Manila Standard - 2022 November 22 - Tuesday

Harris: We stand with PH in SCS

Assures PBBM of US commitment to uphold int’l rules under MDT

By Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

US VICE President Kamala Harris on Monday assured President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that an attack on the Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke America’s “unwavering commitment” under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

“We stand with you in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea,” Harris told Marcos at the start of a visit aimed at countering China and rebuilding ties that were fractured over human rights abuses during the previous administration.

Harris is the highest-ranking US of ficial to visit Manila since President Ferdinand Marcos took power in June, signaling a growing rapport between the longtime allies after years of frosty relations under his Beijing-friendly pre decessor Rodrigo Duterte.

She also met with her Philippine counterpart Sara Duterte, the daughter of the former leader whose deadly drug war sparked an international investiga tion into alleged human rights abuses.

In their meeting at the Palace, Mar cos told Harris he did not “see a fu ture for the Philippines that does not include the United States.”

The United States has a long and complex relationship with the Philip pines -- and the Marcos family. Mar cos’s dictator father ruled the former US colony for two decades with the support of Washington, which saw him as a Cold War ally.

Relations between the two countries soured under the foul-mouthed Duterte. In 2016, Duterte called Barack Obama a “son of a whore” over warnings he would be questioned by the then US president over his controversial drug war.

Washington is now seeking to bolster its security alliance with Manila under

China seizes rocket debris from PH Navy, Beijing clarifies incident

Food diplomacy: Sara, Kamala swap notes on fried ‘lumpia’

WHEN two powerful women—Vice President Sara Duterte and visiting US Vice President Kamala Harris –met for the first time yesterday, the discussion ranged from security to their favorite food.

“I love lumpia, too,” Harris said af ter Duterte recommended that she try out Filipino dishes such as adobo, le chon and kare-kare.

“I have lots, all the time. I have many people working in my office who are Filipino-American, so whenever we have holiday parties, there is a big table of [lumpia],” the US leader said during

Zubiri backs intel fund, budget oversight panel

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Slightly lower oil price cuts effective today

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country’s oil firms cut pump prices by P2.15 for diesel, P2.10 per liter for kerosene, and P0.40 per liter for gasoline effective 6 a.m. Tuesday –slightly lower rollbacks than the fore cast made over the weekend

“Petron will implement the following price rollbacks effective 6 a.m. on No vember 22: P0.40 per liter for gasoline, P2.15 per liter for diesel, and P2.10 per

Lawyer

NEGOTIATIONS on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement have begun that could lead to future sales of US nuclear reac tors to the Philippines, the White House said Monday.

The “123 agreement” is one of the initiatives US Vice President Kamala Harris launched during her visit in the Philippines.

“Once in force, this agreement will provide the legal ba sis for US exports of nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines,” the White House said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the vice president’s husband, Douglas Emhoff, who is traveling with Harris, said the United States is giving an additional $5 million (about P286 million) in additional COVID-19 funding to speed up the rollout of vaccines in the Philippines.

Emhoff made the statement during the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Healthy and Safe Back to School Event in Caloocan Monday. The event was attended by Emhoff, USAID

By Rey E. Requejo

THE camp of suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag on Monday received his subpoena in con nection with the murder complaints filed against him over the deaths of

broadcaster Perival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and New Bilibid Prison in mate Jun Villamor.

Bantag’s lawyer, Rocky Balisong, ac cepted the subpoena from the Depart ment of Justice.

THE Philippine Navy on Monday accused the Chinese coast guard of seizing a floating object that its troops had just recovered in disputed South China Sea waters.

A senior Filipino navy official made the allegation on the eve of a visit by US

Vice President Kamala Harris to Pala wan aimed at boosting ties amid Chi na’s growing regional clout. A Chinese coastguard vessel on Sunday blocked a Filipino rubber boat towing an “unidentified floating object” toward Phil

ippine-garrisoned Thitu island in the Sprat ly group, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said. The coast guard vessel then deployed an inflatable boat team which “forcefully retrieved said floating object by cutting the towing line attached to the (Filipino)

rubber boat,” he said in a statement. But according to a statement from the Chinese embassy in Manila, there was no use of force in retrieving the object at the scene.

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday sponsored Senate Resolu tion No. 302 which seeks to create an

oversight committee for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) which amounts to P9.28 billion in the pro posed 2023 national budget.

Zubiri underscored the need for the

US President Joe Biden

Former First Lady Amelita Ramos

STRENGTHENED TIES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomes visiting US Vice President Kamala Harris in Malacañang on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. Mr. Marcos says their meeting bolsters bilateral ties ‘when it comes to matters related to security and economy.’

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo lead the

LIGHT MOMENT. US Vice President Kamala Harris shares a light moment with Philippine Vice President Sara DuterteCarpio at the Aguado House in Manila on Nov. 21, 2022. AFP

House OKs bill on media protection

By Maricel V. Cruz

WITH an overwhelming 252 votes, the House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill providing for enhanced protection, security and benefits for workers in the media industry.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the approval of the measure “highlights the importance we in the House give to promoting the welfare of media personnel and ensuring that the press remains free.”

“We regard the Fourth Estate as an essential partner in nation building and in protecting our democracy,” he said.

HB 454 is a consolidation of five re lated measures authored by scores of House members.

The proposed law “shall apply to all media workers and media entities in the private sector.”

It defines “media entities” as “per sons or organizations, including media networks and operators that actively gather information of potential inter est to a segment of the public, turn col lected information into a distinct work or distribute that work to an audience within the Philippines.”

“Media workers” are “those who are legitimately engaged in news media practice directly or indirectly, whether

Harris:... From mst.daydesk@gmail.com TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022 A2

Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Var iava, USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn, Caloocan City Mayor Dale Malapitan, Metro Manila Center for Health Development Regional Direc tor Dr. Gloria Balboa, Department of Education officials, and Department of Health officials led by DOH Offic er-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, held at Gregoria De Jesus Elementary School, Caloocan City.

The US assistance, funded through the American Rescue Plan, will sup port vaccine distribution for children and adults in line with the Philippine government’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts to intensify and strengthen the country’s wall of immunity.

The US government has provid ed nearly $50 million in COVID response assistance to the Philip pines and donated, in partnership with COVAX, more than 33 million COVID-19 doses since the begin ning of the pandemic.

as a principal occupation or not.”

The term “block timer” refers to “one who buys airtime from radio and televi sion franchise holders.”

The bill provides that the minimum compensation for media workers shall not be less than the applicable mini mum wage set by the Regional Tripar tite Wage and Productivity Board.

They shall be entitled to overtime and night shift pay as provided under the Labor Code and related laws.

Media personnel shall be covered by the Social Security System, Home De velopment Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund and the Philippine Health Insur ance Corp. upon employment. Monthly premiums shall be shared by the worker and the employer in accordance with existing rules.

Personnel required to physically re port for work in dangerous places such as embattled and disease-stricken areas shall receive a hazard pay of P500 a day. Employers shall provide them with safety gear like bulletproof vests and

protective equipment.

Media workers shall be entitled to P200,000 death benefit, disability ben efit of up to P200,000 and medical in surance of up to P100,000.

They shall be deemed as regular employees after six months from the start of employment. An em ployer shall not terminate the ser vices of an employee except for a just cause and with the observance of due process.

All labor-related disputes shall be settled by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office which has jurisdiction over the workplace.

HB No. 454 holds media entities as responsible for all content released in their platforms, including those pur veyed by block timers, except when they are able to prove that they exer cised due diligence or that the fault, misconduct or violation of law was done solely by the media worker or block timer.

Violations of the proposed law shall be punished with applicable penalties under the Labor Code.

The bill directs the DoLE secretary to initiate the creation of the News Me dia Tripartite Council which shall serve as a link among various stakeholders, and provide a platform where media

tor of the US-based Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

workers and employers can agree on mutually beneficial policies and pro grams, and can settle disputes.

The measure mandates the DoLE secretary, in coordination with stake holders, to issue implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from the bill’s enactment.

Other authors include House Ma jority Leader Manuel Jose M. Dalipe, Reps. Patrick Michael D. Vargas, Jef frey Soriano, Eric G. Yap, Paolo Z. Duterte, Edvic G. Yap, Raul Angelo Bongalon, Luis Raymund Jr., Vil lafuerte, Miguel Luis Villafuerte, Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata, Nico las VIII C. Enciso, Alfred C. Delos Santos, France L. Castro, Arlene D. Brosas, Raoul Danniel A. Manuel, Juan Fidel Felipe F. Nograles, Mary Mitzi L. Cajayon-Uy, Charisse Anne C. Hernandez, Keith Micah D.L. Tan, Allan U. Ty, Christopherson M. Yap, Munir Jr. N. Arbison, Christopher V.P. De Venecia, Edcel C. Lagman, Romeo M. Acop, Bonifacio L. Bosita, Carl Nicolas C. Cari, Edwin L. Gardi ola, Mark O. Go, Gerville R. Luistro, Khymer Adan T. Olasa, Rodolfo M. Ordanes, Florida P. Robes, Geraldine B. Roman, Roman T. Romulo, Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos, Leody F. Tarriela, Jocelyn P. Tulfo, Richard Gomez, and Felimon M. Espares.

“In the United States, by last count, there are at least 4 million FilipinoAmericans,” she said.

“At around 8:00 am on November 20 a China Coast Guard ship found an uni dentified floating object in the waters off the Nansha Islands, which was later identified as the wreckage of the fairing of a rocket recently launched by China,” the embassy said, citing the spokesper son of China’s foreign ministry.

“Before the China Coast Guard found the said floating object some Philippine Navy personnel already retrieved and towed it. After friendly consultation the Philippine side re turned the floating object to the Chi nese side on the spot,” the Chinese embassy added.

Th embassy said the Chinese side “ex pressed gratitude to the Philippine side.”

“There was no so-called blocking of the course of a Philippine Navy boat and forcefully retrieving the object at the scene,” it added.

The object “looks similar” to float ing debris that resembled Chinese rocket fragments that were recovered this month from the island of Busuan ga, north of Palawan, military spokes woman Major Cherryl Tindog told re porters. AFP, Rey E. Requejo

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her courtesy call on Duterte.

the new president. That includes a Mutual Defense Trea ty and a 2014 pact, known by the acro nym EDCA, which allows for the US military to store defense equipment and supplies on five Philippine bases.

It also allows US troops to rotate through those military bases.

EDCA stalled under Duterte but the United States and the Philippines have expressed support for accelerating its implementation as China becomes in creasingly assertive.

“We have identified new locations and have begun a process with the Philippines to finalize those,” a US official told reporters on condition of anonymity ahead of Harris’s meeting with Marcos.

On Tuesday, Harris will visit the is land province of Palawan, which lies along hotly contested waters in the South China Sea.

China claims sovereignty over almost the entire sea, while the Philippines, Vi etnam, Malaysia and Brunei have over lapping claims to parts of it.

Beijing has ignored a 2016 interna tional tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines and its findings that China’s expansive claims have no legal basis.

liter for kerosene. These reflect move ments in the international oil market,” Petron Corp. said in an advisory.

PTT Philippines, Phoenix Petro leum Philippines, Seaoil Philippines, PetroGazz, Cleanfuel and Chevron Philippines also cut pump prices.

The rollbacks were a bit lower than the initial forecast of P2.10 to P2.30 per liter for diesel and P0.80 to P0.90 per liter for gasoline.

Department of Energy director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said this was due to an increase in freight cost and premium for ethanol products.

“We saw and just received the sub poena for our client, General Gerald Bantag,” Balisong said in an ambush interview, adding that his client is “very ready” to face the investigation.

Balisong said Bantag wanted to ac company him to receive the subpoena at the DOJ.

“He really wanted to come with us. He really wanted to go. But we told him that he need not go with us since we would get the subpoena. We are armed with the special power of attor ney,” he said.

However, Balisong said Bantag is al lowed to miss the hearing.

“Yeah, it’s allowed. It depends on what will happen on Wednesday. If we will submit the counter affidavit

Harris will meet members of the Phil ippine Coast Guard on board one of the country’s two biggest coast guard ves sels and deliver a speech.

Harris’s trip to the Philippines is part of US efforts to remove any doubt about its commitment to the Asia-Pa cific as China aggressively expands its regional influence.

It comes after Harris and US Presi dent Joe Biden met separately with Chi nese President Xi Jinping last week.

Harris reinforced Biden’s message that “we must maintain open lines of communication to responsibly man age the competition between our countries” while speaking to Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Eco nomic Cooperation forum in Bang kok, a White House official said.

While her trip to Palawan would likely annoy China, the United States had more to gain from send ing a message of reassurance to the Philippines, said Greg Poling, direc

and the panel requires that it should be subscribed before them, then he will go with us,” he said.

“But we will see if it can be sub scribed before other prosecutors… Maybe he doesn’t have to come with us,” Balisong added.

Bantag has been tagged as the al leged mastermind behind the kill ing of Lapid and Villamor, who was named by self-confessed gunman Joel Escorial as one of two alleged middle men in the murder contract.

The preliminary investigation hear ing on the case is set on Wednesday, November 23.

Mabasa was shot dead in Las Pi nas City on Oct. 3, while Villamor died at the NBP which is under the Bureau of Corrections.

An autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortin showed the remains of Villamor to have a “history of as

“The Philippines will be much more reassured than China will be irritated,” Poling said.

Duterte shared to Harris that both fried and fresh lumpia taste great, to which the US Vice President said she preferred the fried version with lemon dipping sauce.

Among the initiatives to be launched during Harris’s trip are negotiations for a civilian nuclear pact between the United States and the Philippines.

That could lead to the future sales of US nuclear reactors to the Philippines.

Marcos is a strong supporter of renewable energy and has insisted on the need to reconsider building nuclear power plants in the disasterprone country.

However, before the United States can sell nuclear equipment to the Philippines, the two countries must sign a civilian nuclear pact known as a “123 agreement,” which is de signed to prevent the spread of nu clear weapons.

President Marcos said he was de lighted to welcome Harris to the Philip pines, her first visit to the country, after a very brief conversation in Bangkok, Thailand, during their participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

“The relationship between our two countries is something that we both — both our countries have really come to depend upon. And the more the upheav als that we are seeing, especially in the region, this partnership becomes even more important,” the President told the US vice president.

“The situation is rapidly changing. We must evolve to be properly respon sive to that situation,” he added.

Harris, who paid a courtesy call to President Marcos in Malacanang on Monday, said ties between the two countries had a long history.

“The relationship between the Phil ippines and the United States is a long and enduring one. It is one relation ship that is strong for so many rea sons. It is the long-standing relation ship in terms of the people-to-people ties,” Harris told the President.

“The basis of our relationship is mul tifaceted. Our relationship is based on mutual commitment to the economic prosperity of the region and our respec tive nations,” she added.

She also cited the “thriving” Filipino community in the US in her meeting with President Marcos.

phyxia by plastic bag suffocation.”

As this developed, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he received information about the whereabouts of BuCor Senior Superintendent Ricardo Zulueta last week.

Zulueta also faces prosecution for the murder charges along with other inmates.

“I had information a week ago on where he was, at least. Someone told our sourc es,” Remulla said but did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, Remulla on Monday said he has ordered a study on the pos sible violations Bantag committed over the huge excavation at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

“I have asked my staff to study all possible cases that are there,” Remulla said. “That excavation definitely re sulted in damages to the government. It will cost us a lot of money and time to fill that up.”

Remulla said about 1.2 million cu

Harris arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, in what was the first visit in five years by a high-ranking US of ficial since former President Donald Trump visited the country for the 2017 APEC Summit.

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday welcomed the visit of the US vice president, saying it would serve to bolster the long-standing security alliance and economic relations be tween the two countries.

Harris, accompanied by her husband, lawyer Doug Emhoff, touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 6:55 pm Sunday on board Air Force 2 aircraft.

“The visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris is a welcome devel opment as it would serve to rein force the enduring alliance, part nership, and friendship between the Philippines and the United States,” Romualdez said.

Senators said Harris’ visit was “an im portant recognition of the Philippines.”

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Senate Minority Leader Aquino Pi mentel and Senator Christopher Go said the visit symbolizes that the US consid ers the Philippines a good partner and a close ally.

Pimentel said China should not complain or misinterpret or give other meaning to the visit of Harris since the Philippines has been accepting visitors within its territory.

But a legislator from Mindanao, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, said the visit sends a clear signal to China that the US is sup porting the Philippines in its territorial dispute with Beijing.

He said before Harris arrived in Manila, a US official told the press that the visit would show the Biden administration’s “commitment to stand with our Philippine ally in up holding the rules-based international maritime order in the South China Sea, supporting maritime livelihoods and countering illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.”

That is consistent with the aspiration of President Marcos to push for a code of conduct in the South China Sea, in cluding the West Philippine Sea, which China should respect and abide by, Rod riguez said. With AFP

bic meters of earth were removed from the excavation, which has to be filled again.

The Justice Secretary said Bantag admitted to him that the purpose of the excavation was for treasure hunting.

However, Bantag denied having said that “treasure hunting” was the purpose of the excavation, insisting it was for the building of a large diving pool which would be used for training by BuCor personnel who are also engaged in res cue operations during calamities.

“It’s his word against mine,” Re mulla said.

Bantag said the excavation was done with the help of Agua Tierra Oro Mina Development Corporation (ATOM), a firm based in Gen. Tinio in Nueva Ecija.

He also admitted that he entered into a joint venture agreement (JVA) with ATOM for the transfer of the

On a more serious note, Duterte told her US counterpart that security and anti-terrorism are among her priority agenda.

“VP Sara Duterte said that coming from Mindanao, one of her agendas is security and anti-terrorism. She said, ‘security is my first love,’” the Office of the Vice President said in a state ment after the courtesy call.

Joining the two women leaders during the meeting were Duterte’s chief of staff Zuleika Lopez, Phil ippine Ambassador to the US Jose ManuelRomualdez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and DFA Assistant Secretary for the Office of American Affairs JV Chan Gon zaga, US Ambassador to the Philip pines MaryKay Carlson, National Security Advisor to the Vice Presi dent Philip Gordon, and chief of staff Lorraine Voles.

rules and procedures of the Com mission on Audit.

“It falls on us, on this proudly dem ocratic and independent Senate, to reactivate the Select Oversight Com mittee, where we can subject these confidential and intelligence funds to checks and balances,” he said.

“We are cognizant of our own pri mordial role, power, and responsibility as holders of the power of the purse. We, the elected representatives of the people, must ensure that these funds are judiciously and rightly used,” Zubiri added.

The senator, however, defended the presence of confidential and intelli gence funds in the budget.

“These funds are essential. We need to empower our agencies to conduct necessary programs, operations, and activities for the safety and secu rity of our people. This is especially true now, as we are facing strange new challenges in these strange new times,” he said.

NBP to a donated 234-hectare prop erty in Gen. Tinio in exchange for the development of the Bilibid property for which the government will get 35 percent of the earnings.

Remulla said then Justice Secretary and now Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra had issued a memorandum to stop taking further action on the sup posed JVA.

Remulla also requested the Commis sion on Audit to inquire into the issues surrounding the Bureau of Corrections, especially the controversial excavation.

Remulla said BuCor acting chief Gregorio Catapang has formally sent a request letter to COA to con duct an audit.

“Catapang is already working on that. He asked them to look into it because we do have a problem with the expenses of BuCor regarding that,” the Justice Secretary said.

Kin revisit scene of 2009 massacre in Maguindanao

IT was 13 years ago when they lost some loved ones to political violence in Maguindanao, but the pain has not gone away.

And on Sunday, relatives of some of the victims went back to the scene of the crime, probably to pray for the elusive justice and for the eternal repose of the souls of the departed. Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from doing so, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

Fifty-eight people died in the November 23, 2009 massacre staged along an off-road hillside in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan town in the predominantly Muslim Maguindanao province.

Thirty-two of the fatalities were journalists who were accompanying the wife of them Vice Mayor of Buluan town Esmael Mangudadatu to file his certificate of candidacy in the 2010 gubernatorial race in the province. The body of one of the reporters was never recovered.

Mangudadatu was supposed to ran against Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of then Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr.

The Mangudadatu convoy was stopped however, by armed men manning a checkpoint. The victims were herded to the hillside where they were shot at close range with high-powered firearms.

The bodies were hastily buried in a shallow grave dug by a backhoe.

Mangudadatu eventually became governor in 2010, and later, congressman for the Second District of Maguindanao during the 18th Congress.

According to the NUJP, 44 of those accused were already convicted of the crime.

Remulla nixes same-sex marriage

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued this statement on the proposed legalization of same sex marriage in the country. He was actually reiterating his stand that he was opposed to same sex marriage due to some vital considerations.

“That’s what we believe. Unless somebody argues otherwise. That’s our position right now,” Remulla said.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez also said the Philippines outrightly rejected recommendations made by member-states of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the legalization of abortion and divorce.

“There are several items, however, that

out rightly, because of our national identity, our religious beliefs, and our cultural traditions, and the Philippine sovereignty that we need to uphold and protect at all times, there were several things that we did not accept or we rejected outright,” he said.

“And that would be the legalization of abortion and the matter of divorce,” Vasquez added.

Earlier, the DOJ said it accepted 200 recommendations during the the Universal Periodic Review, a peer-review mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

According to Vasquez, major recommendations that the country accepted include the promotion of the rights

of children, protection of women’s rights, the promotion of the rights of indigenous people, and greater protection of civic space.

Remulla explained that the delegation could not accept the recommendation on divorce because it is a legislative matter.

Despite this, the Justice Secretary said the matter of divorce is debatable.

“That’s why we cannot commit to it is because we cannot impose upon the legislature policy that they have to do within Congress,” he said.

“Actually, it’s a long discussion with the UN on this matter. Because they are of the opinion that if you go to the table, you should be able to tell your country what has to be done. But of course, it does not work that way,” he added.

Meanwhile, Remulla said two UN special rapporteurs are expected to visit the Philippines in early January 2023.

He said the country also invited UN Special Rapporteur on extra-summary or arbitrary executions Morris TidballBinz to the country.

DBM eyes full digitalization of gov’t., biz

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday batted for a full digitalization of government services and business operations.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman issued this observation in remarks at the Pilipinas Conference 2022 in the Ayala Museum in Makati City, citing the need for digital interventions as part of the sustainable development programs of the Marcos administration.

“Our country needs to fully embrace and transition to digitalization, especially on government processes and business models. This is why at the Department of Budget and Management, digital transformation is at the core of our reform agenda,” Pangandaman said.

She cited as example of such initiative the DBM’s Open Government partnership (PH-OGP).

Pangandaman also adverted to three strategic priorities to promote digital transformation in the country —energizing citizen participation in governance, investing in innovations to close the digital governance gap and harnessing an agile government.

According to her, the PH-OGP, an international program where governments commit to working with the private sector, was meant to encourage transparency and citizen empowerment.

She also said the DBM is in the process of establishing a Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Desk to serve as the focal unit for allconcerns related to public participation in the budget process, among others.

“The DBM CSO Desk will be one of the avenues in providingcapacity-building activities for CSOs to enable a more meaningful engagement. We target to roll this out by year-end,” she said.

Rather than merely providing basic connectivity, the DBM chief said the government must make “meaningful” digital opportunities.

BI assures smooth process of plane passengers during holidays

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has assured the public of unhampered service in all ports for arriving and departing passengers this holiday season.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the bureau has adopted several measures to maximize the agency’s manpower during the peak season.

“Historically, during Christmas and New Year, the number of travelers significantly increases worldwide. Hence we are making sure that we are fully manned and ready to serve the traveling public,” he added.

The assurance came after a photo of long immigration lines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 was posted by a media outlet

last November 12.

BI port operations division chief Carlos Capulong clarified that during that incident, the long queue was caused by the simultaneous arrival of 11 flights, bringing the total number of passengers to more than 2,000.

“Processing that many passengers within a short period of time, coupled with the limited area for passengers is really bound to cause a queue. However, we make sure that we process them as efficiently as possible, and the lines are finished immediately,” he added.

Capulong also said that 14 primary inspection officers were augmented by immigration officers from their rapid response team, which they activate as needed. He added that the five electronic gates located in NAIA 3 are all fully operational, lessening processing time to as

much as 8 seconds per person.

“Airport personnel will also be prohibited to go on leave during the peak season to ensure adequate manpower,” Capulong said.

The BI has more than 140 counters at the arrival and departure areas of the NAIA, with several lanes prioritizing Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers.

“We remain committed to ensure that we deliver the best service especially during the holiday season,” Tansingco said.

He pointed out that their processes at the NAIA are ISO-certified, proving that they are at par with international standards. “We aim to further improve our services in the next few years, to make things faster and easier for travelers as we welcome tourists again to our shores,” he added.

PNP insists data on illegal drugs accurate

accused the PNP of “undercounting” recent drug deaths.

In an article dated Nov. 17, Robertson claimed that the 46 drug-related deaths since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office on June 30 was far below the “estimate” of the University of the Philippines’ Third World Studies Center.

Fajardo

“We

He also accused the government of not making any real efforts towards the shift to drug “rehabilitation.”

Contrary to Robertson’s claim, Fajardo said many drug users are now turning a new leaf in life.

Fajardo said based on the data from the PNP recovery and wellnessprogram for drug surrenderers, from July 2016 to October 2022, there are 654,228 graduates. This is more than 50 percent of the reported 1.2 million drug surrenderers.

AFTER 67 years of working at the International School Manila (ISM), former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos has retired at the age of 95. She was the longest serving personnel at the institution where she worked since 1955.

Still energetic and sharp for her age, the widow of the late President Fidel V. Ramos on Nov. 17 was honored by her ISM family with a formal tribute and retirement ceremonies.

The former First Lady, in her brief remarks, recalled her almost seven-decade stint at the International School where she first started as a secretary to the assistant headmaster.

Mrs. Ramos rose through the ranks, holding several positions such as a physical education teacher, director of testing, director

THE BUS SAYS IT ALL ABOUT ILOILO CITY.

Ilonggo artist Edwin Delos Reyes captures through his paint brush the rich Ilonggo heritage—Dinagyang, batchoy, landmarks, etc.— as re ected in the mural he painted on the side panels of the city government-owned tourist bus.

of admissions, and becoming the school registrar. She was a consultant prior to her retirement.

Even when she was the country’s First Lady from 1992-1998, Mrs. Ramos did not give up her IS job, even driving her own car to school at times, certainly a nightmare for her team from the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Asked why she insisted on working at the ISM while she was First Lady, Mrs. Ramos in previous interviews replied: “Somebody has to earn in the family. Who will pay for the bills? I must help Eddie (former President FVR). Well, usually back then, his salary yet to be received, was pledged like in the cooperatives or groups of) golf caddies and workers.”

PAL moves some flights from NAIA terminal 2 to 1

THE Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday announced it will transfer some of its international flight operations from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 to Terminal 1.

The shift cover flights to and from the United States, Guam, and Doha beginning Dec. 1 as the airline prepares for heavy passenger traffic during the holidays.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, however, clarified that the terminal transfer of the flights will continue beyond December.

“PAL and MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) are working together to ensure the operational preparedness of the terminals,” Villaluna said.

A former MIAA executive earlier said that NAIA Terminal 2 was originally designed as a domestic airport, and was not designed to accommodate a section for the Bureau

of Immigration and a duty-free shop.

PAL is the sole flag carrier that has been using Terminal 2. Affected flight destinations in the transfer are Dammam, Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York , Honolulu and Guam.

The rest of PAL’s international routes and all its domestic flights will continue operating at Terminal 2.

Meanwhile, due to the increasing travel demand, budget carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has announced the increase in the weekly frequencies of its domestic and international flights.

Starting Dec. 1, an increase in the weekly flights between Cebu and the following provinces will be implemented: Iloilo from 21 to 25; Dumaguete from 14 to 18; Legazpi and Surigao from seven to 10; Tacloban from 25 to 28; and Pagadian from 10 to 11.

ULTURALLY, our values may conflict with the many values that they want to impose on us… We are not ready for that. Culturally, we are not ready for that.”

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday maintained that its records on the illegal drugs campaign is accurate and transparent.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, in a radio interview, asserted they are ready to present their own, and real data on the antiillegal drugs drive.

made the assurance to dispel public doubts on the accuracy of the PNP’s data triggered by negative comments from certain quarters.

are even sharing it (data) from the very start. Even the casualties on the side of the PNP. So, as far as the PNP is concerned, the reported 46 casualties in illegal drugs campaign is stated in the PNP records,” she said.

Fajardo was reacting to allegations raised by Phil Robertson, deputy director for Human Rights Watch (HRW) Asia, who

BOMB SCARE AT THE U.S. EMBASSY. A ninja-looking member of the Manila Police’s bomb disposal unit defuses a motorcycle box initially believed to contain an explosive which was found abandoned on a parking lot along the Roxas Blvd. service road opposite the United States Embassy. The suspected IED (improvised explosive device) turned out to be a dud. Norman Cruz

Arnold

‘SHOES FOR A CAUSE’. Bureau of Customs (BoC) Ninoy Aquino International Airport district collector Mimel Talusan leads the kick-o ceremony of the terminal’s “Shoes for a Cause” donation drive to be conducted Nov. 21 to Dec. 12, 2022, targeting as bene ciaries a preselected community and an orphanage. The launch was made during the facility’s ag raising ceremony on Monday. BoC photo

THE POLICE ACADEMY.

House Speaker vows full support for police academy modernization

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Monday vowed support for the modernization of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), the school that produces the country’s future police officers.

Through the support of President Fer dinand Marcos Jr., Romualdez also com mitted to work for more benefits for ca dets of the PNPA, the police’s version of the military’s Philippine Military Acad emy (PMA).

“In an increasingly globalized, high ly advanced society, there is a need to modernize the PNPA and educate our police corps with new methods, so they may have the competency and expertise to deal with criminals employing new

schemes and technology in the commis sion of a crime,” Romualdez said.

“Sa inyo umaasa ang mga kababayan natin. Dahil sa inyo, nakakatulog sila ng mahimbing kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya,” Romualdez told PNPA cadets during their flag-raising ceremony and Distinguished Visitors Program at PNPA Grandstand of Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.

The Speaker said he believes that the police academy “must be given the

autonomy to build infrastructure, acquire necessary equipment, and reorganize administrative structures.”

“The PNPA must also be authorized to determine exclusively its plans, poli cies, programs, curricula, and standards of teaching and training,” he said, adding that “finally, to boost the PNPA cadets’ morale, they should be awarded with ben efits in case of disability, sickness, or even death, during training.”

Romualdez added that he is supporting all measures filed in the House of Representatives to upgrade and modernize the police school. He pointed out that most of these meas ures aim to strengthen the PNPA and “grant the academy the right to determine its own policies, plans and programs, aca demic and otherwise, without any control, pressure, or influence.”

“These measures are almost unanimous in their desire to establish a PNPA corps of professors and instructors, and to create a system of faculty, placement, promotion and development,” he said.

Most of the bills also seek to classify PNPA cadets as state scholars and treat their period of cadetship as part of their government service, he said.

Romualdez commended the leadership of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP for “do ing a good job in booting out of service a few bad eggs in the police force.”

“Please continue with this noble mission and keep helping us eradicate corruption and unprofessionalism in public service. Let us all help President Ferdinand Mar cos, Jr. win the war against crime and il legal drugs,” he said.

PH, KSA set up group to work on payment for Pinoy employees

THE Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) agree to create a joint technical working group (TWG) for the distribution of payments for the unpaid salaries of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in bankrupt companies in the KSA.

In a press conference, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Patri cia Yvonne Caunan said the joint TWG that would work on this was created af ter September’s discussions between the Department and the KSA’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Develop ment (MHRSD), GMA News reported.

“Since then, the TWG has been dis cussing the details on the resumption of deployment,” the official, quoted by the GMA New report, said.

On the Philippine side, the TWG com prises DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs’ (OUMWA) chief Paul Cortez, and the labor attaches in Riyadh, Al Khobar, and Jeddah.

On KSA’s side, MHRSD head Ahmed bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, Saudi delega tion’s head Abdul Wahab, among oth ers, were part of the TWG.

The KSA government earlier said it will allocate 2 billion riyals for the un paid salaries of some 10,000 overseas Filipinos employed by construction companies that declared bankruptcy.

Reports said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. received the “good news” from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

The amount will cover the unpaid salaries of workers employed by firms such as Saudi OGer, MMG, the Bin Laden group, and other construction firms that have yet to pay back Filipino workers, GMA News further reported.

The report also quoted DMW Secre tary Susan “Toots” Ople as saying that they “were still consulting with the KSA government on the payment details.”

“We don’t want to raise false expecta tions so everything that we say) has to have also the concurrence of the Saudi’s side so it’s clear,” Ople said.

Romualdez cites

15 House bills to protect children’s health, welfare

IN CELEBRATION of the 30th National Children’s Month, House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Monday bared that a to tal of 15 bills have been filed so far that seek to protect children’s health and wel fare.

Romualdez said the House Commit tee on the Welfare of Children chaired by BHW Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co will always champion the welfare of chil dren.

“… Let me state that the House of Rep resentatives considers the State’s role as parens patriae very seriously. We recog nize that a child’s health – indeed every person’s health – has many dimensions,” Romualdez said.

“Suffice it to say that your House of Representatives stands united with those who seek to ensure that our children’s physical, emotional and mental health are sufficiently protected and secured,” the Speaker added.

During the previous 18th Congress, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez chaired the House Committee on the Welfare of Children.

Aside from bills filed for the welfare of children revolve around immuniza tion and feeding programs in schools, the House of Representatives is also tackling legislative responses to present issues and concerns that affect the children.

Maricel V. Cruz

Villar urges SWMP to continue plans on PH solid waste

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar said she is counting on the Solid Waste Man agement of the Philippines (SWMP) to continue doing its task of coming up with programs to clean up plastic waste in the country.

Villar said solving the problem of plastic waste became urgent because a 2015 University of Georgia report ranked the Philippines as the world’s third-largest source of plastic waste leaking into the ocean, next to China and Indonesia.

holiday season

CAAP warns public on solicitation scam this

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday cau tioned the public against unscrupulous individuals using the agency to solicit money for the holiday season.

“Our officials and personnel will never solicit goods, services, or mon ey from any person or entity,” CAAP stated in its advisory.

The agency came up with the warn ing after its management received in formation that there are individuals claiming to represent the office Direc tor General Manuel Antonio Tamayo “directly calling our agency partners and suppliers asking for cash dona tions for this coming Christmas sea son.”

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the Office of Director General has never called any of suppliers, clients, or stakeholders to ask for donations nor has it authorized or asked any staff to make such solicitations.

“Such acts of solicitation by unscru pulous individuals purporting to be CAAP Officials which this Authority does not tolerate. We urge the public to report to our office any activities re lating to the above so that appropriate criminal charges may be filed against them, if applicable,” he said.

In 2019, CAAP also came up with a warning against a syndicate solicit ing financial help for the victims of Typhoon Tisoy.

Go says COVID-19 vax purchases should be made public

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go said contracts on the government’s procure ment of COVID-19 vaccines should now be made public.

Following reports of vaccine wastage, Go said the public has the right to know how much public funds were spent on the COVID-19 vaccines for the sake of transparency.

Earlier, Sen. Pia Cayetano said about P15.6 billion worth of vaccines against COVID-19, or 31.1 million

doses were wasted.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the fact re mains that the rate of vaccine wastage keeps on increasing. She cited a steady trend of waste which means that efforts to curb it have been ineffective so far. “Even if the WHO adjusted the threshold, we cannot afford the cost,” she said.

According to Go, all contracts entered by the Philippine government should be made public if these contracts won’t vio

late a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Go said some of the contracts from the previous administration have an NDA. Because of this, the amount spent by the government to purchase the differ ent brands of COVID-19 vaccines are yet to be made public.

The Commission on Audit (COA) said they have not yet scrutinized the gov ernment’s procurement of COVID-19 vaccines during the last 2 years.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘NO’ TO RECLAMATION PROJECTS.

Members

“With your expertise in solid waste management, you could do a lot in helping in the reduction of our solid wastes,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources said.

Villar was the guest speaker during the Solid Waste Management of the Philippines Conference 2022 (SWAP PCon 2022) with the theme “Disaster Waste Management” held in IloIlo City.

“With your help, let us strive toward our common aspiration to live in a healthy environment that will likewise benefit future generations,” she said.

The report meanwhile said 75% of the country’s collected trash goes back to the environment as mismanaged garbage.

Considering how difficult it is to collect trash from an archipelago of thousands of islands, and bring them to accredited and well-managed land fills, she branded as a “travesty “ the reentry into the environment of al ready-collected trash.

Villar said she has been rallying the national government, local govern ment units (LGUs), communities and the private sector to improve waste management via composting.

She emphasized that composting, along with other efficient waste man agement practices, has allowed her hometown of Las Pinas City to have the lowest expense in waste management among the cities in Metro Manila.

Taguig City gets award for programs on promoting children’s rights and protection

THE City of Taguig bagged its 6th Seal of Child-Friendly award for its efficient and continuing program to protect the rights and promote the well being of children.

Councilor Marisse Balina-Eron and City Social Welfare and Development

Office (CSWDO) chief Nikki Rose Op erario received the 2019 Seal of ChildFriendly Local Governance during the awarding ceremony at the Axxia Hotel in Quezon City over the weekend. The Regional Committee for the Wel fare of Children (RCWC) led the cere

mony in time for this year’s celebration of the Regional Children’s Month. The RCWC acts as a liaison between national agencies and local government units in order to promote and strengthen coordination and harmonization efforts toward achieving a child-friendly and

child-sensitive society. Taguig has been comprehensive in its efforts to provide services and programs that respond to the four fundamental rights of children: survival, develop ment, protection, and participation. Joel E. Zurbano

SUPPORTING

House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during a flagraising ceremony at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Grand stand of Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Monday.

Ver Noveno

CHILDREN’S MONTH OPENING. Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Committee on the Welfare of Children Chairperson and Rep. Angelica Natasha Co, and lady legislators lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the National Children’s Month at the South Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives on Monday.

of the fisherfolk group PAMALAKAYA troop to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quezon City in time for World Fisheries Day on Monday. The group is calling for a stop to reclamation projects that threaten marine biodiversity.

Manny Palmero

EDITORIAL True compassion ‘not for show’

WE, AT the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), are just fortunate we have the invaluable support of the First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos in our task of lending a helping hand to our destitute fellow Filipinos.

During our relief and rehabilitation opera tions following super typhoon Paeng which prompted the declaration of the state of calam ity in at least three regions, Madam Liza led a group of friends and volunteers who donated cash, food packs and other items to the calamity victims through the DSWD.

The First Lady’s group repacked canned goods, rice, instant noodles, bread, multivita mins, toiletries, slippers, and rubber shoes and coursed them through the DSWD.

Least known to most of us, Madam Liza had been quietly involved in charity and volunteer work long before her husband then Senator Fer dinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos ran for Vice Presi dent in 2016.

It was a part of the former practicing lawyer and a wealthy scion’s commitment to social re sponsibility work.

Now, as First Lady to the most popular Philip pine President ever elected, she has the capability and influence to help a greater number of people, but she would rather do so in the background.

She has shied away from photo ops and me dia coverage of her civic work and prefers to do so save for obligatory ceremonial pictorials.

A member of her staff confided to me, “Ma’am Liza is not used to the limelight and never intended to do an epal. In her public ser vice activities, she finds no need for public at tention as she never intends to upstage the work of the DSWD and that of the President.”

The First Lady chooses to do charity work behind the scenes as she does not do it “for show,” neither for the mainstream media nor the social media.

I have personally witnessed Madam Liza’s soft heart for the orphaned and ill-stricken chil

dren, particularly those abandoned youngsters at DSWD-supervised orphanages and shelters for abused women and children.

She just could not help shedding tears upon hearing the personal experiences of residents at a Muntinlupa City care-giving facility called the Elsie Gaches Village.

The First Lady vowed to raise funds for the renovation and expansion of the village, which houses about 700 residents including the newly born and up to 60 years old who suffer from au tism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and Down Syndrome.

Christmas came early to nearly 100 young orphans when PBBM and Madam Liza distributed gift toys and Jollibee snacks to them that day, a truly unforgettable experience with the First Couple

She also promised to support the hiring of additional social workers and caregivers at the facility.

Back in October, I went with the First Couple who chose to mark President BBM’s 65th birth day at the White Cross Orphanage in San Juan City established in 1936 by Victoria Lopez de Araneta.

Christmas came early to nearly 100 young orphans when PBBM and Madam Liza distrib uted gift toys and Jollibee snacks to them that day, a truly unforgettable experience with the First Couple.

I watched when PBBM gathered several children in a huddle. “Ano ang mga kailangan n’yo dito, sabihin nyo sa akin, hwag kayong mahihiya,” he smilingly told the kids.

As the government works to uplift the quality of life in the country, it is just reassuring to have an able President and a First Lady who both genuinely care about the plight of the poor, and disadvantaged sectors of our society.

Finally, a win on climate loss and damage

meeting in Bohol on this issue.

In that meeting, participants identified ideas of of a global, national, and loss and damage systems which addresses local needs and lived experiences.

The financing facility should be additional to existing financing for adaptation and mitigation, considering they tackle different issues and, therefore, respond to different needs.

It should be accessible and requirements to access the fund should be as least onerous as possible.

WHEN US Vice President Kamala Harris visits Palawan today, many will be listening to echoes of her speech – from as far as Washington, Canberra and Beijing and neighboring capitals from East Asia and Southeast Asia.

The 58-year-old Harris, the highest ranking official from the two-year-old Biden administration to visit the Phil ippines, has just met separately with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio following her arrival from Bangkok Sunday night.

She is expected to deliver a speech un derscoring the importance of the interna tional law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as well as meet with local communities affected by climate change.

Ranging from energy to military and other funding opportunities, the US will be launching new programs and opportu nities for partnerships with the Philippines during Harris’ visit.

One of these is a new program with World Hope that will provide support in combating the online sexual exploita tion of children (OSEC) and reach out to OSEC survivors in the Philippines.

Washington also said it seeks to create energy and food security dialogues with the Philippines.

Cabie,

Honor

After 30 years, COP 27 finally adopted a de cision on loss and damage.

While there are still many details to be threshed out, the significance of this develop ment should not be understated.

Among others, COP 27 acknowledged the “urgent and immediate need for new, addition al, predictable and adequate financial resources to assist developing countries that are particu larly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.”

It also established a transitional committee to operationalize funding arrangement that would address loss of lives and damage to property, in frastructure, livelihoods, and, in my view, noneconomic assets resulting from climate change.

As expressed by Manila Observatory col leagues who witnessed the final hours of COP 27: “The creation of a loss and damage fund is a definite win, especially for developing coun tries, who have been experiencing the brunt of the climate crisis.

“It is a win for communities on the ground, frontline workers, and climate activists who have been calling for the creation of a facility that can adequately respond to climate needs; however, it is still a long road ahead for loss and damage – the specifics of the fund still need to be laid out, and the source of the fund remain to be identified.

“The next few months and years, therefore, will serve as proof of whether countries follow through with their promise to work together to meet the global goal set in the Paris Agreement, and, in the process, achieve climate justice.”

This fight began way back in 1996 when developing countries wanted a Clean Develop ment Fund to be funded by developed countries as compensation for their historical emissions.

But that was hijacked in Kyoto by developed counties and became the Clean Development Mechanism that allowed offsets and credits.

This time, the developing countries did not blink and had their eye on the ball.

There was huge resistance by developed countries but that crumbled slowly because of the weight of the moral imperative which trans lated into political pressure.

I was one of the few who was sure we would have a good outcome on loss and damage but I did not expect it to be this strong.

Earlier this year, the Manila Observatory, supported by The Stockholm Institute, Samd hana, and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, convened a

This means reducing the bureaucracy that comes with drafting concept notes and applying for grants, as well as lessening the number of signatories who will have to sign off prior to the release of the amount needed.

We must now pay attention to the global stocktake to be finalized by 2025 where the next generation of mitigation commitments will probably be made

The facility, whichever form it holds, should not impose additional burdens on the communi ties.

This means the money should not be given in the form of a loan, which will further disadvan tage communities, who will then have to think about not just repayment, but the cost of interest and collaterals.

It should build on the capabilities and ac countability of vulnerable communities.

Those communities on the ground facing the brunt of climate hazards are also among those with the most knowledge on how to utilize the money in a way that benefits the communities most, whether this is through improving their early warning systems, climate education, re settlement, or rehabilitation.

Finally, the facility should be founded on eq uity and justice.

It is understood that those who contribute the least to climate change are those who are most affected by it, and therefore those who have benefited the most from industrialization and the consumption and burning of fossil fuels should assist those who experience the brunt of an ever-heating world.

It is therefore an issue of climate justice.

This was a solid and good outcome.

I actually expected much less -- more of a process decision than actually the establish ment of loss and damage funding arrangements which is probably a fund, which is a better op tion than a facility.

One thing that should be highlighted is the

THE Philippine National Police reported that during the almost five months since the new ad ministration assumed office there were only 46 people killed in connection with the campaign against illegal drugs and the seizure of less than P10 billion pesos worth of illegal drugs, mainly shabu.

PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. compared this to the number of illegal drugs-related killings during the first five months of the Duterte ad ministration when, Santa Banana, thousands had been killed!

This was so because everybody involved in the illegal drug trade, including drug users and drug addicts, had been the target of Dueterte’s war against illegal drugs.

At that time, there were estimates, my gulay, that there were some 7 to 8 million drug users and addicts nationwide!

According to the PNP, the number of drug users and addicts, mostly from the poor sectors, had gone down to some 5 to 6 million nation wide. But, that’s still a lot.

Almost everyday, we read reports of “buybust” operations by the police and the Philip pine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Where are they coming from? I have only one guess. They are either smuggled through Customs or manufactured in some clandestine laboratories like the one discovered in Ayala Alabang.

Personally, if you ask me about Duterte’s “war” on illegal drugs, it was a total failure despite that culture of impunity that went with it for six years, with Duterte’s “kill, kill, kill” mandate to the police.

First of all, Santa Banana, Duterte launched his “war” against illegal drugs with only one thing in mind, “kill, kill, kill” -- unaware that countries with the same problem saw the fail ure of any campaign against illegal drugs by simply killing those involved in illegal drugs.

Other countries with drug problems know that only with a holistic approach can they suc ceed which is prevention, drug enforcement, prosecution and, the most important of all, re habilitation.

Why is rehabilitation the most important as pect of any campaign against illegal drugs?

It is, since the prevalence of illegal drugs is a matter of supply and demand: for so long as there’s demand for illegal drugs, cartels and syndicates will always be there to supply the demand.

In our case in the Philippines, since illegal drugs worldwide is a muli-billion dollar indus try, there are always cartels and syndicates that will supply the demand.

And knowing how corrupt Customs is, smuggling illegal drugs, like shabu, is an easy task through Customs.

It is for this reason why in my earlier column

The US Department of Energy, the US Department of State and the Philippine Department of Energy will form the en ergy dialogue, which will focus on short and long-term energy planning, offshore wind development and grid stability and power transmission.

The food security dialogue will be held with the US Department of Agriculture, where both the US Agency for Interna tional Development and the US Depart

Focus on Palawan Solution vs. illegal drugs

ment of State will participate, along with its Philippine counterparts.

But some definitely will go beyond un dertones from promises of enhancing bi lateral Washington-Manila ties, given the disquieted situation in the South China Sea, where overlapping claims lie.

If anything, President Marcos Jr. earlier said he does not believe Vice President Harris’ visit to Palawan will further fuel the tensions between the Philippines and China, saying it will not cause problems.

other TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022 B1 Opinion

But a senior Washington official has stressed that Harris’ visit to the Philip pines and Palawan underscores America’s commitment to defending treaty ally the Philippines and reinforces the former’s treaty alliance in Asia and strengthens economic ties.

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez himself said Harris’s trip to Palawan shows the level of America’s support to an ally and concern over China’s actions in the disputed sea.

“That’s as obvious as you can get, that the message they’re trying to impart to the Chinese is that ‘we support our allies like the Philippines on these disputed is lands,’” Romualdez has told Associated Press.

“This visit is a significant step in show ing how serious the United States views this situation now.”

Much is expected from the visit. Many ears and eyes are hearkening.

on illegal drugs, I always emphasized the need for the country to build rehabilitation centers completely staffed and community-based, my gulay!

Why community-based? Because drug us ers and drug addicts need family support.

I was just thinking, it would do President Marcos Jr. well to build nationwide commu nity-based drug rehab centers to minimize the illegal drug problem.

That could well be BBM’s legacy of his sixyear term. He may not totally eradicate the problem of illegal drugs, but that could solve 50 percent of it.

Other countries with drug problems know that only with a holistic approach can they succeed which is prevention, drug enforcement, prosecution and, the most important of all, rehabilitation

• • •

When President Marcos Jr. assumed office five months ago, he broached the need to “rightsize” the bureaucracy.

And he got support because there have been some government agencies that have become useless because of surpluses.

One government agency that has served its purpose, but has become useless is the Presiden tial Commission on Good Government, which was created by then President Cory to run after the alleged hidden and ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses and their cronies.

If we analyze what the PCGG has done all through the years, what they recovered cannot compare with what the PCGG has spent during all this time, running after the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses and their cronies.

In fact, if the Commission on Audit looks deep enough into the PCGG, it will find a lot of anomalies committed by PCGG commis sioners.

They get double compensation contrary to law because, aside from their salaries, they also get compensated as PCGG nominees in some 30 sequestered corporations, which up to now the ownership of which has not been resolved because they are still pending in court.

Besides, what the PCGG is supposed to be doing can well be taken over by the Department of Justice. After all, almost all the cases brought to court by the PCGG against the Marcoses and their cronies have been dismissed.

Another government agency that has be

Overnight, we will gain influence in the pro cess as we used to before.

come totally irrelevant and outdated with the advancement of communication and informa tion technology is the Movies and Television Review and Classification Board which was a creation of President Marcos Sr. With a flick of a finger, we can access on our television screens any movie being shown worldwide.

Santa Banana, movie and TV networks worldwide already have their own classification and ratings.

Take for instance HBO and Netflix, can the MTRCB still give them ratings and classifica tions when they already have their movies rated and classified?

In other words, the MTRCB has become useless, but just a simple dumping ground of political proteges.

Insofar as the locally-produced movies and locally-produced programs are concerned, I am sure local networks are responsible enough to do their own ratings and classification.

My gulay, the MTRCB is not only useless but tends to overdo its own rating and classifi cation.

I’m against news programs being classified and rated.

It’s stupid when news should be viewed by everybody. If news and news reports get rated and classified, we may as well also rate newspa pers and radio news.

These are just the two government agencies that should be abolished, although I can cite more.

Mister President, when you broach the need for right-sizing the bureaucracy, you can well start with the PCGG and the MTRCB.

• • •

Unbelievable. Stranger than fiction. These are just the words I can gather to de scribe what has been happening in the “fief dom” of suspended Bureau of Corrections Chief Gerald Bantag.

But, Santa Banana, they do happen, as found out by BuCor Acting Chief Gregorio Catapang.

The best example of this “believe it or not” is the digging within the New Bilibid Prison area near the residence of Bantag that is supposed to be for Bantag and his friends -- a 9-story deep swimming pool where Bantag, an avid scuba diver, and his friends are supposed to frolic, which is said to be the deepest swimming pool in the country.

But, according to Secretary Remulla, the dig gings by Bantag were actually aimed at digging for the hidden Yamashita treasure.

Catapang also believes that a tunnel is being built by Bantag as a possible escape route for NBP inmates – for what purposes, we can only guess.

Bantag, in the meantime, is said to be attend ing the forthcoming preliminary investigation of the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid and of the reported “middleman” Cristito Jun” Vil lamor Palana.

The Marcos government should bring him back and ask him to join the delegation again.

Vice will continue to lead the Group of 77 in the loss and damage negotiations as details of the Fund will have to be worked out. He is also leading G77 in the global stocktake discussions. The loss and damage victory is good.

But we must also now pay attention to the global stocktake to be finalized by 2025 where the next generation of mitigation commitments will probably be made.

Website: tonylavina.com.

Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

THE Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan, adopted last Sunday by the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) of the Framework Con vention on Climate Change made history.

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors

Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino

5 dead, 18 hurt in Colorado club shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS – The gunman who opened fire inside an LGBTQ Colorado nightclub, killing at least five, was stopped by two “heroic” people inside the club, police told a press conference Sunday.

They identified the suspect as 22-yearold Anderson Lee Aldrich, and said he had used a rifle at the club, where partygoers were apparently marking Transgender Day of Remembrance, which pays tribute to trans people targeted in violent attacks.

Eighteen people were wounded in the incident shortly before midnight, police said, adding that an unspecified number of the wounded remained in critical condition.

The shooting was the latest in a long history of attacks on LGBTQ venues in the United States, the deadliest of which claimed 49 lives at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in 2016.

Biden turns 80; White House in no mood for a party

WASHINGTON—For the first time in history, a sitting American president turned 80 years old in the White House on Sunday but did not celebrate in any public way.

It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that First Lady Jill Biden posted an affectionate message, with two photos of the couple dancing in tuxedos and gala attire.

“There’s no one else I’d rather dance with than you. Happy Birthday Joe! I love you,” Jill Biden tweeted.

It was the sole mention from the White House of the birthday, and with no public event scheduled no indication emerged of how, or even if, the president would celebrate his birthday.

Just a day earlier, the Biden family hosted a large-scale fete at the White House —the wedding of Biden’s granddaughter Naomi, which was closed to the press.

Biden does have an important matter to discuss with his family in the coming days—whether he will seek re-election in 2024.

He said at a press conference November 9 that he “intends” to run, and said he and his wife will “sneak away” for a week at some point between Thanksgiving and Christmas to decide with his family.

He promised to make his decision public in early 2023.

Various recent polls say a majority of Americans do not want Biden to run again.

While influential figures who are over 70 or even 75 years old are ample in the American political landscape, the midterm elections have brought some initial generational change in the Democratic Party.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, 82, announced her decision Thursday not to run for a new term as speaker of the House of Representatives.

Biden underwent a thorough medical checkup about a year ago, and the results concluded that he was “a healthy, vigorous” man who is fit to serve as president. AFP

The suspect in Colorado Springs entered Club Q and immediately began shooting at people inside, police chief Adrian Vasquez told a press conference.

“At least two heroic people inside the club confronted and fought with the suspect and were able to stop the suspect from continuing to kill and harm others,” he added.

Joshua Thurman of Colorado Springs was in the club at the time.

“It was so scary,” he told reporters Sunday. “There were bodies on the floor. There was shattered glass, broken cups, people crying.

“It was supposed to be our safe space... Where are we supposed to go?”

Aeron Laney, 24, was at the club for the first time, having just moved to Colorado Springs.

She described a small club where everyone

seemed to know each other, the kind of place she knew she would fit right in.

“Everyone was just having a good time and smiling and laughing,” she told AFP, tearfully looking at the bank of flowers growing outside the club.

“I just can’t wrap my hand around somebody just walking in and seeing people that are so happy and so comfortable in their community and just wanting to end that.”

Laney and her friend Justin Godwin left minutes before the gunman stormed in.

“Maybe the guy was already there. Like was he in the parking lot... just planning it?” Godwin, 25, said. “It’s just terrifying.”

US President Joe Biden released a statement condemning the attack, slamming violence against the LGBTQ community, particularly transgender women of color. AFP

UN nuclear chief denounces strikes on Ukraine power plant

KYIV—The UN’s atomic watchdog chief on Sunday denounced “targeted” strikes at Ukraine’s Russiancontrolled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, calling for a “stop to this madness”, as Kyiv and Moscow traded blame.

Ukraine meanwhile dismissed Russian accusations that it had executed surrendering soldiers.

“The news from our team yesterday and this morning is extremely disturbing,” said a statement Sunday from Rafael Grossi,

head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“Explosions occurred at the site of this major nuclear power plant, which is completely unacceptable.

“Whoever is behind this, it must stop immediately,” he added.

“As I have said many times before, you’re playing with fire!”

There were more than a dozen blasts overnight Saturday to Sunday, some of which a team of experts from the agency on site had themselves seen, the IAEA said in a statement.

Speaking to French broadcaster BFMTV later Sunday, Grossi was clear that the strikes on the plant were no accident.

“The people who are doing this know where they are hitting. It is absolutely deliberate, targeted.”

The IAEA is to send a team of experts to the plant -- the biggest nuclear facility in Europe -- and which is currently controlled by Russian troops.

‘Staged surrender’ Ukraine meanwhile dismissed Russian accusations that its soldiers had killed Russian troops as they were surrendering, in what Moscow has described as a “war crime”.

Extracts from the video footage in question showed that in fact, Russian forces had used a “staged surrender” to open fire on Ukrainian soldiers, Dmytro Lubinets, the parliament’s commissioner for human rights said Sunday.

“In this case, persons among the Russian servicemen cannot be considered prisoners of war, but are those who are fighting and committing treachery,” he added.

“Returning fire is not a war crime. On the contrary, those who want to use the protection of international law to kill must be punished.”

Video footage circulated on Russian social media last week purported to show the bodies of Russian servicemen killed after surrendering to Ukrainian troops. AFP has not independently confirmed the videos.

A UN spokesperson told AFP on Friday it was “aware of the videos” and “looking into them”.

Russian shelling

In the southern city of Kherson, which Ukrainian troops recently recaptured, residents were facing a fresh challenge after eight months of occupation by Moscow’s troops—Russian artillery attacks. AFP

IN BRIEF

Earthquake shakes Indonesian capital

JAKARTA—An earthquake shook buildings in Indonesia’s capital on Monday, according to AFP reporters, although there were no immediate reports of damage.

The quake had a magnitude of 5.4 and struck near towns south of Jakarta, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency had earlier said the quake had a magnitude of 5.6 and struck near Cianjur, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Jakarta.

There were no reports of casualties or major damage in the capital, where people rushed out of buildings.

Mayadita Waluyo, a 22-year-old lawyer, described how panicked workers ran for the exits of their building as the quake struck.

“I was working when the floor under me was shaking. I could feel the tremor clearly. I tried to do nothing to process what it was but it became even stronger and lasted for some time,” she said.

“I feel a bit dizzy now and my legs are also a bit cramped because I had to walk downstairs from the 14th floor.”

AFP journalists working in their office tower in Jakarta were also ordered to evacuate the building.

G7 demands tougher sanctions on North Korea after ‘reckless’ missile salvo

WASHINGTON—The Group of 7 nations on Sunday slammed North Korea’s “reckless” launch of another intercontinental ballistic missile and called on the UN Security Council to take further “significant” action to halt the tests.

Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations said repeated launching of missiles by North Korea “further destabilizes the region, despite calls from the international community for peace and stability.”

The missile North Korea test fired on Friday appeared to be its newest ICBM

with the potential range to hit the US mainland.

The G7 statement called for “a united and robust response by the international community, including the need for further significant measures to be taken by the UN Security Council.”

The G7 comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States. A representative of the European Union joined in on the statement.

So far this month, North Korea is believed to have fired 30 short-, medium- and long-range missiles, including Friday’s

launch which landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone west of Hokkaido.

North Korean state news agency KCNA claimed that the missile fired Friday was a Hwasong-17, its latest variant and one it asserted is “the strongest strategic weapon in the world.”

KCNA said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un witnessed the latest launch in the company of his daughter.

A series of test launches in October included a likely ICBM that flew over and past Japan, prompting warning sirens to sound in northern Japan.

North Korea has launched more missiles in 2022 than in any previous year.

The UN Security Council has passed nearly a dozen resolutions imposing sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and missile activity since 2006.

North Korea tested six nuclear bombs between 2006 and 2017, and has vowed to never cease its nuclear program.

The G7 statement reiterated demands that North Korea’s nuclear program must be verifiably dismantled and said the reclusive nation “will never have the status of a nuclear-weapon state.” AFP

Kim Jong Un’s daughter reveal shows dynastic dream for Nokor—analysts

and appearing to celebrate a successful test.

Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide. AFP

Tongan eruption largest recorded

WELLINGTON—A deadly volcanic eruption near Tonga in January was the largest ever recorded with modern equipment, a New Zealand-led team of scientists revealed Monday.

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted underwater with a force equivalent to hundreds of atomic bombs, unleashing a 15-m15-meter-foot) tsunami which demolished homes and killed at least three people on the Pacific island kingdom.

The natural disaster also damaged undersea communication cables, cutting Tonga off from the rest of the world for weeks and hampering efforts to help the victims.

State media has never mentioned Kim’s

Kim—the grandson of North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il Sung and the third generation of the Kim family to lead the country—married his wife Ri Sol Ju, in 2009, according to Seoul’s spy agency.

A detailed study by New Zealand’s national institute for water and atmospheric research shows the eruption blasted out almost 10 cubic kilometres of material— equivalent to 2.6 million Olympic-sized swimming pools—and fired debris more than 40 kilometres (25 miles) into the mesosphere, the level above the Earth’s stratosphere.

they exist—but on Sat-

regime has not even officially

KCNA reported that Kim, “together with his beloved daughter and wife”, oversaw the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Pictures showed a beaming Kim holding hands with an adoring girl in a white puffer jacket and red shoes, walking in front of a giant black-and-white missile

She gave birth to their first child the following year, with their second and third born in 2013 and 2017, the agency has said.

The only previous confirmation of the children’s existence had come from former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who made a quixotic visit to the North in 2013 and claimed he’d met a baby daughter of Kim’s called Ju Ae. AFP

“The eruption reached record heights, being the first we’ve ever seen to break through into the mesosphere,” said marine geologist Kevin Mackay.

“It was like a shotgun blast directly into the sky.”

The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption rivals the infamous Krakatoa disaster which killed tens of thousands in Indonesia in 1883 before the invention of modern measuring equipment. AFP

SEOUL—Kim Jong Un unveiled the fourth generation of his ruling family Saturday, appearing in photographs with his daughter for the first time ever, giving analysts a clear indication of his dynastic vision for North Korea.

children—the

confirmed

urday,

NOT AGAIN. Bouquets of flowers and a sign reading “Love Over Hate” are left near Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs on November 20. At least five people were killed and 18 wounded in the mass shooting, police said. AFP

CELESTIAL

SIGHT. Northern lights (aurora borealis) illuminate the sky over Jukkasjarvi, near Kiruna, in Swedish Lapland, on November 20. AFP

BLOODY PROTEST. Opposition to the government of Peruvian President Pedro Castillo hold a demonstration to demand his resignation in Lima on November 20. AFP

Tesla announces recall of 321,000 vehicles in the US over tail light issue

NEW YORK, United States—Tesla has recalled more than 321,000 vehicles in the United States because of a tail light issue, in the latest trouble to hit the electric vehicle giant led by controversial billionaire Elon Musk.

It is the latest of multiple Tesla re calls in the United States in recent months, including one for just over 40,000 vehicles for a possible prob lem in the electric power steering sys tem.

“In rare instances,” the rear lights on affected cars light up intermittently because of a software problem, the company said in a document to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dated November 15 but made public this weekend.

Brake lights, backup lights, and turn signals are not affected.

Tesla plans a free remote software update to fix the problem on the affected

Model 3 and Model Y 2020-2023 cars.

The company explains in the document that it was alerted to the problem by customers mainly outside the United States in late October and confirmed its origin on November 7.

The automaker said it was not aware of any incidents or injuries related to the problem.

Tesla already made several recalls in the United States this year to remotely modify potentially problematic features.

At the end of September, the company recalled more than one million vehicles because of a risk of injury in operating the car windows.

Musk credits the massive success of the Model 3 with proving that electric cars are the future; he told a Delaware court this week as he defended his $50 billion pay package as CEO of the company. AFP

TOP GAINERS

1 REG 3.06 0.94 44.34%

2 ECP 3.95 0.9 29.51%

3 NOW 1.16 0.21 22.11%

4 PRIM 1.95 0.21 12.07% 5 MFC 1000 100 11.11%

6 PERC 4.87 0.48 10.93%

7 LAND 0.81 0.07 9.46%

8 HI 3.7 0.3 8.82%

9 CEU 6.53 0.52 8.65% 10 TECH 2.59 0.18 7.47%

TOP LOSERS

1 FERRO 1.81 -0.62 -25.51% 2 KPPI 1.46 -0.29 -16.57% 3 LODE 0.51 -0.08 -13.56% 4 TFHI 100.6 -13.3 -11.68% 5 OPMB 0.01 -0.001 -9.09% 6 MVC 6.05 -0.6 -9.02% 7 HOME 1.85 -0.16 -7.96% 8 VITA 0.55 -0.04 -6.78% 9 MED 0.166 -0.012 -6.74%

MOST

1 ABA 281,953,000 799,615,490

2 JFC 2,291,280 572,048,756

3 BDO 2,598,250 332,388,490 4 ICT 1,755,350 330,053,377 5 ALI 10,922,500 313,789,925 6 SM 269,310 226,159,925 7 SCC 6,310,600 198,422,475 8 ACEN 25,661,800 182,425,087 9 SMPH 5,393,500 181,895,245 10 CNVRG 11,273,500 172,114,040

STOCKS retreated Monday in line with the movement of regional markets as China’s first Covid death in six months sparked fears officials would re-impose strict, economically painful restrictions to fight outbreaks across the country.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, shed 34 points, or 0.5 percent, to close at 6,403.24, as two of the four subsectors declined.

The broader all-share index went down by 10 points, or 0.3 percent, to settle at 3,385.96, on a value turnover of P6.3 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 97 to 87, while 40 issues were unchanged.

Seven of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. which climbed 4.8 percent to P32.00 and Jollibee Foods Corp. which gained 3.3 percent

Nespresso

By Nathalie Olof-Ors

ZURICH, Switzerland—Despite Europe feeling the pinch from soaring inflation, Nespresso boss Guillaume Le Cunff told AFP he believes their coffee capsules are creature comforts and will therefore stay in demand.

Inflation is running at 10.6 percent in the eurozone and household budgets are under pressure.

But Le Cunff said that even in periods when customers have to tighten their belts, they tend to stick with their “everyday” small pleasures—such as having a coffee.

“When you have to raise prices to guarantee quality—because the value chain is subject to inflation—the idea is to be reasonable, by only doing it where absolutely necessary,” said Le Cunff, chief executive of Swiss food giant Nestle’s Nespresso subsidiary since 2000.

“It remains a daily expenditure, a moment of pleasure, a moment for oneself. And I’m not sure people want to abandon having this moment for themselves.

“We’ll see what the future holds, but we are very confident.”

That said, Nespresso sales volumes dropped by 1.9 percent in the first nine months of the year, notably in Europe, offset by sales continuing to grow in North America.

Le Cunff said global sales accelerated in 2020 and 2021, as people worked from home during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But this year, people are working from home less and going out more -something the company has tracked via an uptick in its out-of-home sales.

The Frenchman said that while Europe

to P252.00.

Meanwhile, Asian markets traded lower as infections across China spiked, testing authorities’ plans to loosen their grip by lowering quarantine times for foreigners and canceling mass tests.

Beijing has in recent days moved to confine some residents to their homes and ordered oth ers to quarantine centers.

The measures dealt a particular blow to Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, which fell more than one percent, extending a sell-off at the end of last week and eating further into a recent massive rally. Shanghai was also down.

“It feels like one step forward, two steps back,” said Willer Chen, at Forsyth Barr Asia.

“It is super hard to reopen in the short term given winter is coming and cases are at a super high level and spreading across the whole country.”

There were also losses in Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Mumbai and Jakarta.

Kuala Lumpur dropped with the ringgit after the Malaysian elections offered no clear winner, fuelling uncertainty. With AFP

coffee sales

inflation

was Nespresso’s historic market, it was still in expansion mode in North America.

“The Covid effect is less visible there,” he said.

“Consumption at home is readjusting. But today, we are 20 percent above the pre-Covid situation, that is to say 2019.”

Recycling

Nespresso was on Monday launching a new alternative to its well-known aluminum coffee capsules: a compostable paper version compatible with the existing Nespresso machines. A thin biopolymer film inside the paper keeps the coffee fresh.

But the firm is not planning on simply ditching its traditional metal capsules, instead leaving it up to consumers.

“Aluminum has its virtues: in terms of freshness protection and a barrier to oxygen, it is the best in terms of shelf life. And aluminum is infinitely recyclable,” Le Cunff said. AFP

Thai economy gets boost from tourism revival

BANGKOK, Thailand---Thailand’s economy enjoyed healthy expansion in the third quarter, officials said Monday, with the return of international tourists helping to offset persistently high inflation.

Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy was battered by the pandemic, but the kingdom’s reopening earlier this year saw the service sector record an 87 percent year-on-year increase, official data showed.

Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) recorded a 4.5 percent year-on-year rise in the gross domestic product in July-September, projecting this year’s overall growth at 3.2 percent while fore-

casting 3.0/4.0 percent for 2023.

“The service sector continues to grow due to tourism re-opening earlier in the year,” said Danucha Pichayanan, NESDC secretary–general, adding private consumption increased by nine percent.

Thailand expects to generate around 570 billion baht ($15.8 billion) in tourism revenue this year, officials said, after welcoming some 10.2 million visitors since reopening— still down from the roughly 40 million prepandemic.

But Danucha said the signs of recovery were there, with the kingdom pinning hopes on China’s potential relaxation of its strict

Covid travel rules.

“We believe that China is likely to relax traveling restrictions in the second half of next year,” he said.

Chinese visitors made up a huge part of the kingdom’s tourism economy and accounted for some 28 percent of all arrivals, according to Bloomberg.

Officials said they anticipated roughly 23 million tourists in 2023, predicting 1.2 trillion baht in generated revenue.

However, the country —like many others -- is still facing stubbornly high inflation, sitting just below six percent but off 14-year highs touched recently. AFP

668,564,566.38 715,058,075.43

646,269,836.03 289,170,757.22

4,685,166,612.60 5,905,128,521.13

10,800,717,589.89 9,206,958,395.79

44,489,509,828.60 42,538,477,635.10

2,683,237,500.02 3,139,072,500.01

42,422,136,349.48 39,994,699,032.02

615,864,020.90 595,293,896.93

478,261,195.63 451,030,741.70

997,048,174.18 969,965,462.63

197,803,397.44 202,236,668.73

1,225,996,733.39 1,072,922,885.48

67,793,916,167.55 65,391,512,735.53

635,626,242.62 189,641,003.54

48,479,141,848.34 49,652,183,223.69

4,572,750,000.22 2,089,050,000.20

4,572,750,000.22 2,089,050,000.20

1,082,733,214.15 533,502,960.69

2,706,533,311.28 2,619,454,386.57

57,476,784,616.61 55,083,831,574.69

5,505,833,769.57 5,505,833,769.57

(522,434,701.63) (531,885,091.73)

5,333,732,483.00 5,333,732,483.00

10,317,131,550.94 10,307,681,160.84

67,793,916,167.55 65,391,512,735.53

1,782,147,998.45 1,393,492,357.68

96,949,695.19 196,044,502.98

647,417,129.22 1,989,909,809.16

00.00 861,386,738.52

50,000,000.00 1,326,202,143.09

2,198,437,500.00 5,112,965,047.47

1,941,932,003.92 1,851,922,638.58

578,980,053.98 572,461,737.24

1,362,951,949.94 1,279,460,901.34

18,567,603,020.00 11,878,050,901.40

28,233,667.28 857,380,678.70

25,312,721,014.06 25,467,354,817.58

829,093,661.06 789,248,096.22

chief confident

will remain robust despite high

Nestle Nespresso SA chief executive Guillaume Le Cunff (From the website of Nestle Nespresso)

FISH MARKET. A vendor arranges fish for sale at his makeshift kiosk at a wholesale fish market in Hyderabad, India on Nov. 21, 2022, which also marks the World Fisheries Day. AFP

Business

Monday, November 21, 2022 -34.14

United

Dollar 1.00000057.3470

Japan Yen 0.0071250.4086

UKPound1.19020068.2544

Hong KongDollar0.1278547.3320

SwitzerlandFranc1.04898860.1563

CanadaDollar0.74783142.8859

SingaporeDollar0.72700841.6917

AustraliaDollar0.66590038.1874

BahrainDinar2.652872152.1343

Saudi Arabia Rial 0.26609915.2600

BruneiDollar0.72437541.5407

IndonesiaRupiah0.0000640.0037

Thailand Baht 0.0279761.6043

UAE Dirham0.27228715.6148

EuroEuro 1.03200059.1821

Korea Won 0.0007460.0428

ChinaYuan0.1405288.0589

IndiaRupee0.0122520.7026

MalaysiaRinggit0.21978012.6037

New Zealand Dollar 0.61520035.2799

TaiwanDollar0.0322101.8471

Fitch unit sees BSP raising interest rate by another 50 bps

By Julito G. Rada

FITCH Solutions, a unit of the Fitch Group, said Monday it expects the Bang ko Sentral ng Pilipinas to increase the policy rate by another 50 basis points to 5.50 percent before the year ends to rein in the elevated inflation rate.

Fitch Solutions said in a report the in terest rate might reach a peak of 5.75 per cent in 2023.

The Monetary Board on Thursday raised the benchmark policy rate by 75 basis points to 5 percent to control infla tion and support the peso. The last time the policy interest rate reached 5 percent was in February 2009.

“With inflation set to induce further rate hikes over the coming months, we now forecast interest rates to rise to 5.50 percent by end-2022. We think that a sta bilization in global monetary conditions and headwinds to economic growth are likely to cause the pace of hikes to slow,” Fitch Solutions said.

“As such, we expect that the BSP will deliver a smaller 50 bps hike at its final meeting of the year in December, before raising rates further to a peak of 5.75 per cent in the first half of 2023. Our forecasts are in line with consensus in 2022, but a bit higher than the 5.50 percent in 2023,” it said.

Inflation in October accelerated to a 14year high of 7.7 percent from 6.9 percent in September, driven by faster increases in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages. It was the highest figure since it hit 7.8 percent in December 2008 at the height of the global financial crisis.

This brought the average inflation in the first 10 months to 5.4 percent, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent set by the government.

Fitch Solutions said food inflation –which accelerated to a four-year high of 9.4 percent year-on-year in October –would likely remain a significant source of upside risk. It said adverse weather conditions had led to disruptions in food supply this year and remained a threat to prices.

“Meanwhile, factoring in secondround effects from the surge in global commodity prices in 2022, we expect that headline inflation will only drop back be low the 4.0 percent ceiling of the BSP’s target in H223 [second half of 2023]. Our central forecasts are for inflation to aver age 5.8 percent in 2022 and 5.0 percent in 2023,” it said.

in 600-ha Bulacan joint venture

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. and Araneta Group of businessman Gregorio Ma. Araneta III are investing P20 billion to develop the expanded Altaraza mixed-use estate in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.

ALI said in a statement Monday the joint venture would infuse additional 600 hectares of prime land to form part of the Altaraza estate—envisioned to be the next growth center north of Metro Manila.

“This expansion will provide a com plete and diverse range of offerings with additional residential products to cater to new market segments, as well as more commercial developments and leisure components,” ALI said.

Altaraza Development Corp., the joint venture company of ALI and Ara neta Group, will invest P20 billion for the whole project.

“The overall vision for the expanded Altaraza development is to become the newest growth center in the Metro North that champions integration of di

verse land uses with the thrust to pre serve and enhance Bulacan’s rich eco logical ecosystem for an enriched and progressive lifestyle,” it said.

Altaraza is a fully-integrated 40-hect are mixed-use estate launched by ALI in 2014. The property hosts two resi dential communities, a prime com mercial district, Waltermart Altaraza, 105-bed QualiMed hospital and schools including the STI Academic Center and Colegio de San Agustin San Jose Del Monte.

ALI said the commercial value of lots in Altaraza jumped by 200 percent, while the value of residential units rose 7 percent to 10 percent over the past eight years because of its strategic loca tion and rapid growing community.

The Araneta Group owns a huge land

bank in San Jose del Monte.

The group signed a deal with Sta. Lucia Land Inc. in 2019 to develop 300 hectares of its landholdings in Bulacan as an annex of the Colinas Verdes sub division project.

ALI last week launched its 48th estate development in Lipa City, Batangas.

The 92-hectare property, called Areza, will have a mix of residential, commer cial and office developments.

ALI will spend P9.8 billion over the next 15 years to develop Areza.

ALI said third-quarter net income grew 107 percent to P5.26 billion from P2.54 billion in the same period last year as mall and residential businesses started to recover.

The company said third-quarter revenues climbed 39 percent yearon-year to P33 billion with property development and commercial leasing growing by 21 percent and 84 percent, respectively.

The developer’s nine-month consoli dated net income went up 55 percent to P13.3 billion from P8.58 billion it reg istered last year as revenues increased 19 percent to P86.3 billion from P72.6 billion.

Silang Interchange seen completed by first quarter

MPCALA Holdings Inc. said Monday the completion of the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway was pushed back to the first quarter of 2023 over right-of-way problems.

“The target date of opening of the Silang [Aguinaldo] Interchange has been moved several times, with the latest target completion, being December of 2022 again uncertain,” MHI president Raul Ignacio said.

The ROW issues prevented continuous works, including construction of drainage and bridge, excavation and roadway earthworks and installation of fence and coco net.

The Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange is the fifth of the eighth segments of the 45km CALAX. It is a 3.9-kilometer, 2x2 lane expressway from Silang East Interchange to Aguinaldo Highway in Cavite.

About 64 percent of the subsection was finished. MHI said it expected construction works to resume soon despite constant delays. Darwin G. Amojelar

Banks sustained positive momentum in first half

BANKS sustained their positive momentum in the first half going into the third quarter as loan growth and asset quality stayed resilient in the face of macroeconomic headwinds, CreditSights, a unit of Fitch Group, said in a report Monday.

It said net interest and fee incomes continued to provide a good cushion for poor trading income, which continued to be down across the board on rising rates, while sharply reduced credit costs kept profitability back at or near pre-pandemic levels.

“The BSP’s [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] hikes [of 175 basis points during the third quarter) have started feeding through to NIMs [net interest margins] of the first-tier banks which supported net interest income,” CreditSights said, referring to BDO Unibank Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.

It said the second-tier banks had not had the same NIM uplift due to their weaker deposit franchises requiring them to pre-fund time deposits more aggressively amid CASA outflows as rates rise. Julito G. Rada

Globe fired up 600 fiber WiFi hubs in 10 months

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Monday it fired up over 600 fiber WiFi hubs as end-October to address the growing need for connectivity nationwide as the economy opens and mobility improves.

TMBayan Fiber, Globe’s pioneering prepaid fiber offer, reached the milestone just two months after the service was launched to reach more Filipinos nationwide.

It caters to the youth, providing powerful and reliable connectivity for undisrupted bonding with their friends.

Globe said it continued to expand its TMBayan hubs by tapping more local retailers to serve as connectivity partners, providing them with a new way to earn.

“Our TMBayan Fiber WiFi service provides our partners a new earning opportunity as many Filipinos are still working towards recovery from the worst of the pandemic,” said Globe At Home brand management head Janis Legaspi Racpan.

“It is a way to further empower and boost their businesses as they become the community’s new favorite “tambayans” or hangouts,” she said. Darwin G. Amojelar

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALSONS Consolidated Resources Inc. said Monday net earnings grew 18 percent in the first nine months to P1.35 billion from P1.14 billion in the same period last year.

Net earnings in the third quarter surged over 140 percent to P658.22 million from P272.93 million a year ago.

The publicly-listed company of the Alcantara Group said revenues reached P9.25 billion in the first nine months and P3.85 billion in the third quarter.

Revenues rose from 2021’s ninemonth total of P7.05 billion and third quarter revenue of P2.42 billion.

The steady rise in revenues from operations was mainly due to the constant improvement in power demand in Mindanao with the reopening of the economy and sustained recovery from the effects of the pandemic, the company said.

“We expect power demand in Mindanao to be stable for the rest of the year,” said Alsons deputy chief financial officer Philip Edward Sagun.

The 210-megawatt Sarangani Energy Corp. baseload power plant continued to be the key revenue and income driver for the company.

SEC provides power to key areas in Mindanao, including Sarangani province, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Dipolog City, Dapitan City, Pagadian, Samal, Tagum, Kidapawan and Butuan.

The company’s 100-MW Western Mindanao Power Corp. diesel plant in Zamboanga City also contributed to the higher revenues.

WMPC is the only major power generation facility in the Zamboanga Peninsula, providing power to Zamboanga City and supplying vital ancillary services to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to help stabilize the power grid in the Western

Mindanao Region.

Alsons is also building up its renewable energy capacity in the next few years, with around eight run-ofriver hydroelectric power facilities in the pipeline.

The first hydroelectric power plant is the 14.5-MW Siguil hydropower plant under construction in Maasim, Sarangani which is set to begin operations by 2023.

Alsons is also developing a 21-MW hydropower project in Zamboanga del Norte and a 42-MW hydropower facility in the Bago River in Negros Occidental province.

Alsons chairman and president Nicasio Alcantara said renewable energy sources would eventually comprise at least half of the company’s long-term energy mix.

The company has a portfolio of four power facilities with a combined capacity of 468 MW serving over eight million people across 14 cities and 11 provinces in Mindanao.

MEGAWORLD Corp. said Monday it will invest P15 billion to build a new mixeduse development and casino complex at the San Lazaro Tourism and Business Park— the former site of a racetrack in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the three-hectare development called the Winford Resort would feature a mix of residential condominiums, hotels and commercial developments with a casino complex.

Megaworld acquired the property in January 2022 from Manila Jockey Club Inc. for P1.98 billion. The acquisition is part of the company’s efforts to boost its presence in the capital city.

The property firm said the development, inspired by ‘Old Manila’ structural designs reminiscent of the pre-war era, was envisioned to become a major tourism destination in Manila.

“This commitment to revive the old beauty of Manila will be apparent in the designs of the commercial developments of this community,” Megaworld first vice president and head of sales and marketing Wilson Sy said.

Megaworld will initially launch a new residential condominium tower in the township—the 17-story One Crown Suites.

One Crown Suites offers 389 units ranging from studio with balcony (up to 30.5 square meters), one-bedroom with balcony (up to 45.5 square meters) and two-bedroom with balcony (up to 60.5 square meters).

Amenities include a swimming pool and kiddie pool with its own pool deck and outdoor shower area, study room, fitness center, playground and outdoor lounge, function room, sauna and massage room, private dining area, day care center, game room, roofdeck garden and a co-working space. Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said it plans to start the commercial oper ations of a 178.72-megawatt solar power project in Mariveles, Bataan next year.

The project is part of the company’s ef forts to develop more renewable energy projects and provide reliable power na tionwide while helping push the country towards a clean energy future.

Data from the Department of En ergy showed that SMC subsidiary SMC Global Light and Power Corp. is putting up the Lucanin solar project in Barangay Lucanin, Mariveles.

The DOE said it issued the notice to proceed to its contractor. The project is set to start testing and commissioning in September 2023. The project completion is expected by October 2023.

“SMC Global Power fully supports the government’s thrust in powering the nation as we continue to pursue business and expansion strategies that are aligned with our national and regional energy policies and needs—demonstrating our commitment to conduct business opera tions in a socially and environmentally responsible manner,” SMC president Ra mon Ang said earlier.

Ang said despite the global fuel cost and supply woes brought on by the con flict between Russia and Ukraine, SMC’s power unit remained on track with plans to minimize the country’s dependence on coal as part of the conglomerate’s more extensive sustainability goals.

“Right now, we’re facing an unprec edented situation, but even as we work to maintain reliable and sufficient supply throughout this crisis, we are also very much focused on continuing our transi tion to cleaner and renewable fuel sources without compromising on supply, quality and affordability,” Ang said.

Ang said SMC and its operating units were working on a group-wide sustain ability roadmap that would include major targets for its power business to achieve a sustainable energy future.

He said SMC Global was also develop ing battery energy storage system facili ties nationwide—the largest initiative of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Alsons posted 18% income growth to P1.35b in 3 quarters

Megaworld putting up a new casino complex in former San Lazaro racetrack

San Miguel plans to open 178-MW solar power plant in Bataan next year

ZERO WASTE CAMPAIGN. Converge ICT Solutions Inc. president Maria Grace Uy (fifth from left) and chief strategy officer

Benjamin Azada (fourth from left) lead the ceremonial drop off of e-waste at zero-waste bins placed at the main lobby of Converge

Reliance headquarters in Pasig City. Dubbed as the #CountdownToZeroWaste campaign, Converge teamed up with Jontrix Trading Philippines and Green Antz Builders Inc. for the proper processing, management and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment or e-waste.

TOP MARKET MAKER. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. head of financial markets sector Fernand Tansingco (third from right) receives the 2023 Top Market Maker for Government Securities Eligible Dealers Award from National Treasurer Rosalia De Leon (third from left). With them are (from left) Deputy Treasurer Eduardo Marino III, Deputy Treasurer Gisela Lood, Metrobank rates and credits division head Kathryn Abes and Deputy Treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana.

Empty seats tell story as World Cup party falls flat

AL KHOR, Qatar—Thousands of empty seats told the sad story as Qatar’s long-awaited World Cup debut ended in a bad case of stage fright on Sunday.

Long before the final whistle at the spectacular Bedouin tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium, the host nation’s fans among the 67,372 crowd had started heading for the exits.

The exodus began soon after Ecuador striker Enner Valencia headed his second goal shortly after the half-hour mark against the outclassed World Cup hosts.

As the second half wore on, swathes of unfilled seats could be seen throughout the arena as an evening that began with joyous celebrations and heady optimism ended with a whimper.

The downbeat finale was in stark contrast to the mood in the hours before kick-off at the stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Qatar’s capital Doha.

Thousands of people arrived at the vast Lusail train station where the subway line built especially for this tournament at a cost of $36 billion ends and spectators boarded a fleet of buses for the final leg of their journey.

The security forces appeared tense, aware that the eyes of the world are on this Gulf state, which many critics say should never have been awarded the World Cup.

Once the spectators arrived at the spectacular venue, camels and horses lined the road to the turnstiles.

Carlos Alvear, an Ecuadoran who lives in Ecuador, said: “It’s really special to be here. It’s the first World Cup in the Middle East, it’s historic and Ecuador is here for the opening match.

“To be honest, it’s all a bit bizarre. It’s pretty quiet, even if there are more Ecuadorans than I thought there would be. But all these buildings look pretty empty.”

‘Trust in our team’

For a Qatari supporter who gave his name only as Abdallah, it was an exciting moment.

“We have been waiting for this moment for 12 years,” he said. “We have every confidence for this festival.... We trust in our team. We have ambition but are realistic.”

He was confident of victory against the South Americans and predicted his team would be runners-up in their group and go through to the next round —where England could await.

“Today we will win, but we will be second behind the Netherlands. Then against England, we will win,” he said with a smile. AFP

Solon lauds young chess player for win in Asian meet

By Maricel V. Cruz

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has filed a House Resolution commending his fellow Bicolano, 9-year-old Bince Rafael Operiano, for his exemplary performance in winning the gold medal in the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 2022 held in Bangkok, Thailand last Nov. 4 to 13.

Operiano, who hails from Oas, Albay advanced through nine rounds of the competition in the under-10 category, where he bested 29 contenders from different countries.

“Saludo po tayo sa ipinamalas na husay at tatag ni Bince. Despite the challenges he and his family experienced such as limited funds and other logistical problems, he did not stop from striving to bring home the championship,” AGRI Rep. Wilbert T Lee said.

Reportedly, Operiano will be conferred the title National Master when he turns 10 years old.

Lee said Operiano exhibited strong commitment, steadfast spirit and pure dedication in bringing pride and honor to the country.

“By winning a trophy and four medals, he has made our country proud and has shown the spirit of Filipino competitiveness and excellence in chess. He deserves to be commended for the honor, recognition, and inspiration he has brought,” Lee stated in his House Resolution 568.

A total of 181 players from 12 countries in Eastern Asia participated in the competition hosted by the Thailand Chess Association.

Declared as the overall champion, the Philippines bagged 32 gold, 27 silver and 22 bronze medals in the Youth Chess Championships.

Sports

Pacquiao returns to his roots

By Randy Caluag

“It is still the best,” said the boxing icon, referring to the sport where he originally carved a name for himself.

Pacquiao has also dabbled into other ventures like basketball, chess and even politics, but on Sunday night, he made a return to his first love during the inaugural event of the “Manny Pacquiao’s Blow by Blow” in Mandaluyong City.

“Kayong mga kabataan, maganda rin ang basketball. Pero boxing pa rin ang the best para marating niyo pangarap niyo. Suportahan natin ang programang ito,” added the 43-year-old former pro basketball player and senator.

Blow-by-Blow made its debut in 1994 and ended in 1999. It was revived as Blow By Blow Reloaded in 2015 but only lasted until in 2016.

Pacquiao could not recount how many times he fought at a Blow-by-Blow event, when he was still a young, aspiring champion, but he recognized the people behind it as one of his vehicles to success.

“Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa Blow by Blow at sa Abalos family nu’ng nagsisimula pa lang ako, “ he said referring to Mandaluyong Mayor Ben Abalos, who has hosted a lot of Blow-by-

Blow boxing in the city.

Now under the care of no less than its most famous product, Blow by Blow came back after eight years of absence with 10 bouts at the newly built Mandaluyong City College, headlined by the championship bout for the Philippine Boxing Federation super featherweight title.

Christian “Pitt” Laurente needed only 45 seconds in carving out a knockout victory over JR Magboo of Batangas.

The Blow-by-Blow event still had the same personalities from the original one like the TV commentator Quinito Henson, ring announcer Bobby Mondejar and referee Ver Garcia. Pacquiao’s friend, two-time world champion Gerry “Fearless” Peñalosa, will call the shots in charting the best boxing cards every month, along with veteran matchmaker Art Monis.

“Suportahan po natin itong Blow-by-Blow dahil magpapalaro po tayo every month sa lahat ng barangay sa Pilipinas,” said Pacquiao, who himself is also busy with his training for his exhibition bout with South Korean martial arts expert DK Yoo set in Seoul on December 11.

PSC to probe NCAA brawl; Blazers face Lions

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine Sports Commission will delve deeper into the incident involving former Jose Rizal University cager John Anthony Amores when he charged and turned violent against the players of the College of St. Benilde two weeks ago.

PSC chairman Noli Eala said the government sport body will begin its probe, now that things have settled down in the ongoing 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.

The agency has assembled a fact-finding committee, composed of Eala, with assistance from PSC commissioner Bong Coo and PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr.

Eala said the investigation will determine the “appropriate actions to be taken by the commission on all those who may have been involved in the incident.”

So far, Amores has personally apologized to the Blazers, particularly to Mark Sangco, Taine Davis, Jimboy Pasturan and Miguel Oczon over the incident when he visited the team’s practice session on Saturday.

The peace offering from Amores came 11 days after he went berserk during a CSB-JRU game and punched four players, bringing down two in Pasturan and Davis.

Amores is currently suspended indefinitely by the league and has been removed from the JRU athletics program. He also has two court cases of

assault, filed against him by Pasturan and Davis in San Juan.

Benilde coach Charles Tiu said that there’s no sign yet that the case against Amores will be dropped.

Meanwhile, the CSB Blazers will face the San Beda Red Lions at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the FilOilEcoil Arena in San Juan, seeking an important win that will keep them in contention for the no. 1 seeding in the Final Four.

The Blazers share the same slate with the Letran Knights and can secure a twice-to-beat incentive with a victory.

The Red Lions (12-5) are behind the Knights and the Blazers. They could force a share of the no. 2 spot if they win.

all those days that I threw up on the side of the track. I deserve to be there, I deserve to compete with the best, and to be one of the best in the sport,” Obiena said.

In the middle of back-to-back schedules during his short break in the Philippines before returning to Italy for another round of intense training, Obiena sat down for the last episode of #BetterToday conversations in this year’s Power Move Project, an initiative of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) to promote mental resilience through sports.

“To maintain a strong mental headspace, I think it’s a matter of knowing how hard I’ve worked and that I’ve done everything in my capacity going to that day – all the training that I did throughout the year,

His conviction and commitment to the sport have been validated multiple times, with his recordbreaking performances in his latest tournaments, beating other veteran pole vaulters.

“There are a lot of challenges in the sport. Being Asian is one thing, because Asians are not known to excel in pole vault. These kinds of stigma did affect me, but I learned to embrace that challenge. I make sure that I win the competition and prove that stereotype is not true,” Obiena shared.

Obiena started in the sport through his father, who brought him to Rizal Memorial Stadium when he was just a kid. Now, with years of experience under his belt, the pole vaulter also said that his approach to the game is

simply winning.

“The best EJ as an athlete is going to be the best person that he is. Therefore, before becoming the best athlete, I need to be a better person,” he said. “From getting knocked down to getting back up to knowing the best approach and mindset— there are a lot of things I can improve on.”

As the number 3 pole vaulter in the world, Obiena shared that his biggest dream is to hopefully bring the country glory, especially in the upcoming Paris Olympics in 2024. The young pole vaulter also told the youth to find something that they truly enjoy, but to also endure the hardship that they are bound to face. “Achieving something historic would not come overnight. You need time and a lot of effort. There’s going to be a lot of pain, but stay with it. Focus and keep

EIGHT-DIVISION boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao is going back to what he does best, his first love and the one thing that gave him and his family fame and fortune—boxing.

FILIPINO Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena is sharing his story of strength and resilience on the road to become Asia’s best—from overcoming stigma in the sport, to balancing his heart and mind as he dreams of bringing the Philippines glory in the sport that he loves.

Obiena: Before being the best athlete, I need to be a better person

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

The Qatar 2022 mascot La’eeb is shown during the opening ceremony ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha. AFP

After making ventures in basketball and politics, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is back where he started. Garren Elorde

striving. Next thing you know, you’re closer to your goal than you ever were today.”

Watch EJ Obiena’s episode on #BetterToday Conversations here. The #BetterToday Power Move Project is part of the PLDT group’s broader program to help ensure the digital wellness of Filipinos particularly the youth.

Ernest John Obiena

Ko wins LPGA Tour tilt, nails Player of Year title

PSA Forum to discuss chess meet, Super League

THE weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum resumes Tuesday with focus on what’s next for the Shakey’s Super League and the coming Philippine Women’s Chess Championship grand finals.

Athletic Events and Sports Management Inc. president Doc Ian Laurel and ACES chairman Philip Ella Juico will talk about the group’s upcoming projects following the success of the just concluded Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championships.

Some members of the National University Lady Bulldogs, who won the championship via an eighthgame sweep of the tournament, are also gracing the face-to-face session at the ground floor of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex that starts at 10 a.m.

Meanwhile, National Chess Federation of the Philippines Chief Executive Officer Jayson Gonzales and Women Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna are going to discuss the grand finale of the PH Women’s Chess Championship set Nov. 29 to Dec. 7.

The weekly public sports program is presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, which also shares it on its official Facebook page.

MIAMI—New Zealand’s Lydia Ko won the season-ending LPGA Tour Championship on Sunday, holding on for a two stroke victory over Ireland’s Leona Maguire that also secured her the Player of the Year prize.

Ko, who also won the tournament in 2014, pocketed the record $2 million prize for victory at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples Florida with her two-under round of 70 in blustery conditions.

The 19th victory on the tour for Ko, also secured her back-to-back Vare Trophy awards, given to the player with the

lowest scoring average for the season.

It has been a true return to form this year for Ko, who began the season with a victory at Boca Rio in January and then captured the BMW Championship in South Korea in October.

“This year has been an incredible year. I really could never ask for more

to win so early in the season and then to have won in Korea and then win the last event of the year,” said Ko who plans to get married during the offseason.

“I couldn’t have drawn it up any better. There has been so many exciting things in my life that have been going on.”

Ko’s second Player of the Year award follows her triumph in 2015 and the 25-year-old could now secure her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame next season.

“This will be my last win as a single lady. So I wanted to do this for my family,” she said. “This has been one of the most consistent and solid years I’ve had.”

The South-Korean born Ko ended the tournament on 17-under 271 for the week, with Maguire’s even-par round of 72 leaving her 15-under.

Maguire went into the final round level with Ko after a magnificent 9-under round of 63 but was unable to repro-

Bogeys on the fifth and 14th ultimately cost the Irishwoman and her birdie on the 17th proved to be too little too late.

“It was an incredible week, a really great way to round off the season and if you would have offered me second at the start of the week I would have grabbed it with both hands,” said Maguire.

“It would have been nice to have played a little better today but it was really tough out there. The wind was strong, it was cold, the greens were tricky. I didn’t play as well as Saturday but I grafted away and had some key up and downs to keep me in it.”

Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist finished third aft er shooting 67 on Sunday.

England’s Georgia Hall also shot 67 to share fourth alongside South Korean Lee6 Jeong-eun. AFP

UST female chessers seize lead

UNIVERSITY of Sto. Tomas took the lead on Sunday after scoring its second win in five matches to go up 11 points at the conclusion of Round 5 of the UAAP Season 85 Women’s Chess Championships at FEU Tech Gym in Manila.

The Tigresses now have two wins and three draws after a 2.5-1.5 win over Far Eastern University.

Macydel Fajardo (Board 1) and Josemier Panol (Board 2) both scored wins followed by a draw from Jamaica Lagrio in Board 3 to secure the win in their penultimate match in the first half of the season.

Defending Champion National University, on the other hand, was limited to another 2-2 split, this time against De La Salle University.

DLSU’s Francois Marie Magpily (Board 2) handed Woman Fide Master Allaney Jia Doroy her first loss of the season despite playing the black pieces in a 40-move English Opening.

Irish Yngayo also scored her first back-to-back win this season with a masterful middlegame play to force Jesca Docena to resign by the 50th move in Board 3. But NU’s Woman Fide Master Allaney Jia Doroy unleashed a superb combination play against fellow Woman Fide Master Samantha Glo Revita to gain significant material advantage, with the latter resigning after 41 moves of the King’s Indian Defense.

NBA open to playing friendly matches vs PH teams

By Peter Atencio

THE door is open for players in the US National Basketball Association to play friendly matches with teams in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Newly appointed NBA Asia executive vice president and managing director Ramez Sheikh said this as they get ready to roll out the red carpet for the arrival of more than 50 NBA players in the region.

These players will play for their respective national squads, which will see action in the FIBA World Cup 2023, to be hosted by the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia next year.

“We’re definitely open. It’s just about timing and other factors. Now that the world has opened up again, we’re open,” said Sheikh, who talked about what can happen next year, in a round-table discussion with scribes at the NBA Philippines Office at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig

“I imagine there’s a sizeable number who will

play. To put it into perspective, there are close to 120 international players who play currently in the NBA. That’s about 25% of our playerbase. So I imagine there’s gonna be significant representation at the World Cup. Obviously not just team USA, but all the other international teams,” According to Sheikh, who came aboard after Scott Levy stepped down last June 2022, this will be an exciting event for the organization.

“What I’m really excited about is the Philippines will host the World Cup next year in August, alongside Japan and Indonesia. All three markets I look after, so it’s right that we have NBA players playing for their various countries. I’m sure we’re gonna be amazing hosts and it’s gonna be exciting,” said Sheikh.

He believes that these players will be able to showcase the game of basketball from the perspective of the countries that they represent.

“The World Cup is a chance to showcase in purest form, the game of basketball,” said Sheikh.

GUADALAJARA—The six-man SMART/MVP Sports Foundation

Philippine Taekwondo Team returned on Tuesday from a tough campaign in the Guadalajara World Championship, without a single medal but gained enough experience they can use to become better fighters for the future international competitions.

Tokyo Olympian Kurt Barbosa, Southeast Asian Games multi-medalist Dave Cea and newbie Joseph Chua made it to the quarterfinals in their respective weight classes, which team manager and former World Championship campaigner Raul ‘Rocky’ Samson considered an achievement for Pinoy fighters considering the presence of the world’s best and more experienced jins.

“Despite the disadvantage in height, experience and exposure from top-tier competitions, our players showed what they have

So

This

While Team USA will be loaded with NBA stars, they are watching out for the likes of Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, and Matisse Thybulle, cagers who could play for the Australia once they are done with their club commitments.

There’s also a chance that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kelly Olynyk could return for duty with Canada.

Sheik believes that these could generate a lot of following in social media in the months to come.

“We got a tremendous social media following in the Philippines. Just about 15 million Filipinos follow our local and global social handles which is tremendous for us. The NBA aggregate has just over 2 billion followers across all different social platforms which is the most for any sports leagues. The passion is there,” added Sheikh.

No medal for PH jins, just valuable experience

are as the National University standout, a rookie at that in an international competition, made a winning run against highly favored opponents.

His first win against Finland’s Niko Saarinem via 2-1 decision in the men’s -63 was surprising, but his victories against American Mik Roman (2-0) and Italian D. Bareta (2-1) were totally mind-blowing. He missed the podium with a 0-2 loss to Cala Jorquera of Spain (0-2).

Barbosa, on the other hand, was the country’s best jin and his almost two months of training in Korea before the competition proved beneficial as the two-time SEAG champion pulled off an overwhelming win against Andres Moreno of Columbia (2-0) and bull-strong Khudaybeerdiev of Uzbekistan (2-1) in the men’s -54kgs. His first match against Sanoh Lomcom of Gunie was an easy default.

“Yung laban niya kay Salim Omar Gergen ng Hungary sa quarterfi-

NU fell to the second spot with 10.5 points.

Princess Nicole Ballete then scored NU’s second win to salvage a 2-2, punishing Arena Fide Master Sara Francine Olendo’s miscalculated 13th move tactical play that resulted in material advantage which she successfully protected for a comfortable endgame win.

Ateneo de Manila University also cracked the top three after a 3-1 performance against University of the Philippines to go up to 8.5 points.

Alexis Anne Oseña (Board 3) remained perfect with her fourth win in as many matches to go with Kristine Mae Flores’s victory in Board 4.

Laila Camel Nadera (Board 1) and Glesit Marie Tatoy (Board 2) then settled for draws to help take Ateneo’s second-season win.

nals, ‘yun ang bara sa weight class niya, kung nalagpasan niya, malaki ang tiyansa niya na makuha ang gold medal,” said Samson.

The Hungarian eventually claimed the gold, beating hometown bet Cesar Rodriguez.

Other members of the team in SEA Games medalists Leila Delo and Baby Jessica Canabal and another newbie Alfritz Arevalo failed to get past their Roundof-64 matches, but national coach Caloy Padilla and Paul Romero are both convinced that they will be forces to reckon with in the regional meet next year.

“Yes, in the end experience prevails, pero itong exposure nila malaking bagay sa kanilang mental toughness and readiness for the future international competitions including the SEA Games, Asian Games, Asian Indoor Championships and the World Championship happening next year,” Samson said.

far, NBA officials have noted that around 56 NBA players have participated during the qualifiers.

includes Utah Jazz cager Jordan Clarkson, who has played for the Philippines.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand poses with the CME Globe trophy after winning the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. AFP

Macydel Fajardo

Members of the Philippine Taekwondo Team are shown here, namely (from left) Joseph Chua, Dave Cua, Baby Jessica Canabal, coach Caloy Padilla, team manager Rocky Samson, coach Paul Romero, Leila Delo, Kurt Bryan Barbosa and Alfritz Arevalo.

against seasoned opponents in terms of skills, talents and understanding under pressure,” said Samson.

He stressed that the 24-year-old Chua was the best example on how talented and strong Filipino fighters

Julie Anne and Rayver Cruz to captivate concertgoers in ‘JulieVerse’

Julie and Rayver are excited to spread ‘kilig’ on the concert stage and they have been preparing for the special performances for their fans. As soon as it was announced, JulieVer’s supporters were quick to show their support, with the Premium and Bronze categories already sold out.

“I am overwhelmed by the warm reception of fans to JulieVerse Rayver and I cannot wait to share our universe with you, mga Kapuso. See you on November 26,” says Julie Anne.

“Prepare to get kilig with the special numbers we have in store for you, guys,” shares Rayver. “We hope we can all get inspired this November 26 via JulieVerse.”

JulieVerse is produced by GMA Synergy – the same team behind the 2022 New York Festivals TV and Film Awards Silver Medalist

featured as one of Julie’s guests. Rayver accompanied Julie as she explored the mysterious beauty of Siquijor. In the last part of Limitless, Rise, Rayver sang a duet with Julie and revealed that it was her who inspired him to share his talent in playing the guitar to a bigger audience.

Since then, fans have been clamoring for a concert featuring the two Kapuso artists. The two powerhouse performers have been fan favorites since they were paired up in Studio 7, The Clash, and All-Out Sundays Their TikTok collaborations are also a hit among netizens.

First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Victor Amoroso

ENTER a universe that celebrates life, love, and music as Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz captivate fans in their much-awaited concert, JulieVerse, live at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on November 26.

Limitless: A Musical Trilogy. The three-part musical special featured Julie’s musical journey set against the picturesque background of Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.

It was on the second installment, Limitless: Heal, that Rayver was

“In 2021, GMA Synergy took a leap of faith, and amidst the challenges of the global pandemic, conceptualized and produced a unique masterpiece called Limitless: A Musical Trilogy that showcased not only Julie Anne’s limitless talents but the Philippines’ overflowing beauty as well. This year, we at GMA Synergy continue to innovate and find ways to create new projects that our Kapuso can relate to. We proudly present another original concept via JulieVerse which we offer to everyone – from JulieVer shippers to fans of great music and live concerts. Expect another world-class performance from two of GMA Network’s most-prized artists: Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz,” says

IN Concert King’s recent junket to promote his upcoming concert, he talked about how having a positive disposition keeps him grounded, and as I pointed out during our quick chat, makes him look younger, too.

“You know, I love to be spontaneous but it’s good that you have something to look forward to. That’s probably the reason why you see the same guy from way back then,” he said in response to my question as to why he looks young despite being in the business for 40 years now.

“A lot of things about me changed a lot. I move slower, my voice is not as high as it used to be, and even my breathing while singing is different now. That guy you saw back then, what remains is his passion to love, his love to be in love,” he carried on. It has now been forty years since Martin Nievera returned to the Philippines and ventured into the entertainment business. And to celebrate this milestone, the Concert King performed on Saturday, November 19, at The Theatre at Solaire. The concert is called M4D

Being the son of the legendary balladeer Bert Nievera, Martin had dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps since he was a kid. After being tapped to sing background to Barry Manilow and besting over four thousand contestants in the California State Talent Competition, he decided he had what it takes to be a singer.

Vicor Music Corporation signed Martin to a recording

“Be My Lady” to be part of his first album Take 1, which was released in 1983.

The song turned out to be a massive hit and became the beginning of four decades of more hits. Among those that followed were “How Can I,” “Each Day with You,” “Pain,” “Paradise,” “Please Don’t Throw My Love Away,” “Christmas Won’t be the Same Without You,” “Say That You Love Me,” “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin,” “Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap,” “Forever,” and “You Are My Song,” just to name a few.

Martin’s success – not to mention having recorded 28 albums – as a recording artist fanned out into other areas of entertainment. Aside

from singing, Martin is also a lyricist for songs like “You Are My Song” and “Forever.” He appeared in movies like Always and Forever and Si Mister at si Misis. He also dominated television starting with Penthouse Live in 1984 down to Martin and Pops Twogether down to the talk show Martin After Dark and others.

As of today, Martin is considered one of the greatest stars in the history of Philippine entertainment. Despite his success, he continues to work. He is host of the TV show ASAP he is fully booked for shows here and abroad and he is now working on a new album.

“I have to relearn my old songs because I don’t sing those songs anymore. But the good news is at this point in my life, I’ve learned to embrace me,” he said of his preparation for the concert.

“I’ve always tried to be someone else or sound like someone else or sing someone else’s song kasi sikat sya. But I think after 40 years, I’ve now been given the license to just sing me, just do me. And that’s what people will hear,” he concluded.

That

But

continued organically. And this time, we get to continue that

talent and personality – Rayver Cruz,”

“Coming from the success of the Limitless Trilogy, there was a great clamor for the next project. It was not at all difficult to come up with the next one because as with all great narratives, Julie’s story continued organically. And this time, we get to continue that story with an artist that truly complemented Julie’s talent and personality – Rayver Cruz,” shares First Vice President for Entertainment Group Darling De Jesus-Bodegon

“Since they worked on musical performances together in Studio 7, we instantly saw the undeniable chemistry that they have. And since then, their spark continued to ignite which brings us to this night when we celebrate them as the perfect epitome of ‘twin flames.’ This is the story of two people na pinagtagpo, at tinadhana Another truly exciting part of this project is that now, we finally get to share Julie

screams,

with our audience. We conceptualized this show to give the audience an inclusive experience. We really want them to feel that they are inside the Julieverse,” she adds.

Joining JulieVer as special guests are real-life couple and fellow Sparkle artists Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi For tickets, visit www.gmanetwork.com/ synergy or www.ticketworld.com.ph

KING of Talk Boy Abunda confirms his desire to go back to television amid rumors that he is moving back to GMA-7.

“As to the question if I’m moving, actually, I keep on moving. I just want to move. But at this point, I have not much to say. I guess, let’s reserve that for another press conference. One thing is definite though: I want to go back to the television scene,” he avers.

But in the absence of television, he was able to shift successfully to other digital platforms.

“Yes, and I’m thankful for that. I was thrown in there by circumstance. For one, I’m not a digital expert or a digital native. But I was forced to learn to be able to do my interviews. By God’s grace, I was given the chance. But as to what’s going to happen in the coming days, a lot of things are bound to happen. A lot of movements within or without wherever I am, but as I’ve said, I want to go back to television.”

The King of Talk admits that he is presently in talks with different TV networks.

“I won’t deny that. I’m in conversation with various groups. But there is nothing concrete yet. I haven’t signed any contract yet.”

Tito Boy assures that whatever decision he makes, there will be no bridges burned.

“I value my relationships. That makes this whole process difficult. There are relationships which I take very good care of. Like what I always say, I started my television career with GMA. That’s where I learned how to walk, so to speak. Then, I flew to ABSCBN. The rest is history.”

Interestingly, what kind of

“Perhaps, that which understands where I am or where I should be. I’m not a 20 year-old who is just about to start my career in television. I’ve been doing this stuff for the longest time already.

“Let’s be very honest: I’m already nearing the ‘has been’ stage for lack of a better word. All of us will go. Nothing lasts forever in the ‘biz. So, I’m in that stage where I want to go back to where I belong and be able to do what I do best,” says Boy.

•

• • In a recent media conference, Enzo Pineda revealed that his girlfriend Michelle Vito advised him to take it easy when it comes to accepting sexy roles.

“I understand where she’s coming from. I respect her viewpoint and really appreciate her concern,” he said. The actor thinks his lady love has a point.

“Perhaps, with the projects I’ve done in the past, I can say that I’ve been through a lot of sexy portrayals. Michelle’s advice is for me to take it one step at a time because there is a tendency that I’ll be typecast to such kinds of roles and it will be hard for me to progress or nab other interesting and meaty parts. Perhaps, I will just do it once in a while.”

Enzo doesn’t have regrets doing sexy materials though.

“As an actor, I believe it’s important to try to do various genres once in your life so that at the end, you can say you’ve done them. One thing more, even if I did sexy potboilers, the stories and themes are different from one another. I just have to be conscious about it since being a star, there are people who look up to you.”

On the lighter side, the good-looking young actor was asked about his viewpoint on marriage.

“When it comes to that, I will make sure that my future wife and I will be together through thick and thin. Especially now that there are lots of couples who exchange I do’s but just separate in the end. This just ruins the true value or essence of marriage.

“I guess, if you really want to tie the knots, better be sure that the other person is the ‘One.’ Many believe that marriage is a gateway to happiness that once you enter it, your life will be happy. But it doesn’t mean that you won’t meet stumbling blocks or problems along the way. When you get married, you have to be committed to be with your partner come hell or high waters,” ended Enzo.

In

DISNEY and Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever dominated the North American box office for a second straight weekend, taking in an estimated $67.3 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

take for the sequel to the hugely popular Black Panther – with the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda again fighting for its survival – was a bit below industry expectations despite a current global total of $546 million, trade publications said.

it was still more than seven times its

closest competitor in North American theaters, Searchlight’s new horror-comedy film The Menu, which took in $9 million for the Friday-throughSunday period.

The Menu stars Ralph Fiennes as a celebrity chef who prepares an elaborate – and increasingly creepy – meal for a group of wealthy, entitled people (including Anya Taylor-Joy of The Queen’s Gambit) who have no idea what, or who, is about to be served.

In third place was a surprise success, The

Chosen Season 3: Episodes 1 & 2, a crowd-funded Christian movie that pulled in $8.2 million. “By Christian drama film standards, it’s a very good opening,” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

In its fifth week out, Warner Bros.’ superhero film Black Adam placed fourth, at $4.5 million. Dwayne Johnson stars in the Shazam! spinoff.

fifth place was Universal rom-com Ticket to Paradise, at $3.2 million. Julia Roberts and George Clooney star. AFP

Vic del Rosario, Jr. handpicked the Vehnee Saturno composition

The concert is directed by Paolo Valenciano

Oliver

‘Black Panther’ stars Lupita Nyong’o (left) and Letitia Wright

Julie Anne San Jose (left) and Rayver Cruz join forces for the ‘JulieVerse’ concert

reception of fans to Anne.

Sparkle artists Kyline Alcantara (right) and Mavy Legaspi

contract in 1982.

Vicor president

Martin is considered one of the greatest stars in the history of Philippine entertainment

Computer company ushers in the holidays

ACER and The SM Stores are joining forces to bring the best of the season to its customers. The announcement was made during a grand launch held November 18 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia

The event was hosted by Robi Do mingo and featured a special perfor mance by Acer ambassador Sarah Geronimo who sang her new singles “Dati-Dati” and “Cuore” live for the first time.

“The holidays are all about sharing love and joy and what better way to do this than to give gifts? This is our way of saying thank you to our dear customers who have been loyal to the brand all these years,” said Acer Phil ippines General Manager Sue OngLim

According to Ong-Lim, customers can score a Digital SM Gift Pass of up to P8000 when they register their new Acer product for warranty during the “Unbox the Holidays with Acer” promo, which runs until December 31.

Every purchase of a qualifying Acer consumer and gaming notebook comes with a Digital SM Gift Pass.

To avail of the SM Gift Pass, the customer must complete the claiming process, which includes the following steps: the customer must register the product for warranty at https://warran ty.acer.com.ph/ until 60 days after the promo ends; and once the registration requirements have been completed, Acer will validate the credentials within five business days.

Acer will transfer the Digital SM

Gift Pass credits to the customer’s provided mobile number two business days after successful validation. The customer must download the Sodexo+ App to use the Digital SM Gift Pass.

The “Unbox the Holidays with Acer” promo, which is valid in conjunction with other promos and discounts, is for end-users only. A maximum of five free items can be redeemed per cus tomer/company. Only purchases from Acer Concept Stores, Acer Authorized Resellers, and/or Acer Philippines On line Store qualify for the promotion.

For more information about Acer and the Unbox the Holidays with Acer promotion, follow Acer Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or go to www.acer.com.

UNIQLO welcomes Nuvali residents to new roadside store

By Patricia Taculao

NUVALI in Santa Rosa Laguna has become a premier destination where people unwind and enjoy the sprawling scenery of the province while indulging themselves in several leisure activities, such as strolling, eating out, shopping, and more.

The destination will have another addition to its establishments this No vember: the Japanese global apparel retailer UNIQLO. It will be the third roadside store for the brand, aside from Alabang and Pasay City.

“Our roadside stores highlight our commitment to bringing LifeWear closer to more Filipinos. Opening a roadside store promises a simple, lo cal one-stop shopping experience for customers to enjoy a quick and con venient trip close to their homes, es pecially this Holiday season,” says UNIQLO Philippines COO Ger aldine Sia

UNIQLO Nuvali is a standalone 1,418 sqm. building with a wide se lection of LifeWear staples for men, women, kids, and babies. Yet there’s more to the new store than just offer ing apparel to Nuvali residents and guests.

The store has new features that promote inclusivity and accessibility. It has more than 300 parking spaces to accommodate large groups, fit for families shopping together for qual ity clothing. Speaking of families and large groups, UNIQLO Nuvali also has a special kids’ play corner with a mini library to entertain the children

UNIQLO

WHETHER you’re dressing for cooler weather and rainy days, planning a holiday getaway, or visiting family and friends abroad, it’s time to bundle up again in style with the latest outerwear collection from Surplus.

If you’re in a revenge travel mode or simply making that long delayed visit to relatives in cooler climes, there are classic trench coats, as well as winter jackets so soft and supple they’re a dream to pack.

After flying under the radar for the past few seasons, bomber jackets are back in a big way for 2022, with everyone from Prada to Loewe showcasing them on the runways. This street style staple finds expression today in oversized, minimalist styles.

Other jackets du jour: biker jackets, the classic puffer, hoodies, and cardigans livened up with layering, pops of color and floral prints.

The Surplus coat and jacket collection is available in Surplus stores in most SM malls nationwide.

For a more convenient shopping experience, you may check out Surplus at Lazada, SM Malls Online, and ShopSM.

Surplus Order to Deliver is also now available; join their Viber community and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ SurplusPH and @Surplus_ph for more details.

and people. The special corner has a wall where customers can learn how sustainable their favorite UNIQLO pieces are.

Moreover, the store encourages cus tomers to participate in its sustainable efforts by dropping off their pre-loved UNIQLO items at the Re.UNIQLO box available in the brand’s Nuvali store. The store will revive LifeWear pieces through reusing and upcycling.

Upcycled furniture made by JunkNot from roped plastics and old UNIQLO denim scraps is also a prominent fea ture in the brand’s third roadside store.

Since UNIQLO’s third roadside store has a prime location that boasts sprawling greenery, it also has the Green Park, made possible through a partnership between Ayala and UNIQ LO Sustainability.

The outdoor space has a bicycle rack to promote a sustainable mode of

transportation, a kids’ active zone, and a pedal power charging station that’s open to the community. A mural by lo cal artist AG Saño adds vibrancy to the store’s outer wall while conveying the brand’s campaign of caring for the environment.

UNIQLO Nuvali opens its doors to day, November 18. And to celebrate an other milestone in the brand’s journey, UNIQLO Nuvali will offer staple items at discounted prices until November 24. AlsoShoppers can also get special pro mos from partner stores for a minimum single receipt purchase of P3,000.

For more updates about the UNIQ LO Nuvali Roadside Store, please visit its page at UNIQLO Philippines’ web site at https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ spl/uniqlo-nuvali and download the UNIQLO APP via Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Nickie

BREAKFAST MEETING. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman

Rolen Paulino, Sr. (seated, center) met with some top NITAS Tour Operators and select media to discuss Subic  Bay Tourism development and promotions during a poolside breakfast hosted by Le Charme Suites recently. With the group are Jho Floresca, Le Charme  CEO (center standing, 2nd row) and Angel Bognot, NITAS president (right, 2nd row)

Robi Domingo hosting the ‘Unbox the Holidays with Acer’ event

UNIQLO Nuvali brings LifeWear staples for men, women, and children

Shoppers can enjoy an Opening Day promo with discounted prices on their favorite pieces

The Coral Bed in UNIQLO Nuvali is made from old denim scraps and other upcycled materials

A Reuse Framework and upcycled pieces also take the spotlight in UNIQLO Nuvali

Customers can score a Digital SM Gift Pass of up to P8000 when they register their new Acer product for warranty during the ‘Unbox the Holidays with Acer’ promo

while their guardians go shopping. In the meantime, the store also has a restroom and eleven fitting rooms, with designated areas for PWDs. Besides inclusivity and accessibil ity,

Nuvali also fosters sus tainability. The store has a designated area that highlights the brand’s initiative in saving the planet

Acer ambassador Sarah Geronimo serenading guests with her new singles

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION.

UNIQLO Nuvali measures 1,418 sqm to accommodate its well-loved and new features