said.

He said contracting parties of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia must be guided by the universal principles of “peaceful coex istence” and “friendly cooperation.”

In October 2021, tensions between China and Taiwan escalated when the former stepped up military activities near the main island.

Mr. Marcos said the Myanmar crisis remains a “main worry” among ASE AN leaders.

forward to this,” she said.

“We wish to remind our fellow govern ment workers to budget and spend wisely, as what we would always promote here at the DBM,” Pangandaman added.

The year-end bonus is equivalent to one month’s basic pay as of October 31 while the cash gift is at P5,000.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. warned officers against soliciting Christmas gifts.

“We are directing our PNP units nationwide to refrain from writing Merry Christmas-themed letters. We know that is common, but we will try to be stricter this time around,” Az urin said.

“Let us feel the plight of our country men. Let us celebrate Christmas without spending too much,” he added.

He also advised the public to refrain from handing gifts to police officers, which is prohibited under the law.

“We should refrain from giving gifts because police officers may get used to it. This is why we have given their bonus early and why I said we should spend it properly,” Azurin added.

During his intervention at the 17th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Mr. Marcos renewed his pitch to maintain peace and stability in the highly contested sea.

“We must ensure that the South Chi na Sea remains a sea of peace, a sea of security and stability, and of prosperity. With the UNCLOS and international law as our basis, the South China Sea will be a nexus of vibrant economic en gagements and interactions, not an epi center of armed conflict or geopolitical maneuverings,” Mr. Marcos said.

Malls...

“ber” months, MMDA spokesperson Mel Carunungan said in a public briefing.

Carunungan said the daily number of vehicles on EDSA was at 398,000 as of November 10, which is already close to the pre-pandemic record of 400,000.

Around 900 to 1,000 enforcers are being deployed on major thoroughfares per eight-hour shift, she added.

The MMDA makes this annual

Guadiz, will take on the position of As sistant Secretary for the Road Sector of the Department of Transportation, Bau tista added.

China, the Philippines, and several other littoral states have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

In a 2016 arbitral ruling, the Haguebased Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijing’s nine-dash line, a de marcation that covers almost 80 percent of the South China Sea, is illegal.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos said ASEAN leaders clashed over whether Myanmar should remain a member of the regional bloc after military leaders in that country ousted the duly elected civilian govern ment in February last year and have since imposed a brutal crackdown on dissent.

agreement with the mall operators to somehow decongest traffic where these commercial establishments are locat ed during the daytime and nighttime Christmas rush, the spokesperson said.

The agreement was made during the MMDA’s meeting last Tuesday with major stakeholders at the agency’s new building in Pasig City.

MMDA acting chair Romando Artes said the agency asked the mall operators to adjust the mall hours to address the expected heavy traffic jams during the holiday shopping rush.

He said the ASEAN leaders were par ticularly concerned over the failure of Myanmar’s military to follow a Five-Point Consensus it agreed to with ASEAN in April 2021, a peace plan that sought to call for an urgent end to violence as well as step up dialogues between the military and the opposition movement.

Mr. Marcos said while some leaders wanted to “completely kick out” My anmar from ASEAN, others wanted to fully engage with both high and lowranking officials.

He said the Philippines took the po sition of including both high and lowranking officials in discussions.

During the 41st ASEAN Summit Retreat, Mr. Marcos called on his fel low ASEAN leaders to heed the call for the welfare and protection of the people of Myanmar.

“We have to implement remedial meas ures to reduce traffic congestion. Mall wide sales will be only allowed during weekends. Also, deliveries will be dur ing 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. only. Exempted from the regulation are deliveries of perishable goods, restaurants serving breakfast, and groceries,” Artes said.

Artes also said shopping mall opera tors are directed to submit their respec tive traffic management plans and in dicate their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the schedule of such events. Joel E. Zurbano

Faustino made the statements upon questioning from Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on the build ing structures in the West Philippine Sea like what China constructed in the disputed waterway.

“How did China build a military facil ity? Don’t we have intelligence funds? Isn’t that part of your intelligence func tions? Because that base was not built in just a day,” Barbers asked.

Faustino replied: “We are very care ful in dealing with this using military action because we might be subjecting ourselves to mistakes and miscalcula tions… But rest assured, the construc tions, we were aware of it. There were hundreds of diplomatic protests.”

Barbers responded: “The best way is to show them that we are no push-over.”

Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flo res also shared Barbers’ concern.

“There seems to be so much devel opment going on in the islands that we claim… Is it because we’re like a pushover when it comes to defend ing our claims in that area? Was there anything that could have been done to prevent such a thing?”

Faustino also cited the need for the government to continuously pursue the AFP’s modernization program.

And to help raise funds for such, Faustino said the Armed Forces is open to entering into a joint venture in using idle military lands but stressed that “the properties will not be sold.”

He assured the public that the mili tary will continue to conduct patrols and maintain a presence in the disput ed waters with its available resources.

timeline for seizing Taiwan.

on Monday, Tugade vowed to implement reforms within the agency and improve service delivery to the people.

“We are partners for progress, advocates of safety, and must be champions of excel lence and efficiency. Foremost, we need to remember that we are in the service indus try. Hence, we need to focus and improve the quality of our customer service to the public,” Tugade said in a statement.

Bautista said of Tugade – who was initially appointed to the Manila Inter national Airport Authority -- in a sepa rate statement: “With his experience in management and litigation, I believe that he will make a difference in the LTO with the many problems and con troversies being faced by the agency.”

The current LTO OIC, lawyer Teofilo

“While Atty. Tugade’s appointment was announced a few weeks ago, we have come to a conclusion that he is best suited for the very challenging job in the LTO. When I talked to Atty Tu gade after the announcement, we both discussed how we can better serve the DOTr. It was then that we realized that he is better suited to the LTO,” the Transportation chief said.

“We immediately asked the indulgence of the President and explained the gravity of the situation in the LTO and the impor tance of the work that has to be done as well as the willingness of Atty. J-Art to do it. In the end, the President understood the situation,” Bautista explained.

As the new LTO chief, Tugade has likewise highlighted promoting intensi

fied road safety campaign as one of his top priorities. To do this, he committed to further strengthening the presence of LTO enforcers to properly implement transportation laws and traffic codes.

Meanwhile, Perez thanked the Presi dent for his trust and guidance as well as his colleagues for helping him en sure efficient government service.

“This appointment is really providen tial, as it would allow us to further con tinue what we have always aspired for from the very start, that is, to remove red tape and increase the ease of do ing business, ultimately benefiting the economy and the people,” he said.

Perez vowed to do his best to stream line government processes and provide better service to the public. He has been ARTA Deputy Director General for Operations since 2019 and concur rent OIC of the agency since June 2022. Vince Lopez and Darwin Amojelar

Biden,...

of 20 Summit, following months of ten sion over Taiwan and other issues.

Biden, sitting across from Xi at fac ing tables, said that Beijing and Wash ington “share responsibility” to show the world that they can “manage our differences, prevent competition from becoming conflict”.

Xi, China’s most powerful leader in decades who is fresh from securing a norm-breaking third term, told Biden that the world has “come to a crossroads”.

“The world expects that China and the United States will properly handle the relationship,” Xi told him.

Despite the upbeat public statements, both nations are increasingly suspicious of each other, with the United States fearing that China has stepped up a

US officials said ahead of the meeting that Biden hoped to set up “guardrails” in the relationship with China and to assess how to avoid “red lines” that could push the world’s two largest economies into conflict.

The most sensitive issue is Taiwan, the self-governing democracy claimed by China.

The United States has been stepping up support for Taiwan, while China has ramped up its threats to seize control of the island. After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei in August, China reacted by staging unprecedented mili tary drills.

On the eve of his talks with Xi, Biden met with Japanese Prime Minister Fu mio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of a South east Asian summit in Cambodia, with the three leaders jointly calling for “peace and stability” on the Taiwan Strait. AFP

Ferdinand R. Mr. Marcos Jr. remains unsure about accepting the invitation to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland from Jan. 16 to 20 next year.

PBBM an emerging voice, leader in ASEAN

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos, Jr. emerged as a credible and forceful voice in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during his participation in the 41st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The President pushed for solidified unity among member countries in securing freedom of navigation and forging of a “code of conduct” in the disputed waters, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

It was the PBBM’s strongest assertion yet on the sea row as he invoked the United Nations arbitral ruling upholding the Philippines sovereignty over the WPS.

During the gathering, also dubbed as the 10th Asean-US Summit, PBBM also called for the continuation of the ASEAN and the United States’ cooperation in addressing maritime security and transnational crime.

“Let us continue our cooperation in fighting against illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and also in combating marine plastic debris and marine pollution,” he said.

In an unexpected twist, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang veered away from the usual Beijing uncompromising stand that it owns practically the whole South China Sea and agreed to observe a code of conduct.

PBBM did not waste time to rally the 10-member ASEAN to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), eliciting support from Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

There has been heightened tension amid Chinese navy’s restrictions on passage of marine vessels through international waters traditionally called South China Sea.

Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ full commitment to attain regional peace and security in cooperation with Australia, India, Japan, as well as the US.

Marcos likewise stressed the importance of “ASEAN centrality and solidarity” when addressing natural disasters, health emergencies, armed conflicts and economic recession.

“We need to solidify our food resilience and promote food self-sufficiency, through the use of new agricultural technologies, in order to protect the region and our countries from shocks to the global food value chain, as well as against adverse effects of climate change,” he said.

The President also urged the ASEAN to forge a common stand against the military junta in Myanmar that have committed

human rights abuses, imprisoning scores of political activists since mounting a coup d’etat last year, toppling President Aung San Suu Kyi.

The ASEAN denounced Myanmar’s military rulers’ rejection of the ASEAN’s five-point consensus for the restoration of a democratic state, and the junta’s refusal to send representatives to the summit.

Still in the spirit of diplomacy, the ASEAN leaders agreed to give the Myanmar military the opportunity to resort to peaceful restoration of democracy through honest elections and release of political prisoners.

The Philippines being among the five-nation founding members of the ASEAN in 1967, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. was an ASEAN stalwart

If the junta continues to ignore the ASEAN demands and violation of its rules, Myanmar might lose its ASEAN membership and be penalized with regional economic sanctions.

PBBM got the chance to meet with other world leaders, including South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol, to whom he extended condolences for the recent Itaewon stampede tragedy.

In successfully accomplishing his mission at the summit in the likes of his father’s leadership style, I would say PBBM did not fail the Filipino people and he deserves our accolade.

The Philippines being among the fivenation founding members of the ASEAN in 1967, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. was an ASEAN stalwart.

The Ilocos Region: Land of baroque churches

By Honor Blanco Cabie

NEARLY 368 kilometers north of Manila, on a hill overlooking Luzon Bay in Ilocos Sur, foreign tourists wanting some escape from the congested metropolis due south can find great company in serene beaches in the country’s far northwest.

They can start at the Hundred islands in Pangasinan, near the gulf where Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his allied forces landed on Jan 9, 1945 as part of the liberation of the archipelago from Japanese Imperial troops.

Then they can drive farther north and stay for some time at the Nalinac Beach in the calm waters of Bauang town just south of the provincial capital of San Fernando City in La Union.

Not far from Nalinac is the Pug-os Beach in the coastal town of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, which hosted in 2008 a national convention of Ilocano writers at home and overseas.

Near the garlic-producing town, where warriors walked at the turn of the 20th century and during the Japanese occupation, is Sadiay Baybay beach resort in Badoc, the town of the brothers Antonio and Juan Luna, the general of the Revolution and the country’s foremost painter.

Due north are several beaches which have hosted regional and international conferences.

But beyond the beaches of the Ilocos Region, which stretches from Pagudpud town in this province near the boundary with Cagayan facing the Babuyan Channel to Rosales in Pangasinan near Tarlac, are yet other tourist come-ons.

And residents have reason to be proud of these attractions.

Two of these are baroque churches, which have made it to the World Heritage List.

They are the Roman Catholic Church in Paoay town – birthland of the Galaritas, the Blancos, the Villanuevas, the Toledos, the Valenzuelas, the Baysas — and the Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church which is nestled on a hill in Santa Maria, rich in myth and folklore.

The Santa Maria Church, also called The Church of the Lady of Assumption (Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion), is a parish church in Ilocos Sur, 98 kms south of Paoay where the legendary Paoay Lake is.

Standing tall on top of a hill, it is one of the four Baroque Churches of the Philippines that is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Santa Maria Church is a complex art of clay bricks and mortar.

The Santa Maria Church stands on an elevated hill legend suggests is the nipple of the mythical Aran, the energetic wife of Angalo (pronounced Ang-nga-lo).

Despite the ferocity of two major earthquakes that rumbled underneath the region and the nearby Cordilleras as from July this year, the San Agustin Church in Paoay hardly suffered a scratch

The church door can be reached by walking up 85 stair flights from the cemented highway, a junction of the MacArthur Highway – named after Gen. MacArthur -which meanders through the region.

Historians say it was originally a citadel complex and was a center for Spanish missionaries who made inroads in the 16th century to evangelize the uplands after the arrival of Spanish conquerors in 1521.

It has since become the center of attraction for tourists and a perfect haven for the people who love to explore ancient culture and history. The long staircase that leads to the church imparts what some observers call idyllic.

The Paoay Church, also called Simbaan ni San Agustin, was built in 1704 from coral stones, mortar and molasses.

Historians call the church structure “earthquake baroque.”

It is only a few kilometers from the inland Paoay Lake, which was mercilessly whipped

EDITORIAL

For a ‘balanced’ economic dev’t

LEADERS from 21 Asia-Pacific Economies are meeting this week in Bangkok, the culmination of a year-long hosting of their forum with the motto “Open. Connect. Balance.”

The two-day Economic Leaders Meeting will take place starting Friday, preceded by a series of gatherings from Monday: The Concluding APEC Senior Officials Meeting, as well as the APEC Ministerial Meeting, attended by trade ministers and foreign affairs ministers.

Concurrently, the annual APEC CEO Summit will take place during the week.

Next on APEC’s meeting calendar is the Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting which will be held virtually on March 16 to 17.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., representing the Philippines which became a member in November 1989, is expected to lay down his administration’s economic agenda when he meets with his foreign counterparts at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) starting tomorrow.

The 65-year-old President will discuss his plans on trade, investment and postpandemic economic recovery efforts, according to Malacanang.

Filipinos will be closely watching the APEC gathering of heads of state and government which will also serve as an opportunity for the Philippines to push its economic agenda and priorities

“The economic leaders from 21 APEC economies will discuss sustainable trade and investment, reconnecting the region and charting our paths toward post-pandemic recovery and inclusive and sustainable growth,” Office of the Press Secretary Officer-in-Charge Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said during a press briefing.

Filipinos will be closely watching the APEC gathering of heads of state and government which will also serve as an opportunity for the Philippines to push its economic agenda and priorities.

These include empowerment of the micro, small and medium enterprises, and their

Flight best proof of guilt

IT APPEARES the murder of broadcaster Percival “Percy” Lapid is far from over following some issues that have cropped up, despite the filing of murder cases against suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and his deputy Ricardo Zulueta.

Santa Banana, the sudden disappearance of both Bantag and Zulueta, which definitely is proof of guilt, is another problem of the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police! (Editor’s Note: Bantag has been interviewed by SMNI and other outlets and has said, replying to a question, that he is in the Philippines and his lawyers have, at this writing, not yet received any summons from the authorities).

Another problem which has cropped up is the speculation that a “tanda” (old man) could be implicated in the killings.

In fact, speculations have it that even former President Duterte could be implicated.

My gulay, there is also the issue of some 120 corpses (cadavers) discovered at the Eastern Funeral Parlor that came from the New Bilibid Prison, soon to be examined by the Philippine General Hospital pathologists for the cause of death, and some more 176 unclaimed corpses in the premises of the NBP.

Just how those inmates died and by what means is another issue considering that there are so many rival gangs behind bars.

And of course there is the discovery of thousands of cans of beers in the possession of prisoners said to have been sold to them inside the NBP at P1,000 or more and other contraband items like cellphones, gadgets, improvised knives and even illegal drugs like sachets of shabu, all of which can only indicate that prison guards and even officials are involved.

With all issues and happenings how can the authorities claim the murders of Percy Lapid and Cristito Villamor have been solved?

Far from it, with the NBP becoming a kingdom of criminal gangs and syndicates under the control of BuCor officials.

Just how Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla can end all these problems is another thing.

Can he do it alone ?

I believe that the problem is no longer just the problem of the Justice Department, but more of the problem of the Marcos Jr. administration, since it involves a total overhaul of the prison and jail system, in fact of the whole justice system.

In fact, this issue has spawned a bigger problem not only on relocating the NBP, which has been the dream of every administration before BBM.

Can BBM do it and how, that’s the question. As I said earlier, the Percy Lapid case is far from over.

President Marcos Jr. himself said that BuCor Chief Bantag had run the NBP as his “fiefdom,” making it his own territory like his own personal kingdom.

Reports and discoveries at the NBP show to what extent graft and corruption in a government agency has gone to with discoveries about swimming pools, sari sari stores controlled by gang leaders.

Recall at one time, a high-profile drug lord had his own video room.

Santa Banana, prostitutes furnished by the NBP guards can be hired so long as the price

during the onslaught of typhoons Karding and Paeng in 2022.

The lake, according to legend, took shape when the community north of the town proper exploded in much the same manner as the Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.

Old hands in the town, inheritors of the silky smooth oral tradition, say Filipino builders adopted a foreign architectural design and style which complemented local conditions.

Sitting on an earthquake-prone region, the builders apparently propped up the church’s

is right.

Speaking of graft and corruption, the NBP takes the cake when notorious and high level inmates can engage in almost everything.

It is said that graft and corruption at the NBP could amount to several hundreds of millions of pesos a month.

The question now is : Should this corruption in government continue with almost everybody engaged in graft and corruption ?

Santa Banana, I thought that these things are fiction.

But, they do exist at the NBP. No wonder BBM does not want the closure of this case since it reflects to what extent graft and corruption has gone in a government agency like the jail and prison system.

This is one case where President Marcos Jr.’s determination to put an end to graft and corruption is being put to a test.

The sooner, the better. ***

It is said that graft and corruption at the NBP could amount to several hundreds of millions of pesos a month

After disappearing for several weeks after reported accounts that Bantag was the brains behind the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid and the alleged “middleman” Cristito “Jun” Villamor, Bantag suddenly resurfaces online, denying any involvement in the killing of Lapid, ranting against Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying’ Remulla, for alleged loss of credibility, to the point of accusing him of smoking marijuana at the Cordilleras, the home of the Igorots, and pointing to a certain drug lord as the mastermind of all the killings.

This is laughable.

In the first place, why did Bantag and his assistant take flight if they are not guilty.

Flight is the surest sign of guilt when President Marcos Jr. said that Bantag ran the New Bilibid Prison like “his fiefdom,” which means that Bantag had control of the life and death of people behind bars.

My gulay, Bantag said that Secretary Remulla has no credibility.

Has Bantag any?

As to Bantag’s claim that Remulla smoked marijuana at the Cordilleras, his home ground, do you believe him?

As for Bantag’s claim that a drug lord was behind all the killings, how when this alleged drug lord did not have control of the NBP as Bantag had?

Whatever Bantag says at this point, like denying involvement in the murder of Lapid and Villamor, can no longer be believable.

If he can support and provide evidence to all his claims, Bantag should surface and surrender. Then he will have his day in court. ***

nave with thick stone buttresses.

They feature a scroll motif capped by intricately carved pinnacles.

While other concrete buildings and other church structures in the region have succumbed to earth shocks—the Philippines straddles the Pacific belt of fire—the Paoay Church has remained standing without a scratch.

Its outside feature is a crossbreed between a medieval Spanish church and a Javanese temple.

The Saint Augustine Church is famous for

inclusion in global-value chains, recognition of the essential role of maritime crews and seafarers in ensuring stable and resilient supply chains, and ensuring food and energy security as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The President is also slated to take part in the APEC CEO Summit where he will have face-to-face discussions with the region’s top business leaders.

“He will meet with top executives of Thai companies to discuss business opportunities, investments and expansion plans,” VelicariaGarafil said. Besides his high-level meetings, Marcos will also meet with the Filipino community in Thailand.

This will be the first in-person meeting of the 21-member regional economic bloc since the pandemic hit.

The two previous AELMs were held virtually in 2021 and 2022, hosted by Malaysia and New Zealand, respectively.

The 21 member economies of APEC are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

APEC’s member economies are home to more than 2.9 billion people and make up over 60 per cent of global Gross Domestic product. APEC partners make up more than 75 per cent of Australia’s total trade in goods and services.

It is on record that as a journalist, I have been held in contempt by the Supreme Court twice.

First, when I exposed a Chief Justice for going to Hong Kong with his entire family, including his grandchildren, and billeted at the luxury hotel The Peninsula Hong Kong, totally at the expense of a well-known Chinese smuggler and drug lord.

And I had receipts from the Peninsula Hotel to prove it.

When I was called by the Supreme Court to appear before an executive session, I presented to the justices the receipts. And I was asked to reveal my sources.

As a lawyer, fully acquainted with the Sotto Law, that journalists like me could not be forced to reveal their source, I refused to reveal my source.

For that I was held in contempt as a journalist, but as a lawyer I was fined P10,000 and/or a jail term of one year.

I refused to pay, but others paid for me against my will.

I tried to protest my contempt charge, for being held in contempt because I wrote that expose not as a lawyer, but as a journalist.

The second time I was held in contempt by the Supreme Court was when I wrote that the Supreme Court had been withholding the promulgation of its ruling that then Defense Secreray Juan Ponce Enrile could not be charged with an “impossible crime” of rebellion and murder, because that’s an impossible crime.

It has been ruled by the high court itself that the crime of rebellion already constituted the crime of murder.

But, a Supreme Court justice had informed me that a woman justice had been withholding the promulgation of the case. That was when the late President Cory Aquino became President.

And yet I was held in contempt, not as a journalist for writing that expose, but as a lawyer for violating a Supreme Court ruling that lawyers and members of the Bar should not violate High Court rulings.

Again, I was fined P10,000 and/or a year imprisonment, which I refused to comply with.

I considered that Supreme Court ruling stupid and crazy, and I said so in my writings because I wrote that expose not as a lawyer, but as a journalist.

But, since it was a decision of the high court, I could no longer appeal or have the decision reconsidered.

Santa Banana, that ruling “In Re Jurado” was even made a Bar question under the Legal Ethics subject.

Wasn’t that crazy and stupid?

It did seem that the Supreme Court justices were just protecting a lady justice for delaying that promulgation because she was a very good friend of the late President Cory Aquino.

I am just recounting these instances where I was cited in contempt by the Supreme Court if only to show that the “gods of Padre Faura” could not be faulted and are infallible.

Santa Banana, from the Supreme Court where else will you go?

its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.

It was declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the Philippine government in 1973 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the collective group of Baroque Churches of the Philippines in 1993.

Despite the ferocity of two major earthquakes that rumbled underneath the region and the nearby Cordilleras as from July this year, the San Agustin Church in Paoay hardly suffered a scratch.

G. Estabillo Publisher

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

EvEryman

4TH STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Belmonte: Resilience key to effective delivery of basic services to QCitizens

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte underscored the importance of resilience in the effective delivery of services to QCitizens and putting the city on the road to recovery.

During her fourth State of the City Address (SOCA) delivered Monday afternoon, Belmonte said the city government became an exemplar of resiliency by not giving up amid insurmountable odds.

“When QCitizens were looking up to us, to provide a way forward, there was no time to waste. There was no time to hesitate. Our eyes and ears were focused on the needs of our people. Our resilience is the product of that singular focus,” Belmonte said.

Hindi natin kayang mapaghandaan ang lahat ng hamon. Ang maaari lang nating ihanda, ay ang ating kahandaan. We can only prepare, to always be prepared. Some call it resilience, and some call it excellence,” she added.

Belmonte stressed that good governance played a key role in her administration’s push for resiliency, saying it has helped them maintain a robust mechanism to deliver all the programs and services uninterrupted, despite great upheavals and small disruptions.

Hindi po natin hinanap ang resilience. Natagpuan po natin ito habang binabagtas natin ang landas ng good governance. Ang pagtutok sa mga pangangailangan ng mga tao, katapatan sa serbisyo, pagdedesisyon ayon sa dikta ng mga datos, at ang ingklusibong pamumuno, ang ating baon sa paglalakbay na ito ,” she said.

As part of its aim to push for a people centric-governance, Belmonte strengthened the Quezon City People’s Council, where it accredited around 4,055 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that will help the city government in planning and implementing various programs and services.

In addition, the city government has conducted 168 QC Services Caravans in various areas of the city and has implemented the People’s Corner via QC E-Services where QCitizens are given the chance to air their grievances.

“We have upgraded our mode of governance from being merely consultative, into a fully inclusive, integrated and participative process of decision-making,” Belmonte said.

The Mayor also emphasized that the city government has put a premium on building health

resiliency and building resilient individuals and communities through different programs and projects.

As for health, Belmonte said the city government has increased financial remuneration for contractual medical health professionals, including doctors and community health workers, and raised the number of beneficiaries of its free maintenance medicine program to around 50,000 from 7,000, among others.

To help communities become resilient amid disasters and calamities, the QC-DRRMO and iRISEUP Program or Intelligent, Resilient & Integrated Systems for Urban Population was established to collect data from early warning devices, remote sensors, data loggers and field equipment to help better prepare for any emergency situation.

In her speech, Belmonte also enumerated other programs and accomplishments for different sectors, including education, micro, small and medium enterprises, persons with disabilities, urban poor and digital governance.

The Quezon City government recently earned a Hall of Fame award from the Department of

Under Belmonte’s watch, the city also earned P22 billion in revenues for Fiscal Year 2021 from real property tax, business tax and other taxes, such as amusement, transfer, and contractors, among others.

As testament of its transparent spending and excellent governance, the Quezon City government obtained the Highest Audit Rating from the Commission on Audit (COA) for the second straight year and received the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Belmonte then called on residents to support her vision of a peaceful, safe and prosperous city as this would also benefit them.

Mahalaga ang bawat QCitizen, lalo na sa kanilang pakikiisa sa mga layunin at adhikain ng isang payapa, ligtas at maunlad na lungsod. Hindi tayo laging mabibigyan ng pangalawang pagkakataon. Kailangang lagi tayong handang humarap sa anumang hamon. Dito sa QC ngayon, at sa buong haba ng panahon,” she said.

Finance-Bureau of Local Government Finance (DOF-BLGF) after it emerged as the No. 1 in the Philippines in terms of local revenue generation for the fourth straight year since 2019.

Vice Mayor Gian Sotto (inset) opens the 13th Regular Session of the 22nd Quezon City Council. The event was attended by city councilors, city department heads, district representatives, and family and friends of the Mayor and Vice Mayor.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte delivers her 4th State of the City Address at Carlos Albert Hall, Quezon City Hall.

4TH STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

SOCA Highlights:

n

Two consecutive years with the Highest Audit Rating

n For two consecutive years, Quezon City holds the distinction of Highest Audit Rating from the Commission on Audit (COA).

COA’s “Unqualified Opinion” proves the efficient and prompt handling of city funds. It further strengthens that Quezon City honestly spends every peso to benefit its citizens.

6,593 laptops given to teachers

n Aside from providing internet allowance, the city government gave 6,593 laptops to teachers. Since 2019, the city government allotted funds for free annual medical check-up, with x-ray and urinalysis, to more than 15,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel.

17,124 permanent housing

n During the previous three years, Quezon City gave permanent housing to 17,124 informal settlers or families, averaging to 5,708 per year. It translates to a 365 percent increase from the annual average compared to the last 33 years.

Five consecutive years of good local governance

n Since 2017, Quezon City earned the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It signifies that Quezon City is capable of achieving the required numbers to land itself a prime spot in the rigid field of SGLG.

381,650 square meters of food-productive land area n Urban farming in Quezon City used to be limited to school gardens and several barangays. Now, GrowQC blossomed into a sturdy pillar for food security, food self-sufficiency, and climate action programs.

Three minutes of response time from authorities

n People only need to call Hotline 122 to relay their concerns. Now, Quezon City police has the fastest response rate in the whole country, with a threeminute guarantee.

n

One

n

QC- E Services over 2 million accounts

n The Quezon City Government has activated its e-services portal for:

• Business Permit/s Transactions and Payments

• Building Permit/s Transactions and Payments

• Quezon City ID Application

• Online Business Tax Assessment System

• Scholarship Programs

9.7

million ridership for the QCity Bus Service

n The QCity free ride service now has more than 100 buses in transit everyday, securing the transportation of people, products, and services within Quezon City. It amounts to P3,000 worth of savings monthly for every passenger.

• Work Permit Transactions

• Health Permit Transactions

• Real Property Tax Payments

• Social Services Assistance Programs

This service aims to organize and streamline government processes making it faster, more efficient and eliminates red tape.

P1 millon worth of start-up capital

n As Quezon City strives to become the Innovation Capital of the Philippines, the city government developed the Startup QC Program for Techpreneurs. Applications will be accepted this fourth quarter of 2022. Chosen StartUP Entrepreneurs can receive grants up to P1 million.

More than P22B tax collected in 2021

The first, highest, and hardest amount acquired by the city. Quezon City remains the top city with the most tax collected in the previous year. The Bureau of Local Government Finance of the Department of Finance elevated Quezon City into the Hall of Fame for Highest Locally-Sourced Revenue.

Six years of Overall Most Competitive Local Government Unit in the Highly Urbanized Cities Category

Since 2016, it’s been six times Quezon City received the recognition of Overall Most Competitive Local Government Unit in the Highly Urbanized Cities Category from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index Awards.

Hall of Fame Award

We further emphasize one Hall of Fame Award for Quezon City as the Overall Most Competitive LGU last 2020.

This is the result of your trust, and part of our continuous mission of providing service, especially to those in need.

While our vision for Quezon City is best told in picture words, our story of progress is best told in glowing numbers.

The numbers tell us the story of our progress, and the numbers do not lie.

Istanbul ‘terror’ blast kills 6; Erdogan slams ‘vile attack’

ISTANBUL—An explosion tore through a busy Istanbul shopping street on Sunday, killing six and wounding dozens in what Turkey’s president said bore the signs of a “terror” attack.

Police cordoned off an area around Istiklal, where there were dense crowds on Sunday afternoon, and helicopters flew over the city center as sirens sounded.

“I was 50-55 meters (yards) away, suddenly there was the noise of an explosion. I saw three or four people on the ground,” witness Cemal Denizci, 57, told AFP.

“People were running in panic. The noise was huge. There was black smoke,” he said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned what he called a “vile attack”.

“It might be wrong if we say for sure that this is terror but according to first signs... there is a smell of terror there,” Erdogan told a press conference.

Turkey’s vice president Fuat Oktay said:

“We believe that it is a terrorist act carried out by an attacker, whom we consider to be a woman, exploding the bomb”.

Justice minister Bekir Bozdag said: “A woman had been sitting on one of the benches for more than 40 minutes and then she got up.

“One or two minutes later, an explosion occurred,” he told A Haber television.

“There are two possibilities,” he said. “There’s either a mechanism placed in this bag and it explodes, or someone remotely explodes (it)”.

“All data on this woman are currently under scrutiny,” he added.

Authorities offered few details and nobody immediately claimed responsibility, but Turkish cities have been struck by Islamists and other groups in the past.

Istiklal Avenue was hit during a campaign of attacks in 2015-2016 that targeted Istanbul and other cities including the capital Ankara. AFP

TO MEND WORLD ECONOMY

Yellen: Ending Ukraine war ‘best thing’

NUSA DUA, Indonesia—US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen heaped pressure on Russia on Monday ahead of the G20 summit in Indonesia, saying the best way to end world economic tumult was to stop the Ukraine war.

“Ending Russia’s war is a moral impera tive and the single best thing we can do for the global economy,” Yellen told reporters as she met French counterpart Bruno Le Maire in Nusa Dua, on the resort island of Bali. High fuel and food prices are among the top issues set to be discussed at the summit and few G20 countries have es caped the economic pain.

Yellen hopes to build diplomatic pres sure to end the war by blaming Russia.

Host Indonesia has called for talks and a peaceful resolution to the conflict but, like fellow G20 members China, South Africa and India, has largely avoided criticising Russia directly.

The summit is also expected to discuss the need to extend a Turkish and UN-bro

Russian atrocities in Kherson same as other Ukraine regions—Zelensky

KHERSON—President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that Ukrainian forces that retook the city of Kherson found evidence of new war crimes by Russian occupiers.

“The Russian army left behind the same atrocities as in other regions of our country,” he said in a nightly address.

“Investigators have already docu mented more than 400 war crimes,” the Ukrainian leader said, without clearly specifying the area in which they were found.

“The bodies of the killed are being found, both civilians and military,” he said. “We will find and bring to justice every murderer.”

Ukrainians in the liberated city have expressed a deep sense of relief over the end of months of occupation as Russian forces pulled out on Friday.

But, like Zelensky, they said the Rus sians had left a trail of destruction, lay ing mines and going on a looting spree

Thousands march in Mexico against electoral reforms

MEXICO CITY—Tens of thousands of people demonstrated Sunday in Mexico City to denounce a proposed reform that they insist will undermine the independent body which organizes the country’s elections.

Protesters chanted “Hands off INE,” or National Electoral Institute, as they made their way along Paseo de Re forma in the city center to oppose the change championed by President An dres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

“We are gathered here with one clear and important goal: to defend the elec toral system that several generations of Mexicans built,” former INE chairman Jose Woldenberg told the crowd in a speech at the close of the procession.

Lopez Obrador alleges that the INE endorsed fraud when he ran unsuc cessfully for the presidency in 2006 and 2012, before winning in 2018.

Under his proposal, the INE would be replaced by a new body with mem bers chosen by voters instead of law makers and with a smaller budget. Po litical parties would also receive less money from the government for cam paigning.

Lopez Obrador’s critics say he is damaging democratic checks and bal ances with his attacks on the INE and other institutions.

His proposals, which involve amending the constitution, require support from at least two-thirds of lower house lawmakers. AFP

—even stealing animals from a zoo— before their humiliating withdrawal.

“God will punish them. All of them. For everything they did,” said Svitlana Vilna, 47.

Still very dangerous

Ruined buildings and destroyed mili tary vehicles could be seen at the en trance to the strategic Black Sea port city, where battles raged just days ago.

A smell of burning wood wafted through the air.

“I ask you not to forget that the situ ation in the Kherson region is still very dangerous,” Zelensky said.

He said a Ukrainian sapper had been killed while removing a mine, while four others were injured.

Zelensky said workers were moving to quickly restore critical infrastructure destroyed by the Russians, including water, electricity, internet and television links, as well as transport and postal services. AFP

kered agreement allowing vital Ukrainian grain and fer tilizer exports to transit safely through the Black Sea.

Ukraine is one of the world’s largest producers of both products. Russian President Vladimir Pu tin had appeared to walk away from the agreement but faced a sharp backlash from developing countries.

The current agreement expires on November 19.

Le Maire underscored the need to counteract the ef

fects of Russia’s inva sion, namely on soaring fuel prices in Europe.

“I really think that the first issue that we have on the table is how to bring down energy prices and how to get rid of inflation,” he said.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Rishi Su nak headed to his debut G20 summit Sunday urg ing world powers to unite against the exploitation of the global economy by “malign actors.” AFP

Biden and Xi on center stage at G20 summit

NUSA DUA—Leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies ar rive on the Indonesian island Bali on Monday for a post-pandemic reunion chilled by Sino-US rivalry and over shadowed by a superpower sit-down between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping.

With people worldwide feeling the bite of stratospheric food and fuel prices, Ukraine mired in conflict and the threat of nuclear war casting a menacing pall, G20 presidents and prime ministers will see what, if any thing, they can agree to do about it.

It is the biggest gathering by the group of leaders since the pandemic began.

But this is no fond reunion.

Over the last three years, the rivalry between China and the United States has intensified sharply as Beijing has become more powerful and more as sertive about replacing the US-led order that has prevailed since World War II.

Monday’s face-to-face between Biden and Xi on the margins of the G20 has the air of the icy Cold War conclaves between American and Soviet leaders at Potsdam, Vienna or Yalta that decided the fate of millions.

Biden has spoken about the meet ing establishing each country’s “red lines” in the hope that competition does not spill into confrontation and conflict.

Iran issues first death sentence over Amini protests

PARIS—Iran on Sunday issued its first death sentence over the protests that have shaken the country’s cleri cal leadership, the judiciary said, with a rights group warning other convicts risked being “hastily” executed.

The almost two months of protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested by the moral ity police, have prompted authorities to unleash a crackdown that has seen thousands detained.

Some have been charged with of fenses that could see them face the death penalty in a country that Am nesty International says executes more

people annually than any nation other than China.

The unidentified accused was sen tenced in a Tehran court to death for the crimes of “setting fire to a gov ernment building, disturbing public order, assembly and conspiracy to commit a crime against national se curity,” as well as for being “an ene my of God and corruption on earth”, the judiciary website Mizan Online reported.

Another court in Tehran sentenced five others to prison terms of between five to 10 years for “gathering and conspiring to commit crimes against

national security and disturbing public order,” Mizan said.

Earlier this month, 272 of Iran’s 290 lawmakers demanded that the judicia ry apply the death penalty, in “an eye for an eye” retributive justice against those who “have harmed people’s lives and property with bladed weapons and firearms.”

‘Carried out hastily’ Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights, said at least 20 people are now according to official informa tion facing charges punishable with death. AFP

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Biden would be “totally straightforward and direct” with Xi and expect the same in return.

Officials say he will also push Chi na to rein in ally North Korea after a record-breaking spate of missile tests sent fears soaring that Pyongyang will soon carry out its seventh nuclear test.

Xi may be in no mood to help. He en ters the meeting buoyed from recently securing a landmark third term in of fice, cementing him as the most power ful Chinese leader for generations.

Meanwhile, Biden has been boosted by news that his Democratic Party re tained control of the US Senate after performing better than expected at the midterm elections, although his domes tic politics remains febrile. AFP

RIO DE JANEIRO—Former Brazilian congresswoman Flordelis dos Santos was sentenced Sunday to 50 years in prison for the murder of her husband in 2019, a Rio de Janeiro court ruled.

Famous for adopting dozens of street children from Rio de Janeiro’s slums, Dos Santos, 61, and her husband, pas tor Anderson do Carmo, were a power couple in Brazil’s burgeoning Evangel ical Christian movement until he died in a hail of bullets at their home in a Rio suburb in June 2019.

Prosecutors charged Dos Santos in August 2020 with “orchestrating the homicide, enlisting (several of her grown children) to take part in the

crime and attempting to disguise it as an armed robbery.”

Prosecutors said the suspected mo tive was to gain power over the cou ple’s finances, which Do Carmo, then 42, managed with “rigorous control.”

Dos Santos had been protected by parliamentary immunity, but she lost it after being ousted by a near-unanimous vote of her colleagues in August 2021.

The former congresswoman was also found guilty of trying to murder her husband with poison on at least six previous occasions, as well as forgery of documents and armed criminal as sociation, according to the Public Pros ecutor’s Office complaint. AFP

Brazilian ex-lawmaker gets 50 years for murder of famed pastor-husband

BLAST SITE. Members of the crime scene investigation police work as Turkish policemen secure the area after a strong explosion of unknown origin shook the busy shopping street of Istiklal in Istanbul on November 13. AFP

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen

FREE TO HUG. Local residents hug a Ukrainian soldier as they celebrate the liberation of Kherson on November 13 amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The liberated southern city expressed a sense of relief on November 11 after months of Russian occupation. AFP

IN REMEMBRANCE. Britain’s King Charles III attends the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph on Whitehall in central London on November 13. Remembrance Sunday is an annual commemoration held on the closest Sunday to Armistice Day, November 11, the anniversary of the end of the First World War, and services across Commonwealth countries remember servicemen and women who have fallen in the line of duty since WWI. AFP

Group exhorts gov’t to ensure budget will go to the people

AS senators deliberate on the P5.268 trillion proposed national budget, Stratbase president and Democracy Watch Philippines lead convenor Professor Dindo Manhit calls on lawmakers to make sure that the budget will prioritize and serve ordinary people.

The call comes after at least P9.3 billion in confidential and intelligence funds was allocated for non-security-related government agencies in the 2023 national budget.

“At the end of the day, ordinary citizens are actually the main drivers of development, but they need to be given the opportunity. We need to turn these citizens into productive members of society. They earn. They have income. They have livelihood. They consume. That’s what drives economy,” Manhit explained.

He said the previous government left fiscal challenges that the current administration need to address.

He also noted that the best way to outgrow the country’s current economic crisis is by investing on and prioritizing the Filipino people.

“We need to provide them with the opportunity. How? Do they have enough skills? The education system will always be very important.

What about post-secondary skills development? Or even tertiary education? Or are they healthy enough to be productive?

Those are the 2 drivers of productivity of our people,” Manhit said.

He pointed out however, that the government alone cannot provide all the opportunities for the Filipino people.

He then urged the Marcos Jr. administration to engage and partner with the private sector.

“It’s good to have them, to listen to them, to engage with them, instead of vilifying them because that’s what former President Duterte did. There is always this perception that the Philippines is controlled by oligarchs or protectionist. But our experience in the Stratbase group is that, as you engage more with big business and conglomerates, they are actually the top taxpayers. They are the top job creators and a strong source of investment across the country. Private companies should be seen as a key partner of government,” he stressed.

PH fertility rate falls to 1.9 children per woman—PSA

the next child.

Preliminary results of the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey showed the TFR of Filipino women aged 15 to 49 years declined from 2.7 children per woman in 2017.

“Hence, the Philippines is already below the replacement fertility level of 2.1 children per woman,” the PSA said.

TFR refers to the average number of children that an average woman is expected to have in her lifetime, while the replacement fertility level is the average number of children born per woman needed by a population to exactly replace itself from one generation to the next,

without migration, which is estimated at 2.1 children.

The United Nations estimated in 2017 that nearly half of the world’s population lived in countries with below replacement fertility level.

Data also showed the Philippines’ TFR was now below the 2020 world fertility rate of 2.39. Most developed countries had lower fertility rates than in undeveloped and developing countries.

The PSA said that by area of residence, Filipino women living in rural areas had slightly higher TFR of 2.2 children, compared to women living in urban areas with

1.7 children.

It said fertility was low among adolescents with 25 births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 19 years. It peaked at 105 births per 1,000 among women aged 25 to 29 years, and then decreased thereafter.

“Generally, the fertility has been declining in all age groups since 2008, except in the younger and older women aged 15 to 19 and 45 to 49 years, respectively,” the PSA said.

It said fertility rates for women aged 20 to 24 years steadily declined from 163 births per 1,000 women in 2008 to 84 births per 1,000 women in 2022. This was also observed in women aged 25 to 44 years.

The 2022 NDHS results were based on interviews with 27,821 women aged 15 to 49 who were asked whether they wanted more children and, if so, how long they would prefer to wait before the birth of

About half (48.8 percent) of married women aged 15 to 49 years said they wanted no more children.

Data showed the percentage of women who wanted no more children increased with the number of living children, from 4.3 percent with no living children to 72.0 percent with six or more children.

Around 13.9 percent of women wanted to have another child within the next two years, while 17.4 percent wanted to wait at least two years before having another child.

Less than 1 percent (0.2 percent) of women wanted another child but had not decided when, and 8.1 percent were undecided about having more children.

The PSA said it would present a comprehensive analysis of the data in a final report in 2023.

DOH insists it spent cancer fund wisely

By Willie Casas

THE Department of Health (DOH) has asserted it fully implemented the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) as provided for by law and pertinent regulations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the DOH said implementation of the CAF covered ouatpatient and inpatient services, including diagnostics, therapeutic procedures, medicines, treatment and management services, as well as other care-related components of cancer.

The CAF was designed to complement existing financial support mechanisms in public and private facilities.

Group resists former Garin lawyer’s appointment to NPS

By Rio N. Araja

PARENTS of children whose deaths were linked to the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine on Monday assailed Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres for perceived conflict of interest over his appointment at the National Prosecution Service (NPS), an attached agency of the Department of Justice.

At a media briefing at the Public Attorney’s Office in Quezon City, Sumachen Dominguez, Samahan ng mga Magulang, Anak at Biktima ng Dengvaxia president, said Andres heads the NPS that investigates allegations that a crime has been committed and prosecutes all cases involving violation of penal laws, including the

multiple counts of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

The criminal complaints were filed against exDepartment of Health Secretary Janette Garin and more than 30 other doctors, as well as the executives of vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and distributor Zuellig Pharma Corp.

Dominguez pointed out that Andres was Garin’s lawyer before his appointment to the DOJ.

“Undersecretary Andres was always there to attend every hearing at the NPS. We have pictures of him, along with Garin,” she told the media.

Last August, Andres was appointed as Justice Undersecretary.

Fraternity holds relief operation in M’danao

CIVIC organizations have pooled resources in aid of displaced residents severely affected by landslides and floods wrought by Typhoon Paeng in Maguindanao.

On its 52nd anniversary, the Al-Muslimin Brotherhood/ Fraternity added its packages of kitchenware, utensils, foods and garments on a Sunday’s (November 14) relief operation for displaced families in Datu Odin Sinsuat deemed affected most by ‘Paeng.’

The activity followed the members’ assembly in Datu Gindolongan where the relief operation was planned, along with ceremonies for new members on Saturday.

The fraternity’s relief operation was initiated by senior members former Maguindanao ViceGovernor and Bangsamoro Parliament member Datu Midpantao “Datu Antao” Midtimbang; Datu Brahim Balabaran Gulam, principal of Sarilikha Village National High School; Datu Pendatun Pandita of Datu Guindolongan; Engineer Hadji Akas Basilan of the National Irrigation Administration; retired DSWD ARMM opera-

tions chief, Puasa Enok; Pandag Mayor Engineer Hadji Abdulkarim Langkuno;

of Commerce and Industry head Datu Haron Uko Bandila; municipal administrator Datu Nur Mamaluba; along with Hadji Pendatun Alim. Hadji Akmad Noor, and Hadji Ahmad Sakilan who have since retired from the Department of Finance in the national government.

The recipients were children and parents of families displaced from calamity-stricken villages and are incidentally, followers of different religions.

Some Moro individuals have raised on social media concerns that publishing good deeds might fall on a “Riyyah” which means an act of “overt or displayed extravagance,” as opposed to the Hadith and Gospel about the proverbial “left hand not seeing what the right hand does in deeds of charity”.

But Muslims involved in post-calamity aid and relief operations seek to reserve the “finest of intention (nia’h) for (the Creator’s) Judgment alone.”

PAO, however, clarified that they are not hurling accusations of biases and prejudice against Andres, but asserted that the rule on inhibition must apply to Andres.

Dominguez deplored the recent dismissal of 24 Dengvaxia-related cases filed with the DOJ-NSP, including the deaths of SPO2 Vincent Arugay Jr. of the Quezon City Police District and Dr. Kendrick Gotoc, also from Quezon City, as well as the physical injury sustained by her minor son after receiving the anti-dengue vaccine in 2016.

PAO sent yesterday an appeal letter to the President, while motions for reconsideration have been filed with the DOJ’s state prosecutors, PAO-NCR di-

rector Revelyn Ramos-Dacpano said.

Speaking in Ilokano dialect, the group’s president appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to transfer Andres to another post in the DOJ, and to Justice Jesus Remulla to heed their sentiments.

“This (appointment of Andres) is another controversy,” Dominguez stressed.

“We are still grieving for the deaths of our children up to now. All we want is fair litigation. We have been in legal battle for five years. Andres lawyered for Garin in the Dengvaxia case. May we ask for his inhibition at the NSP?” said Jonathan de Guzman, whose 12-year-old son died after three doses of the Dengvaxia vaccine.

The eight identified priority cancer types eligible to be financed by the CAF included breast cancer, childhood cancer, gynecologic cancer, liver cancer, adult blood cancers, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, and prostate, renal, and urinary bladder cancers.

To avail of the CAF, patients and/or carers must submit the requirements to identified access sites where CAF services are made available.

Required documents including prescriptions, treatment protocols, and medical abstracts will irst undergo evaluation prior to approval and availment of services.

“As part of our efforts towards realizing Universal Health Care, the CAF was developed and implemented to increase the accessibility of specialty cancer care services to many of our kababayans afflicted with this disease,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said;.

Rep. Villar gets Stevie Award for COVID-19 work

By Maricel V. Cruz

DEPUTY Speaker and Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar has been named as the “Government Hero of the Year” by the prestigious Stevie Awards for Women in Business in ceremonies held at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas last Nov. 11.

Villar, daughter of Sen. Cynthia Villar and businessman Manuel Villar, was conferred the Gold Stevie Award under the COVID-19 response category for her remarkable work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan, EU, US lead fuel run in SEA—think tank

THE think tank Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED on Monday said public and private finance from G20 members such as Japan, the European Union (EU) and the United States are steering the boom of fossil gas and liquified natural gas (LNG) in the Southeast Asian region a day before the start of the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

CEED made the observation in its newest report titled, “Financing a Fossil Future: Special Report on High Prices and Fossil Gas Expansion in Southeast Asia” launched at a side event at G20 Summit.

The report tracks the activities of developers and financial institutions from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2022— with an eye on fossil gas and LNG expansion in the region.

“This latest report illustrates the grim portrait of

just how chain-locked SEA is to more fossil fuels and how G20 countries co-opted this with Japan responsible for a lion’s share of these investments having three of the biggest financiers across the region. The rich, polluting countries are the cause behind SEA’s climate transition handicap and rising electricity prices across the region,” said CEED deputy executive director Avril de Torres.

Vietnam leads the region’s planned gas expansion, with 56.3 GW in pre-construction and construction stages.

The Philippines is second with 29.9 GW in development. Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC’s) 14.1 GW of proposed projects accounts for half of the planned gas expansion in the Philippines and is also by far the largest in the region. Willie Casas

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by Stevie Awards for our work, particularly in our fight against COVID-19. I am grateful to the board of judges for acknowledging the vaccine incentives program that we established called “May Bahay sa Bakuna” to boost the vaccine uptake of our constituents in Las Pinas,” Villar said after receiving news of the award.

Villar launched May Bahay sa Bakuna in mid-2021 to encourage the once hesitant residents of Las Pinas to get vaccinated against COVID, in exchange of entries to raffle bonanza that rewards lucky winners of non-monetary benefits including grocery items, motorcycles, and a brand new house and lot package.

The “Government of the Hero” category is given to “female government employees who have gone beyond the call of duty in 2020-22 to keep the people safe and informed” amid the pandemic.

“I share this award to our local government officials, city health officers as well as our constituents who continue to serve with passion despite the difficulties during the pandemic,” Villar said.

THE Philippines’ total fertility rate (TFR) fell to 1.9 children per woman in 2022, below the replacement fertility level, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Sunday.

Bangsamoro Chamber

ENVIRONMENTALISTS IN ACTION. Environmental advocates, in a press conference in Quezon City, call on governments of developed nations to address the climate and economic crisis. The clamor coincides with the Conference of Parties (COP27) in Egypt and G20 meetings in Asia. The group demand the delivery of adequate and accessible climate funds, the establishment of a loss and damage fund, as well as reparations for the climate debt owed by rich countries to poor and vulnerable countries. Jimmy A. Domingo

MUSLIM FRATERNITY LAUNCHES RELIEF PROJECT. On its 52nd anniversary, the Al-Muslimin Brotherhood/ Fraternity gives out kitchenware, utensils, foods, and garments during its relief operation for victims of typhoon Paeng in Barangay Linek, Datu Odin Sinsuat In Maguindanao. Nash Maulana

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MONTH. Operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) led by their commander, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, joins the fun in giving out foods, toys, and other gifts to children living near their main headquarters in conjunction with the observance of the 30th National Children’s Month. Norman Cruz

Defense eyeing new jets under AFP modernization plan

THE Department of National De fense (DND) is still looking at the possibility of acquiring multirole fighters (MRFs) under Horizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Phil ippines (AFP) Modernization Program which is scheduled for 2023 to 2028.

“The MRF just like the other priority (projects) of the Air Force is still within our list, it is in Ho rizon 3,” DND officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of the agency’s 83rd-anniversary celebration in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.

The MRFs are expected to backstop the military’s existing fleet of 12 South Korean-made Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH light jet fighters.

He also said acquiring these as sets for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is “part of their wish list.”

The requirements for the MRF project stipulate that the offered

Belmonte welcomes people’s participation vs. climate change

By Rio N. Araja

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday welcomed the public’s participation to attain climate goals, backing groups, and organizations batting for climate justice.

“We welcome all forms of freedom of expression, especially in our advo cacy in promoting our climate mitiga tion and adaptation initiatives. The city is strongly encouraging people’s participation in this cause as everyone, regardless of their age or economic status, is affected by global climate change,” she said.

Various civil society organizations

PNP nets P9.7b in illegal drugs since start of Marcos admin

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has confiscated some P9.7 billion worth of various illegal drugs since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed office in July this year.

“We are glad to note that since the assumption of the current ad ministration, the PNP’s aggressive campaign against illegal drugs al ready had 18,505 anti-illegal drug operations which yielded over P9.7 billion worth of illegal drugs and arrested 22,646 drug personalities,” PNP chief Gen. Rodlfo Azurin Jr., told reporters on the sidelines of the signing of a memorandum of agreement between PNP and non-government organization Bat tle Against Drugs (BAD) in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

Azurin also noted that 46 sus pects were killed during these op erations.

“So with all the minimum cau tion, we advise our police offic ers, ‘you do not endanger your life’. But definitely, when they are in danger, they have to defend themselves. As we can notice, the deaths are very minimal because we opt to focus on engaging other sectors. We are partnering with the religious sector so that in their level, they can engage the sus pects at the barangay level so they can just surrender and stop their illegal activities,” he said.

Azurin also recognized the President’s full support for PNP’s “more focused holistic approach” to putting a stop to drugs and crim inality, which signifies the govern ment’s commitment to shaping up mechanisms in terms of improving the country’s peace and order and safety environment for the people.

“The entire police force remains steadfast to the anti-illegal drugs programs of the government with the aim that Filipinos everywhere could enjoy peaceful society and embrace a greater sense of secu rity by sustaining vigilant trust and confidence in our law enforcers,” the country’s top cop stressed.

are set to gather at the Quezon Memori al Circle for a “March for Climate Jus tice” to call on decision-makers to de liver solutions to the global climate and economic crises while they are attend ing this year’s COP 27 (2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Egypt and G20 summit in Indonesia

The city government is known as one of the leading localities in the Philip

POCKET BAZAAR.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology joins a pocket bazaar along the corridor in front of Quezon City Hall on Monday, showcasing products such as Christmas lanterns and decors, handicrafts, and paintings, among others made by persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). The families of PDLs will benefit from the profits of the livelihood project.

pines pushing for climate justice.

In 2019, the city declared a climate emergency that initiated the establish ment of clean, sustainable and environ ment-friendly programs for the QCiti zens.

QC is also the only Philippine city in the C40 Cities, a global network of mayors taking urgent action to con front the climate crisis and create a fu ture where everyone can thrive.

During the C40 Cities World Mayors Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October, Belmonte reiterated her call on international climate financing institu tions to work with cities to support the implementation of their climate action plans for them to achieve their mitiga

tion and adaptation targets as soon as possible.

“The city’s programs for climate change will not come to fruition without the efforts of the public. We encourage a whole-of-city approach to ensure that the city’s initiatives are truly sustainable and responsive to the communities’ needs, without risking the lives and livelihood of the residents.”

“Everyone is affected by global climate change. Every action, sug gestions, and concerns of stakehold ers are important for the further de velopment of our programs,” Climate Change and Environmental Sustain ability Department chief Andrea Vil laroman said.

aircraft must be “fourth genera tion or higher.”

The project also requires 12 MRFs at least capable of patrol ling the country’s protected wa ters and airspace.

The MRF is supposed to be part of Horizon 2 of the AFP Modern ization Program slated for 2018 to 2022, which aims to acquire more equipment for external defense.

Any aircraft that will be se lected must be able to integrate with existing radar systems that have a range of about 250 nauti cal miles.

Once these MRFs are acquired, the PAF, with the help of these radar systems, can be deployed to determine whether the aircraft flying over the country’s airspace is friendly or hostile.

Among possible contenders for the PAF’s MRF project include the latest model of the Americanmade Lockheed Martin F-16s and the Swedish-made Saab JAS-39.

IN BRIEF

LTO chief looks forward to tech system run by employees

LAND Transportation Office (LTO) chief Teofilo Guadiz III is looking forward to a highly efficient and “digitalized” agency in 2024 to be run by employees themselves and not by any information technology provider.

He is batting for an IT system that shall “be able to competently address the needs of the motoring public.”

By 2024, the LTO’s contract with its IT provider would have ended and was given the assurance that the control of the IT sys tem would be turned over to the agency.

“By then, my dream for the LTO IT sys tem is for it to be run and managed by LTO employees. No more outsiders will be run ning the system. We ourselves would run and manage the operations,” he said.

He wants to run the LTO the same way it is done at private corporations.

“Having been with the Agency for the past 12 years, I have seen a lot of competent men and women at the LTO so I am confi dent that we can do it,” he said.

He reported that when he looked at the number of IT experts at its Management Information Division, there were only 28 of them, and he is looking to have the number increased further.

“We need to increase the number of per sonnel to handle the MID to be able to ad equately address the needs of the different regions,” he said. Rio N. Araja

SENATOR Win Gatchalian on Monday called on the government to ensure that marginalized consumers are the actual beneficiaries of the electricity lifeline rate subsidy.

He issued the call after the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 11552 or the Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the Lifeline Rate until 2050.

Police identify suspects in Taguig school bomb threat

By Joel E Zurbano

POLICE

Taguig City Police Station chief Col. Robert Baesa said they are preparing to file a complaint against two individuals, one of them a minor, found to be respon sible for the November 7 bomb threats.

He said his men in cooperation with the Philippine National Police -Anticyber Crime Group were able to identify the suspects after tracking down their inter

net protocol (IP) address, exact location, and mobile number.

The suspects used a Facebook ac count name “Sofia Smith” when they logged in, posted, commented, and made threats on a livestream of a flagraising ceremony.

Baesa said the dummy social media account commented on the school’s Fa cebook Live and threatened to kill all the students “like what happened in Thai land.”

The comment read: “Humanda na kyo mamya sa pagpasok ng mga panghapon. Binabalaan ko kayong lahat na humanda mamaya haha papsukin niyo lhat ng es tudyante mamaya. Papatayin ko lahat g

The threats prompted the local govern ment and the school management to can cel the afternoon classes.

In a press conference, P/Lt. Col. Jay Guillermo, of the PNP-ACG, said “So fia Smith’ is a 16-year-old girl, Grade 9 student at Signal Village National High School. We went to the Regional Trial Court to obtain a cybercrime warrant so that we have the right to enter the house and confiscate the cell phone of ‘Sofia Smith’ and her companions in the house.”

Nograles optimistic PH will adopt ILO plan against workplace violence

By Maricel V. Cruz

“Every worker, regardless of their employment sta

and sexual orientation and gender identity, has the

to be protected from violence and harassment in the workplace, including gender-based discrimination,” Nograles, chair of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, stressed.

“Every workplace should foster mutual respect and dig nity of the human being. A workplace that does this will achieve maximum efficiency because happy and satisfied workers are productive workers so we are very hopeful on the

this treaty,” he added.

While the law intends to provide assis tance in the form of subsidy to those living below the poverty line, he noted that the executive department needs to ensure that targeted beneficiaries are those who will actually benefit from the subsidy.

He said the ongoing review of the list of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) bodes well with the implementation of the law, particularly in the determination of beneficiaries of the government subsidy.

The IRR for RA 11552 was recently approved by the Energy Regulatory Com mission (ERC), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Social Wel fare and Development (DSWD).

Macon Ramos-Araneta

A MEASURE has been filed at the House of Representatives seeking to promote equal employment opportunities among workers.

In filing House Bill 532 or the proposed “Equal Employment Opportunity Act,” Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, through House Bill 532 or the proposed “Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 2018,” sought to establish an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission which shall be tasked to resolve cases of unlawful em ployment practices or discrimination.

The bill refers to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, condi tions, or privileges of employment because of such individual’s race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national origin.

In her explanatory note of the bill, Ro man acknowledged that “employees are never on equal footing with their employ ers.”

Complemented by the labor surplus in the country and lack of legislation, the employees are often subjected to discrimi nation in the guise of “sound business judgment,” Roman, chair of the House committee on women and gender equality, stated. Maricel V. Cruz

have identified the persons behind the recent bomb scare at Taguig City’s Signal Village National High School which caused fear and alarm to residents, particularly families of the stu dents and school personnel.

mga estudyante sa Taguig Signal Village. Kagaya ng nangyare sa Thailand human da kayo magpapasabog ako dyan sa Sig nal papatayin ko kayong lahat.”

Gatchalian urges gov’t to ensure electricity subsidy for the poor

House bill seeks to promote equal employment opportunities

RIZAL Rep. Fidel Nograles expressed optimism that government offices, private businesses, and other places of work in the country would “readily and widely” adopt International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 – the first international treaty on violence and harassment in the world of work – once it is ratified by the Philippine government.

tus

right

widespread adoption of

Manny Palmero

SUBIC TOUR. Le Charmé Suites Subic invited select members of the National Independent Travel Agencies (NITAS) consortium and media from the national newspapers for a tour of different historical tourist spots at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

BLAZE. A fire was reported at a residential area in Cadorniga St. Brgy. Northbay Boulevard-North, Navotas City on Monday. The fire has reportedly reached Task Force Alpha alarm. Norman Cruz

Ray S. Eñano (on leave), Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022 B1

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United

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UKPound1.18050067.7029

Hong KongDollar0.1276187.3190 SwitzerlandFranc1.06269960.9469 CanadaDollar0.75329643.2023 SingaporeDollar0.72902241.8101 AustraliaDollar0.66990038.4194 BahrainDinar2.653435152.1772

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Source: BSP

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. said Monday net income grew 23 percent in the first nine months to P23.9 billion from P19.35 billion in the same period last year on higher contribution from property, telecom and banking businesses.

Ayala said in a disclosure to the stock exchange nine-month consoli dated revenues expanded 18.5 per cent to P216.2 billion from P182.5 billion. Core net income, which ex cluded one-off items, went up by 13 percent to P21.8 billion year-on-year.

Ayala said core subsidiaries regis tered robust growth as economic ac tivities accelerated this year.

“Our strong market positions in four of the five largest industrial sec tors in the country have allowed us to capitalize on the re-opening of the economy to grow topline and core net income. Our largest publicly-list ed companies reported strong results, and the other companies in our port folio are gaining traction and adding heft,” Ayala president and chief ex ecutive Cezar Consing said.

Ayala said net income in the third quarter decreased 15 percent yearon-year to P7.6 billion because of a net one-off gain booked in 2021 and a net one-off loss this year.

Property unit Ayala Land Inc.’s net income jumped 55 percent in the first nine months to P13.3 billion on significant uptick in commercial lot sales, progress in the construction of residential projects and recovery in commercial leasing.

Banking unit Bank of the Philip pine Island’s net income also ex panded 75 percent to P30.5 billion on the back of higher interest and noninterest income, lower provisions and a gain from the sale of a property.

Globe Telecom’s net income in creased 48 percent to P26.5 billion on higher gross service revenues and gains from the partial sale of its data center business and tower assets.

GCash plans to wait out ‘tech winter’ before IPO

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GCASH, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom Inc. and the country’s largest startup with a double-unicorn status, said Monday it is not the “best time” to undertake an initial public offering soon amid the so-called “tech winter.”

Tech winter refers to the bear market in the technology sector which involves job cuts and reduced hiring activities in the IT and startup community. GCash is a financial technology company that has popularized mobile and digital pay ments in the Philippines.

GCash chief financial officer Tek Olano said the market conditions were not ready for the company to undertake

an IPO.

“I guess today, you can consider the period as basically your tech winter, so the market’s not there for any listing, so it’s not actually the best time for an IPO,” Olano said during Globe Tele com’s financial briefing Monday.

“What we’re doing now is we’re re ally using the time to continue to fo cus on growing the business, making sure we create value for the customers, making sure we build the digital eco system that’s needed so that when the time comes, we’ll be ready and we’ll be a very different company by then,” he said.

GCash remains the leading financial app in the country with over 71 million users as of end-September.

“Our GTV [gross transaction value] reached P4.8 trillion, surpassing the 2021 full year GTV of P3.8 trillion,” Olano said.

Olano said GCash unique borrowers went up by 74 percent, while disbursed

value surged 95 percent year-on-year.

“We want to scale on lending. We feel that this is much needed service in the country,” he said.

The company also registered over P13 billion in deposits as of end-September.

“With our partnership with Alipay, GCash is now available as a payment option in Alipay QRs in Japan, Ma laysia, Singapore and most recently in South Korea,” Olano said.

“Gcash remains to be the number one financial app in the country, maintaining our consistent profitability,” he said.

Mynt or Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. is the operator of GCash. It is the country’s first privately-held startup to reach double-unicorn status after it raised more than $300 million in its funding round from new and existing investors in November 2021.

Parent firm Globe Telecom posted a net income of P26.5 billion in the first nine months, up 48 percent from P18 billion last year.

San Miguel reports P1.1-t revenues, but income falls 62% on forex losses

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SAN Miguel Corp. said Monday consoli dated revenues jumped 71 percent in the first nine months to P1.1 trillion and sur passed the pre-pandemic full-year 2019 revenues of P1.0 trillion.

Net income, however, fell 62 percent to P12.94 billion from P34.15 billion as the un realized foreign exchange losses due to depre ciation of the peso against the dollar offset the strong performance of core businesses.

Excluding forex losses, net income of San Miguel improved 26.3 percent to P43.46 billion from P34.4 billion in the same period last year as net sales surged to P1.1 trillion from P650.5 billion.

Consolidated income from operations went up 24 percent to P108.5 billion, driven by the strong performance of Pe tron Corp., food and beverages, packag ing and infrastructure units.

San Miguel said it implemented cost initiatives to mitigate the impact of in creasing raw material costs, elevated coal prices, inflation and forex movements.

“The continuing increase in demand for

San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. posted nine-month consolidated revenues of P261.5 billion, an 18-percent increase over the same period last year. This was boosted by sustained strong volume growth and better selling prices across the beer, spirits and food divisions.

Petron’s net income went up 64 percent in the first nine months to P8.17 billion, while consolidated revenues jumped 116 percent to P631.1 billion from a year ago.

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. registered a nine-month net loss of P2.6 billion, a turnaround from P13.7-billion net income in the same period last year despite a 77-percent increase in net sales.

SMC Infrastructure booked P20.6 bil lion in net sales, up 57 percent from a year ago on the back of higher traffic volume. Income from operations advanced by 134 percent to P10.1 billion.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp., the Lopez Group’s clean and renewable energy provider, said Monday recurring net income fell 8 per cent in the first three quarters to $194 mil lion from $211 million in the same period in 2021.

First Gen said income in peso terms stayed at P10.2 billion as it benefited from foreign exchange translation gains.

“First Gen’s third-quarter earnings saw EDC make a recovery from higher spot market prices and inflation-adjusted pric es for its power purchase agreements,” First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno said.

“The natural gas platform, however, continues to be beset by fuel supply cur tailment from Malampaya that required us to use more costly liquid fuel. The expect ed commercial operations of our LNG terminal in the second half of 2023 will help address fuel supply security issues,” Puno said.

First Gen said revenues from the sale of

electricity increased 24 percent in the first nine months to $1.996 billion (P105.2 bil lion) from $1.606 billion (P78.1 billion) in the previous year.

The company attributed the higher revenues to elevated fuel and Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices.

The natural gas portfolio accounted for 65 percent of First Gen’s consolidated revenues, while 31 percent came from Energy Development Corp.’s geothermal, wind and solar plants.

The remaining 4 percent came from the hydro plants.

First Gen said the natural gas platform suffered from reduced income as the nat ural gas plants were affected by higher taxes, interest expenses and various op erational issues at the 420-megawatt San Gabriel Power Plant and 97-MW Avion Power Plant.

The natural gas platform reported a 13-percent decrease in recurring earnings in the first nine months to $142 million (P7.5 billion) from $163 million (P7.9 bil lion) in 2021.

IN BRIEF

LandBank’s profit up 54% to P25.6b on higher loans

STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines said Monday net income in the first nine months jumped 54 percent to P25.69 billion from P16.7 billion a year ago on the strength of core businesses.

It said the increase in net income stemmed from higher interest earnings from loans and investments, boosted by gains from foreign exchange and non-recurring miscellaneous income.

This pushed LandBank closer to meeting its 2022 full-year net income target of P25.71 billion.

LandBank president and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo said the sustained earnings and solid capital base of the bank kept it in a prime position for sustainable growth, which extends to the development sectors that it serves.

“We will continue to direct our robust loan portfolio to drive support for agriculture alongside other key industries,” she said.

Total assets grew 8 percent to P2.8 trillion from P2.6 trillion a year ago, propelled by de posits amounting to P2.4 trillion. Julito G. Rada

SEC bags UN top honors for sustainability reporting

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said it received another recognition from the United Nations Conference on Trade and De velopment for promoting sustainability and sustainable development goals reporting in the Philippines.

The SEC received the ISAR Honours 2022 in the national category during a ceremony held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Nov. 2, besting 45 other organizations from other countries.

It shared the stage with World Bank and International Finance Corp., UN Global Compact and World Economic Forum, which received the same award in the international category.

The commission previously received the ISAR Honours 2019 for promoting sustain ability and SDG reporting by requiring pub licly-listed companies to submit sustainabil ity reports annually.

The ISAR Honours recognizes policy, in stitutional and capacity-building initiatives, publicly available at the national or interna tional level, that encourage and assist enter prises to publish data on their contribution to SDG implementation and that assist govern ments in collecting such data for SDG moni toring needs.

MREIT’s

distributable income

reaches P1.9b MREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust of Megaworld Corp., registered distribut able income of P1.9 billion in the first nine months, driven by revenues of P2.7 billion.

Net income during the period reached P2 bil lion. MREIT recorded an average occupancy of 96 percent from January to September.

MREIT said it board approved the declara tion of dividends amounting to P0.2444 per share for the third quarter.

Total dividends per share in the first nine months reached P0.7342. This brought the company’s annualized dividend yield to 8.2 percent as of MREIT’s closing share price of P11.96 per share on Nov. 11. MREIT said it would continue to declare dividends quarterly.

“Our offices remain steadfast with aboveindustry occupancy rates and improving revenues even as we navigate through a chal lenging environment, proving once again the quality of our portfolio and tenants. We work double time to continue our promise of deliv ering consistent and attractive returns to our shareholders,” MREIT president and chief executive Kevin Tan said.

MREIT has a portfolio of 280,000 square meters with a property value of P59.3 billion.

Pilipinas Shell registered 31% profit growth in three quarters

PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. said Monday net income reached P4.4 billion in the first nine months, up 31 percent from P3.36 billion in the same period last year.

The company said it achieved strong financial performance despite chal lenges posed by rising inflation and the depreciation of the Philippine peso against the US dollar.

“We are committed to continuing to power progress for the Philippines. Our strategy, together with our drive and agility, enables us to remain resilient through challenges and sets us to thrive as we continue to deliver high-quality products and services for the growing and evolving needs of our customers. I am confident that we will finish the year with strong volume delivery with the progressive opening of the economy,” said Pilipinas Shell president and chief

executive Lorelie Quiambao Osial. The company ended with a positive cash flow from operations, excluding movement in working capital, of P10.8 billion, up from the previous year’s P10.1 billion.

Core earnings in the first nine months were lower by 9.9 percent to P1.84 bil lion from P2 billion last year.

Pilipinas Shell’s net sales climbed 71.5 percent to P213.252 billion in the first nine months from P124.318 billion on higher pump prices driven by the in crease in global oil prices and higher marketing volumes.

Gross profit increased by 17.9 per cent from P17.294.8 billion last year to P20.389.3 billion on higher premium fuel penetration across segments, an increase in marketing volumes and in ventory gains as a result of the increase in global oil prices.

Selling, general and administrative

expenses increased to P11.477.5 bil lion from P10.712.1 billion as a result of increased spending on communica tion and utilities, travel expenses, lo gistics and transshipment and higher depreciation, partially offset by repair and maintenance and outside services.

Meanwhile, the company posted a net loss of P3.36 billion in the third quarter from a net income of P1.144 billion in the same period last year.

Gross revenues reached P78.426 bil lion in the third quarter from P42.476 billion in the same period last year.

Gross expenses were significantly higher during the quarter to P81.819 billion from P40.123 in the same pe riod last year.

Pilipinas Shell said its capital ex penditure programs remained on track, mostly on enhancements to its import terminals and Tabangao transformation projects. Alena Mae S. Flores

Foreign exchange gains help First Gen achieve P10.2b in recurring net income

Ayala Corp.’s profit climbed 23% to P23.9b in nine months

our products and services has been very en couraging despite the challenging business es environment. This inspires us to contin ue with our efforts and to remain focused on achieving full recovery,” said San Miguel president and chief executive Ramon Ang.

INVESTMENT COORDINATION. The Board of Investments, leader of the country’s investment promotion agencies, convenes the Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee presided by Trade Secretary Fred Pascual (front row, second from left), who is also the BOI chairman and IIPCC chairperson. The meeting aims to strengthen investment opportunities through enhanced cooperation and achieve a world-class brand image for the country. With Pascual are (front row, from left) Finance Undersecretary Catherine Fong, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta and Socioeconomic director Reynaldo Cancio; (second row, from left) Philippine Economic Zone Authority division chief Raison Arobinto, Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo, Information and Communications Technology assistant secretary Edwin Ligot and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority executive director Charlyn Justimbaste.

STARBUCKS DONATION. Starbucks Philippines, The Starbucks Foundation and Planet Water Foundation join hands to build its third AquaTower in the Philippines at Talao-Talao Elementary School in Lucena City, Quezon. The AquaTower is a communitylevel water filtration system that can deliver 1,000 liters of clean drinking water per hour and is equipped with six faucets and integrated liquid soap dispenser that enables it to serve as a handwashing station. Through the company’s continued partnership with Planet Water Foundation, close to 1,800 students and teachers from the community will have access to clean, safe drinking water and handwashing stations.

Judo skills help Marcos clinch gold in karatedo

By Peter Atencio

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD karateka Julia Marcos wanted to use new lessons learned following a recent shift to judo from karatedo on Monday in the 8th edition of the Women’s Martial Arts Festival at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

A new member of the team team, Marcos took the gold medal in the -61 kg. karatedo finals after she won by decision (onsoku) over veteran Sophia Jasmine Balagot, an old rival, who was penalized after stepping off the mat for the fourth time.

Marcos, who has learned to execute a much better foot sweep following new moves learned from dabbling into judo this year, added to club team Maharlika Karatedo Kai of the Philippines International’s stash of medal wins since Day 1.

With her performance, MKKPI became the winningest club outside of the Philippine national women’s team, after team members took home three golds, a silver and a bronze medal.

“Hindi ko siya mapasukan. Kaya nadecision,” said Marcos, who accepted a judo scholarship at the University of Santo Tomas last July since karatedo is not included in the calendar of events in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

She reached the finals after hurdling Jackie Bass of the Philippine National Police on points in the quarterfinals to arrange a clash with Balagot.

MKKPI claimed two gold medals on the final day of action in karatedo, with the other one coming from National University standout Yvone German after she turned back MKPPI-CLSU’s Marie Adriano in the -55 kg. class.

UST chessers keep top spot

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas continued its immaculate run in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Chess Championships with a 4-0 win over Adamson University to retain the top spot with eight pts after two rounds of play on Sunday at FEU-Diliman Sports Complex.

Julius Gonzales led the way once again for the defending champions as he negated Vince Albert Arellano’s tactical sacrifice by playing superbly with two rooks against a queen en route to a win with the black pieces in Board 1.

Melito Ocsan Jr. followed suit in Board 2 with a quick win over Adamson’s John Frederick Sunga in just 27 moves of the French Defense.

Brylle Gever Vinluan, playing with the black pieces, also ended the match quickly in Board 3, forcing Jolan Carlos Ballobar to resign after 32 moves of the Pirc Defense while Lee Roi Palma took down Alfonzo Louis Olendo in 33 moves courtesy of an unstoppable mating attack to complete the shutout win.

Second-running University of the Philippines, on the other hand, was limited to a 2-2 split against Far Eastern University.

Fide Master Fide-Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan continued his stellar play in Board 1 as he once again unleashed a mating attack that forced Hans Ezekiel Olorosisimo to resign after 37 moves of the English Opening.

Season 85 runner-up MVP Jan Darryl Batula added to UP’s points with a masterful rook endgame play in Board 3 across Darry Bernardo but FEU’s John Merill Jacutina and Lorenzo Aaron Cantela delivered for the Tamaraws in Board 2 and 4, respectively, to force a series draw.

De La Salle University scored its first series win in Season 85 courtesy of a 3-1 conquest of archrival Ateneo de Manila University to catapult to tied-2nd in the standings.

PH boxers get full PSC support from SEA Games to Olympics

PHILIPPINE Sports Commission chairman Noli Eala has committed to support the national boxing team in its quest for 2024 Paris Olympics, as he welcomed 2022 ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championship gold medalist Carlo Paalam, and bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Monday.

coming off their successful stint in Amman, Jordan.

Eala explained that the sports agency will bankroll its national boxers’ training and international exposure next year, and “will look into the possibility of building a

team composed of coaches and sports science experts,” just like what the PSC created for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Ed Picson, who joined the three boxers together with secretary general Marcus Jarwin Manalo, mentioned that the national boxing squad will now take their early holiday break, before coming back on December 4 to continue their intensive training.

“Our boxers have a nice facility in Baguio, which we thank the PSC for. We are making that sacrifice now, in the lead up to tournaments happening

as early as February next year, prior to the Cambodia SEA Games, and eventually to Paris,” explained Picson.

“Lahat po ng sakripisyo na ginagawa namin, katulad po ng preparations namin noon para sa Tokyo Olympics, ay gagawin ulit namin ngayon. Lahat ng ito ay para sa bayan,” said Olympic silver medalist Nesthy Petecio.

The sports agency chief encouraged Paalam, Petecio and Bacyadan to remain motivated in their quest for Olympic gold for Philippine boxing, “kahit na nandon na kayo sa taas ng tagumpay, wag kayong bibitaw. Ganun pa rin ang level ng gutom and motivation na manalo. Ang panalo nyo, ay panalo ng buong bayan.”

Top guns in focus as ICTSI Match Play unwraps

WHILE the first round draw looks to favor the topranked bets, the lesser lights are keen on stirring up play as they go mano-a-mano in the ICTSI Villamor Match Play Invitational beginning Tuesday at the Villamor Golf Club in Pasay City.

Top seed Dutch Guido Van der Valk faces No. 32 Dan Cruz, No. 2 Tony Lascuña battles Paul Echavez, Clyde Mondilla clashes with Mars Pucay, Zanieboy Gialon mixes it up with Art Arbole, and Miguel Tabuena collides with Richard Sinfuego in the last five flights of the 16-pair duels in the men’s side of the four-day event wrapping up the Philippine Golf Tour and Ladies PGT season.

“Every match this week will be tough. Everyone can play good golf so it will be who has the best round,” said Van der Valk, who moved to the Philippines in 2008 while playing on the Asian Tour.

“I played match play a lot in my life. Most of the big European amateur tournaments are match play. But I played only one match play as a pro and it has been a long time,” he added. “As for the match (against Cruz), I’ll try and play smart bit in the end, you just have to hit good shots and hole putts.”

Lascuna, on the other hand, will bank on his driving to fuel a campaign he hopes would snap a three-tournament spell in the circuit put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“Driving will be key here, given the tightness of the fairways. A good hit will give one easy target for birdies,” said the multi-titled Lascuña during yesterday’s pro-am tournament that drew 18 of the leading players from the PGT and LPGT. “I think my experience will carry me through although anything can happen in match play.”

“But I’m also due for a win after placing second at Eagle Ridge-Aoki, Riviera and Pradera Verde,” he added.

Like Lascuna, Van der Valk, winner of the Splendido Taal and Pradera Verde legs this year, said emphasis will be on the mound while downplaying the heat factor, stressing: “I think hitting fairways off the tee is key.

If you get into the rough or worse on the trees, it will be tough. As for the heat, I don’t think it will be worse here than in the other weeks we played this year.”

Eight matches are also on tap in the women’s side whipped up by the presence of two top amateurs with young Rianne Malixi raring to showcase her talent and skills in head-to-head duels after proving her worth in stroke play competition that saw her win all her three stints at Luisita, Valley and Riviera.

The 15-year-old Malixi, also coming off a remarkable campaign in Thailand last month with a victory and two runner-up finishes, tangles with Pamela Mariano at 7:32 a.m.

“I believe that consistency is key, especially the short game,” said Malixi.

Mafy Singson, who also upstaged the pros at Splen-

dido

in both sides to pocket P280,000 each on Friday.

Suzara: Bigger Champions League in years to come

THE Champions League that wrapped up its 2022 edition on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena could only get bigger and wider in scope, according to organizer Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

Fifteen teams in the men’s division and eight in the women’s side competed in the Champions League with Cignal HD and California Precision Sports-Antipolo City winning the trophies.

“The objective is to hold next year and years after that provincial or regional tournaments on the way to the Champions League,” PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “And the focus will always be on the grassroots, the local government units [LGUs].”

Ten of the 23 teams in the recent Champions League were provincial squads and Suzara said that the impact of this year’s edition

has inspired other LGUs to participate next year.

“Next to basketball, volleyball is bound to be the next team sport Filipinos will be seriously engaged in,” said Suzara, adding the PNVF has a packed 2023 calendar with the Champions League set in its November schedule.

According to Champions League competition director Oliver Mora, there were more LGUs which clamored for inclusion but were turned down because of regulations on competition schedule that are all under International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) format.

The PNVF organized two international competitions this year—a men and women leg of the Volleyball Nations League at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last June and the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Cup also at the Philippine Sports Commission’s PhilSports

Arena last August.

And the PNVF isn’t done yet, according to PNVF Secretary General Don Caringal, as Subic is set to play venue to the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour featuring top teams in the world with four Philippine squads participating. The event is set from December 8 to 11.

The HD Spikers won the title in a five-setter over North Cotabato, 25-23, 21-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12, while the CAL Babies amazed with a 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 win over University of the East-Manila. Cignal’s Marck Espejo and Antipolo City’s Casiey Dongalo were named Most Valuable Players.

Imus City took beat PGJC-Navy, 25-16, 25-22, 34-32, to win the men’s bronze medal while KMS-Quezon City downed Imus City, 25-21, 24-26, 21-25, 25-19, 15-9, to also place third in the women’s division.

“We are in full support of our national boxers all the way to Paris Olympics. We’ve already discussed the plans with ABAP President Ed Picson, as to how we can level up the support and programs for our elite athletes,” said Eala, as he congratulated the three boxers

COURTESY CALL. PSC chairman Noli Eala (right) takes a photo with o cials and boxers of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines during a courtesy call at the PSC O ce in Manila. He is joined here by (from left) ABAP secretary general Marcus Manalo, Asian Elite Championships bronze medalist Hergie Bacyadan, PSC commissioner Bong Coo, bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio, gold medal winner Carlo Paalam and ABAP president Ed Picson. ABAP photo

Taal last May, gets a tough opening round draw against second seed Harmie Constantino, who ruled the final LPGT event at Pradera Verde and who knows Villamor like the back of her hand.

Order of Merit winner Chihiro Ikeda also braces for an early test with Martina Miñoza at 7:56 a.m. while Sarah Ababa and Florence Bisera duel at 7:40 a.m. The men’s will all tee off on No. 1 while the ladies will all start at the back of the tight, challenging layout with the winners

Dutch Guido Van der Valk

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara hands California Precision Sports-Antipolo City’s Casiey Dongalo her Most Valuable Player and Best Outside Hitter awards.

GMA’s primetime block rolls out big surprises and plot twists

GMA Network is strengthening its position as the undisputed leader in primetime. Viewers can expect more drama, romance, intense revelations, and confrontations starting this week with Start-Up PH, Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters, and Maria Clara at Ibarra.

The historical portal fantasy series Maria Clara at Ibarra continues to be the talk of the town since its premiere last month. It follows the story of Klay (Barbie Forteza), a Gen Z nursing student who time travels to the world of Noli Me Tangere

More plot twists and adventures await the avid viewers as the top-rating series enters a new chapter with Klay’s decision to stay in Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel and live as one of the community members in San Diego. She will have a big makeover which the fans and netizens should look forward to.

Another character that everyone should watch out for is Elias, portrayed

by Rocco Nacino who is all set to make the succeeding episodes more intense and action-filled.

Meanwhile, well-loved primetime series Start-Up PH has consistently earned rave reviews and received overwhelming support from viewers of all ages. The exceptional portrayals of the cast led by Alden Richards as Tristan and multiawarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo as Dani continue to captivate the hearts of its loyal fans and supporters.

As the inspiring story of young entrepreneurs continues, the love triangle between Tristan (Alden), Dani (Bea), and Dave (Jeric Gonzales) heats up bringing a rollercoaster of emotions to its loyal fans. Tristan finally admitted that he loves Dani and he is ready to fight for her. Is Tristan also ready to reveal once and for all to Dani the real identity of her fake pen pal Dave? And as the series nears its finale, how will Lola Joy’s (Gina Alajar)

condition change and affect the lives and relationships of everyone she loves?

Lastly, the latest dramatic soap, Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters, instantly captured the interest and attention of the viewers with the powerful performances of its all-star cast.

The latest offering of the Mano Po franchise is headlined by Aiko Melendez as Lily, Thea Tolentino as Dahlia, Angel Guardian as Iris, and Beauty Gonzalez as Violet.

The series revolves around the four Chua sisters who wrestle with their own dilemmas and difficulties involving their personal lives. As they reunite, what controversies and revelations await them? What will be the role of Divina Chua who seem to add fuel to the fire with the reunion of the four sisters?

Maria Clara at Ibarra, Start-Up PH, and Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters air weeknights after 24 Oras.

Introducing Pinoy pop’s up-and-coming muse

are used to hearing, but she believes it is what makes her music necessary.

“There are already a lot of songs about love, finding it, and losing it. What I offer to the audience is a real, some would say deeper, take on emotions, life events, [and] humanity. My debut single is definitely different from what people are used to, but I think anyone could relate to it,” she said.

Tera is definitely not settling for the shock factor. With her music video for the single, she had to undergo tons of preparations and meetings to make sure that her vision aligned with that of director Elena Virata, who in turn praises her for being “open-minded and kind with the whole process.”

With her dance preparations, choreographers Douglas Nierras, Chrisy Sawada, and Froi Dabalus helped bring her song’s meaning to life through

their artistic, meaningful choreography. She also underwent piano training in the Yupangco Music Academy, Voice Masterclass with Monet Silvestre and most recently, in The Madz Studio coached by Alfred Samonte Produced by Merlion Events Production Inc. and managed by Tyronne Escalante Artist Management (TEAM), Tera was officially launched as an artist on October 25 at the Seda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City. During the launching, Tera also performed her two other singles –“Façade” and “Sa Dilim.”

“This is a dream come true for me. I grew up watching live concert CDs of Michael Jackson and Beyoncé who both shaped me as a performer. Even as a child, I would perform for people, and ever since then, I just never got tired of sharing my craft. Ultimately, I hope that people would relate to my songs and be blown away by my performances,” Tera ends.

TEAM Manager Tyronne Escalante shares that they are very much excited about the launch, “Tera writes her own songs and she is a natural-born performer. We can’t wait for everyone to know her and be just as amazed by her talent as we are. She brings something distinct to the country’s music scene and we’re supporting her all the way.”

Is Sam Milby transferring to GMA?

IN A recent showbiz function, Sam Milby was asked if there was any truth to the rumor that he would be transferring to GMA-7. According to the grapevine he was being considered for the role of Herlene Budol’s love interest in her launching soap Magandang Dilag.

“I don’t want to talk about offers from other networks,” he averred. “As much as possible, I don’t want to leave ABS-CBN because they’re the one who made me and is instrumental in where I am today in the industry.”

“ABS-CBN changed my life remarkably. As long as I can stay with them, as long as they need me, I will stay,” he carried on.

Sam still considers that the Kapamilya is undergoing major adjustment after losing its franchise, he wanted the media company to know that he’s on its side.

“ABS-CBN is still in a difficult stage right now. After the franchise was denied and then the supposed partnership with TV 5 also didn’t push through, it needs us. But the Kapamilya is surviving. It continues to come up with great projects. That’s one good thing about them: you can be assured that no matter what, the quality of their projects is always high.”

Sam understands the decision of those who transferred to different networks. He believes the management understands them, too, considering permission to “jump ship was sought.”

“One good example is Rayver Cruz. Remember, he transferred to GMA even before the pandemic, right? He asked permission and everything turned out fine. He didn’t burn bridges, so to speak. I guess, that’s the important thing. Make sure that you show appreciation to the station that has given you so much love and so much work and blessings. I think if you keep that relationship and you obtained permission, things will be alright,” he explained.

The actor-singer is also open to collaborations, especially since there are talks that GMA and ABS will merge forces to do a project in the coming days.

“It’s a welcome idea for me. That will be nice. It will be good to the industry unlike 10 or 15 years ago when the network war was at its peak. Now, it’s a different scenario. Of course, competition will always be there but I think now, they’re more open to working together. It’s definitely a nice development. So for me, if it’s a good role and project, yes…I will do it,” Sam ended.

•

• • Ken Chan is grateful to GMA for taking care of their talents during the height of the pandemic – especially when everything was uncertain.

“Huge thanks to my mother studio for still being able to find a way to air our shows despite the limitations.”

The pandemic has definitely made the cute actor realize the value of a fallback if ever acting offers become scarce.

“You should have a Plan B. I learned this from the late Kuya Germs (German Moreno) and Ms. Gloria Romero. They always tell me to have a Plan B because you are not certain what the future holds, right?”

It’s good that he listened to his mentors.

“Yes! That’s why I entered the business. You have to gamble. You can’t rely solely on your showbiz career. You don’t know if tomorrow the public doesn’t want you anymore or if you’re already tired. So, what would you do? It’s safe if you have a fallback,” Ken states.

Tera, who mentioned during her grand launch that her name means Earth in Latin, is ready to break new grounds with her latest single, “Higher Dosage.”

The self-composed alternative pop single deals with darker themes such as alcohol and illegal substances, and moreover, how people deal with their problems.

“I wrote the song in 2019. No matter what your age, gender, or nationality is, everyone has a struggle that they’re enduring. This song reflects that darkness,” Tera shares.

The triple-threat up-and-coming star (she’s a songwriter, singer, and dancer) is aware that her music is unique, her sound is different from what Philippine pop fans

‘Black Panther’ makes sensational opening at the tills

DISNEY and Marvel’s highly anticipated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had a huge opening this weekend, taking in an estimated $180 million in North American theaters, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

That domestic opening – the 13th highest all-time, according to BoxOfficePro.com – came as the film was raking in an impressive $330 million worldwide, a major boost for Hollywood after a lackluster October.

The film pays heartfelt tribute to the star of the original Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, who died from cancer in 2020 at age 43. He makes several flashback appearances as the fictional Wakanda fights against an underwater kingdom after the death of Boseman’s character, King T’Challa.

Letitia Wright, as T’Challa’s sister

The

Far, far behind in second place this weekend

at $8.6 million – not even onetwentieth the Wakanda total. The Dwayne Johnson vehicle, a spinoff from 2019’s Shazam!, has now taken in $141.1 million domestically.

Universal’s rom-com Ticket to Paradise, powered by megastars Julia Roberts and George Clooney, managed to defy the superhero trend to place third, taking in $6.1 million in its fourth week out.

A family-friendly film, Sony’s live-action/computer-animated musical comedy Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, placed fourth at $3.2 million.

And Paramount’s horror movie Smile continued to find viewers in its seventh week out, coming in fifth. With an estimated take of $2.3 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period, its domestic total bumped up to $102 million.

AFP

Shuri, and Angela Bassett, as Queen Ramonda, struggle to fill the king’s shoes. Also starring are Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Winston Duke.

original Black Panther, the first major black superhero movie, became a cultural phenomenon, with a $202 million opening and a best-picture Oscar nomination.

was Warner Bros.’ Black Adam,

MERLION Events Production Inc. and Tyronne Escalante

Artist Management have teamed up once again to produce another entertainment powerhouse artist in the name of Tera

EARTH-FRIENDLY BEAUTY. Miss Philippines Earth 2022 Jenny Ramp

stuns the crowd in a bright yellow bikini during the Swimwear Presentation of Miss Earth 2022 at Okada Manila on November 14, Monday. She is among the 87 candidates who will vie for the Miss Earth crown. The 19-year-old FilipinoAmerican beauty hailing from Tarlac hopes to be the fifth Filipina to bring home the prestigious title.

A scene from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

Filipino-American actor and singer Sam Milby

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ stars (from left) Barbie Forteza, Dennis Trillo, and Julie Anne San Jose

‘Start-Up PH,’ the Philippine adaptation of the hit K-drama, starring (from left) Jeric Gonzales, Bea Alonzo, and Alden Richards

Tera (right) hopes her audience will find her music relatable and appreciate her performances

The up-and-coming star is a triple threat who can write songs, sing, and dance

Tera (left) has a different approach to music, which she believes makes her relevant as an artist

Her latest single, ‘Higher Dosage,’ is a self-composed alternative pop single deals with darker themes

Beko rolls out Christmas giveaways, 2023 plans

By Patricia Taculao

FILIPINO consumers, for a time, flocked to the stores to purchase various appliances that meet their lifestyle preferences. May be it was a result of the pandemic, when people had a lot of time to themselves, or a shift in their quality of life but the public began heavily investing in the devices in their households.

Due to the sudden demand for qual ity appliances, the European brand Beko achieved several milestones in 2022. One of them was the launch of veteran actress, cook, and mother Judy Ann Santos as its first brand ambassador in the country be cause she embodies Beko’s goal of inspir ing people to live healthily and sustainably.

After all the support Beko received from Filipino consumers, the brand sends their love and thanks with several promos and activities this holiday season.

“Beko is very happy to celebrate Christ mas with Filipinos and help make their ap pliance wishlists come true. Our applianc es are gifts that keep on giving because the technologies they have will make people’s lives easier and healthier,” said Gürhan Günal, Country Manager of Beko Pilipi nas Corporation.

Through the “Beko Sends Love This Christmas” campaign, the brand offers up to P21,000 discounts upon purchasing their appliances. It also includes free items, in cluding a coffee maker and a handheld iron.

Beko will also choose five weekly win ners of free fuel cards worth P5,000. For the grand prize, the European appliance brand will select three winners of family packages for trips to Boracay, Coron, and Davao. Consumers only need to purchase a single receipt of Beko products worth P10,000 or more from October 1 to De cember 31, from participating stores na tionwide.

Any single receipt purchase worth P10,000 to P26,000 entitles you to one (1) raffle ticket. Participants will receive two (2) raffle entries for purchases rang ing from P26,001 to P40,000 and three (3) raffle entries for purchases ranging from P40,001 and above.

Consumers then need to register online viawww.bekopromos.ph . Beko will send the raffle entry number/s within 72 hours of registration. Announcements of winning entries will be available on Beko’s official Facebook page, and winners will receive a notification via their registered email ad dresses.

After the holiday giveaway, Beko plans to roll out its developments for 2023. Among them are freezers equipped with MintFrost Technology, which reduces ice build-up to preserve food better while using less energy. Beko will also launch its HarvestFresh re frigerators with a larger capacity that mimics the 24-hour sunlight to keep fruits and veg etables fresh for longer.

The brand will also release a split-type air conditioner unit with HomeWhiz mobile connectivity. It has several features, includ ing a Gold Guard to extend the product’s lifespan, a Bio Filter to reduce unpleasant odors and filter dust particles, a self-cleaning technology called GoClean, and Zone Fol low that allows users to feel the actual tem perature at their exact location.

For more information about Beko in the Philippines, visit www.beko.ph

Gussy up your home with fresh and festive ideas

THIS season, joy comes from being at home with the people and traditions we love and cel ebrations that feel refreshingly simple, modern, and authentic.

Think dashing holiday décor, and perfectly thoughtful gifts – all de signed for here-and-now moments of real joy.

Crate and Barrel is your one-stop decorating shop, with fresh and fes tive modern style for every room of your home, and simple, beauti ful ideas for bringing your seasonal look to life.

The spotlight this season is on bountiful red berries, simple green ery, clean and classic white, and pops of modern black. Our modern red + white décor layers beautifully into every home. Fresh evergreen hues mix with pops of black for our most modern, trend-forward holi day look. Subtle textured metal

lic ornaments and simple, fresh-looking greenery look right at home against oak floors and clean-lined architecture.

Deck out the whole house with Crate & Barrel’s timeless decor, greenery, and trees, plus ornaments and must-have modern tree col lars. At the same time, layer your kitchen so this central room feels just as holiday-ready as the rest of your space.

White and Silver Bottle Brush Christmas Trees, Set of 8

Create a winter wonderland on your mantel, sideboard or dining room table with this set of charm ing bottle-brush Christmas trees. Accented with festive glitter and perched on pine wood stands, the eight trees – three white, three grey and two silver – sparkle in the light of candles and string lights.

Winter Spring Table Runner

Vibrant green colors with red accents make this table runner a beautiful gifting option for holi day. Digitally printed with em broidered detailing goes well with holiday-colored linens.

Silver Holiday Reindeer Decoration

Crafted by hand with a modern,

Bring Christmas to your home with Crate & Barrel’s fresh and fes tive décor. Discover these and more when you visit our Crate & Barrel stores, order by phone, or shop on line.

For more information, visit Crate & Barrel Philippines’ Facebook page at Crate & Barrel Philippines, Instagram page at crateandbar relph or visit www.crateandbarrel. com.ph

From Belgium with sweet love

Recollecting Pegi Waffles’ success story in the Philippines

By Tet Defensor

LIEGE is a city along the Meuse River in Eastern Belgium and home to the wellloved Liege waffle, a popular snack made from thick dough mixed with pearl sugar. These fun treats are known for having extra-deep pockets, which can hold generous fillings of butter, jam, and maple syrup.

Filipino diners have been enjoying the rich authentic goodness of the Liege waffle thanks to the presence of Philippine-based company, Gaufre-Wafels, Inc. Established in 1997 the company has been manufacturing authentic Liege-style waffles under an exclusive li cense agreement with Pegi Waffles, Belgium.

Gaufre-Wafels President Anna RomanKatigbak, discovered the waffles while studying in Nottingham back in the ‘90s. Her research project on European Union-Philip pine Trade Relations required her to fly to Brussels to conduct interviews and procure sufficient research data.

“Belgium has good affordable chow. In spite of my student meal budget, I was still able to eat well from street food and al fresco restaurants. My unforgettable discovery was the Belgian waffle. One time, I brought Liege waffles to some of my classmates, who were thrilled. It was then that I knew in my

heart, what I would do next, to set up a Belgian waffle kitch en in Manila. Yes, it was totally impul sive!”

In 1997 with par tially borrowed capi tal from family mem bers, Anna and Chef Melissa Sison-Oreta, entered into an agreement with the mother company of Pegi Waffles in Brussels. Ini tially, they thought of importing waffles from Belgium but because they want to serve them freshly baked, they decided to make them from scratch. Suppliers, distributors, and in gredients were carefully selected, however, equipment and the main ingredients are still imported from the mother company in Bel gium until now.

Pegi Waffles began in the early ‘50s, by Francois Doyen, a pastry chef on the coast. At that time, he produced between 150 and 200 waffles daily, which he sold in grocery shops, schools, and cafés.

By the late ‘70s, his son Jean and his wife Odette took over the waffle fac tory. Through their own hard work, they acquired their first automatic oven and increased their produc tion. In 1985 Jean Doyen devel oped a packaging that allowed the storage of frozen waffle dough. Pegi became the first waffle house to export its waffle batter.

“We learned how to bake Liege waffles at Sir Jean’s old factory, and the rest is history. Pegi Waf fles Manila is in its 25th year and in full-throttle. Today, I manage the company while my sister looks at the company’s finances. In 2019, my fam ily visited the waffle factory and accord ing to my son the Pegi Belgian waffle is

just as delicious,” she said.

The production system in Belgium is now fully automated, a major shift from how the waffles were made when Anna first visited the company in the ‘90s. The Manila office is also gearing up for future expansion. “We are FDA-accredited and the commissary and QA team are preparing for the ISO and hopefully, its eventual certification in 2023.”

Pegi Waffles come in original Liege, Cheese, and Chocolate flavors. The waffles can be enjoyed in several ways; as a fun cof fee snack, a delectable a’ la mode dessert, or a light waffle meal served with salad and om elet. Aside from waffles they also sell scones with cream, gaufrettes (thin and crisp biscuit wafers) waffle pops, and waffle pudding.

Diners can enjoy the freshly baked waffle with coffee from their small café and pick-up counter located at 333 P, Guevarra, San Juan. It is also available online via Frozen Mnl, www. pegiwaffles.com, and Pegi waffles’Facebook page via AUB Botty’s messenger.

For the holiday season check out Pegi’s delightful Christmas packs, which include Scones with clotted cream (P500), Christ mas Gaufrettes (Php 35 per piece) Christmas Waffle Pops (P55 per piece), Pegi Waffles in a Christmas Bag (P500 for a pack of 8, and P375 for a pack of 6) Cranberry or Rocky Road Waffle Pudding in a box (pre-ordered at P175 per piece). Bulk orders of Dutch Stroop wafers, Scones, Waffle Pops, Cranberry, and Rocky Road Waffle Puddings, must be placed in advance.

Call +632 8 866 5132 or 0995-6246391or 0927-7720819.

Celeste Organic Red Quilt

Woven, stitched, and quilted by hand, the Celeste red quilt textures organic cotton with a classic pick stitch, a hallmark of handcrafted tex tiles. Edged with bold flanges, the lightweight cotton-filled quilts and shams in rich red layer the bed with subtle texture and depth, mixing well with prints and solid colors.

abstract silhouette, flowing curves, and a sleek silver finish, our rein deer sculpture gazes at the winter landscape, searching for moss, li chen, and ferns to nibble. The cari bou’s elongated legs and rounded cuteness add a playful element to holiday decor.

Country Manager of Beko Pilipinas Corporation

Gürhan Günal (left) with brand ambassador Judy Ann Santos

The silver holiday reindeer decoration adds a playful element to holiday decor

Modern red + white décor layers beautifully into every home

Vibrant green colors with red accents make this table runner a beautiful gifting option for holiday

Add a refreshing and festive vibe to any room with these subtle textured metallic ornaments

Pegi Waffles partners well with sweet or savory elements

Liege waffles are fun treats with deep pockets to hold generous amounts of filling