Manila Standard - 2022 December 16 - Friday

By Vince Lopez and Vito Barcelo

THE Philippines has garnered an estimated $9.8 billion in investment pledges from

House okays wealth fund bill

Final version garners 279 votes after Mr. Marcos certifies it as 'urgent'

By Maricel V. Cruz and Julito G. Rada

THE House of Representatives on Thursday night approved the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill, which had earned the solid support of 90 percent or 282 out of the 312 members of the chamber who were officially named as coauthors of the measure.

Voting 279 against six, the House approved House Bill (HB) 6608 on third and final reading, after it was certified as urgent by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Exhaustive floor deliberations on the measure—including nearly three hours Next page

Palace says President to sign P5.268-T national budget today

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to sign the P5.268 trillion proposed national appropriations for 2023 on Friday afternoon, the first budget under his administration.

Mr. Marcos will attend the ceremonial signing of the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA) at

Malacañang at around 3 p.m., according to a Palace advisory issued last night.

The House of Representatives approved and turned over copies of the national spending plan for next year to the Presidential Legislative

PH looks at EU to strengthen law of the sea amid tensions in SCS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said the enforcement of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) will be strengthened if the ASEAN and the European Union will join voices amid the tensions in the South China Sea.

Speaking at the press conference of the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Brussels Thursday, the President said the commitment of the two blocs provides a "very strong position to be

able to negotiate" on issues surrounding the disputed waters.

"One of the reasons that we have these conferences is to map out any possible actions that might be jointly taken because every action that might be taken that objects or brings a light to a possible violation of the UNCLOS is much stronger when it is brought about by a group of nations such as ASEAN," the Philippine leader said.

22 cops relieved over Bilibid death cases

By Rey E. Requejo

THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Thursday put 22 officers in restrictive custody over their alleged involvement in the deaths of high-profile

NIGHT OF LIGHTS.

The Christmas season is going to be an experience like no other as SM Mall of Asia brings back the much-loved MOA Night of Lights in partnership with Disney Philippines' From Our Family to Yours holiday campaign, and powered by Hyundai Motor Philippines.

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court has declared as “valid and not unconstitutional” the controversial $62.08 million and the $211.21 million loans secured by the Philippine government from the Export-Import Bank of China in 2018 to bankroll, respectively, the construction of the Chico River Pump Irrigation project and the Kaliwa Dam project.

“The Loan Agreements have suf-

ficiently complied with the applicable procurement laws and conform with the pertinent provisions of the Constitution,” the SC held, in ruling for the validity and constitutionality of the two projects.

“Wherefore, the consolidated petitions for prohibition in G.R. Nos. 24598 l and 246594 are denied. The Court declares valid and not unconstitutional the Preferential Buyer’s Credit Loan

Mon Tulfo prods brother Erwin to quit DSWD post

By Joel E. Zurbano

“Tits,

don’t

-

NCRPO

Ramon, at 76, 18 years

-

inmates at the New Bilibid Prison, which were originally passed off as COVID-19 casualties in 2020.

chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said the police officers were relieved

VETERAN journalist Ramon Tulfo is discouraging his younger brother Erwin to pursue his appointment as Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

give up your post as secretary of the DSWD. There is no reason for you to stay longer in your place. The buggers are ungrateful. If they

appreciate what you’ve been doing at the DSWD, why stick to your post like a ship bar

nacle?” said Ramon in his Facebook ac

count—in a mix of English, Cebuano, and Tagalog – and calling his brother by his nickname.

Erwin's senior,

European leaders and business

officials, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday night as he arrived in Manila from Belgium, where he attended an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) business summit.

During his arrival speech, Marcos

said a business roundtable served as an “important catalyst for the renewed relations” between the Philippines and European business communities.

He also said that leaders of the ASEAN and EU member-states have

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BACK HOME.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his arrival speech Thursday at the international airport lounge upon his return to the country following a three-day trip to Belgium. OPS photo

SIGNED AND SEALED.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez (center) turns over Thursday copies of the proposed 2023 national budget to Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Secretary Mark Llandro "Dong" L. Mendoza (2nd left). Witnessing are House committee on appropriations chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (right), House Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe (2nd right), and PLLO USec. Agapito Guanlao (left). Ver Noveno

MAHARLIKA

APPLAUSE. Speaker Martin Romualdez applauds members of the House of Representatives who, in a plenary session, approved on third and final reading House Bill 6608 or the Maharlika Investment Fund bill on Thursday, after it was certified as urgent by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier in the day. Ver Noveno

WHO eyes end to COVID, Mpox

GENEVA—The World Health Organization (WHO) said Wednesday it hopes that COVID-19 and Mpox will no longer be public health emergencies in 2023 as both diseases end their most dangerous phase.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said one of the chief lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic was that countries had to respond quickly to surprise outbreaks.

On COVID-19, he said the weekly death toll was now around a fifth of what it was a year ago. "Last week, less than 10,000 people lost their lives. That's still 10,000 too many and there is still a lot that all countries can do to save lives," he said.

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of interpellation conducted Wednesday night by Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman—led to the fine-tuning of the provisions, which even former critics acknowledged to have resulted in a “much better and improved version” of the bill.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, the principal author of the bill, said the amendments introduced to the measure, especially the inclusion of more safeguards against possible abuse and fraud, “is our way of addressing the concerns of our people.”

“The proposed sovereign wealth fund will help President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. keep the country on the high-growth path. We want to assure the public that the management of the fund will follow best practices and the principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.

Romualdez said the bill, as finalized, would insulate the MIF from political influence.

As revised, the proposed law lists the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. (Pagcor), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as MIF contributors.

Their initial contributions are P50 billion for Land Bank, P25 billion for and 100 percent of dividends the BSP will give the national government. Pagcor’s share will be 10 percent of gross gaming revenues.

Upon the Speaker’s instruction, the House earlier removed the Social Security System and Government Service In-

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had fruitful discussions on a wide array of issues that concern both sides.In his arrival statement, the President said that both the ASEAN and EU memberstates’ leaders have had fruitful discussions on a wide array of issues that concern both sides.

"I’m pleased to be back in Manila, after what was a very productive ASEAN-EU Business Summit and Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium. Yesterday, during the Commemorative Summit, we had fruitful discussions with Asean and EU membersstates’ leaders,” Mr. Marcos said.

“We exchanged views on what is in store for ASEAN-EU cooperation, partic-

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said the Commission on Appointments, which had rejected his appointment twice, is composed of what he described as “simpletons who have their own selfish interests.”

Ramon reminded his youngest brother, still in a mix of English and Tagalog laden with epithets, what happened to the late Gina Lopez, “who was a rabid protector of the environment? They rejected her appointment as Environment and Natural Resources secretary because of her anti-mining advocacy.”

Ramon, who was the Special Envoy to China during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte, said members of the CA and one of the Cabinet secretaries of then-President Duterte owned mining companies or were friends or under the payroll of mining firms.

Continuing his counsel, Ramon said in Tagalog: “What happened to their (the CA's) ouster of Gina Lopez? They replaced her with a relative who collected a hefty sum of money from the mining companies. That eventually destroyed our environment. But the CA members did not mind because they were there to protect their own interests.”

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from their posts while an administrative case was going on.

He said they were still waiting for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to file a case against the 22 officers. In July, the NBI recommended murder charges.

Bureau of Corrections acting Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. this week

"But we have come a long way. We are hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency."

The WHO's emergency committee, which advises Tedros on declarations of public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC), will be discussing what the end of the emergency phase might look like when they meet in January, he added.

surance System, which are pension funds for the private sector and government workers, from the list of contributors due to concerns raised by their members.

The bill creates the Maharlika Investment Fund Corp., which will have a board of directors that would manage the fund. The board will be chaired by the secretary of finance, with the corporation’s chief executive officer, Land Bank president, DBP president, seven members to be nominated by MIF contributors commensurate with their contributions, and four independent directors.

The number of independent directors on the board was increased from two to four to widen private sector representation. These directors should have no conflict of interest in relation to the fund.

Operational expenses of the corporation shall not exceed 2 percent of the funds managed.

The MIF Corp. would have an advisory body composed of the secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, and the National Treasurer.

The body’s tasks include advising and assisting the board of directors in formulating general policies on investment and risk management.

The corporation would have an internal and an external auditor, aside from being subjected to examination by the Commission on Audit.

The bill lists “allowable investments,” like foreign currencies, metals, fixed-income instruments, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, equities, real estate, infrastructure projects, loans and guarantees, and joint ven-

ularly on areas of mutual interest and concerns such as connectivity, trade, digital transition, food security, climate change, geopolitics, amongst others,” he added.

The commemorative summit gave Mr. Marcos the opportunity to put forward the Philippines' stance on pressing global issues as well as its plans, including post-pandemic recovery, with fellow world leaders.

President Marcos had bilateral meetings with the King of Belgium, leaders from Estonia, the Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands, and the European Union.

Speaking before European business leaders in Belgium, Mr. Marcos pushed for investments and climate change action.

European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ECCP) executive director Florian Gottein said the busi-

Ramon stressed that his brother should not agree to the practice of horse-trading where “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” to pave the way for your confirmation... Don’t waste your time answering stupid accusations about the US citizenship that you have already renounced and the libel conviction.” Ramon said if President Marcos really wanted his brother to be in his Cabinet, he would do whatever it takes to keep him in place.

“But Bongbong (Marcos) seems weak in strategy. Digong was right in what he said before that Bongbong was a weakling. Do you want to continue working for a weakling president?” he said.

The powerful commission bypassed the DSWD chief and erstwhile broadcast host for the second time.

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

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the CA has invited incumbent and retired justices to provide opinions on Erwin’s citizenship and conviction.

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

said he received information that a convicted drug dealer who was said to have died of cardiopulmonary arrest due to COVID-19 in June 2020, was killed at Site Harry, a coronavirus isolation area inside Bilibid.

He said he passed this information on to the NBI.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday assured the public that the NBI would thoroughly investigate the allegations that the high-profile inmates were actually killed.

On Mpox -- formerly known as monkeypox -- Tedros said the global outbreak had taken the world by surprise.

More than 82,000 cases have been reported from 110 countries, although the mortality rate has remained low, with 65 deaths.

"Thankfully, the number of weekly reported cases has declined more than 90 percent since I declared a PHEIC in July," Tedros said.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday meanwhile gave its commitment to proactively uphold accountability and transparency in the country’s COVID-19 vaccine procurements during the initial public hearing held by the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Inves-

tures or co-investments.

The measure prescribes a graduated scheme of fines as penalty for various offenses such as internal auditor collusion, acting as intermediaries for graft and corrupt practices and engaging in graft and corrupt acts, ranging from P80,000 to P5 million.

Violations of any of the other provisions of the law or its amendments not otherwise specifically penalized therein shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than 6 years, but not more than 20 years, and by a fine of not less than P1 million to P3 million but not more than twice the value of the monetary instrument or property involved in the offense.

The proposed law mandates the National Treasurer, in consultation with the founding government financial institutions, to issue implementing rules and regulations.

Earlier, President Marcos certified the bill as urgent, paving the way for its swift approval on third and final reading that same evening in the House of Representatives.

The President’s message was read during the House's plenary session, shortly after lawmakers approved the bill on second reading on a voice vote. The certification allows Congress to approve the bill on second and third reading on the same day.

Earlier, the Department of Finance (DOF) asked the President to certify the bill as urgent, documents obtained by reporters show.

In a letter dated Dec. 13, 2022, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said he wanted to speed up deliberations on the bill to create the country’s own sov-

ness leaders were impressed by Marcos’ commitment to the initiatives on regional economic integration.

“European business leaders reacted very positively [to] President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s speech during a C-Suite Luncheon with European Business Leaders before the 10th ASEAN-EU [Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union] business summit in which he called for more European investments in the Philippines as well as he asked for more support from Europe on climate action issues,” Gottein said in a statement.

ECCP is a bilateral foreign chamber that promotes European interests in the Philippines as well as Philippine interests in Europe.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo

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Liaison Office (PLLO) for submission to the Palace.

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez signed and turned over the House copies of the budget to PLLO Secretary Mark Llandro L. Mendoza, as witnessed by House committee on appropriations chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" M. Dalipe, and PLLO USec. Agapito Guanlao.

The Senate was expected to follow suit soon after, agreeing with fellow lawmakers in the lower chamber to realign about P70 billion in expenditures for 2023.

The President had pledged to sign the budget as soon as he returned—last night —from a trip to Belgium, where he spent three days meeting with European leaders and businessmen (see related story on A1—Editors).

The Department of Budget and Management also said Mr. Marcos would veto two to three provisions in the 2023 GAA.

On December 5, both chambers of Congress ratified the bicameral version of the budget bill, which aims to fuel the

“Witness testimony can be credible. We have to test it,” Remulla said, even as he disclosed that the NBI has taken into its custody the inmate who made the accusation.

The Justice secretary said he has to wait for the NBI report “so I can act accordingly, and the NBI has its mandate to file cases in case they find wrongdoing.”

On July 1, the NBI filed before the Department of Justice murder complaints on the deaths of inmates against 22 police-

tigations (Blue Ribbon Committee).

The DOH, led by Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, likewise reiterated that it will continue to exhaust all efforts to ensure that vaccine wastage among national government-procured vaccines remain minimal.

Following recent reports that millions of doses of vaccines stocks have expired, the DOH noted that bulk of the wastage comes from procurements made by the private sector (44.82%) and LGUs (33.35%).

Furthermore, the DOH revealed that 10.95% of the country’s total accumulated expired vaccines was donated through the COVAX facility. Willie Casas with AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

ereign wealth fund (SWF).

Diokno said the measure will shore up the government's effort to create jobs, promote trade and investments, strengthen connectivity, expand infrastructure, and achieve energy and food security.

To maximize investment returns, Diokno said MIF should be an independent entity, professionally managed and administered by the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC).

“The MIF and the MIC comply with the ‘Santiago’ Principles, which pertain to the set of generally accepted principles and practices endorsed by the International Forum of SWF members,” Diokno said.

Diokno added that MIF will be subject to strict investment and risk management guidelines, and is authorized to invest only in financial instruments and development projects approved by its board of directors.

“Investments in real estate, infrastructure, and other development projects, however, shall be limited to National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board-approved major capital projects to ensure that these are in line with the socio-economic development program of the government,” Diokno said.

He also emphasized that MIC is barred from holding a controlling stake in its investee companies, and shall not be directly involved in their day-to-day management and operations.

The 15-member MIC board of directors, chaired by the Finance secretary, will ensure that the investment policies formulated are consistent with the objectives of the MIF, and subject to periodic review, Diokno said.

said top European leaders expressed admiration for Marcos’ dedication to attending all meetings despite catching a cold.

In his closing remarks during the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit, Marcos expressed appreciation to the guests for listening to his speech despite his “squeaky voice,” adding that “winter is not suitable to Filipinos.”

“Thank you for putting up with this very strange, squeaky voice,” he said.

He also apologized to business leaders at the C-Suite Luncheon, admitting that he was not used to the cold weather.

“I would also like at this point to apologize for my voice, but you must understand that a temperature difference of—from 35 degrees to -3 is a big jump for this old body,” the 65-year-old President said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

administration's goals for economic recovery.

The education sector will get the biggest chunk of the budget even as the agriculture sector will also enjoy support in terms of appropriations.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman noted that lawmakers realigned roughly P70 billion, saying: “Upon our initial analysis and checking of numbers, most of it (realignment) went to our priority programs.”

These include funding for the education sector, specifically state universities and colleges, for social services, and the health sector.

Lawmakers also realigned resources to still fund the Libreng Sakay program along the EDSA Bus Carousel. The government, citing lack of funds, had announced that the free bus ride would no longer be extended beyond this month.

“Right now, we are working on the veto message. We are consolidating the numbers and the amendments that the bicameral committee ratified last week,” Pangandaman said.

She emphasized that the good working relationship between the executive and legislative branches allowed minimal changes in the proposed budget. Maricel V. Cruz (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

men who were assigned at the NBP.

“The National Bureau of InvestigationDeath Investigation Division (NBI-DID) recommended the filing of eight (8) counts of murder against NCRPO personnel before the DOJ on the suspicious deaths of high-profile PDLs — Francis Go, Shuli Lim Zhang, Jimmy Ang, Eugene Chua, Benajamin Marcelo, Sherwin Sanchez, Amin Boratong, and Willy Yang,” the NBI had said in a previous statement. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PNP on full alert as Simbang Gabi commences today

WITH the yearly "Simbang Gabi" (dawn masses) set to start on Friday, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ordered full alert status starting on Dec. 16 to ensure the safety of people and churchgoers.

“Full alert will start on Friday, coinciding with the opening of Simbang Gabi. I have directed our policemen to be visible in churches for the Simbang Gabi. They should be visible so that if a police response is needed by our countrymen, they are ready…They should be ready, on call, anytime,” Azurin told reporters at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

Azurin said he has already instructed police units to beef up their presence in areas where people frequent, including malls. Azurin said policemen are allowed to go on Christmas break but said they should be on call to report anytime if their services are needed.

The head of the National Capital Region Police District Office (NCRPO) has ordered its five district directors to tighten security around churches and residential areas to ensure public safety during the Yuletide season.

The traditional nine-day dawn masses will start on Dec. 16 and end on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve). (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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"If the EU now with our strategic partnership is able to also join their voices to that, then that will be much stronger into terms of actually being able to enforce what UNCLOS is all about," he added.

The presidential statement came as a photo released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Thursday showed 12 Chinese vessels around the eastern part of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The photo was taken during an aerial patrol on Nov. 23, according to the AFP Western Command (Wescom).

It said similar ships were also spotted in the western part of the shoal. Similar Chinese vessels were also seen in the same area on Dec. 5, the Wescom added.

Last week, Wescom reported that several Chinese vessels have been moving much closer to Palawan in recent months.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Senate has referred to the Committees on National Defense and Foreign Relations the privilege speech made by Senator Francis Tolentino regarding a recent "bullying" by a Chinese vessel of the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea.

After various manifestations from colleagues during the chamber's last regular session this year, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva moved to adopt an unnumbered resolution expressing "disgust" over the incident.

"We can put to the whereas clauses the persistent violations of our sovereignty in this area but citing this particular latest incident in the West Philippine Sea. And maybe we can add there the bravery of our Naval soldiers who retrieved this debris at this particular time even without arms using a rubber boat facing such a massive force," Zubiri said. Vince Lopez (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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Agreement on The Chico River Pump Irrigation Project and the Preferential Buyer’s Credit Loan Agreement on The New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project,” the SC declared in the decision penned by Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez.

The SC resolved to dismiss the petitions filed by the then Makabayan Bloc in Congress composed of Neri J. Colmenares, Carlos Isagani T. Zarate, Ariel B. Casilao, Emerenciana A. De Jesus, Arlene D. Brosas, Sarah Jane I. Elago, Danilo H. Ramos and Elma A. Tuazon.

Named respondents were former government officials led by then President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who was deleted as respondent in the petitions on account of his presidential immunity from suit, and then Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea.

Colmenares and other petitioners argued that the assailed loan agreements were invalid for violations of various constitutional mandates particularly the failure to secure the needed Monetary Board concurrence, in bypassing qualified Filipinos in favor of foreign project contractors, and for containing stipulations that defeat the State’s pursuit of an independent foreign policy.

The $62.08 million loan for the Chico River Irrigation project was executed on April 10, 2018 between EXIM Bank and the Philippine government through the Department of Finance. Through Resolution No. 813 dated May 17, 2018, the MB gave its final approval to the loan agreement. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

‘PH needs broader infra plan’

BUSINESS leaders are urging the government to create a broader infrastructure plan to ensure investments-led economic growth amid a pandemic.

International Container Terminal Services Inc executive vice president Christian Gonzalez said, to attract foreign investments in manufacturing, there is a need to have privatization and infrastructure program that’s driven by a broader strategy.

“Right now, in this country, infrastructure privatization is done piecemeal in isolation… Where is the masterplan of creating industrial zones in areas that are already connected to the global marketplace? Where is the mas-

terplan to create infrastructure in places that will later become sites for industrial and commercial areas that will be meant to be connected to the global marketplace,” Gonzalez said.

“Unless we start thinking based on a broader infrastructure plan and move out of this isolated system of privatization and building infrastructure, frankly, we will not accelerate foreign investment nor manufacturing in the way we all want,” he added.

Ayala Corporation president Cezar

“Bong” Consing said there is a need to look at the examples of neighboring countries on how to ensure a sustainable long-term economic growth.

“I’m tempted to look at the examples of, say, China, Korea, Japan, post-World War II. And the objective there was really to transfer resources devoted to consumption towards investment. And you might say that in many cases, they overdid it. Right. I mean, Japan adopted this beggar thy neighbor policy. And China really went extreme, right? It almost starved the consumer in on behalf of investment. But we need some of that,” Consing said.

“We need some of that because unless you have a real significant transfer

of resource allocation, we will never rebuild our manufacturing sector. We are the poorest BBB+ country in the world. Yet look at consumer goods, you can find everything here. Clearly there is misbalance,” he added.

PLDT Inc. President Alfredo Panlilio also emphasized the need to attract more investments from the manufacturing industry. “Clearly, [there’s a] lack of manufacturing companies that invest in the country. If you talk about manufacturing, it’s an investment that’s long term for the country.” he explained.

Stratbase president Professor Dindo Manhit discussed the importance of how the government can create an investment environment for jobs to be created.

MIAA inks deal with Grab on airport taxi

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has partnered with Grab Philippines to enhance transport service at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The partnership dubbed as “Airport to Anywhere (ATA)” pilot program aims to initially deploy a dedicated fleet of 200 Grab accredited vehicles to service the increased demand for transport vehicles in NAIA.

The ATA can be booked through the Grab mobile app with fixed pricing based on drop-off location and no surge charges.

MIAA general manager Cesar Chiong initiated talks with Grab Philippines in September and expressed elation that finally the partnership has come to fruition.

“We explored this partnership as part of our preparations for the Christmas season. We thank Grab Philippines and the LTFRB for joining hands with us in the interest of our airriding public,” Chiong said.

NAIA’s monthly passenger volume last month reached 3.1 million or a 229 percent increase compared with the figures for the same period last year.

MIAA Management has tapped Grab Philippines to add on to its airport vehicle fleet.

MIAA expects the upward trend in passenger traffic to be more pronounced starting December 16 when vacationing kababayans arrive from abroad.

The MIAA-Grab undertaking is an endeavor that is expected to address the high demand for airport vehicles this Christmas and at the same time give passengers a wider selection of transport options to choose from.

DFA’s Malaya to head court of arbitration

By Rey E. Requejo

PHILIPPINE Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya has been elected as the head of the governing body of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

In a statement, the DFA said Malaya was elected as the president of the Administrative Council of the PCA for the year 2023-2024.

The election took place during its 208th session on December 12, which was affirmed by acclamation during the Council session, upon the nomination of the Asia Group in the Administrative Council.

The Administrative Council is the governing body of the PCA that is composed of the representatives of the PCA’s 122 member states.

In his speech, Malaya affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to contributing to the important undertakings of the PCA.

The Filipino diplomat vowed to work closely with the member states and PCA Secretary General Marcin Czepelak as he said that “the PCA represents our great ideals of achieving justice and peace through law.”

The next two years are auspicious for the PCA as it will commemorate its 125-year milestone in 2024, he said.

SMABD eyes lawsuit vs. prosecutors

By Rio N. Araja

THE parents belonging to the Samahan ng mga Magulang, Anak at Biktima ng Dengvaxia (SMABD) have threatened to file a disbarment petition should state prosecutors continue to file criminal complaints with the metropolitan trial courts (MeTCs), instead with the Supreme Court-designated Quezon City Regional Trial.

SMABD members assailed the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) National Prosecutors Service (NPS) and said state prosecutors could face a disbarment case for ignoring the Aug. 27, 2020 resolution of the High Court through Division Clerk of Court Librada Buena granting the petition of the parents to transfer the venue of all Dengvaxia-related cases to a family court in Quezon City.

“We are not intimidated. We may be poor

but we are not ignorant (of the law),” Ian Colite of Imus City, Cavite said.

The death of Colite’s son, Zandro, was linked to the Dengvaxia vaccine.

Zandro was one of more than 830,000 students who received the vaccine between 2016 and 2017 under the Department of Health’s mass vaccination program against dengue infection.

Sumachen Dominguez, SMABD president, slammed the NPS for the dismissal of the reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury complaint she filed against ex-health secretary Janette Garin, and active and former officials of the Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine before the Department of Justice.

“Must my child die so that my complaint prosper?” she asked.

DOH to offer upskilling scholarships

By Willie Casas

POSTGRADUATE scholarship programs aimed at upskilling healthcare workers in the country are in the pipeline, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday.

The DOH, through officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire, partnered with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) in order to provide additional postgraduate scholarship programs for Filipino health workers.

Vergeire and PAEF signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday to develop joint programs to support the development of health professionals and public health practitioners and ensure access to good health-

care for Filipinos.

Learning opportunities in the fields of Health Systems Management, Environmental and Community Health, Health Policy and Administration, Epidemiology and Disease surveillance, and Infectious Disease Control, among others will be opened.

Moreover, the DOH said the partnership aims to establish a general framework for facilitating the grant of scholarships and research programs, and enable exchanges under the DOH’s capacity-building and research initiatives under the Universal Health Care Law.

Vergeire said they will also open similar opportunities for job order personnel comprising around 63% of the agency’s entire human resource base.

GIFT-GIVING IN BASECO.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and other city hall officials led a gift-giving activity called “Paskong Manilenyo” to residents of Baseco, Tondo, Manila on December 15. Norman Cruz

VISION CARE PROJECT. Officials of the Rotary Club of Manila demonstrate the Rotary Vision Care Project during the project’s launching on Wednesday in Pasay City. The project will provide children, parents, and educators of 15 schools in Manila with complimentary eye-testing services and eyeglasses. Danny Pata

News

BOC-NAIA seizes P443m illegal drugs

By Vito Barcelo

MORE than P443 million worth of illegal drugs seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) over the past days at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper disposition.

BOC District Collector Mimel Talusan said the seizures of the illegal drugs were made possible with the co -

ordination of PDEA, resulting in the confiscation of at least 36 parcels that contained 2,040 pieces of ecstasy tab -

SSS rolls out newest retirement savings program for members

By Rio N. Araja

THE Social Security System (SSS) has launched its worker’s investment and savings program (WISP) Plus, its newest retirement savings scheme for SSS members.

SSS president and chief executive officer Michael Regino said WISP Plus is a voluntary retirement savings program offered exclusively to SSS members in addition to the agency’s regular social security program.

“We have been spearheading the concept of work, save, invest, and prosper to our members. WISP Plus is a program both for saving and investing. It is an affordable and tax-free savings scheme which will allow our members to save by contributing to the program and invest because their money will generate earnings,” Regino said.

He said WISP Plus serves as an ad-

Baliwag voters to decide on cityhood bid

By Orlan L. Mauricio

MALOLOS City—If all expectations turn out well for the plebiscite scheduled this Saturday (Dec. 17), the historic province of Bulacan will have a fourth component city, to be officially known as Baliwag City.

With a population of 168,470 as of the 2020 census, way above the threshold of 150, 000 requirement under the law, Baliwag has 27 barangays and has become a growth center east of the provincial capitol here with its vast land area of some 45 square kilometers.

The plebiscite was supposed to be scheduled for January 14 next year, but the Comelec approved a petition of Baliwag Mayor Ferdie Estrella to move the plebiscite to an earlier date in lieu of the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

The basis of the Dec. 17 plebiscite was RA 11929, or the law passed last July 29 converting the municipality of Baliwag to a city.

Comelec Resolution No. 10851 promulgated on Nov. 8, set the information and campaign period from Nov. 17 to Dec. 15.

ditional layer of social security protection apart from the retirement benefits that they will receive from the regular SSS program until their retirement.

“For as low as P500 per payment, SSS members can already contribute to the WISP Plus and pay their contribution anytime. We offer our members investment earnings based on rates higher than those provided by banks,” he added.

WISP Plus would cater to all SSS members regardless of their membership type, declared monthly earnings, and last posted monthly salary credit (MSC).

The current WISP is another provident fund program which is compulsory for SSS members who are contributing to the regular program under the MSC that exceeds P20,000.

It was mandatorily implemented in January 2021 as part of the amendment in the SS Law last 2018.

lets concealed in a foot massager, and 317 cartridges and 14 candies with cannabis oil.

The ecstasy pills came from France and were sent to an unnamed consignee in Pasig City.

The cartridges came from the United States and were shipped to certain consignees in Malate and Paco in Manila, and in Paranaque City.

The BOC agents did not identify the consignees.

The illegal drugs are now under the custody of the PDEA for further investigation and possible charges of violation of the anti-drugs law, as well as the Customs and tariff laws.

The 36 packages with estimated street value of P443.26 million were seized by the BOC at the NAIA alone.

The BOC vowed to remain vigilant and steadfast against the entry of prohibited drugs and other contrabands in all airports and seaports nationwide.

Imus raid yields P150m worth of bogus apparels

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo

A COMPOSITE team of government agents on Thursday raided a warehouse in Imus, Cavite and took stock of some P150 million worth of imitation apparels, appliances, and other items.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country through the Manila International Container Port (MICP) agricultural products worth over P11.5 million.

Armed with a mission order or Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, the raiding team from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service - Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) swooped on the warehouse of the Hong Yun Real Estate Group, Inc. on M. Salud Road, Alapan II-A, Imus, Cavite.

“The implementation of this operation comes with reinforcement from different departments. It was also made possible by the coordination with the police and local barangay officials. This is what it means to work with one goal in mind, which is to put a stop to this menace,” Ruiz said.

“From top to bottom, we are united in our aim to see our markets free from these contrabands as well smuggled fake products,” he added.

The Philippine National Police and local barangay officials who were notified of the impending raid assisted in the operation.

The raiders discovered bogus apparels bearing prominent brands, as well as appliances and other products.

Customs Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy hinted that the raiders meticulously followed procedures to avoid unwanted issues and concerns.

“Following the proper process is critical in every operation by the BOC. Remember that behind these are big-time organizations used to circumventing the laws, whether here or somewhere else. We have always been careful with making sure cases like these won’t be dismissed because of the lack of due process,” Uy explained.

Comelec disqualifies Gov. Mamba of Cagayan over ‘vote-buying’

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba for alleged violation of the spending ban during the May 9, 2022 elections.

Mamba viewed the disqualification order as “an injustice” to the Cagayan voters. “I did not buy a single vote to win. I have exceptions from the Come -

lec for the funds spent during the election ban,” he argued.

The Comelec Second Division upheld the allegation of defeated gubernatorial candidate Zarah Rose de Guzman Lara that Mamba committed widespread vote-buying purportedly using government-issued funds.

The poll body said while Lara failed to prove that Mamba engaged in vote-buying, there was “strong” evidence that he violated the 45-day ban on releasing public funds ahead of election day.

The Comelec also said it had exempted only one program of the local government from the ban, the “No Ba-

Cops raid Tarlac firm selling fake products

A POLICE raid on a Tarlac-based trading company dealing in office and school supplies reportedly yielded a huge cache of counterfeit Epson products.

Armed with a search warrant against the RYJEL Office and School Supplie, the raiders found several boxes of fake products bearing unauthorized reproductions of the Epson trademark and designs.

Lawyer Jonathan Selvasegaram, head of the Southeast Asia division of React, a global not-forprofit organization that has been fighting the counterfeit trade for more than 30 years. Said they have been assisting Epson, which has a Philippine office, in its campaign against counterfeit goods.

“The Philippines is an important market for Epson,” said Hideo Shimamura, Epson manager in charge of the company’s intellectual property in Southeast Asia

“Unfortunately, the trade in counterfeit Epson ink bottles has been growing over the last couple of years. Trading of fake Epson products done online has become particularly serious and is hurting the business of shops selling genuine ink products,” he added.

Alerted by the Tarlac trading company’s suspicious activities online, Shimamura’s Singapore-based office asked Philippine authorities, to look into the matter.

“We commend the raiding team for the swift action

against an errant online seller,” Selvasegaram said. The raiding team, he added, found boxes that contained 823 bottles of counterfeit Epson printer inks and 44 fake Epson ribbon cartridges. There were also three empty boxes that carried the Epson label.

rangay Left Behind” or NBLB project, on the condition that funds used would be reported.

In its ruling, the Comelec said there was no proof that Mamba complied with this requirement, making it illegal for him to disburse the funds. Jessica Bacud

CAAP: Loakan, Borongan Airports to reopen today

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in coordination with Philippine Airlines (PAL) and local government units (LGUs), IS set to re-open today (Dec. 16) the Loakan Airport in Benguet and the Borongan Airport in Eastern Samar for commercial flights.

The reopening of the Loakan Airport near Baguio City was expected to boost tourism and the economy in their respective areas.

PAL will be launching its Cebu-Baguio flights today to signal Loakan Airport’s reopening.

The airport will continue to undergo renovations and upgrades, including the extension of its runway to accommodate larger aircraft.

“The opening of Loakan Airport is a major milestone for the city. It will improve connectivity and accessibility, which will in turn drive economic growth and development in the area,” said CAAP director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo.

Meanwhile, Borongan Airport has also been undergoing renovations and upgrades for the past few years. The improvements include a renovated terminal building and future runway expansion. Joel E. Zurbano

BOGUS EPSON PRODUCTS. Police swooped down on a trading firm in Tarlac reportedly dealing in imitation Epson products, particularly printer inks and cartridges. Photo shows some of the items seized by the police during the raid.

SMUGGLED ILLEGAL DRUGS. The Bureau of Customs - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOCNAIA) and partner agencies foil an attempt to smuggle into the country illegal drugs worth P3.86 million.

BBM GUEST PROGRAM. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco launches at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City the Department of Tourism’s “Bisita Be My (BBM) Guest Program” that offers incentives to overseas Filipino workers who are able to invite relatives, friends, and other tourists to visit the Philippines.

Danny Pata

Constitutionality of RA 11659 challenged in October 2022

ON OCTOBER 3, 2022, I filed a petition for certiorari and injunction in the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of Republic Act 11659, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on March 21, 2022.

The challenged law amended Commonwealth Act 146, or the Public Service Act, as amended.

Why is Republic Act 11659 unconstitutional?

Under Commonwealth Act 146, as amended, certain businesses in the country are declared public utilities, which means they are not only vital to the public interest; they are also governed by the 60 percent minimum Filipino ownership and management requirement under the 1987 Constitution.

Those businesses include, among others, airports, seaports, transportation and telecommunications.

Republic Act 11659 reclassified airports and telecommunications, among others, from public utilities to mere public services (ordinary businesses).

This means that airports and telecommunications, which used to be covered by the 60:40 ownership and management ratio in favor of Filipino citizens under the Constitution, may now be fully owned and managed by aliens.

I stressed in my petition that Republic Act 11659 is unconstitutional because the 1987 Constitution explicitly requires Congress to uphold the Filipino First Policy in vital businesses, enshrined in Section 19, Article II and Section 10, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution.

For all intents and purposes, it appears that Republic Act No. 11659 was enacted by Congress to suit certain alien businesses, to the prejudice of Filipino interests

In addition, I pointed out in my petition that Republic Act 11659 undermines several established decisions of the Supreme Court declaring that airports and telecommunications are public utilities, and that these businesses should not be left to the ownership, influence and control of aliens.

I maintained in my petition that Republic Act 11659 is unconstitutional also because it violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution, which provides that “... nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws” (Section 1, Article III, 1987 Constitution).

Under the equal protection clause, businesses similarly situated should be treated similarly, and that classification by legislation, to be valid, must be based on distinctions which make real differences.

Simply put, Republic Act 11659 violates the equal protection clause because, while it reclassifies airports no longer as public utilities

(subject to the 60:40 Filipino ownership and management ratio) but as mere public services (open to full alien ownership and management), it retains seaports as public utilities.

Since both airports and seaports are ports of entry and exit, there is no valid reason for the different classification or treatment given by Republic Act 11659 to airports on the one hand, and seaports on the other.

Thus, for all intents and purposes, it appears that Republic Act 11659 was enacted by Congress to suit certain alien businesses, to the prejudice of Filipino interests.

Named respondents in the my petition are the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and the National Telecommunications Commission.

About two weeks after I filed my petition, the Office of the Solicitor General, as legal counsel of the aforesaid government agencies, filed its opposition to my petition.

In my opinion, the OSG’s defense of Republic Act 11659 is an uphill battle, considering that the said law manifestly violates the Filipino First Policy enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, its equal protection clause, and established jurisprudence.

Withal, I trust that my petition will be given due course, and that the parties shall be required by the Supreme Court to file their respective memoranda. Thereafter, my petition shall be deemed submitted for decision.

Last week, however, a group which calls itself the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters, filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition in the Supreme Court, likewise challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act 11659.

According to a news story, the group is led by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and defeated senatorial candidate Larry Gadon. Attys. Topacio and Gadon lauded the consumers and commuters group for filing its petition.

From what I have read in news reports, it seems that the new petition raises the same arguments I have raised in my petition.

Only the respondents are different in the new petition. Named respondents in the new petition are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Senate President Juan MIguel Zubiri, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

I welcome this development, considering that the new petition lauded by Atty. Topacio will enhance the public interest aspect of the challenge to the constitutionality of Republic Act 11659.

My legal advisers hope the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters is actually a corporate personality because the Supreme Court may be strict when it comes to entertaining petitions challenging the constitutionality of laws enacted by Congress.

I share Atty. Topacio’s suspicion that President Rodrigo Duterte may have been tricked by some vested interest groups with links to alien businesses into signing Republic Act 11659.

It is so unlikely for him to allow such an antiFilipino piece of legislation.

Construing contracts

A CONTRACT is a transaction involving two or more individuals whereby each becomes obligated to the other, with reciprocal rights to demand performance of what is promised by each respectively (Barron’s Law Dictionary).

The contract may require a party thereto “to give something or to render some service” (Article 1305, Civil Code of the Philippines).

The contracting parties “may establish stipulations, clauses, terms and conditions as they may deem convenient, provided they are not contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order, or public policy” (Article 1306, Civil Code of the Philippines).

If the stipulations and clauses “are clear and leave no doubt upon the intention of the parties,” then its literal meaning shall control (Article 1370, Civil Code of the Philippines).

“This provision is akin to the ‘plain meaning rule’ applied by Pennsylvania courts, which assumes that the intent of the parties to an instrument is ‘embodied in the writing itself, and when the words are clear and unambiguous the intent is to be discovered only from the express language of the agreement’” (Norton Resources and Development Corporation v. All Asia Bank, G.R. NO. 162523, November 25, 2009).

The court’s “[p]urpose in examining a contract is to interpret the intent of the contracting parties… interpreting a contract requires the court to make a preliminary inquiry as to whether the contract… is ambiguous. [It] is ambiguous if it is susceptible of two reasonable alternative interpretations” (G.R. 162523, November 25, 2009).

However, “where the written terms of the contract are not ambiguous and can only be read one way, the court will interpret the contract as a matter of law. If the contract is determined to be ambiguous, then the interpretation of the contract is left to the court, to resolve the ambiguity in the light of the intrinsic evidence” (G.R. 162523, November 25, 2009).

Since contracts have the force of law between parties, it must be complied with in good faith.

A contracting party’s failure, without legal reason, to comply with contract stipulations breaches their contract and can be the basis for the award of damages to the other contracting party (Talampas v. Moldex Realty, Inc., G.R. No. 170134, June 17, 2015). Breach of contract is known in Latin as “contritionem contractus.”

“Courts cannot make for the parties better or more equitable agreements than they themselves have [made], or [to] rewrite contracts because they operate harshly or inequitably as to one of the

In the case

Realty, Inc.

terminate its contract with the former on the grounds of project redesign.

Talampas entered a contract with Moldex for roadworks, earthworks and site-grading of the Metrogate Silang Estate in Kilometer 41, Aguinaldo Highway, Cavite (G.R. 170134, June 17, 2015).

The Supreme Court declared that Moldex failed to comply with its contractual stipulations on the unilateral termination when it terminated their contract due to the redesign of the Metrogate Silang Estates’ subdivision plan.

“[The] contract limits the instances when the respondent [Moldex] or the petitioner (Talampas] may unilaterally terminate their agreement,” and project redesign is not one of them (G.R. 170134, June 17, 2015).

The rule in our jurisdiction is “[w]here the language of a written contract is clear and unambiguous, the contract must be taken to mean that which, on its face, it purports to mean, unless some good reason can be assigned to show that the words should be understood in a different sense” (G.R. 162523, November 25, 2009 citing Bautista v. Court of Appeals).

Under the “parol evidence rule,” when an agreement has been reduced into writing, the parties cannot be permitted to adduce extrinsic evidence that would alter the terms of the written agreement.

In simpler words, any addition or alteration to the terms thereof by testimony or other evidence is not allowed under the said Rule (see Rule 130, Section 10, 2019 Rules on Evidence).

In the case of Norton Resources (Norton) v. All Asia Bank (All Asia), Norton applied for and was granted a loan by All Asia in the amount of Three Million Eight Hundred Thousand Pesos (P3,800,000.00) as evidenced by a Loan Agreement.

EDITORIAL

CHR and climate change

IF WE go by the 1987 Constitution, the Commission on Human Rights is tasked to investigate on its own, or on complaint by any party, all human rights violations involving civil and political rights.

What we know is that civil and political rights include freedom of speech, of expression, and of the press and the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.

They also include the right of the people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right not to be served a search warrant or warrant of arrest without probable cause.

But the CHR appears to have expanded on its own the scope of its mandate under the 1987 Constitution by also tackling economic and social rights covered by an international covenant initiated by the United Nations.

And, not to forget, the UN also has an international covenant on the Right to Development.

Not that we’re complaining.

In fact, the CHR’s self-declared expanded mandate to investigate the people’s right to be protected from the climate crisis serves the public good and the national interest.

The CHR deserves commendation for initiating this inquiry and contributing in no small measure to our deeper understanding of the climate crisis

The CHR, an independent constitutional body, was well within its right to conduct a National Inquiry on Climate Change. This is the world’s first inquiry into corporate responsibility for the climate crisis.

The CHR’s NICC Report found the world’s fossil fuel companies to have “obfuscated, obstructed, derailed and delayed” efforts to transition to renewable energy sources, undermining the people’s right to be protected against the climate crisis.

That’s a searing indictment of the big oil companies who have thus far escaped responsibility for the climate crisis.

The landmark report declared that climate

Win-win solution to SCS tensions

IS IT possible at all to arrive at a mutually acceptable ‘arrangement’ or perhaps even just a ‘temporary solution’ to the contentious territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China?

We’re talking about a modus vivendi – a working arrangement or a practical compromise –that would alleviate the prevailing tensions in the vital sealane between the two countries?

For this, we turn to two experts and a business mogul whose company could benefit from joint development of oil and gas resources in the SCS.

Former Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban, in a recent column in another broadsheet, shows a path to a win-win solution.

Panganiban noted that while the July 2016 Arbitral Award recognized our sovereign rights to explore, develop, and utilize the oil, gas, and other resources buried under our Exclusive Economic Zone, China rejects it and insists that almost the entire South China Sea, including our EEZ, belongs to it by historic title.

He clarified, however, that the Arbitral Award did not grant the Philippines (and we did not claim) sovereignty or ownership over the land areas in the SCS and their territorial seas.

The bright side of this, the retired jurist now says, is that China has agreed to undertake “joint development” of the resources in our EEZ.

In light of this, he suggests that a memorandum of understanding to reconcile and satisfy the seemingly intractable legal positions of China and the Philippines must first be concluded on a government-to-government basis.

Then, private concessionaires, local and foreign, can be contracted to set the financial, technical, and management parameters of how to explore, develop and utilize the resources.

Here’s what he said: “To extract and enjoy our maritime wealth, the help and cooperation of China is very important, nay, indispensable. It is still the most ubiquitous superpower in our area, despite the occasional freedom of navigation sailings of the US and its allies.

“In short, China has effective military control over the SCS. No private concessionaire will dare invest billions of dollars and operate in the SCS without China’s assurance of ‘no interference’ and ‘no swarming’.”

The former jurist argued: “Given China’s past willingness to assist and cooperate, I believe we should resume the past initiatives to finally forge an MOU with China to enable us to harness private concessionaires to extract these resources.”

From another direction, but along the same line of thinking, Mark J. Valencia (a maritime policy analyst in Hawaii) and William T. Onorato (a former legal adviser on energy to the World Bank), also weigh in on how China and the Philippines can settle their South China Sea resource dispute and avoid conflict.

Is a win-win solution leading to joint development of oil and gas resources by the Philippines and China in the offing?

In a recent article, they said that with the Marcos Jr. administration reported to be considering allowing Forum Energy to proceed with petroleum exploration on the Reed Bank, it is likely that the company would ask the government for protection against harassment by China.

If provided, it could lead to a military confrontation and that could draw in the Philippines’ military ally, the United States.

A way to avoid such a confrontation, they suggest, is through negotiating a provisional cooperative arrangement of a practical nature that satisfies both parties.

There are compelling reasons to do so, they said.

The Philippines’ main domestic supply of gas for electricity, the Malampaya gas field, will soon run out, and must therefore be replaced.

But it is constrained from proceeding unilaterally on exploration activities on Reed Bank amid China’s stern objections.

leaving no room for different interpretation. Therefore, the commitment/service fee must be paid in lump sum and not on a per unit basis.

change adversely affected the human rights of Filipinos to life, food and water security, as well as to development.

The report was the CHR’s response to a petition by environmentalists led by Greenpeace to examine the impacts of climate change on the human rights of the Filipino people and the responsibility of major fossil-fuel companies.

The petitioners held 47 companies liable for driving the climate crisis and the harms it produced. They included the world’s largest multinational carbon companies – Chevron, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, British Petroleum, Peabody Energy, Total and Console Energy Inc.

The inquiry found the largest fossil fuel producers to have “engaged in willful obfuscation of climate science” that prejudiced the public’s right to make informed decisions about their products and concealed the “significant harm” these had on the environment and climate system.

The CHR took seven years to finish the inquiry because companies were unwilling to engage with the agency CHR on the grounds of jurisdiction and territoriality, and refused to acknowledge that climate change involved civil and political rights.

But the CHR stood pat on its stand that “in truth and in fact, all human rights are interdependent and interconnected,” and that several international laws, treaties and principles “already confirm that states have the responsibility to mitigate climate change impacts in a manner anchored on human rights.”

The CHR deserves commendation for initiating this inquiry and contributing in no small measure to our deeper understanding of the climate crisis.

Since contracts have the force of law between parties, it must be complied with in good faith

The loan was intended for the construction of 160 housing units on a 3.9 hectare property located in Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

To speed up the processing of all documents necessary for the release of the funds, Norton allegedly offered All Asia a service/commitment fee of P320,000.00 for the construction of 160 housing units, or at P2,000.00 per unit.

The offer having been accepted, both parties executed a Memorandum of Agreement.

Paragraph 4 of the MOA plainly states “[T] hat the CLIENT offers and agrees to pay a commitment and service fee of… P320,000.00, which shall be paid in two (2) equal installments, on the same dates as the first and second partial releases of the proceeds of the loan” (G.R. NO. 162523, November 25, 2009).

The question to be answered was whether the MOA reflects the true intention of the parties, since Norton advanced the argument that the P320,000.00 commitment/service fee was to be paid on a per-unit basis.

Specifically, only 35 housing units were constructed, hence, Norton posited that it was only liable to pay P70,000.00 and not the whole amount of P320,000.00.

Paragraph 4 is clear and explicit in its terms,

“Simply put, courts cannot stipulate for the parties or amend the latter’s agreement, for to do so would be to alter the real intention of the contracting parties…” (G.R. NO. 162523, November 25, 2009).

However, our courts are not always requested to apply cut and dried contractual provisions.

In the case of CE Construction Corporation (CECON) v. Araneta Center, Inc., the Supreme Court was faced with the issue of whether CECON was rightfully entitled to time extensions, making ACI liable for cost adjustments, additional overhead costs, and the extension of the contractor’s all risk insurance coverage, among others (G.R. 192725, August 9, 2017).

It started with ACI sending invitations to different construction companies, including CECON, for them to bid for the design, construction, and completion of all architectural and structural portions of the Araneta Center Redevelopment Project.

ACI also delivered tender documents to the prospective bidders.

The tender documents guided the bidders in formulating their own offers to ACI, or, even more fundamentally, helped them make up their minds if they were even willing to consider undertaking the proposed project.

In submitting their bids, the contractors made their own representations as to their own willingness and ability (G.R. 192725, August 9, 2017).

While ACI verbally informed CECON that the contract was being awarded to it, there was no indication that an agreement was reached on the contract sum.

The object of the contract was even subjected to multiple modifications; hence, absent a concurrence of consent and object, no contract was perfected (G.R. 192725, August 9, 2017).

On the other hand, China also wants to sign a cooperative agreement because it would help strengthen its

With

Pangilinan heads PXP Energy Corp., which holds interest in two petroleum exploration service contracts in the West Philippine Sea.

PXP Energy has indicated readiness to resume activities in Service Contract 75 and SC 72 if allowed to do so.

But Pangilinan wants the Philippine government’s green light to do so: “The assets are owned by the state. We’re merely concessionaires.”

PXP and Forum Energy have been told by the Department of Energy to “put on hold all exploration activities for SC 75 and SC 72 until such time that the Security, Justice and Peace Coordinating Cluster has issued the necessary clearance to proceed.”

Is a win-win solution leading to joint development of oil and gas resources by the Philippines and China in the offing?

At the very least, the Marcos meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could open up a new round of discussion on how to resolve the thorny SCS issue.

But whether they can agree to work together is still up in the air—and could depend on how much each could benefit from what lies in the bottom of the sea.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

There being no definitive governing instruments nor a fixed remuneration for CECON’S services, the CIAC Arbitral Tribunal had to ascertain the sum properly due CECON.

To determine the intention of the contracting parties, their contemporaneous and subsequent acts would have to be considered by the CIAC Arbitral Tribunal (see Article 1371, Civil Code of the Philippines; G.R. 192725, August 9, 2017).

The Supreme Court has been consistent that “where one has rendered services to another, and these services are accepted by the latter, in the absence of proof that the service was rendered gratuitously, it is but just that he should pay a reasonable remuneration therefore because ‘it is a well-known principle of law, that no one should be permitted to enrich himself to the damage of another’” (G.R. 192725, August 9, 2017 citing Perez v. Pomar).

Passage of MIF before Xmas break assured

relations with the Philippines and this would serve as a precedent for the temporary settlement of its disputes with other claimantcountries in the South China Sea.

Marcos Jr. set to visit China in early January, this will offer an excellent opportunity to discuss matters of principle and to iron out details on how to proceed despite constitutional and legal constraints.

Business magnate Manuel V. Pangilinan also sees President Marcos’ trip to China as a ‘good’ opportunity for both countries to discuss issues about oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea.

parties… [neither] can it alter them for the benefit of one party and to the detriment of the other, or… relieve one of the parties from [its] terms… or impose on him those which he did not [consent to]” (G.R. 162523, November 25, 2009).

Talampas v. Moldex

(Moldex), the latter issued a letter containing its decision to

Ukraine downs attack drone swarm over Kyiv

KYIV—Ukraine said Wednesday it had shot down more than a dozen Iranian-made drones in Moscow’s latest assault on Kyiv.

“The terrorists started this morning with 13 Shaheds,” Zelensky said, referring to the Iran-made weapons.

“All 13 were shot down,” he added, urging residents to heed air raid sirens.

The national energy provider Ukrenergo said no electricity facilities had been damaged in the attack, crediting Ukrainian air defences for their “brilliant” work.

Such defense forces appeared set for a boost with ally Washington preparing to send a batch of Patriot missile defense batteries to Kyiv.

Ukraine has been subjected to frequent and deadly aerial attacks in the 10 months since Russia invaded Ukraine in February and tried to capture the capital.

But since a series of key battlefield setbacks this summer and autumn, Russia began systematically targeting critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

With temperatures dropping, the missile and drone attacks have disrupted electricity, water and heat to

millions of Ukrainians.

- ‘Nearly 7 million children’ at risk -

The strikes targeting energy infrastructure have piled pressure on Ukraine’s power grid, whose operators have for weeks been forced to implement rolling blackouts.

That left “nearly seven million children without sustained access to electricity, heating and water, putting them at increased risk”, UNICEF, the UN children’s agency said Wednesday.

Explosions rang out over central Kyiv and AFP journalists later saw law enforcement and emergency service workers inspecting metal fragments at a snow-covered impact site.

City officials said debris from the downed drones had damaged residential homes and a local administrative building.

No one was reported injured or killed, but residents cleaning up broken window glass and assessing damage vented their frustration at the Russian barrages. AFP

Biden calls for principled African partnership with US

WASHINGTON—President Joe Biden called Wednesday for a long-term partnership with Africa rooted in good governance as US businesses unveiled billions of dollars led by tech investment for a continent where China has become a top player.

Addressing a summit that brought 49 African leaders to the Washington cold, Biden avoided uttering China’s name but made clear the United States would take a different approach.

At the first such gathering since Barack Obama invited African leaders in 2014, Biden said the United States sought “partnerships —not to create political obligation, to foster dependence, but to spur shared success and opportunity.”

“When Africa succeeds, the United States succeeds. Quite frankly, the whole world succeeds as well,” the president said.

The Biden administration is laying out more than $55 billion in support over the three-day summit and on Wednesday welcomed US and African businesses, which promised more than $15 billion in trade deals.

In an implicit contrast with China, which takes a hands-off approach in countries where it invests, Biden highlighted “the core values that unite our people -- all our people, especially young people: freedom, opportunity, transparency, good governance.”

Africa’s economic transition, he said, “depends on good government, healthy popula-

tions and reliable and affordable energy.”

Biden stayed uncharacteristically brief, saying leaders likely wanted to see the World Cup, and watched a semi-final with the prime minister of Morocco, the first African nation to advance so far in the football tournament.

Biden later invited the leaders to the White House to a dinner of sea bass and black-eyed peas and a performance by Gladys Knight.

In a toast, Biden spoke of the “unimaginable cruelty” of “my nation’s original sin” -- the enslavement of Africans -- and hailed the contributions of the diaspora.

“Our people lie at the heart of the deep and profound connection that forever binds Africa and the United States together,” Biden said.

- Pushing tech investmentChina in the past decade has surpassed the United States on investing in Africa via highly visible infrastructure projects, often funded through loans that have totaled more than $120 billion since the start of the century.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday warned African leaders that both China and Russia were “destabilizing” the continent, saying Beijing’s mega-contracts lacked transparency.

Biden announced a $100 million aid package for clean energy and the White House unveiled another $800 million in public and private financing for digital development in Africa. AFP

submit their application with resume and cover letter on or before December 31, 2022 to: Rhodessa M. Mallari, HR Manager rhodessa.mallari@alstomgroup.com MS-(DEC. 16, 2022)

China recalls six diplomats following Manchester beating of HK protester

those officials, including the consul-general himself,” Cleverly noted.

Britain’s top diplomat said London’s response demonstrated its “adherence to the rule of law” as well as “the seriousness with which we take these incidents”.

Secretary

UK

Greater Manchester Police launched a criminal probe after Hong Konger Bob Chan alleged Chinese diplomats subjected him to “barbaric” treatment—dragging him inside their compound to assault him—at an antiBeijing protest.

“As part of that investigation, we requested that six Chinese officials waive diplomatic immunity so they can be questioned,” Cleverly said Wednesday.

He added that the Chinese embassy in London had been informed of the deadline for “them to take action”.

“In response to our requests, the Chinese government has now removed from the UK

In response, China’s embassy to Britain issued a rebuke to Cleverly on Wednesday, saying he made “irresponsible comments by distorting facts”.

“The British government failed to effectively prevent the intrusion and assault carried out by those rioters and to protect the premises and members of the Chinese Consulate General,” the Chinese embassy said in a statement posted on its website.

“The UK side shows no respect for justice and the rule of law, and is being most irresponsible and disgraceful,” it said, adding that they had “launched solemn representations” with Britain over the issue.

‘Fled like cowards’

In October, the UK’s Foreign Office department summoned Yang Xiaoguang, China’s Charge d’Affaires in London, after footage emerged backing up the claims of the prodemocracy protester. AFP

IN BRIEF

Google keeping HK anthem search hits

HONG KONG—Google said Thursday it does not manipulate search results, after Hong Kong’s government said the tech giant had refused its demand to bury a popular protest song.

The controversy began after it emerged that links to the pro-democracy song “Glory to Hong Kong” appeared ahead of China’s official “March of the Volunteers” when people searched for the city’s anthem.

The song was accidentally played for Hong Kong athletes at two international sports events last month, prompting the demand from the Chinese city to delist it from search results.

“Google handles billions of search queries every day, so we build ranking systems to automatically surface relevant, high quality, and helpful information,” the tech giant told AFP in response to a query about the anthem request. AFP

22 dead in India by drinking toxic alcohol

PATNA, India—At least 22 people have died and several others have been hospitalised in India after drinking toxic alcohol, authorities said Thursday.

The deaths happened mainly in two villages in the eastern state of Bihar, where the sale and consumption of liquor are prohibited.

Such bans are in force in several Indian states, driving a thriving black market for cheap alcohol made in unregulated backstreet distilleries that kills hundreds of people every year.

In the latest incident, men in Saran district began vomiting on Tuesday before their condition deteriorated.

Three died on the way to hospital and others died while being treated on Wednesday and Thursday, with local media reports putting the toll at 31.

Hospital chief Sagar Dulal Sinha said 22 post-mortem examinations had been conducted so far. AFP

LONDON—China has removed six diplomats from the UK, including its consul-general in Manchester, after they were accused of assaulting a Hong Kong protester in the northern English city, Britain said Wednesday.

Foreign

James Cleverly said the six envoys had left the country by a Wednesday deadline imposed by London for them to waive their diplomatic immunity and be questioned by police over the October incident.

The attack came as the Kremlin promised no let-up to fighting over Christmas and as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged European leaders to assist in setting up a court to try Russian leaders over the war.

NOWHERE TO GO. Local resident Galyna, 80, holds a cat in front of a damaged building where she lives without electricity, water and heat, in the town of Lyman, Donetsk region, on December 14 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

Villar’s PREIT closes at P1.60 on market debut

THE share price of Villar family’s Prime Island Power REIT Corp. rose 6.7 percent on its debut in the stock market, bucking the market’s downward movement.

PREIT opened at P1.47 and hit an intra-day low of P1.37 before closing at P1.60. It is the first company to be listed under Prime Asset Ventures Inc., the holding company of Manuel Paola Villar, the eldest son of real estate tycoon Manuel Villar.

“For PAVI, this occasion is a significant milestone and represents the first step towards realizing our commitment to pursuing critical community infrastructure initiatives that would not only provide our shareholders and investors meaningful and reliable returns but also the opportunity to contribute to capacity building for our country,” Villar said during the listing ceremony Thursday.

Villar said the group planned to expand its portfolio to include assets that would be utilized for clean, sustainable and renewable power generation to address the country’s emerging power requirements.

PREIT’s initial portfolio of land and power plant assets are situated in the island province of Siquijor and the Camotes Group of Islands.

B. Austria

Jenniffer

SEC approves Alsons’ P1.135-b debt issuance

THE Securities and Exchange Commission on Thursday approved Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc.’s issuance of P1.135-billion commercial paper to raise funds for working capital and other short-term expenses.

Alsons said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the amount represents the first tranche of its P3 billion commercial paper program. Its board approved on Aug. 25, 2022 the issuance of new shortterm commercial paper worth P3 billion.

The board also authorized the engagement of MIB Capital Corp. as financial advisor, SB Capital Investment Corp. as underwriter and issue manager, Acuna & Francisco Law as transaction counsel, AB Capital and Investment Corp.-Trust Investment Division as facility agency and the Philippine Depository & Trust Corp. as registrar and paying agent.

The board authorized Alsons to apply for registration and licensing of the commercial paper with the SEC and listing with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. Alena Mae S. Flores

DTI appoints Aldaba as new PEZA chief

THE Department of Trade and Industry appointed Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba as the steward of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual issued a department order appointing Aldaba to PEZA on Dec. 14, 2022, after confirming his authority to appoint as head of the DTI based on Administrative Code of 1987.

A part of Aldaba’s job at the PEZA is to oversee the smooth implementation of policies and ensure proper coordination of programs. Aldaba’s appointment will remain valid until an appointment by the President is made or amended, modified, or revoked.

Acting PEZA director-general Tereso Panga assured registered business enterprises, including economic zone developers that the operations, transactions and applications in PEZA are unhampered by recent developments.

“We will continue with the mandate and in attracting more investments. We shall continue to make sound and balanced policy decisions under the leadership of the new OIC,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

Meralco secures 300-MW supply from Aboitiz unit

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. said Thursday it executed an emergency power supply agreement with Aboitiz Power Corp.-controlled GNPower Dinginin Ltd. for the supply of 300-megawatt baseload capacity covering Dec. 15, 2022 to Jan. 25, 2023.

The EPSA will partially replace the 670-MW capacity under Meralco’s 2019 power supply agreement with SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.’s subsidiary South Premiere Power Corp., which was subjected to a 60day temporary restraining order issued by the Court of Appeals.

“Meralco exhausts all measures to continue supplying its customers with sufficient and reliable power while mitigating the impact of the TRO on its customers,” Meralco said in a statement.

GNPower Dinginin offered P5.96 per kilowatt-hour, higher than SPPC’s contract of P4.30 per kWh under the 2019 PSA.

The rate is slightly higher than what SPPC and Meralco presented and applied for the ERC under the temporary rate hike petition, which the commission rejected.

GNPower Dinginin is a 1,336-MW coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan.

Meralco said the GNPower Dinginin EPSA would lessen its exposure to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the trading floor of electricity, and “partly shield its customers from volatile and potentially higher generation costs.”

BSP increases borrowing rate by 50 bps to 14-year high of 5.5%

By Julito G. Rada

THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, raised the overnight borrowing rate on Thursday by 50 basis points to a more than 14-year high of 5.5 percent to prevent the second-round effects of inflation that may accelerate further this month.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, who is also the board chairman, said in an online briefing the rate hike would take effect Friday.

BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said the last time the policy rate hit 5.5 percent was in December 2008 during the global financial crisis. In November 2008, the policy rate reached 6 percent.

The MB also raised the interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities to 5.0 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively.

“The BSP’s latest baseline forecasts show that average inflation is still projected to breach the upper end of the 2-per-

cent to 4-percent target range for 2022 and 2023 at 5.8 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively,” Medalla said.

He said the inflation forecast for 2024 was adjusted to 2.8 percent owing to the further easing in oil prices, peso appreciation and the slightly lower domestic growth outlook, resulting in part from the BSP’s cumulative policy rate adjustments.

“The Monetary Board arrived at its decision after noting the further uptick in headline and the sharp rise in core inflation in November amid pent-up demand. Moreover, upside risks continue to dominate the inflation outlook up to 2023 while remaining broadly balanced

in 2024,” Medalla said.

He said the expected upside risks to inflation over the policy horizon stemmed mainly from elevated international food prices due to high fertilizer prices and supply chain constraints.

He said that on the domestic front, trade restrictions, increased prices of fruits and vegetables due to weather disturbances, higher sugar prices, pending petitions for transport fare hikes and potential wage adjustments in 2023 could push inflation upwards. Meanwhile, the impact of a weaker-than-expected global economic recovery was the primary downside risk to the outlook.

“Amid broad-based inflation pressures, persistent upside risks to inflation and elevated inflation expectations, the Monetary Board deems it necessary to take aggressive monetary action to bring headline inflation back to within target as soon as possible. At the same time, an adjustment in the policy interest rate will continue to provide a cushion against external spillovers amid tighter global financial conditions,” Medalla said.

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Ayala Land investing P5.4b in Plaridel mixed-used project

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AYALA Land Inc. is initially investing P5.4 billion to develop a newly-launched mixed-use estate in Plaridel, Bulacan.

ALI president and chief executive Bernand Vincent Dy said during the ground breaking ceremony of Crossroads the project is part of the group’s strategy to aggressively expand in Central Luzon amid the rapid infrastructure development in the region.

“Crossroads is a 82-hectare mixed-use development. It is strategically situated in the progressive Bulacan to capture the

fast-growing trade, commerce and residential base in the area,” Dy said.

ALI allotted 70 percent of the property for residential developments and the remaining 30 percent for commercial developments and open space.

The property firm plans to develop the initial 20-hectare commercial node in five years. It is selling commercial lots with sizes ranging from 300 to 1,000 square meters at P75,000 per sq. m.

It also plans to launch horizontal developments from residential brands Alveo, Avida and Amaia.

Crossroads is ALI’s 49th mixed-use estate and its second in Bulacan. Situated at the junction of Plaridel Bypass and Access Road, the estate is four-km. away from NLEX Balagtas Exit, making the development less than an hour from Quezon City and the cities of Angeles and San Fernando in Pampanga.

The new estate is also a 20-minute drive to Malolos City and the PNR Balagtas Station and potentially a 40-minute drive to the proposed New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, Bulacan which started land development.

REMITTANCES in October climbed to a three-month high of $2.911 billion, an increase of 3.5 percent from $2.812 billion a year ago, as inflows began to increase ahead of the holiday season.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that cash remittances in the first 10 months hit $26.736 billion, up 3.1 percent from $25.929 billion a year ago.

“The expansion in cash remittances in October 2022 was due to the growth in receipts from land-based and sea-based workers,” the BSP said in a statement.

“The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Qatar contributed largely to the increase in remittances in January to October 2022,” it said.

The US posted the highest share of overall remittances in the first ten months, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also went up 3.5 percent in October to a threemonth high of $3.23 billion from $3.12 billion a year earlier.

“The increase in personal remittances in October 2022 was due to higher remittances sent by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,” the BSP said.

Cumulative personal remittances grew 3.1 percent in the 10-month period to $29.72 billion from $28.82 billion in the comparable months in 2021.

Studies showed that Philippine remittances were the fourth largest in the world after India, China and Mexico. Julito G. Rada

Upson International’s net income jumped 68% to P400m in 9 months

By Othel V. Campos

UPSON International Corp., the country’s largest retailer of personal computers and IT products, on Thursday reported a 68.6-percent increase in nine-month net income to P400.23 million from P237.38 million in the same period last year.

The company said net sales went up 10.17 percent in the first nine months to P7.03 billion from P6.38 billion a year ago.

Upson president and chief executive Arlene Sy said the retail market suffered a significant loss of foot traffic amid the pandemic, but the long period of immobility prompted the market to adapt by implementing various arrangements, which included online learning and work-fromhome set-ups.

“Amidst an industrywide shortage of supply, Upson still recorded revenue growths of 5.15 percent and 7.66 percent in 2021 and 2020, respectively,” Sy said.

Upson’s over 200 branches nationwide carry the retail brands Octagon, Micro Valley, Gadget King and other specialty and concept stores.

The company earned distinctions such as top distributor, dealer of the year, retail partner of the year and top national sales from long-standing suppliers Asus, Epson, HP, Seagate and others.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Thursday its subsidiary in Mexico is investing $230 million over three years to expand its capacity.

The port operator led by businessman Enrique Razon said Contecon Manzanillo’s investment plan for 2022 to 2025 would cost more than $230 million, which would mainly be utilized to upgrade shipping and terminal infrastructure, storage yards and equipment.

The capacity increase to two million TEUs or twenty-foot equivalent units will position Contecon as the largest ter-

minal in Mexico’s Pacific coast, it said.

The third expansion phase will enable the Port of Manzanillo—a key port in the Pacific Coast of Mexico—to expand its operational capacity and cater to the country’s current and future foreign trade requirements.

“Manzanillo is the most important node of international logistics in the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and it will continue to be so. We are convinced that this expansion, as well as the construction of land access to the northern zone of the terminal and the acquisition of new inspection equipment for Customs, will consolidate and strengthen the port’s po-

sition among competitors,” CMSA chief executive José Antonio Contreras said.

“This port is designed to meet present and future needs, as well as handle 400-meter ships. If the port wins, we all win—from our clients to the families of our employees,” he said.

Colima Governor Indira Vizcaíno Silva said the expansion would serve the growing demand that persists in the Port of Manzanillo, which would undoubtedly reflect better employment opportunities and living conditions not only for the people of Manzanillo, but also for the people of Colima.

“The government of Colima is ready

and willing to help the development and economic activity of businesses that yearn, like us, for the well-being of population,” she said.

CMSA’s expansion will create more than 600 new direct jobs, in addition to the existing 1,200, along with 11,600 indirect jobs, making the company one of the most committed employers in Colima.

The expansion and the goal of consolidating the Port of Manzanillo’s position as the most important and competitive in the country prompted CMSA to start the third phase of the new port expansion project and serve the country’s foreign trade needs in the coming years.

Remittances rose 3.5% to 3-month high of $2.9b in October, says BSP

ICTSI’s Mexican unit allocates $230m to expand capacity over next three years

MIESCOR OFFICES. Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp. unveils the new offices of its utility attachment management and telecommunications business units in Quezon City. The new 893-square-meter building will house close to 140 MIESCOR employees. MIESCOR president and chief executive Ronnie Aperocho and chief operating officer Richard Ochava lead the ribbon-cutting and blessing of the new building. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Manila Electric Co., MIESCOR is one of the Philippines’ leading providers of electromechanical works, engineering, distribution utility, telecommunications and technical services.

USTDA GRANT. Eramen Minerals Inc. receives a U.S. Trade and Development Agency grant for a feasibility study to advance the development of an environmentally sustainable nickel processing facility in the Philippines. The partnership is crucial to the shared clean energy and national security goals of the Philippines and the United States. Signing the agreement are (clockwise from left) US Embassy Manila senior commercial officer Paul Taylor, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Eramen Minerals president Enrique Fernandez and USTDA country manager for Indo-Pacific region Tanvi Madsusudanan.

Satisfying sweet tooths during Noche Buena

By Patricia Taculao

IF there’s another part of the Noche Buena feast that Filipinos look forward to, it’s the dessert. After all, who wouldn’t love to cap off their savory dining experience with something that will satisfy their sweet tooths?

Leche flan is a usual traditional dessert served during the holidays. Although most people can get the creamy and sweet dish in food stores or markets on regular days, it still brings joy when served on special occasions.

The dessert consists of eggs and milk and is topped with caramel to bring out the texture and combine the flavors. It resembles crème caramel and caramel custard. However, it differs in ingredients and output. Leche flan relies more on evaporada and condensada than cream. It’s also heavier and richer in flavor, making each bite worthwhile.

Many cuisines across the world know the dish and have their take on it. Even restaurants create leche flans because of their popularity, easy preparation, and long shelf life. Dessert chefs often

use it as a component to produce other creations.

A vital component when making leche flan is a llanera or custard mold. It’s where people broil the sugar to achieve a sticky sweet caramel to top off the dessert. As for the custard itself, people only have to combine egg yolks with evaporada or condensada. Transfer to the mold with the

caramel before steaming.

Using the llanera is the traditional way of preparing and serving leche flan. But the oblong mold doesn’t provide a lot. Yet nothing’s stopping anyone from making more or buying from stores.

So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s accessible and fulfilling, look no further than leche flan.

A festive, flavorful, and textured rice dish

NOCHE Buena is a time for people to enjoy good food with good company. Arroz Valenciana is a dish often served during the holidays and other special occasions. It is similar to Paella and has several variations from cuisines across the globe.

The Filipino version of Arroz Valenciana uses coconut milk, glutinous or sweet rice (locally known as malagkit), boiled eggs, and chorizo. Others add vegetables, like green peas or sliced bell peppers, red or green, to the mix.

The colorful and flavorful ingredients atop a bed of sticky, filling yellow rice makes it a satisfying dish worthy of its position during special events.

It only takes about an hour to prepare and cook Arroz Valenciana. Once finished, it could serve a large group of people ready to satisfy their cravings.

People can easily find and replace some ingredients in the recipe, except chicken, rice, and coconut milk. More refined versions use Spanish saffron to add color and flavor to Arroz Valenciana, but people can opt for achuete instead (because it’s cheaper and more accessible).

Even though the recipe calls for chicken and chorizo as star proteins, people can add other ingredients like pork and beef to add more texture to every bite.

The meal is filling because it incorporates two staples in Filipino cuisine: rice and savory ingredients. However, some also add other viands on their plate to elevate the dining experience.

One won’t go wrong with a serving of Arroz Valenciana at the their Noche Buena table.

Photo courtesy of https://asianfoodnetwork.com/ph/recipes/cuisine/filipino/leche-flan.html

Christmas Joy & Festivities

Serving a delectable Noche Buena feast

By Patricia Taculao

WITH just a few more days before Christmas, people are clamoring to finish their holiday shopping in time. Aside from a list of presents, Filipinos also have to think about what to serve during Noche Buena (the Christmas Eve dinner). Since Christmas only comes once annually, they cook and feed their loved ones some of the best meals to celebrate the season.

There are no limitations to what people can serve during their Noche Buena feast, but over time, they’ve developed a menu based on tradition or preference. From appetizers to main courses to desserts, there’s something for everyone at the table.

LUMPIANG SHANGHAI

If there’s one dish that shouldn’t be missing from a Filipino table, it’s lumpiang shanghai. Although it came from Chinese traders during the early centuries, it became a popular staple in Philippine cuisine and is present on nearly every holiday.

People love it for its crispy wrapping and flavorful filling, making it an ideal finger food or viand.

On the other hand, it’s well-loved by cooks because it’s easy to make and versatile. It only needs two things—wrapper and filling. They can conveniently try different combinations to make the best recipe. A usual mix is pork and aromatics, but people can use other meats like beef or shrimp. Some even use vegetables as a healthier alternative.

Serve with sauce on the side to boost and bring the flavors together.

PANCIT CANTON AND PASTA

Another staple dish on Filipino tables is pancit canton. It also has Chinese origins and made its way around the country with several variations. It’s stir-fried with other ingredients to create a cohesive flavor profile.

People can cook pancit canton depending on their tastes and preferences. They often mix vegetables and meat to add texture to the noodles. Some even add flair to their noodle dish by pouring a thick sauce to tickle the tastebuds further.

However, not all people prefer serving pancit canton alone on their dining tables. Others prefer making pasta-based dishes, which also follow similar principles. Staple pasta dishes often seen on dining tables include spaghetti (the sweet Filipino version with sliced hotdogs), cheesy baked macaroni, and lasagna, among other variations.

The possibilities are endless with noodles or pasta and other ingredients. And because of its popularity, grocery stores, supermarkets, and some convenience stores offer bundles to shoppers so they can make similar dishes for their Noche Buena.

HAM AND OTHER MEATS

One indicator of the holiday season is the proliferation of ham, often available in a medium-sized ball. Although ham is accessible via markets, groceries, and other food stores, Christmas ham tastes and hits differently when it’s out in the market.

Filipinos often serve their Christmas hams fried, with the sauce on top or the side. Others even add herbs or fruits around the dish to bring out its sweetness and savory flavor. People enjoy ham as is or with a serving of rice, another staple in Filipino cuisine.

Yet ham isn’t the only meat dish that could become the star of the Noche Buena table. Filipino viands, like liempo, lechon kawali, and lechon, also appear during the feast to satisfy growling stomachs.

Besides pork, other key ingredients include beef, chicken, or fish, which people cook in various ways. Roast chicken is also famous during Noche Buena feasts because of its accessibility. Everyone can find a store that sells the dish just down the street. However, those who want to make it more special can cook roast chicken from scratch.

RICE VARIANTS

While rice is already a staple in Filipino tables, there are other ways to spice it up and serve it besides simply steaming. For instance, people can choose to enhance the dining experience and the other dishes’ flavors by adding herbs or aromatics. Common variants include java and garlic rice.

Others who are up to the task of cooking a more elaborate can try making the Spanish dish Paella, which features seafood, or a similar version, Arroz Valenciana, which uses chicken instead.

Yet that’s not the only way Filipinos can serve rice. Some traditional rice dishes in the Philippines come sweet, like puto and biko. There’s also the seasonal puto bumbong to bring out the festivities at the dining table.

Since Noche Buena is about celebrating the season and bringing people together, people can serve as many rice-based dishes to spread joy to their guests.

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN DESSERTS

Noche Buena is also a time for people to indulge themselves. Aside from the savory dishes served on the dining table, people can also enjoy sweet treats to top off their dining experience for the

season.

One usual dessert that never fails to make an appearance during the holidays and sometimes other events is a mango float. It’s sweet and filling because of the graham crackers and cream, and the mangoes add some acidity to balance the flavors.

There’s also leche flan, a traditional puddinglike dessert that everybody loves because it’s sweet and creamy.

Another option is a fruit cocktail, which uses a mixture of fruits, nata de coco, and cream. It’s slightly less sinful than other desserts, but could satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Groceries and food stores also offer the ingredients in bundles. While on the topic of desserts, who could forget the well-loved local treat buko salad or pandan salad made with pandan jelly and shredded coconut?

Some people also bake cakes or try trending dessert recipes to impress their guests.

WHERE TO GET MEALS FOR NOCHE BUENA

Most people cook their meals for the Christmas feast because it shows their dedication to the holidays and how much spending time with their loved ones means a lot to them. However, not everyone has the time, but it doesn’t lessen their intentions to enjoy the season with good company and food.

Groceries, supermarkets, markets, and similar establishments offer a wide range of ingredients for Christmas. On the other hand, some local restaurants also operate on Christmas Eve to spread the holiday spirit.

Photo courtesy of AseanCommunity Facebook

Games’ hosting inspires Ilocos Sur to widen grassroots sports program

By Peter Atencio

THE staging of the Philippine Sports Commission-Batang Pinoy National Championships is inspiring the provincial government of Ilocos Sur to widen the scope of its grassroots development program.

Special Assistant to the Governor in Sports, Jester Singson said this two days to go before the start of the six-day meet as delegates from different provinces began arriving for the competitions this week.

Singson disclosed in the weekly session of “PSC People’s Conversation” on Facebook that they are developing plans to expand the scope of their sports activities in the Ilocos region.

In consultation with PSC Regional Sports Coordinator and Provincial Sports Consultant Edwin Llanes, Singson said there are plans to help the growth of archery and organize volleyball activities at the national level.

“Sa aming pag-iikot sa venues naisip naming na ayusin ang grassroots.

Katulad ng archery, kahit pahapyawhapyaw lang,” said Singson, who spoke on behalf of Gov. Ryan Singson.

Sports officials in the region noted the high interest of enthusiasts in volleyball and archery.

Because of this, they hope to provide coaches, equipment and venues for these athletes to be able to grow.

For now, Singson said the province is excited to have the events of Batang Pinoy get going when the games open on Saturday at the Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

Two Tokyo Olympics boxing silver medallist Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam are coming and will be the guests of honor in the opening rites.

Fellow national elite athletes, Olympic judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, SEA Games gold medalists Chloe Isleta and Mary Allin Aldeguer are joining Petecio and Paalam during the ceremonies.

“The Batang Pinoy program has already produced numerous champions in various sports since it started in 1999. I am sure that the stories of our bemedalled athletes will inspire our young athletes who will be competing in Ilocos Sur, to reach the height they have achieved,” said PSC chairman Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala.

Proud France coach ready for Messi in World Cup final

AL KHOR, Qatar (AFP) -- France coach Didier Deschamps admitted he was “immensely proud” after Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Morocco took the holders through to another World Cup final where he said his team would try to find a way of countering a Lionel Messi in “scintillating form” for Argentina.

“I am immensely proud. It is great to be through to the final but it was not an easy victory,” Deschamps said after an early goal by Theo Hernandez and a late finish from substitute Randal Kolo Muani at Al Bayt Stadium saw off the first ever African or Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final.

“We needed a mixture of quality, experience and team spirit, and in difficult periods we had to dig deep but I am really satisfied and proud of my players.”

France are aiming to become the first team in 60 years to win back-to-back

World Cup titles after Brazil’s double victories in 1958 and 1962.

However they must prepare to face an Argentina side who have been inspired on their way to the final by Messi and who will be seeking revenge for a 4-3 defeat when the teams met in the last 16 four years ago.

“Messi has been in scintillating form since the start of the tournament,” Deschamps admitted.

“Four years ago things were different. He played as a centre forward, whereas now he is playing in a front two or just in behind the striker.

tuneup against Vietnam allowed the team to have a real assessment of its status.

“We are not happy with the results but to be honest, a team which hasn’t played together going up against a squad who beat Borussia Dortmund two weeks ago, plus considered as a shoo-in in the finals, I think we were able to put up a good fight where we made a good account of ourselves,” Palami added.

“He looks in great shape and of course he is one of the best players in the world so we will try to counter Messi’s threat as much as possible, just as Argentina will try to stop the influence of some of my players.”

Maroons vow to rebound in 3rd game

FOR now, the Ateneo Blue Eagles take pride in not having lost back-toback games in its last 72 encounters. But the Eagles’ foe, the defending champion University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, don’t like a second straight loss either, and are not expected to give their quest for a back-to-back crown that easily in the 85th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

Coach Goldwin Monteverde said his wards vowed to bounce back in Game 3 of their best-of-three finals series on Monday.

“Knowing the team, hindi naman ito susuko nang ganu’n. Iyung pagdating ng Game 3, babangon ito sa Monday,” said Monteverde as he emerged from the locker room following a long meeting with his wars, who lost to Ateneo, 65-55, in Game 2 on Wednesday at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum.

In Game 3, Monteverde said the players will most likely overcome the struggles that they went through in Game 2.

One of them is Malick Diouf, who was crowned as the Most Valuable Player and fell into foul trouble early.

Diouf was nursing four fouls until the final buzzer and it affected his rhythm.

They also lost one of their key guys in Zavier Lucero, while they were down, 44-59, after he tried to attack the basket and hurt his right knee trying to get past a screen.

After the Blue Eagles held the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to their lowest output this season, Ateneo will try to do it again.

Statistically, the Blue Eagles allows teams to score an average of 65 points on offense, while UP lets opponents norm 68.41 points.

Southwoods’ Chairman’s charity golf on

FOUR hundred players make up the fullpacked field slugging it out for top honors in the Chairman’s Charity Cup beginning Friday, all geared up for a two-day battle of shotmaking and wits in a competitive but fun atmosphere at the Legends and Masters courses of the Manila Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite.

THE Philippine Azkals lost to Vietnam in their friendly game last Wednesday night. With barely seconds left in stoppage time, Van Quyet found the back of the net with a floating strike to clinch the win for the hosts at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi. Whether it was a lucky goal or tsamba, a goal is still a goal, and a win is still a win.

To say it was a sorry loss for the newly rebooted Azkals under new coach Josep “Coco” Ferré will be a cliche. And to add that “bawi na lang, next time” consolation won’t probably mean much as of the moment.

The squad, composed mostly of local players coming from clubs in the Philippines Football League, held their own despite Vietnam dominating possession and controlling the pace of the game. Which is pretty much expected. The Philippines has not won a game against Vietnam, whether an exhibition or in a tournament, in its last four games against the regional giants. The Golden Star Warriors are coming off a 2-1 win against Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in an exhibition match several weeks ago.

We probably expected so much from the Azkals against Vietnam. We also expected much from Ferré, who is coaching the team for the first time despite being in the country for less than two weeks.

Dan Palami, the Azkals’ team manager, just like most Azkals fans and supporters, was disappointed with the loss. But rather than dwelling on the what ifs and the bashing the team continues to receive from its passionate fans after the game, Palami chose to focus on what was the real purpose of the friendly against Vietnam.

“We have to look at it from what the objective of the friendly was and I think the new coach would have been given a better understanding of the opponents that we will have to face in the upcoming Mitsubishi Electric Cup,” he said.

Palami said the game was also a chance for Ferré to see what his players can do in real competition and have a gauge on where the team stands.

While most players are coming from the domestic league, Palami says they showed a lot of promise.

“Almost all of them are really young and less experienced. But I think this is very positive. This presents a positive view on how the local league has improved. The players showed they can weather the storm and with a few adjustments, the team could be stronger than what we’ve seen,” Palami said.

He said the loss against Vietnam is very frustrating, but the Azkals are not strangers to losing friendlies before. Just like what happened in 2010, when the team suffered a terrible loss against Thailand in a tuneup match prior to the then AFF Suzuki Cup. The

Palami said fans should also be kind to Ferré, who just coached the team for the first time.

“He is coming in a bit blind at ‘di pa niya masyado kilala ang mga materyales at his disposal. We need to support him too,” Palami said.

Championships are not won in exhibition games. We can lose all our tuneups yet the scorecards won’t matter at the end of the day. There is an obvious reason why they are being called “friendlies.” What is important is the team learns from the experience, for the boys to feel what it is like to rise from the challenge and to play against thousands of hostile fans, for the coach to make adjustments when it truly matters and for the management to reap the lessons of them all and make the team stronger, despite all the odds, the limitations and the apathy towards the team by certain individuals and sectors.

That being said, the team now knows what needs to be done and improved on and the adjustments that have to be addressed to get good results. The game against Vietnam exposed the many things the team needs. The Azkals need a solid striker. Someone who can finish the job, if they can get the ball to the final third. Which brings us to the need of playmakers, who can create possibilities, who can push the ball, break down the defense and spark the offense.

For sure, Ferré knows what needs to be done by now.

Speaking of Coach Coco, he was very positive of the team. He said that while they are young and inexperienced, the new set of Azkals has no shortage of determination and desire to get results.

“They have potential but they need a little bit of time, to progress, to be better, to get more experience since most of them barely played in international games. So it will be a chance for them to make one step forward into their careers. But what I’m happy with them is that they have shown and taken a very big commitment and good effort to be with the team. And they are absolutely open to improvement,” Ferré said.

Ferré is aware that competitions in the Mitsubishi Electric Cup will be hard with opponents continuing to improve but he vowed to give his all and make the Azkals competitive.

“Coaching a football club is really different from coaching a national team. A football club may represent a town, city or a corporation. But coaching a national side, represents the aspirations of a nation, of its people and it is quite an honor to lead the national team right now. We don’t know what will happen, but we will fight 100% to have chances to win for sure,” he explained.

Some interesting facts about the new Azkals’ coach: Ferré was in Manila in 2011, not as coach but as a tourist. He visited Intramuros then because he was very interested in the history of the place. He also made sure

that he will be able to see the Rizal Memorial Stadium before returning to Hong Kong.

“You won’t probably believe this but when we got to the stadium, which was open that time, I thought at that moment that one day I will coach here. And I told that to my friends who were with me. And they said why not. Eleven years later, when I went back again to Rizal last week, that thought came back and here I am,” he said.

Ferré added he is looking forward to the team’s first home game in the Mitsubishi Cup and spending his first New Year in the country. His fiancée, Judith Peran, who played in one of the top Futsal teams in Spain, is set to arrive in the country from Catalonia on Christmas. He said Judith will be in time to watch the Azkals go against Indonesia at home on the second day of the new year.

Ferré said he is here for the long haul and if given the chance, he would like to grow older with the team.

“I really feel good here. The people are warm. Everybody is trying to make my life easier. Everyone is treating me very nice here. I’ll be more than happy to help this group of players grow and realize their potential,” he said.

Speaking of long haul, I heard that there’s an opening for a very important position in a very important government office that is primarily tasked to look into the well-being of our professional athletes.

If not asking too much, I’m appealing to all sporting gods to consider a dear and respected friend for the position of Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Chair. Kuyang Chino Trinidad is more than qualified for the job. His vast experience as former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League then and as a sports journalist many years later has prepared him to occupy the post. But more importantly, his care and compassion for our athletes, especially to our boxers, can’t be doubted and discounted.

I grew up in Calasiao hearing Kuyang Chino’s voice over the radio reporting updates on the annual summer bikeathon which was sponsored then by a major cigarette brand. Which I think was one of the best ways to break in new sports reporters then. But for me, one of the most memorable events he was able to cover was when a boxer met his tragic end after getting knocked out earlier in the ring. Since then, Kuyang Chino has been an advocate for the safety and well-being of our boxers and major changes in boxing as well as in other sports to make them more credible, fair and just.

There is no better man to lead GAB than Kuyang Chino!

Please don’t forget to watch and tune in this Sunday, December 18, from 2-3 p.m. for another interesting episode of 3PTS–Pambansang Tambayan ng Sports at DZME 1530 KHZ. The Designated Kit Man along with Rommel Miranda and guest co-host Joshua Lopez will be joined by several guests for another hour of timely and relevant discussions.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

The cast includes those coming off a triumphant campaign in the Fil-Am Invitational in Baguio recently, headed by Jun Plana, whose Manila Southwoods’ seniors squad retained its crown in the Fil Championship division. Plana is also the defending men’s overall gross champion in the Chairman’s Charity Cup, back as the host club’s premier Members and Sponsors tournament after the pandemic.

Other titles up for grabs in the event, supported by Platinum sponsors The Turf Company, Inc., Agrexplore Corp., Malveda Properties & Development Corp., Starlux Airlines Co. Ltd., Newport World Resorts, Mit-Air, Inc., Klio International Marketing Corp. and HBW Enterprises Co., are the seniors and ladies overall gross, Division I, II, III and IV in men’s and seniors, and Division I, II and III in the ladies side, and the Sponsors/Guests.

The Individual Net Stableford Points scoring system will be used for Members while the System 36 format will be applied in the Sponsors division.

The shotgun start fires off at 7:30 a.m. at the Legends and at 8 a.m. at the Masters on both days while the face-to-face awards rites and raffle program will be held at the Southwoods Veranda over a gala luncheon on Saturday.

A Mitsubishi Strada and an Xpander are also staked as hole-in-one prizes with Gran Sportivo also putting up a golf cart, Newport World Resorts offering villa accommodation with food & beverages for 10 pax for aces and Srixon offering a Cobra LTDx Iron Set.

A four-night Southeast Asia cruise for two, including of round-trip Manila-Singapore-Manila tickets, courtesy of the Royal Caribbean and Baron Travel, will also be up for grabs for hole-in-one feats in the tournament backed by Platinum sponsors The Turf Company, Inc., Agrexplore Corp., Malveda Properties & Development Corp., Starlux Airlines Co. Ltd., Newport World Resorts, Mit-Air, Inc., Klio International Marketing Corp. and HBW Enterprises Co.

The Xpander MPV (multi-purpose vehicle), the Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia cruise and Newport World Resorts’ villa accommodation will be raffled off if no one makes a hole-inone in the event supported by Gold sponsor Abomar Equipment Sales Corp. and Silver backers are Hydrotech Irrigation & General Services, Le Chef, Inc., MRT Development Corp. and Suzuki Clubfitter.

‘Bawi next time!’ is no longer enough

France’s defender Theo Hernandez celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup semi-final football match between France and Morocco at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha. AFP

That special kind of love

TWENTY-EIGHT years ago, on November 20, 1994, my family’s long-time wish was granted. At 37, an age considerably late for motherhood, my mom still gave birth to her fourth child, my youngest brother.

At around four o’clock in the morning, right before going to school, I found my nine-year-old self looking at that eight-pound baby with rosy cheeks in the nursery room in a local hospital. My Kuya, baby sister Cara, and I shed tears of joy together and raved at how cute our answered prayer was. He looked like a Shanghai spring roll as he was tightly wrapped in white cloth. Lorenzo Carlo Adajar was finally born. My siblings and I were beyond thrilled to welcome the newest family member.

In fact, we bugged and begged our parents for one. I was just wondering back then why I sensed something was wrong. While congratulatory messages and gifts came flooding in, my parents’ faces were puzzling. It was only days after settling back home when I found the answer. Papa and Mama gathered my siblings and me in a room and broke the news. “Enzo has Down Syndrome,” Papa announced, with his voice break-

ing. In tandem, my parents explained to the best of their abilities what the condition was. Everything became a blur. All I could remember was that my brother has a lot of needs. He is differently abled. He is special. And my parents warned us beforehand that the little one might need more of their time and attention. That early, they sought our understanding and cooperation.

When I look back, my parents’ love set the foundation for the kind of life we built around Enzo. No matter how broken they were at the time and clueless about how to navigate the special kind of parenting required of them, they gladly took on the responsibilities. Not once did I ever feel they questioned the situation nor did they feel victims of the circumstance. They managed to always put a positive spin on everything that was happening. Even in spilling heartbreaking pieces of information like

Enzo’s expected intellectual disability, being prone to health complications, and possible short life span, Papa and Mama worked their magic.

My parents, every chance they got, took the opportunity to make our young minds realize that life is a temporary gift we need to cherish and every single day is an opportunity to shower Enzo with all the love we could give. One night, Mama reminded us, “Remember how we always ended our prayer with ‘Thy will be done’? God wants us to stand by that now. He gave us Enzo because God is aware we are capable of providing him what he needs.”

Mama’s claim was loaded. Our capability to provide Enzo with what he needs entailed a lot of sacrifices. Our weekends spent for travel and toy shopping turned into trips to one of the few developmental pediatricians in the country, two hours away from home then. Enzo needed therapy and a lot of supplemental support. What amazes me to this day was how things seemed effortless and fun. My parents made us feel we were part of a lifelong project, that we belonged to a master plan.

Fast forward to almost three decades after, Enzo helped shape the people we are today. He remains to be the glue that binds and bonds our family and the daily

reminder of what true and pure love is. I have lost count of the number of people whose lives he has touched. He leaves a big impact with the smallest of gestures. To name a few, years ago, our helper in Dubai reported how Enzo instantly hugged and comforted her when he saw her crying out of homesickness away from her family in the Philippines.

My Lolo also once raved about how he fell asleep on the couch and found Enzo covering him with a blanket and placing a glass of water within reach. Those little things, upon reflection, deserve a celebration. I must have gotten so used to Enzo being the way he is. He gives without expecting anything in return. He offers the most genuine smile, gives the biggest hugs, and vol-

untarily shares even the last piece of his favorite food.

The person who was once expected by people to make life difficult for us, has been nothing but a source of joy and inspiration. Enzo taught us the most valuable life lessons and gave our lives direction.

Patterned after my parents’, Enzo’s love is unconditional. It is not his condition, but the pureness of his child-like heart that makes him extra special.

The author dedicates this piece to her youngest brother who turned 28 years old last month and her parents who just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.

Bringing messages of hope and solidarity

THE Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines (EU) and its humanitarian aid partners, together with SM, brought a message of hope and solidarity in the face of disasters with The Last Mile photo exhibition at S Maison.

The exhibition offers snapshots of the different phases of the EU’s relief and early recovery operations following the passage of Typhoon Odette over Surigao Del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Palawan on December 16, 2021.

In the parlance of humanitarians, the “last mile” is the final stage of the humanitarian relief chain in which they make sure to reach the most vulnerable, wherever they are.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron and SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr. led the exhibition opening with EU’s humanitarian aid partners.

Ambassador Véron said, “The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons, flooding, and earthquakes. The exhibition wants to be a message of hope, a reminder of our humanitarian obligation to save lives and help communities recover

from natural disasters like Odette.”

Likewise, the exhibition is an expression of sympathy towards the victims of Odette and other disasters, “those who lost their lives, their loved ones, their houses and livelihoods, and that had to rebuild their lives often from scratch. Their fortitude amidst the pain and uncertainty shines in many of those pictures,” Ambassador Veron said.

The exhibition pays homage to the work of humanitarian workers in providing life-saving assistance in the aftermath of disasters and in helping communities recover. It also highlights the importance of preparedness, which was crucial in limiting the number of fatalities from a super typhoon such as Odette.

The exhibition features images captured by EU’s humanitarian partner organizations that implemented the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU-ECHO) emergency response: ACCORD, Action Against Hunger, Care Philippines, Humanity & Inclusion, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., National Rural Women’s Coalition, Oxfam Pilipinas, Plan International, Save the Children Philippines, Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT) Inc, Community Organizers Multiversity, and United Youth of the Philippines-Women.

The Last Mile photo exhibition at S Maison is a joint project of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, EU-ECHO humanitarian partner organizations, and SM.

“One out of 7 people around the world or some 15 percent of the world’s population face difficulties and barriers due to some form of disability. They are all PWDs. The incidence is higher and the challenges steeper for PWDs in developing countries,” said Sol Aragones, founder of the Sol Aragones Foundation.

“In our own efforts in Laguna province to assist PWDs and their families, we have found a partner in PWDled Alagang AKAY,” added Aragones.

PWDs Powering Development

Alagang AKAY was founded independently by PWDs who seek to mobilize PWD power in community and national development.

“It begins of course with uplifting the quality of life of PWDs with specific medical and technological interventions. From there, we seek livelihood, employment, and socio-civic involvement opportunities for PWDs who stand as equals to those without disabilities in terms of strengths, skills, and creativity,” said Dwight Bayona, a leg-amputee, who stands as Ambassador for AKAY.

Alagang Sol – Alagang AKAY

According to Aragones, Alagang Sol found a natural partner in Alagang Akay.

Napakasaya

ng Alagang Sol na may A-Akay na ngayon sa amin para Akayin din ang PWDs . Iisa po ang aming mithiin; ang ipaalam at iparamdam sa sektor ng PWD na andito kami na tutulong sa kanila sa abot ng aming makakaya. Hindi lamang sa pagbibigay ng wheelchair tungkod at saklay, kundi maging sa pagsisimula ng hanap-buhay, tulong sa kalusugan at edukasyon. Sa mga PWD andito na ang Alagang Sol, Alagang Akay,” said Aragones.

“Hindi lang kailidad ng buhay para sa PWD kundi dignidad.”

Cavite-based Bayona agrees. “Sa pananaw ng isang PWD, hindi kami naiiba sa inyo. Ang bawat isa sa atin ay may mga kalakasan at kahinaan.”

“All extraordinary persons who had ever excelled, needed to overcome their own weaknesses, and had used their talents and built on their strengths for the benefit of others,” added Bayona.

INDEPENDENT non-profit and PWDled Alagang AKAY donated wheelchairs for 200 Laguna-based Persons with Disabilities in ceremonies and festivities held in Laguna recently.

The donation drive was held in cooperation with the Sol Aragones Foundation, former news reporter and threeterm congressman Sol Aragones

“Ultimately it is about upholding the dignity of PWDs who are as capable as anyone to support their families, serve the community, and beyond that, power the nation.”

“PWDs innately possess or acquire some sort of superpower, and that is a HEART for overcoming challenges, for triumph, and for contributing to society,” added Bayona who lost his right leg while assisting an accident victim 16 years ago.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron (right) and SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy Jr. at the opening of ‘The Last Mile’ photo exhibition at S Maison

A Plan International team member (left) visits Irene and her husband in Badian, Cebu. They are one of the beneficiaries of the EU ECHOfunded livelihood assistance program

Smiling Jandel and Ryd on the outrigger of a boat used to transport relief goods headed for the island barangay of Mahanay in Getafe, Bohol, which was severely affected by Typhoon Odette. Photo by LJ Pasion of Save the Children Philippines

A young Enzo

From left: The author, Enzo, and Cara

Congresswoman Sol Aragones (right)

Christmas Joy & Festivities

8 thoughtful gifts from Surplus for your last-minute holiday shopping

EVERYONE is on their tail-end of holiday shopping! If you are thinking of completing your gifting list at the last minute, you may want your family and friends to receive thoughtful gifts and make them feel the Yuletide cheers.

If you are still deciding which gifts to give them, below are some of the unique picks from Surplus’ novelty collection. Whether you are giving gifts for the always on-the-go, for the social media native, or even for the homebodies, these pieces will surely help them in their day-to-day!

MAKE THEM THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

Surprise your fun-loving friends with a Bluetooth Karaoke with Microphone that they can use in every party. This one-of-a-kind Bluetooth Karaoke is easy to carry with its built-in handle, and to connect to other Bluetooth electronic devices for wireless audio link.

To complement this, you can also add a Vlogging Kit to help them capture their best karaoke moments with better sound and lighting, may it be indoors or outdoors. This allin-one kit already has a universal microphone, LED light, and flexible tripod grip.

ADD MORE GRAB-AND-GO ITEMS

Make your always on-the-go friends live a healthier lifestyle by giving them functional yet easy-to-use Portable Juicer. It comes with a button panel multipurpose blender to make their own delicious juices, smoothies, or even milkshakes.

Another useful item you can give them this Christmas is a Hydrofresh Stainless Steel Tumbler. It comes in Ombre and Metallic collections which can also complete their daily fit because of its stylish looks.

PROMOTE A SMARTER HOME

Your homebody friends will surely love a smarter home with these tech gadgets.

Help them light up their homes even more with a Motion Sensor Light that automatically turns on when it detects motion at least 3 meters in range. It is also rechargeable and convenient to place in any dark areas in the house. You may create a gift set together with a Bluetooth

Speaker with Alarm Clock and LED Light for entertainment and function. It plays up to 10 hours and has a color changing light complete with a functional alarm clock.

Throw in a Humidifier with Himalayan Salt Lamp to your gift to make a comfier lounge at home. Not only does it help make the nook brighter, but it also makes the air clean and easier to breathe in.

For a more convenient shopping experience, you may check out Surplus at Lazada, SM Malls Online, and ShopSM. Surplus Order to Deliver is also now available; join their Viber community and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ SurplusPH and @Surplus_ph for more details.

Ibalik ang sarap ng Paskong Pinoy with these tipid recipe tips

Families coming together in the kitchen to create their favorite home-cooked dishes has always been a celebrated Filipino tradition. Regardless of skill level, here are a few ways you can prepare dishes for Christmas with Eden Cheese, in a tipid way!

FILIPINO Christmas feasts are known to be festive. Reunions, gatherings, and Noche Buena are made better when you’re surrounded by Christmas decor, parols, twinkling Christmas lights, and a full spread on the table, as most families would go the extra mile in serving their loved ones the tastiest and best homemade dishes they can prepare. Thankfully, you can make delicious dishes without breaking the bank!

Ibalik Ang Sarap Ng Paskong Pinoy with Eden —a familyfavorite staple in the kitchen. Make Eden Cheese your go-to ingredient in preparing creamy, tasty, and memorable dishes for you and your family to enjoy this holiday season. Here are a few Tipid Recipe Tips to prepare you for potlucks, family gatherings, and of course Noche Buena!

Explore using new ingredients in your favorite dishes. With the rising prices of goods, we need to make smart decisions when it comes to how we spend our money, but this can’t come at the expense of our holiday celebrations. There are always ways to make your favorite dishes more affordable and accessible. For example, when it comes to Spaghetti you can try using corned beef instead of using ground beef—keeping that delicious meaty taste complemented by the creamy Eden Cheese sprinkled on top and mixed in the sweet tasting sauce. The same goes for Caldereta, instead of beef you can try using more affordable meat options like pork or chicken which are equally as heartwarming with a taste we’ve grown to love which is made even more special with the creamy goodness of Eden Cheese. Add a creamy twist to simple and affordable dishes. Good food doesn’t need to be so extravagant for you to enjoy it—even the most simple of dishes can be made special with a bit of a twist!

For your next Leche Flan, add some Eden Cheese in the mix and sprinkle it

on top to give it an added creamy taste and saltiness to contrast well with the sweet dessert. You can also do the same as you prepare your Fruit Salad by adding chunks of Eden Cheese and sprinkling it on top to add an extra depth of flavor to your favorite holiday dessert.

Prepare a charcuterie board with Eden Cheese. Charcuterie boards are popular when it comes to celebrations like Christmas and we often see these filled with expensive meats and cheese. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune – you can make an affordable version and customize it to your own liking! Just slice up some creamy Eden Original and Eden Queso de Bola, then add your favorite snacks and dried fruits. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your own version and we highly suggest you exercise your creativity here!

These are just some ideas on how you can prepare special dishes this holiday season, even if you’re on a tight budget! You can also discover more recipes to prepare at CheeseAnything.com

Eden Cheese is available in all leading supermarkets nationwide and online at bit.ly/ShopEdenCheese. You can also follow Eden Cheese PH on Facebook.

Salmon as part of noche buena feast

THE traditional Christmas feast, or “noche buena,” often features a variety of dishes, including pork, chicken, and seafood. However, for those looking for a healthier alternative, salmon can be a delicious and sumptuous option to include in your noche buena spread.

Not only is salmon a tasty and versatile fish, but it is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to have a range of health benefits. These fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation in the body, improve heart health, and even boost brain function.

If you’re looking to include salmon in your noche buena feast, you should order from Salmon HQ, a small home business specializing in high-quality salmon dishes. Their Premium Salmon Cake, Aburi Scallop Baked Sushi, and California Maki Baked Sushi are all delicious options that are sure to be a hit with your guests. If you want to try various dishes, their Sushi Platter is the perfect option.

You can also order the following:

Premium Salmon Cake

Inside are layers of Premium Kani kama mixed with Ebiko, Premium Spicy Salmon, Chuka Wakame mixed with Japanese Sushi Rice!

Inari Sushi

Simmered tofu pockets in sweet and savory dashibased broth stuffed with sushi rice & topped with your favorites!

Kani Salad Inari

Tuna Shoyu Inari Salmon Miso Inari

Spicy Salmon Inari Spicy Tuna Inari Ikura & Uni Inari

Heart Gunkan

These are sushi rice wrapped in salmon, topped with salmon, tuna, uni, kani, cream cheese, wakame and ikura. It comes with a thick umami sauce that you can drizzle on top then dunk it in wasabi and kikkoman.

The Crunchy California Sushi Bake comprises seasoned rice, cucumbers, mango, ebiko, Premium Kani, Crunch & 3 kinds of sauce.

Aburi Scallops.Salmon.Ebi Sushi Bake. This is filled with Scallops, salmon, ebi, kani, secret sauce, and seasoned rice, and topped with more scallops, salmon, ebi, crunch, ebiko then torched to bring out the sweet smoky aroma and umami flavors. Eat it with seaweed or on its own! So good!!!

In addition to being a tasty and healthy option for your Christmas feast, salmon dishes from Salmon HQ make for a thoughtful and delicious gift. So whether you’re looking to add salmon to your noche buena spread or give it as a gift, Salmon HQ is a perfect choice.

If you are looking for the perfect gift this Holiday season and tired of the usual cake and sweet, try their Premium Salmon Cake! It’s the perfect cake for Sushi lovers! Order yours in advance!

You may DM them on their social media accounts.

www.instagram.com/salmon.hq

PUT TOGETHER A COMFY NOOK

Nothing beats useful items built for comfort and ease. Help your friends create a cozy corner at home with a Tatami Floor Chair that has breathable cotton fabric and high-quality cushion perfect for lounging. It also comes in various colors to match every personality.