Manila Standard - 2022 December 13 - Tuesday

NTC ISSUES RULES ON SIM REGISTRATION, TAKES EFFECT DEC. 27

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TELECOMMUNICATIONS companies

are set to roll out online SIM registration and start selling new SIMs in deactivated mode after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the SIM Registration Act.

The IRR, drafted by the NTC in consultation with the industry, has also gone through public hearings. It is expected to lay down the SIM registration

procedure and guidelines that all public telecommunications entities (PTEs) must follow in creating their respective registration platforms.

The IRR is expected to take effect on Dec. 27, 2022.

In compliance with the law, Globe will launch its online SIM registration platform and start selling new SIMs in deactivated mode, the company said.

All new SIMs must be registered immediately to enjoy Globe services while

PBBM backs wealth fund bill

Says MWF beneficial for PH, asks critics to wait for Congress’ final draft

President to tackle country’s trade privileges with EU

By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed his support for the creation of a multibillionpeso Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) and urged the public to let lawmakers come up with a “perfect” version of the bill before debating its features.

“For sure. I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise,” Marcos said in an interview with reporters aboard a plane bound for Brussels, Belgium when asked if he thinks the fund will be beneficial for the country.

The creation of the MWF, a sovereign wealth fund, would provide additional investments for the country, the President said in a speech before going to Belgium to attend the ASEAN-EU Summit.

“It’s very clear that we need added investment. This is another way to get that,” the President said when asked if the start-up fund would be advantageous for the government.

This was the first time the President spoke in public about the fund, which some business groups and academics have criticized.

Mr. Marcos also allayed public fears over the possible misuse of government funds in the MWF. He said Congress was going through “the regular process” of working on the bill to create the fund.

DOJ: No US bid yet to extradite Pastor Quiboloy

THE Department of Justice has not received any information thus far on the sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department on Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

“None yet, none yet. We’re waiting by the sidelines what their action would be,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters Monday.

On Friday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Quiboloy and some 40 other individuals and entities in nine countries for alleged involvement in corruption and human rights abuses.

The press release specifically mentioned the televangelist’s involvement in an alleged “pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old, as well as other physical abuse.”

Quiboloy’s lawyers on Sunday cried foul over the sanctions, claiming his rights to due process and presumption of innocence were violated because sanctions were already imposed before the scheduled hearings in the cases he is facing next year.

US prosecutors indicted Quiboloy in November 2021 on sex trafficking, fraud, and cash smuggling charges.

House passport measure grants discount to senior citizens, PWDs

VOTING 252-0, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 6510 or the New Passport Law, which gives a discount to senior citizens and persons with disabilities getting a passport, among other changes.

The congressional fact sheet said the bill will harmonize the provisions of the existing Passport Law with current domestic laws and international agreements.

The bill mandates the issuance of passports using the latest tamper-proof

and data-management technologies.

It also simplifies the passport documentation requirements of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Consular Affairs in conformity with relevant laws such as the Domestic Adoption

Reacquisition Act of 2003 and existing standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

It also directs the DFA to allow senior citizens to renew their passports through available technology without

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country’s oil firms implemented a big-time rollback effective Tuesday, greater than forecasts predicted last week, to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil firms cut the price of kerosene by P4.40 per liter, diesel by P3.40 per liter, and gasoline by P1.70 per liter.

rance of the law.

Replacing

The replacement of Antiporda

Act of 1998 and the Citizenship and

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will raise the status of the Philippines’ European Union (EU) Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in his meetings with EU leaders as he arrived in Belgium on Monday for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)European Union (EU) Commemorative Summit from Dec. 12 to 14.

SOCIAL Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo must be reappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the powerful Commission on Appointments, which is adjourning session this week, will bypass his appointment for the second time for lack of material time, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Monday.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed a new chief of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) replacing Benny Antiporda, who was suspended for six months after being accused by employees of the agency of grave misconduct, harassment, oppression, and igno -

Antiporda is former Piddig, Ilocos Norte mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen, whose appointment papers as acting administrator were signed on Dec. 9.

HELLO BRUSSELS. The Filipino community in Belgium gets ready to meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who walks down the ladder with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (inset) as they

Brussels on Monday for the Commemorative Summit between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the European Union. OPS Photo

Social Welfare

Secretary Erwin Tulfo

NIA administrator Benny Antiporda

Piddig Mayor Eddie Guillen

SMC: PNOC owes us $1.2b in gas

SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. on Monday said it has a US$1.2-billion contract with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) for 70 petajoules in banked gas from the Malampaya deep water-to-gas project, contrary to claims made by the consortium that recently took over the project.

In a statement, the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) firm said its subsidiary South Premier Power Corp. (SPPC) acquired the banked gas from PNOC in June this year, countering the Malampaya consortium’s claim that there is no “live contract” between it and SPPC.

On Sunday, the consortium, composed of Razon’s Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., Dennis Uy’s UC38 LL, and state-owned PNOC Exploration Corp., said they were not refusing to sell to Malampaya banked gas to the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan power plant, which is owned by SMC Global Power.

The consortium said in a joint statement there were no legal means by which the sale of banked gas to the Ilijan gas plant in Batangas could be made.

But in its statement, SMC said: “We take note of the statements made by the

Malampaya consortium on the issue of the supply of 70 petajoules (PJ) in banked gas from Malampaya that SPPC acquired from PNOC in June 2022.”

“While the Consortium sought to communicate, among other things, that there is no “live contract” for Malampaya gas between SPPC and the Consortium, the facts of the issue stand: SPPC bought the Malampaya banked gas owned by the government through PNOC for US$1.2 billion.”

It noted that SPPC signed a Gas Supply and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) worth $1.2 billion with PNOC for such banked gas last June 23, 2022, under the direct supervision of the Department of Energy (DoE), the PNOC Board, and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC).

Government, through PNOC, owns and exercises rights over 70.26PJ

banked gas, SMC said.

“While SPPC does not have a direct agreement with the Consortium, it is PNOC on behalf of government that has an existing contract with SPPC,” it added.

“In fact, in our discussions for the sale of the banked gas, PNOC disclosed to SPPC that the government has fully paid the Consortium for the gas, which means that 100% of the gas should be deliverable to SPPC.”

It stressed that the SPPC-PNOC agreement “is more advantageous to government.”

“With gas volumes from Malampaya on the decline, the prioritization of the SPPC and PNOC contract over the banked gas is widely considered to be more advantageous to government, as it was bought by SPPC at a significantly higher contract price compared to those of existing gas supply agreements from Malampaya with another power company,” it said.

Delivering the purchased gas supply to Ilijan will benefit consumers and reintegrate 1200 MW of baseload capacity to the grid, SMC added.

the Maharlika Investments Fund (MIF), instead of the Maharlika Wealth Fund.

“Reintegrating Ilijan into the Grid using Malampaya gas supply will immediately add 1,200 MW of baseload capacity, helping stabilize power supply and prices. Historically, Ilijan contributes up to 10% of the net reliable capacity in Luzon,” it said.

However, since Ilijan was cut off from Malampaya supply last June 2022, the system demand and supply situation has been very fragile with elevated and volatile electricity spot prices, the firm noted.

“From June to November 2022, electricity spot market prices averaged P8.67/kwh compared to only P4.31/ kwh for the same period over the past three years,” it said.

Compounding the problem is the exponential growth of demand over the past two years, which is seen to create a massive supply deficit by summer 2023, SMC noted.

“With no new major baseload capacities expected in the coming months, it is crucial for government to reintegrate Ilijan’s 1,200 MW capacity into the Grid in the interest of energy security,” it said.

tor said.

existing SIMs should be registered within 180 days or six months from the effectivity of the law.

The SIM Registration Act was signed into law on Oct. 10, 2022.

“Globe is proud to be part of the technical working group that crafted the IRR, which we hope will pave the way for an orderly and timely SIM registration for all SIM users. We will continue our close collaboration with the government to ensure full implementation of the SIM Registration Act to achieve our shared goal of stopping cybercrime, including SIM-aided fraud,” said Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu.

“Our goal is to have a SIM registration process that is seamless, secure, inclusive, and convenient for our customers,” he said.

Cu also noted that Globe has existing customers who are currently not using smartphones and may not be digitally savvy, adding Globe will put in place a special assistance process for these customers so they can go through the registration as well.

There are an estimated 87.9 million SIM users under the Globe network.

“We are ready to roll out our SIM Registration processes after months of preparations, which have included, among others, studying best global practices and technology solutions from other countries that have already implemented SIM registration,” Francis Flores, senior vice president and head of Consumer Business Group Individual at Smart, said.

“We will release more information about the SIM registration portal via our official channels in the next few weeks,” he added.

Adel Tamano, chief administrative officer of DITO, said his company would do its best to make the registration process as “simple and painless” as possible for its 14 million customers.

The passage of the SIM Registration Act was seen as a significant step forward in fighting fraudsters who have been taking advantage of SIM use anonymity in their illicit activities.

“So let them do their jobs. That’s right, let them do it perfectly,” Mr. Marcos said.

“Let’s not debate until we see the final form because we could be debating about provisions that no longer exist. So, let’s wait what our legislatures will do,” he added.

Meanwhile, proponents of the proposed MWF have included in the measure penal provisions for individuals who will cause investment losses in the wealth fund.

“It will be an imprisonment of not less than a year but not more than five years or a fine of P50,000 to P2 million or both pursuant to the discretion of the court,” Manila Rep. Irwing Tieng, chairman of the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries, said.

The individuals include the director, trustee, or officer who willfully or maliciously violates investment policies and guidelines set by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 19 of this Act, Tieng added.

The latest version also earmarks 20 percent of the fund’s income for social welfare programs, as proposed by Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo, one of its authors.

Tieng meanwhile said the authors of the bill have agreed to adopt its initial name,

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri also said Monday that the President wants senators to seriously consider crafting a law that would create the MIF, with the end objective of livening up the country’s investment climate.

“He wants us to seriously take into consideration the Maharlika Wealth Fund,” Zubiri said. “I then told him, ‘Mr. President, as you know (as a former senator), we take a longer time (to craft a law) because we go through it like a fine-toothed comb.’”

“We will look at the House version, and of course, possibly add amendments to assuage the worries of our kababayans that there would be (fund) leakage, (or) corruption,” Zubiri added.

The Senate’s “general sentiment” is to wait for the final House version of the bill and check what will be its “safeguards,” the chamber’s President said. Zubiri said the President did not ask him to “hasten” the Maharlika bill proceedings in the Senate. He is recommending including representatives from the Management Association of the Philippines and “economic geniuses” in the Maharlika fund board, if it ever becomes a law.

The Senate also wants a Commission on Audit access to the fund, as well as tapping a third-party auditor, the sena-

Political leaders in the House of Representatives crossed party lines Monday to endorse the creation of the MIF.

Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said he supports the planned creation of the sovereign wealth fund.

“We are all for the MIF proposal of the Speaker (Martin Romualdez). The objective of maximizing or optimizing gains from the investment of excess state funds or assets is laudable. That is what every nation on this planet would want to do,” Gonzales, who belongs to PDP-Laban, said.

San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida P. Robes, another PDP-Laban stalwart, said the House intends to put enough safeguards in the MIF bill to prevent possible abuse, corruption, and dissipation of the funds.

“The proposal of Speaker Martin will be a big help to our country and to every Filipino,” Robes said.

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, one of the leaders in the House of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said: “This proposal has become contentious, but it is important to recognize that the country needs the MIF to fund its needs.”

“So, we see the importance of this measure, and we support it, particularly for the reason that it will increase national revenues,” Enverga said.

the Ombudsman said.

came less than a month after he was placed on a six-month preventive suspension without pay by the Office of the Ombudsman after NIA employees and officials filed complaints against him.

Complainants claimed that as a retali-

ation, Antiporda barred managers of the NIA Central Office from traveling which “is counterproductive to their work,” while several officials were reassigned and transferred, supposedly without valid grounds.

Antiporda was also said to have threatened not to renew appointments of some workers who fixed the air-conditioning unit of his residence but could not finish the job at once, the Office of

If he gets bypassed the third time, then the 24-member CA will have to vote, according to Zubiri.

Guillen served several terms as mayor of Piddig, an Ilocos Norte town that was included in this year’s top 10 performing local government units.

Guillen was first elected as mayor in 2010 and was succeeded in the May polls by his wife, incumbent Piddig Mayor Georgina Guillen. Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

gress are adjourned. Sessions in the Senate and the House of Representatives will be adjourned from December 17, 2022, to January 22, 2023.

China: Continue ‘friendly talks’ with PH on SCS

By Rey E. Requejo

CHINA wants continuation of what it described as a “friendly consultation” with the Philippines amid confirmed reports that several Chinese vessels have been “swarming” areas in the West Philippine Sea.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian stressed Beijing and Manila must work together to improve relations moving forward.

“We stick to friendly consultation and handle differences and disputes properly,” he said, over the weekend.

“The blueprint of China-Philippines relations has been painted and it’s time for us to take concrete actions to make it happen,” he added.

Huang’s statement came after the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed last week that Chinese vessels had swarmed areas in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos revealed that Chinese vessels have been spotted near the Sabina Shoal, within the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone, in the past few months with some 20 at any one time there.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had a meeting last month with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bangkok, which the executive said was more of a getting to know each other as they talked “a bit” about regional issues.

During the meeting, Xi was reported to have said that the two parties should stick to “friendly consultations” when dealing with issues involving the South China Sea.

“We’ll bring it up with the EU. I don’t think one thing should be related to the other but we’ll see,” he told reporters onboard a flight to Brussels, noting he will be meeting with EU leaders on the sidelines of the event.

Mr. Marcos and his delegation will be meeting concerned officials of the European Commission, the European Council, and the European Parliament to discuss the country’s EU GSP+ privileges.

Last February, the country’s GSP+ status faced hurdles following threats from the EU Parliament to temporarily hold trade privileges for the country amid allegations of human rights abuses and lack of press freedom.

In October, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the Philippines will seek to renew its participation in the EU GSP+ and will continue to pursue a free trade agreement (FTA) with the trade bloc. Vince Lopez

Zubiri disclosed that the CA has invited incumbent and retired justices to provide opinions on Tulfo’s citizenship and conviction.

“He will be bypassed this coming month and then he’ll have to be reappointed by the President shortly after that,” Zubiri said in an interview with reporters.

of Investigation could not go after Quiboloy for alleged sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling “as long as he remains in the Philippines.”

Since Congress is adjourning session this week, CA meetings and sessions will resume in January, effectively bypassing Tulfo, Zubiri explained.

The CA cannot tackle and hold plenary sessions while the sessions in Con-

the need for personal appearance.

He was placed on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list in February this year.

But Remulla said the Philippine Justice department had yet to receive any extradition request from the US.

The US Treasury Department sanctions are different from the criminal cases Quiboloy is facing, but both are based on the same allegations.

The Justice chief, however, promised to “abide by” the Philippine-US extradition treaty.

“In our case, we have a treaty with them, we have an extradition treaty, and we have to abide by the terms of conditions our agreements with our friends from abroad,” Remulla said.

But former University of the Philippines law dean Pacifico Agabin said extraditing Quiboloy to the United States for alleged corruption and sex trafficking was a political act that would need the approval of the President.

Agabin said the US Federal Bureau

He noted the US government could submit a request for extradition to the Philippines if it has strong evidence that Quiboloy committed crimes in the US.

If the Department of Foreign Affairs gets an extradition request, the Foreign Secretary must consult with the President because extradition is a political act, Agabin said.

In the Philippines, complaints for rape, trafficking in persons through sexual abuse, trafficking in persons through forced labor, physical abuse and child abuse were filed against Quiboloy but Davao prosecutors, in June 2020, junked the complaints.

A petition for review is pending before the Office of the Justice Secretary. But Remulla said he had yet to see the appeal.

According to the US Treasury Department’s press release, Quiboloy allegedly recruited “pastorals” or young women within the KOJC selected to work as his personal assistants in the US and the Philippines who are allegedly required to have sex with the pastor. Rey E. Requejo

It also entitles senior citizens and persons with disabilities to a 50 percent discount on the fees for the processing, issuance, or replacement of a passport.

It also authorizes the issuance of emergency passports to Filipino citizens for certain reasons.

Likewise, it authorizes the issuance of other travel documents based on specific circumstances:

In November, a CA panel deferred the deliberations on the ad interim appointment of Tulfo as they raised the issues on the latter’s American citizenship and his conviction on four counts of libel.

1 . Emergency Travel Document issued to a Filipino citizen who needs to travel urgently but who has lost a valid passport, or whose passport has expired or is expiring and cannot be issued a regular passport, or who has not been issued a regular passport and who for one reason or another cannot be issued a regular passport;

2. Travel Document Certificate for Filipinos to be repatriated, alien spouse of a Filipino and their dependents who are yet to be naturalized, and aliens permanently residing in the Philippines; and

3. Convention Travel Document for

liter, diesel by P3 to P3.30 per liter, and gasoline by P1 to P1.30 per liter.

On the citizenship issue, Zubiri said Tulfo confirmed that he was using an American passport until 2021. He was reported to have served in the US Army from 1988 to 1992. Macon Ramos-Araneta

stateless persons, refugees, or persons applying for asylum in the Philippines.

It penalizes the acts of illegally withholding a passport and the forging of visas and entry documents as passportrelated offenses.

It also imposes stiffer penalties on offenses relating to the issuance, forgery, and improper use of passports and travel documents, and the multiple possession of passports.

It imposes the maximum penalties of 6 years imprisonment and P2 million when offenses are committed by a syndicate or on a large scale. Maricel V. Cruz

This will be the fifth straight week of reduced gasoline, diesel, and kerosene prices amid the continued softening of world oil prices.

Last week, the Department of Energy said oil firms were expected to cut kerosene prices by P3.80 to P4 per

“Cleanfuel will implement price adjustment, effective Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 8:01AM. Gasoline P1.70 per liter rollback and diesel P3.40 per liter rollback,” Cleanfuel said in its advisory.

Seaoil Philippines and PTT Philippines also cut pump prices, followed by other oil firms.

According to the DOE, oil prices came under increased pressure due to concerns over Chinese demand with the continued climb in the country’s COVID-19 cases.

The strict COVID measures prompted protests in major cities in China.

On December 6, the country’s oil firms cut pump prices by P1.95 per liter for gasoline, P1.90 per liter for diesel, and P1.65 per liter for kerosene.

House panel tackles bills on motorbike taxis

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives Committee on Transportation on Monday began public hearings on measures intended to legalize and regulate motorcycle taxis, with several lawmakers backing legislation that will ensure the safety of commuters while generating additional employment and livelihood opportunities.

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop said the panel discussed several bills that seek to regulate motorcycles-for-hire, and invited resource persons from national agencies, ride-hailing services, and nongovernment organizations to provide inputs on the proposed law.

Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto who filed House Bill 2833, noted that “in recent years, motorcycles-for hire also known as habal-habal, have been considered the fastest means of transportation, particularly amidst traffic congestion in urban areas like Metro Manila.”

According to Cebu Rep. Rachel Marguerite Del Mar, author of HB 128, a law regulating motorcycle “will resolve the existing inadequacies in our laws and shall promote the safety and welfare of people who patronage motorcycles-for hire.”

The bill, like similar measures, will require two-wheeled motor vehicles to register with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) so that they can be used commercially to transport passengers and goods.

Registration, Del Mar emphasized, “will ensure that operators and drivers will be held responsible for the negligent operation of their motorcycles. The same will likewise prevent abuse from owners, operators and drivers, thus ensuring low-cost transportation.”

The explanatory note of HB 307– authored by Camarines Sur congressmen Luis Raymond Villafuerte, Miguel Luis Villafuerte and Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata, as well as Bicol Saro party list Rep. Nicolas Enciso VIII, stated that experiences in other countries have shown that legalizing motorcycle taxis would also help provide jobs for the unemployed.

MMDA, Metro Manila mayors defer driving license confiscation to LTO

By Joel E. Zurbano and Rio N. Araja

INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified that traffic enforcers will continue to issue citation tickets to erring drivers despite a moratorium on the confiscation of

driver’s licenses.

In another development, the LTO reiterated its warning against scammers or fixers who offer non-appearance services for motor vehicle regis-

tration and renewal.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secured the commitment of the Metro Manila mayors to pass an ordinance supporting the single ticketing system and deferring to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) the authority to confiscate licenses as the lead agency in the enforcement of traffic laws and ensuring the safety of the motoring public.

Under the system which is still being finalized, the local government units (LGUs) will submit their traffic violation citations to the LTO which will, in turn, record and tally such violations as part of its demerit system. If a motorist is found

to have ten traffic violations, his or her driver’s license will be suspended.

“The system will also prescribe a uniform schedule of fees for traffic violations incurred which can be settled at the nearest Bayad Center or bank,” Abalos said.

Motorists will have 10 days to settle the penalty through digital wallets or payment centers registered with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System, before it gains interest. The license will be confiscated if it has 10 unsettled violations.

The single ticketing system is set for implementation in the first quarter of 2023.

PDEA-NCR gets new chief; SDO agents sacked

ALL operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Southern District Office (SDO) office in Metro Manila have been relieved, along with PDEA National Capital Region (NCR) chief, Christian Frivaldo, following the arrest of a ranking official and two agents of the SDO in a recent buy-bust operation in Taguig City.

Meanwhile, elements of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confiscated over P39 million worth of illegal drugs as a result of “one-time, big-time”’(OTBT) operations from Dec. 3 to 9.

In a press briefing at Camp Bagong Diwa on Monday, PDEA director general Moro Virgilio Lazo announced that Emerson Rosales is taking over the PDEANCR vice Frivaldo who was sacked for command responsibility over the Taguig incident.

Justice Secretary extols PAO lawyers for serving destitute people

By Rey E. Requejo

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin

Remulla on Monday applauded the lawyers of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for serving “the poor, the needy, the destitute and som times the hopeless” Filipinos through their free legal assistance and court re resentations.

Remulla made the statement during

the oath-taking of 496 newly hired PAO lawyers.

“Many cases would not be called and be heard on trial if there were no public attorneys to attend to the cases to represent the poor, the needy, the destitute, and sometimes the hopeless,” Remulla stressed.

“We inject hope into the lives of these people who come to court, feeling poor, feeling helpless, not

Sandigan convicts 12 DPWH workers

THE Sandiganbayan has convicted a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official and 12 others for graft charges arising from irregularities in a multibillion- peso government supply contracts in connection with Cebu province’s hosting of the 2007 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

The anti-graft court’s seventh division, in a 174-page decision issued on Dec. 2, sent DPWH ex-regional director Robert Lala, assistant regional director Marlina Alvizo, maintenance division chief Pureza Fernandez, and bids and awards committee technical working group members Agustinito Hermoso, Luis Galang, Cresencio Bagolor, Ayaon Manggis, Marilyn Ojeda and Teresa Bernido to up to 10 years imprisonment.

Also found guilty were former Lapu-Lapu City mayor Arturo Radaza, city engineer Julito Cuizon, assistant city engineer Rogelio Veloso and Isabelo Braza of Fabmik Construction and Equipment Supply Co. Inc.

Records showed that Fabmik obtained the contract for the P83.95-

CEBU COASTAL CLEANUP. The CLIP Locators

Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security Association (CLEHSSA) takes part in an aggressive coastal cleanup for the Carajay Creek adjacent to the Cebu Light Industrial Park (CLIP) in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. Over 120 volunteers from eleven locator-companies in CLIP joined forces to clean the waterway and were able to collect almost 1.5 tons of garbage from the area.

million project to supply and install street lighting facilities in Lapu-Lapu City.

The 677 lampposts, unlighted and mostly vandalized, were removed in 2012 as Cebu City deemed them as eyesores and symbols of corruption.

The Ombudsman suspected that the project was overpriced and issued a cease and desist order, directing the Department of Budget and Management and the DPWH to withhold release of the funds.

In 2008, the Ombudsman-Visayas concurred that the lampposts and other lighting facilities were highly overpriced after comparing the cost indicated in the Program of Works and Estimates with those in the commercial invoices of the Bureau of Customs.

“The prosecution was able to establish the presence of collusion among the accused in making it appear that the preparation for the procurement and the award of the P83.93million contract to Fabmik was regular, proper, and legal through a bogus negotiated procurement done with manifest partiality in favor of Braza and evident bad faith to the detriment of the public.” the court said.

knowing where everything will lead them,” he stressed.

PAO chief Persida Rueda Acosta said 137 of those who took their oaths are lawyers who passed the 2020-2021 Bar examinations.

“You are the heart of the Department of Justice. You are there to give justice a very humane face in our society,” Remulla said.

Let us help the poor, help those in

jail, get them out if we can, let’s find ways to get them out of jails),” the DOJ chief appealed.

“I really admire the Public Attorney’s Office. I consider the Public Attorney’s Office as one of the pillars of the Philippine justice system, true to speak. We’re like one leg of the judiciary,” he said.

Remulla recalled that whenever new lawyers ask him for advice, he would always tell them “join the PAO.”

Prior to his new assignment, Rosales was the PDEA chief in Western Visayas. Lazo also announced that all the other personnel of the PDEA Southern District Office have been also recalled due to last week’s incident.

“All the people that we assigned in the Southern District Office have been replaced,” Lazo said but did not elaborate.

PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon said Frivaldo was ordered relieved last week for command responsibility.

During the Dec. 6 operation, SDO director Enrique Lucero, along with two of his agents identified as Anthony Vic Alabastro and Jaireh Llaguno, and driver Mark Warren Mallo yielded 1.35 kilos of shabu worth P9.18 million, the buy-bust money, four firearms and a digital weighing scale.

On Friday, the Taguig City government asked PDEA to turn over the city-owned building being used by SDO to the local government as it co demned the involvement of the SDO personnel in illegal drugs.

BI set to deploy agents at Kalibo, Caticlan airports

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to deploy some of its personnel at the new international airports in Kalibo and Caticlan in Aklan where several flights bound for and from Taiwan will be opened this coming weeks.

BI commissioner Norman Tansingco has already instructed the bureau’s port operations division (POD) to ensure that adequate personnel are deployed to the two airports to address the increased volume of passengers resulting from the new flights.

Tansingco said that the inaugural flight from Caticlan to Taipei by Royal Air is scheduled on Dec. 13.

A PARTY-LIST legislator on Monday sought a congressional inquiry into the “impending abrupt and unreasonable” increase of catastrophe (typhoon, flood, earthquake, among others) insurance premium rates, saying it would greatly affect the prices of basic commodities and would be an additional burden to the public.

AGRI Rep. Wilbert Lee filed House Resolution 632 to determine the scope and impact of the Insurance Commission’s (IC) Circular Letter No. 2022-34 that adjusted the applicable minimum and maximum catastrophe rates across

the country.

The adjusted rates, which will take effect on January 1, 2023, are now diversified by determining factors such as risk zones and type of construction. As a result, there will be an sudden huge increase in insurance premiums ranging from 40 percent to as high as 400 percent.

“Taking into consideration that we are still just recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is incumbent upon the government to respond to their critical needs as we slowly get back on our feet. Maricel V. Cruz

“It will also mark the first time BI will launch its operations at the new Caticlan airport,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BI chief said Tiger Air will be launching its Kalibo-Taipei-Kalibo flights on Dec. 29. Initially, Tiger Air plans to mount four flights to Taipei every week.

Tansingco said the BI anticipates a continuing increase in international passenger volume in all of the international ports next year when a further easing in Covid-19 travel restrictions is expected.

BI-POD acting chief Carlos Capulong said that passenger arrivals in the different airports are now averaging at between 25,000 to 27,000 a day in the past several days.

Jr. on Monday expressed optimism that the forthcoming implementation of unified ticketing system and the moratorium on license confiscation will lead to better enforcement of traffic rules for the benefit of motorists and commuters in Metro Manila.

Solon seeks inquiry on ‘abrupt’ increase in catastrophe insurance premiums

ANTI-DRUGS MEETING. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos (center) talks with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., and PNP-National Capital Region Police O ce chief Brig. GEN. Jonnel Estomo during a presentation of some 100 suspected drug users who voluntarily turned themselves in for possible rehabilitation under the Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program of the government. Danny Pata

SENATORS SMELL SOMETHING FISHY. Sen. Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform presides over the hearing on the issue of banning imported pompano and salmon as raised by Sen. Ra y Tulfo., Villar urged the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to establish the rst border facility which was already budgeted since 2019. Joseph Vidal/ Senate PRIB

Senators slam BFAR on order vs. salmon, pampano sale

SENATORS slammed the apparent late action taken by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) against the illegal diversion of pink salmon and pampano to wet markets.

Senators Raffy Tulfo and Cynthia Villar, at a Senate hearing, grilled the BFAR over the issue.

BFAR officer-in-charge Demosthenes Escoto explained that the bureau had been implementing the Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 195 since 1999. But they were prompted to reinforce this due to the prevalence of illegally diverted pampano and pink salmon to markets, GMA News reported.

The order allows the importation, without the need for a certificate of necessity to import (CNI), fresh/chilled/ frozen fish and fishery/aquatic products for canning and processing purposes, including those undertaken by institutional buyers or accredited entities importing fish for final consumption or food requirements of hotels and restaurants.

Since the release of the FAO in 1999, Escoto said they had been employing

House okays bill amending agricultural smuggling law

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on final reading a bill seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 to include large-scale agricultural smuggling of tobacco and other tobacco products as a crime of economic sabotage.

With an overwhelming 225 votes, the lower chamber approved House Bill (HB) 3917 which amends Section 3 of the law which enumerates how the crime of large-scale agricultural smuggling is committed.

Under the amendment, the crime of economic sabotage through large-scale agricultural smuggling of tobacco,

DepEd orders quake drills in public schools

PUBLIC schools nationwide have been ordered to conduct “unannounced earthquake and fire drills every first and third week of every month.”

The Department of Education (DepEd) issued the order to school heads and school disaster and risk reduction management coordinators who are also tasked to lead the planning, implementation and monitoring of the said drills.

“These drills are to ensure that all learners are properly guided on what should be done during and after an earthquake or occurrences of fire in schools,” the DepEd order said

The DepEd also asked schools in National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal to “create a separate and specific disaster plan for a magnitude 7 or higher earthquake,” ABSCBN News reported.

“The plan shall specifically lay down the response should there be a scenario involving mass casualties of learners and personnel,” the DepEd said.

Aside from ensuring the safety of students and school personnel, the agency explained local drills and simulation exercises “are preventive measures that familiarize escape routes and reinforce proper actions in the occurrence of a calamity.”

Having “an effective preparedness plan” will also help save lives, the department said.

whether manufactured or unmanufactured, including finished products such as cigars, cigarettes or heated tobacco products, with a minimum excise tax and VAT-payable in the amount of P1 million, as valued by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), is committed by importing into the Philippines without the required import permit from

the regulatory agencies; using import permits of persons, natural or juridical, other than those specifically named in the permit; or using fake, fictitious or fraudulent import permits or shipping documents, among others.

The current law only penalizes largescale smuggling of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables, in its raw state, or which have undergone the simple processes of preparation or preservation for the market, with a minimum amount of P1 million or rice, with a minimum amount P10 million.

The proposed measure also penalizes the broker, agent, facilitator, forwarder, or warehouse lessor of the violating importer; and allowing the use of a private port, fish port, fish landing site, resort, and/or airport to perpetu-

ate the economic sabotage regardless of quantity.

The bill also amends Section 4 of the law by imposing the penalty of imprisonment of 30 to 40 years, and a fine of twice the fair value and the aggregate amount of the taxes, duties and other charges avoided by the smuggling of tobacco, whether manufactured or unmanufactured, including finished products such as cigars, cigarettes or heated tobacco products.

These penalties may be imposed on registered owner and its lessee or charterer of a chartered boat, truck, warehouse or president or chief executive officer of the private port, fish port, fish landing sites, resorts, who knowingly transport the tobacco product subject to economic sabotage. The offense is non-bailable.

pre-border, border, and post-border controls and market monitoring “was just part of their expanded initiative to address the issue.”

However, Tulfo wanted to know why fish vendors seemed to be unaware of the BFAR order, quizzing the official on the implementation of FAO 195, adding that “in fact, nobody knows about this not even the fish vendors na nakausap ko,” he said.

Tulfo also said the BFAR should have disseminated information on FAO 195 through the media as some of the small fish vendors are now afraid of losing their livelihood.

Escoto admitted that there’s a slight delay in the implementation but they were trying to address the issue now.

Villar also questioned how the order was being implemented. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, also said asked “we gave you money to establish the first border facility in 2019, di naiimplement hanggang ngayon.” Villar meanwhile said FAO 195 will be reviewed by her committee.

IN BRIEF

Piracy

complaints

down 40%—IP office

REPORTS and complaints on counterfeiting and piracy in the January to November 2022 period slid by 40 percent to 92 from the 153 recorded reports and complaints in 2021.

Latest data from the IP Rights Enforcement Office (IEO) breaks this down to 70 counts of counterfeiting and 22 of piracy.

Counterfeiting accounted for 75 percent of the total reports and complaints received. Apparel comprised of shoes, clothes, bags and eyewear, continues to be the most counterfeited goods in the market with a share of 61.9 percent. This was followed by perfume and beauty products at 7.9 percent; gadgets, 7.9 percent; food, 4.8 percent; home items, 4.8 percent; automotive materials. 3.2 percent; cigarettes, 3.2 percent; and, pharmaceuticals/medical products at 1.6 percent.

Software topped the list of concerns for piracy at 33.3 percent. Shows and movies follow with 28.6 percent; artworks and paintings, 19 percent; general eBooks, 14.3 percent; educational books and eBooks, 4.8 percent.

Concerned citizens continued to be the most active intellectual property (IP) violation reporters with 76.1 percent of total reports. In the recent months, IPOPHL noted an increasing number of brand-owners who take charge of IP rights reports and complaints, accounting for about 23.4 percent of total reports.

Othel V. Campos

DBM releases funds for Marawi hospital

DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman has approved the release of P44,380,800 to cover the funding requirements to develop and equip the Marawi City General Hospital (MCGH).

The DBM approved the release of the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to the Department of Health (DOH) – Northern Mindanao Center for Health Development (NMCHD), Region X on 06 December 2022.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed us to put the welfare and health of the Filipino people first. And so we, at the DBM, commit to fully support projects and programs that will help in rebuilding Marawi, and in doing so, we shall ensure that there is enough fund to support the people’s health care,” Pangandaman said.

JFC welcomes approval of ‘open access’ bill

By Othel V. Campos

THE Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) welcomed the recent approval of House Bill No. 6 or the Open Access in Data Transmission Act by the House of Representatives before going into the December recess.

While the House of Represenatives has approved the bill on third reading after approvals in both the 17th and 18th Congresses, the bill failed to get Senate approval in both Congresses.

The members of the JFC expressed optimism that since the bill was approved

early in the 19th Congress, the Senate will have enough time to deliberate and approve the measure, especially considering no less than the Senate President filed a counterpart to the Open Access bill filed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Jr.

In a position paper sent to House ICT Committee, the JFC explained that the Open Access bill seeks to address the need for fast, reliable, and affordable internet or data service.

Enactment of the bill will unlock the market and develop a competitive environment to the benefit of the Filipino

public. It lowers regulatory barriers and costs of entry for market players offering internet service and promotes fair and open competition at different segments of the data transmission network.

This will significantly improve data transmission services (faster internet speed and lower internet costs) throughout the country, the group said.

The proposed Open Access in Data Transmission Act is critical to establishing a forward-looking and future-ready digital policy framework for the Philippines.

Parañaque acquires lots for distribution to poor residents

PARAÑAQUE

The

“This

varez said.

The City Council through Vice Mayor Joan Villafuerte also signed the MOA together with the property owner and officials of the 1st Street Village Extension Neighborhood Association.

“After they are awarded the lot titles, the neighborhood association will cease to exist and it will formally become a homeowners’ association,” the mayor said. “This will be the culmination of their dreams to have their own houses and lots.”

The city government, through the Local Housing Development Office and the Urban Mission Areas Development Office, has been acquiring and distributing lots for poor constituents in partnership with the Social Housing Finance Corporation.

The release of funds for the MCGH is chargeable against the Fiscal Year 2022 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF)Marawi Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA 2022).

The fund will cover the equipage and the provision of ambulance for the MCGH. These projects are included in the priority projects of the Task Force Bangon Marawi for FY 2022.

The implementation of the projects is seen to support the operations of the hospital and improve the quality of health care system in the area.

DAR heads cash aid distribution in Kidapawan

ALONG with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has spearheaded the distribution of financial aid 536 agrarian reform beneficiaries in Kidapawan City, Cotabato after suffering damages and losses due to rat infestation and flooding.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III turned over a check worth P2 million to 483 farmers of Alamada, and P272,904 to 53 others of Carmen to help them rise again after their livelihood was ravaged by typhoons and followed by pestilence from rats.

He gave the assurance that the agency is closely working with the PCIC to assist affected farmers to immediately indemnify them from their losses.

“Ensuring the crops and livestock of farmers, especially the ARBs, is one way to protect the source of their livelihood by providing compensation for the damages incurred by natural calamities. It is a big help for the farmers because it gives them hope to start anew,” he said.

The amount received by each farmer was determined based on the area of the land they are tilling and the stage of the crop when affected by natural calamities.

DAR has climate resiliency programs wherein they provide farmers with aid to help them recover from the effects of disasters or calamities. Rio N. Araja

City Mayor Eric L. Olivarez today said he has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the acquisition of a property for P67 million which will be distributed to 282 poor families in Barangay Sto. Niño.

purchase of the 4,772 square-meter property at 1st Street Village Extension in Barangay Sto. Niño is part of the city government’s socialized housing program to give poor constituents the opportunity to have their own houses and lots.

acquisition will benefit 282 families who will pay for their lots in 30 years, for less than P1,000 in monthly installments,” Oli-

‘NO’ TO MAHARLIKA. A protester holds Christmas lantern-shape placards with slogans during a rally in front of the House of Representatives in Quezon City on December 12, as legislators deliberate on the Maharlika Investment Fund law. Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP

MANIFESTO OF UNITY. Students from various schools and members of youth organizations sign the Manifesto of Unity against a bill calling for a mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Course (ROTC) or military training at the UP Diliman Quezon Hall in Quezon City on December 12. (inset) Manny Palmero and Norman Cruz

WARM WELCOME. Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) led by Commander Rear Admiral Artemio Manalo Abu, welcome the contingent of PCG Batanes Mission after arriving on board the BRP Gabriela Silang. The contingent came home after a mission to install navigational lanterns in the Batanes Islands to help fishing vessels to safely navigate the seas especially at night.

Norman Cruz

Bad news piles up for candidate Trump

By Camille Camdessus

HAVING launched a new bid for the White House, Donald Trump has not been met with the energy he had been hoping for.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

“In all, it has been a truly terrible launch of a presidential campaign,” said Lara Brown, political science professor at George Washington University, noting that the one-term former US president has stumbled through “one scandal after another.”

Having hoped to ride a Republican “red wave” in the midterm elections last month, Trump instead found himself high and dry after most of the noteworthy candidates he backed were defeated.

Polls show he is still a big favorite in a hypothetical Republican primary, a fact he likes to tout at every opportunity

Spurned by conservative heavyweights, the former president once again found himself the target of intense criticism last month after dining with rapper Kanye West, who has been accused of anti-Semitism, and a white supremacist.

Many Republicans who had long been fearful of incurring their leader’s wrath now piled their scorn on the real estate mogul, calling the dinner “ridiculous,” “disgusting” and “scandalous.”

Their efforts to distance themselves from the former president accelerated further when Trump -- who falsely claims he won the 2020 election -- issued calls to abandon the US Constitution.

And the point was driven home yet again Tuesday, when one of Trump’s most famous protege candidates, former American football player Herschel Walker, lost a bid for a Senate seat in the state of Georgia.

“Trump has also had a number of highprofile donors publicly state that they are not interested in supporting his 2024 campaign,” Brown told AFP.

The billionaire, known for his inflammatory speeches to rallies of red-hatted supporters, has not held any campaign event outside his residence at the Mar-a-Lago golf club in Florida since declaring his candidacy in November.

And while the 76-year-old has always thrived on political controversy, he is now the subject of myriad criminal and civil investigations, from his handling of classified documents to his financial affairs in New York.

Assault on the Capitol

Trump’s real troubles are likely only just beginning.

For more than a year, the contentious Republican has been under investigation over allegations of exerting pressure on Georgia state officials during the 2020 presidential election, which could lead to an indictment.

And a Congressional committee investigating his responsibility for the attack by his supporters at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, is set to release a voluminous report in the coming weeks.

The panel has already indicated that it would recommend indictments, without specifying who could be targeted.

The decision of whether or not to charge the former president will ultimately rest with Attorney General Merrick Garland, who in mid-November appointed a special prosecutor to independently investigate Trump.

The courts have already found his family business guilty of tax evasion, a blow for the ex-businessman, although he himself has not been tried.

Hard core

But with the 2024 presidential election nearly two whole years away, Trump still has plenty of time to stage a comeback.

When he was abandoned by some in the conservative movement after the Capitol riot, the former leader managed within a few months to regain almost total control of the party.

Trump’s political demise has been predicted over and over again, but so far he has survived. The more scandals he accumulates, the less effect any individual incident seems to have on his power.

After taking office in November 2016 in an unprecedented political upheaval that almost no one predicted, Trump may also be tempted to play the position of rebel candidate if the defections in his ranks continue.

Polls show he is still a big favorite in a hypothetical Republican primary, a fact he likes to tout at every opportunity.

He can also still count on a steadfast base, which swears unfailing support to the former president and continues to flock to his rallies.

But even those loyalists could eventually lose patience, predicted Brown.

“While some in his base may rally to support him when he in the coming months claims to be a victim of a political witch hunt, for many, I imagine that act is getting old,” she said. AFP

EvEryman

Why the Filipino middle class is silent yet again

By Gil Garcia

WHAT ever happened to the Filipino middle class who only recently voted in favor of a paradigm shift in the Philippine political system – by way of supporting former Vice President Leni Robredo and the Angat Buhay Para sa Lahat Movement?

It is evident that after the May 2022 elections, Ma’am Leni has gone into a bit of – what some would call – a sabbatical of sorts after choosing to teach in Harvard instead of pursuing a continued presence here at home.

Leaving her supporters—after that dismally unbelievable loss to now-President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.—with nothing to cling on to but the objectification of the Angat Buhay Para sa Lahat Movement’s catchphrase into nothing more than just being a certified, true-blue, stamp-approved NGO.

That catchphrase now sits at the core of this newfound belief/attitude in the Filipino still in search of a change for the better for the Motherland.

That is the nail in the coffin for that brilliant slogan, which was unwittingly transformed into a beautiful movement that could have moved mountains via its more than willing core-base: the Filipino middle class.

But where are the middle class Filipinos now?

Where are they when the former Acting Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology has been

sounding the alarm bells in lieu of what we could see as proof that the last Presidential Elections was rigged?

Where is the outrage of the Filipino?

Or, more precise, where is the outrage of the middle class Filipinos? Why are they silent? Are they not outraged at all?

Maybe the answer lies in the continued presence of the Filipino super-rich and the Filipino ultra-poor – seen everywhere and every time one goes out to worship, shop, or go to work, etc. – who both still comprise the majority of the populace?

Unbelievable? True, but that’s just what it is.

(Gil Garcia is a non-practicing registered nurse who holds Master of Science in Program Management from UP Manila who started his career as a sports journalist before working briefly as a media relations manager for a public relations firm. He is a member of the Hunters-ROTC Historical Society and spends his time advocating the teaching of World War II History in the Philippines.)

EDITORIAL

Guarded optimism

possible investments to the country, and will also hold bilateral talks with King Philippe of Belgium as well as other European countries, including Estonia, the Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands and the European Union.

This is the first meeting between ASEAN and EU member states at the latter’s headquarters in Brussels, with the Philippines designated as the former’s country coordinator—a role it will keep for two years—,to discuss its agenda in its Commemorative Summit with EU tomorrow.

The event coincides with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the 10-member ASEAN and the 20-nation EU. Prior to the summit, the ASEAN-EU Business Council will also convene.

ASEAN, founded in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, is a political and economic union and has a population of nearly 670 million, while the European Union, the Organization of European countries was founded in 1993 in Maastricht, Netherlands to oversee their economic and political integration with a population of 447 million.

The President raised optimism for his countrymen in what he hoped would be “a productive and meaningful” summit when he said he would include the country’s priorities in the talks in Brussels, particularly in post-pandemic economic recovery, trade, maritime cooperation, and climate action.

“Although I am representing the Philippines, I am now also representing

The 65-year-old President Marcos, on the sidelines of the summit, will also deliver the closing keynote at the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Council

all of ASEAN. But nonetheless, as I have mentioned, Philippine interests will always enter into all my discussions,” Marcos said shortly before boarding his 13-hour-and-35minute flight to Brussels.

Prior to the Commemorative Summit, Mr. Marcos will also attend the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit today, the President saying “These events will provide an opportunity to drum up economic interests once again and engagement for the Philippines in view of the presence of key business leaders in Europe at the event.”

We know the President will meet with several multinational firms to secure

As he had done in his state visits to Indonesia and Singapore and his official visits to the United States, Cambodia and Thailand after his inauguration on June 30, the President will also meet with the Filipino community in Belgium.

The 65-year-old President Marcos, on the sidelines of the summit, will also deliver the closing keynote at the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Council.

Like previous summits and meetings – most recently the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Bangkok—talk of the economy and of security issues affecting the regions and the rest of the world are top on the discussion plates.

In ASEAN, for instance, economic recovery following COVID-19 lockdowns and the situation in Myanmar were among the top issues heads of state and government tackled.

In Bangkok, economic leaders talked about economic recovery, as well as regional issues including Russia’s war on Ukraine and China’s movements in the Taiwan Strait.

The European Council has said the EU and its members will reaffirm their “commitment to the EU-ASEAN strategic partnership.”

Reason for guarded optimism.

COVID-19 pandemic will end socially for PH

that the worst is over.

WHEN will the COVID-19 pandemic end?

If you ask this question, since I am no health expert, my answer is, I really don’t know. I can only rely on health experts about what’s happening.

First of all, let’s define a pandemic as compared to an epidemic.

An epidemic occurs only in a certain area affecting people in a specified area, like dengue, hands and mouth disease, cholera or any disease affecting only a certain area and can be easily controlled by certain vaccines and medicines or any specialized drug or medicine.

A pandemic, like we have now with the COVID-19, occurs in many countries at the same time, and is more difficult to contain.

So, the question comes again, when will the COVID-19 pandemic end ?

As of now, the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Health Organization, has killed over 6 million people; here in the Philippines, COVID-19 has claimed over 64,000 lives.

We have read instances during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines of people being infected, close to 30,000 a day, and some even dying in parking areas because hospitals could not accommodate them.

Even now, with the onset of the Christmas and New Year holidays, there are dire predictions that Philippine COVID-19 cases may surge next month. To what extent, we can only guess.

Recall that there were also dire predictions on how Philippine COVID-19 cases may rise during the elections with people gathering by the thousands to attend political rallies.

Let’s just hope and pray that all the predictions about COVID-19 surging won’t happen next month as predicted.

Now, back to the question, when will COVID-19 pandemic end?

With the procurement of vaccines granting people greater immunity, it seems that at this point, the COVID-19 pandemic may actually end and things can go back to normal again.

But, will it end?

Health experts actually make a distinction of “endemic,” or the end of pandemic.

I would say that we in the Philippines are now at that stage of having COVID-19 ending “socially,” that’s our new normal. That’s the term used by health experts and those in the know.

This means that although the COVID-19 virus is still with us, we can get back to our normal lives – socially speaking.

There are now Filipinos not wearing masks.

And I do hope they will not stop washing their hands and not stop observing social distancing.

As for me and my wife, now in our nineties, we’d rather stay home to be safe from infection, with the reported Omicron subvariant BQ.1 going around, which is supposed to be very transmissible.

To us, there’s no substitute for caution.

To quote WHO director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “We are not there yet. But, the end is in sight” —which is an optimistic outlook from the global health body mainly in charge of pandemic surveillance.

Health experts warn the elderly, especially those with comorbidities, not to expose themselves unnecessarily because they are prone to the virus

Yes, many countries have dropped most of their health protocols and restrictions, but still are living with the virus.

As I said, here in the Philippines, students are back to “face to face” classes, workplaces have welcomed their employees again for onsite work and nightlife is again booming., But, health experts warn the elderly, especially those with comorbidities, not to expose themselves unnecessarily because they are prone to the virus.

Those who have been vaccinated— because their immunity is bolstered by vaccination, especially when they have had the booster shot—can have a better chance to end the COVID-19 pandemic “socially.”

The New York Times reported that a pandemic typically has two types of ending -- medical or social – and noted that a pandemic ends medically when the incidence and death rates go down, and ends socially when people are no longer afraid of the virus.

In other words, health specialists are unanimous that the COVID-19 pandemic is ending socially in the Philippines.

According to the latest Social Weather Stations survey, while the COVID-19 cases are going down, it can mean only

In other words, it is a moment of uncertainty, but also of opportunity.

A health specialist said what is clear is that the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 is different from the Filipinos’ perception of the COVID-19 pandemic now.

The fact is Filipinos now have greater immunity since the disease itself has mutated to more contagious, but less severe variants.

It is still cause for concern , of course, but there are also social and medical costs. We can thank vaccination which the government has been pushing very hard.

As a medical anthropologist said, people tend to evaluate risk based on their own experiences, and most have had mild infections, but at the same time, people tend to forget easily.

The fewer deaths have also affected people’s perceptions.

All in all, here in the Philippines, the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet ended medically, but more so socially, with less deaths.

This means that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is in sight. *** *** ***

The conundrum over the Maharlika Wealth Fund continues to devolve.

The most contentious aspects of the bill – that would create a sovereign wealth fund out of the contributions of the Government Service Insurance System and Social Service System, and from two government banks, the Land Bank and the Development Bank of the Philippines, to the total amount of P250 billion out of the planned P275 billion sovereign fund – raised opposition from private and government sectors.

The aithors have now amended the proposed bill and removed from it the GSIS and the SSS shares.

The opposition stemmed mostly from fears that the Maharlika Fund might be too risky, especially since contributions from members of GSIS, who are government employees, and contributions of SSS members of the private sector, would be squandered.

Thus, the only remaining opposition is the aspect of accountability.

The finance secretary, not the President, will head the corporation that will manage the Maharlika Wealth Fund.

It will be left with P110 billion for its first year, after the House appropriations panel adds a small amount, after making a huge cut.

But, according to the House of Representatives, the GSIS and SSS can still invest in the Maharlika Wealth Fund if they wish.

WE JOIN Filipinos in watching on tenterhooks the attendance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the summit this week in Brussels, Belgium of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with the European Union.

Rolando

Honor

But where are the middle class Filipinos now?

China retires COVID tracking app

BEIJING—China said Monday it would retire an app used to track Covid-19 contacts, a milestone in the country’s rapid turn away from its zero-tolerance coronavirus strategy.

The state-run “Communications Itinerary Card”, which tracks whether someone has been to a high-risk area based on their phone signal, will go offline at 12 am Tuesday, according to an official WeChat post, after more than two years in operation.

The “Itinerary Card” was a central part of China’s zero-Covid policy, with millions of people required to key in their phone numbers to produce its signature green arrow to travel between

provinces or enter events.

The decision comes just days after China announced an end to large-scale lockdowns, mandatory quarantine in central facilities, and a broad relaxation of testing measures, effectively throwing in the towel on its zero-Covid strategy.

Official reported cases in the country have dropped sharply from all-time highs last month, but top Chinese health expert Zhong Nanshan warned in state media Sunday that the prevailing Omi-

Musk targets Fauci in viral tweet, sparks backlash from US scientists

NEW YORK—Elon Musk on Sunday targeted America’s outgoing top infectious disease official and key advisor of the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Anthony Fauci, in a viral tweet that sparked backlash.

“My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci,” the billionaire Twitter CEO said, alluding to the practice of indicating gender pronouns after one’s name as well as the right-wing campaign to charge Fauci with crimes related to his involvement in US Covid policies.

Musk also posted a meme showing Fauci telling US President Joe Biden, “Just one more lockdown, my king…” — in apparent criticism of the Covid mitigation measure Musk has repeatedly slammed but has not been deployed in the country for over a year.

Early in the pandemic, Musk tweeted that concern over the virus was “dumb” and since taking over Twitter has removed its policy targeting

Covid misinformation.

Musk’s tweet quickly went viral, receiving over 800,000 likes within some 11 hours but also sparking swift criticism.

Vaccine scientist and author Peter Hotez called on Musk to delete the tweet, saying, “200,000 Americans needlessly lost their lives from Covid due to this kind of antiscience rhetoric and disinformation.”

Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar praised how Fauci “calmly guided our country through crisis” and addressed Musk, saying: “Could you just leave a good man alone in your seemingly endless quest for attention?”

But Musk received praise from rightwing corners.

Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had been removed from Twitter over Covid misinformation but whose account was reinstated under Musk’s leadership, tweeted: “I affirm your pronouns Elon.” AFP

cron variant was “spreading rapidly” through the country.

First rolled out in 2020 with a four-tier system that assigned different colors depending on users’ predicted level of Covid exposure, the Itinerary Card was tweaked multiple times before a final change this year shortened the tracking period from 14 to seven days.

It is only one of a panoply of tracking apps that have governed everyday life in China throughout the pandemic, with most people using local “health codes” run by their city or province to enter shops and offices.

But social media users nevertheless hailed the Itinerary Card’s retirement,

noting the symbolism of Beijing shutting down its main tracking app. Many posted screenshots of their “last” logins.

“Bye bye, this announces the end of an era, and also welcomes a brand new one,” one person wrote on the Twitterlike Weibo platform.

“Goodbye itinerary card, concerts here I come,” wrote another. Others asked what would become of the mountains of data collected by the app.

“The Itinerary Card and other similar products mean vast amounts of personal information and private data,” wrote one Weibo user. AFP

Biden-Zelensky call stresses US support in war

WASHINGTON—US President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday, reiterating Washington’s strong support for the war-torn country and welcoming his counterpart’s “openness to a just peace,” the White House said.

The call came as Russia, which invaded Ukraine on February 24, has been targeting the pro-Western country’s infrastructure, causing widespread energy cuts and leaving millions without power as temperatures drop.

Speaking to Zelensky, Biden underscored “ongoing US support for Ukraine’s defense as Russia continues its assaults on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure,” a White House statement said.

Western-supplied weapons, including from the United States, have supported Ukraine’s defense that has driven back Russian forces

The statement highlighted recent US pledges to Ukraine, including $53 million for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure announced in November and a December package of $275 million in ammunition and equipment.

In a tweet, Zelensky said he thanked Biden for the recent security package in a “fruitful conversation,” adding they “discussed further defense cooperation, protection and maintenance of our energy sector.”

The Ukrainian presidency said Zelensky had “emphasized that Ukraine wants to achieve peace and drew attention to the importance of consolidating international efforts to reach this goal.”

Biden welcomed Zelensky’s “stated openness to a just peace based on fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter,” the White House statement said. AFP

2 killed in Peru as protests spread against new president Boluarte

LIMA—Protests against Peru’s new government turned deadly on Sunday, with two people killed as police clashed with angry demonstrators calling for a national strike, fresh elections and the release of detained former president Pedro Castillo.

The protests have swelled, notably in the northern and Andean towns, since the South American country’s legislature on Wednesday threw out the leftist Castillo after he tried to dissolve Con-

gress and rule by decree.

Dina Boluarte, a former prosecutor who had served as Castillo’s vice president, was quickly sworn in to replace him.

On Saturday, she introduced her new cabinet, a group with an independent and technocratic profile and including eight women.

She named former prosecutor Pedro Angulo as prime minister.

After his impeachment, Castillo was quickly arrested, and on Sunday dem-

onstrators in cities across the country’s interior -- including Cajamarca, Arequipa, Huancayo, Cusco and Puno -- demanded his release.

New clashes broke out Sunday between protesters and police in the southern city of Andahuaylas, leaving two dead and at least five injured -- including a police officer -- as demonstrators attempted to storm the city’s airport, authorities said.

‘Remain calm’

Riot police were deployed to the airport to contain the thousands of demonstrators in Andahuaylas, which lies in Boluarte’s home region of Apurimac.

Protesters fired slingshots and hurled stones, while police responded with tear gas, images from the scene broadcast by local TV showed. A police station in the Apurimac town of Huancabamba was set on fire, RPP radio reported. AFP

NASA Orion in record-setting lunar trip

HOUSTON—NASA’s Orion space capsule splashed down safely in the Pacific on Sunday, completing the Artemis 1 mission — a more than 25-day journey around the Moon with an eye to returning humans there in just a few years.

After racing through the Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of 25,000 miles (40,000 kilometers) per hour, the uncrewed capsule floated down to the sea with the help of three

large orange and white parachutes, as seen on NASA TV.

“I don’t think any one of us could have imagined the mission this successful,” said Artemis Mission Manager Mike Sarafin in a press conference.

“We now have a foundational deep space transportation system.”

During the trip around Earth’s orbiting satellite and back, Orion logged well over a million miles and went farther from Earth than any previous habitable spacecraft.

“For years, thousands of individuals have poured themselves into this mission, which is inspiring the world to work together to reach untouched cosmic shores,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

“Today is a huge win for NASA, the United States, our international partners, and all of humanity,” he added.

Abu Agila Mohammad Masud was charged by the United States two years ago for the Lockerbie bombing -- in which Americans made up a majority of the victims. He had previously been held in Libya for alleged involvement in a 1986 attack on a Berlin nightclub.

The US Justice Department confirmed in a statement that Masud was in American custody, following an announcement by Scottish prosecutors, without saying how the suspect ended up in US hands.

A department spokesperson said Masud was expected to make an initial appearance, at a time yet to be specified, in a federal court in the US capital.

According to The New York Times, Masud was arrested by the FBI and is in the process of being extradited to the United States to face prosecution.

date issued: May 20,2020 at Sidney Passport Office Australia before Notary Public Timothy William Weissel , N.S.W. Notary ID 374

After touchdown, helicopters flew over the floating spacecraft, which showed no evidence of damage. AFP

Only one individual has so far been prosecuted for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 on December 21, 1988 -- which remains the deadliest terror attack on British soil. AFP

\WASHINGTON—A Libyan man accused of making the bomb that destroyed a Pan Am flight over Scotland in 1988, killing 270 people, has been taken into US custody, authorities said on Sunday.

EN FUEGO. Fuego volcano, as seen from Alotenango, a municipality in Sacatepequez department 65 kilometers southwest of Guatemala City, erupts on December 11. AFP

PERU PROTEST. Supporters of former President Pedro Castillo clash with riot police during a demonstration demanding his release and the closure of the Peruvian Congress in Lima on December 11. Two people died and at least five people were injured on Sunday during growing protests against Peru’s new President Dina Boluarte after the failed coup and the arrest of Castillo. AFP

WOOD MASK. Activists gather at the Place Des Arts after a demonstration against the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) during the March for Biodiversity for Human Rights in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on December 10. AFP

Market rises; BDO, Jollibee top gainers

STOCKS slightly rose amid thin trading Monday as investors await the next move by the US Federal Reserve in its bid to fight soaring inflation.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 5 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 6,585.20, as four of the six subsectors advanced.

The broader all-share index was nearly flat at 3,437.99, on a value turnover of P5.5 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 102 to 84, while 52 issues were unchanged.

Three of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by BDO Unibank Inc. which climbed 3 percent to P110.70 and Jollibee Foods Corp. which rose 2.2 percent to P242.00. SM Investments Corp. finished 0.7 percent higher at P936.00.

Asian markets dropped and the dollar edged up Monday after a forecast-beating US inflation reading dampened hopes for a more dovish tilt by the Federal Reserve in its battle against soaring prices.

The producer price index reading for November followed data showing the jobs market remained tight, suggesting the central bank would likely need to keep hiking interest rates.

Meanwhile, investors are now looking to the release later in the day of key consumer price index figures, which comes ahead of the Fed’s next policy meeting.

A below-forecast print for October’s CPI sparked a rally on markets last month as investors bet on a shorter pace of rate hikes, though concerns about a recession continue to weigh on sentiment.

“An ominous feeling is consuming markets ahead of this week’s crucial CPI report and [Fed policy] meeting,” said Stephen Innes at SPI Asset Management.

“While headline inflation continues to drop, the top-side beat on PPI expecta-

tions suggests that while inflation might climb down the mountain, the slope remains very uncertain.”

Policy decisions in the United Kingdom, the European Union and several other economies are also due this week.

All three main indexes on Wall Street fell Friday, and Asia followed suit.

Hong Kong led the way down -- shedding more than two percent -- having surged last week, while Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei, Jakarta and Wellington were also in the red.

The dollar extended Friday’s gains against most of its peers, having surged for much of the year owing to the Fed’s sharp rate hikes. With AFP

TOP GAINERS

1 CAT 9.96 1.04 11.66% 2 ALHI 5.79 0.59 11.35% 3 JOH 5 0.5 11.11%

4 RLT 0.219 0.02 10.05%

5 OPMB 0.011 0.001 10.00%

6 OPM 0.012 0.001 9.09%

ECB mulls

smaller rate hikes on ‘peak inflation’ hopes as energy prices drop

FRANKFURT—Growing hopes that the eurozone’s red-hot inflation is nearing its peak could prompt European Central Bank policymakers to opt for a smaller rate hike on Thursday, observers said.

Following two consecutive interest rate hikes of 75 basis points, markets are on tenterhooks to see whether the ECB will keep up the aggressive pace or downshift to 50 basis points as the region braces for a winter recession.

This week’s meeting of the ECB’s 25-member governing council in Frankfurt will be the final one of 2022, a year that will be remembered for unprecedented consumer price shocks as Russia’s war in Ukraine sent food and energy costs soaring.

Like other central banks, the ECB has fought back with a series of interest rate rises—walking a tightrope between raising borrowing costs enough to tame inflation without dampening demand so much it triggers a deep economic downturn.

ECB governors may take heart from November’s eurozone inflation data, which showed prices slowing for the first time in 17 months on the back of cooling energy costs.

Inflation remains eye-wateringly high, however, at 10 percent -- five times the ECB’s target -- and president Christine Lagarde has repeatedly said further rate hikes are needed.

But the rare bit of good news has bolstered hopes that price pressures are finally easing in the 19-nation in currency club.

“I would be reasonably confident in saying that it is likely we are close to peak inflation,” the ECB’s chief economist Philip Lane said last week. AFP

US could tweak green subsidies after EU anger—Kerry

LONDON—The United States is open to amending lucrative green subsidies that have drawn transatlantic anger for allegedly encouraging job losses in Europe, US climate envoy John Kerry said.

In a BBC interview from London, broadcast on Saturday, Kerry also signaled unease over the UK government’s decision to permit the opening of a coal mine despite ambitions to slash carbon emissions.

Several EU leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, during a state visit to Washington, have said the US subsidies are enticing European companies to relocate to the United States.

Washington’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act contains around $370 billion in subsidies for green energy, as well as tax cuts for US-made electric cars and batteries.

“I don’t think you’re going to see it watered down,” Kerry said, insisting the measures were needed to kick-start the climate transition.

“But will you see where it might be appropriate if there were some tweak or adjustment that is fair and not going to prejudice our own efforts?

“I’m confident President (Joe) Biden would consider that,” he said.

Biden defended the act to Macron but said it was never intended to disadvantage US allies and has committed to understanding EU concerns.

Kerry also spoke out after Britain this week granted planning permission for a controversial new coal mine in northern England, the first in decades.

The go-ahead for the project in Cumbria was slammed by Greenpeace as “climate hypocrisy”, and Kerry said it risked antagonizing other countries.

Richer countries had to abide by their own climate rhetoric or be portrayed as “do as we say, not as we do,” the US envoy said.

Kerry said he needed more information about the rationale for the mine, which is intended to supply coal for steel plants, including how its emissions might be offset.

“But obviously, we will hear people raise criticisms about it because, in general, the idea of mining coal in any form whatsoever is the opposite direction from that which most people are advocating, and most people are moving in,” he said.

Kerry conceded that the recent COP27 climate summit in Egypt lacked “collective ambition” to avert the worstcase models for rising temperatures.

But he defended the UN process overall. AFP

7 VMC 2.8 0.22 8.53%

8 FERRO 2 0.13 6.95%

9 REG 3.09 0.19 6.55%

10 PXP 7.19 0.39 5.74%

TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 ACE 1.41 -0.17 -10.76%

2 BCOR 8 -0.84 -9.50%

3 NOW 1.45 -0.12 -7.64%

4 APVI 12.04 -0.92 -7.10%

5 LC 0.109 -0.008 -6.84%

6 GEO 0.183 -0.013 -6.63%

7 SPNEC 1.22 -0.08 -6.15%

8 X 0.25 -0.015 -5.66%

9 HOME 1.51 -0.09 -5.63%

10 EAGLE 17 -1 -5.56%

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME VALUE (PHP)

1 BDO 5,143,660 572,920,992

2 SM 453,440 425,323,665

3 ICT 1,482,550 299,637,875

4 GLO 125,390 271,297,030 5 ALI 6,565,100 192,973,875 6 AC 267,970 184,559,835 7 SMPH 5,244,900 181,318,645 8 JFC 696,670 169,053,094 9 TEL 99,105 167,147,435 10 MER 541,730 151,575,522

France bets on tech and transparency vs Chinese caviar

By Eric Randolph

SAINT-FORT-SUR-GIRONDE,

WASHINGTON—The US Department of Energy said Sunday it would announce a “major scientific breakthrough” this week after media reported a federal laboratory had recently achieved a major milestone in nuclear fusion research.

The Financial Times reported Sunday that scientists in the Californiabased Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) had achieved a “net energy gain” from an experimental fusion reactor.

That would represent the first time that researchers have successfully produced more energy in a fusion reaction—the same type that powers the Sun—than was consumed during the process, a potentially major step in the pursuit of zero-carbon power.

Energy Department and LLNL spokespeople told AFP they could not comment or provide confirmation regarding the FT report but said US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm would “announce a major scientific breakthrough” on Tuesday.

The LLNL spokesperson added that their “analysis is still ongoing.”

“We look forward to sharing more on Tuesday when that process is complete,” she said.

The fusion reaction that produced a 120 percent net energy gain occurred in the past two weeks, the FT said, citing three people with knowledge of the preliminary results.

The Washington Post later reported two people familiar with the research confirmed the development, with a senior fusion scientist telling the newspaper, “To most of us, this was only a matter of time.” AFP

France—At the fish farm near Bordeaux, Christophe Baudoin is running an ultrasound device over the belly of a large sturgeon to check its eggs.

“Caviar!” he shouts as the monitor shows the right sparkle around each little round ball.

“Over-mature!” comes the next shout, indicating the fish’s pregnancy cycle has gone too far, and the eggs have softened—losing the crucial crunch. It will go back in the lake to await another cycle in two years.

For the company, Sturia, it’s an incredibly laborious process—they ultrasound some 20,000 fish a year for a total of 300 tons of caviar— but climate change has made it vital.

Many fish are coming out “overmature”, in part because warmer waters have accelerated the pregnancy cycle.

For the guys standing in the water, scooping up the huge fish for inspection, the winter days when 10 centimeters (four inches) of ice coated the lakes are not entirely missed.

But the change is still shocking.

“It’s been 10 years since we’ve seen any ice on these lakes,” said Baudoin.

One in five of the fish died in 2021 when water temperatures hit 30 degrees, five degrees above a sturgeon’s comfort zone.

“You might not know each one by name, but it’s never nice to pull out a dead fish—and of course, the

cost for the group is enormous,” said Sturia boss Laurent Dulau. Extinction threat

Fished to the brink of extinction in the wild—including the once-rich Russian and Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea -sturgeon now exist almost exclusively in farms, most of them in China.

Sturgeon were fished in France’s Gironde river for centuries, but their eggs were given to children, old people and pigs until Russian nobles fleeing the Communist revolution a century ago showed locals their potential.

It became a delicacy in Paris after Armenian emigrants Melkoum and Mouchegh Petrossian convinced the Ritz Hotel in Paris to serve caviar in the 1920s.

Farming only started in France in the 1990s, and since it takes up to a

decade to raise a sturgeon, progress is painstaking.

Unable to compete with China on quantity, French producers focus on sustainable and healthy farming.

The ultrasound avoids unnecessary killing and Sturia sends the meat to be used for rillettes pate, the collagen-rich gonads for cosmetics, and the skin for leather and a specialist glue favored by violin makers.

Produce better

Dulau said the focus on traceability and quality is rebuilding caviar’s image after the over-fishing crisis.

“The idea is to produce less, but produce better,” he said. “People will eat less because it’s a lot more expensive, but it will be so good that they’ll be satisfied.”

But Michel Berthommier, of nearby

Caviar Perlita, is frustrated that “nine out of 10, maybe 10 out of 10” French restaurants still source from China. He blamed middlemen for preferring the markup on foreign eggs.

“It’s bizarre at a time when restaurants are always saying they source their products locally. We sell more to Singapore than restaurants 10 kilometers down the road,” he said.

But he said the transparency of French production would win over buyers.

“There used to be a mystery around how these fish were raised and harvested. We have opened our books on how our fish live, how they are fed and selected.

“We can’t be number one in production, but we can lead the way in creativity and science.” AFP

US set to announce major breakthrough in nuclear fusion research

In this file photo a technician removes fish eggs from a sturgeon at the Sturia sturgeon farm in Saint Genis-deSaintonge. AFP

LNG TERMINAL. This photograph, taken on Dec. 11, 2022, shows a general view of the liquefied natural gas terminal at the port of Barcelona. AFP

Globe gets P9.5b for sale of 750 telecom towers

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE, the country’s leading digital platform, said Monday it received P9.5 billion from Frontier Tower Associates Philippines Inc. for the sale of 750 towers.

The telecom unit of the Ayala Group said 81 percent of the sold assets were ground-based towers and 19 percent were rooftop towers. It said with the latest closing, a total of 1,550 of the 3,529 towers had been transferred to Frontier Towers.

Globe said it achieved 32 percent closing of the largest tower deal in the country, with the transfer of ownership of 2,251 of 7,059 towers for P28 billion.

The first closing was attained on Sept. 23 with the transfer of 800 towers to Frontier Towers for P10 billion and another 701 towers to MIESCOR Infrastructure Development Corp. worth P8.4 billion on Oct. 14.

Globe said it would use the proceeds from the sale of the towers to pay down debt and for capital expenditures to support the ongoing network expansion

The company programmed $1.3 billion in capex next year, down by 30 percent from $1.9 billion this year.

It said subsequent closings would happen once or when closing conditions were met. Globe said it expected the final closing for all the three portfolios to happen within 2023.

“We are happy that we have successfully completed 32 percent of this record-breaking initiative giving us much leeway to cover for our 2023 debt servicing requirements amidst the backdrop of rising interest rates. This tower deal will also help us meet the changing consumer demand while ensuring that our network expansion is done in a sustainable and responsible way,” Globe chief finance officer Rizza Maniego-Eala said.

Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said the company’s strategic partnership with the tower companies is critical in the very competitive market and in providing the best internet connectivity in the Philippines that is comparable to the rest of the world.

Business

Office space sector rebounds; Demand hits nearly 1m sqm

By Jenniffer B. Austria

OFFICE

process outsourcing industry, a property research firm said Monday.

A study by Leechiu Property Consultants showed that demand reached 975,000 square quarter meters, up from 540,000 sq. m. in 2021 when mobility restrictions were still in place. The government started easing border controls in the first quarter of 2022.

LPC chief executive David Leechiu said in a news briefing BPO firms accounted for bulk of the demand for office in 2022, totaling 466,000 sq. m. even as some BPO companies continued to implement hybrid work model, which allowed some employees to work from home and others on site.

The traditional office locators also registered a substantial take-up of 448,000 sq. m.

Leechiu said office take-up accelerat-

ed in the third quarter after political and other uncertainties were resolved following the May presidential elections.

“Up to mid-2022, it was difficult to visualize year-end demand hitting close to the 1-million-sq. m. mark,” Leechiu said. “The results have exceeded expectations, but we can’t put our guard down just yet.”

Leechiu said he expected the strong demand to continue in 2023.

Data showed of the total 2022 office demand, Metro Manila accounted for 724,000 sq. m. or around 74 percent, with Bonifacio Global City taking up 232,000 sq. m. and Makati, 198,000 sq. m.

Outside Metro Manila, Cebu City was the preferred location, taking up

92,000 sq. m., followed by Davao at 50,000 sq. m. and Clark at 49,000 sq. m.

The sustained demand for office space was tempered by significant vacancies in some business districts and additional supply that would come from buildings that are about to be completed in 2023.

Office vacancy rate across Metro Manila was at 18 percent, with Makati having the highest level at 572,000 sq. m.

LPC director for commercial leasing Mikko Barranda said the IT-BPM sector remained the largest Philippine employer, as the industry hired an additional 265,000 employees in the last three years of the pandemic. He said that in 2021 and 2022, the sector recruited 120,000 employees annually.

“We can thus expect office demand from this sector to continue growing, more so because IT-BPM industry studies estimate that 1.1 million more fulltime employees will be hired in the next six years. This could mean, at the least, an additional annual 476,000 sq. m. of office space requirement up to 2028,” Barranda said.

Honda PH seeks incentives for motorcycle production

MOTORCYCLE manufacturer Honda Philippines Inc. is applying for incentives under Tier 1 of the Strategic Investments Priorities Plan for a planned capacity expansion of its plant in Tanauan, Batangas that will raise annual output by 442,000 units.

HPI said in its petition before the Board of Investments it is qualified to receive incentives under “all qualified manufacturing activities including processing” segment of Tier 1 under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises law.

Data showed that the local motoring industry sold 1.43 million units in 2021, up 19 percent from 1.2 million units in 2020. Production also increased 19 percent to 867,453 units in 2021 from 655,440 units in 2020.

The industry continued to be dominated by Japanese manufacturers led by HPI, Kawasaki Motor Phils. Corp., Suzuki Phils. Inc. and Yamaha Motor Phils. Inc. Many motorcycle assemblers are carrying Chinese brands such as Sinski, Lifan, Skygo, Shineray, Loncin, Zongshen and others. Othel V. Campos

MPIC earns six recognitions at Asian Excellence Awards

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. earned six coveted recognitions for corporate governance, investor relations and corporate social responsibility at the 12th Asian Excellence Awards 2022 of Corporate Governance Asia.

These included Asia’s Best CEO (Investor Relations) for Manuel Pangilinan, Asia’s Best CFO (Investor Relations) for Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Best Investors Relations Professional for MPIC vice president for investor relations Maricris Aldover-Ysmael, Best Investor Relations Company (Philippines), Best Environmental Responsibility and Asia’s Best CSR.

Moving forward into the new normal, MPIC remained unwavering in fulfilling its purpose of service continuity for the benefit of all stakeholders, primarily its employees, investors, beneficiary communities and ultimately, the environment. The corporation’s contribution to reigniting Asia in a post-pandemic economy was to fulfill the role of a dependable government partner towards national development and to work hand-in-hand with them to serve the interests of the Filipino people.

“MPIC was established with the goal of achieving synthesis between global governance standards and Asian values and practices. We regard this award as a responsibility to set a higher standard for here in the Philippines, as well as in Asia,” said Pangilinan, MPIC chairman, president and chief executive.

Ex-Ombudsman official backs former DICT exec

FORMER Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Victor Fernandez expressed support for recently-resigned Department of Information and Communication Technology Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, whom he described as a “big loss to the public sector”.

Fernandez, chairman of the Sigma Rho Council, a University of the Philippines-based fraternity, said Salazar’s exit from the government service “means there will be one man of talent and integrity less in the ranks of our public servants”.

Salazar was undersecretary for policy and legal affairs of the DICT until his resignation on Nov. 30. He is a member of the Sigma Rho. In his irrevocable letter of resignation submitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Salazar cited the need of his spouse for his presence in the face of the latter’s health condition.

“I saw him transform from a young lawyer in the late 1990s to become one of the most respected and influential pillars of the legal profession in our country,” Fernandez said.

“He is a remarkable conciliator and a stand-out consensus builder, a role he fulfilled in domestic and international affairs and in whatever sector or organization he is called to serve,” Fernandez said.

Meralco issues notice of claim vs SMC power unit

By Julito G. Rada

NET inflows of foreign direct investments fell 10 percent in the first three quarters to $6.7 billion from $7.5 billion a year ago amid the uncertain global trade and financial markets environment, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.

“FDI remained subdued amid lingering concerns on global economic slowdown, higher inflation, and the depreciation of the peso,” the BSP said in a statement.

It said FDI net inflows amounted to $626 million in September, or 7.9 percent lower than $680 million registered in the same month last year.

“The decline in FDI net inflows reflected the decrease in non-residents’ net investments in debt instruments, which more than offset the growth in their net equity capital placements,”

the BSP said.

It said the bulk of the equity capital placements in September came from Singapore, Japan and the United States. These were directed mostly to financial and insurance, manufacturing and real estate industries.

The BSP reduced the FDI projection this year to a net inflow of $8.5 billion from the previous estimate of $10.5 billion, taking into account the uncertain global trade environment. These headwinds included the more subdued global growth projection, higher inflation, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.

FDIs posted a record $12.4-billion net inflow in 2021, breaching the previous record high of $10.3 billion in 2017.

The BSP statistics on FDI are compiled based on the Balance of Payments and International Investment

Position Manual, 6th Edition. FDIs include investment by a non-resident direct investor in a resident enterprise, whose equity capital in the latter is at least 10 percent and investment made by a non-resident subsidiary/associate in its resident direct investor.

FDIs come in the forms of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings and borrowings.

The BSP FDI statistics are distinct from the investment data of other government sources. BSP FDIs cover actual investment inflows. By contrast, the approved foreign investments data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority are sourced from investment promotion agencies such as the Board of Investments, Philippine Economic Zone Authority and others and represent investment commitments, which may not necessarily be realized fully, in a given period.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. said Monday it issued a notice of claim against San Miguel Corp.’s South Premiere Power Corp. to cover the additional costs it incurred as a result of the 60-day temporary restraining order on their 2019 power supply agreement.

The Court of Appeals issued a notice of resolution and a TRO enjoining the Energy Regulatory Commission and Meralco from implementing the ERC order denying the joint petition filed by SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. subsidiary SPPC and Meralco for temporary relief.

SPPC then announced that it would cease to supply Meralco the 670-megawatt capacity under the PSA starting Dec. 7.

Meralco was forced to source the contract capacity from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the trading floor of electricity.

PAG-IBIG Fund netted a record-high income of P38.06 billion in the first 10 months, top executives said Monday.

“I am happy to report that Pag-IBIG Fund continues its strong performance this year. Our P38.06 billion net income in just the first ten months of the year has already surpassed the P34.73 billion we posted in all of 2021,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development who serves as chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

“Our performance shows how excellently we are managing the funds that our members have saved with us. This places us in a strong position to continue providing social services and help more Filipinos gain better lives, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” said Acuzar.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said the agency’s total assets reached P810.07 billion, up by nearly 10 percent or P65.49 billion from the end-2021 level.

Acosta said with still two months left before the year ends, the agency’s accomplishments as of October showed it would have its best-performing year yet.

“We thank our members and stakeholders for their unwavering trust and support, which has allowed us to gain another banner year. From our accredited developers in building and delivering quality housing projects and accounts, to the business community for the timely remittance of their employees’ monthly savings and loan payments, to our members who continue to save more with us and choose our loan programs, and to our borrowers for their prompt payment on their loans,” Acosta said.

“Meralco hereby gives notice of its continuing claim against SPPC for the price difference between the WESM price and contract price under the PSA, to which Meralco would be exposed during the effectivity of the TRO or writ of Injunction if any is issued, in addition to all applicable fines, penalties and liquidated damages under the PSA in the event that the Court of Appeals eventually resolves the main case denying the Petition for Certiorari and/ or claim of SPPC,” Meralco said in its Dec. 12 letter to SPPC.

Meralco asked SPPC to pay the price difference between the contract price and the WESM price. The power retailer has yet to divulge the amount it is claiming from SPPC.

Meralco’s contract price with SPPC was priced at P4.30 per kWh, while WESM supply averaged P8 to P8.50 per kWh.

ERC last week estimated the price impact of Meralco securing supply from the WESM at about P0.30 to P0.40 per KWh, or an average of P80 for those consuming 200 kilowatthours a month.

Pag-IBIG’s net income increased 39% to more than P38b in first ten months

NEXT GENERATION. BDO Unibank Inc. supports the collaboration between Philippine Business Education and Amazon Web Services by providing on-the-job training on cloud-related services to participating unemployed and out-of-school youth across the country through YouthWorks Ph and AWS re/Start. Shown are (from left) BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan, US Embassy in the Philippines chargé d’affaires Heather Variava, PBEd executive director Love Basillote, AWS Philippines country head Stephen Thomas Misa, USAID/Philippines Mission director Ryan Washburn and LaunchGarage chief operating officer Jojo Flores.

DBP LOAN. State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines grants a P152.1million credit assistance to Batangas Transport Cooperative for the acquisition of 85 modern public utility ueepney units. Attending the blessing of the DBP-financed PUJs of BATRASCO are (from left) Ronald Fabrea of Forland Philippines-The Legacy Trucks & Tractors Inc.; Engr. Marlon Manalo of LGU Lipa, BATRASCO chairman Emmanuel Ada, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board Region IV-A regional director Renwick Rutaquio, BATRASCO general manager Romeo Macailao, Col. Aniceto Malapitan of the provincial government of Batangas, Mataas Na Kahoy Mayor Janet Ilagan, Land Transportation Office assistant regional director April Casabuena, Cooperative Development Authority regional director Giovanni Platero, Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office Department head Cecilia Atienza, DBP senior assistant vice president Violeta Dela Torre and Office of the Transport Cooperative representative Cresenciana Galvez.

NBA superstars coming to PH for FIBA World Cup

MIES (Switzerland)

—The three hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 have selected preferred teams to play the Group Phase in their respective countries, with the Philippines selecting Team USA.

This means, an American team of superstars, which may likely include Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics, Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets, will be Philippine bound in the World Cup slated from August 25 to September 10, 2023.

FIBA’s Central Board has also confirmed, after consultation with the host nations, that Slovenia, led by Dallas Mavericks’ superstar Luka Doncic, will travel to Japan, while Canada, most likely to be led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

By Peter Atencio

of the Oklahoma Thunder and RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks, will land in Indonesia.

Both Slovenia and Canada have qualified for the World Cup, while USA is in a good position to clinch a berth in the tournament field in the last Window of the Qualifiers.

Each host could select a preferred team based on commercial reasons, as their choice will have no impact on the integrity of the event or the draw process.

As was the case at the FIBA Basketball

World Cup 2019 with China, the Philippines, as tournament host for the Group Phase and Final phase, will be placed in Pot 1 for the draw.

They will be joined in Pot 1 by the best-ranked teams in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike after the last qualifying window to be played in February 2023.

For that reason, USA and Philippines will be placed in two different groups of the four that will take place in the Philippines.

Japan has chosen the No. 7 team, Slovenia. Japan and Slovenia will play their Group Phase in Okinawa, where two groups will be played.

Canada will play in Jakarta, Indonesia, with two of the 8 top teams of the FIBA World Ranking Men joining them in the two groups in Indonesia.

The complete FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw Principles will be defined after window six of the qualifiers in February is complete and once all 32 qualified teams are known.

Napoles carries Cavitex to 3x3 crown

JOREY Napoles rallied Cavitex to a thrilling 21-20 victory over TNT to finish its six-leg campaign in the PBA 3x3 Second Conference Season 2 on a high note Sunday.

Napoles scored the Braves’ last four points including the corner deuce off Almond Vosotros to cap a mighty comeback and clinch for the team its first back-to-back leg championship.

The former Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 member raised his index finger and waved to the crowd watching at the Robinsons Place Antipolo Extension shortly after draining the game winner for the P100,000 prize money.

The come-from-behind win gave the Braves, who trailed by as many as 12-6 midway in the championship game, a huge momentum going to the conference grand finals slated on Saturday at the Robinsons Town Hall in Malabon.

It likewise avenged Cavitex’s loss to TNT during the Leg 3 finals.

Napoles finished with nine points and eight rebounds, while the trio of Bong Galanza, Dominick Fajardo, and Chester Saldua each had four points in a complete team effort for the boys of coach Emman Monfort.

“Laro lang kami. Alam namin lamang sila, pero hindi kami gumi-give up,” said Napoles afterwards.

“Hindi pa kami nananalo sa kanila. Ngayon, naka-upset. Bawing-bawi, at back-to-back pa,” Fajardo added.

The loss was worth P50,000 for the Tropang Giga of coach Mau Belen, who were led by Vosotros with 12 points, while Samboy De Leon added seven.

Vosotros moved TNT on the hill, 20-17, after a split of his two foul shots, but Napoles was quick to retaliate with a deuce that made it a one-posession game.

And when the Tropang Giga went for the clincher, Napoles saved the day for Cavitex, blocking the potential game winner of Vosotros to force a turnover, and pave the way for his title-clinching basket.

In the battle for third place, Platinum Karaoke had another podium finish following a 17-13 victory over J&T Express.

The team of coach Anton Altamirano bagged P30,000 this time after winning the title in Leg 4 and finishing runner up to Cavitex in last week’s Leg 5. TNT and Cavitex arranged their rematch after disposing their respective semifinal opponents.

The Braves turned back J&T Express, 15-8, while the Tropang Giga, who missed out on the playoffs the previous leg, edged Platinum Karaoke in a lowscoring game, 11-8.

THE Philippine national women’s football team is grabbing every opportunity to gain experience by playing against higher-ranked teams.

National coach Alen Stajcic said this after Carleigh Frilles struck in each half as the no. 53 Philippines trounced Papua New Guinea, 5-1, in the first of their two friendly matches last Sunday night at the Western Sydney Wanderers Park.

“Good opportunity to play a game where we could dominate possession again and give some more players critical game time,” said Stajcic of the game vs the no. 51-ranked team.

Frilles

Tahnai Annis doubled the advantage at 2-0 nine minutes in the 39th minute, off Kaya Hawkinson’s through ball. They were in control from there.

“Even though we were a bit rusty and clunky at times, there were some really good moments, too. Looking forward to building for the next game on Thursday,” said Stajcic.

The Filipinas will be based in Auckland, New Zealand for the FIFA Women’s World Cup after Team

It

TBCs

FIFA confirmed that the Filipinas will have Olympic Park as training site and the Movenpick Hotel Auckland as their official TBC hotel in their first-ever participation in the tournament.

Senators OK Brownlee’s naturalization

By Joel E. Zurbano

LAWMAKERS on Monday gave the nod to the naturalization of Barangay Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee.

Senator Sonny Angara said the naturalization of Brownlee will beef up the roster of Gilas Pilipinas during the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in February, while providing even more excitement to Filipino fans.

As the author of one of the bills that sought for the naturalization of Brownlee, Angara said the addition of Brownlee to the Philippine men’s national basketball team will provide further depth and firepower when it goes up against Lebanon and Jordan in February at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“We would like to express our gratitude to our colleagues here in the Senate and the House of Representatives who gave their full support to the naturaliza-

tion of Brownlee. After several years of playing as an import in the PBA, Brownlee has now deemed the Philippines as his second home and has demonstrated a strong desire to contribute to the country as a future player of our Gilas Pilipinas squad,” said Angara, who also chairs the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

The naturalization bills were filed by Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Bong Go, Angara and Joel Villanueva, and were taken up in the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, headed by Senator Francis Tolentino.

In the House of Representatives, the bills were filed by Reps. Mikee Romero and Gus Tambunting. SBP Vice Chairman Robbie Puno was among the coauthors of the bill.

The Senate approved House Bill 6224, without amendments, paving the way for the transmittal of the measure to the President for signing.

Brownlee joins Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson and 6’11” Ateneo Blue Eagles standout Ange Kouame as the current naturalized players, who are eligible to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup and for future tournaments.

With five PBA titles and two best import plums, Brownlee is now considered among the all-time greatest imports of the Philippine Basketball Association. Brownlee is expected to fill in for Clarkson whenever the latter is not available because of his commitments to the Jazz in the National Basketball Association.

“With Brownlee as part of Gilas, we will be able to maintain the momentum going into the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers this February. Things are definitely looking up for Philippine basketball and with the right amount support, our resurgence in the world hoops stage could definitely become a reality sooner than later,” Angara said.

POC hails NAMSSA head’s FIM appointment

THE Philippine Olympic Committee hailed the election of Stephen Macky Carapiet as Asia’s sole representative to the executive board of the FIM— the global governing and sanctioning body for motorcycle racing.

The FIM, or the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (International Motorcycle Federation), held its general assembly on December 2 in Rimini, Italy, where Carapiet was elected to the sensitive post.

“The POC congratulates Mr. Carapiet for his election in the world governing body for motorcycling,” Tolentino said. “This is proof of the integrity and capability of Filipino sportsmen and sportswomen on the global stage.

Carapiet is the head of the National Motorcycle Sports Safety Association or NAMSSA—the national sports association for motorcycle racing—and a re-electionist president of FIM Asia, which has as members 28 countries.

The NAMSSA is an recognized member of the POC.

Carapiet was also named to the fourmember of the FIM-FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) joint committee which will facilitate joint projects and initiatives on themes including safety, sustainability, medical and women.

As such, Carapiet is in the top four in the FIM’s governance. He was also appointed to the membership and affiliation committees and other working groups for the next four years

raised her international goal tally to 10 with a neat left-footed finish inside the box after Jessika Cowart intercepted Papua New Guinea goalie Betty Sam’s weak goal kick in the 29th minute.

Base Camps were confirmed by FIFA on Monday. They will play their first two matches in Dunedin and Wellington, respectively.

Their base camp will be in Auckland, where they will play their last match of the group stage.

marks the first time that the FIFA Women’s World Cup participants have a dedicated TBC.

are considered as “home away from home” for teams and includes a training site and accommodation.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor

Randy M. Caluag, Assistant

3X3 CHAMPION. Cavitex players goof around after winning the PBA 3x3 Second Conference Season 2 on Sunday. Jorey Napoles rallied Cavitex to a thrilling 2120 victory over TNT to finish its six-leg campaign in the PBA 3x3 Second Conference Season 2 on a high note with a second straight crown on Sunday.

Justin Brownlee

Ja Morant

Devin Booker

Jayson Tatum

Griner dunks in 1st cage workout in 10 months

WASHINGTON—American basketball star Brittney Griner picked up a basketball for the first time in 10 months on Sunday and began her first workout with a dunk, her agent told ESPN.

Women’s NBA star Griner conducted a light workout at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, Lindsay Kagawa Colas told the US sports telecaster.

Griner was taken to the US Army base for a medical checkup on Friday after being released from a Russian prison in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death.”

Griner, who was arrested in Russia in February on drug charges, arrived overnight from Abu Dhabi, where the prisoner swap took place, and has not made any public statements.

Colas said Griner’s workout should not be taken as a sign that the 32-year-old Olympic and WNBA champion has made a decision about whether or not to resume her career with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.

“If she wants to play, it will be for her to share,” Colas said. “She has the holidays to rest and decide what’s next without any pressure,” she added.

“She’s doing really, really well. She seems to have endured this in pretty incredible ways.”

Colas said Griner is likely to issue a statement this week and has no immediate plans to leave the base, where she and her wife, Cherelle, have been staying in a hotel.

“There’s no timeline on her return at this point,” Colas said. “She’s reintegrating into a world that has changed for her now.

“From a pure security standpoint, she’s not going to be able to move in the world the way she did. It’s not a fate that she asked for, but I think she’s going to try to utilize her fame for good.”

Griner received a haircut on Sunday to style her hair after a drastic trim two weeks earlier when she expected a longer stint in Russian custody, Colas added. AFP

World Cup semis battle: Messi or Modric magic?

DOHA—Croatia and Argentina face each other on Tuesday at the Lusail Stadium with a place in the World Cup final at stake.

AFP Sport looks at some of the keys to the game.

Messi or Modric magic?

The late-career evolution of Lionel Messi into a clever creator operating behind the front line has intensified at this World Cup.

He illustrated just how effective he can be with his superb defence-splitting pass to set up the opening goal in the quarter-final against the Netherlands.

Croatia are unlikely to put a specific man-marker on Messi, relying on what has been a solid defence and one of the best midfields in the tournament to gain the upper hand.

Marcelo Brozovic occupies the deepest defensive role in the Croat midfield trio and is likely to have the most work to do in nullifying Messi, 35, but Mateo Kovacic put in a strong defensive shift against Brazil and is likely to be asked for a repeat performance.

With the ball, Croatia have their own diminutive veteran maestro in 37-yearold Luka Modric, whose ability to dictate the tempo, maintain possession and take his team forward into dangerous areas is fundamental for his country’s hopes of reaching successive World Cup finals.

Croat resilience or tiredness?

Just as four years ago in Russia, where Croatia won every knockout round game after extra-time—twice on penalties—before the final, Zlatko Dalic’s team have shown a remarkable ability to grind out results beyond the 90 minutes.

Croatia conceded the first goal against both Japan and Brazil but came back to force the game into penalties and win.

Will that impressive mental strength prove to be decisive again or will those extended battles take a toll physically?

It will help Croatia that Argentina also had to go to penalties in their emotionally draining quarter-final win over the Netherlands and a crucial factor on Tuesday will be which team finds themselves fresher for the task.

Argentina’s 12th man

If there is one area in which Argentina can count on a clear advantage it is in the stands, where more than 40,000 Argentine supporters vocally backed their team at the Lusail Stadium against the Dutch.

The atmosphere was such that the last-eight clash was turned into a de

facto home game for Argentina, with only a smattering of fans in orange in the stadium, which has a capacity of nearly 89,000.

It will almost certainly be the same story, at the same stadium, on Tuesday, with Croatia’s much smaller group of followers drowned out by the songs and chants of the Argentine faithful.

Will that impact the game? Almost certainly. Plenty of studies have shown that playing in front of a supportive crowd does impact performance in a positive way.

A striking chance?

With Messi in a deeper role, Argentina find themselves in the unusual position of not having an established world-class forward and that is also the case for Croatia.

Dalic started the semi-final against Brazil with Andrej Kramaric at centre-forward before Bruno Petkovic replaced him and went on to score the crucial equaliser.

Against the Dutch, Argentina started Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez as their main striker with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez coming on for him and causing plenty of trouble in extra-time.

It will be interesting to see if either of those subs are given a start in the semi-final or whether they will again be asked to make an impact from the bench. AFP

Inspired by Morocco run, Laklalech nails LPGA berth

WASHINGTON—Inspired by her homeland’s historic run at the World Cup, Moroccan golfer Ines Laklalech earned a place on the 2023 LPGA Tour after an eight-round qualifying tournament ended Sunday.

Laklalech fired a one-over par 73 in Sunday’s final round at Highland Oaks in Dothan, Alabama, to finish on 19-under par 555 and share 12th place.

Despite closing with her worst round of the event, her total meant the 25-year-old from Casablanca was among those who claimed berths on next year’s LPGA Tour.

Laklalech fired her low round of the event, a 6-under 66, on Saturday as her beloved Atlas Lions, the Morocco national team, became the first African and Arab team to advance to the World Cup semifinals by upsetting Portugal 1-0 in Qatar.

“I’m a big fan of the Moroccan national team so I’m super, super happy,” Laklalech said. “It definitely gave me an extra boost (Saturday) on the course.”

Morocco World Cup coach Walid Regragui’s comments about his squad made an impression with Laklalech during her own breakthrough quest.

“I’ve been watching very closely what the national coach is saying about the team because it’s history,” she said. “And his words really gave me confidence that everything is possible because that’s their mindset right now.

“I think it’s all connected and related because I’ve been watching videos of the press conferences every single day.”

Laklalech won September’s Ladies Open de France on the Ladies European Tour (LET), becoming the LET’s first Moroccan and Arab winner. She also had four other top-10 finishes on the LET this season.

Back-to-back competition, ice show exhibit Filipino talent on ice

THE Philippines may be a tropical country, but Filipinos have shown that they can excel international figure skating. Athletes like Michael Christian Martinez, recognized as the first southeast Asian figure skater to make it to the Winter Olympics, then held in Sochi, Russia back in 2014, and then most recently, 16-year-old Sofia Frank and the pair of Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin, are just some of the few names hogging the sports headlines.

Thankfully, this December, you could get the chance to come and watch homegrown elite athletes sparkle and shine on ice!

Organized by the Philippine Skating

Jordan Brand expands Wings Scholars Program to the Philippines

JORDAN Brand Wings Scholars Program, the brand’s community impact platform that provides education opportunities for youth who need it most around the globe, has brought the full-board college scholarship grants to the Philippines.

Six high school graduates will receive four-year scholarships to Ateneo de Manila University and pursue the course of their choice. Jordan Brand partnered with children’s rights organization Bahay Tuluyan to identify the six young students who are now part of the global community of Wings Scholars pursuing their dreams of excelling in life through quality higher education.

In partnership with Bahay Tuluyan, each Wings Scholar will also receive skills training, career guidance and mentorship throughout their 4-year tenure at the university.

“Showing up for basketball culture is core to our purpose at Jordan Brand,” says

Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President.

“And when you think about the community in Manila who shows so much love for the game, it only makes sense that we would bring Jordan Wings to them, to extend this spirit of excellence.”

Kiefer Ravena, Ateneo alumni and Jordan Brand’s first Filipino athlete who currently plays in the B. League, Japan’s men’s professional basketball league, welcomed the six scholars to the Jordan Family. “Ateneo de Manila University instills in its students a spirit of excellence through education and a commitment to give back to the community – a value which now connects the six scholars with the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program’s own purpose.

With the power of these two organizations behind them, the path for these scholars is bright and I wish them every success in their future,” Kiefer says.

So far, the Wings Scholars program has

been launched in the United States, China and France. The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to join the global initiative which has funded more than 2,886 students since 2015.

Meet the Wings Scholars from the Philippines, Class of 2026.

Sports-minded Jürgen San Agustin from Ateneo de Zamboanga will pursue a BS in Management Information Systems, specializing in analytics. He desires to be an NBA analyst one day. Lean Villar, a volleyball enthusiast, wants to become a clinical psychologist to promote mental health & wellbeing and will major in psychology.

Czarina Leviste will take up a BA Health Sciences degree with an aim to provide free health services to more people in the future. Harriet De Leon who has been exposed to special education through her parents, will major in political science and aspires to open doors to education for all kids one day.

Union, the annual Philippine National Figure Skating Championships kicks off on December 19 and 20 at the SM Megamall Ice Skating Rink.

The said event determines not just the national champions of the country but also gives the participating athletes the opportunity to skate their personal best score.

If you’re feeling the holiday season, then cozy up! On the eve of the 21st of December will be the country’s first Christmas ice show, Carols on Ice, organised in partnership with SM Skating that aims to raise funds to support skating in the Philippines. Held at

the SM Mall of Asia Skating Rink, not will you only get the chance to watch the coolest exhibition this year, but also meet and greet our performers, such as Sparkle GMA celebrity skaters Ashley Ortega and Skye Chua, and our Olympian himself, Martinez.

With Milo Philippines as part of the helm, both events hope to create more awareness on the presence of the sport.

As a matter of fact, many homegrown skaters’ humble beginnings were uprooted from Milo’s Sports Clinics!

Support the cause and book your Carols on Ice tickets today at Ticket2Me: https://ticket2me.net/e/36073

Croatia’s mid elder Luka Modric (left) and Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi will be on the spotlight as their countries collide in the Qatar 2022 World on Wednesday. AFP

Ines Laklalech (left) of Morocco and LPGA Tour Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan AFP

Meet the Wings Scholars from the Philippines, Class of 2026.

HANNAH ARNOLD

Fit for Miss International crown

alluding to her experience waiting to compete which she would want to share as an inspiring message with her fans.

BEAUTY queen Hannah Arnold is currently in Tokyo, Japan competing at the 60th edition of Miss International. She is vying for the seventh Miss International crown for the country today at the Tokyo Dome City Hall.

The previous Filipina beauty queens who won the Miss International crown were Gemma Cruz Araneta in 1964, Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016). Before flying to Tokyo, the 26-year-old Filipino-Australian sat

Entertainment for an exclusive interview and spoke about her journey to the crown. She expressed her being excited and emotional at the same time because “it’s two weeks of competition which is crazy to think that all the years of preparation wrapped up into that short amount of time.”

Hannah has been to Japan before that’s why she was excited to be back and meet the other delegates.

“We have a group chat, we’ve been talking a lot. So I know it’s going to be a great experience,” the statuesque beauty said noting that she has already built a close connection with Miss New Zealand and Miss Spain because they share the same passion for food.

Hannah is one of the Binibining Pilipinas winners who had waited a longer time to compete. She won the Binibining Pilipinas International title in July 2021.

“It’s been a year and a half. I started with my preparations but suddenly they announced that Miss International was postponed so I kind of stopped with my physical training but I kept on researching and tried to imagine myself there in the competition,” she recalled.

“The stars shine their brightest in the dark, so for all my supporters who are feeling a little lost or that their plans are being delayed, I’d like them to take this time to go refresh because they’ll come out even stronger and brighter,” she said

Hannah has been taking part in various advocacy projects. As an advocate of science and education. She’s an ambassador of the Department of Science and Technology. During her reign as Binibining Pilipinas International, she helped provide reading and writing materials to children in far-flung towns in the country. She is an HIV awareness advocate and a long-time partner of LoveYourself PH, a community of volunteers that provides free HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and life coaching.

“So, when I say my training was kind of different, it means I didn’t just focus on the pasarela and hair and makeup. I also focused on the advocacy side.

“I used to do ballet for ten years. Every time I’m onstage and I would see their faces, my mom, my dad, and my ate , that would make

Lights and we said okay, next year let’s go visit it,” she said. “I know I’m going to walk away with some of the most unique and memorable experiences. With or without the crown I’m still going to advocate, and try to be that voice, and I know that I’m going to have a big following still so I need to maintain that I’m using my voice for wellmeaning causes,” she ended.

Globes to unveil nominations as awards eye comeback

attend the awards if he is nominated.

I’m very lucky. I think that I was able to immerse myself and enjoy the advocacy part,” she said.

When Bea Santiago won the Miss International crown in 2013, Hannah admitted that she became an instant fan and started seeing herself on the pageant stage.

“Bea is also from Masbate. She inspired me to join pageants. I got curious about what pageant candidates do,” she said adding that Pia Wurtzbach is also one of the beauty queens in the country that she looks up to.

“Pia is always so kind to me and she always gives me inspiring messages. I hope I can be like her one day.”

In her pageant journey, apart from her fans, she considers her family as her biggest cheerleader.

me so excited, so knowing that they would always be there that’s a big morale boost. Even from the distance, they’re really cheering me on,” she enthused.

Coming out of the pageant, Hannah believes that it’s going to be a unique and wonderful journey for her. Building long-lasting friendships and learning about other cultures are two of the main things that she would want to have as takeaways from the prestigious beauty competition.

“Walking away from the competition, I know that I’m going to have so many sisters from around the world. As early as now we’re talking about visiting the Philippines, then we’re planning to go to another country next. One of our sisters sent a picture of the Northern

Eraserheads’ ‘Huling El Bimbo’ concert on Smart LiveStream

THERE’S no more reason to miss this year’s most anticipated concert as mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) announced that it will offer live pay-per-view access to E raserheads 's Huling El Bimbo Concert 2022 via the all-new Smart LiveStream App.

For only P650, fans can stream the iconic OPM rock band’s concert as they dish out their generation-defining hits like “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “Minsan,” “Magasin,” “Spoliarium,” and more.

The concert will be held on De-

cember 22 at 8:30 p.m. at the SMDC Festival Grounds in Parañaque City. For Smart subscribers who were not able to secure tickets early on, the concert will be made available via the Smart LiveStream app, formerly known as GigaPlay.

This pay-per-view comes on the heels of the launch of Smart Live, which gives Smart subscribers first dibs access to perks in the country’s most epic happenings—from concerts, sports events, and more.

As part of Smart Live, Smart subscribers also enjoyed a special 10 percent discount on Eraserheads' Huling

El Bimbo Concert tickets last November. Smart also raffled off concert tickets exclusive to subscribers.

Fans can now avail of the live pay-per-view access at smart.com. ph/livestream.

Subscribers can pay by charging it to their postpaid bill, prepaid load, or credit card. The live pay-perview will allow users to livestream the full concert.

BOYCOTTED by A-listers and studios last year, the Golden Globes will attempt to rebuild its reputation as one of Hollywood’s top award shows with organizers unveiling this year’s nominees on Monday.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which organizes the film and television awards, has scrambled to reform itself since long-harbored criticisms of the group’s practices went public in early 2021.

Tinseltown completely distanced itself from the Globes last January over voters’ lack of diversity, alleged corruption, and lack of professionalism, and the show took place behind closed doors.

But broadcaster NBC has gambled that it is time to bring back the glitzy gala, which will take place in Beverly Hills on January 10.

Tinseltown is waiting to see which stars will show up. Much of that will depend on who is nominated.

Tom Cruise and Brendan Fraser are both seen as strong contenders this awards season for their lead roles in Top Gun: Maverick and The Whale, respectively.

But Cruise last year returned his three Golden Globes to the HFPA in protest at its behavior, and Fraser has said he will not

“It’s because of the history that I have with them. And my mother didn’t raise a hypocrite,” Fraser told GQ last month.

Fraser has alleged that a former HFPA president, Philip Berk, sexually assaulted him at an industry event in 2003. Berk denies the incident, and has since been expelled from the group for calling Black Lives Matter a “racist hate movement.”

In response to last year’s controversy, HFPA expanded its voting body to include people with more diverse backgrounds, banned members from accepting gifts, and halted its in-person press conferences with stars, which were often derided for the improper behavior of some members.

“This is really not the old HFPA anymore,” president Helen Hoehne recently told The Hollywood Reporter

Still, powerful Hollywood publicists remain divided over the Globes, with some expressing skepticism about the reforms –and a reluctance to return to the event with their stars.

A plan by US billionaire Todd Boehly to spin off the awards show into a for-profit entity and pay salaries to members has raised eyebrows. AFP

Download the Smart LiveStream App Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Smart LiveStream App features epic live content optimized to stream seamlessly on the country’s leading wireless provider, transforming your mobile phone into a virtual concert and sports arena.

The video streaming app showcases top sports (FIBA, NBA, Gilas, UAAP, PVL) and premium music events.

The app is open to all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, Smart Bro, Smart Infinity, and TNT subscribers, who only need mobile data to access all exclusive content and experience high-quality videos, anytime and anywhere.

To make the most of the Smart LiveStream App, subscribers may register to Power All 99, which comes with 8 GB for all sites and apps, Unli TikTok, and Unli Texts to All Networks valid for 7 days for only P99.

Learn more about Smart LiveStream App at smart.com.ph/ Pages/livestream.

Hannah Arnold is vying for the seventh Miss International crown for the country

The statuesque Hannah (center) with candidates from Laos and Hong Kong

Hannah has several advocacies as a beauty queen, including science and education

Hannah has several advocacies as a beauty queen, including science and education

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Wear your love for BTS’ music loud and proud

IT IS almost as if our holiday wishes were collectively heard, the perfect treat for us who love BTS’ music just landed: the Penshoppe BTS Music Theme Collection, a special collection that bears charming designs featuring BTS music-themed graphics. These licensed products feature “DNA,” “IDOL,” “Boy With Luv (Feat. Halsey),” and “Dynamite.”

The Penshoppe BTS Music Theme Collection includes a selection of funky, preppy, and fun clothing, accessories, as well as footwear. For lovers of sweaters and hoodies, find your perfect fit for when you want to feel cozy. On days when you just want to be casual and comfortable, there are cute shirts and shorts plus adorable footwear to match your outfit of the day.

Give in and treat yourself to these well-deserved closet additions. The pieces are so appealing and comfy that you might just scream “Boy With Luv” upon putting them on. Wear the music of your “IDOL” with pride. Your “DNA” knows that this is a collection you will totally love. Holiday is the season to be extra, so, let love explode like a “Dynamite” and share the happiness with people you care about. These items from the Penshoppe BTS Music Theme Collection are guaranteed to make you and all your friends sing and dance with joy.

Tablescape for the holidays

APERFECT weekday afternoon with an event that extended to early evening was what chemist Pinky Tobiano’s latest tablescaping, Tablelove by Pinky, displayed for everyone who attended.

Guests who quadrupled in non-pandemic numbers from her previous events trooped to the venue and didn’t mind standing sideby-side in Pinky’s latest lifestyle venture.

The Christmas-themed table, undeniably the centerpiece of the venue at Rustan’s Home section, dazzled and impressed guests who graced the event. The tablescape is ideal for entertaining family and friends at home over lunch and dinner this holiday season.

The Queen of Tablescaping curated the items for her table from the wide range of things available for home at Rustan’s. That makes any dining whatever time of the day feasible and easily workable.

In Pinky’s years of doing tablescaping, having diverse choices spark interesting and meaningful conversations with guests at the dining table any time of the day.

Bright and glittering colors highlighted the table, accessorized by pops of holiday trimmings and elegant ornaments. Beautiful and festive decors added layers of design to the holiday-ready table Santa Clause understandably stole the scene, as he was the most photographed celebrity that night.

Pinky’s family and friends loved the holiday-themed tablescape she created for them. Her guests know that tablescaping is how she expresses her love and gratitude for all of them. In Table Love by Pinky, she always loves doing tablescape ideas that impress and surprise.

Pinky’s better half, Juancho Robles, as well as her daughter, Pianne, helped entertain dozens of guests who graced the well-attended event. Her parents, July and Tessie Tobiano, were also present.

Even Rustan’s president, Nedy Tantoco, was in attendance, as well as Anton Huang Rustan’s senior vice president for support and development, and Mario Katigbak general manager of Luxury Concepts.

Guests who graced the tablescaping event included Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, Rep. Richelle Singson, Consul Helen Ong, Consul Fortune Ledesma, Tededy, Ndy Manuel, Donnie Tantoco, Mita Roman, Cat Arambulo Antonio, Connie Haw, Patch

PLDT Home subscribers are now able to enjoy exclusive deals on Fiber plans, a chance to win smart home devices, and raffle prizes of up to P5 million in cash.

PLDT Home Fiber and Asenso Fiber subscribers are in for a treat as they get to experience the fastest broadband at home while also enjoying special perks and a chance to win exciting prizes.

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Existing subscribers can earn Maya cashback, up to 1,150 Home Rewards Crystals, and up to 230 Raffle entries to the Grand Giveaway Promo where they can win P5 Million cash prize. Simply upgrade or avail of the Easy Speedboost promo to enjoy all

earning

For

Play subscription.

Subscribers can also earn four raffle entries to the PLDT Home Grand Giveaway by simply subscribing to HBO GO and Viu Premium using their PLDT Home account and registering to the PLDT Home Rewards program.

To top it off, PLDT Home will be giving away P100,000 worth of Maya credits to five winners and P5 Million cash prize to one lucky PLDT Home subscriber.

Holideals offers are available until December 31. To know more, visit pldthome. com.

THIS season, Burt’s Bees, a pioneer brand in natural personal care, has launched sustainable gift choices that are just as good for the environment as they are for your skin!

Burt’s Bees gift boxes are made from 100 percent recyclable materials. Stocking stuffers, thinking-of-you gifts, or treats for your crew, are little gifts with a big impact.

A bit of Burt’s

This gift set has everything you need for naturally beautiful hands and lips. Choose between A Bit of Burt’s Bees Beeswax, which contains the classic Original Beeswax Lip Balm and Hand Salve, both of which are enriched with 100 percent natural ingredients. If you love the delicious aroma of freshly baked shortbread, go for the A Bit of Burt’s Bees Shortbread Cookie, which carries the Limited Edition Shortbread Cookie Lip Balm and Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.

Hive favorites

Burt’s Bees Hive Favorites Holiday Gift Set contains the most-loved Burt’s Bees Milk & Honey body lotion and lip balm. The travel-size perfect moisturizing pair is Milk and Honey Body Lotion and Beeswax or Watermelon Lip Balm.

Beeswax bounty

This set features four iconic lip balms and is available in Classic, which has four Beeswax lip balms, or fruit, which contains four moisturizing lip balms in Pomegranate, Sweet Mandarin, Coconut and Pear, and Watermelon flavors.

Hand cream trio

A luxurious treat for hands, this pampering gift set includes a trio of Burt’s Bees’ beautifully scented botanical hand creams: Lavender & Honey, Wild Rose & Berry, and Watermelon & Mint. Formulated with nourishing, hardworking natural ingredients, these hand creams provide all-day moisture thanks to Shea Butter, Baobab Oil, and Pumpkin Seed Oil.

Merry melon

Give the gift of juicy watermelon this holiday season with this gift set of three Burt’s Bees favorites in Watermelon flavor: Watermelon & Mint Hand Cream, Watermelon Rush Squeezy Tinted Lip Balm, and Watermelon Lip Balm.

Squeezy trio

The ultimate treat for lips, this online exclusive set features three bestselling Squeezy Tinted Lip Balms that provide a hint of natural color and delicious fruity flavor: Berry Sorbet, Sweet Peach, and Watermelon Rush.

Lip passion

This pampering lip treatment

holiday flavors with Mint Cocoa or Salted Caramel.

Aside from these sustainable gift choices, Burt’s Bees launches its new line of facial and lip care products in the Philippines. Show your glow with Burt’s Bees’ Truly Glowing skincare range, and give your lips a sheer touch of color with the Gloss & Glow balms.

Burt’s Bees Truly Glowing collection has Hydrate & Glow complex, which is an intentional blend of proteins, humectants and oils – all things that your skin makes on its own to keep its cells plumped and hydrated. It boosts your skin’s moisture above and below the surface, cushioning it and allowing it to reflect more light and appear radiant.

The new Gloss and Glow Balms are in-themoment beauty favorites that would make the best stocking stuffers. The balms are not only loaded with wonderful hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, and mango butter; the packaging is eco-friendly with 17 percent post-consumer plastic. The Gloss and Glow Balms come in Winning in Pink, Eat Drink and be Cherry, Wine Wednesday, and Chai.

Burt’s Bees, which makes earth-friendly beauty and personal care products, has promised to reduce its plastic usage by removing the plastic windows from holiday gift sets, eliminating major plastic packaging components, using 100 percent recycled paperboard, and responsibly sourcing ingredients

Check out Burt’s Bees Holiday 2022 collection Lazada (https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.gXYR7) and Shopee (https://shopee.ph/burtsbeesofficials tore?smtt=0.63882563-1669608570.9) and find the perfect gift for your loved ones and colleagues.

Burt’s Bees’ four pillars, which have espoused conscious beauty since it was founded in 1984, uphold ingredients from nature, responsible sourcing, recyclable packaging, and no animal testing. Burt’s Bees uses 52 percent post-consumer recycled plastics in its packaging as part of its sustainability efforts.

Keep your holiday stress in check and make sure you have a stash of Burt’s Bees gifts at home for parties and guests. You can’t go wrong with a Burt’s Bees gift.

Aside from Lazada and Shopee, you can find Burt’s Bees at all Beauty Bar branches. The Holiday Gift Set and Truly Glowing Set will be available online and in any official retail store. In addition, get great deals at the Burt’s Bees pop-up stores until December 23 at the following malls; Central Square, BGC, Greenbelt 5, Makati, Eastwood, Ortigas and Alabang Town Center, and Trinoma.

For more information, like @burtbeesph on Facebook and follow @burtsbeesph on Instagram.

these. They also get automatic raffle entry to the Holideals Raffle where smart home packages are up for grabs including eufy Smart Lock, eufy Video Doorbell, TP Link x 20 Mesh system, Samsung Freestyle Projector, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop, and Smart Air Purifier.

PLDT Home subscribers also get to enjoy their favorite shows and movies on Lionsgate Play, HBO GO, and Viu Premium, while also

entries to the Holideals giveaway.

Lionsgate Play, subscribers just need to activate their complimentary Lionsgate Play voucher until December 31 to earn a raffle entry for a chance to win an exciting entertainment hub, which includes an LG 65” OLED TV, Xiaomi Stick, and 1-year free Lionsgate

Show your support for BTS with their new collection made in collaboration with Penshoppe

The Penshoppe BTS Music Theme Collection bears charming designs featuring BTS music-themed graphics

The special collection is available online at www.penshoppe.com and in select Penshoppe stores nationwide. To make sure you get the first dibs on these special collections, try Penshoppe’s ‘Shop Online, Pick-up in Store’ option where you can simply make your orders online and pick up the items at any participating branch of your choice. Check out the latest at Penshoppe, visit http://bit.ly/PenshoppeBTSMTC_MS

From left: Representative Richelle Singson-Michael, Patch Savellano-Singson, Governor Chavit Singson, Juancho Robles, Pianne Tobiano Sinfuego, Nedy Tantoco, and Pinky Tobiano

From left: David Chua, Julio Tobiano, Pinky Tobiano, Teresita Pe, Juancho Robles, and Gerry Sy

From left: Jennifer Sanvictores, Alex Diaz, Pinky Tobiano, and chef Marie Pagcaliwagan

noted hairdresser Bambbi Fuentes

Sy,

Jinky Tobiano-Sy,

actor Alex Diaz Gifts that give back

Leading telco brings back holiday deals  PLDT Home ambassadors Luis (left) and Jessy Manzano