Manila Standard - 2022 November 19 - Saturday

Saudi to pay unpaid 10k OFWs

PBBM gets good news from Crown Prince in APEC bilateral talks

BANGKOK—

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has committed to earmark 2 billion riyals (about P30.52 billion) for the unpaid salaries of some 10,000 overseas Filipinos employed by construction companies in the Middle East nation that declared bankruptcy six years ago.

This developed as President Ferdi nand R. Marcos Jr met Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mo hammed bin Salman in a bilateral meet ing on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Sum mit hosted by Thailand.

Mr. Marcos said Friday he looks for ward to receiving the Crown Prince on a visit to the Philippines to discuss with the Saudi royal “a wide range of issues and areas of cooperation.”

According to the Department of Mi grant Workers (DMW), the Saudi com mitment will cover the unpaid salaries of workers of firms that declared bank ruptcy in the years 2015 and 2016.

The Saudi Arabian construction

Marcos, Xi to push conclusion of COC

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

THE Philippines and China have agreed to support the early conclusion of dis cussions about the creation of a code of conduct in the South China Sea, the De partment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

WOMAN LEADER.

Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez delivers her message as chairperson during the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI) oathtaking ceremony Tuesday at the Malacañang Palace.

Miko Noveno

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping both af firmed that the sea code would “help manage differences and regional ten sions” in the disputed waters, the DFA said in a statement.

"The two leaders agreed that maritime issues do not define the totality of Phil ippines-China relations," the statement read.

The DFA also noted that Mr. Marcos told Xi: "Our foreign policy refuses to fall into the trap of a Cold War mindset. Ours is an independent foreign policy guided by our national interest and com mitment to peace."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Af fairs earlier said that Xi told Mr. Marcos that he wants to "write a new chapter in the China-Philippines friendship."

Speaker vows House backing of President’s 3 critical issues

By Maricel V. Cruz

Harris declares US in for long haul to support Asian nations

By Rey E. Requejo

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said he will ask President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to dismiss suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag if he gets the chance.

Bantag, who has been tagged as the mastermind in the murder of broadcast commentator Percival Mabasa, a.k.a. Percy Lapid, has refused to surrender and has issued statements attacking Remulla, saying he was being set up.

Lady solons vow to advance women’s rights

As

The Association is composed of all the

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MOTORISTS can expect another rollback in pump prices in the coming week, Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad confirmed Friday.

Abad said there is an expected price rollback “for all products” by Tuesday next week. Oil companies usually announce price adjustments every Monday, to be implemented on the following day.

Local oil industry sources, citing oil

BANGKOK—US Vice President Kamala Harris told Asian leaders on Friday that the United States is committed to the region for the long haul, rejecting doubts about its engagement as China expands its clout.

Addressing a summit in Bangkok, Harris called the United States a "proud Pacific power" and said that the

longstanding US network of security alliances has allowed Asia to prosper. "The United States is here to stay," Harris told business leaders on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, also attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

APEC HIGHLIGHT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit on Friday in Bangkok. Later, Mr. Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos walk the red carpet (inset) as they attend the APEC Gala Night staged by host Thailand. Presidential Photos

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Friday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can count on the support of the House of Representatives in addressing the three critical issues that he raised at the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

In his opening remarks before the

APEC CEO Summit, President Marcos said economies in the Asia-Pacific must work together for structural and policy innovations to solve food insecurity, strengthen the global health system, and take stronger action on climate change. The Chief Executive noted that addressing these three critical issues is key to enabling rapid economic recovery

TINGOG Party-list Rep. and House

Committee on Accounts Chairperson Yedda Marie Romualdez recently led lady lawmakers in ensuring the protec tion and promotion of women’s rights in Congress.

Chairperson of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), Romualdez gave her message during the group’s oath-taking ceremony Tuesday at the Malacañang Palace.

lady legislators in the House of Represen tatives. Since 2010, it has dedicated itself to strengthening the position of women and the welfare of children in society.

her message, Rep. Romualdez acknowledged the achievements of the foundation in ensuring the protection and promotion of the rights of women are not overlooked and continuing its endeavors to advance the legislative agenda of all women.

Senate ends debates on ’23 GAB

THE Senate on Friday ended the plenary debates on the proposed P5.268-trillion budget for 2023.

The upper chamber finished the 2023 General Appropriations Bill debates at around 1:41 a.m. Friday morning, almost two weeks after it was sponsored on the plenary last November 8.

On the last day of plenary debates, the chamber approved the budgets of the fol lowing departments and agencies under the Senate's version of the GAB:

• P9.7 billion for Philippine Statistics Authority

• P24.665 billion for the Department of Science and Technology

• P193.343 million for National Com mission on Senior Citizens

• P35.463 billion for the Commission on Higher Education

• P215.333 billion for the Department of Health

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companies that went bankrupt include Saudi OGer, MMG, and the Bin Laden group.

“The Crown Prince, His Royal High ness, announced and said that this was his gift — he really prepared for this and this was an agreement reached by the Saudi government just a few days ago,” DMW Secretary Susan Ople said.

"So this is really good news and we thank Saudi Arabia," she added.

A video of the meeting between the two leaders was posted online by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the King dom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meet ing (AELM).

“That would be very good kung mak abisita sa atin si Crown Prince at hindi lamang tungkol sa mga labor, pati na ‘yung mga investments napwede nating gawin (if the Crown Prince could visit us, and we would not just talk about labor,

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ASEAN and China signed a declara tion to create a sea code 20 years ago, but the actual code has yet to be finalized.

Among the contentious parts of the negotiations are whether or not the code should be legally binding, and if non-par ties should also be subject to it.

The two leaders met for the first time on Nov.17 on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Bangkok. It was their first face-to-face meeting.

During the meeting, Mr. Marcos also highlighted the need for enhanced eco nomic and development partnerships. Among the areas of cooperation dis cussed were in agriculture, trade, infra structure, energy, people-to-people ties, and pandemic response.

“There has been tremendous growth in exchanges and cooperation in agricul ture, infrastructure, energy, and peopleto-people ties between the two coun tries,” Mr. Marcos told Xi.

He thanked Xi for China’s donation of 20,000 tons of urea fertilizers.

He also said that COVID-19 coopera tion helped strengthen trust, with China

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Remulla said it wasn’t urgent that Bantag be fired because he was already under preventive suspension and was the subject of a hold departure order.

Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman will be asked to investigate the legality of the joint venture agreement between Bantag and a private corporation for the development of the New Bilibid Prison’s more than 300-hectare reservation in Muntinlupa City.

“It’s our duty to inform the Ombudsman on these developments because apparently some of them were not within the legal bounds,” Remulla told reporters.

Bantag earlier admitted that he had signed a JVA with the Nueva Ecija-based ATOM Corporation for the donation of a 234-hectare property where the NBP could be relocated.

In exchange, Bantag said, ATOM will develop the NBP reservation and BuCor will receive 35 percent of the earnings in the development.

“Motu proprio (on its own), the Ombudsman can conduct an investigation. We will cooperate,” Remulla said.

The Justice Secretary noted that

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trading from November 14 to 17, told the Standard that the price of diesel may be reduced from P1.70 to P1.90 per liter.

Gasoline prices may go down by P0.70 to P0.90 per liter, the sources added.

Abad cited the weaker demand from top oil importer China amid its rising

• P26.154 billion for the Congress of the Philippines

In six days of plenary debates, the law makers approved the funding of the follow ing departments and agencies based on the Senate Finance committee report on the 2023 budget measure:

• P8.9 billion for the Office of the President

• P2.292 billion for the Office of the Vice President

• P14.397 billion for the Department of Agrarian Reform

• P102.193 billion for the Department of Agriculture

• P1.737 billion for the Department of Budget and Management

• P678.142 billion for the Department of Education

• P97.447 billion for the state colleges

but also about the investments we could make),” the President said through the Office of the Press Secretary.

Mr. Marcos said he and “MBS” talked about their energy needs, notingthat Saudi Arabia was the world’s largest producer of petroleum and that the Middle Eastern kingdom had helped the Philippines dur ing the oil crisis in the 1970s to 1980s.

“Kaya’t baka sakali naman ay tayo maaring makiusap muli na tulungan ulit tayo (That’s why we are hoping we could talk, and they could help us again),” the President pointed out.

Saudi’s labor minister assured Filipi no officials that the failure of employers to pay OFWs in Saudi will not happen again, the President said.

In 2020, 26.6 percent of the 3.48 mil lion documented OFWs, or about 925,000 Filipinos, were working in Saudi Arabia, according to data from the Philippine Sta tistics Authority.

Aside from construction workers, the Philippines has also deployed health workers and domestic workers to the Middle Eastern kingdom. Vince Lopez

being the first to donate COVID-19 vac cines to the country.

Both leaders also agreed to consider more infrastructure projects. President Xi cited the Davao-Samal bridge project as a prime example of infrastructure partner ship. He thanked President Marcos for personally attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge project.

Xi said China was open to increasing the importation of quality agricultural produce from the Philippines, highlight ing the planned entry of durian from the Philippines to the Chinese market.

Mr. Marcos also accepted the invita tion from President Xi for a state visit to China in early January next year.

Meanwhile, at an APEC retreat ses sion, Mr. Marcos emphasized the need to narrow the digital divide to allow disad vantaged segments of the economies in the Asia-Pacific region to participate in the digital economy, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He said the revitalization of MSMEs is one of the top priorities of his adminis tration, considering their role as catalysts for economic regeneration, job creation, and poverty reduction.

"However, they continue to face sys temic problems and structural challenges,

the JVA was “done as an independent republic of BuCor dealing with the private sector.”

“Bantag did not involve the DOJ, the Office of the President and the Department of Finance,” he said.

Remulla pointed out that the NBP reservation is a patrimonial property of the Philippines and it belongs to the people and, thus, cannot be disposed of by a single person.

“Privatization has to go through the council. It has to go through the Department of Finance. It has to be approved by the secretary of Justice; it has to be approved by the President. It has many approval processes,” Remulla said.

Remulla said he learned that the JVA was done in 2020, when President Rodrigo Duterte was still in office and when Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra was still Justice secretary. Remulla also pointed out that the BuCor Modernization Law cannot be used as basis for the JVA.

“The law does not give plenary powers to anybody to dispose of government property. It has to go through a process,” Remulla said.

Guevarra admitted that he was aware about the JVA between the BuCor and ATOM when he was still Justice secretary. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

COVID-19 cases for the anticipated drop in fuel prices.

On Tuesday, November 15, fuel firms hiked gasoline prices by P0.90 per liter and kerosene by P1.35 per liter, while diesel prices were reduced by P0.30 per liter.

This latest price adjustment brought the year-to-date adjustment to stand at a net increase of P18.15 per liter for gasoline, P36.00 per liter for diesel, and

and universities

• P1.320 billion for the Department of Energy

• P23.131 billion for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

• P22.893 billion for the Department of Finance

• P20.485 billion for the Department of Foreign Affairs

• P1.501 billion for the Department of Hu man Settlements and Urban Development

• P8.732 billion for the Department of In formation and Communications Technology

• P252.580 for the Department of the Interior and Local Government

• P27.948 billion for the Department of Justice

• P49.223 billion for the Department of Labor and Employment

• P16.094 billion for the Department of Migrant Workers

• P232.304 billion for the Department of National Defense

• P737.357 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways

• P210.631 billion for the Department of Social Welfare and Development

• P3.645 billion for the Department of Tourism

• P6.777 billion for the Department of Trade and Industry

• P122.555 billion for the Department of Transportation

• P12.759 for the National Economic and Development Authority

• P1.040 billion for the Office of the Press Secretary

• P52.218 billion for other executive offices

• P53.370 for the Judiciary

• P2.001 billion for the Civil Service Commission

• P13.168 billion for the Commission on Audit

• P6.487 billion for the Commission on Elections

• P4.721 billion for the Office of the Ombudsman

• P974.421 million for the Commission on Human Rights. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PBBM taps new execs for PDEA, MMDA, PCSO

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed new key officials to the Met ropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine Charity Sweep stakes Office (PCSO), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to documents provided by the Office of the Executive Secretary, retired Police Col. Procopio Gonzales Lipana is now the new General Manager of the MMDA, replacing Baltazar Melgar.

Former MMDA general manager Frisco San Juan Jr. also returns to the metropolitan traffic agency as its deputy chairman.

Lipana and San Juan took their oath of of fice before Executive Secretary Lucas Bers amin at the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang Palace on Thursday.

The OES added that retired Judge Felix Reyes, a former President of the Philip pine Judges Association (PJA), took his oath of office on Monday as a member of the PCSO Board of Directors.

Reyes was a presiding judge of a Re gional Trial Court branch in Marikina City.

Also taking their oaths before ES Bersamin were former police officers Moro Virgilio Lazo and Pierre Bucsit, who were appointed PDEA’s Director General and Deputy Director General, respectively. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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and growth in a manner that creates jobs, includes more people in the mainstream, and reduces poverty and inequality.

“We totally agree with the President’s assessment that these issues present seri ous obstacles on our path to recovery. He can count on the unwavering support of the House for the passage of measures addressing these issues of concern,” Ro mualdez said.

heightened by the pandemic. MSMEs need opportunities and assistance to re cover, to grow, and to progress in the post-pandemic and digital age," Mr. Mar cos told the APEC meeting.

The digital economy promises MSMEs increased resilience and produc tivity if the right tools and policies are in place, Mr. Marcos said.

At the same time, Mr. Marcos called for the adoption of various policies that promote a green post-pandemic recovery as the world emerges from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

“My dear colleagues, as the world emerges from the downturn caused by the pandemic, it is evident that recov ery has been uneven — perhaps I would go so far to say it has been inequitable and insufficiently supportive of a green transition. Economies must leverage this opportunity to recalibrate policies to pro mote a green post-pandemic recovery,” the President said.

“It is for these reasons that the Philip pines welcomes and supports the adop tion of the Bangkok Goals on the BioCircular-Green (BCG) Economy, which is a concrete initiative that will lead the Asia-Pacific region towards a sustainable future," Mr. Marcos said.

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"Our message is clear: The United States has an enduring economic commitment to the Indo-Pacific, one that is measured not in years, but in decades and generations," she said, using the preferred US term for the Asia-Pacific region.

President Joe Biden's administration has focused on rallying behind allies and Harris will head from Thailand to the Philippines, where she will visit an island near waters increasingly contested by Beijing.

While the United States has taken a firm tone on China, some Asian officials have questioned the level of US economic engagement.

Biden has largely followed his predecessor Donald Trump in turning thepage on the era of free-trade agreements, seeing them as unpopular among working-class US voters.

Harris insisted that economic partnerships in Asia were "a top priority" for the Biden administration and pointed out that the US private sector invests around $1 trillion a year in the region.

"America is a strong partner to the economies and companies of this region because America is and will remain a

P29.95 per liter for kerosene.

Meanwhile, Senator Win Gatchalian said the Senate’s proposed 2023 budget highlights social safety nets in a bid to support economic recovery amid con tinuing uncertainties brought about by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the CO VID-19 pandemic.

“We recognize the need to support marginalized sectors of our society, but this should be targeted, which means only

The President said the BCG Economy model aligns with his administration’s agenda to create green and quality jobs, ensure a level playing field for all mem bers of the economy and reduce vulner abilities from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippines, Mr. Marcos said, also cited the adoption of its Sustainable Fi nance Roadmap, which lays out a wholeof-government approach to promote sus tainable finance and green policies.

Similarly, among the current govern ment’s socioeconomic priorities are to expedite the realization of the Green Jobs Act and the establishment of the green jobs certification system and incentive schemes, develop the green workforce, and issue green bonds for its infrastruc ture program.

The Philippines also has the unique opportunity to leverage the tools of sus tainability to improve the resilience of people and businesses, he said.

“We actively support the adoption of innovative and sustainable supply chain systems and circular economy models that can systematically collect non-bio degradable packaging and agricultural and industrial waste for recycling and upcycling,” Mr. Marcos said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

major engine of global growth, reinforced by our administration's approach," she said.

Harris said that goal had bipartisan support, with Washington set for greater gridlock after the rival Republican Party won control of the House of Representatives in elections last week.

Biden on a trip to Tokyo earlier this year launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which brings together countries to set common standards on technology and trade in the face of China's rapid advances but stops short of lifting tariffs like a traditional free-trade deal.

"We are all feeling the discomfort and the anxiety of the global economy today," US Trade Representative Katherine Tai told reporters Thursday.

"We need different outcomes, and that means that we also need to be innovating in how we engage each other in trade and economics and across the board," she said.

Despite US vows of engagement, Biden skipped the APEC summit to attend his granddaughter's wedding at the White House on Saturday.

He attended two other summits in Asia over the past week, however, in Cambodia and Indonesia. AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

those in dire need should receive aid from the government,” Gatchalian stressed.

“As long as the Russia-Ukraine con flict is there, crude oil prices are likely to be around $90 per barrel by next year and we see local pump prices to hover around P70-P90 per liter,” added Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and vice-chair of the Committee on Eco nomic Affairs. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Many of the priority measures adopted during the first meeting of the Legislative Executive Advisory Council (LEDAC), Romualdez said, would contribute to wards addressing the issues of concern.

Romualdez cited the Department of Water Resources Bill, Land Use Act, and the Condonation of Unpaid Amortization and Interests of Loans of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries bill, as measures that would help revitalize the country’s agricultural sector and enhance productivity.

In urging the APEC economies to ad dress the three critical issues, President Mar cos noted that recovery efforts have been stymied by soaring prices, supply chain bot tlenecks, and serious geopolitical conflicts.

To prevent the situation from worsen ing, the President said that food security must be a top priority for all governments.

Romualdez also said the House will ramp up efforts to fulfill its commitment to provide the legal framework for the digital transformation of government and private transactions to foster economic recovery and spur growth.

During President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s participation at the Asia-Pacific Eco nomic Cooperation (APEC) 29th Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), he cited the need to nar row the digital divide among the region's economies to open more opportunities for cross-border trade and investments and foster inclusive growth. See full story on line at manilastandard.net)

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In attendance were President Ferdi nand Romualdez Marcos Jr., Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo, and AWLFI President Linabelle Villarica.

Mr. Marcos, before he left for the APEC summit in Bangkok, called on the Filipina legislators to break barriers for women and help the administration end the violence against women.

“As you take your oath, remember the pledge that you will carry through out your role as women leaders who will break barriers not only for your fellow legislators but for every Filipina as well," he said, as quoted by state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).

“It is my hope that you will continue to support this Administration in pre venting and eliminating violence against women and children, fostering a gendersensitive form of governance, and pro moting equal opportunity and employ ment for women," he added.

The Filipina solons who took oaths before Mr. Marcos were Romualdez (chairperson); Linabelle Ruth Villarica (Bulacan 4th District, AWLFI president); Florida Robes (San Jose Del Monte City, AWLFI senior vice president); Emmarie Ouano-Dizon (Mandaue City, AWLFI internal vice president); and Ma. Lucille Nava (Guimaras, AWLFI external vice president).

The AWLFI, composed of 86 lady lawmakers, is a permanent bloc that works to advance the women’s legisla tive agenda by lobbying for the passage of measures aimed at empowering wom en from all sectors of society, as well as protecting the welfare of children in communities. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

COMPARING NOTES AND SOCKS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. walks beside New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (left photo) then compares his socks with that of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau (right) on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Thailand on Friday. AFP

IN BRIEF

Solon to MIAA: Probe long airport queues

ANTIPOLO City Rep. Romeo Acop pressed the Manila International Air port Authority (MIAA) and the De partment of Health - Bureau of Quar antine (DOH-BOQ) to determine the cause of the long lines of Filipino pas sengers and returning overseas Filipi no workers (OFWs) at the airports and address the problem immediately.

Acop, transportation panel com mittee chair, said that with the im plementation of the eArrival Card in place of the One Health Pass (OHP) requirement before, it should have made the arrival of OFWs and re turning Filipinos more convenient, not more difficult and miserable.

“The House Committee on Transpor tation under the leadership of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez is seriously con sidering conducting a congressional probe on this if the MIAA and the DOHBOQ do not address this immediately,” Acop said. Maricel V. Cruz

Four dead in fireworks explosion in Calamba

AUTHORITIES reported that four persons were confirmed dead after a fire broke out in a fireworks factory in Calamba City, Laguna on Friday.

City Disaster Risk Reduction Manage ment Office officer Carlito Alcaraz, in a GMA News report, said an explosion was heard from the establishment be fore the blaze started at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Canlubang, according to Glen Juego’s report over dzBB’s Super Radyo.

A police report said the fire was raised to a second alarm at around 11:20 and was put under control at 12:03 p.m.

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) on Friday spearheaded the dis tribution of cash aid to 2,000 families whose houses were damaged by ty phoon “Odette” in December in Cebu.

NHA general manager Joeben Tai led the cash grant distribution to 1,000 families from Lapu-Lapu City, 559 from Carcar City, and 441 from Naga City.

Each family beneficiary received P10,000 under the agency’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) providing quick response cash assis tance to qualified low-income and mar ginalized families affected by natural or man-made calamities Rio N. Araja

Lanao coops receive BTA agri facilities

By Nash B. Maulana

MARAWI CITY—Ten Lanao del Sur farmers’ cooperatives were recipients of post-harvest facilities, consisting of transportable rice mill apparatus units and generator sets from the Bangsam oro Transition Authority (BTA).

The Office of BTA Member of Par liament Diamila Jam Dimimban-Ra mos, said each of the 10 movable rice mill apparatus and grains de-stoner filters, is powered correspondingly by a 15KVA gasoline-run generator.

“(The) turn-over ceremony, inspec tion and demonstration of 10 Movable Mini Rice Mill and De-stoner with 13.5 KVA Generator Sets was held on November 14, 2022 at the Sahara Rice Mill Compound in Marawi City,” Disimban-Ramos, in a statement said:

The P12-million project is funded with the 2021 Transitional Develop ment Impact Fund (TDIF) of her office through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the implementing agency of the project.

CHILDREN’S CONGRESS.

Cops seize P136m in shabu, nab suspects in Ayala-Alabang raid

By Joel E. Zurbano and Rio N. Araja

POLICE seized P136 million worth of shabu during a raid in a suspected drug laboratory Thursday night in Ayala-Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City.

The anti-narcotics operation con ducted by a composite team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agen cy (PDEA), Southern Police District (SPD), Muntinlupa Police Station, and Bureau of Customs also resulted in the arrest of three individuals, two of them foreign nationals.

The suspects were a Canadian nation al identified as alias “Pretty Boy”; Syter Orilin, a French national, and their Fili pino cohort Mark Anthony Sayarot.

The raid, which was conducted at No. 304 Mabolo Street in Ayala-Alabang Vil lage, was made based on the search war

rant issued by Muntinlupa City regional trial court Executive Judge Myra Qui ambao against the Canadian national, the main subject of the police operation.

SPD director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft said 20 kilos of shabu in plastic trays and several bottled chemicals and other paraphernalia, believed to be used in manufacturing the prohibited sub stance, were recovered from what they called a “clandestine laboratory.”

He said the raiding team led by PDEA operative Jeffrey Baguidudo served the search warrant for viola tion of Republic Act 9165.

The suspects were brought to the PDEA office for custody and docu mentation while the seized drugs and other evidence will be subjected to chemical analysis.

“This group used a modified set-up for manufacturing shabu. The shabu is mixed in liquid form, then washed with acetone. It’s practically an odor less process, which is probably why they were confident in doing it here in a residential area,” PDEA officer in charge Gregorio Pimentel said.

The PDEA-led force served two sep arate search warrants at 304 Mabolo Street and at 523 Madrigal Avenue.

Concealed inside the house on Mabolo Street was an assortment of laboratory equipment, quantities of chemicals used for manufacturing illegal drugs and 20 kilos of shabu worth P136 million.

PH formulates five-year plan vs. traffic woes

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE government, with assistance from the Japan International Coop eration Agency (JICA), is coming up with a 5-year action plan to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

On Friday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials, the 17 local govern ment units, and national agencies responsible for managing traffic in the metropolis on Friday have committed to work together to im plement the “Project for Compre hensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila.”

MMDA acting chairman Roman do Artes said Metro Manila’s vast economic opportunities draw more and more visitors, and this has led to an increase in traffic congestion.

“As the project ends, the next step is to implement the plan. Con tinuous coordination, role-sharing, funding, monitoring, and evalu ation—these are critical matters that must be addressed,” he said.

The approved action plan covers 12 strategies to address traffic man agement issues in Metro Manila, the most urgent of which is to complete the improvement of the 42 traffic bottlenecks the CTMP Project has identified and the signal systems.

The strategies that traffic man agement agencies need to start immediately is to further improve traffic corridors; enhance the in telligent transportation system (ITS); strengthen traffic regula tions, enforcement, and road safe ty; promote active transportation; and develop a comprehensive traf fic management database.

Toll board says it will look into disruption of RFID system in SLEX

THE Toll Regulatory Board said it will look into the disruption of its RFID system at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which caused huge traffic go ing to Metro Manila on Thursday.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday meanwhile announced the closure of at least four main streets in Sampaloc, Manila to give

way for the ongoing construction of the North and SLEX connector project.

San Miguel Corporation, the SLEX parent company, said the SLEX prob lem stemmed from the fiber optics of their internet provider, causing a system glitch in RFIDs.

port said a probe is underway to prevent the circumstance from happening again.

Corpuz said his office has already reached out to the telco provider of San Miguel Corporation and asked for their comment on the glitch.

Corpuz said among measures they would implement include a regular au dit of toll collection systems “to ensure

that all machines and systems are al ways functional.”

The MMDA in its advisory meanwhile stated that the deck slab concrete pour ing activity for the NLEX-SLEX con nector road project - Section 1 will affect Dimasalang Road corner Maceda Street, Maria Clara Street, and Lacson Avenue. With Joel E. Zurbano

Lacuna inspects ‘new’ Manila Zoo

By Willie Casas

MANILA Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey”

Lacuna-Pangan conducted Thursday an ocular inspection at the newly-renovated and renamed Manila Zoological and Bo tanical Garden.

Once described as one of the major pol luters of Manila Bay, the 62-year-old Ma nila Zoo is re-opening its doors to the visit ing public.

The zoo was shut down in 2019 for dumping wastewater into Manila Bay. Its soft opening was held in December and used as a venue for the city government’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout. It was closed again in June for further enhancements and finishing touches.

Officer-in-charge of the Public Recrea tion Bureau Alipio Marabe said the zoo now features an animal museum, botanical garden, butterfly garden, and animals like the resident 40-year-old elephant Mali and Siberian white tiger kois.

Lacuna-Pangan said there are more animals coming in just in time for Monday’s opening.

The Manila Zoo will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with a cut-off for entry of guests at 6:00 p.m. daily.

The admission fees are as follows: Adult and child - P150 for Manilans and P300 for non-Manilans; students - P100 for Ma nilans and P200 for non-Manilans; senior citizens and PWD - 20% discount on pre scribed fees; children 2 years old and be low may enter for free.

NHA leads cash aid efforts for Cebu typhoon victims

Toll Regulatory Board Spokesperson Julius Corpuz, in an ABS-CBN News re

SHABU HAUL. Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seize two ziplock bags containing suspected shabu weighing around 2 kilos with an estimated value of P136 million at a house rented by a Canadian national inside an executive village in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Friday midnight. Norman Cruz

KADIWA IN SAN JUAN. San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora leads the launching of Kadiwa ng Pasko, a farm-to-market style project of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. that aims to bring low-cost goods to the public and help address the price hikes this Christmas season.

Manny Palmero

Mayor German Tong Santos of Dinalupihan, Bataan carries a child participant during the town’s “children’s congress” with the theme

“Kalusugan, Kaisipan at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata, Ating Tutukan” held at the town plaza yesterday.

Joseph Muego

News

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THOUSANDS of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), along with some fam ily members converged at The Tent in Las Piñas City on Friday for a faceto-face summit sponsored by the Vil lar political family, ending a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 11th OFW and Family Summit 2022 with the theme “Bagong simula sa sariling bansa,” was designed to assist the OFWs and their families in wisely investing their hard-earned money and, in the process help in the country’s eco nomic recovery.

The one-day conference was held at The Tent, Vista Global South, C5 Extension Road, Las Piñas City. The event kicked off with ribbon cutting led by former Senate President Manny Villar, joined by his wife Senators Cyn thia, and children Mark Villa, also a sen ator, and deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

Fr. Bobby Olaguer offici ated the opening ceremony.

In her welcome remarks, Camille laud ed the OFWs and their families for resiliency amid the “worst pandemic” that hit the country, saying they per sisted and survived the huge challenge.

Sen. Mark and Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople also de livered special messages for the OFWs.

In a video message, Sen. Mark said the event does not only show the “commitment” of their family to OFWs and their families, but also

their hardline stance that no pan demic can stop them in helping our modern-day heroes.

He also thanked the OFWs for their efforts and support to their family and the country. Ople, for her part, hailed Sen. Cyn thia Villar as a “champion of the OFWs” along with her family. “No doubt, they indeed love our migrant workers and their family,” she added.

Former Senate Pres. Manny thanked all the OFWs and their family and vowed of their unending help and support.

Sen. Cynthia expressed hopes that through the summit, they are able to give the OFWs and their families knowl edge on wise spending and investments. She said the speakers have given them inspiration to venture in their own busi nesses.

The one-day event was divided into three sessions.

Speakers for the first session which delved on “Innovative Ways to Earn Money” were Vicky Mojica, Founder of Angel’s Pizza; Raffy Fragante, Head of Customer Experience, AllEasy Go and Jennelle Pernia, Owner, Cheese Rolls by Miss J.

The speakers for Session 2 on OFWturned successful entrepreneurs through government assistance were Dominador Arafiles Jr., owner, Juan PH Tees; Engr. Aldrin Cardenas, President, Sawat Over seas Workers and Families Association (SOWFA) and Chiddy Mugar, owner, CLB Construction Goods Trading.

G

The Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) disclosed that it is con ducting a review of the GOCCs which could be recommended for abolition or privatization.

GSIS

STATE pension fund Government Ser vice Insurance System (GSIS) is set to release a total of P10 million to 25 public schools under its Adopt-A-School Pro gram (ASP) being carried out in partner ship with the Department of Education (DepEd) under the. The project is part of GSIS’s corporate social responsibility agenda.

“We share President Ferdinand Mar cos Jr.’s belief that education is the ‘bed rock of a prosperous society’. Our public schools need our support and assistance especially after the reopening of faceto-face classes in November. In select ing the schools that do not have enough funds and must therefore be prioritized, we closely coordinated with DepEd,” GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said.

GSIS has increased its assis tance for each school to P400,000 this year, from P200,000 in 2014.

“The Governance Commission con tinues to study GOCCs that may be recommended for abolition, privatiza tion, merger, or streamlining,” GCG chairman Alex Quiroz said at a press

briefing in Makati City on Friday. Quiroz clarified however that it is too ear ly yet to tell which GOCCs would have to go, “At this time, it will be premature for me because we are (still) evaluating.. He pointed out that if “a GOCC have been committing so many red flags (for substandard) performance, we will be starting to look into it.”

The GCG chief also said their recom mendation would be “subject to ap proval of the Office of the President.”

GCG Commissioner Geraldine Ma rie Berberabe-Martinez explained that

GOCCs that may be recommended for abolition are those with compre hensive net loss for consecutive years.

“We will also look into the rele vance of that GOCC,” Martinez said.

Quiroz he initiated dialogues with GOCCs to resolve Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) concerns. In its first month, the new Commission already met with 29 out of 37 GOCCs with pending appeals.

“In the few months that we have been here, we foresee challenges that lie ahead, especially as the CPCS is now

in its implementation stage and will be up for review next year,” he said.

“Moving forward, we will continue to engage and collaborate with the GOCCs and other stakeholders to ensure that we efficiently address the concerns that they have elevated to us,” he added.

Quiroz the agency’s new Anti-Corrup tion and Integrity Program is attuned to the transparency agenda of the adminis tration as it aims to safeguard P10 trillion in total assets of the GOCC sector and prevent the dissipation and wastage of public funds due to corruption.

public schools

Veloso said the funds will be used to provide assistive devices to the selected school such as computers, internet con nectivity, and educational tools.

In the National Capital Region, the adopted schools are the Navotas El ementary School, Constantino Elemen tary School in Valenzuela City, and Lai ban Integrated School in Rizal.

In Luzon, the list includes Calawaan Elementary School in Ilocos Sur; Bac cuit Elementary School in Cagayan; San Miguel Elementary School in Isabela; Pinayag National High School in Nueva Vizcaya; and Maguyepyep Integrated School in Abra.

Also included are Haligue Silangan National High School in Batangas City; Calpi Elementary School in Sorsogon; Aroroy East Central School in Masbate; Tagaytay Elementary School in Albay; and Bagumbayan Elementary School in Catanduanes.

BoC foils bid to smuggle

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized some P80 million worth of smuggled gold jewelry in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a statement on Friday, the BOC said around 24 kilograms of assorted gold jewelry was stashed inside the lavatory of an aircraft that arrived from Hong Kong on November 17.

An inspector of the Air craft Operations Division discovered the jewelry dur ing boarding formalities on

P20m

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo on Thursday claimed that a company was asked to shell out from P5 million to P20 mil lion to fast track the renewal of its cer tificate of product registration (CPR) in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Tulfo raised bared the alleged cor ruption during Senate plenary delib erations on the Department of Health’s (DOH) 2023 budget.

He cited a complaint where a phar maceutical firm waited for three to five years for the renewal of its CPR.

He said the “asking price” to fast

track the process ranges from P5 mil lion to P20 million per product.

FDA director general Samuel Zarate, who was appointed to the post last Au gust, said Tulfo’s claims were appalling.

“Kung ‘yan po ay totoo, nakakapan lumo po ‘yan kasi, actually po we do not tolerate that in my agency,” Zarate said.

Tulfo mentioned a conversation with a former director general of the agency, who supposedly admitted that the FDA is “graft-ridden.”

“She admitted to me na graft-ridden ang inyong agency and she admitted to me... P5 million to P20 million ang

hinihingi kada produkto. That’s why she said she’s gonna put a stop to it pero hindi niya napigil, hindi niya naputol ang practice na ‘yon. That’s why na tanggal siya,” Tulfo said.

“Now, wag kang magmalinis at wag mong sabihin na malinis ang inyong ahensya. Just accept the fact na maram ing problema d’yan sa FDA and you’ll do something para linisin yan,” he added.

Zarate admitted that he has been hearing stories about the alleged cor ruption within his agency, but he has no proof to pursue launch an inves tigation.

the airplane which arrived at NAIA Terminal 2, the BoC said.

BOC-NAIA district col lector Carmelita Talusan or dered a thorough investiga tion to identify the people behind the smuggling at tempt.

The BOC said it ensures stringent implementation of border security measures as directed by Commission er Yogi Filemon Ruiz and aligned with President Ferdi nand Marcos Jr.’s order to stop smuggling in the country.

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has junked a petition of comedian and television host Fer dinand “Vhong” Navarro who assailed the decision of the Taguig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) that dismissed the grave coer cion case he filed against Sajed Fernandez, alias Jed Fernandez.

The RTC reversed a decision of the Metro politan Trial Court (MeTC) which found Fer nandez guilty of grave coercion and imposed a prison term of six months to three years.

The grave coercion case was related to the incident on Jan. 22, 2014 in involving Navar ro and the group of Deniece Millinette Cor

By Willie Casas

OVERCROWDING has been a per ennial problem in jails in the Philip pines, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Friday. ICRC’s regional director for Asia Pa cific, Christine Cipolla said the agen cy is ready to work with the Depart ment of Justice and other concerned government agencies to decongest detention centers in the country.

Cipolla stressed that overcrowding not only leads to the spread of com municable diseases like COVID-19, scabies, and tuberculosis, but also makes reformation harder for inmates. “We do believe that this matter should be addressed collectively in order to provide sustainable response,” Cipol la told ANC.

“And here the initiative we heard from the Supreme Court, such as... the pre-trial length of detention is re duced.

These are very encouraging initia tives that we, of course, do support,” she said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Re mulla has said that he wanted to work on decongesting jails in his first 100 days in office.

The New Bilibid Prison recently made headlines after an inmate was accused of serving as a middleman in the murder of radio broadcaster Per cival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.

The so-called middleman later died, allegedly with the use of a plas tic bag by members of his own gang.

CA junks Vhong plea assailing RTC ordernejo, Ceric Cua Lee, Bernice Lee, Simeon Palma Raz Jr., Jose Paolo Gregorio Calma, Fernandez, and Ferdinand Guerrero.

Navarro claimed he was “brutalized” by the Cornejo’s group at the latter’s condo minium unit in Taguig City. He alleged he was hogtied, blindfolded, gagged, beaten up, kicked, threatened with a gun was pointed at him, humiliated as his private parts were videotaped, and coerced to confess that he raped Cornejo.

NEW POSTAL STAMPS. The Philippine Postal Corp. on Friday releases two new editions of postal stamps commemorating the inaugurations of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio. They are available at P12 each. Norman Cruz

‘GOCCs performing poorly may be abolished’

GOLDEN SMUGGLE TRY. Operatives of the Bureau of Customs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport foil an attempt to smuggle an estimated P80 million worth of gold jewelry concealed at the lavatory of a plane from Hong Kong. BOC photo

EDITORIAL Issues behind the South China Sea (Part I)

OUR continuing dispute with China in the South China Sea remains confusing as ever.

Issue lingers on to this day such that it has become an unresolvable issue that the succeeding BongBong Marcos presidency has lost track of what has become of it.

The issue will remain unresolved and possibly will continue because the Philippines, as principal claimant to the disputed waters of the so-called South China Sea, was the first to claim that body of water traversing from the North in the Sea of Japan passing through the Straits of Taiwan until it narrows down to pass the Strait of Molucca until it reaches the Indian Ocean.

Although the body of water stretches across several disputed islands from the Kurelis in the north of Japan in its claim of those territories taken by Russia to the island of Senkaku or Diaoyu Islands in the Sea of Japan, the dispute over certain islands stretches all the way to the South China Sea principally because the boundary that separates the Philippines east towards China and Vietnam is the only one that is demarcated by a document also known as the Treaty of Paris in 1898.

Among the countries that have territorial claims with China in the South China Sea, the Philippines is the only country that filed a case against China before the Permanent Arbitration Court, yet failed to present as reference point its claim or as evidence that it is holding on to a document indicating that allegedly certain areas belong to the Philippines.

Although it is not a signatory to the Treaty between the US and Spain signed on December 10, 1898 but as a successor-in-interest that has ripened to one of ownership after the country was granted independence in 1946.

Interestingly, the Treaty of Paris was not submitted by the Philippine panel when they filed the case against China when the document could have been used by us as our best evidence of ownership of that portion of the archipelago now being disputed by other countries.

Maybe we can speculate that behind our decision to file a case against China will appear that originally the US was a party to the Treaty.

Second, no matter what inequity was concluded in that treaty, the US was the original signatory and party to that treaty.

Any attempt to amend the boundaries is no longer possible as it was signed more than a century ago.

Third, that piece of treaty would expose that we have no basis for our claim against China.

Fourth, the US, in an attempt to come to the rescue of the Philippines, has no basis except for the military bases it signed with this country.

Article II of the Treaty of Paris signed by the US and Spain on December 10,1898 provides, and to quote a portion:

”Spain cedes to the United States the archipelago known as the Philippine Islands, and comprehending the islands lying within the following line: x x x which set specifically the boundaries thereof.

“The United States will pay to Spain the sum of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) within three months after the exchange of the ratifications of the present treaty.”

Many are truly puzzled why the Philippine panel did not submit to the Permanent Arbitration Court this most important document.

Effectively, our position to opt out of the voluntary arbitration procedure now appears to be justified.

China may have its own reason why it opted out of the voluntary arbitration for the Philippines could have been placed in an embarrassing position with China, or any country that may have claim in the South China Sea would demand the presentation of the Treaty of Paris which indicated that we have no bases to our claim in the area.

The Treaty of Paris in 1898 may have

served as evidence against our own interest but nonetheless they served as reference point to our claim in the South China Sea.

We cannot just keep on rejecting the claim of other states without us giving as reference point to our ownership that from this area, we could historically claim by the circumstances of a treaty, sale or by agreement, it is denominated as part of our territory as shown by the Treaty between the US and Spain which the US ceded jurisdiction of the archipelago by sale worth $20,000.000.00.

The Treaty of Paris in 1898 was subjected to revision in 1900 by the Treaty of Washington which opened a portion of the Sulu Seas to international navigation in what is now known as passage in the Strait of Sibutu.

The ratification of UNCLOS exposed the many inequities in the Treaty of Paris particularly the boundaries agreed by the US in demarcating the archipelago’s boundaries in the South China Sea

And to quote: “SOLE ARTICLE”

“Spain relinquishes to the United States all title and claim of title, which she may have had at the time of the conclusion of the Treaty of Peace of Paris, to any and all islands belonging to the Philippine Archipelago, lying outside the lines described in Article III of that Treaty and particularly to the islands of Cagayan, Sulu and Sibutu and their dependencies, and agrees that all such islands shall be comprehended in the cession of the Archipelago as fully as if they had been expressly included within those lines.

“The United States, in consideration of this relinquishment, will pay to Spain the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) within six months after the exchange of the ratifications of the present treaty.

“The present treaty shall be ratified by the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate thereof, and by Her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain, after approval by the Cortes of the Kingdom, and the ratifications shall be exchanged at Washington as soon as possible.”

Many believe the opening of the Strait of Sibutu was at the behest of the British as they occupied and control north Borneo.

The ratification of the UNCLOS in 1984 was the most serious amendment to the Treaty of Paris for the fact that it needs the ratification of the members of the United Nations through a convention.

The ratification of UNCLOS exposed the many inequities in the Treaty of Paris particularly the boundaries agreed by the US in demarcating the archipelago’s boundaries in the South China Sea. (to be continued) (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

Security risks of EDCA under the Marcos Jr. administration

By Rommel C. Banlaoi, PhD

Jose

Locations of these new facilities have been identi fied: two in Cagayan and one each in Isabela, Pala wan and Zambales.

The original five facilities built and being further developed are in Antonio Bautista Air Base in Pala wan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Airpot in Cagayan de Oro and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.

US Ambassador to the Philippines, Mary Kay Carlson, also announced the plan of Washington, DC to provide Manila $70 million worth of military as sistance to the Philippines in the next two years to implement EDCA under the administration of Presi dent Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

To formally launch the construction of new EDCA sites, US Vice President Kamala Harris is ar

riving in Manila tomorrow from her trip to Thailand after attending the Asia Pacific Economic Coopera tion (APEC) Summit. Harris is scheduled to visit Puerto Princesa, Pala wan on Tuesday where an EDCA facility is built fac ing the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Though Faustino has strongly stressed that EDCA sites are primarily earmarked for Humanitarian As sistance and Disaster Response facilities, training facilities, warehouses and operation centers, these areas are some of the country’s top strategic locations that can effectively facilitate US military activities in major flash points of armed conflicts in Asia, particu larly in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Straits and the Korean Peninsula.

Building American military facilities in Philip pine territories amid worsening geopolitical rivalry between the US and China also raises the risks of the Philippines getting inevitably involved in the event of military conflicts between these two competing major powers.

Signed on April 28, 2014, EDCA aims to comple ment the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that came into force on May 27, 1999.

Harris’ visit shows robust PH-US ties

FILIPINOS will be watching closely and listening intently to available echoes from discussions in Malacañang between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Vice President Kamala Harris, who arrives in Manila tomorrow for a two-day swing before flying back home.

The 58-year-old Harris, the highest ranking official from the Biden administration to visit the country, will also have talks with Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio before she goes to Palawan on Tuesday on the edge of disputed isles in the South China Sea.

The South China Sea, which contains massive oil and gas deposits, is the stage for $5 trillion in ship-borne trade each year but also a flash point for Chinese and US tensions around naval operations.

The talks between President Marcos, 65, and Vice President Harris may focus on the long-standing Philippines and US security

We see her visit as a testament to, a confirmation, as it were, of the enduring alliance and strategic partnership between Manila and Washington

alliance, as well as efforts to strengthen economic ties.

In line with these discussions, Harris is expected to reaffirm Washington’s defense commitments to Manila and underscore ties between the two countries in maintaining peace in the South China Sea.

On the economic front, Harris’ visit will include the announcement of new initiatives on accelerating the Philippines’ transition to clean energy and strengthening its digital economy, both of which have been identified as priority areas by the Marcos administration.

Harris’ visit immediately follows her trip

to Thailand where she attended the AsiaPacific Economic Conference Summit, which underlines what one senior US administration official has said that the Bangkok and Manila swing is expected to paint Washington as a “better partner” for countries in the region.

We see her visit as a testament to, a confirmation, as it were, of the enduring alliance and strategic partnership between Manila and Washington.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada hinself has said “We can also view such as being consistent with the November 2021 Joint Vision Statement of the two countries which expressed resolve to sustain cooperation across key areas of concern through highlevel visits and dialogues.”

We agree with his observation that the visit clearly manifests Washington’s commitment to stand with the Manila government or demonstrate the former’s support and solidarity for the rule of law and maritime law.

Manila has been a defense ally of Washington, but under the previous administration the former avoided criticizing Beijing while eyeing Chinese investment. Manila announced earlier that Washington would spend US$66.5 million to start building training and warehouse facilities at three of its military bases in the Philippines under a 2014 joint security deal.

The Philippine Delegation in Egypt

AS I write this column, the 27th meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is concluding.

Issues are still being negotiated and we will soon know if COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt will produce good outcomes for the planet, for people, and for the Philippines.

Having attended the first week of COP 27, in visiting hundreds of pavilions of countries and organizations, it was interesting to see the range of responses to climate change that are being implemented all over the world.

If effort was enough, the world will get a grade of A in its response to climate change. But if outcome was the basis of an assessment, undoubtedly the grade would still be a FAIL.

Emissions are still rising, while resilience is not far enough to prevent loss and damage and the suffering that comes with it. Indeed, climate change is a wicked problem -- many sided and multi headed, fast evolving.

You cannot defeat climate change with simplistic solutions.

Nor can we overcome it through purely domestic or local actions.

While individual and household actions matter, they do not make a difference unless the big actors – the wealthiest countries and the carbon majors take the lead in reducing emissions and in paying for both adaptation as well as loss and damage.

This then is the value of conferences of parties, indeed of a global climate regime anchored in the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protcol, and the Paris Agreement. We need a global consensus to address climate change effectively.

The Philippine Delegation to climate processes matters.

We expect our government to send to these meetings the best and the brightest of its leaders, diplomats, and officials.

Our government should also tap the best and the brightest, and most experienced from the Philippine diaspora, academe, and civil society to assist it.

The Philippines used to be a major player in the climate negotiations.

We distinguished ourselves in the first Conference of the Parties in Berlin in 1995 where we led the developing countries (the

Beijing...expresses tremendous security anxieties that EDCA sites hosting US military facilities in the Philippines are discreetly targeting China, meant to deter this growing Asian power from its persistent assertion of sovereignties in Taiwan and in the South China Sea

Group of 77 and China), in the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, in the Copenhagen conference in 2009 which unfortunately was a failure but saw advancement of the forests and climate agenda, the 2010 summit in Cancun which established the Green Climate Fund, and most recently in 2015 when the UNFCCC parties adopted the Paris Agreement.

I was in the Philippine delegation in all these meetings, as a government official, as the delegation’s chief lawyer, and spokesperson.

I echo the call of civil society to enlist the help of non-government colleagues who have proven expertise and solid reputations in the climate process

Unfortunately, the Duterte government relinquished that leadership role and now we have to play catch-up.

As COP 27 nears its end, colleagues from civil society issued a strong statement of concern and disappointment about the quality of our representation in the conference.

They were, among others, alarmed that the leaders of the delegation Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga and CCC ViceChair Robert Borje left Egypt early to attend budget hearings in Congress.

For me, however, the designated head of the delegation in the final week, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago is not a bad choice.

Half Egyptian, Arab speaking, and a veteran diplomat in the Middle East, he is in a position to understand the actions of the Egyptian COP 27 presidency. That knowledge is invaluable.

The Manila Observatory delegation would have joined this statement but did not do so out of respect for our colleagues who are science advisers of the delegation and because of our prior relationship with Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga who was our former executive director.

The legitimate issues raised by civil society

Both EDCA and the VFA are supplementary mili tary agreements aimed to implement the 1951 Mu tual Defense Treaty, the legal foundation of Philip pine-American security alliance described as one the longest military alliances in the world.

The MDT makes the US the only military ally of the Philippines. The US, on the other hand, acknowl edges the Philippines as the its oldest security ally in Asia.

Operationalizing the MDT, EDCA’s lofty goal is to support American strategic mission of maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region by as sisting the Philippines in building national military capacities and interoperability with American troops in the area of maritime security, maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, search and rescue operations, as well as counter-terrorism.

Thus, there are also high expectations in Manila that EDCA can also contribute to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Tactically, EDCA provides the US military strong operational access to Philippine territories to preposition, store and maintain American defense tech nologies, security supplies, military equipment, and other logistical materiel needed to reinforce various types of American military activities not only in the Philippines but also in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

have clear solutions that can be addressed in time for the June inter-sessional meetings of the UNFCCC and in particular for the next COP which will be held in Dubai next year. I hope Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga will prioritize her involvement in this process.

As she is the first department head that is truly an expert on climate change, she can play a leadership role especially in the area of climate finance. She can be the loudest voice for ASEAN countries who were mostly silent in COP 27.

Congress should be mindful of the importance of these negotiations.

The timing of the budget deliberations is a structural issue and happens every year, given that COPs are always held in November or December.

One solution, which many countries have done, is to identify a special envoy on climate change – a veteran diplomat (even a retired one), a senior official, or a senior climate change expert from academe or civil society – who can be the designated lead negotiator for the country (not necessarily the head of delegation which should always be a Cabinet rank person or an ambassador).

I echo the call of civil society to enlist the help of non-government colleagues who have proven expertise and solid reputations in the climate process.

One of these is Attorney Vice Yu, a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Law and Georgetown University.

Vice leads developing countries in two critical negotiations in the UNFCCC – loss and damage and the global stocktake (which will decide the direction of climate action post2030).

Like the late Bernaditas Muller, he is now the most influential and respected Filipino in the process.

If the government invites him back to the delegation, we will quickly be back on top of the process as we were for decades.

Finally, we need to develop a permanent corps of negotiators as climate change requires an inter-generational response.

I am now on my fifth cohort of mentees in the process, which include senior officials and leaders of civil society organizations.

But this should be an institutional and not a personal and individual endeavor.

The Philippines ignores the climate change negotiations at its own peril.

Website: tonylavina.com. Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

With EDCA, the US can station on rotational basis some American troops, warships and fighter planes in AFP bases.

In fact, EDCA is a creative measure of the US armed forces to maintain its presence in the Philip pines without a permanent military basing arrange ment being prohibited by the 1987 Philippine Con stitution.

In 2016, the Philippine Supreme Court declared EDCA as constitutional.

As such, EDCA has become an integral part of the American network of military access arrangements in Asia aiming to assert American global military leadership in the 21st century.

EDCA also contributes to the strengthening of the Pentagon’s web of military treaty alliances in Asia involving Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Thai land, not to mention Taiwan.

Beijing, however, expresses tremendous security anxieties that EDCA sites hosting US military facili ties in the Philippines are discreetly targeting China meant to deter this growing Asian power from its persistent assertion of sovereignties in Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

There is also a prevailing view in the Chinese government that EDCA and US alliances in Asia in tend to strategically contain China. (Continued on B2)

DEFENSE Department (DND) Officer-in-Charge

Faustino Jr. has announced the construction of five additional American military facilities in Philip pine bases across Luzon to boost the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Rolando

HIT

N. Korea fires

ICBM, lands near Japan

The missile was believed to have landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said as he blasted the launch as “absolutely unacceptable”.

The launch is Pyongyang’s second in two days and is part of a record-breaking blitz in recent weeks.

Confirming the launch, Tokyo said that based on its calculations, the missile may have had the range to hit the US mainland.

North Korea claims the recent wave of launches is a response to Washington’s moves to bolster its protection of regional security allies, South Korea and Japan.

Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had “detected a long-range ballistic missile (ICBM) around 10:15 (0115 GMT) fired from the Sunan area in Pyongyang towards the East Sea,” referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

The missile flew 1,000 km (621 miles) at an altitude of 6,100 km and speeds of Mach 22, the South Korean military said, calling it a “serious provocation damaging peace and security on the Korean Peninsula”.

Tokyo’s Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters that the “ICBMclass missile” had been fired on a “lofted

trajectory”—meaning the missile is fired up not out, typically to avoid overflying neighbouring countries.

“Based on calculations taking the trajectory into account, the ballistic missile this time around could have had a range capability of 15,000 km, depending on the weight of its warhead, and if that’s the case, it means the US mainland was within its range,” he said.

The launch comes a day after North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile as its minister of foreign affairs, Choe Son Hui, warned Pyongyang would take “fiercer” military action if the United States strengthened its “extended deterrence” commitment to regional allies.

Washington has been seeking to boost regional security cooperation and ramp up joint military drills in response to increasing provocations from the nuclear-armed North.

US President Joe Biden discussed North Korea’s recent missile tests with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping earlier this week and also spoke with leaders from Tokyo and Seoul, as fears grow that the reclusive regime will soon carry out its seventh nuclear test. AFP

3 sentenced in absentia for life for shooting down flight MH17

BADHOEVEDORP, Netherlands—A Dutch court on Thursday sentenced three men to life imprisonment over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, in the early stages of a war that eight years later would put the world on edge.

Russians Igor Girkin and Sergei Dubinsky and Ukrainian Leonid Kharchenko were found guilty in absentia of murdering all 298 people on board and of bringing down the Boeing 777 with a Russian-supplied missile. A fourth man was acquitted.

Moscow slammed the “scandalous” verdict as politically motivated, while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr

Zelensky—battling a full-scale Russian invasion after years of low-level fighting in the east—praised it as “important.”

Relatives of MH17 victims blinked away tears as the verdicts were read out in a courtroom packed with families who had travelled from around the world for the end of the two-and-a-half-year trial.

“The court calls the proven charges so severe that it holds that only the highest possible prison sentence would be appropriate,” head judge Hendrik Steenhuis said.

“Imposing these sentences cannot take away the pain and suffering, but there’s hope that today clarity has been provided about who is to blame.” AFP

Trailblazing Pelosi to step down as top Democrat after Republicans take House

cans

“I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership

the next Congress,”

in an emotional speech on the House floor. “The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus.”

The 82-year-old Pelosi’s departure from party leadership marks the end of an era in Washington and comes after Republi-

Democratic

“Because of Nancy Pelosi, the lives of millions and millions of Americans are bet ter, even in districts represented by Repub licans who voted against her bills and too often vilify her,” Biden said in a statement.

“History will also note her fierceness and resolve to protect our democracy from the violent, deadly insurrection of January

“I couldn’t be more grateful for her friendship and leadership,” he tweeted.

Elected to Congress in 1987, Pelosi became speaker in 2007, the first and so far only woman ever to hold the powerful post.

Known for keeping a tight grip on party ranks, she presided over both impeachments of Trump during her second stint in the role. AFP

New Russian strikes batter Ukraine grid

KYIV—Fresh Russian strikes hit cities across Ukraine on Thursday, crippling the country’s energy infrastructure and plunging millions into darkness as winter sets in and temperatures drop.

Repeated barrages have disrupted electricity and water supplies across Ukraine, but the Kremlin blamed civilians’ suffering on Kyiv’s refusal to negotiate, rather than on Russian attacks.

AFP journalists in several Ukrainian cities said the latest assault coincided with the season’s first snow, after officials in Kyiv warned of “difficult” days ahead.

“Currently, more than 10 million Ukraini ans are without electricity,” Ukrainian Presi dent Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday, adding that the regions of Odessa, Vinnytsia, Sumy and Kyiv were most affected.

The strikes on Ukraine’s power grid follow a series of battlefield setbacks for Russia, including last week’s retreat from Kherson.

Since Russian forces ended their eightmonth occupation of the strategic southern city, chilling accounts have emerged, with Ukrainian ombudsman Dmytro Lubynets describing the conditions there as “horrific”.

Lubynets said authorities had uncovered Russian “torture chambers” where dozens of people had been abused and killed.

On Thursday, Kherson residents rushed to stockpile food, blankets, diapers and winter clothing, with shouting matches and shoving erupting as volunteers tossed supplies into the crowds that had waited hours in freezing rain. AFP

EU ‘final offer’ as UN climate talks near end

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt—United Nations climate talks entered their last day Friday with rich and developing nations deadlocked over creating a fund for countries devastated by the impacts of global warming -- and the European Union warning its offer was final.

Representatives from nearly 200 countries have gathered at the COP27 in Egypt for two weeks with the aim of driving forward action on climate change as the world faces a worsening onslaught of extreme floods, heat waves and droughts.

The daunting list of urgent tasks includes finding agreement—and funds —for the emissions cuts needed to limit average warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels, which scientists say is a safer guardrail to avoid the most dangerous impacts.

For many developing countries—and small island states most threatened by sea level rise—the defining issues at the con ference is money for the “loss and dam age” caused by climate change impacts.

A cascade of climate-driven extremes in recent months—from floods in Pakistan and Nigeria to heatwaves and droughts across the world—have shone a spotlight on the ferocious impacts of a warming world for developing nations that are also struggling with debts and surging inflation.

Disagreement over creating a specific loss and damage fund has threatened to derail the entire summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, though negotiations could go into overtime through the weekend.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said late Thursday there was “clearly a breakdown in trust” between developed and emerging economies as he called for deal on loss and damage, warning that “the blame game is a recipe for mutually assured destruction”.

‘This is our final offer’

Developing countries have pushed for COP27 to agree on creating the funding facility—an idea that has faced reluctance from richer polluters wary of liability.

The European Union, however, made an offer late Thursday to create a fund to help the most vulnerable countries that would be part of a “mosaic” of options for providing money from a range of sources. AFP

Security risks of EDCA under the Marcos Jr. administration

From B1

AS EARLY as 2014 at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which coincided with the year EDCA was signed, President Xi Jinping lambasted the American-centered “hub-and-spokes” alliance system in Asia, describing it as the emblem of “anachronistic “Cold War security structure” where “some big powers pursue security as a zero-sum game and keep strengthening military alliances in the region while excluding the common interests of other countries.”

Xi also criticized the US alliance system where EDCA is situated as the “Achilles heel” of “constructive efforts towards building a more sustainable, inclusive and win-win regional security order; the primary obstacle to a peaceful Asia.”

Some Southeast Asian countries have also expressed apprehensions that the strengthening of American alliances in Asia with the in-

creasing military presence in the Philippines through EDCA can foment greater geopolitical rivalries among competing major powers that can exacerbate regional security tensions leading to regional instabilities.

For example, when the US declared the formation of AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom, US alliance system) in September 2021, Southeast Asian countries responded with serious apprehensions.

Indonesia, the de-facto leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), warned that AUKUS can intensify power projections in Asia, making the region as the fulcrum of major power competition.

Malaysia also expressed wariness that AUKUS can also trigger an Asian arms race.

Singapore conveyed its neutral position but the Philippines welcomed AUKUS as a counter balance to China’s growing power in Asia.

Indeed, EDCA is an essential component of American alliances in Asia aiming to demonstrate to the whole world that the US is a resident Indo-Pacific power.

The US regards the Indo-Pacific as vital to American security and prosperity.

The US Indo-Pacific Strategy released in February 2022 candidly declares that the US is determined to strengthen its “long-term position in and commitment to the IndoPacific” by focusing “on every corner of the

region, from Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, to South Asia and Oceania, including the Pacific Islands.”

This Strategy also asserts American determination to counter mounting challenges from the People’s Republic of China, to wit:

“This intensifying American focus is due in part to the fact that the Indo-Pacific faces mounting challenges, particularly from the PRC. The PRC is combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological might as it pursues a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific and seeks to become the world’s most influential power.

“The PRC’s coercion and aggression spans the globe, but it is most acute in the Indo-Pacific.

“From the economic coercion of Australia to the conflict along the Line of Actual Control with India to the growing pressure on Taiwan and bullying of neighbors in the East and South China Seas, our allies and partners in the region bear much of the cost of the PRC’s harmful behavior.”

There is a clarity of American interests in implementing EDCA: to support the assertion of American global military leadership as the world’s foremost superpower and to counter all security threats from China as a challenger to American supremacy, particularly in the Taiwan Straits, the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea.

Does the Philippine government under President Marcos Jr. rally behind the US to advance these interests?

Will EDCA really pursue Philippine national security interests?

It is imperative for the Philippine government to really conduct a serious reexamination and re-definition of Philippine national security interests in the light of the evolving international and regional security landscape in the 21st century.

During the cold war, the Philippine government regarded its national interests as identical with the US.

In the aftermath of the cold war, the Philippines terminated the Military Bases Agreement in 1991 because of the post-cold war security situation leading to a redefinition of Philippine national interests by forging closer identification with the regional interest of Southeast Asian neighbors.

China’s occupation of the Mischief Reef in 1995 convinced the Philippine government to accommodate the return of the US by ratifying the VFA in 1999, especially in the context of the botched AFP modernization program.

China’s reclamation activities that began in 2013 in seven geographic features within the Kalayaan Island Group also compelled the Philippine government to sign the EDCA in 2014.

But increased US military facilities in the Philippines through EDCA can escalate the worsening US-China major power rivalry. Keeping the American troops in Philippine territories even on rotational basis can raise the risk of dragging the Philippines in an armed conflict that it wants to avoid.

US military facilities in key strategic locations of the Philippines can also raise the possibility of the Philippines as a military target of American adversaries.

As candidly warned by a columnist and strategic analyst Ricardo Saludo, former head of the Presidential Management Staff under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, EDCA can weaponize the Philippines and wreck us.

If not handled astutely in accordance with clearly defined Philippine national security interests rather than parochial sectoral interests, EDCA can become our country’s source of security risk instead of a security provider under the Marcos Jr administration.

(The author is the President of the Philippine Society for Intelligence and Security Studies, Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research and member of the Board of Directors of the China Southeast Asian Research Center on the South China Sea.)

SEOUL—North Korea fired a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile Friday, Seoul’s military said, which Japan said may have had the range to hit the US mainland.

WASHINGTON—Democrat Nancy Pelosi, the trailblazing first woman to wield the speaker’s gavel in the US House of Representatives, said Thursday that she will step down as party leader when Republicans take control of the chamber in January.

in

Pelosi said

secured a slim House majority in last week’s midterm elections.

President Joe Biden hailed Pelosi as a “fierce defender of democracy” and the “most consequential” House speaker in US history.

6,” when supporters of former president Donald Trump attacked the US Capitol, he said.

Former president Barack Obama also hailed the woman he called “one of the most accomplished legislators in American history.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

ANOTHER ROCKET. People sit near a television showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a railway station in Seoul on November 18. A suspected intercontinental ballistic missile launched by North Korea on Friday is believed to have fallen in Japan’s exclusive economic waters, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said. AFP

RUSH FOR AID. Residents rush for an aid supply distribution in the centre of Kherson, Ukraine on November 17. AFP

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Stock market rises; ALI leads advancers

STOCKS rose for a second day after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised the overnight borrowing rate by 75 basis points to tighten its grip on inflation and foreign exchange rate and ensure a steady business environment.

The PSE index, representing the 30 most active shares, climbed 33 points, or 0.5 percent, to 6,437.38, the highest in two months, as all the six subsectors advanced.

Japan inflation hit 4-decade high on soaring energy costs and weak yen

TOKYO, Japan—Japanese inflation hit a four-decade high last month, government data showed Friday, fueled by high energy costs and a weak yen and ramping up pressure on the central bank to move away from its ultra-loose monetary policies.

Core consumer prices, excluding volatile fresh food, rose 3.6 percent onyear in October, marginally higher than analyst expectations.

The reading marked the fastest pace since 1982, although it remains below the sky-high levels that have pummeled the United States and oth er countries.

In reaction to the data, chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters the government “must protect people’s livelihoods from these price rises.”

“Price increases have continued for items closely related to daily life, such as utilities and food, due to rising raw material prices and the weak yen,” he said.

The government said last month it would spend $260 billion on an economic stimulus package that includes support for energy bills, which have spiked since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

“Policies targeting energy and food, which are the main causes of high prices,” are included in the relief measures, Matsuno said as he vowed to “pass the extra budget as soon as possible.”

Darren Tay, Japan Economist at Capital Economics, told AFP that the impact of inflation on the average consumer was “very real”.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has responded with an “aggressive” stimulus package because “he knows that his electorate is not too happy with rising prices,” Tay added. AFP

New US housing constructions drop on rising mortgage

WASHINGTON, United States— Homebuilding in the United States dropped in October, with the building of single-family units falling to its lowest level in over two years, as sharply rising mortgage rates have made it more difficult to purchase homes.

Housing starts fell 4.2 percent in October, according to data published by the Commerce Department on Thursday.

Single-family home construction, which encompasses the largest chunk of the homebuilding sector, dropped a dramatic 6.1 percent - the lowest level since May 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing.

Starts for home-building projects encompassing five or more units dropped 0.5 percent.

The decreases came as the U.S. Federal Reserve increased interest rates in a bid to tamp down the worst inflation in four decades.

Those interest rate increases have directly impacted mortgage rates.

According to Freddie Mac, which finances mortgages, the current average for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate stands above 7 percent - the highest in two decades.

Despite multiple interest rate hikes in recent months, inflation remains stubbornly high, eating away at the finances of those who struggle to make ends meet.

The Fed is in the difficult position of trying to slow the rise of inflation by slowing the economy but trying not to act too aggressively and trigger a recession.

The broader all-share index also picked up 8 points, or 0.2 percent, to settle at 3,396.63 on a value turnover of P5.3 billion. Gainers exceeded losers, 106 to 67, while 40 issued were unchanged.

Six of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Ayala Land Inc. which climbed 4.2 percent to P29.70 and International Container Terminal Services Inc. which rose 2.1 percent to P188.00.

The peso also rose 0.17 percent Friday to close at 57.26 against the US dollar following the BSP’s latest monetary tightening measure.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed Friday as caution permeated trading floors and investors tried to gauge the outlook

for Federal Reserve monetary policy after several officials tried to temper optimism over signs that inflation is slowing.

While the week has been broadly positive for equities following softer-than-expected US consumer and wholesale price figures, a strong reading on retail sales and jobless claims showed plenty of resilience to higher interest rates.

With that in mind, St Louis Fed President James Bullard warned more hikes were needed to bring inflation down from four-decade highs, adding that they might need to go as high as seven percent.

That was followed by Minneapolis Fed boss Neel Kaskari saying he had not witnessed much evidence that underlying

demand was cooling and did not want to forecast when the tightening would end.

The comments came after a similar message from other policymakers, who have sought to calm markets, which soared in the wake of last Thursday’s consumer prices reading.

They also fueled fears among traders that the sharp tightening campaign—including four straight bumper 0.75-point increases in a row—would tip the world’s top economy into recession.

On Wednesday, Kansas City Fed chief Esther George said it was unclear how the bank can douse inflation “without having some real slowing” or even a contraction. With AFP

TOP GAINERS

LAST

1 MAHB 0.75 0.1 15.38%

2 GEO 0.209 0.022 11.76%

3 MED 0.178 0.013 7.88%

4 ANI 6.7 0.47 7.54%

5 APVI 12.9 0.9 7.50%

6 TCB2C 53 3 6.00%

7 TUGS 0.96 0.05 5.49%

8 PXP 6.2 0.31 5.26%

9 ABA 2.85 0.14 5.17%

10 APX 1.69 0.08 4.97%

TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 LBC 16.22 -4.63 -22.21%

2 ECP 3.05 -0.75 -19.74%

3 HOME 2.01 -0.29 -12.61%

4 KPPI 1.75 -0.24 -12.06%

5 HLCM 4 -0.29 -6.76%

6 I 0.68 -0.04 -5.56%

7 ALCO 0.52 -0.03 -5.45%

8 LR 2.15 -0.12 -5.29%

9 NOW 0.95 -0.04 -4.04%

Starbucks staff go on strike in US stores over labor talks

NEW YORK, United States—Starbucks workers in the United States went on strike at multiple unionized locations Thursday, a move planned to affect over 100 stores in protest against the coffee giant’s approach in negotiating union contracts.

Dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion,” the one-day strike led by Starbucks Workers United coincides with a popular event in which stores hand out reusable cups with certain purchases.

Instead of the branded cups, the staff gave out red union cups to interested customers.

Employees could be seen protesting in the cold near Times Square in New York, chanting and holding signs of Starbucks Workers United, which represents nearly 7,000 employees across the United States.

“It’s something that is worth fighting for,” one of the staff, 18-year-old Jay Tosa, told AFP.

The action takes place in “response to Starbucks’ union-busting tactics and refusal to bargain,” Starbucks Workers United said in a statement.

The group added that workers wanted the right to organize a union free of intimidation.

“Unless Starbucks comes to the table and bargains in good faith for a fair contract, we can count on this to happen again,” the union said, raising concerns over salaries and a lack of consistent schedules.

Support

“During the morning rush hour, we got a lot of support from our regulars,” said another New York-based employee Hal Battjes.

Some commuters chose to give up their morning coffee, added the 21-yearold, who had been on the sidewalk with a megaphone since 5:30 am.

A Starbucks spokesperson said the company is “aware that union demonstrations are scheduled at a small number of our US company-owned stores.”

“We respect their right to engage in lawful protest activity,” the spokesperson said, adding that Starbucks continues to urge the union to meet representatives at the bargaining table.

Workers at two Starbucks cafes in Buffalo, New York, voted to set up a union in late 2021, marking the first at the coffee chain’s company-owned shops in the United States.

Now, Starbucks Workers United represents more than 260 locations -- a fraction of around 10,200 stores that Starbucks manages in North America.

The company’s management has been accused of intimidation and being slow to start negotiations on collective agreements. AFP

Twitter job exodus begins after Musk ‘hardcore’

SAN FRANCISCO, United States—Employee departures were multiplying at Twitter on Thursday after an ultimatum from new owner Elon Musk, who demanded staff choose between being “extremely hardcore” and working intense, long hours or losing their jobs.

“I may be #exceptional, but gosh darn it, I’m just not #hardcore,” tweeted one former employee, Andrea Horst, whose LinkedIn profile still reads “Supply Chain & Capacity Management (Survivor) @Twitter.”

She added the hashtag “#lovewhereyouworked,” as did many other employees announcing their choice. Musk, also the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has come under fire for radical changes at the social media company, which he bought for $44 billion late last month.

He had already fired half of the company’s 7,500 staff, scrapped a work-from-home policy, and imposed long hours, all while his attempts to overhaul Twitter have faced chaos and delays.

His stumbling attempts to revamp user verification with a controversial subscription service have led to a slew of fake accounts and pranks and prompted major advertisers to step away from the platform.

The troubled social media network’s management told employees Thursday that offices were temporarily closed and inaccessible, even with a badge, according to Zoe Schiffer, a journalist for the tech industry

newsletter Platformer.

“Going forward, to build a breakthrough Twitter 2.0 and succeed in an increasingly competitive world, we will need to be extremely hardcore,” Musk wrote in the ultimatum, an internal memo sent Wednesday and seen by AFP.

“This will mean working long hours at high intensity. Only exceptional performance will constitute a passing grade,” he added.

Staff had been asked to follow a link to affirm their commitment to “the new Twitter” by 5:00 pm New York time (2200 GMT) on Thursday.

If they did not do so, they lost their jobs, receiving three months of severance pay—an unusual method even in the United States, where labor laws are less protective for employees than in many other developed countries.

Twitter did not respond to AFP requests for comment on the new measure.

“No words just grateful to say I was able to get my dream job and do more than I ever thought possible. It’s been a wild ride,” Deanna Hines-Glasgow, who was a senior client account manager at Twitter, tweeted Thursday, according to

10 LAND 0.74 -0.03 -3.90%

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME VALUE (PHP)

1 ALI 17,509,200 512,933,800

2 SM 361,850 311,177,835

3 BDO 2,400,770 309,339,536

4 SMPH 7,873,300 269,006,585

5 JFC 1,003,210 244,708,904

6 TEL 151,590 239,566,275

7 ICT 940,720 175,116,798

8 AC 251,580 167,651,675

9 BPI 1,624,030 157,945,505

10 URC 1,196,910 157,776,964

her LinkedIn profile.

Esther Crawford, the platform’s director of product development and one of the few managers who have not been fired, who have not resigned, and who still publicly support the new leader, tweeted: “To all the Tweeps who decided to make today your last day: thanks for being incredible teammates through the ups and downs. AFP

MINISTERS MEETING. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai (front, fourth from

right) delivers a speech at the 33rd APEC ministerial meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Nov. 17. Ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies concluded a meeting here on Thursday, aligning their ideas for advancing Asia-Pacific integration, trade and investment in the common pursuit of a sustained and inclusive recovery in a highly uncertain world. Xinhua

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

Business

GIR, balance of payments improved in October—BSP

Dollar 1.00000057.4510

United

Japan Yen 0.0071340.4099

UKPound1.18660068.1714

Hong KongDollar0.1277817.3411

SwitzerlandFranc1.05097260.3794

CanadaDollar0.75041343.1120

SingaporeDollar0.72764341.8038

AustraliaDollar0.66810038.3830

BahrainDinar2.653576152.4506

Saudi Arabia Rial 0.26609915.2877

BruneiDollar0.72500541.6523

IndonesiaRupiah0.0000640.0037

Thailand Baht 0.0279251.6043

UAE Dirham0.27227915.6427

EuroEuro 1.03640059.5422

Korea Won 0.0007450.0428

ChinaYuan0.1397608.0294

IndiaRupee0.0122680.7048

MalaysiaRinggit0.21978012.6266

New Zealand Dollar 0.61260035.1945

TaiwanDollar0.0321391.8464

San Miguel, AEV get SEC nod on P90-b bond sale

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Com mission said Friday it approved the planned retail bond offerings of con glomerates San Miguel Corp. and Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. worth P90 billion.

Documents submitted to and ap proved by the SEC showed that San Miguel would offer P40 billion of fixed-rate bonds, with an oversub scription option for another P20 bil lion. The offer will consist of Series L bonds due 2028, Series M bonds due 2029 and Series N bonds due 2029.

San Miguel plans to use the proceeds to refinance dollar-denominated obliga tions and peso-denominated debt. The bonds will be offered at face value and will be listed on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp.

San Miguel engaged BDO Capi tal & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., PNB Capital and In vestment Corp., Bank of Commerce, BPI Capital Corp., SB Capital Invest ment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp., Asia United Bank Corp. and Philip pine Commercial Capital Inc. as the joint lead underwriters and bookrun ners for the offer.

Meanwhile, the corporate regulator also approved the P30-billion bond shelf registration program of AEV.

AEV will offer an initial tranche of P550 million, together with P7.45 bil lion of fixed-rate bonds comprising the fourth and final tranche of its debt securities program approved in 2019.

The company will also offer up to P12 billion of bonds from the 2022 program as part of the oversubscrip tion option.

AEV said it would use the proceeds to partially finance the acquisition of GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. by wholly-owned subsidiary Aboitiz InfraCapital. It will also use a portion to refinance maturing debt.

The Aboitiz Group intends to issue the bonds in the fourth quarter.

AEV tapped BDO Capital, BPI Capital, China Bank Capital and First Metro Investment Corp. as the joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners for the offer.

By Julito G. Rada

THE country’s balance of payments position posted a surplus in October, the first time in seven months, allowing the gross international reserves to rise to $94 billion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday.

Data from the BSP showed that the BOP yielded a $711-million surplus in October, following a deficit of $2.3 billion in September. The October surplus was, however, lower than the $1.14-billion surplus registered in the same month last year.

This brought the 10-month BOP position to a deficit of $7.11 billion in the first 10 months, a reversal of the $476-million surplus a year ago.

“The BOP surplus in October 2022 reflected inflows arising mainly from the national government’s net foreign currency deposits with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” the BSP said in a statement.

“Meanwhile, the current year-to-date BOP level, which is a reversal from the $476-million surplus recorded in the same period a year ago, reflected the

widening trade in goods deficit as goods imports continued to surpass goods exports on the back of the persistent surge in international commodity prices and resumption in domestic economic activities,” it said.

The gross international reserves added $1 billion to reach $94.0 billion as of end-October from $93.0 as of endSeptember.

“The latest GIR level represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. Moreover, it is also about 6.9 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity,” the BSP said.

BOP is the difference in total value between payments into and out of a

country over a period.

The BSP adjusted BOP deficit forecast this year to $8.4 billion from an initial estimate of $6.3-billion shortfall, taking into consideration the further weakening of global demand. The adjusted BOP deficit target is equivalent to around -2.0 percent of the gross domestic product.

The Monetary Board approved the new set of 2022 and 2023 BOP projections in its Sept. 16, 2022 meeting. The set of BOP projections incorporates the latest available data and recent emerging developments.

The BSP said the emerging BOP outlook over the near term remained subdued as external risks had intensified relative to the last forecast round in June 2022.

The risks of further downward revision in global growth prospects, record-high inflation print worldwide, more aggressive monetary policy tightening by major central banks, continued economic slump in China and lingering Ukraine-Russia conflict were expected to broadly weaken global demand conditions, and hence, the country’s external sector.

Filinvest Land’s net income jumped 40% in 3rd quarter

FILINVEST Land Inc. said Thursday net in come jumped 40 percent in the third quarter to P800 million from P570 million in the same period last year on the recovery of residential and shopping mall businesses.

FLI said in a disclosure to the stock ex change third-quarter revenues advanced by 13 percent to P4.85 billion from P4.29 a year ago. Real estate sales rose 9.7 percent to P3.15 bil lion, while rental income increased 20.5 per cent to P1.7 billion.

FLI said the growth in residential business was due to the accelerated construction ac tivities and strong take-up of housing projects in Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces and mid-rise condominiums in Metro Manila and Davao.

The company said net income in the first three quarters declined 32.7 percent to P2.27 billion from P3.38 billion because of the P1.1billion income tax benefit recognized last year. Revenues from January to September in creased 8.41 percent to P14.18 billion on high er real estate sales of residential business and increased revenues from its leasing business.

Reservation sales in the first nine months reached P15 billion, up 15 percent year-onyear. Jenniffer B. Austria

Converge, DOTr team up for free Wi-Fi at airports

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. said Friday it teamed up with the Department of Transpor tation to provide free public Wi-Fi services in passenger terminals of nine international and domestic airports across the country.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the DOTr-Converge agreement would im prove connectivity services in airports.

“This joint project with Converge signifies our commitment to improving the connectivity services in our transport facilities, particularly in our airports. We are launching this initia tive to provide connectivity to our passengers through digital technology,” Bautista said.

The DOTr along with attached agencies Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, Manila International Airport Authority and Davao International Airport Authority teamed up with Converge for the free Internet services in the departure and arrival areas of selected local airports.

The free public Wi-Fi connectivity will cov er the arrival and departure areas of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Francisco Ban goy International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Darwin G. Amojelar

Shell taps renewable power for Mamplasan mobility site

PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. said Friday it tapped Shell Energy Philippine to deliver re newable power to Shell Mamplasan mobility site at the South Luzon Expressway in Biñan, Laguna.

The station with Shell Recharge charging points will be powered by a mix of solar, geo thermal and hydro energies.

“The switching to renewable energy at our operations shows our commitment to reducing our carbon emissions. We continue to work with partners in the decarbonization journey as we transition to a lower carbon economy,” Shell Companies in the Philippines country chair Lorelie Quiambao-Osial said. Shell Mamplasan is the second Shell mo bility site powered by renewable energy from SEPH.

The first one was Shell North Luzon Toll way 1 in Balagtas, Bulacan.

Pilipinas Shell began transforming its retail fuel stations into one-stop mobility destina tions featuring sustainable solutions in 2020. These solutions help reduce energy consump tion by about 30 percent, compared to a tradi tional site. Alena Mae S. Flores

Strong growth gives BSP room to hike rate to 6%—BPI

BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, said the robust economic growth in the third quarter gives the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas the flexibility to further raise the benchmark interest rate to 6 percent.

BPI underscored the stronger-thanexpected 7.6-percent gross domestic product expansion in the third quarter.

“The country’s GDP in 3Q exceeded expectations at 7.6 percent despite the surge in consumer prices. Revenge spending and the return of students to face-to-face classes have provided a huge boost to economic growth,” the banking arm of the Ayala Group said in a report Friday.

“This gives the BSP enough space to continue hiking the policy rate, probably even up to 6 percent. Pent-up demand remains strong as indicated by 3Q GDP and may persist until next year since spending on certain items like hotels, restaurants, and recreation is still

below the pre-pandemic level,” it said.

It said the number one risk affecting the economy was inflation, with its widespread impact on all sectors of the economy. It said the impact of adjustments in interest rates was less severe, given the relatively low credit utilization in the country.

“Also, most consumer related credit have a fixed rate so they aren’t affected immediately by the hikes. We believe economic growth is robust enough to endure the hikes. Because of this, there is a compelling reason for the BSP to continue hiking interest rates,” BPI said.

The Monetary Board raised on Thursday the benchmark policy rate by 75 basis points to 5 percent to rein in inflation and support the value of the peso against the US dollar.

BSP data showed that the last time the policy interest rate reached 5 percent was in February 2009.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said latest baseline forecasts indicated a

higher inflation path over the policy horizon, with average inflation breaching the upper end of the 2-percent to 4-percent target range in 2022 and 2023 at 5.8 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively.

The forecast for 2024 was raised slightly to 3.1 percent.

Medalla said the risks to the inflation outlook leaned strongly toward the upside until 2023 while remaining broadly balanced in 2024. He said the upside risks were associated with elevated international food prices owing to higher fertilizer costs, trade restrictions and adverse weather conditions.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said further rate hikes would be possible in the coming months, supported by generally stronger/better economic data and also as a function of future Fed rate hikes as well as the behavior of the exchange rate. Julito G. Rada

By Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX Corp. said Friday it signed a term loan facility of P7 billion with Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company to partially finance capital expenditures and refinance debt.

The operator of North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway said the P7-billion fixedrate term loan facility would have a tenor of 10 years.

“The proceeds of the term loan facility will be used by NLEX Corp. to finance its capital expenditure projects and refinance the Company’s existing indebtedness,” the company said.

NLEX signed a corporate notes facility agreement with various financial institutions for unsecured notes amounting to P20 billion in November 2020 and a P5-billion term loan facility with BDO Unibank Inc. in September 2019.

NLEX reported a net income of P5.7 billion in the first nine months, up 42 percent from last year, driven by traffic recovery, higher toll and better costmanagement strategy.

Revenues climbed 31 percent in the nine-month period to P13.1 billion on the gradual re-opening of the economy since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation of toll adjustments.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ENERGY Secretary Raphael Lotilla asked state-run National Power Corp. to look at modular nuclear as a power source for missionary areas or communities that are not served by the power grid.

“As we go down the road and consider new opportunities in modular nuclear or even the future of fusion as a source of power, these are the opportunities that [NPC] may look into,” Lotilla said.

Lotilla made the call during Napocor’s 86th founding anniversary on Thursday.

The energy secretary said NPC should study growth opportunities, considering it was the pioneer in renewable energy sources such as hydro and geothermal.

Lotilla earlier said the regulatory framework for nuclear should be established first.

He urged NPC not to limit itself to present-day affairs or challenges, but to look beyond and see the opportunities for a strengthened power sector.

NPC president and chief executive Fernando Martin Roxas expressed confidence the company could emerge from the fuel price crisis as a much stronger organization.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said it was time to re-examine the country’s strategy for building nuclear power plants in the Philippines.

“We will comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency regulations for nuclear power plants as they have been strengthened after Fukushima. In the area of nuclear power, there have been new technologies developed that allow smaller scale modular nuclear plants and other derivations thereof,” Marcos said.

The average daily traffic at NLEX reached 280,552 daily vehicle entries as of September, higher than 2021 figures by 16 percent. The daily traffic in SCTEX also improved 34 percent to 70,535 daily vehicle entries.

NLEX spans about 105 kilometers or 598 lane-kms and catered to an average of 201,790 vehicles a day in 2020. The expressway is the main infrastructure backbone that connects Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon.

The company is building the NLEXSLEX Connector Road—an elevated four-lane toll expressway structure with a length of 8 kilometers passing through and above the right of way of the PNR from NLEX Segment 10 at C-3 Road Caloocan City and seamlessly connecting to SLEX through Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project in Manila.

Lotilla asks NPC to study modular nuclear facilities for off-grid areas

NLEX secures P7-b Metrobank loan to fund capex, pay debt

REAL ESTATE LIBRARY. Eton Properties Philippines Inc. executive director Kyle Tan (third from right) joins Urban Land Institute officers and other real estate leaders on opening the first real estate library and center in the Philippines and the Asian region, in celebration of ULI’s 10th anniversary in the Philippines. Eton is among the founding members of the ULI that brought the franchise in the Philippines in 2012 by way of donation. Together with the ULI, it supports the mission of shaping the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.

PAL PRESIDENT’S FLIGHT. Captain Stanley Ng (front row, left) makes history as the first Philippine Airlines president to serve as pilot in command of a presidential flight. He piloted the flight both ways—the Nov. 9 Manila-Phnom Penh flight PR001 and Nov. 13 PR001 Phmom Penh -Manila. The flights carried President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and the official Philippine delegation to Phnom Penh for the ASEAN 2022 Summit. Capt. Ng is the first active pilot to serve as the top executive of the flag carrier since the 1960s, having ascended to the PAL presidency after an 18-year career in the airline.

Yulo siblings follow in footsteps of Caloy, dominate Bangkok tilt

By Randy Caluag

THE road to having the Yulo siblings play together in Olympics gymnastics started on the right foot in Bangkok, Thailand.

Karl and Elaiza Yulo, younger brother and sister, respectively, of world champion Caloy Yulo, churned out impressive performances in their first overseas competition in the on going 2022 JRC Artistic Gymnastics Stars Championships.

Elaiza, the youngest among the three Yulo gymnastics’ athletes, bagged the women’s individual all-around on opening day and then dominated the vault and uneven bars on Friday for a three-gold medal haul.

After settling for silver in the men’s indi vidual all-around category on opening day Thursday, the 14-year-old Karl captured the gold in the floor exercise and took the silver in the pommel horse and bronze in the still rings’

event of the five-nation tournament hosted by the Gymnastics Association of Thailand.

Participants represented 26 clubs from the country of Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam, India and host Thailand.

“Congratulations to these amazing per sons who never failed me. First time to com pete as a junior and after two years of wait ing because of the pandemic, we had limited training because of the restrictions due to COVID-19 and yet you never gave up and it paid off,” said the siblings’ mother, Ange lika, who provided the information on her social media page.

“Thank you to our Almighty God for giv ing me, such wonderful kids. You made me proud,” she added.

Karl is a multi-medalist in national com petitions like the Batang Pinoy national games organized yearly by the Philippine Sports Commission. He has always said that he will join his elder brother on the national team and hopefully compete with him to gether in the Olympics.

Tokyo Olympics’s veteran Caloy bagged a silver and a bronze in the 51st FIG Artis tic Gymnastics World Championships two weeks ago in Liverpool, England.

2nd PH University Basketball League under way

By Graham C. Lim

tion of the Philippines is organizing the 2nd Philippine University Basketball League, starting Saturday at the host Technological University of the Philippines Gymnasium in Manila.

Opening game features the Bataan Pen insula State University against the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies at 9 a.m., fol lowed by Mapua University against defend ing champion Philippine Christian Univer sity at 11 a.m. The last game is between PUBL host-Technological University of the Philippines and University of Perpetual Help System-Las Pinas.

Invited to grace the opening ceremonies is FESSAP president Edwin C. Fabro, FES SAP chairman, Alvin Tai Lian and Execu tive Vice President Robert Milton Calo.

TUP president, Engineer Reynaldo P. Ramos will deliver a welcome address to the six participating varsity men’s teams.

The FESSAP is recognized under the

auspices

The purpose of the PUBL is to provide the opportunity for registered university members only to participate in a quali fying tournament that will represent the country in the upcoming Asian regional meets, such as the 12th Asian University Basketball Championship, 3rd Asia Pacif ic University Games, and the Asia Univer sity Championship.

The PUBL is a premier national event supervised by the FESSAP Executive Committee, to be held annually, featuring top colleges and universities. Next season, it will involve teams from Regions 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, and 12.

The one-month tournament will be played every Saturday and Sunday.

One of the PUBL regulations is that no foreign player is allowed and a maximum of 15 players can fill in during the competition.

Asian juniors, girls’ chess championships lure 11 countries

THE Asian Juniors and Girls Chess Champi onships got going Friday at the Knights Tem plar Hotel in Tagaytay City with Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino welcoming the 58 partici pants representing 11 countries competing in the nine-day event.

“We are expecting great matches from these young Asian masters in the champion ships that give opportunity for our Filipino players to get grandmaster norm and inter national master [IM] norms,” said Tolentino of the twin competitions for players aged 20 and younger.

Tolentino is an honorary member of the In ternational Chess Federation, or FIDE, having once served as its secretary general. He also previously headed FIDE’s Southeast Asian Zone when he was the National Chess Federa tion of the Philippines’ secretary-general.

Lascuña whips Jahns; Harmie pulls off miracle shot in the rain

TONY Lascuña turned a season of doubts into a year-end of hope, beat ing Keanu Jahns, 4&3, to crown himself the first ICTSI Villamor Match Play men’s champion in Pa say on Friday.

But Harmie Constantino produced a magical win in the women’s final, coming through with a clutch chipin birdie she described as “unex plainable” as she edged top amateur Rianne Malixi in a rain-drenched duel that stretched to the 19th hole to snare the hotly-contested title.

Constantino trailed majority of the way, the last on the island green No. 17 which she conceded after Malixi hit her tee-shot just below the hole. But the former never lost hope and gained after the latter hit an errant second shot on the par-5 18th that went into the water, sending the match to where it had all started –all square.

And as Malixi set up a 12-foot birdie putt on their second trip to the first green, Constantino holed out from the rough 40 yards away to foil the very amateur who had dominat ed this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour with a sweep of all her stints at Luisita, Valley and Riviera.

But Constantino had the last laugh as Malixi flubbed her tying putt, enabling the former to match Lascu ña’s P280,000 winnings in the novel championship capping the return to the mainstream of the two pro cir cuits put up by ICTSI.

“It’s unexplainable, hindi talaga ako makapaniwala (I just can’t be lieve it),” said Constantino, who also won the LPGT season-ending tour nament at Pradera Verde, beating Chanelle Avaricio, also a three-leg winner this year, by one last month.

“My caddie and I were only try ing to land it a couple of yards before the flag and make it roll out. I just wanted to make it close as much as I can but not really hole it in. So, it’s a bonus,” added Constantino, who marked her pro debut last year with two victories, both at Eagle RidgeAoki.

Prosper scores 50 as Dyip end losing woes

By Peter Atencio

LESTER Prosper scored seven of his game-high 50 points in the ex tra period, pushing the Terrafirma Dyip to their first win after 25 straight losses dating back to the past conferences in a resounding 124-114 overtime swamping of the NLEX Road Warriors on Friday in the 2022-23 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Dyip capitalized on four missed baskets by the Warriors to move away on an 8-0 run, with Alex Cabagnot and Prosper shat tering a 112-all deadlock with two triples.

Then, Prosper’s two charities in the last 2:47 allowed the Dyip to erect a 120-112 edge.

“We’re happy for this win. NLEX has been struggling. I told the players to take advantage of this,” said Dyip coach Johnedel Cardel.

It was also a career-high output for Prosper as the Dyip claimed their first win in the conference after 10 games.

“We had a good practice. For the past week, everyone has come together,” said Prosper.

Don Trollano finished with 26 points for NLEX, which dropped to 3-7 in the standings.

Earl Clark shot 45 points, to go with 18 rebounds for the Road Warriors, with his driving layup in the last 31 seconds forcing the overtime, 110-all.

Cavite Vice Governor and NCFP Vice Presi dent Athena Bryana Tolentino made the cer emonial first moves with girls’ top seed, Wom an IM Assel Serikbay of Kazakhstan.

Reigning national juniors champion FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri and girls titlist Mhage Sebastian lead the country’s campaign, along with IMs Daniel Quizon, Michael Concio, AlBasher Buto, Andrew James Toledo, Gabriel Ryan Paradero, Ronell Co and Marlon James Piel.

The nine-round Swiss system tournament is sponsored by the Asian Chess Federation, Philippine Sports Commission and City of Tagaytay.

Also present during the simple opening ceremony were ACF Executive Board member Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh of Iran and Appeals Committee members from India, Guam, Iran, Malaysia and Kazakhstan.

ICTSI Villamor Match

Play champions Harmie Constantino (left) and Tony Lascuña display their trophy. Manny Marcelo

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

THE Federation of School Sports Associa

of international affiliations as such, the Asian University Basketball Fed eration, Asia University Sports Federation, Asia Pacific University Sports Union and ASEAN University Sports Council.

Cavite Vice Governor Athena Bryana Tolentino (right) and Woman International Master Assel Serikbay (left) make the ceremonial open ing moves at the Knights Templar Hotel in Tagaytay City. Looking on are POC president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino (third from left), Asian Chess Federation Executive Board member Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh and Appeals Committee members from India, Guam, Iran, Malaysia and Kazakhstan

Elaiza and Karl Yulo display their medals.

The TUP coaching staff, headed by coach Arlene Rodriguez (right), with TUP president Reynaldo P. Ramos (middle) and TUP athletic director Allan Soria (at left)

Investing in Mindanao’s hidden gem

SAMAL Island is Mindanao’s hidden gem. An island gardenwith lush foliage and amazing views of the sea, it has traditionally been known as a destination for tourists. Yet only a few have recognized that Samal has also become a perfect investment opportunity, providing luxurious seaside living amidst a fast-growing economy.

BOOSTING THE ECONOMY

Pearl Farm is a famous beach resort developed by ANFLO Group in Mindanao. Damosa Land, a subsidiary of the ANFLO now aims to build an East Coast Hampton-like marina development that will serve both as a sanctuary for sea lovers, as well as a residential and commercial hub.

Called Bridgeport, this 13-hectare low density mixed-use development will feature a condominium, premium open lots, a condotel, commercial and dining areas, and a marina.

Damosa Land, through Bridgeport, seeks to further boost Davao’s economy and the tourism industry of Samal Island through its sustainably-built township that offers families a taste of the luxurious marina lifestyle.

“We have integrated sustainability into our various operations and development projects, said Damosa Land President, Ricardo F. Lagdameo.

“This ranges from ensuring the livelihood and access to better health services of our people and their families, to adopting environmentally sound practices from the construction

BPI launches flexible home loan package

THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) recently launched BPI MyBahay, a flexible housing loan package that will benefit the underserved and unserved segments of society.

“This is the first mortgage financing service that we are offering our clients who are having difficulties with the initial cash outlay for down-

The loan package features minimal cash out of 5% versus the bank’s total appraised value of collateral or total contract price, subject to the developer tie-up program of the bank. According to BPI, the maximum collateral value or total contract price for this loan package is P3 million only.

BPI MyBahay also has a minimum gross household income requirement of P25,000 versus the standard P40,000. Its allowed loan purposes are for the acquisition and occupancy of real estate property or refinancing (loan take-out) only.

Reaching

payment and are unable to meet the required monthly income,” said Dennis Fronda, BPI head of retail loans

BPI’s main offer consists of flexible housing loan packages, allowing clients to manage their cash flow effectively by servicing loan obligations for up to 30 years versus the standard 20 years repayment term.

Clients will also be able to capitalize on the value of the property to be acquired since the allowable loan amount versus the total contract price or total appraised value has been increased to 95 percent versus the standard 80 percent.

The BPI MyBahay loan program is open to all qualified individuals, at least 21 years old upon loan application and not more than 70 years old upon loan maturity.

up to the management of our properties.”

NEXT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

With the local tourism industry bouncing back, Department of Tourism (DOT) Director Tanya Rabat-Tan noted that there has been a rise in interest in ecotourism and nature-based tourism in Samal Island.

“Samal is currently our region’s top tourist destination for sun and beach,” said Rabat-Tan. “But Samal is a complete package. There are ecoadventure, culture and nature-based tourism sites that are worthy to be visited when on the island.”

Investors have begun to purchase property in Bridgeport. Among them is Atty. Ryan Lofranco, who professed admiration for Bridgeport’s marina development. More than the promise of peace and quiet, he shared

that he was attracted to Damosa’s consideration for the environment, as evidenced in its efforts not to crowd the area with structures.

“Hindi masikip,” he explained, adding that “Damosa Land is giving a product that has a better return on investment. We do not just look at the money we make, but also the qualitative aspect in terms of health, the serenity of the place, the prestige.”

The Samal Island - Davao City Connector project recently held a groundbreaking ceremony led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte to mark the commencement of the construction of the 3.98km bridge (photo 1).

“In 2027, this bridge will ease the convenience of travel and transport, bringing forth gainful opportunities for many of our people by providing a link between far-flung areas and economic centers,” said President Marcos.

SMART HOMES IN BULACAN.

Township developer Megaworld is launching a residential condominium development inside its 85-hectare Northwin Global City township in the municipalities of Marilao and Bocaue in Bulacan.

Standing 23-storeys high, 9 Central Park will offer 478 units ranging from studio (up to 35.5 square meters), one bedroom (up to 59 square meters), and two bedroom (up to 100 square meters).

Additionally, a few units that are linked together and offer bigger spaces called twinflex units will also be offered as part of this residential development. These range from twinFlex two bedroom with studio (up to 127.5 square meters), twinflex two bedroom with Ddeck (up to 111.5 square meters), to twinflex three bedroom with deck (up to 139.5 square meters). The facade of 9 Central Park features French industrial architecture inspired by Greenwich West in New York City. 9 Central Park will be located just across the township’s soon-to-rise central business district (CBD) called the Northwin Main Street and near the township’s green plaza.

METRO Pacific Investments Foundation Inc. (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), recently distributed 50 bicycles to members of the Aeta Community in Sapang Uwak, Porac, Pampanga.

Through a partnership with Neo Zigma Cycle Corporation and Interval Gear Events Management (IGEM), MPIF mobilized the fifth leg of its Puhunang Pangkabuhayan program for alternative livelihood, with the help of the Pinatubo Eco-Adventure and Cultural Enclave Katutubong Anak ng Mount Pinatubo (PEACE KAMP) and Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. “We are extremely grateful that cycling events similarly organized by Neo Zigma, are able to elevate social consciousness specially for indigenous communities who have been part of our beneficiaries,” said MPIF President Melody del Rosario.

PEACE KAMP, an independent, nonpartisan and non-profit organization, was created to address the lack of opportunity and poverty confronting the Aetas of Sapang Uwak, who like other rural communities, are impacted by the effects of and fallout from insurgency, volcano eruptions, and neglect.

Puhunang Pangkabuhayan is aligned with Gabay Kabuhayan, one of the MVP Group’s Gabay Advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines.

The parola and boardwalk at Damosa Land’s Bridgeport

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., together with Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr., Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, and Samal Mayor Al David T. Uy led the groundbreaking ceremony of the bridge project dubbed Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC).

out to our ‘katutubo’ brethren

Motoring

Toyota

Vios Cup races

finish

Be

THERE is no stopping the thrill and excitement of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Vios Cup—down to the last leg! The third and culminating leg of the 2022 TGR Vios Cup is slated for November 19, 2022, at the Clark International Speedway (CIS) in Pampanga.

The final leg of the TGR Vios Cup will feature three Circuit Championship classes —Super Sporting, Sporting and Promotional—and Autocross Challenge races. These race events will feature seasoned and celebrity racers along with influencers and members of the media who will either defend their places or snatch their way to the podium.

As the 2022 season comes to a close, expect many more speeds and thrills on the track with our participating racers, headed by celebrity racers Daniel Matsunaga, Fabio Ide and Troy Montero, with members of media and influencers Benedict Cua, Patch Magtanong,

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Vios Cup is organized in cooperation with Bridgestone and Petron, and is supported by Brembo, Denso, 3M, AVT, ROTA, OMP, Tuason Racing, myTOYOTA Wallet and Kinto One.

For more information on the TGR Vios Cup, visit toyota.com.ph/gazoo/vios-cup.

Follow Toyota Gazoo Racing on Facebook and TMP’s official pages – Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, toyota.com.ph, ToyotaMotorPH on Twitter, and Toyota PH on Viber – for regular updates on products and services, dealer operations, announcements, and events.

Best time to win lifetime

WITH the skyrocketing fuel prices these days, a promo that has been launched recently by an independent fuel provider is simply superb and badly needed by the local motorists.

That Seaoil promotion’s “Lifetime Free Gas” is a good example of a marketing strategy that would go a long way in helping our motorists in coping with the high prices of oil these days.

And to think that Seaoil’s promo is now on its sixth straight year is a good question to the so-called Big 3 in the country. Why can’t they do it too? Forget about copycats, if Petron, Shell, Caltex, and even those so-called new players can duplicate that kind of promo they would be a great help to all their respective patrons.

If Seaoil can afford to give P5,000-worth of gasoline per month, that’s peanuts to the Big 3, isn’t it?

Imagine, receiving P5,000worth of gasoline per month for a lifetime is a big help to an ordinary motorist especially now that the cost of gas alone eats a big chunk of his salary. There’s no secret that an ordinary car owner these days is scrimping on their hard-earned money just to buy a few liters of gasoline for them to bring their cars to office in order to avoid the long lines in using the public transport. They never even mind the added cost of spiraling parking fees (especially in the Makati and BGC areas) too just to avoid being late or having crumpled shirts full of sweat in going to the office.

That P5,000 a month is P60,000 per year and simply P600,000 for 10 years! That’s already half the amount of an MPV or a pick-up truck these days. And you’re not talking here of just 10 years, it’s just as long as you live for the rest of your life because the term here is LIFETIME.

I am no promoter of Seaoil, but let’s give credit to their ingenious promo that can help motorists a lot. Given the proper promotion, it will generate enough sense to the motorists to go and patronize its

products in order to get a chance of winning a lifetime supply of gasoline.

Compared with the lotto, this promo has more chances of winning and has already developed credibility since winners are being shown to the public and they (winners) even went out of their way to tell their own stories.

Last year’s winners are a Grab delivery rider (Jomar Alluag), a FoodPanda delivery rider Jason Deposoy, and a working student/driver Jenreel Alger. Among other past winners were working moms, jeepney drivers, and entrepreneurs. Words definitely spread like fire when they won and were seen live to tell their respective stories to their colleagues. Those P5,000worth of gasoline per month had definitely made changes in their respective lives for the better.

Looking at this Seaoil promotion, one will simply ask why Petron, Shell, and Caltex could not come up with this kind of promo? For the record, Seaoil’s promo started last Nov. 14 up to Feb. 13, 2023. Just buy Seaoil products worth P500 and you’re in the running for one of the three lucky winners – one from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao -- of “Lifetime Free Gas.” What’s more surprising here is that there will also be 9 winners – 3 each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao –who can buy an exclusive price of only P10 per liter of fuel for one year through its PriceLOCQ, Seaoil’s mobile app that allows its customers to lock fuel prices for later use.

Well, I tell you again, I am no Seaoil promoter but this is one promo that needs to be considered if you are to buy fuel for your car tomorrow. Winning a lifetime supply of fuel is no joke, really!

charge it up like a smartphone.

The second prominent vehicle is the HongQi H9, which most people would label as a Chinese “rip-off” of Rolls-Royce.

Last November 8, FOTON Philippines successfully turned over FOTON F-Jeepney F29 units to GNTSC, at the Gumamela Hall Convention Center in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. GNTSC’s fleet is now twice as ready to cater to the public with FOTON’s modern jeepneys after the momentous partnership, which FOTON Marilao dealership successfully closed.

The FOTON F-Jeepney F29 modern jeepneys, with their robust build, are especially designed to meet the standards and demands of urban and provincial roads. Their high-powered engines assure an outstanding shelf life, a foremost requirement for public utility vehicles.

On its second year, JSK, in partnership with Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, brings another spectacular event you shouldn’t miss. The event is a gathering of shops, auto groups and aspiring enthusiasts to reinvigorate the local motoring scene. Providing laid-back, highly quality and family friendly events has always been the focus of JSK in bringing people with the same interest together. It will open opportunities for businesses, educate enthusiasts and

inspire car lovers of all ages.

Every year, the team aims to raise the bar higher for car-events to bring back the level it once has. It’s not all about the number of participants joining every year, it’s also about the spirit of friendly competition where enthusiasts and shops learn from each other, helping each other improve their craft.

Cash prizes will be given to the winners of the major categories and the best shops.

Games, entertainment and raffle are also the things to expect in the event. The car show will also coincide with a bazaar participated by some of the staff from Midori where products from the different parts of the country will be highlighted.

The bazaar will be from December 1-3, 2022 and the car show will be on

The FOTON F-Jeepney F-29 is a 29-seater passenger vehicle, powered by a 3.8-liter Cummins ISF engine, capable of producing 154 hp. These features mate with its 500 Nm of torque at 1200-1900 rpm, one of the most lauded features for a workhorse that caters best for day-to-day mobility. These modern jeepney units ensure an improved safety and comfort for passengers, with modern functionalities such as a multi-camera security, an automatic fare collection system, and trackers. The FOTON F-Jeepney F29 is among the top-tier lines of FOTON Philippines’ Euro IV-compliant modern PUVs, such as the 26-seater F-Jeepney Class 3, and the F-Jeepney F11 that can carry 11 passengers.

SINCE its economic boom in the 1990s, The People’s Republic of China has asserted itself as the dominant Asian powerhouse, with almost every nation relying on the giant as a major trading partner and a leading supplier of essential goods.

Not long ago, anything made in China was considered cheap and substandard. However, there are significant general improvements in the Chinese market, shaping how consumers perceive Chinese-made goods.

The growth of the automotive manufacturing industry has helped the Chinese population’s average income increase. With their new found strength in purchasing power, the world of manufacturing has stepped up.

Since then, there has been an enormous rise and improvement in the Chinese automotive industry, as seen with brands locally producing technologically advanced vehicles like the Nio EP9 and XPeng X7.

With these international partnerships comes cooperation in the technological field. Here, China began its rise as a technological hub, inventing innovations such as 5G networking and other unique widgets in the fields of science and computers.

There

of

December 3, 2022 at Midori Clark Hotel and Casino. The proceeds of the event will be donated to a cause selected by JSK.

The team would like to thank their sponsors for the never ending support they gave throughout the years: Midori Clark Hotel and Casino, Nitto Tires, Shft International, 10 inch Lights and Sounds, Decal Republic, Motul, Meguiar’s, Clark Freeport, Eurotel, Aikka Paint, Amaron, Elf Lubricant, Top1 Oil Philippines, S5S AutoHub, Scarecrow House of DJ, Ginoh’s Giant Takoyaki, Kinghok General Merchandise, Neuton Power Batteries, Ben’s OK Tires and Magwheels, Auto

Joint

themselves.

Nio

It is no doubt clear that China’s auto manufacturing capabilities are starting to rise above its counterparts from the West and Japan, this is mainly due to the collaborations between them despite political tensions.

There are two prominent vehicles that serve as great examples to these feats such as the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV, which made headlines not only in China but also overseas for having the size of a typical mini-car at the price of a motorcycle.

The Wuling was a success domestically in China, where consumers were drawn to its price and fashionable looks. At the price of just $3,400 USD. This would undoubtedly attract Filipino consumers who want the vehicle for their everyday commute and convenience to

The front fascia boasts of the H9 a massive grille paired with an aerodynamic, Audi A7-esque frame; HongQi is prominent for being a status symbol among government officials and an affordable alternative to the conventional likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, or Audi A8. Like most modern cars in China, it’s a hybrid. While it has only made its global launch in the United Arab Emirates, rumors of its arrival in the Philippines imply that executives can have a choice for their dailydriven luxury sedans.

May

It is no doubt that Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have a stronghold in the market, brought about by the ease of obtaining spare parts at local part stores, if not at dealerships or service centers, along with the obvious factor of build quality and usability.

Chinese manufacturers, on the other hand, like certain manufacturers which only entered/re-entered the market in the last decade or two (e.g. Peugeot, Volkswagen) will have to compete with the established mindset of the Filipino consumers when it comes to cars. While Chinese manufacturers, as mentioned earlier, are advantageous in cost, sourcing parts and servicing aren’t as accessible since most of these manufacturers would prefer servicing vehicles at the dealership to ensure the quality and genuineness of the parts.

Japanese car manufacturers offered consumers an alternative to American and European manufacturers in price and size.

On the other hand, Chinese car manufacturers are following in the Japanese’s footsteps, but mostly in electrification. So if it’s bringing about ushering in the future of automakers, it will no doubt be China who delivers.

By: Chelsie Alquinto and Julian Cardenas (with words from Carlito De Leon)

is also a matter

joint ventures here, as seen Wuling working with General Motors (GM) and the takeover of British Morris Garages (MG) by SAIC and Swedish Volvo by Geely.

ventures and takeovers mean a fair share of technology that both companies use to improve

From the start, Chinese car companies began with substandard copied products but fast forward to the late 2010s and early 2020s- China stunned the world with brands such as the Hongqi luxury line- which became labeled as the Chinese Rolls Royce.

and XPeng, EV companies that produce vehicles advanced enough to rival Tesla and Geely- a well-praised automotive line that took over the Swedish automaker Volvo and made excellent crossover vehicles, such as the Coolray, which became a popular top-selling vehicle in the Philippines.

Chinese manufacturers continue to emerge and penetrate the market.

it be through new energy vehicles and hybrids, which not only speak of the dragon economy of China, but also how stigmas are slowly being erased in the automotive industry.

THE Grotto-Novaliches Transport Service Cooperative (GNTSC), one of the growing transport organizations servicing the MuñozNovaliches routes, bolsters its public transportation operations by opting for the FOTON F-Jeepney F29.

Gracing the turnover ceremony were City Mayor Arthuro B. Robes, Vice Mayor Efren Bartolome, GNTSC Chairman Jayson Valerio, FOTON Philippines President Erroll Dueñas, FOTON Philippines Vice President for Sales Levy S. Santos, Chief Financial Officer Jerryme

Garcia and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Rommel Juan of Centro Manufacturing Corp.

By Aj Rivera

FROM the people behind the longest car convoy of different brands; JSK Auto Fun Run for a cause and JSK Custom Paint and Auto Works brings you - AUTO

SHOWDOWN 2022

Transporter, Eagle Broadcasting, Power Wheels Magazine, MAD Films, H2G Productions and Manila Standard.

part of the cheering crowd at CIS, free admission for everyone—just don’t forget to bring your vaccination cards to present upon your entry—or catch the thrill and excitement online through our livestream at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines official Facebook page. Races start at 9:30 AM so be sure to arrive or tune in early!

Miguel Romulo, Bianca Yao, Dexi Diaz, Lexi Mendiola, Gino Quillamor, Jules Aquino, Carla Lizardo, Ashley Gosiengfiao, Arron Villaflor, and Enzo Pineda.

As a bonus for the live racing audience, GR Garage booths will be selling official GR merchandise and accessories. GR vehicles will also be displayed.

Ronaldo launches 1st NFT collection with Binance

CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s first NFT collection is now as part of an ex clusive, multi-year partnership with Binance, the world’s leading block chain ecosystem, and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider.

The launch is supported by a global marketing campaign featuring Ron aldo, aiming to give his fans an intro duction to Web3 through the world of NFTs.

“We believe the metaverse and blockchain are the future of the inter net,” said Binance Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer He Yi. “We are honored to collaborate with Cris tiano to help more people understand blockchain and showcase how we are building Web3 infrastructure for the sports and entertainment industry.”

“It was important to me that we created something memorable and unique for my fans as they are such a big part of my success,” said Ronaldo. “With Binance, I was able to make something that not only captures the passion of the game but rewards fans for all the years of support.”

The inaugural Cristiano Ronaldo NFT collection will drop on Novem ber 18 (9 a.m. UTC) and feature seven animated statues with four rarity lev els: Super Super Rare (SSR), Super Rare (SR), Rare (R), and Normal (N). Each NFT statue depicts Ronaldo in an iconic moment from his life, from career-defining bicycle kicks to his childhood in Portugal.

○ The 45 highest value CR7 NFTs (5 SSR and 40 SR) will be held for auction on the Binance NFT mar ketplace. The auction will remain open for 24 hours, with NFTs awarded to the highest bidder. Bidding prices will start at 10,000 BUSD for SSR and 1,700 BUSD for SR.

● The remaining 6,600 NFTs (600 R and 6,000 N) will be offered on Binance Launchpad, starting at 77 BUSD for the Normal rarity.

● Each rarity level will come with its own set of exclusive perks, ranging from:

● Personal message from Cristiano Ronaldo

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Tech & Gadgets

TAIWAN EXCELLENCE MOBILE CLASSROOM

Providing access to modern, basic education to indigents in countryside

AN innovative concept in education, the “Taiwan Excellence Mobile Classroom” was launched in order to provide quality education to marginalized members of society, especially those in the countryside.

Thanks to the Taiwanese government for holding the “Taiwan Excellence: Shar ing is Caring” competition, and to SEED 4Com (Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development for Communities) for com ing up with the concept, which started with a bicycle and sidecar plus minimal ameni ties, the classroom will cater to the educa tional needs.

The Taiwan Excellence Mobile Class room is equipped with Taiwan Excel lence products such as display monitors, plus laptops for both learners and teach ers. To make it fully sustainable, solar panels with a full inverter system and battery storage with a 3kWh capacity were also installed, plus speaker systems and microphones, including foldable chairs, tables and tents to make it truly resemble a classroom. The companies are: United Renewable Energy, GIGABYTE Technology, ASUSTeK Comput er, Acer, Dacian Technology Material, Team Group Inc. and IPEVO Inc.

To give the concept a more scientific approach, the Department of Education (DepEd) provided the DepEd-developed Alternative Learning System (ALS) learn ing modules that will be used in the Taiwan Excellence Mobile Classroom’s rollout in Cebu and Quezon areas. The program tar gets to provide education to those in need. By undergoing classes at the Taiwan Ex cellence Mobile Classroom, learners will be taught subjects such as Integrated Math, Entrepreneurship, Life Skills, and Digital Citizenship.

The launch of Taiwan Excellence Mo bile Classroom that was held at the Centen nial Hall of the Manila Hotel along Roxas Boulevard in Manila saw the presence of officials and representatives from Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade under the coun

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Additionally, new users who regis ter with Binance.com (and complete KYC) will receive a Cristiano Ronal do Mystery Box. These boxes may in clude limited-edition Ronaldo NFTs.

The CR7 Mystery Boxes are available for the first 1.5M new Binance users who sign up with referral ID RON ALDO.

For US-based users, Binance.US - the US partner to Binance.com - is providing a free souvenir NFT for thresholds of USD deposits made on the platform within the promotion period. Users who receive the souve nir NFT will gain whitelist access to purchase future CR7 NFTs. To par ticipate in the promotion, new and existing US users must register here. Future sets of the Cristiano Ron aldo NFT collection will be available in early 2023. All collections will be available exclusively on Binance.com; follow Binance on Twitter for the lat est updates.

AMAZON recently announced Echo Show 8 International Version and the next generation of Echo Dot International Version and Echo Dot with Clock International Version are available to ship to customers in the Philippines, giving you more ways to bring the convenience of Al exa to every room of your home.

In the Philippines, customers can use Alexa in English to access local news and radio sta tions, local knowledge, and some of Alexa’s other most popular features including timers, alarms, weather, smart home, and Alexa-toAlexa calling.

try’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Phil ippines, Manila Economic and Cultural Of fice, and from the DepEd.

“With the efforts of all devoted parties, the ‘Taiwan Excellence Mobile Classroom’ project will offer greater educational op

portunities for learners of all ages in the Philippines. Today’s event is a start to con nect with respective communities, a start to unite bilateral goodwill for those in need, and a start to trigger more parties to go for global environmental, social and govern ance (ESG) goals,” says Cynthia Kiang,

For his part, Ambassador Michael Pei yung Hsu

the

Office (TECO)

the Philippines said that Taiwan, being one of the leading innovators in the IT and tech industry, ex pressed gladness that Taiwan Excellence has gathered many parties’ efforts to make this philanthropic idea, the “Taiwan Excel lence Mobile Classroom,” come true.

“I believe that this is an initiative and there will be more empowerment programs from bilateral agencies and enterprises. Our friendship and relationship will for sure be enhanced and strengthened,” Ambassador Hsu added.

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

Converge, DOTr, airport authorities partner to roll out free public WIFI at 9 PH airports

LEADING fiber broadband network provider Con verge ICT Solutions Inc. has partnered with the De partment of Transportation and airport operators to extend free public wifi services in the passenger terminals of nine international and domestic airports across the country.

On Thursday, Converge signed a memorandum of agreement with the DOTr, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Mactan-Cebu International Air port Authority, Manila International Airport Author ity, and Davao International Airport Authority for the provisioning of free, fast, and reliable internet services in the departure and arrival areas of selected airports in the country.

“Our airports are gateways to and from our country and they play a vital role in leaving a positive impression on the Philippines for tourists and locals alike. As an ICT company, we recognize our role in providing the con nectivity and the right technology to ensure that people have a great experience in these facilities. It is therefore, our honor to extend our capabilities to the DoTr, CAAP, and all our partner airports as we work together to em power travelers in this digital age,” said Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy.

Converge is given 90 days from the signing of the MOA to come out with a roll-out plan and expects to launch its first free public wifi by the first quarter next year. The fiber internet provider is bringing to gether its technology partners to provide this free wifi service to airport passengers.

“We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of Echo devices in the Philippines with the ad dition of International Versions of Echo Show 8, the all-new Echo Dot, and Echo Dot with Clock. Alexa is there to simplify your day-today life when you need it. With the new sen sors and technology built into Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock, customers can have Al exa do even more on their behalf,” said Eric Saarnio, Vice President, Amazon Devices In ternational.

“The joint project signifies our commitment to im prove the connectivity services in our transport facili ties, particularly in our airports,” said DOTr Secre tary Jaime Bautista.

Secretary Bautista also recognized the vital role played by DOJ in this initiative.

“The DOJ fully supports the transformation of our airports, passengers safety and convenience is a prior

ity of this administration,” said Secretary of Justice and CAAP Board Principal Member Crispin “Boy ing” C. Remulla.

“Through our board memberships, we provide legal clarity and certainty for all our partners and stake holders,” he said.

The said free public connectivity will cover the ar rival and departure areas of all the terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Francisco Bangoy In ternational Airport, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Several CAAP-operated airports are also covered in the project which are Bacolod-Silay Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Laoag International Airport; Pagadian Airport; Tacloban Airport; and Zamboanga International Airport.

Through the said partnership, Converge will pro vide free access to fast, reliable, and secure internet services for 120 minutes a day per registered user. Passengers will experience a minimum bandwidth speed of 1Gbps at 80 percent service reliability at the arrival and departure areas of each passenger termi nal building of the said airports.

As of the third quarter of 2022, Converge now has more than 6.7 million fiber ports nationwide, making it the largest fiber infrastructure network in the Phil ippines. This puts Converge’s household coverage at 53%, on track to reach the accelerated target to cover approximately 55% of households in the Philippines by 2023.

bedroom light when Alexa detects the sound of your baby crying.

New Echo Dot and Echo Dot with

“With Echo Show 8, we focused on creating experiences that would add even more value to our customers—bringing a powerful camera and digital pan and zoom capabilities, plus the ability to securely access the built-in camera to check in on home when you’re away.”

Echo Show 8—Featuring a 13-megapixel, wide-angle camera that keeps you centered in frame

The Echo Show 8 has a vibrant 8-inch HD screen with an adaptive color display; a power ful, 13-megapixel camera with a built-in cam era cover; an octa-core processor; and dual stereo speakers for clear, balanced sound. It also allows you to make video calls via Alexa and turn your home screen into a digital gal lery via Amazon Photos.

With dual stereo speakers and an HD dis play, Echo Show 8 delivers an immersive en tertainment experience. Simply ask Alexa to browse shows or films from streaming ser vices like Prime Video and Netflix or play your favorite music from services like Spotify.

Alexa can show you playlist or station recommendations based on the song playing, making it easier to discover your next fa vorite artist or song. Manage your smart home by controlling compatible devices like light bulbs, plugs, and camera using the interactive display or your voice. You can also monitor your home any time using the Echo Show 8 from the Alexa app or other Echo Show devices.

With a new range of more proactive features, Alexa can save you time and energy with Routine. Turn on the lights or check the weath er with this feature to start your day. It also lets you automatically power off compatible devices or recognize certain sounds to auto mate a series of actions. For example, you can create a Routine that gradually turns on your

Clock—Even Better Audio, New Temperature Sensor, Tap Gesture Controls, and Upgraded LED Display The all-new Echo Dot Inter national Version and Echo Dot with Clock International Version are the most powerful yet. The redesigned audio architecture features a custom full-range driver and the highest excur sion speaker of any Echo Dot, delivering clear vocals and up to double the bass of the previous generation—all within the same compact form.

Echo Dot International Ver sion and Echo Dot with Clock International Version have new sensors that enable more contextual Alexa experiences. The new generation’s accelerometer also ena bles tap gesture controls, so you can simply tap the top of the device to pause and resume music, dismiss timers, or end a call.

Shown here are (from left) MECO Directors Tomas M. Guno, Reynaldo R. Simpao, Roberto F. De Leon, Mark Sy (Educational Technology Program Head - DepEd Central Office); MECO chairman and resident representative Silvestre H. Bello III, Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO); Merlina P. Cruz, Schools Division Superintendent of Bulacan, Lorena S. Walangsumbat, Curriculum Implementation Division Chief, Wilfreda D. Bongalos, Schools Division Superintendent of Lapu-Lapu, Director Alex Lai (TAITRA Manila), Josephine Shun (Director of Economic Division, Teco Manila) and Yvonne Fu (TECO Manila).

Cristiano Ronaldo

Shown here are (seated) DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and Dennis Anthony H. Uy, CEO and co-founder of Converge; (from left, standing), CAAP director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo; Atty Chito Salud, EVP and Head of Government Relations and Sports Affairs, Converge; Usec. Roberto Lim, DOTr; Usec. Geronimo L. Sy, Department of Justice; MIAA general manager Cesar Chiong; MCIAA General Manager Julius Neri and DIAA General Manager Rex Obcena.

Director-General of Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) during her welcome remarks.

of

Taipei Economic and Cultural

in