Manila Standard - 2022 December 6 - Tuesday

By Rey E. Requejo

SUSPENDED Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) director general Gerald Bantag sought Monday the inhibition of the De partment of Justice’s panel of prosecu tors conducting the preliminary inves tigation on the murder charges against him and several others.

The charges were in connection with the killings of veteran radio commenta tor Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa on October 3 and inmate Jun Villamor, the alleged middleman in the case.

Bantag, through lawyer Rocky Bali song, sought the inhibition of the DOJ prosecutors and the immediate trans fer of the investigation of the murder charges before the Ombudsman, which he said had the primary jurisdiction over his client under Article 11, Section 13, paragraph 1 of the Constitution.

Bantag, while entering the DOJ gate, remarked in Filipino “Sabi nila nagtata go ako. Hindi naman. (They said I have been hiding. I wasn’t.)”

An indigenous Ibaloi from the Cordillera

By Vince Lopez, Vito Barcelo, and Rio N. Araja

THE government would pre fer building high-rise housing units instead of replicating the BLISS mid-rise housing pro gram in the 1980s to address the country’s backlog and catch up with the rising need for de cent shelter, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday.

GMA defends bid for wealth fund, says President responsible for it

its

“The

By Maricel V. Cruz

A CONGRESSMAN, a provincial gov ernor, his former governor-father, and a provincial board member on Monday became the newest members of the La kas Christian Muslim Democrats (LakasCMD), which has grown into the largest political party in the country.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, who is Lakas-CMD president, administered the oath to Iligan City Lone District Rep. Celso G. Regencia, Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, his father former Gov. Florencio M. Miraflores, and Pampanga Board Member Alyssa Michaela Mercado Gonzales as new party members at the House of Repre sentatives on Monday.

Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Maca pagal-Arroyo, the former President and Lakas-CMD President Emeritus, wit nessed the event.

Speaking during the ceremonial turnover of house and lot units from the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Naic, Cavite, the President noted there was a shortfall of some 3.5 million housing units when he was a senator from 2010 to 2016.

The NHA also granted certificates of el igibility for lot awards (CELAs) to 30,000 qualified beneficiaries under the shelter program of the Marcos administration

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

CONGRESS on Monday ratified the proposed P5.268trillion national budget for 2023 after it was approved by the bicameral conference committee in the morning.

The bicam panel also restored the P150 million in confidential funds of the Department of Education (DepEd), which was cut by P120 million in the Senate version of next year’s national capital outlay.

The copy of the budget bill will be transmitted to Malacañang for Presi dent Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, who presided over the Monday session at the House of Representatives, announced the bicam reort as duly ratified after holding a voice vote. The affirmative votes won overwhelmingly.

The Senate ratified the same docu ment at past 7:30 p.m. during its own session in plenary, after Deputy Major ity Leader Joel Villanueva moved to ratify next year’s capital outlay.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubi ri announced the budget’s ratifica tion, which was opposed by Senate

By Maricel V.

Casas

WITH an overwhelming 216 votes,

House of Representatives

the third and final reading the measure that would mandate the establishment of a virology institute to

spearhead the country’s defense against pandemics like the COVID-19 global public health crisis.

House Bill (HB) 6452 seeks to establish a Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP) that would primarily focus on the key science and technology

Undercover cops to be deployed in NCR malls, streets this Xmas

THE National Capital Region Po lice Office (NCRPO) on Monday said it

Cruz and Willie

By Othel V. Campos, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENIOR Deputy Speaker and Pam panga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday defended the proposed Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) from

critics, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was ultimately responsible for managing the country’s first sover eign wealth fund.

success of any fund, sovereign or private, lies in the quality of its

Bantag attends Lapid slay hearing, seeks DOJ prosecutors to inhibit

Gov’t eyes high-rise BLISS bldg. to address PH housing backlog

NHA TURNOVER. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his message during the ceremonial turnover of house and lot units from the National Housing Authority (NHA) at the Malainen Park Residences in Barangay Calubcob, Naic, Cavite on Monday (inset photos). Rey S. Baniquet NOT

bureau chief Gerald Bantag, accused

ordering the killing of a prominent radio journalist whose death sparked international alarm, waves to the media as he arrives at the Department of Justice in Manila on Monday to attend a preliminary investigation on the killings of the journalist and an alleged middleman. Jam Sta. Rosa/AFP

MORE ‘LAKAS’. Speaker Martin G. Romualdez (left) administers the oath to Iligan City

Rep. Celso Regencia (3rd right), Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique “Joen” Miraflores (left), his father former Gov. Florencio “Joeben” M. Miraflores (3rd left) and Pampanga Board Member Mica Mercado Gonzales (2nd right) as new Lakas-CMD members with former Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd left), Lakas-CMD President Emeritus, witnessing the event. Ver Noveno

Fuel prices cut by as much as P1.95

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country’s oil firms cut pump prices by as much as P1.95 per liter effective Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

Petron Corp., Chevron Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Seaoil Philippines, PetroGazz, PTT Philip pines and Cleanfuel announced their respective price rollbacks, in line with forecasts made late last week.

“Petron will implement the following price rollbacks effective 6 a.m. on Dec 06: P1.95/liter for gasoline; P1.90/li for diesel and P1.65/li for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international

oil market,” the company said.

This is the third straight week of re duced gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices amid the continued softening of world oil prices.

Unioil Petroleum Philippines an nounced that fuel prices would likely go down next week, December 6 to 12.

“Diesel should go down by P1.90 to P2.00 per liter. Gasoline should go down by P1.80 to P1.90 per liter,” Unioil

said in its advisory.

An oil industry source also told the Standard kerosene was slated to slide down by P1.60 per liter.

Rodela Romero, Department of En ergy director for the Oil Industry Man agement Bureau, said consumers could expect another rollback on prices of pe troleum products this week.

Romero said this is due to the “on going escalating protests in several major Chinese cities (that) ramped up concerns over increased econom ic disruptions in the world’s largest crude importer.”

“But the market is somewhat be ing ‘balanced’ by the expected supply cut by OPEC+ as they meet early this

December, and as the EU sanctions and price cap will be implemented,” Romero said.

On Nov. 29, local oil firms also cut pump prices.

They implemented a price rollback of P3.95 per liter for diesel for the sixth consecutive week and cut the price of gasoline by P0.85 per liter and kerosene by P2.65 per liter.

On Nov. 22, oil companies also post ed rollbacks of P0.40 per liter for gaso line, P2.15 for diesel, and P2.10 per liter for kerosene.

On Nov. 15, oil firms also cut diesel prices by P0.30 per liter but raised gas oline by P0.90 per liter and kerosene by P1.35 per liter

PBBM welcomes ambassadors from 2 nations

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ex pects to develop stronger ties with Mau ritania and Mongolia as he welcomed in Malacañang the official ambassadors of the two countries to the Philippines.

Newly designated Mauritania Am bassador B.A. Samba Mamadou said he sees improvement in professional training and agriculture as the envoy begins his tenure in the Philippines, recognizing the country’s good his tory in rice cultivation, one of Mauri tania’s main commodities.

management. In the current version of the Maharlika Wealth Fund, the Presi dent of the Philippines chairs its govern ing Board,” Arroyo said in a statement.

“This is a powerful statement that the highest official of the land will hold himself as ultimately accountable to the Filipino people for the perfor mance of the Fund,” she added.

“Sovereign Wealth Funds are not new. Singapore, for example, has had Temasek Holdings since 1974 and the Government of Singapore Investment Corp. since 1981. There are more than 20 sovereign wealth funds in the Mid dle East,” Arroyo said in a statement.

Even in the Philippines, the idea is not new, the former President said. She recalled that then-Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino filed a bill to create such a fund in 2016.

“Once the Fund is operational, the President will also be able to count on advice from the Department of Fi nance, the nation’s steward of sound fiscal policy,” Arroyo added.

The President’s son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos also defended the decision of the House of Representatives to pursue the MWF, echoing Arroyo’s view that the idea had been broached before by former senator Aquino.

“So, it’s not a new idea,” Rep. Mar cos said. “Yes, it became apparent that the President was in support of creat ing a sovereign wealth fund, but the idea did not come from him per se. Be cause this is something that has been in the works or something that’s been pushed by not even this administra tion but past administrations.”

“It just so happens that we are lucky that this administration is just start ing, so we have six years to hopefully be able to craft a piece of legislation that will see out and go beyond the President’s term,” he noted.

“I think part of the reason was that, of course, it’s been politicized, but the whole point of this exercise is that this corpora tion will be free from politics. That’s why it needs to be run by technocrats; they have no interest in politics,” the young lawmak er said, adding that the fund would last be yond his father’s six years in office.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso also defended the proposed Maharlika sovereign wealth fund, as he said now is the time to invest and reap more funds for member benefits.

He said the measure has the necessary safeguards and that additional funds are needed to provide benefits to members.

“Our job is to put money in the right place where it will reap more so that when the proceeds are given to us, we can provide more benefits to our members,” he said in Filipino.

Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko”

Pimentel III and Assistant Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.

Senate finance panel chairperson Juan Edgardo Angara made the an nouncement after the closing of the bicameral meeting held at the Manila Golf Club in Makati Monday morning.

“We have returned the money slashed by the Senate from some (gov ernment) agencies, but not those from other agencies,” he said, specifically citing the P150 million confidential fund of the DepEd.

In the Senate, Hontiveros had pro posed cutting the agency’s confidential funds and transferring it to the healthy learning institution program, a move her colleagues approved.

But she said: “Today, the 19th Con gress missed an opportunity to show its independence. We failed to demonstrate that we do hold the power of the purse.”

But Angara said the DepEd said they needed the budget and “we re spected the wishes of the agency,” which is headed by Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Pimentel confronted Angara on the bicam increasing by P219 million the unprogrammed appropriations in the national budget and expressed dismay over the development.

“That is disappointing. I will still need to get more details about the bicam report,” he said.

Another Senate act – reducing the budget for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Con flict (NTF-ELCAC) -- was also un done in the bicameral session, with the agency’s budget being restored to the original amount.

Furthermore, Angara said the bi cam-approved proposed 2023 budget realigned funding to increase alloca

When he assumed the presidency, Mr. Marcos said the shortfall of hous ing units was at 6.5 million based on government estimates.

According to the President, the gov ernment may replicate the Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services (BLISS) project during his father’s administration from the 60s to the mid-80s, which spearheaded the construction of mid-rise housing units, particularly in urban areas.

“But at present, because times are tough, we might build them higher (than mid-rise). We could bring it all the way up to high-rise (level). However, we are still studying the possibility, maybe case-to-case,” the President said.

tions for State Universities and Col leges, DepEd, infrastructure projects including bike lanes and specialty hospitals across the country, Libreng Sakay program, fuel subsidy, emer gency employment, Assistance to In dividuals in Crisis, Quick Response Fund, Department of Justice, Depart ment of Interior and Local Govern ment, and the Supreme Court.

However, he said that allocations for foreign-assisted projects have been delegated to the unprogrammed fund which will only be funded once the for eign funding or loans materialize.

“While the 2023 budget is only 4 percent higher than the 2022 budget, that 4 percent increase is what we call productive spending because we will be spending it for education, infrastructure which would boost our economy and create jobs for our people,” Angara said.

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, who led the House contingent in the bicam, welcomed the approval of the budget. The enrolled copy of the measure, signed by House and Senate officials, will then be sent to Malacañang for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature.

House leaders had earlier said that it’s possible for the budget bill to be signed before Christmas.

Speaker Romualdez and Rep. Co, chair of the House appropriations com mittee, had earlier vowed to seek aug mentations on the proposed allocations of agencies like the Department of So cial Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Transportation (DOTr) in a bid to improve the delivery of so cial services.

“We put up more funds... we added huge allocations... in the bicam...for social services, including government hospitals,” Co said.

“For the education (sector), not only the government schools, but the private schools can also be funded… it’s a very

Mr. Marcos, along with NHA gen eral manager Joeben Tai, spearheaded the awarding ceremony to the informal settler families affected by a Supreme Court mandamus to rehabilitate Manila Bay, and to remove ISFs living along danger areas, and those affected by gov ernment infrastructure projects.

Tai said he wanted to fast track the occupancy of the vacant houses to give more Filipino families a home of their own, especially before Christmas Day.

The government is finding a way to organize different entities such as the local government units, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Devel opment, NHA, legislature, and the na tional government to find a solution to the country’s increasing need for more shelters, the chief executive pointed out.

Also in his speech, the President di rected the NHA to continue fulfilling

good budget,” he said. The budget also allocates funding for the Libreng Sakay program, Co said, as well as support for specialty hospitals.

Romualdez expressed confidence that the approval by a bicameral conference committee of the proposed P5.268-tril lion 2023 national budget would keep the country on the growth path.

The Speaker said he has no doubt that the committee’s version of the budget supports the Agenda for Prosperity and eight-point socioeconomic program of the President.

“With this budget, which is the first full-year spending plan proposed by the President, we hope to hasten our eco nomic growth, which should benefit our people,” Romualdez said as he congrat ulated the House and Senate leaders for approving Monday the bicam report on the national budget.

Prior to the ratification, House Ma jority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe mani fested in plenary session that the lower chamber received the bicam report on the proposed national budget contained in House Bill 4488.

“In accordance with our rules, I move that we ratify the said bicameral confer ence committee report,” Dalipe said.

But Hontiveros was saddened with the bicam’s restoration of the confiden tial and intelligence funds.

She scored the poor protection given to public funds by granting in full all the requests for confidential and intel ligence fund under the Marcos-Duterte administration.

“And worst, the legislature agreed to remove provisions that require congres sional reporting of the utilization plan and disbursement of the confidential and intelligence fund,” she said.

“In the absence of such provi sions, in spite of the Select Over sight Committee on Confidential and Intelligence Funds, how can we be expected to exercise checks and balances?” Hontiveros said.

its mandate and ensure that families receiving new homes are provided with means of livelihood.

To ensure the safety of the recipients, the President asked the agency to build shel ters that are strong enough to withstand the threat posed by natural calamities.

The new housing units will serve as home to some 30,000 Filipino fami lies this Christmas as President Mar cos led Monday’s ceremonial turnover of house and lot units from the NHA, which was simultaneously conducted all over the country.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the President asked them to take care of and value their new homes and help improve their new community.

President Marcos also asked for the cooperation of the LGU and the private sector to ensure the well-being of the beneficiaries in their new environment.

“Mauritania is a very small country, population-wise, but we have natural resources, fishery. We have coopera tion with countries like Japan, the Eu ropean Union, China, and Turkey,” the Mauritanian envoy told Mr. Marcos in a courtesy call.

Mauritania also has minerals like coal, copper, as well as plutonium, and recently, it discovered huge gas depos its both offshore and inland, Ambas sador Mamadou said.

According to the envoy, Mauritania is trying to diversify its partnership not only with its traditional partners but also with other partners for the benefit of its country and people.

“So, I am looking forward to meet ing some Filipino businessmen and see how I can really talk about the op portunities and tap opportunities that are in Mauritania,” Mamadou said.

Responding to the Mauritania am bassador, the President said a list of Filipino businessmen who could in vest in Mauritania is being prepared.

“I think in terms of the economy in the Philippines, the biggest change in policy of this government from the last and previous ones, you see we are opening up the economy to part nerships, all kinds of partnerships, government-to-government, private partnerships, PPP’s, whatever is most advantageous to both parties,” the President said. Vince Lopez

Bantag...

From A1

Region, Bantag was not present during the first hearing on the case on November 23 due to the wrong middle name in the sub poena issued against him.

Lapid was shot dead in Las Piñas City on October 3 while Villamor died at the New Bilibid Prison a couple of hours after the self-confessed gun man, identified by the authorities as Joel Escorial, appeared before a news conference with DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos.

An autopsy – the second conducted on the remains following the first by the NBI – by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun showed the remains of Villamor to have a “history of asphyxia (and died) by plastic bag suffocation.”

Balisong said the provision of the Constitution gives the Ombudsman the power to investigate all cases com mitted by public officials.

Bantag’s camp also cited Section 15, in relation to Section 11 of Republic Act 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1989 which gives the Ombudsman the power to investigate cases falling within the ju risdiction of the Sandiganbayan.

Apart from this, Balisong also accused the DOJ of being biased against his cli ent, thus, warranting the inhibition of the DOJ prosecutors from conducting the pre liminary investigation for the purpose of determining whether there is a probable cause to elevate the case for trial.

applications in the development of vac cines for viruses and other pathogens.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, one of the principal authors of the measure, hailed the approval of HB 6542.

He also thanked his colleagues in the lower chamber for recognizing the im portance of a virology center and prior itizing a piece of legislation that would help the country combat a pandemic of global proportions.

“What we learned from the last pan demic is that if a health crisis is on a scale that crosses international borders, we have to act fast and rely on our own resources. We need to respond to it ef fectively. A virology and vaccine insti tute can help us stop a deadly virus in its tracks,” Romualdez said.

According to the measure, the state will prioritize the establishment of an institute that “will conduct in-depth studies on vi

ruses and their potential disease-causing agents that affect people, plants, and animals, in order to provide the scientific bases for the treatment of viral diseases …” for the prevention of its transmission within the community.

The objectives of the VIP, once es tablished, include:

- Research on viruses and other path ogens using a modern approach such as molecular biology and its application in biotechnology and bioinformatics;

- Development of diagnostics, vac cines, and therapeutics on viruses and other pathogens;

- International cooperation and net work of databases of virus infections;

- Operation of a virology laboratory, virus gene bank, and virus genome lab oratory, to focus on viruses circulating in the Philippines for disease preven tion and epidemiological studies; and

- Operation of a virus high-contain ment laboratory dedicated to the study of highly infectious and highly patho genic viruses.

gional Director for Operations Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky said.

Street crimes typically increase dur ing the holiday season, he noted.

“We have so-called secret offic ers. They are coordinating with malls, they are strategically stationed around them... Of course, police will also en joy Christmas. But we manage in such a way that our areas where police should be seen would not be vacant,” the NCR PO’s number 3 official said.

“We are not letting our guards down. Of course, our policemen will also en joy Christmas. But we manage in such a way that the areas our police should be seen won’t be vacant. We partitioned their schedules... so they can be given days to spend with their families,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will beef up efforts to help the internation al police community in its campaign against fugitive foreigners who are hid ing in the country.

“The Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization), more than ever,

camaraderie with them,” he said.

Regencia is the 67th Lakas-CMD member in the House of Representatives.

has been forward-looking at prospects of better cooperation among countries, and the PNP is proud of our role in this international alliance against crime, to which we have assisted foreign counter parts in tracking down wanted fugitives and providing active technical support to international efforts,” said PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. in a press brief ing in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Azurin made the commitment fol lowing his participation in the recent 17th Annual Conference of Heads of National Central Bureaus of the Inter national Criminal Police Organization (ICPO-Interpol) held in Lyon, France.

Gonzales

Romualdez said he is happy the four local officials decided to join the party he heads. “We are looking forward to an enjoyable and productive interaction, engagement and

Before joining Lakas-CMD, Regen cia, Gov. Miraflores and his father were members of PDP-Laban, while Gonza les was affiliated with the local political group Kambilan.

Last

topped last year’s election for Sangguniang Panlalawigan mem bers in the province’s third district, which her father, Deputy Speaker Aure lio Gonzales Jr., represents in Congress.

month, local officials from Al bay took their oath before Romualdez as party members.

Comelec waiting for SC ruling on poll registration extension issue

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said an extension of voter registration will depend on the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) on a petition questioning the postponement of the 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. (BSKE)

Meanwhile, the Comelec identified five malls in Metro Manila to be used in the “register anywhere” scheme set on December 17, 2022 to January 25, 2023.

The voter registration is set to start on Dec. 12 and will run until Jan. 31, 2023.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laaudiangco cited the petition filed by election lawyer Romulo Macalintal asking the Supreme Court to order the conduct of the BSKE in May next year.

“The extension of registration will be based on the decision of the Supreme Court in the Macalintal vs. Comelec, where the constitutionality of Republic Act 11935 is in question.

If the SC decides that the election will go beyond May 2023, there is a high possibility that we will be able to extend the registration,” Laudiangco said in the weekly Laging Handa briefing.

In his petition, Macalintal asked the SC to order Comelec to hold the BSKE polls in May next year, citing a pronouncement made earlier by the poll body that it is prepared to hold the BSKE in May 2022.

Laudiangco noted in case the decision favors Macalintal’s petition, they are prohibited to hold registration months before the scheduled polls .“But if the election is earlier than October 2023, we may miss out because there is a ban on registering 120 days before elections. Voter registration is only temporary until January 31. This is based on the future decision of the Supreme Court. It can be as long as that, it can be extended,” Laudiangco explained.

Republic Act (RA) 11935, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Oct. 10, postponed the Dec. 5, 022 BSKE to the last Monday of October 2023.

Marcos expands Cabinet, hires artist as adviser for creative communications

“the President said.

By Mervin Vince Lopez

The new hire is Secretary Paul Soriano who is reputedly prominent in various fields of the arts, notably filmmaking.

“Paul is our creative genius and

he is there to find ways to promote creative industry because he comes from that sector, the talents in singing, arts and filmmaking—we have to project that to the rest of the world,

According to Secretary Soriano, aside from the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), his office is expected to work hand-in-hand with all his fellow cabinet secretaries and their respective attached and line agencies to deliver a singular message for the people.

He said he aims to realize the Chief Executive’s vision “to create an environment where a cultural renaissance may flourish.”

“We shall endeavor to bridge the need to enhance our creative industry

and create that synergy of culture history and the performing arts to re-awaken the pride and patriotism in our country, whether they are here or out of there in the world.” Soriano said.

He stressed that he wants to bring back the support being provided to artists such as scholarship grants, art and film grants, trainings, and other privileges and incentives.

“It is my personal desire to ensure that Filipino artists, and the creative industry as a whole, will be able to shine and succeed under this administration.” Soriano revealed.

AF Payments denies charges of profiteering

By Darwin G. Amojelar

A BEEP card dealer for the rails has denied profiteering allegations by selling the cards at higher prices amid current global shortage of chips AF Payments Inc. (AFPI) issued the denial on Monday saying it was even subsidizing the cards in the rail sector.

“For the record, AFPI does not profit from cards sold to the public. On the contrary, we are even subsidizing them in the rail sector,” the company said in a statement.

The company said todate, it has already spent P300 million in subsidies since it started full operations in 2015, by virtue of a concession agreement between AFPI and the Philippine government.

Last year, AFPI spent P9.8 million in card subsidies and will spend P48 million this year. For 2023, the company’s subsidies will be at P70 million, the statement added.

“These subsidies come in the form of the difference between our card acquisitions cost and our selling price,” the company said.

DBM releases over P2b for PHIC premiums of indigent members

DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the release of P2,021,895,000 to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth or PHIC) to cover the government’s health insurance premium subsidy for indigent members.

The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) covered the subsidy of the remaining 673,965 indigent members

enrolled under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) for January to December 2022 or the final billing period.

“We are happy that before this year ends, we were able to cover the remaining subsidy for the health premiums of our kababayans. This is our way of showing that the DBM supports President Marcos Jr.’s goal of providing affordable and inclu-

Azurin orders heightened drive vs. e-sabong

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday ordered all police commanders nationwide to step up their drive against illegal e-sabong (online cockfighting) operations.

Azurin issued the order amid reports about the resurgence of i legal e-sabong in the internet despite an earlier directive to eliminate it.

“There was already a presidential order (by former President Rodrigo Duterte) to stop all e-sabong activities. But we monitored that there were guerrilla operations of e-sabong until now,” Azurin told reporters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Duterte ordered last May to stop all e-sabong operations following the reported disappearance of at least 34 cockfighting enthusiasts who allegedly remained missing until now.

Although the major operators of esabong shut down their shops, small groups or individuals reportedly continued to operate online cockfight betting.

The PNP chief said he has also received reports that guerrilla e-sabong operations have been catering to over-

seas Filipino workers.

“So I directed all units, regional directors, the provincial directors and even the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) and IG (Intelligence Group) to work together to hunt down all these personalities involved in the operations,” he added.

While the CIDG has filed cases against at least 15 suspects in connection with the missing sabungeros, most of the abduction cases remain unsolved.

“I took note of recent developments that unfolded in our continuing investigation of 34 persons who have been missing for over a year now. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., no less, has expressed concern on these cases that he ordered the DOJ (Department of Justice), to get to the bottom of these disappearances of cockfight gamers,” Azurin said.

He said the new pieces of evidence uncovered by the CIDG have led to the filing of criminal charges against two suspects identified as Julie Patidongan a.k.a Dondon and a John Doe, for the alleged kidnapping of a Bulacan-based gamer in Laguna.

sive health care for all Filipinos,” Pangandaman said.

The latest release is chargeable against the 2022 built-in appropriation under the PHIC’s National Health Insurance Program (NHIP)

To date, the DBM has released over P79.93 billion through three separate SAROs for the subsidy which corresponds to various billings for the full year (January to Decem-

ber 2022). This covered the health insurance premiums of 21,161,308 indirect contributors.

“Maganda po ang hangarin ng National Health Insurance Program. That is why we made sure po that the program will have a continuous fund for next year. In fact, for fi scal year 2023, the DBM has allocated over P100 billion for its implementation,” Pangandaman noted.

“We purchase the card at about $2$2.60 (approximately P114-148.50) and sell it to rail operators (PTOs) at P50. The PTO further subsidizes P20 and sells it to commuters at P30,” it added.

In sectors not covered by the Concession Agreement (bus, ferry, retail), beep cards are sold at cost or at a price point that factors in the card cost and distribution cost.

Online channels, meanwhile, would have additional operating costs, packaging, value added tax, and commissions to the online platforms, hence priced a little higher.

“As a response to a strong clamor from our customers to make beep card available online, AFPI allocated 1 percent of its inventory for online sales. We estimated that this should be enough to fulfill the demand for online customers until the end of the year,” AFPI said.

PAO hits lawyer on derogatory statements

By Rio N. Araja

THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Monday slammed a private lawyer giving free legal advices for accusing some public lawyers of coercing their client to admit a crime and enter a plea bargain for the termination of the case.

PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta, in a statement sent to the media, accused lawyer Mark Tolentino, a former Department of Transportation official, of giving “irresponsible” information to the public.

Solon backs DOF plan to issue retail T-bonds

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has expressed his support for the plan of the Department of Finance (DOF) to launch retail treasury bonds targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The senator said he also sees this as a great investment opportunity for the “modern heroes”.

“I fully support the DOF in its initiative. This dollardenominated security to be issued next year is a great opportunity for our kababayans abroad to invest their hard-earned income in safe, low-risk, and affordable investment instruments,” Villanueva said.

The senator added that he has high hopes for the dollar-denominated bonds, and urged both the public and the private sectors to spread the word and support this offering.

“With the recent OCTA Survey findings that

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“Filipinos should consider buying retail treasury

as a patriotic way of investing in the country’s growth and progress,” he added.

As the bond offering is targeted for migrant workers, Villanueva said that the goernment should add more protections for OFWs, which the senator said he anticipated when he pushed for the passage of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Law. Villanueva then called on the DMW to enrich the country’s full reintegration program so that OFWs would have more access to livelihood opportunities when they come home.

“He should be thinking carefully before saying anything. One has the right to talk about one’s opinion or sentiment, and this is protected under our Constitution as one’s innate right,” she said.

“However, it is also one’s obligation to be analytical and careful in what to say to ensure that one will not be hurt,” she added.

Just like Tolentino, the PAO chief said any private or public lawyer must always be responsible enough in what he or she would publicly say.

Tolentino earned the wrath of PAO for saying PAO would “coerce” or “force” an innocent accused to admit a wrongdoing to reduce PAO’s heavy workload.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has broadened his Cabinet and hired an adviser for creative communications whose job is to “bring the government closer to the people and cultivate a sense of nationalism through culture and creative arts.”

ALBAY POLITICAL ROW REACHES THE SUPREME COURT. Supporters of unseated Albay Gov. Noel Rosal hold a rally in front of the Supreme Court to urge the High Tribunal to reverse a disquali cation order issued by Commission on Elections against their provincial leader. Danny Pata

QCPD QUICK RESPONSE. Quezon City Police District director, Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, shows reporters in Camp Karingal his unit’s the capability to respond to calls for police assistance with two to three minutes. The Philippine National Police says 192,000 cops will be on duty during the holidays. Manny Palmero

Filipinos giving the administration a high 86 percent trust rating and 78 percent perfor-

rating, we expect this investment offering to have the full support of the public,” Villanueva said.

bonds

NEW JAIL GUARDS. From his comfort zone under a tree, a man watches 500 newly recruited jail o cers who have just completed their six-month intensive training form their lines at the National Bilibid Prisons Sunken Garden in Muntinlupa City for their oathtaking. Danny Pata

Romualdez praises House staff for their dedication, hard work

completion of the bicameral confer ence committee’s task to reconcile the differing provisions in the House and Senate versions of the proposed 2023 national budget.

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“We in the House of Representa tives are successful as we are because of your hard work here,” Romualdez said in his message after the flag-rais ing rites.

But more than just words of appreci ation, Romualdez vowed to recognize their services with a practical gesture so they can have a joyful celebration of Christmas with their families and loved ones.

“I’m here …para maging mas masaya ang Pasko natin,” Romualdez said, to the cheering audience.

Addressing the Secretariat, the congressional staff, and employees, Romualdez stressed that the perfor mance of the House of Representa tives depends largely on the quality of service that they render to the mem bers of the House and the leaders of the chamber.

Among others, Romualdez cited the

Solons seek to amend law on fixed term of AFP brass

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez and four other House members on Monday filed a bill that seeks changes in the law providing for a fixed three-year tour of duty for the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and several other high-ranking key officers.

House Bill (HB)6482 is titled, “An Act further strengthening professionalism and promoting the continuity of poli cies and modernization initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

The bill amends Republic Act (RA) 11709, signed on April 13 this year by then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, which was enacted to put an end to the so-called “revolving door” policy in the

Binay extols Makati cops on efforts against crime

“We are proud to have these dedi cated officers serve our city and act as a formidable barrier against crime. This feat is an example of the hard work of our police force, and I believe that with their relentless ef forts, Makati will remain a peaceful and secure place for everyone,” she said.

Citing a report from the Southern Police District, Mayor Abby said the Makati Police obtained a score of 94.78% for implementing programs of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP uses the unit perfor mance evaluation rating system to measure the efficiency of police de partments.

The mayor said the local police also ranked first for three consecu tive months from July to September and second in October.

According to Col. Edward Cuti yog, Makati Police chief, 89 sus pected drug pushers and users were nabbed in 54 separate operations from November 1 to 30.

He said 106 suspects were also arrest ed in 38 separate operations for illegal gambling, while 5,878 people were ap prehended for violating city ordinances, including the curfew policy, traffic vio lations, drinking in public, smoking in non-designated areas, urinating in pub lic places, and littering.

Police also nabbed 46 wanted persons, including five under the Top 10 Most Wanted Persons list in Southern Metro Manila.

“This is a clear indication of the excellent work done by our police men and their commitment to public safety. Makati will continue to sup port our police and provide them with the necessary resources, train ing, and support to ensure that they can uphold their responsibilities to our people with excellence,” said Mayor Abby.

appointment of the AFP chief. Romualdez said there were some im portant issues raised by personnel of the military about the law.

“I understand them and they are all valid. I have discussed these with our House leaders and the committee on national defense and security and the bill is our way of addressing the con cerns of our officers and enlisted per

sonnel in the AFP,” Romualdez said.

The Speaker’s co-authors of the amendatory measure are Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas, who chairs the defense committee; Negros Occidental Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, a vice chairperson of the committee; and Representa tives Divina Grace Yu of Zamboanga del Sur, and Jorge Bustos of party-list group PATROL.

The proposed law would limit the fixed tour of duty of three consecutive years, unless sooner terminated by the President, to just four officers: chief of staff, commanding general of the Army, commanding general of the Air Force, and flag-officer-in-command of the Navy.

It would exclude from the coverage of such the three-year tenure the vice

chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, unified command commanders, and inspector general. However, it would allow “lateral movement” for these of ficers.

The bill provides that except for the position of chief of staff, no officer shall be designated to key positions or promot ed to the rank of brigadier general/com modore or higher if he has less than six months of active service remaining prior to compulsory retirement.

It also fixes the compulsory retire ment age for certain high-ranking of ficers: 57 years for those with the rank of brigadier general/commodore, 58 for those with the rank of major general/ rear admiral and 59 for those occupy ing the rank of lieutenant general/vice admiral.

“The most important and big gest piece of legislation, the National Budget for 2023, we are about to con clude. And it is again to great credit to all of you here…. You made this all possible,” Romualdez said, noting this was accomplished in the least amount of time.

“The efficiency, the hard work, the diligence, and the scrutiny you have employed in its passage has gone a long way to make our country stronger and to provide a brighter future to all Filipinos,” Romualdez added.

Romualdez reminded the House of ficials and employees that other pend ing bills need to be attended to before the House adjourns its session on De cember 16.

“We have other legislation in the works. I implore you that these last remaining days of 2022, let’s keep on pushing hard because we’ve done so much thus far and we will get this year through with so many accomplishments,” Romualdez said.

Maricel V. Cruz

IN BRIEF

Gatchalian files bill on mandatory ROTC

SENATOR Win Gatchalian has filed a bill that seeks to reinstitutionalize the two-year mandatory Basic Reserve Of ficers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program and the two-year voluntary Advance ROTC Program at the tertiary level.

Senate Bill No. 1551 or the Mandatory Basic Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Act covers all students enrolled in any undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate program in all public and private universities, colleges, vocational schools, and other tertiary educational institutions.

Under the Basic ROTC program, stu dents at the tertiary level shall undergo basic military and leadership training.

He said this will enhance the capacity of the nation and expand its human resource in times of war, calamities and disasters, and national or local emergencies.

Aside from military training, the Basic ROTC program will cover civic training and enhanced preparedness during actual disaster response operations.

Gatchalian pointed out that restoring Basic ROTC at the tertiary level instead of Senior High School is more viable. He pointed out that because of the COV ID-19 pandemic, which resulted in learn ing loss, learning recovery should be the priority of the basic education sector.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Solon files bill to create bike lanes, pathways

A MEASURE has been filed at the House of Representatives to create a sustainable network of bicycle lanes and provide safe and convenient pathways for commuters. House Bill 6011, authored by Rep. Wilbert Lee, said the network shall con nect users to essential destinations such as work, schools, and medical facilities, among others, and could be adopted permanently as a solution to congested roads, volatilities in oil prices, and pol lution.

“Our public transportation system, which was also crippled by the pan demic, is now hardly catering to a big ger demand of commuters and travelers. Congestion of commuters has definitely returned,” Lee said.

“It is high time to encourage our citi zens and offer them sustainable modes of travel that are not fuel-reliant. Active transportation such as walking and bik ing are some of these,” he added.

P63m smuggled frozen goods from China seized

Each of these four containers is said to have an estimated P15,750,000 worth of suspected misdeclared goods.

Operatives of the Manila Interna tional Container Port – Customs In telligence and Investigation Service (MICP-CIIS)

“These four contained other frozen foods that the consignees did not de clare in their manifest. I have person ally expressed my confidence to the team, and thanked them for their relent less pursuit of these smugglers,” BOC Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said.

“We are simply complying with the directive of our President to continue our drive against the smuggling of ag ricultural products and protecting our

markets and the prices of our products,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said the agency initially issued two Alert Orders (AOs) on Nov. 17 against Victory JM Enterprise OPC, the im ported/exporter of two containers from Hong Kong, each with declared 25,000 kilograms of frozen prawn balls.

But upon inspection, the first contain er had frozen tofu, chicken paws, and boneless beef, while the second con tainer also had frozen tofu, Vietnamese suckling pig, and beancurd skin.

BOC surpasses revenue targets, collects P76.77b in November

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) surpassed its monthly revenue collection target by earning P76.770 billion in November, an increase of P16.176 billion or 26.7 percent from the assigned target of P60.603 billion.

The BOC said that the total revenue collection reached P790.301 billion from January to November.

The BOC also marked its highest collection performance in history and reached this year’s revenue target of P721.52 bil lion as early as November 11. This means the bureau is already P68.781 billion or 9.5 percent above its annual target as of No vember 30.

All 17 Collection Districts of the agency also achieved their cumulative revenue targets for 11 months.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier expressed confi dence that the BOC’s revenue surplus may cover the shortfall of other national revenue-generating agencies. Secretary Diokno was optimistic that the government would reach its collection goal with the Bureau’s substantial contribution.

Under HB 6011 or the “Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act”, the Safe Path ways Network will be established for the use of active transport. This shall consist of a network of bicycle lanes, walkways, and slow streets which will provide convenient access and use of local roads.

If passed into law, local government units (LGUs) shall incorporate the cre ation of Safe Pathways Network and their corresponding infrastructure in their local development plans.

Maricel V. Cruz

DILG recognizes 16 LGUs for disaster efforts

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recog nized 16 local government units from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for their disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) initiatives.

DILG secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. personally went to Cotabato City to join the awarding rites and confer the Gawad Kalasag award to the 16 LGUs who were each presented with plaques of recognition.

“There’s a spirit of Bayanihan that is im portant in all of us and that is what you’ve done. You’ve acted far beyond the call of duty, even risking your own lives. Your sense of responsibility and vigilance before and during the crisis will always be known, will always be reported, and inscribed in our history,” Abalos said.

Gawad Kalasag is the country’s rec ognition and award scheme for various stakeholders who promote and implement DRRM-Climate Change Adaptation and humanitarian assistance programs that protect and shield high-risk communities against extreme hazards and render them

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Monday expressed his gratitude to the officers, employees, and staff of the House of Representatives for their hard work and dedication to duty as he also acknowledged their indispensable contribution in advancing

ber’s legislative agenda.

By Joel E. Zurbano

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) agents assigned at the Manila North Harbor have seized a shipment of frozen foods smuggled from Hong Kong and China worth an estimated P63 million.

made the seizure after they received derogatory information about the arrival of four reefer vans containing prawn balls.

MAKATI Mayor Abby Binay today commended the Makati Police De partment for ranking first in terms of performance among seven police departments under the Southern Po lice District for November.

more capable of addressing their vulner abilities spearheaded by the National DRRM Council through the Office of Civil Defense. Joel E. Zurbano

‘THANK YOU.’ Speaker Martin G. Romualdez delivers his message during a flag-raising ceremony Monday at the House of Representatives. He thanked House employees (inset) for their hard work and dedication and acknowledged their indispensable contributions. Ver Noveno

VAX FOR KIDS. Department of Health NCR Director Gloria Balboa and Manila Health Department chief Arnold Pangan lead the COVID-19 vaccination of children ages 5 to 17 years old at the Tondo Foreshore Health Center in Manila on Monday. Norman Cruz.

NEW COAST GUARD RECRUITS. At least 851 recruits of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) line up during their ceremonial oath-taking at the PCG headquarters in Manila on Monday. Norman Cruz.

The poet as agitator for social justice

NOVEMBER 30, the birthday of revolutionary Andres Bonifacio, has always been a day of both celebration and grievance.

It is joyful as we commemorate the meaning of resistance, and angry as we still struggle against oppression.

This year in particular was also filled with grief as news spread that Ericson Acosta was killed.

How ironic is it that on the birth of a national hero, another hero is found dead?

More so, December 10, so close to his death, is Human Rights Day. Maybe the better question is, how cruel is that?

Many mourned for Ericson when they heard the news.

While deaths are not new to activists and revolutionaries, it never gets easy – maybe because meaningful deaths always carry so much weight. According to the military, he and peasant organizer Joseph Jimenez, were caught in between a gun fight with the NPA.

However, NDF-Negros said that both were stabbed and hacked. NDF-Negros spokesperson Bayani Obrero also said they were forcefully taken from the house they were staying in before being ‘salvaged.’

Ericson Acosta was many things to different people – a father, a husband, a son, a friend, an activist, a cultural worker.

But everyone says he’s an artist, a musician and a writer. Everywhere he went, whatever he did, he made art.

When he became a political prisoner, he continued to write songs and called them Prison Sessions. He also wrote poems and essays in a journal called Jailhouse Blog.

Artists love deeply, and so when they find themselves amongst the masses, the masses inevitably become their muse

According to Kerima, his wife, Ericson’s artistic and political awakening came when he was in grade school during PETA workshops.

However, he was fully transformed from a “troublesome artist” to a “serious activist” after the student movement split in the ‘90s. As a couple, they went to the countryside to dedicate their lives and skills to the masses. Kerima said that he took the call to learn from the masses seriously.

He brought his art with him. His poems and songs are scattered in the places he’s gone, in the communities he’s met.

As Tonyo Cruz said, “He often sang and wrote or recited poetry about them and for them [farmers and farm workers].”

Ericson, as poet, was an agitator for social justice. He was a revolutionary.

When we come to think of it, many artists become revolutionaries.

Eventually, they end up making art about things that are bigger than they are.

And even more, they begin to do more than creating art as Ericson eventually found himself

among farmers in the countryside.

He found himself struggling for social justice with those who need it the most.

I like to think artists find themselves in this path because of the depth and intensity of their love for others. Their imagination and creativity allow them to envision a better world.

Andres Bonifacio, Amado Hernandez, and Eman Lacaba were also agitators for social justice.

For one, Andres Bonifacio himself was a theater actor and poet as well as he was a revolutionary leader.

His known poems are also filled with his love for Filipinos and the country, and his anger for the colonizers.

Some examples are the renowned “Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa,” “Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog,” and “Katapusang Hibik ng Pilipinas.”

He also found the myth of Bernardo Carpio enchanting and used it as a parallel for the Katipuneros as they envisioned how they would free the Philippines.

Another example is Amado Hernandez who was also a revolutionary writer.

He was awarded as a National Artist for Literature.

He believed that a writer’s purpose is to be the conscience of society and he did this to the best of his ability.

He was a poet, a playwright, and a novelist who spoke of the social injustices in the Philippines – one of his important works being “Mga Ibong Mandaragit.”

According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, this novel was “the first Filipino sociopolitical novel that expose[d] the ills of the society as evident in the agrarian problems of the 50s.”

There is also Eman Lacaba, also a writer – a poet, a playwright, an essayist – eventually deciding to go to the countryside to become a guerilla.

He is sometimes referred to as the “poet warrior.”

In fact, his most popular poem is titled “An open letter to Filipino Artists.”

“We are tribeless and all tribes are ours./ We are homeless and all homes are ours./ We are nameless and all names are ours./ To the fascists we are the faceless enemy/ Who come like thieves in the night, angels of death: The ever moving, shining, secret eye of the storm.”

I supposed Ericson and Kerima named their son Emman to honor Lacaba. I did the same for my eldest son.

Artists love deeply, and so when they find themselves amongst the masses, the masses inevitably become their muse. Suddenly, creating means so much more. Writing means so much more.

Ericson Acosta will be remembered and loved beyond his death.

Like Andres Bonifacio.

Like Amado Hernandez.

Like Eman Lacaba.

From Ericson’s poem “Alab Ng Pluma,” “‘Pagkat mamatay ma’t mawala / ang isang makata, / libulibong tulog na diwa na / ang ginising ng kanyang tula.” (“In death, the poet -- thousands of ideas are woken by his poems.)

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

EvEryman

SMC optimism amid challenging times in the power sector

By Melandrew T. Velasco

A REPORT quoting Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla that the country’s power supply situation in 2023 is likely to be difficult reminds me of former President Fidel V. Ramos who said “Let us make sure the lights never go off in the Philippines again!”

For it was during the latter part of President Cory Aquino’s administration and the early years of FVR’s administration when the country suffered intense power outages and I pray we will not go back to those dark and bleak months in our country’s history.

To FVR’s credit, however, the problem was addressed, enabling the government to pursue its economic development goals.

There is no argument that reliable and affordable energy is needed to spur the growth of industries, improve transportation, modernize agriculture, and provide a comfortable living condition to people.

But our energy sources still remain to be fully harnessed and much still has to be done to improve our energy infrastructure.

Meralco, the largest private sector electric distribution utility company in the country, accounts for 55 percent of the country’s electricity output.

Its coverage includes 36 cities and 75 municipalities. The electricity it distributes is provided by independent power producers.

It has power supply agreements with San Miguel Corporation Global Power Holdings through South Premiere Power Corp. and San Miguel Energy Corp., independent power producers of the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan power plant and the 1,200 MW Sual power plant.

The existing agreements are regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission, a quasi-judicial regulatory body created pursuant to the Republic Act 9136, the EPIRA Law.

It is “tasked to promote competition, encourage market development, ensure customer choice and penalize abuse of market power in the electricity industry.”

ERC is now headed by lawyer Monalisa Dimalanta who earlier served as chairperson of the National Renewable Energy Board from 2019 to 2021.

An alumna of the University of the Philippines, Dimalanta was former chief legal counsel and compliance officer of the Aboitiz Power Corporation, one of the leading suppliers in the Philippines.

As consumers of electricity, we have witnessed how our electric bills vary.

It is difficult to peg the price of electricity because it is affected by several factors, among these the cost of generation.

An increase in the cost of generation in turn necessitates a hike in the rate charged by independent power producers for their business to remain viable.

To date, SMC has incurred losses in its operation of the two power plants in Batangas and Pangasinan.

A rate adjustment would help SMC recover its losses over time. This would be a win-win solution for all stakeholders.

Terminating the power supply agreements and entering into a new one with a different player could be more costly.

A petition for a rate adjustment filed by SMC’s subsidiaries with the ERC, however, was rejected.

The regulatory body stressed that “the fixed price nature of the subject PSA is meant precisely to protect consumers from market volatilities, such risks being assumed by the supplier.”

But to discerning groups and individuals, that’s not what it seems to be since business or power politics seems to be rearing its ugly head in the power sector that might lead us again to the dark ages.

It is lamentable that the ERC “chose to look the other way” when it ruled against the petition for a temporary relief to recover part of the P15 billion in losses incurred by the units of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., the power arm of conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

In a statement, SMCGP was made aware of the looming power rate hikes.

It was also duly informed of how it can ensure that the public gets the lowest possible rate while energy players continue to supply power viably amid rising geopolitical risks beyond anybody’s control.

As if on cue, on November 24, the Court of Appeals issued a TRO suspending the implementation of the power supply agreement of the SMC subsidiary SPPC with Meralco.

To compound the matter on the looming energy crisis, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he was hoping that the Court of Appeals would reconsider the “unfortunate” ruling of its 14th Division regarding a 60-day temporary restraining order in favor of South Premier Power Corporation.

The TRO, in effect, suspended the implementation of SPPC’s power supply agreement with Meralco.

Consumer advocacy group Infrawatch commented, however, that the President “should allow full judicial proceedings to take its course,” and that “his views may ably be represented through ERC lawyers and the Solicitor General.”

Despite the present challenges and all these concerns, SMC has remained steadfast to help the country in its economic recovery.

Undoubtedly, since its establishment over a century ago, it has embarked on many projects that benefitted the Filipinos even as its leaders grew the business from a beer manufacturing company to become one of the country’s most diversified conglomerates.

EDITORIAL

‘Simple but meaningful’ Xmas parties

THE Department of Education recently issued guidelines for the conduct of Christmas parties in its offices and public schools, as Filipinos mark Yuletide with unbound restrictions since the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

This means Christmas celebrations in public schools and DepEd offices “should be simple yet meaningful, keeping in mind the true spirit of the season and the austerity called for by the difficult economic times,” Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said in a Dec. 2 order.

Of course, that does not stop us from celebrating Christmas 2022 as a season of great joy, because this is a time of God showing His great love for us.

The season comes at a time when learners have started trooping back to their classes, and thus, a time of healing and renewed strength.

Christmas, but particularly in this predominantly Christian country of 114 million people where the

season is longest during the year, is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

The season comes at a time when learners have started trooping back to their classes, and thus, a time of healing and renewed strength

God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born, and His birth more than 2,000 years ago brought great joy to the world.

Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event, fully aware this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before.

The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.

Back to the DepEd order, Christmas parties must be voluntary and “not result to (sic) expenses that

will become a burden on parents, students and DepEd personnel,” adding “No learner or DepEd personnel should be forced to contribute, participate or use their money for the celebration.”

We agree with the caveat that no student should be excluded from joining Christmas parties because they failed to give a contribution or gift.

We find wisdom and substance in the guidelines that all parties, themes, costumes, and exchange gifts will be voluntary for both students and personnel, while DepEd banned solicitations for cash or in-kind contributions for the parties.

It also reminded schools that students or teachers who are not able to provide contributions should not be excluded from Christmas activities.

Christmas decorations are also not required, but those who wish to decorate for the holidays are encouraged to reuse old decor.

School Division Offices may also provide more guidelines according to local traditions, while private schools and other learning centers may also adopt their own regulations with DepEd’s department order as a guide.

DepED also stressed that contributions for celebrations in schools or offices, whether in cash or kind, “should be strictly voluntary.”

Likewise, the department added that “no learner shall be excluded from joining the Christmas celebration by reason of their failure to give the voluntary contribution or absence of a prepared of a prepared gift.”

RVO’s Binondo Central Bank; Marcos Sr.’s legacy to Filipinos

IN THE aftermath of the assassination of the late Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983, there was a massive outflow of foreign exchange from the country with foreign investors and even domestic investors taking their investments out of the country to such an extent that the Central Bank of the Philippines was virtually emptied of dollars.

Then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. did not know what to do. If nothing was done to stop the outflow of foreign exchange, the economy would collapse, Santa Banana!

As a journalist at that time, I covered Malacanang as part of my beat, and also the Ministry of Trade and Industry under Roberto V. Ongpin, as minister.

I was pretty close to “Bobby” Ongpin since he was once my student when I was teaching at the old Ateneo. Minister Ongpin revealed to me a plan to save the economy.

With the authority of then President Marcos Sr., Ongpin gathered nine of the well-known foreign exchange dealers in Binondo, and threatened them that he would send them to the stockade if they did not comply with his plan.

The country then was still under Martial Law.

The Binondo foreign exchange dealers had no choice but to comply with the order of Ongpin to open themselves to the public to furnish the foreign exchange needed by the government and the public.

This gave birth to what was then called the “Binondo Central Bank.”

The rate of exchange was dictated on a daily basis by Ongpin, and that saved the economy from collapse.

Ongpin’s plan was such a tremendous success that after Martial Law, when Ongpin was then abroad as an international businessman, the World Bank even asked his help to save the economy of Egypt which at that time had the same problem as the Philippines.

This event during Martial Law was not wellknown to the public, and neither did Ongpin want an accolade. He just accepted it as part of his job as minister of Trade and Industry.

I was just thinking that now that Marcos Jr. is President, I believe that Ongpin should be recognized for his contribution to the country.

Ongpin has since become the foremost builder of prime high-end projects, with his signature project -- the Balesin Island Club, now a multi-billion dollar project.

Balesin is a 500-hectare Pacific island paradise with its 7.3-km white sand beaches, 7 themed villages, 25 restaurants, 386 villas, and unmatched amenities.

It is the premier members-only getaway for the rich, famous and elite, all under the umbrella of Alphaland of which RVO is the chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Debt-free RVO’s Alphaland Corp/ is expanding into a nearby 732-hectare Balesin International Gateway resort complex with fresh water. a 2.5km runway for big jets, five-star hotels, an 19-hole golf course and 834 luxury beach and golf course homes.

The idea: Attract the world’s high networth individuals to enjoy the most unique beach resort and nature enclave, as members and guests. Ongpin has gone international, having expensive

Reflecting on what SMC has contributed to nation-building and how it has shown its malasakit to the Filipinos, the recognition bestowed upon RSA by Tatler as one of Asia’s Most Influential recently is merited

spots over CNN to attract high-end individuals, particularly from Japan, China, Australia and Europe.

Give it to RVO, he simply cannot stop thinking how to make billions of money. And I must say, I am proud of him having at one time been my student.

RVO, the businessman, is known today as the visionary of high-end property projects, notably with his signature development Balesin Island Club for members only, and others like the Alphaland Mountain Lodges, which I call “The Forbes Park of Baguio,” Makati Place which has been commended as the best residence hotel, the City Club at Alphaland, a premiere sports and leisure club and the Aegle Wellness Center with its spa. I am not exaggerating, but RVO will be remembered in history for the Binondo Central Bank that saved the Philippine economy from collapse. *** *** ***

The now generation may not know that Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., a President and a law-giver, was a visionary par-excellence and his presidential decrees, letters of instruction, letters of implementation, General Orders, Executive Orders, Administrative Orders and his Memo Circulars had been used by administrations after him, and are still being used today—most of them anyway.

But, to be fair, (Marcos Sr.) crafted signal laws that still form part of our legal system

As written by former Justice Manuel “Lolong” M. Lazaro, “Good deeds, especially those beneficial to the nation and the people, cannot be effaced or expunged.

“Good survives and triumphs in the end. Marcos Sr.’s place in history is secure. The Marcos laws abound and surround us. They are embedded in our legal system and they continue to govern and guide the nation.”

This is a quote from the foreword written by Lazaro from the book by Cecilio T. Arillo titled “The Marcos Legacy.”

“No President has ever codified laws on the same subject as Marcos did that are still effective and are being enforced. Worth mentioning are 15 codified laws he issued that are still enforced: the Local Tax Code (PD 231); Labor Code of the Philippines (PD 442);

“Real Property Tax Code (PD 464); Child and Youth Welfare Code (PD 603); Insurance Code (PD 612); Revised Forestry Code (PD 705); Code of Sanitation (PD 856); Coconut Industry Code (PD 961); Water Code ( PD 1067);

Businesses have always been agents of change and SMC is no exception.

It has always been a partner of government in the pursuit of its goals, both for economic and social development.

At the height of the pandemic, SMC, under the leadership of its President and CEO, Mr. Ramon S. Ang, did not hesitate to give its all-out support to the government from providing relief goods to the most affected, personnel to man vaccination sites, to donating vaccines to augment dwindling supplies and even paying taxes in advance to ensure the treasury is not depleted.

It has also invested in big-ticket infrastructure projects like the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project, New Manila International Airport, Skyway Stage 3, and the Pasig River Expressway to name a few.

In pursuing these projects, SMC conducted studies to ensure protection of the environment as the conglomerate is a leading advocate for sustainable development.

SMC undertook and successfully completed the rehabilitation of the Tullahan River and is on track with the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

Its reforestation program is also being pursued vigorously with SMC Global Power Holdings accounting

“Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines (PD 1083); National Building Code (PD 1096); Philippines Environment Code (PD 1152); Fire Code (PD 1185); Government Auditing Code (PD 1445); “Tariff and Customs Code (PD) 1464); and Code of Agrarian reform (PD 444).

“He also crafted and issued signal laws that have been hailed and lauded by all succeeding administrations; “(a) the Judiciary Development Fund, the oasis of the financial benefits of the members of the judiciary; “(b) the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation, the alternative signal source of revenues to fund miscellaneous activities of the government; “(c)the Export Processing Authority to attract foreign investments;

“(d)the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board;

“(e) the Philippine Coconut Authority to develop and enhance coconut production and export;

“(f) the Philippine Tourism Authority as one of the engines to source revenues; “(g) laws on socialized housing through a series of legal issuances from the funding, the lending, the mortgaging and to the collection of the loans;

“(h) All the specialty hospitals, Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney Center, Philippine Children’s Center, among others, perpetuated his great concern and response to public health;

“(i) establishment of the biggest oil company now known as Petron, sensing and fearing that the foreign oil companies could strangle the country of its oil supply requirements and manipulate oil prices;

“(j) Philippines was one of the first in South-East Asia to establish a nuclear power plant, unfortunately its completion was sabotaged by the opposition on the baseless fear it was located within the perimeter of Mt. Pinatubo that violently erupted but did not damage the nuclear project;

“(k) Philippines is one of the few countries in the world to build geothermal power plants as alternative source of energy;

“(l) initiated oil exploration and drilling of Malampaya oil;

“(m) President Marcos is the only President who recognized and acknowledged by laws the importance of arts and culture in the life of the nation;

“(n) the construction of the fabulous Cultural Center of the Philippines and the humongous Philippine International Convention Center remained the venues for the promotion of arts and culture and the holding of international conventions and conferences.

“These are a few of the significant issuances and undertakings of President Marcos.

“Some sinister or vindictive minds wish to expunge them but they simply cannot.

“Marcos’s legal issuances and accomplishments are part and parcel of our legal system. They continue to touch lives, properties and public functionaries.”

Marcos Sr. is remembered for a lot of things, especially the Martial Law atrocities, alleged violation of human rights and the alleged ill-gotten wealth.

But, to be fair, he crafted signal laws that still form part of our legal system.

for 3.7 million trees out of the total 3.8 million trees planted by the conglomerate.

Reflecting on what SMC has contributed to nationbuilding and how it has shown its malasakit to the Filipinos, the recognition bestowed upon RSA by Tatler as one of Asia’s Most Influential recently is merited.

For two consecutive years, RSA is in the roster of accomplished individuals recognized by Tatler as one of Asia’s Most Influential PH.

The list, according to website https://tatlerasiagroup. com/, brings together the region’s most innovative change makers, industry titans and powerful individuals who are shaping the region through positive impact.

Further, it defines “influential people” as “those who push for positive change and have relevance in their countries and beyond borders.”

It is a fitting tribute to RSA who remains unbowed and confident that the government and the Filipino people will go beyond these challenging times.

(The writer is aprolific book author and publisher. He is also the Executive Director of Million Trees Foundation, a non-government outfit championing tree planting and environmental protection.)

Rolando

EAGLE

More Indonesians flee Mt. Semeru eruption

More

“The

keep

“So far the total number of evacuees is 2,489.”

Officials

‘No diplomatic solution to Ukraine war’

HAMBURG—There is no prospect of a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine, according to Irina Scherbakova, one of the co-founders of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Russian rights organisation Memorial.

“I am absolutely convinced that there is not a diplomatic solution with Putin’s re gime, so long as it is still there,” Scherba kova said Sunday in Hamburg, Germany.

Her comments came as she was pre sented with another award for her years of work cataloguing Stalinist-era crimes and campaigning on rights issues in her home country.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz handed over the Marion Doenhoff Prize

to Scherbakova, praising her as an ally in the fight for a “peaceful, free and democratic future for Europe”.

Scherbakova’s accolades come after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means those aims seem further away than ever.

Her lack of hope for a diplomatic solution was a “tragic message”, Scherbakova said.

“The solution (to the conflict) that there will now be is a military one,” she said.

Diplomacy would ultimately play a role

South African leader braces self to head off impeachment threat

JOHANNESBURG—Cyril

Ramaphosa may have insisted over the weekend he will not resign, but the South African president still fac es a parliamentary vote Tuesday that could lead to his impeachment.

The ruling African National Con gress (ANC) will meet Monday to dis cuss Ramaphosa’s fate after a parlia mentary panel’s report last week said he might have acted illegally in cover ing up a burglary at his farm.

Despite deep divisions inside the party, there appears to be a majority backing the president.

There was pressure last week from some quarters for Ramaphosa to quit or be forced from office over what has become known as the Phala Phala affair, after the farm at the centre of the controversy.

But Ramaphosa looked relaxed and

cheerful Sunday as he spoke to journal ists outside a conference centre where some ANC delegates were already dis cussing the case against him.

With a smile, he explained he had been excluded from the meeting, agree ing that, in the circumstances, it was best for him not to take part.

He has been accused of having cov ered up the burglary of more than half a million dollars in cash from his farm in northeastern South Africa.

Last week’s report said the president “may have committed” serious viola tions and misconduct.

- Parliamentary scrutiny -

The president has been under fire since June, when a former spy boss filed a complaint with the police al leging that Ramaphosa had hidden the February 2020 burglary from the au thorities. AFP

in resolving the conflict, she speculated.

“But these decisions, this diplomacy will only happen when Ukraine be lieves it has won this war and can set its terms,” she said.

Hasty calls for peace were “childish”, she said, adding that things would not return to the way they were before the outbreak of the conflict.

“This war has turned so many things upside down, it will never be like that again,” she said.

‘Better future’

Now based in Germany, Scherbakova said there was “a lot of work to do at the moment under very difficult circum

stances to document crimes” commit ted in the course of the current war.

While some of her colleagues from Memorial have also fled abroad, many have continued to work under “much pressure” in the country, she said.

“The task now is to show people that there is another Russia, that it is not si lent,” she said.

Scherbakova’s organisation, Memo rial, will be presented with the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on Saturday De cember 10.

The group was awarded the prize along with fellow campaigners the Centre for Civil Liberties in Ukraine and the Bela russian activist, Ales Bialiatski. AFP

US high court to review case on service refusal

WASHINGTON—Can a business owner cite her religious convictions in declining to provide service to a same-sex couple?

The conservative-dominated US Su preme Court is to examine the question on Monday in a case that closely re sembles one from just a few years ago, pitting religious liberty and free speech rights against anti-discrimination laws.

In June 2018, the nation’s highest court partially ruled in favor of a Col orado baker who had refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple.

The latest case involves a suit filed by Lorie Smith, owner of 303 Creative, a website design company also in Colorado.

Smith has said that as a devout Christian she cannot produce wedding websites for same-sex couples be cause it would be “inconsistent” with her religious beliefs.

Colorado’s anti-discrimination law prohibits businesses from refusing service to someone on the basis of sexual orientation. An appeals court ruled against Smith and she appealed to the Supreme Court.

- ‘To speak or stay silent’ -

In accepting the case, the court said it would examine whether Colorado’s law “to compel an artist to speak or stay silent violates the free speech clause of the First Amendment.”

In their brief to the court, lawyers for Smith said she is “willing to create custom websites for anyone, including those who identify as LGBT, provided their message does not conflict with her religious views.”

“Forcing artists like painters, pho tographers, writers, graphic designers and musicians to speak messages that violate their deeply held beliefs fails to comport with the First Amendment’s promise of ‘individual dignity and choice,’” they added.

Attorneys for Colorado said the law “simply requires that, once a business offers a product or service to the pub lic, the business sells it to all. AFP

Seoul says North Korea fires artillery barrage into buffer zone

SEOUL—North Korea fired a barrage of artillery shells into a maritime buffer zone on Monday, Seoul’s military said, the latest in a series of launches by an increasingly belligerent Pyongyang.

About 130 artillery rounds were si multaneously fired at 14:59 pm (0559 GMT) from two separate sites, one on North Korea’s east coast and one on the west coasts, the South’s Joint

YULETIDE

PUG.

A runner dressed in Father Christmas attire stands with their dog, named Pugsley, who has been colored green, before taking part in the annual fivekilometre Santa Dash in Liverpool, northwest England, on December 4. Many runners opt to wear a blue suit, typically supporters of Everton Football Club, rather than a red one, as red is the color of their bitter rivals Liverpool Football Club. AFP

Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

Seoul’s military said the barrage was a “clear violation” of the 2018 agreement between the North and South that established the buffer zone in a bid to reduce tensions. It said none of the shells crossed the Northern Limit Line, the de facto mari time border between the two countries.

The military said it had issued “sev

eral warnings” over the barrage, with out giving any further details.

“Our military is strengthening its readiness posture in preparation for emergencies while tracking and moni toring related developments under close cooperation between South Ko rea and the United States,” it added.

At a summit in Pyongyang in 2018, former South Korean president Moon

Jae-in and the North’s Kim Jong Un agreed to establish buffer zones along land and sea boundaries in a bid to re duce tensions.

But since talks collapsed in 2019, Kim has doubled down on his banned weapons programmes, and experts say he may now be testing South Korea by violating the buffer zone agreement. AFP

Landslide in Colombia: Three dead, 20 trapped

BOGOTÁ—A landslide engulfed a road Sunday in Colombia, killing three people and leaving some 20 trapped in the mud, authorities said.

Crews were searching for people riding on a bus and a mo torcycle that were caught up in the accident in a remote area of a municipality called Pueblo Rico in northwest Colombia.

“Nine rescued, three fatalities and an estimated 20 who remain to be found. It is a tragedy,” President Gus tavo Petro wrote on Twitter.

Civil defense officials said one of the dead was a girl aged about seven.

One survivor said the driver of the bus managed to dodge the worst of the landslide.

“Part of it was coming down and the bus was a little bit back from that. The bus driver was backing up when it all came crashing down,” Andres Ibarguen told radio station Lloro Stereo. AFP

SQUARE-KILOMETER TELESCOPE. This handout released on December 5 by Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources shows an artist’s impression of low-frequency stations forming the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope, to be built in Western Australia. Australia started building this vast network of antennas in the Outback, its section of what planners say will eventually become one of the most powerful radio telescopes in the world. AFP

LUMAJANG, Indonesia—Rescuers evacuated more peo ple Monday from nearby villages after the eruption of In donesia’s Mount Semeru, with officials warning of danger from cooling lava despite less activity from the volcano.

than 2,400 villagers have now fled their homes and taken shelter in 11 evacuation centers after the highest mountain on the country’s main island of Java erupted early morning Sunday.

military, police, local disaster and village officials

evacuating people in Curah Kobokan where the hot ash cloud and cold lava might travel,” Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, told local television.

have announced a state of emergency for the next two weeks and authorities have been distributing free masks to protect against ash in the air while setting up pub lic kitchens for evacuees.

MOUNTAIN MUD. This picture shows damaged houses inundated by mud following a volcanic eruption by Mount Semeru at Kajar Kuning village in Lumajang on December 5. Semeru erupted on December 4, spewing hot ash clouds a mile high and rivers of lava down its side while sparking the evacuation of nearly 2,000 people, exactly one year after its last major eruption killed dozens. AFP

1

3 PRIM 1.95 0.21 12.07% 4 WEB 3.06 0.27 9.68%

5 NOW 1.5 0.12 8.70%

6 ARA 1.16 0.08 7.41%

7 IDC 0.89 0.06 7.23%

8 BRN 0.76 0.05 7.04%

9 FEU 593 38 6.85%

10 BCB 4.69 0.29 6.59%

TOP LOSERS

LAST

1 BCP 23.3 -9.9 -29.82%

2 FJPB 1.86 -0.77 -29.28%

3 ACE 1.41 -0.19 -11.88%

4 OPM 0.01 -0.001 -9.09%

5 LC 0.106 -0.008 -7.02%

6 MAH 0.74 -0.04 -5.13%

7 SFI 0.076 -0.004 -5.00%

8 ABSP 8 -0.4 -4.76%

9 ICT 184.3 -9.2 -4.75%

10 MBC 7 -0.3 -4.11%

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME

1 BDO 2,011,470 256,996,235

2 GTCAP 532,700 235,014,206

3 ALI 7,819,300 232,331,845

4 ICT 1,199,500 224,892,534

5 SM 237,650 214,056,795

6 GLO 91,890 205,377,760

7 JFC 858,880 205,229,080

8 SMPH 5,861,300 200,306,765

9 ACEN 24,536,900 185,726,603

10 CNVRG 10,354,600 163,933,836

Turkey inflation rate slows to 84.39% for first time since 2021

ISTANBUL—Turkey’s inflation slowed in November for the first time since May 2021, official data showed on Monday, delivering a boost to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of next year’s election.

The rate slowed to 84.39 percent, according to state statistics agency TUIK, down from 85.51 percent in October.

Turkey’s inflation has risen steadily since reaching a low of 16.6 percent in May 2021.

The emerging market’s troubled economy has turned into a major stumbling block on Erdogan’s path to a third decade in power in a presidential poll due by next June.

Erdogan’s approval rating began to suffer when he set off on an unusual economic experiment last year that tried to bring down chronically high consumer prices by lowering borrowing costs.

Conventional economic theory embraced by almost every other big nation pursues the exact opposite approach.

Turkey’s lira began to drop in value almost immediately as consumers rushed to buy up dollars and gold to try and protect their savings.

The price of imports such as oil and gas soared, creating an inflationary spiral that the nominally independent central bank fed further by continuing to lower interest rates.

Erdogan has maintained that his unwavering focus on economic growth at all costs -- achieved through cheap lending and state support -- will eventually pay off.

“We will witness the rapid descent of inflation soon and we will see together that the dirty scenarios built on this trouble are torn and thrown away,” he repeated over the weekend.

Erdogan has blamed inflation on outside factors such as the global spike in food and energy prices caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Erdogan’s much-criticized economic team hailed Monday’s announcement as vindication of their approach.

“As we have previously stated in various media, we have entered a downward trend in inflation, leaving the peak behind unless there is an unexpected global development,” Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati tweeted. AFP

Market extends losses; Converge leads gainers

STOCKS fell for a third day on risk aversion as a forecast-busting US jobs report dented hopes that the Federal Reserve will take a softer approach to hiking interest rates in its battle against inflation.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philip pine Stock Exchange, shed 47 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 6,442.13 Monday, as four of the six subsectors declined.

The broader all-share index also lost 15 points, or 0.5 per cent, to settle at 3,403.93 on a value turnover of P5.6 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 105 to 83, while 54 issues were unchanged.

Four of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Converge ICT Inc. which climbed 4.2 percent to P15.94 and ACEN Corp. which gained 3.7 percent to P7.63.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets rose on Monday as trad ers welcomed more easing of strict Covid containment mea sures in China that have hammered the world’s number-two economy.

That has come as Chinese leaders take a more pragmatic approach to fighting Covid after recent protests across the country that also called for more political freedoms.

The harsh zero-Covid strategy—which saw major cities in cluding Beijing and Shanghai face lockdowns for months— has been blamed for a sharp slowdown in economic growth this year and sent shudders through markets.

The move to reopening helped fuel “market optimism about the tailwinds of a likely acceleration in growth in 2023 for China-sensitive assets”, said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.

“Although there have been several local changes to Covid policies, China has yet to shift away from the zero-Covid policy officially. Instead, they are trying to balance the ex pected reopening surge in Omicron cases against minimizing economic and social costs.”

The brighter outlook lifted Asian markets with Hong Kong leading the way, jumping more than four percent while Shanghai put on more than one percent.

There were also gains in Tokyo, Sydney, Wellington, Mum bai, Singapore and Taipei.

The prospect of the world’s number-two economy kicking back into gear helped traders overcome data on Friday show ing far more jobs than expected were created in the United States in November.

A big jump in wages added to concerns that the economy remained hot, meaning the Fed still had plenty of work to do to get inflation down to its two percent target. With AFP

Ghana offers local debt swap as part of IMF bailout talks

ACCRA, Ghana—Ghana offered in vestors a domestic debt swap on Mon day to ease a crunch in payments as the government negotiates an IMF bailout during its worst economic crisis in de cades.

The West African state is in talks for up to $3 billion in credit from the International Monetary Fund to help shore up its public finances.

Inflation is at more than 40 percent, and the cedi currency has lost 50 per cent in value this year, helping push up debt by $6 billion in 2022.

As part of IMF negotiations, Gha na’s government is seeking to make its debt more sustainable after facing warnings about the risks of it default ing on obligations.

Finance Minister Kenneth OforiAtta said in a recorded statement late on Sunday on social media the debt ex change starting Monday would swap current debt for four new bonds matur ing between 2027 and 2037.

“Our commitment to Ghanaians and the investor community, in line with the negotiations with the IMF, is to restore macroeconomic stability in the shortest possible time,” he said.

A foreign debt restructuring pro gram would be presented later, he said.

Ghana, a top cocoa and gold produc er, has oil and gas reserves, but its debt payments are high, and its revenues are weak. Like the rest of Africa, it has been hit by the economic fallout from the global pandemic and the Ukraine war.

Ofori-Atta said the government had worked to minimize the swap im pact on investors holding government bonds, especially small investors and other vulnerable groups.

There will be no “haircuts” on prin ciple value of bonds, he said.

The minister said the government recognized banks and financial institu tions hold a large amount of local gov ernment debt, but regulatory agencies and the central bank would help ease the impact on them.

“These are difficult times, and we count on the support of all Ghanaians and the investment community to make this exercise successful,” he said.

President Nana Akufo-Addo and his economic team have come under growing pressure over the crisis, after the government earlier this year did a U-turn and said it would go to the IMF for help. AFP

Jan Marsalek, Kremlin ‘spy’ who brought down tech firm Wirecard

By Blaise Gauquelin

VIENNA, Austria—When executives of the collapsed German tech giant Wirecard go on trial this week accused of the country’s biggest ever fraud, one key player will be missing.

Chief operating officer Jan Marsalek vanished into thin air as Germany’s horrified leaders woke up in June 2020 to the news that nearly two billion euros ($2 billion) were missing from the payments company then worth more than the country’s biggest bank.

The smooth operator was several steps ahead of the law, faking an elaborate escape to China via the Philippines while in reality, he was bound for Moscow via Belarus on a private jet.

It was a double bluff worthy of a James Bond movie, with the added twist that a former Austrian intelligence officer and a far-right politician had helped him disappear.

Germany’s most wanted man is now thought to be living under a new identity in Moscow protected by the Kremlin.

For years the handsome charmer had been living the life of an international man of mystery, hanging out with spies, porn barons, Libyan warlords, Russian mercenaries and former heads of state, according to judicial sources and a German parliamentary inquiry into the Wirecard scandal.

It was not the sort of company you would expect the number two of a financial services company to keep.

But then Marsalek, 42, whose “magnificently restored” villa in Munich was opposite the Russian consulate, was never one to follow the usual career paths.

Born in Vienna, he left school without any qualifications, but that didn’t stop him briefly setting up his own software company before rising quickly up the ranks of Wirecard after joining the start up in 2000.

Colleagues fell under the spell of this “brilliant”, “lovable” man who “lived on planes”.

But beyond his smooth exterior, Marsalek, who had eight passports, let precious little slip. “I don’t know anything about him,” his personal assistant Sabine Heinzinger told German lawmakers, despite working for him for seven years. “He has always separated work from private life.” He cultivated discretion, preferred to use cash and was addicted to the encrypted Telegram messenger service.

Heinzinger said her boss was careful to leave his

phone outside the room when he had confidential conversations.

Tellingly, Marsalek always avoided traveling to the United States, saying he feared legal proceedings without saying why.

Wagner militia

Marsalek used the prestige of his senior position at Wirecard—once valued at more than 21 billion euros —to expand his network far beyond the finance sector.

A man of many faces, he lunched with former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, helped Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash, who is wanted in the US for bribery and racketeering charges, and called American porn baron Hamid Akhavan, convicted of bank fraud in New York, “darling” in emails.

In the shadows, he liaised with spies, paying an intermediary in 2015 to obtain “secret information” on numerous people, according to an Austrian prosecutors’ warrant seen by AFP.

Anxious to impress potential business partners, in 2018 he showed off the formula to the Russian nerve agent Novichok which Moscow is accused of using on critics. He had obtained the classified document from an Austrian official.

Another time he bragged that he travelled with the Russian Wagner mercenary group to Palmyra days after the Syrian city was retaken from Islamic State group fighters.

He also tried to set up a deal with Wagner in Libya to stop migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe.

And Marsalek horrified one-time associate Kilian Kleinschmidt by praising the body cameras Wagner’s soldiers wore, saying you could “see the guys shooting all the prisoners”.

Marsalek said the people who controlled the Libyan people smugglers were living in Monaco would have to be compensated, Kleinschmidt told German lawmakers. He said “he could establish contact” with them. AFP

EU chief asks bloc to act over ‘distortions’ in Washington’s $430-b climate plan

BRUSSELS—EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday the bloc must act to address “distortions” created by Washington’s $430-billion plan to spur climate-friendly technologies in the United States.

EU countries have poured criticism on Washington’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act, seeing it as anticompetitive and a threat to European jobs, especially in the energy and auto sectors.

The bloc must “take action to rebalance the playing field where the IRA or other measures create

distortions”, von der Leyen said in a speech at the College of Europe in the Belgian city of Bruges.

The act, designed to accelerate the US transition to a low-carbon economy, contains around $370 billion in subsidies for green energy as well as tax cuts for US-made electric cars and batteries.

Von der Leyen said the EU had to work with the US “to address some of the most concerning aspects of the law.”

But she said that Brussels must also “adjust” its own rules to facilitate

public investment in the environmental transition and “re-assess the need for further European funding of the transition.”

French President Emmanuel Macron seized an opportunity on a state visit to Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden last week to air deep grievances over US-EU trade.

The White House touts the IRA as a groundbreaking effort to reignite US manufacturing and promote renewable technologies.

Commenting on the issue Sunday, French minister delegate for industry,

Roland Lescure noted in a broadcast interview that “competition must be strong and fair -- we must coordinate to ensure we are on a level playing field.

Lescure added that US subsidies were distributed “a little more swiftly and effectively than ours.”

By way of example, he said: “For an electric vehicle in the United States, you have a $7,000 subsidy, but it has to be American down to the circuitry.

“In France, you have 6,000 or 7,000 euros according to your wage, and the vehicle can come from China.” AFP

This handout picture taken in the year 2019 and released by the police shows Austrian businessman Jan Marsalek, former CEO of German payment company Wirecard. AFP

HONG KONG STOCKS. Pedestrians pass an electronic board showing the numbers for the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong on Dec. 5, 2022.

NTC to absorb APEC in merger involving over 24,000 students

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AFFORDABLE Private Education Center Schools is merging with Nation al Teachers College, a move that aims to create a new education powerhouse. Ayala Corp. and iPeople Inc. said in separate disclosures to the stock exchange Monday the boards of di rectors of NTC and APEC approved the proposed merger, with NTC as the surviving entity.

“The planned merger will re sult in the creation of an education powerhouse of over 24,000 stu dents in K-12, college and graduate school,”iPeople said.

Both schools are 100 percentowned by iPeople, which in turn is 51-percent owned by Yuchengco’s House of Investments and 33-percent by Ayala Corp.

One of the leading education groups in the country, iPeople has about 60,000 students in seven schools, including Mapúa University and University of Nueva Caceres.

The planned merger is still sub ject to regulatory approvals from the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Education and the Securities and Exchange Commis sion.

“The planned merger will allow us to better achieve our goal of trans forming lives through innovative ed ucation at affordable prices. Our high school students will benefit from the combination of NTC’s national repu tation and 94-year track record of excellence in teaching, with APEC’s progressive teaching methods and fo cus on being educators of the digital future,” said Fred Ayala, chairman of both NTC and APEC.

Founded in 1928, NTC was the Philippines’ first higher education in stitution to offer collegiate programs dedicated to teacher education. It is a leader in the field of teacher educa tion and its performance in the Licen sure Examination for Teachers has consistently been above the national passing rate.

Glovax Biotech eyes foreign funders for vaccine facility in PH

By Othel V. Campos

GLOVAX Biotech Corp. is exploring new sources of funding to finance the proposed P7.5-billion integrated vaccine manufacturing project facility in Batan gas province.

Globax founder and chief executive Giovanni Alingog said the firm was ac tively pursuing talks with other poten tial foreign partners such as the United States Agency for International Devel opment, Development Finance Corp., International Finance Corp. and IIX of Singapore.

The firm intends to team up with other international tech transfer partners and funders to construct the fully-integrated vaccine plant and supply the vaccines the Philippines imports.

The biotech firm presented a feasibility study to National Development Corp. general manager Antonio Mauricio in a meeting mid-November to highlight the required capitalization of about P7.5 billion.

Alingog said the firm was finalizing a memorandum of agreement between NDC and Glovax Lifescience Corp., a unit of Glovax Biotech, for future col laborations on vaccine manufacturing.

Glovax is securing all the require ments needed to engage NDC to add fresh investments into the proposed vaccine manufacturing facility, before the year ends, he said. It plans to break ground for the facility in February 2023.

The proposed facility will be the first working vaccine plant that will allow the Philippines to catch up with its ASEAN neighbors and become an active partici pant in the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance program, which Glovax had been advocating for even before AVSSR was conceptualized.

Glovax reiterated its interest to partici pate in Vaccine Development and Secu rity Project during the ASEAN Vaccine Development and Manufacturing Re search Project Technical Regional Con sultative Workshop held on Nov. 29 to 30 in Bali, Indonesia.

Economic managers trim 2023 GDP growth forecast

By Julito G. Rada

THE inter-agency Development

Budget Coordinating Committee on Monday maintained its 2022 gross domestic product growth forecast, but trimmed the target for next year in the face of external headwinds.

It kept the growth forecast this year at 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent, taking into account the economic expansion of 7.7 percent in the first three quarters which already exceeded the target range.

“As the economy continues to reopen, domestic demand increased and services and industry sectors improved. This en abled the country to register a 7.7-per cent gross domestic product growth rate for the first three quarters,” DBCC said in a briefing.

DBCC is composed of the heads of the Department of Finance, Depart ment of Budget and Management and National Economic and Development Authority.

It said the growth momentum was ex pected to slightly decelerate next year

and range from 6 percent to 7 percent because of external headwinds such as the slowdown in major advanced econo mies.

“Nevertheless, growth is expected to pick up in 2024 to 2028 at 6.5 to 8 percent, as we push for government strategies and interventions of the Philippine Development Plan 20232028,” it said.

These strategies include the modern ization of the agriculture and agri-busi ness sectors, revitalizing the industry sector and reinvigorating the services sector.

The DBCC said poverty incidence would gradually improve, likely reach ing the 9 percent target by 2028.

The average inflation rate assump tion for 2022 was adjusted upwards to 5.8 percent from the previous estimate of 4.5 percent to 5.5 percent, given the persistent high prices of food and trans port costs.

“Nonetheless, inflation is expected to moderate in the medium term, reaching 2.5 percent to 4.5 percent in 2023 before returning to the target range of 2 to 4 percent in 2024 until 2028,” the DBCC said.

The assumption for the price of Dubai crude oil for 2022 was slightly adjusted to a range of $98 to $100 per barrel con sidering global supply constraints on

oil. This is seen to gradually slide to $80 to $100 per barrel in 2023, before stabi lizing at $70 to $90 per barrel in 2024 to 2028.

“Likewise, the peso-dollar exchange rate assumptions for 2023 and 2024 were adjusted upwards, as the peso continues to depreciate due to height ened global uncertainties and aggres sive monetary policy tightening of the US Federal Reserve. This is expected to range from $1:54 to 55 in 2022 and further increase to $1:55 to 59 in 2023,” DBCC said.

The peso is expected to appreciate and stabilize at 53 to 57 against the dollar in 2024 to 2028, with the Bangko Sentral’s policy normalization measures and ex pected pickup in foreign exchange in flows, it said.

It said that as domestic demand re covers, goods imports growth projec tion for this year was increased to 20 percent and revised to 4 percent in 2023. Exports growth was lowered to 4 per cent in 2022 and 3 percent in 2023, but was expected to stabilize at 6 percent in the medium term.

Revenue projection for 2022 was ad justed upwards to P3.5 trillion, follow ing better-than-expected revenue per formance from January to October on improved tax collection and digitaliza tion efforts of the government.

Diokno allays concerns over P275-b Maharlika Wealth Fund

By Julito G. Rada and Othel V. Campos

FINANCE Secretary Benjamin Dio kno on Monday sought to assuage the concerns expressed by different groups on the proposed P275-billion Maharlika Wealth Fund.

“There will be an internal audit as well as external audit, not to mention the oversight committee of Congress… Let us have trust in ourselves… We are an open society, and we are not like other countries,” Diokno said during an interagency Development Budget Coordinating Committee briefing.

Government Service Insurance System president Wick Veloso said the government would ensure that the wealth fund would be transpar

ent. “What we need is an investment strategy.. .We want to do this to help our economy…I will make sure that their [GSIS members’] money is pro tected,” he said.

Monetary Board member Bruce Tolentino said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas supports any effort of the national government to widen its fis cal space. “We want to make sure that DBP [Development Bank of the Phil ippines] and LandBank [of the Philip pines] will remain strong… We will check with potential investments in Maharlika,” Tolentino said.

Business groups expressed concern over the plan to create the country’s first sovereign wealth fund. “We reg ister our serious concerns and reserva tions against the proposed MWF on

PLDT, Smart expand fiber and wireless networks

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. and wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. expand ed their fiber and wireless networks to serving more barangays across the country.

PLDT said Monday it had rolled out its fiber-to-the-home network to 17,000 barangays as of end-September, up 24 percent from end-2021. This represent ed about 40 percent of the total baran gays in the Philippines.

The PLDT Group is also looking to further ramp up its network rollout in Mindanao. PLDT is adding around 6,000 fiber ports particularly in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental and Davao City and more Smart wire less sites within the year.

Smart said that in the first nine months, it beefed up its network in Northern Mindanao, rolled out addi tional sites and base stations in the cit

ies of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and additional LTE base stations in the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Orien tal, Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte.

“Our stepped-up rollout in Mind anao and across the country is aligned with our commitment to deliver lev eled-up services to more Filipinos na tionwide,” said PLDT Network head Eric Santiago.

Smart said it had deployed 77,200 base stations, including 7,300 5G base stations and close to 40,000 4G/LTE base stations as of end-September. Smart’s network covers 97 percent of the population with 3G, LTE and 5G.

Smart’s mobile network is supported by PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, the most extensive in the country. PLDT had ex panded its total fiber footprint to about 1,091,000 kilometers, consisting of over 231,000 kilometers of internation al fiber and almost 860,000 kilometers of domestic fiber as of end-September.

the principles of fiscal prudence, ad ditionality, solvency of social pension funds, contingent liabilities, monetary independence of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, government in the econo my and transparency,” the groups said in a statement.

The groups include the Foundation for Economic Freedom, Competi tive Currency Forum, Filipina CEO Circle, Financial Executives Institute of The Philippines, Institute of Corpo rate Directors, Integrity Initiative Inc., Makati Business Club, Management Association of The Philippines, Move ment for Good Governance, Philip pine Women’s Economic Network, UP School of Economics Alumni Associa tion and the Women’s Business Coun cil Philippines Inc.

6,442.13

F

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BruneiDollar0.73708341.2641 IndonesiaRupiah0.0000650.0036 Thailand Baht 0.0287811.6112 UAE Dirham0.27228715.2434

EuroEuro 1.05290058.9445 Korea Won 0.0007700.0431

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PXP Energy completes acquisition of Pitkin

PXP Energy Corp. said Monday it completed the acquisition of the remaining 46.57-percent interest in Pitkin Petroleum Ltd. as part of its continued efforts to streamline the corporate structure of subsidiaries involved in overseas oil and gas exploration projects.

The transaction was implemented through a share repurchase arrangement with the mi nority shareholders for a cash consideration amounting to $3.5 million. PPL will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of PXP after the ac quisition.

PXP said it incurred a net loss of P14.7 million in the first nine months, down from P20.2-million loss in the same period last year on higher profit from Service Contract 14C-1 Galoc operations and the reduction in general and administrative expenses.

Petroleum revenues went up 15.7 percent to P49.3 million from P42.6 million despite lower crude offtake totaling 291,216 barrels of oil per day from 429,549 bbls year-on-year on higher average crude price at $97.13 per bbl from $66.97 per bbl in SC 14C-1 Galoc. Alena Mae S. Flores

BDO declares cash and stock dividends

THE board of directors of BDO Unibank Inc. in its meeting on Dec. 3, approved the decla ration of regular cash dividends on common shares in the amount of P0.30 apiece for the fourth quarter of 2022, payable on Dec. 29, 2022 to all stockholders on record as of Dec. 20, 2022.

The bank also received an approval from the Securities & Exchange Commission on Nov. 29 for its stock dividends equivalent to 20 percent of current outstanding. BDO’s board of directors approved on March 26, 2022 the declaration of 20 percent stock dividends; an increase in authorized capital stock (common shares) from 5.5 billion to 8.5 billion shares and the amendment to the bank’s articles of oincorporation to reflect the increase.

These were subsequently approved by stockholders at the bank’s annual shareholders’ meeting on April22, 2022 and by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Sept. 15, 2022. The re cord date for the stock dividends was set for Dec. 15, 2022, with payment date set for Dec. 29, 2022. The P0.30 cash dividend will also apply to the additional shares arising from the 20-percent stock dividend declaration.

BDO said the cash and stock dividend dec larations reflect the bank’s commitment to pro vide consistent, steady returns and value to its shareholders, while at the same time, continue to invest in its business.

D&L moves Batangas plant opening to

mid-2023

D&L Industries Inc. said Monday it moved the start of commercial operations of its new Batangas plant to middle of 2023 because of permitting delays and global logistics prob lems.

D&L said in a disclosure to the stock ex change the plant’s opening, which was origi nally scheduled early next year, was delayed because of processing permits and certifica tions and the late arrival of shipments from various overseas suppliers caused by the global supply chain disruptions.

It said that while the Philippine Economic Zone Authority granted an extension for the project until the end of 2023 to provide allow ances in case of a force majeure, the company remains committed to starting commercial op erations by mid-2023.

“While the plant is substantially complete, some steps in the final stages are currently tak ing longer than expected. Nonetheless, the bulk of the work has been done and we are past the hardest part which was continuing with the construction during the COVID-19 lockdown,” D&L president and chief executive Alvin Lao said.

Lao said the plant’s opening comes at an op portune time given the strong demand for highvalue coconut-based products in the export market. Jenniffer B. Austria

Members of the Development Budget Coordination Committee led by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno (center) meet to review the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, fiscal program and growth targets for fiscal year 2023 to 2028 to take into account the latest domestic developments, global economic status and the administration’s priorities and strategies.

PNG QUAY CRANES. South Pacific International Container Terminal, a unit of International Container Terminal Services Inc. at the Port of Lae, is now capable of handling larger box ships after receiving a pair of new ship-to-shore cranes, the largest port equipment in Papua New Guinea. Manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co. Ltd. and with a reach of up to 17 rows across, the new Post-Panamax cranes can easily service vessels of up to 6,000 TEUs and is part of ICTSI’s program to strengthen and enhance the overall operational efficiency at PNG’s leading container terminal.

bag 2 golds in Malaysian tournament

TWO club teams from the Philippines snared two gold medals on the last day of the 1st Malaysian Fencing Federation Minime International Tournament at the Arena Tan Sri Hamzah gymnasium inside the Olympic Council Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

Fencers from the Club Canlas Fencing A and Team Modern Pentathlon turned back separate rivals in the team competitions, with their effort sending the Philippines to a second place finish overall behind top finisher, host Malaysia.

Sophia Catantan, the younger sister of top Filipino fencer Samantha Catantan, repulsed Kwok Sze Yi, 10-4, to help lift CCF-A to a 44-43 win over Hong Kong in the finals of the under-16 women’s team foil action.

Team MP drew big points from Rex de la Cruz Jr., Joseph Godbout and Armand Putian for a 46-36 stopping of Blade KL in under-16 men’s team epee event.

The gold medals gave the Philippines a total haul of eight golds, eight silvers and 20 bronzes.

They are behind Malaysia, which dominated with its 11-7-29 performances. Hong Kong is third with its 6-5-2 tally.

University of the East and Canlas A also took home silvers in the women’s under-16 sabre, under-16 women’s epee and in the men’s 16-under foil.

The young Sophia picked up a silver medal after she teammates from UE absorbed a 44-45 setback to Korea in the women’s under-16 finals.

CF-A fell to SG Academy of Singapore, 37-45, in the women’s under-16 epee gold medal round.

Canlas Fencing -A also went down, 35-45, to Blade KL in the men’s under-16 foil finals.

The Louis Shoemaker-led CF-A settled for a bronze medal in the men’s under saber action, after bowing to eventual gold medal winner, Valor Fencing of Malaysia, 3745. Peter Atencio

Pele’s fans assured: He’ll come home

SAO PAULO, Brazil—Brazilian football superstar Pele’s daughters told his fans Sunday that their father’s health was not at serious risk, saying they are confident he will return home when he recovers from a respiratory infection.

The 82-year-old has been hospitalized in Sao Paulo since Tuesday amid ongoing treatments for colon cancer, which was first diagnosed in September 2021.

Pele “is sick, he is elderly, but at this point he is hospitalized for a lung infection,” Kely Arantes Nascimento told the TV channel Globo.

“And when he gets better, he’ll come home,” she said.

“We are not saying goodbye in the hospital,” she insisted, explaining that the respiratory illness was the result of a Covid-19 infection the sporting icon had contracted three weeks ago.

Her sister, Flavia Arantes Nascimento, denied reports from the daily Folha de S.Paulo and ESPN Brazil that Pele was no longer responding to chemotherapy and was now receiving only “palliative care.” She told the news channel that her father was not in the intensive care unit, but a regular ward, and that the family was “tired of receiving condolences” and that the cancer treatment is “delivering results.”

“It’s really unfair that they’re saying he’s at the terminal stage. It’s not that, believe us,” she said.

Earlier Sunday, fans of Pele—born Edson Arantes do Nascimento—congregated outside the Sao Paulo hospital where the three-time world champion is staying.

More than 100 devotees prayed for the recovery of the man widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.

“We are a spiritual force” praying for the sporting idol as he wages “one of the toughest battles of his life,” one fan, Marcos Bispo dos Santos, told AFP.

Doctors at Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital said Saturday that Pele remained “stable.”

Pele “has had a good response to care without any worsening in the clinical picture in the last 24 hours,” they said in a statement. AFP

Sports

Buhain: FINA decision welcome development for PH swimming

SWIMMING icon Eric Buhain described as an “answered prayer” the FINA’s decision to withdraw recognition of the board of trustees of the Philippine Swimming Inc.

“The decision of Fina to withdraw recognition is a welcome development for Philippine swimming,” said Buhain—a Barcelona Olympian, owner of 15 Southeast Asian Games gold medals and now a congressman representing the First District of Batangas—on Monday.

“Fina’s decision is an answered prayer by the Philippine swimming community,” said Buhain, also a founding member of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics Inc. or COPA, a swimming organization that has a membership of 174 clubs from all over the country. “Fina is our hero and angel.”

The FINA withdrew its recognition of officers and board members of the PSI and instructed a stabilization committee that will run the association’s day-to-

day operations, amend its by-laws and conduct new elections.

The memo, which the FINA stressed as “effective immediately,” wa s dated December 3 and signed by FINA executive director Brent Nowicki. It was sent to the PSI through its president Ma. Lailani “Lani” Velasco. Copies of the FINA directive were also emailed to the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission.

“It has been a 20-year struggle for swimming and more importantly, the swimmers themselves, since the time [the late] Mark Joseph led and without due notice to Fina, ‘changed’ the FINA rules on unauthorized relations,” Buhain said.

Those “rules,” according Buhain, were fabricated by the then PSI leadership and the Philippine swimming community was made to believe that it was official for 20 years.

Buhain said that for the longest time, the PSI was

an “exclusive organization” that charged “exorbitant fee” for a club to become a member.

“Now is a chance for true inclusivity for swimmers who were cast aside because of exorbitant fees imposed to become member of PSI,” Buhain said. “Now swimmers without that kind of spending power may have a chance under the spirit of sports for all.”

He added: “Perhaps, in the new PSI administration, public school swimmers could now be part of the PSI … that is my hope and I urge the new administration to do so.”

Buhain thanked the POC for its relentless effort in helping not only national sports associations, but especially the athletes.

“I thank the POC for keeping the peace within the sport, which allowed FINA to conduct an unbiased and independent assessment of the whole situation,” Buhain said. “Thus resulting in their decision of withdrawal of recognition.”

PSI appeals world swim body’s ruling

By Peter Atencio

THE board of trustees of the Philippine Swimming Inc. is appealing the decision of FINA, the world governing body for swimming, after it decided to withdraw its recognition on their association.

Last Dec. 3, Velasco and members of the PSI board were informed FINA’s move to establish a Stabilization Committee that will run the PSI’s day-to-day operations.

The board asked for clarification after the FINA acted on a complaint of ‘bad governance’ against PSI officials.

“We are respectfully appealing the decision of the FINA Bureau as stated in the letter dated December 3, 2022. In addition, we respectfully request that PSI, through

Ms. Lailani M. Velasco, be given access to the complaints that were filed and be given the opportunity to respond to the same in accordance with the FINA Constitution,” said the board in a letter.

The Stabilization Committee is empowered to to “conduct the proper and necessary amendments of the [PSI] Constitution and organize and conduct a new election.”

Philippine Olympic Committee legal head Atty. Wharton Chan and deputy secretary general Valeriano “Bones” Floro and Bases Conversion Development Authority senior vice president Arrey Perez were recently named as members of the committee.

“The BOT has always respected and fully abided by the FINA Constitution and all directives of FINA. However,

with all due respect, the BOT views with grave concern the manner and conduct of the said investigation made by FINA,” said the PSI in its statement.

The FINA directive was signed by the international federation’s executive director Brent Nowicki and was emailed to Velasco, with the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission furnished with emailed copies.

The FINA directive is effective immediately.

The PSI board said that requirements of due process, fairness, and equity demand that, at the very least, PSI, through the Board of Trustees, should have first been informed of the nature and cause of complaints against it and be given the opportunity to respond to the charges lodged before FINA.

Predator Gaming-backed Blacklist Rivalry ready for action

FIVE of the country’s top gamers in DOTA 2 have come together to join a new squad known as Team Blacklist Rivalry.

The new squad is led by Nico “eyyou” Barcelon, who was part of the Polaris Esports squad that recently won the crown in the Asia Pacific Predator League 2022 in Japan.

Barcelon’s contract with Polaris has ended and executives at Blacklist International were fortunate enough to get him as he teams up with the likes of Marc “Raven” Fausto, Karl “Karl” Baldovino, Carlo “Kuku” Palad, and Timothy “TIMS” Randrup.

Aside from Barcelon, who was named the team captain, they were also able to get Palad, one of the big names in the Philippine DOTA 2 scene.

Kuku has earned a reputation as having had the highest average kills per game during international meets.

The 29-year-old Kuku has left T1, which tied for seventh and eighth places in the 2021 edition of The International.

“We talked about this before the TI early this year and putting up a team that can compete against the rest of the world. Finding Kuku and the rest of the players was such a fortunate thing,” said Tier One Entertainment CEO Tryke Gutierrez, who spoke about their acquisition with another exec Alodia Gosiengfao following an introduction done Sunday at the Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf, Quezon City.

Gutierrez said being with great partners allowed them to get the new team together.

Predator Gaming has also partnered with Tier One Entertainment, along with esports organization Blacklist International, which is expanding their presence in Dota 2.

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

CARACUT IS CIGNAL BEST PLAYER. Andrei Caracut shone brightest for Rain or Shine after uncorking a career-high performance to emerge as the unanimous choice as Cignal Play-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period Nov. 30 to Dec. 4. Caracut unleashed 19 points on three triples, to go with seven rebounds and three assists without a turnover in 25 minutes of play as the Elasto Painters clinched eighth spot in the quarter nals, where it will duel against guest team and top-seeded Bay Area Dragons.

Rep. Eric Buhain

Lani Velasco

Baldovino also came from T1 with Palad, while Randrup came aboard after his stint with Boom Esports, while Fausto spent a year with Fnatic.

Blacklist’s effort to form a competitive squad came after they acquired the DPC Division 1 slot from Singaporebased RSG. Peter Atencio

Blacklist members (from left) Doms (player manager), Nico “eyyou” Barcelo, Karl Baldovino, Carlo “Kuku” Palad, Marc “Raven” Fausto and Timothy “TIMS” Randrup

Arcilla out to sustain win run in Zentro Open

JOHNNY Arcilla gears up for another stab at Open glory but a slew of other aces go all out to foil his back-to-back title bid in the Zentro Open National Open Championships, which gets going Wednesday at the Zentro Tennis and Recreational courts in Apalit, Pampanga.

The multi-titled Arcilla will be coming into the Group A event presented by Dunlop brimming with confidence, blasting Charles Kinaadman, 6-2, 6-4, to nail his third Open diadem in the season about to end in last week’s Brookside Open in Cainta, Rizal. He also teamed up with Ronard Joven to crush Kinaadman and Jose Maria Pague, 6-4, 6-0, for the doubles crown.

But the veteran Davis Cupper, who also reigned in the Puerto Princesa Open and in the Pintaflores Festival in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, expects a tougher, more challenging week with Kinaadman, winner of the Gov. Jubahib Cup in Davao del Norte, and Pague, who topped the Buglasan Open in Dumaguete City, also setting out in top form despite coming up short in their respective bids last week.

Others tipped to crowd the fancied bets in the week-long tournament serving as part of the PPS-PEPP circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro are Vicente Anasta, John Tomacruz, Noel Damian Jr., John Altiche, Nilo Ledama, Kristian Tesorio, Elvin Geluz, Alberto Villamor, Raymund Diaz, Joseph Tiamson, Loucas Fernandez and John Accion.

Meanwhile, action shifts to the City of Naga, Cebu for the Dagitab Festival Open on Dec. 14-21. For details, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464.

Jed Olivarez, who finished runnerup in Jubahib Cup, is also in the hunt in the Zentro Open backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating).

Meanwhile, to accommodate the big number of entries, a qualifier will be held today (Tuesday) with four berths up for grabs in the main 64-player draw of the event.

Leading the bidders are Juan Lapore, Jaffary Cariga, Stephen Catipon, Philippe Coteron, Michael Tulio, Kiandrederick Sulit, James Mina and John Ayson.

UP wins 2nd straight UAAP athletics crown

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines captured backto-back men’s titles after taking care of business with two golds on the fi nal day of the UAAP Season 85 Athletics Championships, Sunday at the Philsports Track and Field Oval in Pasig City.

The Fighting Maroons collected a 20th crown in the event and the first for the season after ending with 358 points.

On the other hand, University of Santo Tomas reclaimed the women’s title after ceding it to Far Eastern University in Season 81. The Female Tiger Tracksters claimed their ninth tiara in the event to give the school its fourth for the season.

“Masayang-masaya kasi para ito sa mga athletes na nag-sacrifice during pandemic, na hindi nila alam kung makakalaro pa ulit sila o hindi. So, itong competition na ito ay napakalaking bagay para sa kanila,” UP head coach Rio Dela Cruz said.

Eduard Flores zoomed past the field to take the 3000-meter steeplechase title with 9:35.52 over University of the East’s James Orduna with 9:42.95 and National University’s Erwin Mancao with 9:45.83.

Season Most Valuable Player Rhyan Labita then kickstarted the 4x400m relay quartet to the gold with 3:18.18 along with teammates Edwin Giron, JC Yuzon, and Ferdinand Tridanio. Adamson University’s Denmark Dacunes, Jarreld Jaravata, John Erick Martir, and Edgar Carado

took the silver with 3:22.71, while NU’s Marc Sister, Van Alexander Obejas, Hiro Alamo, and John Lloyd Cabalo bagged the bronze with 3:23.32.

Labita previously completed the sprint treble of the 100-200-400m and the 400m hurdles, before taking the first-runner up cudgels as well in the 4x100m relay.

UST’s Jhon Ballelos ruled the hammer throw with a heave of 43.09 meters, while NU’s John Nicholan Pangan and UP’s Ed Delina rounded the podium with 41.76 and 40.97, respectively.

Edgie Garbin ended the campaign for UE with its lone gold after reigning over the 110m hurdles with 14.84, which is slightly ahead of Far Eastern University’s Tochukwu Onoura Okolo’s 14.94. Obejas took the bronze with a close 14.98 finish. Decathlon champion Allen Mationg of FEU won the top rookie plum in the men’s side.

The Bulldogs rose to second place with 280 points, while former seven-peat champions Tamaraws rounded the team rostrum with 224.

In the women’s side, the Female Tiger Tracksters gathered enough points to keep De La Salle University behind

for the title.

“We had to work,” UST coach Manny Calipes said. “Kasi nag-gogold nga kami, dikit-dikit naman ‘yung placing ng La Salle. Everyone should work together. Hindi puwedeng isa lang kailangan tumutulong. Kung may gusto kang mangyari, it’s up to you. Kaming mga coaches guide lang. Maganda naman ‘yung pinakita nila nu’ng Day 4 and Day 5.”

The Lady Green Tracksters opened the last push for a comeback with a gold in the long jump courtesy of Trexie De La Torre’s 5.78-meter mark. Adamson’s Diana Hurano and NU’s Alexie Caimoso ended second and third with 5.60 and 5.54, respectively.

Caimoso then ruled the 100m hurdles with 15.43s, just two one-hundredths of a second ahead of FEU’s Sunshine Silvestre’s 15.45. UST’s Justine Mae Catindoy then provided the boost to her squad’s title closeout with 15.58 and the bronze.

The Lady Bulldog standout ended as this year’s top athlete with two golds in the heptathlon and high jump, to go with this gold in the hurdles and the bronze in the long jump.

UP’s Abegail Manzano took the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 11 minutes and 50.58 seconds. The 2-3 finish of Thomasians Camila Tubiano and Edralene Celestial at 11:57.02 and 12:04.00, respectively, virtually sealed the title for their school.

PSA Forum to discuss Gilas women’s team, Blu Boys

GILAS Pilipinas women’s project director and head coach Pat Aquino joins the Philippine Blu Boys as special guests in the Tuesday session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the ground floor of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Aquino is set to leave for the US this holiday season to look for potential players, who can be naturalized and suit up for the women’s national team. The multi-titled coach is expected to talk about the trip and other plans for the women’s program in the session that starts at 10 a.m.

Blu Boys pitching coach Ray Pagkaliwagan and infielder Jerome Bacarisas on the other hand, share their experience in the just concluded Men’s Softball World Cup, where the country finished its highest placing ever at no. 10. The team arrived from Auckland, New Zealand late Sunday night.

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.

PSA president Rey Lachica, sports editor of Tempo, enjoins members to attend the session being held face-to-face again.

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.

But

Coming out better and stronger from a near-disastrous slip in the final day of the semis, the Angels hacked out a tough 25-21, 27-25, 37-35 decision over the HD Spikers last Thursday to move a win away from sweeping their way back to the throne of the import-laced conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Gametime is at 5:30 p.m. with the Angels eager to finish off the HD Spikers behind their big-hitting import Lindsey Vander Weide and a fired-up local crew headed by Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, Aiza Pontillas, Remy

and ace playmaker Djanel Cheng.

Filipinos vs Koreans in 3x3 showdown at URCC 81

IT’S going to be a war among the world’s best MMA fighters, with the Filipinos battling South Koreans in a 3 versus 3 format, even as Arvin Chan and Will Chope clash for supremacy in the Universal Reality Combat Championship 81 Tuesday night at the Cove in Okada Manila Parañaque City.

Sugar Ray “Mammoth” Estroso, along with former URCC champion Caloy “The Bad Boy” Baduria and Boss Bullet Manlilic, will try to keep the Philippines’ undefeated streak in three fights in this prestigious main event card entitled Decades of Success.

But the South Koreans, composed of Jeong Minhun, Choi Wontae and Jeon Youngjun reminded the Filipinos that they

did not travel to the Philippines just to lose.

“We travelled very far, so we will do whatever it takes to bring home pride as well,” Minhun said.

Estroso and the rest of the gang welcome the challenge from their South Korean counterparts, saying they are not bothered by the height disparity of their 6-foot, 5’8” and 5’7” foes.

“Anything can happen inside the cage,” the 5’6” Estroso said. “Once we hit them with punches, they will experience how tough Filipinos are. We never back down on any challenges or fights.”

“This will be a very challenging fight for the Philippines. I am also curious to see

how Caloy Baduria will do in a 3 versus 3 format as this will be his first time,” said URCC founding president Alvin Aguilar Aguilar, who joined by URCC Global Chairman Arnold Vegafria during the fight’s news conference at the Cove in Okada Manila on Monday.

Veteran mixed martial artist Arvin Chua expects a difficult fight against former UFC campaigner, American Will “The Kill” Chope in their interim URCC welterweight bout in the other main event presented by Okada Manila and supported by Winzir.

“I fought a lot of fighters but I expect this to be more challenging,” Chan (9-5 winloss card) said.

“Siguro ‘yung lesson lang sa amin against Cignal, nabitawan naming ‘yung third set doon. Mawala ‘yung complacency n a kapag naka-dalawang set na kami, may chance na mag-off nang kaunti,” said Ricafort after steering the Angels to the title series’ opening win.

He was referring to his wards’ third set meltdown, also against the HD Spikers, in the last Final Four duel last week that had them sweeping the first two sets and moving a hit away from returning to the Finals after storming to a 24-21 lead in the third frame.

But Cignal import Tai Bierria willed her team back into the match with a cluster of hits and the HD Spikers forced a fourth set

The Angels also took the first two sets in Game One, but this time, they toughened up in a nerve-wracking third set while relying on Vander Weide’s fierceness to pound out the victory.

And Ricafort demands nothing short of a stronger showing from the Angels in today’s clash and avoid going through a winner-take-all match where momentum could shift to the other side.

Still, the HD Spikers know they have the materials to stop the Angels, particularly after dragging the 2019 champions to three close sets in their first foray in a PVL championship.

Games Tuesday (Philsports Arena) 2:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Chery Tiggo 5:30 p.m. – Cignal vs Petro Gazz

PETRO Gazz coach Rald Ricafort expects his wards to flash their killer’s instinct anew as the Angels brace for a big Cignal fightback in Game 2 of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Finals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.

Palma

before eventually yielding the match.

Cignal went on to clinch the first finals slot with a better tiebreak score than Petro Gazz, which, however, got a free ride to the title playoff after Chery Tiggo spoiled Creamline’s bid in the other semis duel.

Members of the UP athletics team display their championship banner.

CEREMONIAL TEE. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (center) is shown with Fil-Am co-chairmen Anthony de Leon of Baguio Country Club and Jude Eustaquio of Camp John Hay Golf Club, Camp John Hay COO Shean Bedi and BCC sports and games member Engr. Eliseo Lagman after the ceremonial tee at both in BCC and CJH. The hitting of the traditional ball signals the formal start of the regular competition of the 72nd Fil-Am Men's Invitational.

URCC founding president Alvin Aguilar Aguilar with the ghters of the URCC 81

‘Wakanda’ tops box office for 4th straight week

BLACK Panther: Wakanda Forever saw weekend ticket sales drop to an estimated $17.6 million but still extended its rule of the North American box office for a fourth week, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday.

The Disney/Marvel sequel had taken in nearly $46 million for the previous Friday-through-Sunday period. Still, its domestic total has now reached an im-

pressive $393.7 million on top of $339 million in international ticket sales.

Universal’s new holiday-timed Violent Night placed second for the weekend at $13.3 million, “a solid opening for an action comedy,” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

David Harbour of Stranger Things fame stars as a cranky, sledgehammer-

DANIEL PADILLA

reflects on recent success of TV series with Kathryn

AFTER 2 Good 2 Be

True recently had its curtain call, Daniel Padilla expressed his gratitude to the wonderful cast of the series. He’s also thankful for the beautiful plot that made the series that also stars Kathryn Bernardo trend during its entire run.

“Actually, we had a great journey. When we were just starting, we didn’t know if the

public will support our program or where we were all headed considering that it’s been a while that Kathryn and I did a soap. We were not sure if our chemistry is still going to work. We’re just very, very thankful and blessed that it still clicked with the viewing public,” he says.

The young actor doesn’t want his love team with Kathryn to take the sole credit for why the show was a big success.

“It’s a team effort. We have a great cast. There are the veterans like Mr. Ronaldo Valdez, Ms. Gloria Diaz, Mr. Cris Villanueva, and Ms. Gelli de Belen. Kudos also goes to the production team which made sure that every scene is mounted well.

You can really see that they’ve exerted their best efforts just to make the show’s quality intact.

I’m grateful to our directors Mae Cruz and Paco Sta. Maria for handling us well.”

When asked about the clamor for Season 2, DJ’s quick response was: “Well, let’s see!”

Interestingly, what would be his next projects after this?

“For now, I want to rest first.

I would recharge my batteries, so to speak. But next year, I will be busy again doing movies and soaps,” ended Daniel.

* *

*

Two more former Kapamilya stars recently

wielding Santa who comes to the rescue when bad guys invade a wealthy family’s home on Christmas Eve. Gross said the film should play well until the December 16 release of much-anticipated Avatar: The Way of Water Disney’s computer-animated sci-fi film Strange World claimed third place while taking in just $4.9 million. Given its $180 million production budget, “the movie

could lose more than $100 million,” according to HollywoodReporter.com.

In fourth was Searchlight’s horrorcomedy The Menu, at $3.6 million.

Ralph Fiennes plays a celebrity chef who serves up some dark surprises.

And in fifth was Sony’s Devotion, an action movie about two US fighter pilots during the Korean War, at $2.8 million. AFP

Alfred Vargas eyes movie comeback in 2023

By Nickie Wang

FORMER congressman Alfred Vargas is excited to work in front of the cameras once again after receiving special recognition from the 5th EDDYS (Entertainment Editors’ Choice), an annual film event organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) recently.

inked a contract with Sparkle (GMA Network’s talent management arm) and they are beauty queen-turnedactress Bianca Manalo and comic ace Jayson Gainza

The Kapuso executives who were present during the contract signing were: Annette Gozon-Valdes (Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support), Joy Marcelo (Assistant Vice President for Talent Management), and Lawrence Tan (Sparkle’s Consulting Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing).

Bianca couldn’t hide her excitement with this latest development in her career.

“Actually, this is super unexpected,” she avers. “When I initially met Ms. Annette and Ms. Joy, I wondered if they will like me. But true enough, they warmly embraced me and made me feel how they take good care of their talents. That’s why I’m very grateful for their trust in me!”

On his part, Jayson welcomes this new chapter in his life with a grateful heart.

“I am surprised that I’m already here but I’m sure you were more surprised! But kidding aside, I want to thank my bosses for accepting and embracing me wholeheartedly. Rest assured that I won’t disappoint you. I hope we’ll be together for a long time.”

Before moving to GMA, Bianca and Jayson were staples of ABS-CBN shows. The former’s last soap with the Kapamilya was The Broken Marriage Vow while the latter was a cast member of Banana Sundae

TV5 spreads Christmas cheer with barangay chorale showdown

TRUE to its tradition as the first broadcast station to herald the Yuletide Season in the country, TV5 levels up its Christmas campaign this November with the Metro-wide “Sama-Samang Tinig ng Pasko” chorale competition to be held in a series of barangay showdowns in Manila, Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Marikina.

TV5 has stood by its thrust of being the catalyst for people to come together and the launch of this Barangay Chorale Showdown has brought out the idea of “Iba ang Saya, Pag Sama Sama” beyond a catchy phrase on paper. Now that the holidays are fast approaching, TV5 culminates this merry season by offering these communities a chance to spread love and joy with their friends, family, and loved ones through this traditional competition that signifies how this Christmas is better celebrated together.

The public is invited to what promises to be a trade fair-like event featuring some of Metro Manila’s finest chorale groups in competition for the Grand Prize of P300,000. The contest fi nale will be held at Ayala Malls Feliz on December 17 with some of TV5’s stars and talents in attendance. The winning chorale group will also be performing live at one of the scheduled games of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Ten groups started competing at each site and two winners were selected in each of the barangay legs of the chorale competition. Judges came from

local government officials (LGU) and celebrity guests. A guest judge also performed to delight the home crowd and honor all chorale participants.

The five-leg competition will culminate at the Grand Finals at Ayala Malls Feliz on December 17 with a finale sing-out among the top eight winners from the four barangay contests held earlier. The top 3 winning groups will receive P300,000 plus PBA singing appearance for the 1st Prize; P150,000 for the 2nd Prize; and P100,000 for 3rd Prize. All the

other fi nalists get P10,000 each.

“Sama-Samang Tinig ng Pasko” is one of the September–December tentpole activities for the 2022 Christmas Campaign created by the Kapatid Network to sustain the festivities and brand presence for TV5.

In 2021, TV5 owned Christmas by being the first network to celebrate Christmas at the onset of the “Ber Months.” The Christmas theme of this year’s festivities is centered on TV5’s core thematic message of “Iba’ng saya Pag Sama-Sama!”

Vargas is one of the recipients of Isah V. Red Award, which is presented in honor and memory of SPEEd’s founding president, Isah V. Red.

The 41-year-old actor joined the league of Gretchen Barretto Kris Aquino, ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, and GMA Kapuso Foundation as recipients of the IVR award this year.

“It’s a big honor for me to receive this award. Just to be included in the ranks of Gretchen, Kris, ABS-CBN, and Kapuso Foundation is just so inspiring and meaningful to me,” Vargas said of the recognition.

The IVR Award is given to personalities and organizations to honor their humanitarian efforts toward alleviating the conditions of people adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was totally unexpected. Whenever I help people, I don’t expect anything in return. Turo sakin ng nanay ko, helping others is its own reward. It’s a great feeling when you help people, isn’t it? Maybe that’s why the Lord put me here in public service so that we can help more people along the way,” he added.

Vargas also said that he became emotional when he watched the in memoriam segment of the awards ceremony held at the historic Metropolitan Theater on November 27. The part of the awards show featured media personalities who passed on recently.

“I really cried during the tribute part especially when I saw Ricky Lo, Ricky Calderon, Shalala, and the others, it was so sad,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Vargas is keen on his return to doing films in 2023.

“I’m going back to the movies next year and I’m very excited about this. I’ll do at least one film next year and if I’m lucky, maybe three more,” he revealed.

‘“I even got more inspired seeing the likes of Kuya Ipe (Phillip Salvador), Ms. Alma Moreno, Roi Vinzon, Ms. Divina Valencia, dedicate their lives and careers to the love of Philippine cinema. They have done so much. Their body of work is impressive. I hope one day I can imitate them. It’s especially nice to be loved by the industry because of great examples like them,” he concluded citing the names of The EDDYS Icon awardees.

Rewind at Winford with ‘Yugyugannation 2’

ULTIMATE

Tickets to Yugyuganation 2 were available on TicketWorld for online and Winford Manila G/F Hotel Lobby VIP Lounge onsite.

For more information, call (0976) 242 1921, 8528-3600 local 1276, or follow Ultimate Shows, Inc. and Winford Manila Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Fans of OPM danced on memory lane at the WMRC Ballroom as the artists that helped define the genre perform some of their greatest hits and celebrated the golden age of original Pilipino music, including a special tribute to legendary band the Apo Hiking Society

Some of the numbers performed were “Pag Tumatagal Lalong Tumitibay” by Wadab; “Sumayaw, Sumunod”, “Dahil Mahal Kita”, and “Nais Kong Malaman Mo” by Boyfriends; “Tuloy Pa Rin Ako” by Labuyo; “Awitin Mo Isasayaw Ko”, “Rock Baby Rock”, and “Ipagpatawad Mo” by VST & Company, plus monster hits of Sampaguita like “Laguna”, “Nosi Ba Lasi”, and dance floor anthem, “Bonggahan”.

Shows, Inc., in partnership with Winford Manila Resort & Casino (WMRC), brought the original Pilipino music (OPM) hits of the 1970s to the WMRC Ballroom on November 30 as the luxury hotel in San Lazaro, Manila went back in time with Yugyugnation 2. Back by popular demand, this exclusive concert production featured OPM icons of yesteryear such as Joey Abando of Boyfriends, Nonoy Tan and Rey Magtoto of Wadab Mon Espia of Labuyo, Monet Gaskell and Male Rigor of VST & Company, and the “Queen of Filipino Rock Music”, Sampaguita

Alfred Vargas receiving the Isah V. Red Award

Daniel Padilla (left) with Kathryn Bernardo in ‘2 Good 2 Be True’

The former congressman during the 5th EDDYS

TV5, through its chorale showdown, shows that Christmas is best celebrated together

Sampaguita, the Queen of Filipino Rock Music

A scene from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ starring Angela Bassett

JJ ACUÑA’S  trending spaces

By Tet Defensor

The designer founded the Bespoke Studio, after working for a top architectural firm for several years. Back then JJ lead the team that designed and built malls, clubhouses, and towers.

“I led the business development efforts and secured accounts that cost millions of US dollars. I learned about drafting contracts, doing pitches, designing projects from concept to completion, building and running teams of people from around the world ” he shared.

And while the job was challenging and very exciting like any creator, JJ yearned to create something that will carry his mark.

“I couldn’t show off my work to my closest friends and family. There’s a point in a career when everything has been learned, absorbed, and digested, and then you look back and ask yourself about your achievements,” JJ stated.

After years of working for the firm, he finally decided to take a break. He saw himself relaxing under a palm tree in Palawan for about a year or two before seriously considering his next career move.

As he was planning a life of leisure, a friend tapped him to design a soon-to-open café. In a few weeks Elephant Grounds Café was born, an indoor-outdoor establishment that became an Instagram sensation with its smart space usage and wooden interi ors. With a serving counter facing the busy street complete with stools on the sidewalk, the design managed to remove the imagi nary wall between the café diners and the busy pedestrians. Diners can openly interact with anything and everything outside, while passers-by cannot help but stop and bask in the café’s uniqueness.

JJ had so much fun doing Elephant Grounds Café, according to him he al-

most did it for free. The store became a favorite destination for Filipinos visiting Hong Kong. One day, the team behind the Tokyo Tokyo restaurant chain, visited the café and was very impressed with the interiors. The team sought JJ’s recommendation for the Japanese chain’s new look. Bespoke, JJ’s design studio was tasked to rebrand Tokyo Tokyo’s graphic direction as it shifts to bigger and more spacious dining areas in malls.

Elephant Café, JJ’s first project opened another outlet in Hong Kong and eventually found its way to the Philippines with stores in BGC and the Podium. Since designing his first café, JJ’s workstation has not taken a break. His website reads like a restaurant guide with design details of his works like Castellana in Duddell, Heimat, Coffeelin in Happy Valley, XiaoTing at Four Season Macau, Hanbo Harbour City, Studio City by Cali Mex, and many others. And while re-imagining Hong Kong’s vibrant retail scene continues to excite him, he is setting his eyes on doing more work in the Philippines.

“I think that Manila and the Philippines in general lead the conversation in contemporary art. Designers are doing so many amazing things in the world of furniture and product design. In terms of interiors, Filipinos are traveling, and what they see in their travels they want to bring into their spaces,” he explained.

“Now, this is completely different from seeing a photo in a magazine and having the designer copy exactly what is in the photo, that’s the old generation. Today’s market wants authenticity, truth, spirit, soul, heart, and nuance. They want the spirit of a place rather than the place copied and pasted in. They want a story that is, humanistic, high quality, and bespoke-

and that is where we come in. We promise, what we design for one person will never ever be repeated for another. Or else what’s the point in investing in your aspiration, Right?” he carried on.

Born in Manila, and raised in Texas JJ moved to Hong Kong to work as an intern for an architectural firm.

“They were doing big huge projects in China and also pre-Beijing Olympics so there was so much optimism, compared to what the United States was going through pre-Obama and I personally felt it was a more positive solution to leave. I also liked Hong Kong because it was only an hour and a half away from the Philippines, where my Mom lives,” he said.

For now, the designer has been effectively managing his work schedule so he can attend to his projects in both cities. Aside from creating stylish interiors for food and retail establishments, he also does private residences.

A SOOTHING and tranquil environment, expansive green spaces on sprawling terrain, and creatively curated themes…

For many years now, these had become the key features of the Golden Haven brand and serve as its best-selling attributes – a fact that was once more proven when Golden Haven held the hugely successful Grand Launches of its two new properties: Golden Haven Iligan and Golden Haven Puerto Cagayan de Oro.

Held last October 28 and 29, the backto-back launches generated the sale of over 300 lots in just one night, considered an auspicious beginning for both memorial parks. With the parks’ ingenious architectural designs, it’s no surprise that it only takes very little to spur Filipinos into choosing Golden Haven for their departed loved ones’ final resting places.

Golden Haven Iligan presented the theme, Colors of the Caribbean, boldly inspired by the pristine beauty of the Ca ribbean Sea – home to more than 1,000 known fish species and exotic birds and flowers. Launch guests enjoyed “trekking” through the vivid tropical wilderness as they “spotted” bright-yellow parrots and caught “glimpses” of fiery-red orchids. Purple and orange fish likewise “darted” through corals under the crystal-clear waters.

On the other hand, Golden Haven Puerto Cagayan de Oro had Bavarian Dreams

its theme, which depicted Bavaria’s magnificent structures and vibrant festivals. Its lawn section is named after Germany’s beautiful cities, while the big inventory lots bear the names of the country’s world-famous peaks, Mont Blanc, and Matterhorn.

Apart from presenting wonderfully conceptualized themes, the Grand Launches drew the presence of special guests from the local government units of both host towns and Golden Haven’s certifiably hard-working executives.

Meanwhile, present at the Golden Haven Puerto Cagayan launch were Puerto City Administrator Atty. Roy Raa

gas and Bombo Radyo anchorman Michael Bustamante

Golden Haven North Mindanao Cluster Head Cherry Lynn Jerez and Nationwide Operations Head Emelia Lustado also delivered special messages.

serenely beautiful and dignified

where families can celebrate the lives of their dearly departed.

Bringing this much-loved food closer to more people, the

Mall branch includes a

area that can accommodate up to 100 customers and also a take-out counter for those who wish to take their orders to-go and feast on it with their family at home.

Rico’s Lechon is a cornerstone in the food industry, offering its best-selling lechon along with other Filipino traditional dishes such as the fried rice trio featuring Filipino faves – danggit, tuyo, and tinapa. Other food offerings are lechon sisig, monggo, and seafood kare-kare

Spurred by the vision to grow and let the Filipinos

world-class

, restaurateur and Rico’s Lechon owner George Pua slowly establishes his brand nationwide as they expand to Luzon. Currently, Rico’s Lechon is present in seven branches in Metro Manila and four sites in its hometown of Cebu.

A true Filipino pride, Rico’s Lechon continues to bring quality food choices and delicious, hearty meals that bring the family closer through bonding moments over food.

Expect more Rico’s Lechon branches to open soon at Zentrum Mall in Mandaluyong City and Il Corso Lifemalls in Cebu City. Paving the way for more people to experience Cebu’s Best Lechon. Pre-order for pick-up and delivery by contacting Rico’s Lechon Fulfillment Center at 0917-814-7648/ 7799-0810 or at the Festival Mall branch at 0917-112-8309. Visit Rico’s Lechon’s newest branch on the G/F beside the foodcourt at Festival Supermalls, Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Nickie Wang,

JJ ACUÑA’S flair for re-interpreting spaces perfectly fits Hong Kong’s functional lifestyle corners. Since 2015, the HK-based Filipino designer has been giving walls and corners a brand-new feel.

RICO’S Lechon, has recently opened its first branch in the south area. Located in Festival Mall in the bustling Filinvest City within the thriving area of Alabang, the branch opened its doors to customer s and patrons on December 3.

Festival

dining

taste

quality lechon

Interior designer JJ Acuña

A more spacious reimagination of Tokyo Tokyo

Cebu’s Residents in the metro can now get a taste of Cebu with Rico’s Lechon

lechon makes

way

Both events were a blast and allowed a quick glimpse of what will become the most beautiful memorial parks in Iligan City and Puerto Cagayan.

With

more than thirty premier locations and counting, Golden Haven Memorial Parks has further solidified its reputation as the company that offers only the finest death care services in the country and built the most

memorial parks

Visit goldenhaven.com.ph or follow Golden Haven on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spo tify, and Tiktok for more information. For sales-related inquiries, contact (02) 8873-2922 to 23 or through our Mobile Number: 09190790205