Manila Standard - 2023 January 6 - Friday

PBBM cites China trip gains

Highlights $22.8b investment pledges in his arrival report to the nation

By Vince Lopez

BEIJING—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his three-day state visit to the People's Republic of China generated $22.8 billion worth of investment pledges.

“It was a very quick visit, but we accomplished a lot. It was very productive. It was worth it,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview with reporters in Beijing before arriving in Manila Thursday afternoon.

Mr. Marcos won’t rush strict travel rules

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippines will continue to take a wait-and-see stance before tightening border controls and restrictions on travelers from China despite its surge of COVID-19 cases, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday he did not want to impede the flow of tourists into the country.

PNP chief, three other top cops file resignation

By Joel E. Zurbano

and Maricel V. Cruz

TOP officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) led by chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Thursday submitted their courtesy resignations.

The move came after Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. appealed to police colonels and generals to do so to rid the police force of those linked to illegal drugs.

Aside from Azurin, other ranking officials who submitted a courtesy resignation are deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia; deputy chief for operations

Arriving yesterday afternoon from a three-day state visit to Beijing, the President said travelers from China and elsewhere would continue to be subject to the same testing and protocols as all tourists are during the pandemic.

This developed as China on Thursday insisted it had been transparent with the international community about its COVID data, as it hit back against the

World Health Organization criticism that its tally of virus deaths was understating the true scale of its outbreak.

“Let us not make rules that will impede our efforts (to open the economy) because we want tourists,” Mr. Marcos told reporters in a mix of English and Tagalog. Any approach, he said, would be based on science and the country’s current

President, Speaker see direct line to ease tension in WPS

By Vince Lopez

BEIJING—An open line of communication between the Philippines and China, especially involving the two countries’ leaders and foreign ministries, will minimize further maritime incidents in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

Arriving from Beijing at the end of his three-day state visit to China, the President said the bilateral teams are being formed to build the “hotline” on

WPS issues and ideally would have direct access to himself and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Mr. Marcos pushed for better communication between the countries.

Meanwhile, upon the instructions and the directives of the President, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said they are undertaking an initiative “whereby at the very highest levels, we’ll have direct contact and coordination” with the Chinese government.

“In fact, I had already written the

Pulse Asia polls 84% of Pinoy for strong PH-US security ties

A PULSE Asia survey shows that 84% of Filipinos believe that the Marcos administration should work with the United States to strengthen security cooperation to defend our national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

Pulse Asia President Ronald Holmes released the survey results on Thursday during a forum organized by Stratbase ADR Institute and the United States Embassy. The survey was conducted on November 27 to December 1, 2022 and was commissioned by Stratbase.

Aside from the US, 52% of Filipinos also believe that the Marcos

OP clears SRA officials of wrongdoing

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

The Office of the President (OP) has absolved former Agriculture and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) officials for the supposed illegal issuance of Sugar Order Number 4. SO4 would have allowed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar without the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is the concurrent Agriculture Secretary.

Asked of his plans to reinstate Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian, who resigned in the wake of the controversy, the President said he would speak with his erstwhile alter ego

in the department first.

“Well, whatever plans we have for Usec. Sebastian, I think he should hear them first, not over the news. We will talk about it, because we are mindful of the decision. It was basically a mistake, a procedural mistake that happened. So we’ll proceed on that basis,” said Mr. Marcos, fresh from his three-day state visit to China.

In a 10-page decision dated December 29, 2022, the Office of the President cleared four ranking officials of liabilities since the issuance of the Order was “done in good faith.”

They are former Agriculture undersecretary Leocadio S. Sebastian, former SRA administrator Hermenegildo

administration should also work with Japan, with 25% siding with Australia, 24% with the United Kingdom, and 23% with South Korea.

Meanwhile, 20% of respondents said that they want the Marcos administration to work with China to strengthen security cooperation to defend our national sovereignty.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned Thursday from a 3- day state visit to China that is expected to address security issues and bolster trade and investment ties.

By Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz

INFLATION in December 2022 continued its climb to a 14-year high of 8.1 percent from 8 percent a month ago due to faster increases in the prices of food and nonalcoholic beverages, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.

National statistician and civil registrar general Dennis Mapa said in an online briefing the December rate was significantly higher than the 3.1 percent in the same month in 2021. This brings

COURESTY GESTURE. PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. shows to the media his courtesy resignation during a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Manny Palmero

PRODUCTIVE TRIP. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrives at the Villamor Air Base Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, after a three-day state visit to China. Inset photo shows the President joined by Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual during the Roundtable Business Meeting on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Nickel and Mineral Processing with top Chinese business leaders in Beijing Thursday morning.

Rey S. Baniquet

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to go to Switzerland and Japan next after his three-day state visit in China. Mr. Marcos will attend the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland later this month. He said he will likely visit Japan in the second week of February upon the invitation of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

He said he talked up opportunities for Chinese investors, both current and potential.

“We are telling them to expand their involvement

FINAL FAREWELL. Pope Francis looks on as pallbearers carry away the coffin of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the end of his funeral mass at St. Peter's square in the Vatican on January 5, 2023. The remains of the German Joseph Ratzinger, who was the first pontiff to retire since the Middle Ages, will be buried in the tomb under the Basilica which previously held the body of John Paul II. AFP

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in the Philippines. And for those who have yet to enter the Philippines, we are telling them the investment climate now is good, and there are several opportunities to partner up in every way whether government-to-government or publicprivate partnership or private sector,” the President said.

The commitments from various Chinese investors include $13.76 billion for renewable energy, $7.32 billion for electric vehicles and mineral processing, and $1.72 billion for agriculture, Marcos said.

China's economic and political pledges also include the narrowing of the trade gap that heavily favors Beijing and a "compromise" on the concerns of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippines Sea (WPS).

Mr. Marcos said he also invited Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he met Wednesday, to visit the Philippines.

In a meeting Thursday with Chinese chief executives, the President said there weree investment opportunities for them in the Philippines as energy demand continues to grow and keep pace with the country’s projected strong economic growth.

“We look forward to more Chinese investments in renewable energy pursuits such as in solar and wind, as well as in related sectors including battery energy storage systems and off-grid power supply systems,” he said.

They may also find potential in the

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COVID response protocols that applies to all foreign nationals who wish to enter the Philippines.

“Is there really a risk? For example, if a Chinese national has tested three times already to be negative, and that was what, 48 hours before their travel, they do not need to be tested,” the President said.

“But if they have not been tested, then we will ask for them to be tested before they get on the plane. Nothing new. We are doing that now.”

The President said Chinese officials assured him their nationals would not be able to immediately travel given the surge of coronavirus cases, “so in the meantime, we just watch and wait, and I’m sure they will not release people who are positive (for COVID-19).”

The Philippines detected 144 new cases of Omicron COVID-19 subvariants, the Department of Health said Thursday.

According to the DOH’s latest biosurveillance report, 81 were classified as BA.2.3.20, 1 was BA.2.75, 7 were BA.5, 43 were XBB, 1 was XBC and 11 as other Omicron subvariants.

These are results of the latest

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Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr. and chief of the directorial staff Maj. Gen. Michael John Dubria.

“This call of SILG (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government) is a test of individual character. And as an answer, I am taking the lead to submit myself to such evaluation, assessment, and scrutiny by the committee. We, in the uniformed service, are trained and prepared and are expected to prioritize public service over personal interests. Similarly, I support and uphold the guidance of our beloved President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to every policeman to keep our integrity untainted and to do our best to uphold the moral ascendancy of the PNP and to ensure the continuity of public rapport,” Azurin said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

He said PNP Internal Affairs Service director Alfegar Triambulo, a civilian, will also submit a courtesy resignation.

“The appeal for courtesy resignation particularly addressed to our senior officers is a wakeup call to all PNP members, to reflect on how and what has happened in our respective careers. We must contemplate among ourselves if our contributions to the PNP have made it better or worse in the eyes of the public we took an oath to serve,” he added.

Azurin said all colonels and generals of the police force have until Jan. 31 to submit their courtesy resignations.

A five-member committee which is independent of both PNP and DILG will be handling the assessment and evaluation process.

“We respectfully demand the members

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“From the totality of the evidence, this Office finds that the issuance of SO No. 4 was done in good faith absent any showing that the respondents were aware of their lack of authority,” the decision read.

“Here, respondents thought they were authorized because of

manufacturing of renewable energy project parts and equipment, he said, hoping they can help the Philippines develop expertise in power generation equipment manufacturing.

At the same time, the Philippines also welcomes investors in photovoltaic, onshore and offshore wind turbine generation, waste-to-energy, and other renewable energy projects, the President said.

Also during the round-table meeting, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla promised to address issues confronting the Philippine energy sector, assuring investors that the government is working on them.

One of these is the connection to the grid, which the Energy department is currently working on, to ensure that the connection to the grid will be there, especially for offshore wind power.

As the State Grid of China holds a 40 percent interest in the national grid company of the Philippines, Lotilla said it is important for the Philippines to work together with China.

“So we look forward to continued cooperation on your part and we would like to assure you that working together with our Department of Trade and Industry, we will provide you with full support in order to hasten the cooperation between the Philippines and China,” he said.

Lotilla also echoed during the meeting the Marcos administration’s goal of attaining 35 percent renewable energy by 2030, and 50 percent by 2040.

To meet those targets, he said an additional 52,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2040 will be needed.

sequencing run conducted from Dec. 27, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023, the agency said.

The DOH said all additional BA.2.3.20 cases were local cases coming from Regions 3, 4A, 4B, 6, 8, and Metro Manila.

There is mounting international concern over China’s steep rise in COVID infections since Beijing abruptly lifted years of hardline restrictions last month, with hospitals and crematoriums quickly overwhelmed.

More than a dozen countries have imposed fresh COVID rules on visitors from China in the wake of that outbreak, requiring all arrivals to submit negative virus tests with some screening wastewater from flights arriving from the world’s most populous nation.

China has only recorded 23 COVID deaths since December, after dramatically narrowing the criteria for classifying such fatalities.

Beijing’s statistics about the unprecedented wave are now widely seen by other countries as not reflecting reality.

In Geneva on Wednesday, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said the global organization was without “complete data” from China.

“We believe that the current numbers being published from China under-

of the said committee to maintain their reputation of impeccable character, probity, fairness, and unquestionable integrity throughout the process,” he said.

He said the careers, reputations, families and even lives of these third-level officers, built for 30 years or more,were in their hands.

Azurin said fewer than 10 officials are on the list of those who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs, but he did not name them.

He said police officials who would be cleared after the vetting process would be made public.

“Definitely we will inform the public so that nobody will tell us, 'it's only you and your colleagues inside the organization who conducted the probe'," Azurin said, adding that he already discussed the matter with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Azurin also said the process will not affect the benefits of officials who are already due for retirement.

Azurin also ordered a restructuring of IAS, Integrity Monitoring and the Enforcement Group and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group whose functions are mainly focused on internal cleansing and the anti-drug drive.

“And to give more teeth to our disciplinary machinery, our processes in IAS must be further improved to pave the way for a speedier disposition of cases,” he said.

Azurin said a stronger vetting process among personnel of these units and among all key positions in the PNP will be implemented with “strong resolve.”

"Similarly, our counterintelligence efforts must step up to protect the integrity of all police undertakings,” he added. (See full story online at manilastandard. net)

miscommunication,” it added.

Sebastian and the others were charged with grave misconduct, gross dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in connection with SO4.

According to the OP, the miscommunication stemmed from the July 15, 2022 memorandum of thenExecutive Secretary Vic Rodriguez that allowed Sebastian to sit as ex-officio chairman of the Sugar Board.

The same July 15 memo also allowed Sebastian to sign contracts and other documents necessary to carry

"And of the 52,000 [energy demand], 27,000 megawatts will be from solar and another 16,000 megawatts from wind,” he said.

“But this does not take into account right now the total offshore wind potential of 178 gigawatts or 178,000 megawatts for the Philippines as a whole,” he added.

During his three-day visit, Mr. Marcos also witnessed the signing of 14 bilateral agreements with China.

The Philippines and China signed a joint action plan for 2023-2025 on agricultural and fisheries cooperation between the Department of Agriculture and China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as well as a memorandum of understanding on cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Both sides also agreed on the handover certificate of the PhilippineSino Center for Agricultural TechnologyTechnological Cooperation Phase III (PHILSCAT-TCP III).

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China and the Philippines' Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on digital and information and communications technology cooperation.

An agreement was also forged on a protocol for "phytosanitary requirements" for the export of fresh durian from the Philippines to China between the DA and China's General Administration of Customs.

Also signed was the handover certificate of two China-aid bridge projects in Manila—the Binondo-Intramuros

represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths,” he said.

The definition Beijing is using is “very narrow”, he added.

Beijing hit back on Thursday, insisting China had “always shared relevant information and data with the international community, with an open and transparent attitude”.

“We… hope the WHO secretariat will uphold a scientific, objective and just position, and make efforts to play a positive role for the world’s response to the pandemic challenge,” China foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press briefing.

She also urged countries against imposing fresh travel restrictions on arrivals from China, calling instead for them to “work together to protect the normal movements of people”.

European Union countries have also echoed the WHO’s concern that Chinese data on COVID infections was insufficient.

As countries grapple with the best response to the surge in cases, a crisis meeting of EU experts said on Wednesday that member states were “strongly encouraged” to demand COVID tests from passengers coming from China.

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the full-year average to 5.8 percent, well beyond the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the whole year and also faster than the average of 3.9 percent in 2021.

“This was the fastest inflation since November 2008 [at 9.1 percent],” Mapa said, referring to the year of the global financial crisis.

PSA data showed the continued rise in the country’s inflation rate in December 2022 was driven by a higher price index for electricity, accounting for 1.0 percentage point, followed by vegetables with 0.9, restaurant services at 0.7 and private and public transport at 1.0.

Other key agricultural commodities such as meat and fish contributed a total of 0.8 of a percentage point, while processed food commodities such as sugar and bread and other cereals contributed a total of 0.7 to total inflation.

Faster food inflation was driven by higher prices of vegetables (32.4 percent) and sugar (38.8 percent) amid higher input costs and lower production, as weather disturbances in the previous months disrupted farmers’ planting calendar. In addition, the higher demand due to the holiday season pushed inflation up for restaurant and accommodation services at 7.0 percent.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief and Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos remained on top of the government’s priorities as domestic and global headwinds continue to be a challenge.

out department objectives, policies, functions, plans, programs, and projects, for the efficient and effective operations of the Department of Agriculture.

“In the instant case, SO No. 4 was prepared pursuant to a directive by the President to come up with an importation plan, the draft of which was sent to then ES Rodriguez. Having raised no objection therefore, respondents could have assumed its approval,” the OP said in its decision.

“In this case, there exists no clear and convincing evidence to suggest that the respondents committed any

bridge and the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge.

Both countries also agreed on a framework agreement for the Renminbi (RMB) portion of the loan financing for three priority projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways and further sealed four loan agreements for the mixed-credit financing (USD and RMB) of three priority bridge projects under the public works department.

The Philippine and Chinese governments also agreed on the implementation of the MOU on tourism between the Philippines' Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China.

Both countries also sealed an MOU between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Ministry of Commerce of China on electronic commerce cooperation; an MOU between the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and China's International Development Cooperation Agency on the Development Cooperation Plan 20232025; and an agreement on economic and technical cooperation between China and the Philippines.

The list also includes a mutual recognition agreement between the General Administration of Customs of China and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) of the Philippines on an authorized economic operator program, and an arrangement for the establishment of a communication mechanism on maritime issues between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

The meeting was held to coordinate a joint EU response to the sudden inflow of visitors as Beijing lifts its “zero-COVID” policy, which had largely closed the country off to international travel.

Experts also recommended that passengers to and from China wear face masks, and that EU countries conduct random tests on arrivals and test wastewater from flights from China, according to a statement issued by the Swedish presidency of the EU.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had earlier told reporters that the organization’s officials had held high-level talks in recent weeks with counterparts in China.

“We continue to ask China for more rapid, regular, reliable data on hospitalization and deaths, as well as more comprehensive, real-time viral sequencing,” Tedros said.

He reiterated that the UN health agency understood why some countries were introducing fresh COVID curbs on visitors from China.

“With circulation in China so high and comprehensive data not forthcoming… it is understandable that some countries are taking steps they believe will protect their own citizens,” he said. With Willie Casas and AFP

“As part of the 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda of the Marcos Administration and as laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, the government will continue to prioritize addressing the impact of inflation as it remains to be a challenge not only in the country, but throughout the globe,” Balisacan said.

He noted the timely decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to extend the validity of the reduced import rate duties on various products such as pork, rice, corn, and coal until December 2023.

Balisacan also highlighted the need to streamline disaster response and rehabilitation mechanisms to cope with the frequent weather disturbances experienced by the country.

Under this strategy, the government will push the use of technology to predict supply chain disruptions; adopt sitespecific, timely, and simplified climate outlook and weather forecasts; improve biosecurity measures; and accelerate the development of vaccines to control livestock and poultry diseases.

“There is an urgent need to modernize the country’s agriculture and agribusiness to increase productivity and ensure that there is adequate, affordable, and nutritious food on the table of every Filipino,” Balisacan said.

Other commodity groups that recorded higher year-on-year increments in December 2022 were alcoholic beverages and tobacco, 10.7 percent; clothing and footwear, 3.9 percent; furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance, 4.8 percent; health, 3.1 percent; recreation, sport and culture, 3.9 percent; and personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services, 4.5 percent. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

misconduct. Notably, there is no showing that respondents issued the subject order in order to materially benefit therefrom, and the surrounding circumstances extant absolve the respondents of any misconduct,” it added.

The OP also said the officials did not commit dishonesty because “the intent to deceive or misrepresent is absent.”

In a statement, Sebastian welcomed the dismissal of charges against him, Serafica, Beltran and Valderrama. (See full story online at manilastandard. net)

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Chairman of the Standing Committee of the (Chinese) National People’s Congress, my counterpart,” Romualdez said in a press briefing with the President in Beijing before arriving in Manila Thursday afternoon.

“And in that --- we shall be accepting an invitation for these bilateral engagements such as an invitation by the chairman of a delegation from the Philippine Congress to Beijing, perhaps when it’s warm or the spring or the summer and coordination and direct interaction will actually lead to a better understanding and better lines of communication,” the Speaker added.

Romualdez said he relayed this to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, Wednesday night “and was very delighted to see the draft of the letter which I transmitted this morning.”

The bilateral group on WPS incidents would also include the officers of the Chinese and Philippine Navies and Coast Guards, Mr. Marcos said, which would help protect Filipino fishermen and make the incidents involving Chinese ships “lessened and become less severe.”

This developed as the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command is checking the veracity of a report that a Chinese coast guard vessel stopped a Philippine Navy vessel from reaching Panatag Shoal, also known as Scarborough Shoal, on December 8 last year.

At the same time, a congressional leader on Thursday urged China to withdraw all its ships from the West Philippine Sea to show its good faith in its offer to resolve territorial disputes with the Philippines in the area.

“President Xi Jinping should recall all those ships, whether military, Coast Guard, militia, or civilian so our Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard can freely conduct patrols and our fisherfolk can do fishing activities without fear of harassment,” Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said.

A report by Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center (GKC) for National Security Innovation said Thursday that there was a "confrontation” between the Chinese vessel and the BRP Andres Bonifacio in the WPS. With Maricel Cruz (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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In his speech during the forum, Stratbase President Professor Dindo Manhit recalled that a June 2022 commissioned survey likewise showed that the top three countries most trusted by Filipinos for the Philippine government to work closely with include the United States, Australia, and Japan.

“This indicates that the Philippines must continue to work with its existing allies and forge relationships with new ones in order to competitively and efficiently address issues and incidents in the West Philippine Sea. Working with like-minded states, such as the United States, Australia, and Japan, and elevating these ties to strategic partnerships reaffirm the country’s 2016 Arbitral win and contribute to the security and stability in the region,” Professor Manhit said.

“Working with friends, allies, and partners as a strategy allows the Philippines to practice an independent foreign policy based on the public’s interests,” he added.

Manhit also pointed out that President Marcos Jr. has repeatedly expressed his intent to pursue an independent foreign policy with national interests as the primordial guide.

“As long as his administration meets that requirement, the country's strategic partnerships and alliances should not be influenced by pressure and interference from other states. At the Stratbase ADR Institute, we firmly believe that this is shaped by the willingness of states to engage in multilateral cooperation to collectively respond to existing and future challenges that may evolve in 2023,” he said.

The Pulse Asia survey also shows that about 80% of Filipinos believe that to effectively address issues in the West Philippine Sea, the Marcos administration should prioritize strengthening the military capability of the Philippines, especially the Navy and the Coast Guard, and conduct joint maritime patrols and military exercises with allied countries.

The same survey also shows that 53% of Filipinos believe that the protection of marine resources and environment in Philippine territory is the most important reason to strengthen our ability to defend and protect our seas, while 22% think the most important reason is the protection of rights of peoples and communities in the coastal areas.

Meanwhile, 14% of Filipinos believe in stopping China’s incursions in Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ.

Serafica, and ex-SRA board members Roland Beltran and Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr.

MAXIMUM SECURITY FOR THE BLACK NAZARENE.

Some 6,000 uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, joined by Manila Metropolitan Development Authority field operatives, deployed at the Rizal Park open Amphitheater execute the salute during their sendoff ceremony on a mission to secure the Feast of the Black Nazarene of the Quiapo Church.

Group wants faster release of nat’l ID

ACONSUMER advocacy group calls on the government to speed up delivery of the Philippine national identification cards, saying it would “accelerate the digital transformation of all sectors in both public and private enterprises, and is critical for a sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

“We have to be clear that this is not just any other ID card,” said Orlando Oxales, leader of the CitizenWatch.

“Validation of a person’s identity establishes trust in the fulfillment of all kinds of transactions and opens up opportunities to successfully participate in the fast-growing digital ecosystem,” Oxales stressed.

“Eventually, with a well-implemented ID system using biometrics, we won’t

DOJ to charge six NPA rebels on girl’s death

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ on Thursday gave assurance that the prosecutors’ decision to charge six suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) for the death of a nine-year-old girl and for acts of terrorism was based on evidence.

“The gross travesty here is that a nine-year-old child was stripped of her future,” Justice Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV said in a text message.

“We only go where the evidence takes us,” Clavano stressed.

The DOJ’s panel of prosecutors earlier ruled that “respondents Isagani Isita a.k.a. Yano/Toyang/Sid/ Ron/Sikad/Jamir/Arkin/Zhuge; Junalice Arante-Isita a.k.a Juna/Irene/ Erin/Arya/Fabian; Mariano Bico a.ka. Nick/Jim/Adonis/Melay; Gilbert Orr a.k.a. Nash/Jade/Art, a.k.a. Joey/Elon/ Edel/Analinda/Jorel/Jonas and a.k.a. Ching/Marcel/Allen/Jane/Daniel were indicted for Murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and for violation of Section 4(a) and 4(d) of Republic Act No. 11479, otherwise known as the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020.”

The DOJ said the criminal charges will be filed before the Batangas Regional Trial Court.

even need an ID card because printed cards can be faked, anyway,” Oxales said, adding that the ID system is a gamechanging digital platform and will be integral to an emerging digital economy.

Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, was signed into law in August 2018 and aims to establish a single national identification system for all citizens and resident aliens

The PhilSys will provide a valid

proof of identity “as a means of simplifying public and private transactions, and shall be a social and economic platform that promotes seamless social service delivery and strengthens financial inclusion for both public and private services,” according to the PhilSys website.

“If implemented and executed right, the result would be secure, simplified, and efficient in-person or online transactions is key in the government’s drive to promote the ease of doing business across the economic horizon,” Oxales said.

The PhilSys site lists some benefits of an active national ID system: making services more accessible, promoting ease of doing business, enhancing the

integrity of services, reducing fraud, enabling and promoting participation in digital government and the digital economy, and empowering Filipinos to have greater control over their personal data, thus contributing to greater transparency and accountability for how data is used in the Philippines.

For Oxales, the advantages of a secure and fully operational digital ID system has great implications for our economy.

“It will expand access to financial technologies to empower more productive participants across all sectors of the population,” he said. “This will dramatically ease the way we transact business and competitiveness.”

DTI-CPG ramps up campaign vs. unsafe f’crackers

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG) confiscated unlicensed fireworks during one of their enforcement operations in Sta. Maria, Bulacan last December 29.

The CPG reportedly issued notice of violations to four out of eight factories inspected for allegedly selling fireworks not covered by their Philippine Standard (PS) license, and for lack of the required PS mark.

The erring fireworks manufacturers were given 48 hours to explain their non-compliance to the BPS regulations.

Earlier, the DTI enforcement team also conducted similar operations in Bocaue, Bulacan on Dec. 27.

Days ahead of the New Year, the CPG ramped up its enforcement operations against fireworks factories in Bulacan in collaboration with the BPS.

To ensure product quality and safety, the DTI enjoined the public to buy only fireworks with the PS mark. It also advised the consumers to be guided by the list of PS-licensed fireworks brands and companies released by the DTI-BPS on Dec. 19.

Makati offers treats for ‘early birds’ in biz permit renewal

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Makati City government offers free meal for the “early birds” who will apply and renew their business permits.

Aside from distribution of some 15,000 food packs which started on Jan. 3 until the end of the month, the local government also serves coffee and snacks to the early applicants.

“The free meal is a small token of appreciation to business owners who promptly renew their business permits to continue operating in the city. We appreciate their continued trust and loyalty to the city and value their contributions in making Makati the premier financial district,” said Mayor Abigail Binay.

She said companies and businesses in Makati are required to renew their local permits annually.

Meanwhile, members of the City Council have ratified an ordinance extending the deadline for the acceptance of payments for business licenses without penalty until 5 p.m. of Jan. 31, 2023.

“I encourage Makati business owners to beat the Jan. 31, 2023 deadline in order to avoid the penalties on late payments,” Binay said.

CHR condemns sexual assault on teenage girl by TNVS rider

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday condemned the sexual assault against a minor by a driver of a transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) in Pasay City.

The CHR was reacting to the alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old girl

by a male driver, who introduced himself to the victim as a ride-hailing app vehicle service, but eventually convinced the victim that he would use the fare meter reader instead.

During the ride, he allegedly committed acts of lasciviousness against his young passenger.

“CHR, as the country’s Gender Om-

PhilMech chief justifies reshuffle in the agency

By Vito Barcelo

pointees were highly qualified to the positions of deputy directors and division chiefs since all of them were PhilMech officials, contrary to allegations that they were outsiders and nonPHilMech personnel that lack experience in the field of agriculture.

He said the eight PHilMech officials who were relieved from their posts were involved in irregularities

that caused the delay in the implementation of projects that were supposed to benefit hundreds of Filipino farmers in the country.

“Four of the affected PHilMech officers were linked to the tractor case, and are now under preventive suspension to avoid them from interfering in the ongoing investigation against them,” he said.

bud, condemns this incident and reminds everyone that such cases of gender-based violence, especially against minors, should not be commonplace. We underscore the existence of Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) which provides protective measures and prescribes corresponding penalties to gender-based sexual harass-

ment such as catcalling; molestation; cyberharassment; transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, and sexual violence,” the agency stressed.

“More specifically, Article III, Section 15 of RA 11313 states that higher penalties shall be imposed if the act takes place in common carriers like TNVS and if the offended party is a minor,” it noted.

Alvindia asserted that the new ap -

Comelec nixes Reyes’ gubernatorial bid in Palawan

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has disqualified Mario Joel Reyes as a candidate for governor of Palawan in the May 9 elections on the ground of his being a fugitive from the law.

“Wherefore, premises considered, the instant Petition for Disqualifica-

tion is hereby granted. Respondent Mario Joel T. Reyes is hereby declared disqualified to run for the position of Governor in the Province of Palawan in connection with the 09 May 2022 National and Local Elections,” the 15-page Comelec ruling stated.

The decision was signed by Presiding

In a statement, the poll body said the concerned parties including petitioners Nasir Radjudin Miranda and Mohammad Vinarao Asgali have been given copies of the resolution promulgated on Jan. 5.

Commissioner Marlon Casquejo and members, Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis.

PHILIPPINE Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) director Dr. Dionisio Alvindia has defended the appointment of eight PhilMech personnel to higher posts, saying the nominations were meant to stop corruption in the agency.

Norman Cruz

HELP COMES TO DISASTER VICTIMS IN MATI CITY. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI delivers financial assistance to the flood and landslide victims in Barangay Don Salvador, Mati City where 414 families received P3,000 each. Two families who both have a missing member got P10,000 each, while another family who lost two members received P20,000. Meanwhile, the city’s DSWD office distributed food packs to the affected villagers.

WALK OF FAITH. A ‘Walk with Jesus’ rite signals the opening of the 458th Fiesta Señor in Cebu City where the faithfuls hold a procession from Fuente Osmena toward the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino through the Osmena Blvd. Alan Tangcawan

PhilHealth told to submit rate data

By Julito G. Rada

THE Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), the central advisory, oversight, and monitoring body for governmentowned and -controlled corporations, has ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. on Thursday to submit data on the impact of the premium hike suspension on its financials and operations.

In a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, PhilHealth was informed to suspend the scheduled increase of the premium rate from 4 percent to 4.5 per-

cent and the income ceiling from P80,000 to P90,000 under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act or UHC. However, PhilHealth said the premium

Meralco says power rates likely to increase due to forex spikes

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) said Thursday that electricity prices would likely go up this month on higher prices at the spot market and completion of the December distribution refund.

“While forex improved, which would help manage the dollar-denominated portions of generators’ charges, there continued to be pressure on WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] prices to remain elevated last December, as the reductions in peak and average demand were more than offset by the increase in capacity on outage,” Meralco vice president and head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said.

Fernandez said the December supply month saw the grid placed under several yellow alerts and experienced more days with the imposition of the

secondary price cap compared to the November supply month.

The preliminary effective spot settlement price at the WESM, the trading floor of electricity, reached P8.796 per kilowatt-hour in December, up from P8.62 per kWh in November.

ESSP refers to the effective rate paid by customers for WESM transactions for each billing month. Meralco sourced below 10 percent of its power supply requirements from the WESM in 2022.

Meanwhile, Meralco was forced to secure additional supply from the WESM after SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. subsidiary South Premiere Power Corp. ceased supplying 670 megawatts on Dec. 7, 2022.

The power retailer’s 2019 power supply agreement SPPC was subjected to a 60-day temporary restraining order issued by the Court of Appeals.

rate increase to 5 percent by 2024 as mandated by the UHC law will go as planned, unless President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would say otherwise, according to PhilHealth’s Acting Vice President for Corporate Affairs Rey Baleña.

“What was suspended was only for 2023. There is no advisory or instruction yet for 2024,” Baleña, quoted by a GMA News report said, adding that “If everything goes well and there will be no directive from the President, then according to the schedule in the Universal Health Care Law, our premium rate will increase to

5% and the ceiling will be P100,000.”

GCG chairperson Alex Quiroz said “with its commitment to align with the administration’s transparency agenda, the Governance Commission strives to ensure that the PhilHealth, is fully compliant with the President’s directives.”

The requested data will be used as an additional reference in the evaluation of PhilHealth’s performance.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte last January 2021 also ordered PhilHealth to suspend the increase to lessen the people’s burden amid the continuing health crisis.

Workers’ group seeking P100 wage increase

By Vito Barcelo

THE labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) called on Congress to legislate a P100 across-the-board salary increase for all workers as relief from the shock of rising prices, saying the P81 has been eroded from the P570 minimum wage in Metro Manila.

“We call on congress for a new round of wage hikes to recover the lost purchasing power of workers not just in Metro Manila but in the whole country due to the surge in inflation,” Rene Magtubo, PM national chair said.

Citing the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) inflation data in December 2022, Magtubo said that inflation reached 8.1%, slightly higher than the 8.0% in November.

NewsThe December inflation figure was the highest recorded since December 2008, which was in the context of the onset of the global financial crisis.

Notably, inflation is higher in areas outside Metro Manila. The consumer price index for December 2022 in Metro Manila was 116.6 while areas outside Manila was 120.1 according to statistical tables released by the PSA.

PM’s demand for a wage hike is based on a computation by the group using PSA data.

“The P570 minimum wage in NCR is actually just worth P489 by December 2022. P81 has been shaved off the real value of the minimum wage. Meaning, not only has the P33 minimum wage hike in June 2022 been effectively wiped out by runaway inflation, workers’ real wages have pushed back even further,” Magtubo explained.

He insisted that “Thus, we reiterate the call we made in May 2022— before the recent round of minimum wage hikes in June 2022 by different regional wage boards—for a P100 wage increase. This should be for all workers, not just those at the minimum salary level, since all have suffered from wage erosion.”

Bantag files complaint, says Remulla ‘mastermind’ in Lapid slay

SUSPENDED Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag filed a complaint against Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the death of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

THE SINAG farmers’ group said the prices of vegetables may start to ease in the next few weeks due to the harvest season of onions this January as well as the expected decline in fertilizer prices.

SINAG chairman Rosendo So said fertilizer prices have begun to ease from the elevated prices in 2022, ABS-CBN News reported.

Inflation in December accelerated to 8.1 percent mainly due to higher food prices driven by vegetables, including onions. Vegetable inflation rose 32.4 percent for the month, which is the highest since February 1999, government data showed.

So, quoted by the ABS-CBN report, also said local fertilizer prices, heavily influenced by international commodity prices, spiked last year to P2,500 from P800 per 50-kilo bag and fuel used in pumps to irrigate farmlands could have also contributed to the higher vegetable prices.

So said prices of fertilizers eased this January “but are still higher than prices in 2021.

He added that “we are seeing na baka ang mga magtanim nitong gulay nitong January, kung gumamit sila png fertilizer], it will be lower. The cost of production.”

So further said by February, or March, vegetable prices could be lower.

The information was confirmed by Bantag’s legal counsel, Rocky Balisong, GMA News reported.

The GMA News report said in the 15-page complaint dated January 4, Bantag accused Remulla and BuCor officer-in-charge Gregorio Catapang Jr. of murder, grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and conduct unbecoming of a public official.

Bantag’s camp claimed that Remulla was the mastermind behind the killing

of Lapid and Jun Villamor, the inmate who allegedly acted as the middleman in the ploy.

Bantag said that Catapang consented to the transfer of the inmates from the New Bilibid Prison to the National Bureau of Investigation showed that he was in conspiracy with Remulla.

Bantag called on the Ombudsman to immediately issue preventive suspen-

sion orders against Remulla and Catapang and to conduct an investigation into the murders of Lapid and Villamor. Other respondents in the complaint were inmates German Agojo, who supposedly received the order from Remulla to look for people to kill Lapid, Alfie Penaredondo, Aldrin Galicia, Mario Alvarez, and Alvin Labra, GMA News further reported.

‘NAIA air traffic outage must not happen again’

By Maricel V. Cruz

Herrera said the probe is essential in determining and addressing the issues that led to the temporary shutdown of the Philippine airspace, in order to avoid a repeat of the incident that affected over 65,000 domestic and international passengers, and effectively put the country to shame.

“There is clearly something wrong here, and we must get to the bottom of it so we can prevent a repeat of that awful day. This must not happen again,” Herrera said.

PARTS of the country will continue to experience rains due to a low pressure area (LPA) and the northeast monsoon, the weather bureau said Thursday.

The LPA, last tracked 185 km west of Catbalogan City, Samar or 50 km east of Roxas City, Capiz, remains less likely to develop into a tropical cyclone.

However, it will bring scattered rain showers and

Rains

The party-list lawmaker issued the statement as she filed on Wednesday a resolution urging the appropriate House committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the supposed technical glitch that started in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s busiest airport.

DEPUTY Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera on Thursday urged the House of Representatives to conduct its own investigation into the power outage and technical glitch that crippled the country’s flight operations on New Year’s Day.

thunderstorms over Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao Region and the Visayas.

caused by the northeast monsoon will also prevail over Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

Joseph

Manny Palmero

REQUIEM. Priests walk down the aisle during the requiem mass for the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at a church in Malolos, Bulacan on January 5, 2023. Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP

Meeting court deadlines

THE holiday season is filled with so much festivity and frivolity that sometimes people overlook their professional responsibilities.

Unlike corporations and partnerships that conclude fiscal years and project annual profits, the practice of law is continuous, uninterrupted, and unaffected by holidays, national events, or natural calamities.

The computation of the period prescribed by the Rules of Court before a deadline expires is as follows: “[I]f the last day of the period… falls on a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday in the place where the court sits, the time shall not run until the next working day” (Section 1, Rule 22, 2019 Rules of Civil Procedure).

For example, if the deadline to file a pleading or motion is on December 25, 2022, which is a non-working holiday, the filing will be on the next working day.

The period to file an Answer is within 30 calendar days after the service of summons to the defendant or person sued. If your deadline falls on a day after the holiday, you will have to work through the holidays to meet your deadline.

Only one extension of 30 days to file an Answer is allowed for meritorious reasons (see Section 11, Rule 11).

Before filing an Answer, “a party [defendant] may move for a definite statement or for a bill of particulars of any matter which is not averred with sufficient definiteness or particularity [in the complaint] to enable him… to prepare [for] his… responsive pleading” (Section 1, Rule 12).

The defendant has 30 calendar days to file a Motion for a Bill of Particulars.

After the motion is granted and the plaintiff serves the bill of particulars, or after notice of the denial of the defendant’s motion, the latter may file his responsive pleading within the remainder of the period he was originally entitled to which shall not be less than five days in any event (see Section 5, Rule 12).

If the plaintiff or complainant amends the complaint before an Answer is filed, the defendant must file an Answer within 30 calendar days from service of the amended complaint.

However, if the amended complaint is filed after an Answer has been filed, the defendant has 15 calendar days from notice to file another Answer (see Section 3, Rule 11).

A Reply, if allowed under Section 10, Rule 6 of the 2019 Rules of Civil Procedure (2019 Rules), may be filed within 15 calendar days from the service of the Answer (Section 6, Rule 11).

The plaintiff may file a Reply only if the defending party attaches an actionable document (basis of the claim) to his answer (Section 10, Rule 6).

A counterclaim or cross-claim (incorporated in the Answer) must be answered within 20 calendar days from service of the same (Section 4, Rule 11).

A counterclaim is any claim which a defending party may have against the opposing party, while a cross-claim is any claim by one party against a co-party out of the transaction or occurrence subject of the action (Section 6, Rule 6).

A third-party (fourth-party) complaint must be answered within 30 calendar days after service of summons since it is governed by the same rule as the Answer to a complaint (Section 5, Rule 11).

A third-party complaint is a claim of a defending party against a person not a party to the action for contribution, indemnity, subrogation or any other relief (Section 11, Rule 6).

The period to file a Motion to Dismiss is a bit tricky since the original Rule 16 on Motion to Dismiss has been deleted in the 2019 Rules.

Today, the Motion to Dismiss is only based on four grounds, including lack of subject matter jurisdiction, litis pendentia, res judicata, and statute of limitations.

As there is no express period in which to file a Motion to Dismiss under the 2019 Rules, it is to be filed within 30 calendar days from service of the summons and complaint.

The period to file an Answer will be interrupted by the filing of the Motion to Dismiss and if it is denied, the defendant has only the remainder of the 30 days to file the former (see Section 2, Rule 22).

A Demurrer to Evidence, a litigious motion, can be filed by the defendant after the plaintiff has completed the presentation of his evidence and if he believes that the plaintiff has no right to relief (see Section 1, Rule 33).

It is at that stage of the proceedings wherein the plaintiff has filed his Formal Offer of Evidence

and the court has resolved the same.

The Motion for Reconsideration of a Judgment or Motion for New Trial must be filed within 15 calendar days or the period to file an appeal (see Section 1, Rule 37).

While these motions are litigious, they will have to be resolved by the court within 30 calendar days from the time these are submitted for resolution (Section 4, Rule 37).

An ordinary appeal may be taken within 15 days after notice to the appellant of the judgment or final order appealed from.

Where a record on appeal is required, as in special proceedings and multiple appeals, the appellant shall file a notice of appeal and a record on appeal within 30 days after notice of the judgment or final order (see Section 2, Rule 40 and Section 3, Rule 41).

Petitions for Review to the Court of Appeals “shall be filed and served within 15 days from notice of the decision sought to be reviewed or of the denial of petitioner’s [appellant’s] motion for new trial or reconsideration… [U]pon proper motion and the payment of the full amount of the docket and other lawful fees… [and] before the expiration of the reglementary period, the Court of Appeals may grant an additional period of 15 days…” (Section 1, Rule 42).

Meeting court deadlines may appear to be a burden to some or an interruption to joyous celebrations especially at this time of year, but it is a process that litigants and court users must religiously observe

Petition for Review on Certiorari or Appeal by Certiorari to the Supreme Court “shall be filed within 15 days from notice of the judgment or final order or resolution appealed from, or of the denial of the petitioner’s motion for new trial or reconsideration… [T]he Supreme Court may for justifiable reasons grant an extension of 30 days only within which to file the petition” (Section 2, Rule 45).

As for special civil actions for certiorari or Petitions for Certiorari, these “may be filed not later than 60 days from notice of the judgment, order or resolution sought to be assailed in the Supreme Court.

“If it relates to the acts or omissions of a lower court or of a corporation, board, officer or person, [it is to be filed] in the Regional Trial Court exercising jurisdiction over the territorial area…” (Section 4, Rule 65).

The Petition for Certiorari “may also be filed [within the same period] in the Court of Appeals or … the Sandiganbayan, whether or not the same is in aid of the court’s appellate jurisdiction.

“If it involves the acts or omissions of a quasijudicial agency, and unless otherwise provided by law or these rules, the petition shall be filed in and cognizable only by the Court of Appeals” (Section 4, Rule 65).

Meeting court deadlines may appear to be a burden to some or an interruption to joyous celebrations especially at this time of year, but it is a process that litigants and court users must religiously observe.

Otherwise, affected parties may be prejudiced and the courts prevented from performing their duties in an expeditious manner.

‘New chapter’ in PH-China ties

IN HIS statement before leaving for a state visit to China last Tuesday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described bilateral ties as entering a ‘new chapter.’

The description is appropriate in so far as China will now have to deal with the new Marcos administration.

The previous one cozied up to Beijing early on, even as the latter completely ignored the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Arbitral Tribunal in the Hague favoring the Philippines in the maritime dispute in the South China Sea and began to build artificial islands even in areas we claim as part of our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

It’s going to be a ‘new chapter’ indeed if President Marcos is able to convince China to stop its aggressive actions in the vital sealane.

These include what appears to be the ‘swarming strategy’ of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia in preventing our own Coast Guard and fishermen from entering those areas over which they claim ownership under their ‘ninedash line’ demarcation.

While it is true that the territorial and maritime disputes in the SCS do not constitute the sum total of our bilateral ties, they pose a significant obstacle to further strengthening cooperation in various fields.

We do have brisk two-way trade with China at present. The previous administration obtained pledges of a reported $24 billion for various

projects, but it appears that only an insignificant amount actually came in.

We expect the current state visit to yield investments pledges from both state-run and private firms in China, but how much will actually come in?

Beijing is willing to provide loans for various

infrastructure projects under its Official Development Assistance program and has been extending humanitarian assistance in emergency situations.

And not to forget, China has helped us immensely in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic by giving us access to their vaccines since 2021.

The state visit may also offer an excellent opportunity for the two sides to discuss possible joint exploration of oil and gas resources in the South China Sea for mutual benefit.

We’re glad that our new Philippine Ambassador to Beijing, Jaime FlorCruz, is considered an expert on contemporary Chinese history and culture and can serve as a bridge between our two

EDITORIAL

A rogue cop is one too many

WHAT should we make of the recent announcement by Camp Crame, the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, that they have dismissed from the service 584 errant personnel in the short span of one year?

Is this good news or is it bad news?

It’s both good and bad, from where we sit.

It’s good because the main law enforcement arm of the national government has gotten rid of hundreds of misfits who failed to live up to the mission of the PNP to serve and protect the citizenry.

It’s bad because, in fact, it masks an even more disturbing pattern of wrongdoing within the police force.

In fact, last year, according to Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., a total 2,635 police personnel were slapped with various penalties after being found administratively liable for violating PNP rules and regulations and/or involvement in criminal activities.

It’s bad because the big number of personnel charged with wrongdoing reflects gaps in the PNP’s recruitment process that have allowed the unqualified and the incompetent to abuse their authority and give the institution a bad name.

One rogue cop is too many in a country where law enforcers must protect the lives and property of no less than 110 million Filipinos...

The top cop cited a report from the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management that of the 584 dismissed police personnel, 321 went AWOL, 42 used illegal drugs, 15 failed to attend court duty, and 20 committed violence against women.

The rest were implicated in cases of murder, homicide, vehicle theft, illegal drugs, robbery,

extortion, and rape.

Meanwhile, a total 164 personnel were demoted in rank, 1,225 suspended, 456 reprimanded, 117 handed down salary forfeiture penalties, 26 restricted to quarters, and 63 denied privileges.

The PNP is correct in pointing out that in the over-all scheme of things, errant personnel are only a handful of the 160,000 or so cops throughout the country, and therefore not reflective of its institutional integrity.

After all, we assume that the majority of cops are doing their jobs and fighting criminality despite limited resources.

The PNP has reported a “significant decrease in both index and non-index crime incidents, as well as the eight focus crime categories and eight special complex crimes” compared to 2021.

Nevertheless, we think the police leadership should leave no stone unturned in keeping the entire organization disciplined and fully aware of their responsibility to adhere to due process, uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.

It may be true that, as the proverb says, “seeing one or two black crows doesn’t mean the whole flock is black.”

But one rogue cop is too many in a country where law enforcers must protect the lives and property of no less than 110 million Filipinos— and still growing as we speak.

Joma Sison, the reds, Cory Aquino and UP

JOSE Maria Sison, the head of the Communist

Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF), passed away last December 16 in Utrecht, the Netherlands. He was 83 years old.

Years ago, then President Rodrigo Duterte announced that Sison was seriously ill. There were also reports that since 2019, Sison made frequent trips to a Dutch hospital for medical treatment.

Sison’s death leads me to discuss three related topics.

First, what happens now to the CPP-NPANDF with Sison gone?

A successor is certain to appear, but whether that individual can lead the local communist movement in these modern times is very uncertain.

While Sison is credited with establishing the CPP-NPA-NDF, and even if he made the group capable of creating disorder, violence and misery in the country since the late 1960s and particularly during the early 1970s, it was also under his watch when the communists took the road to inevitable oblivion.

An often cited documented account reveals that Sison was the mastermind of the bombing of the August 1971 Liberal Party (the opposition political party then) proclamation rally at Plaza Miranda in Manila.

Sison expected that the people would blame the administration of then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. for the bombing, and that it would entice many Filipinos to join the reds.

The Sison plan anticipated that the government under Marcos would eventually get discredited and vulnerable enough for it to collapse, and thus pave the way for a communist takeover of the Philippines.

Well, Sison’s plan backfired because President Marcos resorted to martial law in September 1972.

That constitutionally permitted measure enabled the government to derail the plan of the communists, as Sison himself was eventually detained. The rest of the reds either went to the mountains, or gave up their rebellion and cooperated with the government.

The fact that martial law saved the country from a communist takeover is now being realized by contemporary analysts and historians. It is why, until today, the CPP-NPA-NDF hate Marcos and continue to demonize him.

Although he was on self-exile in Utrecht, Sison enjoyed a luxurious life there, funded by proceeds from “revolutionary taxes” extorted by communist cadres from businesses in the Philippine countryside.

There were also violent intramurals within

the CPP-NPA-NDF ranks, which resulted in the death of many red leaders in the hands of their fellow rebels.

Those were enough reasons for many communist cadres to rethink their participation in the rebel movement.

Sison’s biggest mistake was his gamble in the May 2022 elections.

The reds made a tactical alliance with Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan, the de facto Liberal Party candidates for president and vice president, respectively.

With the CPPNPA-NDF finally leaderless, it’s time for local communists to give up their lost cause

Sison hoped that a Robredo-Pangilinan win would keep the communist movement alive. He lost his bet.

Second, President Cory Aquino was responsible for keeping local communism alive after she seized power in February 1986, and ordered the release of Sison, detained during the Marcos administration.

After spending a little time pretending to negotiate peace with the Aquino administration, Sison eventually exiled himself to Utrecht. The official excuse was that his Philippine passport was canceled.

From Utrecht, Sison continued directing the operations of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Those operations led to the death of thousands of Filipino soldiers in the undeclared war between the government and the communist rebels.

Third in the line of discussion is the University of the Philippines (UP).

For the past several decades, UP was a fertile ground for the recruitment of young, impressionable and gullible students to the local communist movement.

Several red-leaning UP officials, administrators and faculty members kept it that way.

Many housing facilities in the UP campuses in Diliman and Los Baños serve as accessible safe houses for red recruiters and their comrades avoiding arrest. Students enrolled in the Arts, e.g., Theater and Journalism, are favorite

tackling issues related to the South China Sea, and how the two sides can resolve these issues through mutual agreement.

We understand that President Marcos Jr. prioritized his state visit to China this week despite the raging COVID-19 situation in our neighboring country.

The prospect of meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping was apparently something that couldn’t wait at all, given the urgency of matters that had to be discussed, including the situation in the South China Sea.

Our hope is that the state visit, though brief, will bring about a heightened level of the strategic partnership founded on shared interests between our two countries.

DILG’s war on drugs takes new approach

targets of the recruiters.

Angry parents lament that they sent their children to UP with high hopes and expectations of a bright future for them, only to learn that their kids have been skipping classes, or have totally left for the boondocks to join the rebel movement.

Some of their children end up returning home in a coffin, killed in the jungle altars of godless communism.

The fact that UP is very much influenced by the local communists can be seen in a few photographs published in some newspapers days after Sison’s death.

One such photograph shows a tarpaulin streamer featuring Sison and words proclaiming that his dreams will live on, prominently displayed inside a UP campus.

Another photograph published in the front page of a periodical shows a small crowd of CPP-NPA-NDF sympathizers marching inside the UP Diliman campus in honor of their departed red chieftain.

With the CPP-NPA-NDF finally leaderless, it’s time for local communists to give up their lost cause.

countries just like his predecessor, the late Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana, who also spent many years in China since 1971 and served as envoy from 2017 to 2022.

We’re monitoring what the state visit will yield in terms of economic cooperation, trade and investments, ODA loans and grants, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. But more than these, we want to see progress in

We were wondering what Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. meant when he said last week that he would soon make an important announcement regarding the Marcos administration’s war on drugs.

Well, the news is out. He wants all colonels and generals of the Philippine National Police to submit their courtesy resignations amid reports that high-ranking police officials may be linked to the drug trade.

For Abalos, asking for the courtesy resignation of PNP officials may be the quickest way for the country to address the drug menace. We really don’t know whether this approach would work.

On the one hand, this shows that government does not have enough evidence at this point to pin down the suspected coddlers of drug syndicates among the top PNP officials and would rather go through a process of elimination.

On the other hand, the government may already have the goods on specific officers but wants them to come forward on their own and admit their guilt.

This is not the first time that generals have been tagged as protectors of drug syndicates.

During the previous administration, several PNP generals were suspected of playing footsies with drug lords but were never formally charged.

Will the DILG’s tack of asking 300 or so colonels and generals to submit courtesy resignations make a dent in the anti-drug campaign?

Or is there too much money to be made in drug trafficking that even this bold move by the DILG is likely to lead to nowhere?

We’ll have to wait and see.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Rolando

We want to see progress in tackling issues related to the South China Sea, and how the two sides can resolve these issues through mutual agreement

Harry claims William ‘attacked’ him

New memoir details 2019 incident

RITAIN’S Prince Harry recounts in his new book how he was physically “attacked” by his older brother Prince William during an argument in 2019, the Guardian reported Wednesday.

According to the newspaper, the story of the incident appears in Harry’s new memoir “Spare,” which is due to be released later this month amid an ongoing row within the British royal family.

Harry, 38, writes that during a disagreement in the kitchen of his London home, William called his wife Meghan Markle “difficult,” “rude” and “abrasive,” before tackling him to the ground as the pair continued to argue, the Guardian said.

“He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog’s bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me,” the Guardian quotes Harry’s book as saying.

Harry then told his older brother to leave.

William looked “regretful, and apologized,” Harry recalled, according to the newspaper.

The daily quoted the exchange between the two princes from the book: William “turned and called back: ‘You don’t need to tell Meg about this.’

‘You mean that you attacked me?’

‘I didn’t attack you, Harold,’” William responded, seeming to use a nickname for Harry. The latest reveal about the brothers’ tu-

multuous relationship comes as their father King Charles prepares for his coronation in May fol lowing the September death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II at age 96.

Harry and Meghan, 41, lifted the lid on their experiences in the British royal family in a Netflix docuseries last month about the reasons behind their stunning 2020 depar ture for North America.

In it, they blamed much of their unhap piness on racist media reports and tabloid harassment, some of which they claim the family instigated.

Their move to California, Meghan’s home state, has made the two unpopular in Britain, where they are often portrayed by the media as selfish.

In excerpts of a television interview to ITV in the UK and CBS in the United States out this week ahead of the book re lease, Harry said he wants “a family, not an institution.”

“I would like to get my father back. I would like to get my brother back,” Harry said. AFP

Criticism rises as Ukrainian strike toll up

RUSSIA said Wednesday the toll climbed in its worst single reported loss from a Ukrainian strike, which an increasingly criticised Moscow blamed on troops using mobile phones.

The Ukrainian military’s strategic communications unit has said nearly 400 Russian soldiers were killed in the town of Makiivka in eastern Ukraine, and even Russian commentators have said the death toll may be far higher than the 89 Russia has reported.

As Moscow grappled with the aftermath of the strike, France’s President Emmanuel Macron told Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky that his country would send French-made light tanks to help repel the Russian invasion.

The death toll in Makiivka is the highest reported by the Russian military in a single strike since its troops invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

The deadly strike came after months of discontent within Russia towards the military following a series of battlefield defeats and a hugely unpopular mobilisation drive.

Russia’s defence ministry on Monday – in an extremely rare admission – said 63 soldiers had been killed.

On Wednesday, the ministry said the toll had climbed to 89 after more bodies were found under the rubble of the temporary base where the troops had been housed.

It announced a commission was working to clarify what happened and vowed that “guilty” officials would be punished. AFP

China says Hong Kong border to start reopening from Sunday

CHINA will begin normalizing travel between the mainland and Hong Kong from Sunday, Beijing announced Thursday, easing painful pandemic restrictions that have kept the border mostly sealed for almost three years.

All but three of Hong Kong’s 12 crossings with the mainland have been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020.

Both Hong Kong and China stuck to zero-COVID policies in which strict travel curbs and mandatory quarantine

rules caused arrivals to plummet. The measures kept families separated, cut-off tourism and severed most business travel, with Hong Kong hit especially hard and ending 2022 in a deep recession.

China U-turned on its zero-Covid strategy last month, abruptly lifting restrictions that had torpedoed the economy and sparked nationwide protests.

On Thursday China’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office announced that travel will “gradually and orderly resume” from Sunday – the same day China scraps man-

datory quarantine for overseas arrivals. However the measures are not a return to a full reopening.

People travelling to the mainland from Hong Kong will still be required to present a negative nucleic acid test result taken 48 hours before departure – a requirement Beijing has criticized other countries for adopting this week as the mainland’s infections have surged.

Immigration authorities will start resuming visas for mainlanders to travel to Hong Kong and Macau “according to the

epidemic situation and service capacities” in the two locales, the announcement said. The statement did not say how many checkpoints would be reopened, or whether there would be a daily quota on border crossings.

Hong Kong’s government will hold a press conference later on Thursday.

Local Hong Kong media have reported in recent days that the first phase of the border reopening will see a daily quota of 50,000-100,000 at border crossings. AFP

too naive on China’s Taiwan threats’

EUROPEAN powers must do more to dissuade China from invading Taiwan, including being prepared to unleash painful economic sanctions and train Taiwanese troops, the former head of NATO said Thursday.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who is visiting Taipei, said European and NATO powers were “too naive” in the run-up to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and risked repeating the same mistake with Beijing.

Taiwan lives under constant threat of invasion by China, which claims the self-ruled democracy as part of its territory to be taken one day.

“The world hasn’t so far paid sufficient attention to the tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” Rasmussen told reporters.

Pope Francis leads ex-pontiff Benedict XVI’s funeral

TENS of thousands of mourners gathered Thursday for the funeral of former pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, led by his successor Pope Francis in an event unprecedented in modern times.

The body of the German theologian, who in 2013 became the first pontiff in six centuries to resign, was laid out in a simple cypress coffin in front of St Pe -

ter’s Basilica, where his remains will later be laid in the crypt.

For the first time in modern history, the proceedings were led by a sitting pope, Francis, who will deliver the homily.

On either side of the coffin were seated red-clad cardinals and dignitaries from around the world, among

Japan tuna price soars past $270,000 at New Year bid

THE top-selling tuna at Tokyo’s traditional New Year auction sold for more than $270,000 on Thursday, nearly double last year’s price, breaking a pandemic trend of slumping demand.

Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Onodera Group and Japanese wholesaler Yamayuki forked out 36.04 million yen ($273,000) for the 212-kilo bluefin tuna in the auction at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market.

The figure was still only a fraction of the 2019 record price but marks a recovery for the symbolic auction after three years in which prices slumped.

“It has all the qualities of a good

tuna,” sushi master and Onodera head chef Akifumi Sakagami told reporters after the auction.

“We have had years of gloom (during the pandemic). I hope that we can deliver happiness to everyone by using opportunities like this.”

Last year’s top-selling tuna, bought by the same pair of bidders, went for just 16.88 million yen, with observers blaming subdued demand as a Covid wave ripped through Japan in early 2022.

The New Year auction is highly anticipated, and securing the top-priced tuna offers bidders bragging rights. AFP

them heads of state including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Tens of thousands of members of public also attended, many of them queuing before dawn to pay their respects to Benedict, who died last Saturday aged 95.

“Benedict is a bit like my father, so I had to pay homage to him,” said Cristi-

na Grisanti, a 59-year-old from Milan, who hailed the former pope’s “purity, his candor, his mildness.”

Many Germans were also in the crowd, paying tribute to Germany’s first pope in 1,000 years, whose funeral is being marked back home by the ringing of church bells across the country. AFP

“And we should realise that the conflict between China and Taiwan has, and will have, global repercussions. So we have a global interest in preventing those tensions from escalating into an armed conflict.”

Rasmussen argued that while the United States must remain Taiwan’s primary military ally, European and NATO powers should be prepared to put in place policies that will make Beijing “think twice” about an invasion.

“I think we should react determinedly if China were to attack Taiwan, and we should replace strategic ambiguity with strategic clarity,” he said.

In the years leading up to Moscow’s invasion of its neighbour, European powers began training Ukrainian troops.

“We could do exactly the same with servicemen and women from Taiwan, we could conduct such training and exercises on European soil,” Rasmussen said.

He added that military and cyber defense equipment could be shared “to make Taiwan capable to defend itself by itself”.

But above all, he argued, Europe’s contributions would need to be “comprehensive and profound sanctions against China” in the event of an invasion.

Rasmussen conceded that such sanctions would hit European nations hard because China is so deeply embedded within the global economy. AFP

‘Europe

Prince Harry

Prince William

COLD SPLASH. A man dives into a pool cut into the frozen Songhua river in Harbin in China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province on January 5, 2023, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 39th Harbin China International Ice and Snow Festival. AFP

EXPENSIVE FISH. A sushi chef displays freshly cut bluefin tuna which was purchased earlier in the day for over $270,000 at the first tuna auction of the New Year at the Sushi Ginza Onodera main store in Omotesando in Tokyo on January 5, 2023. AFP

1 BH 960 298 45.02% 2 MBC 8.3 1.3 18.57% 3 LCB 0.12 0.013 12.15% 4 RLT 0.22 0.023 11.68% 5 WIN 0.25 0.02 8.70% 6 MFC 989.5 69.5 7.55% 7 MEDIC 0.75 0.05 7.14% 8 NRCP 0.62 0.04 6.90% 9 DITO 3.12 0.18 6.12% 10 TBGI 0.235 0.013 5.86%

1 PXP 7.31 -1.04 -12.46%

2 NI 0.74 -0.08 -9.76%

3 ALCO 0.51 -0.04 -7.27%

4 BKR 1.37 -0.09 -6.16%

5 SUN 0.93 -0.06 -6.06%

6 GEO 0.176 -0.011 -5.88%

7 ENEX 13.64 -0.76 -5.28%

8 HLCM 4 -0.2 -4.76%

9 PHR 0.84 -0.04 -4.55% 10 DWC 1.32 -0.06 -4.35%

MOST ACTIVE

1 BDO 5,336,950 605,919,548

2 TEL 430,355 601,846,225

3 BLOOM 37,178,600 325,221,648 4 SM 300,190 276,495,715 5 ICT 1,250,570 248,843,026 6 URC 1,738,870 242,190,065 7 GTCAP 485,710 217,217,782 8 AC 300,870 208,122,320 9 GLO 92,750 201,940,980 10 CNVRG 11,372,400 193,574,546

Meta faces fines of 390-m euros over data breach

DUBLIN, Ireland - US social media giant Meta was slapped Wednesday with fines totaling 390 million euros ($413 million) for breaching EU personal data laws on Facebook and Instagram, Ireland’s data regulator said.

Meta and other US Big Tech firms have been hit by huge fines over their business practices in the European Union in recent years, and the bloc has also tightened online regulation.

The Irish Data Protection Commission said in a statement that Meta breached “its obligations in relation to transparency” and used an incorrect legal basis “for its processing of personal data for the purpose of behavioral advertising.”

The watchdog reached “final decisions” to fine Meta Ireland 210 million euros in relation to Facebook and 180 million euros in relation to Instagram for violating Europe’s landmark General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The announcement came one month after Europe’s data regulator, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), imposed binding decisions over the treatment of personal data by the group.

One of those rulings concerns Meta’s instant messaging division WhatsApp, with Ireland’s DPC due to announce a separate verdict next week.

The internet giant’s European operations are based in Dublin, along with a number of other major global tech companies, including Google, Apple, and Twitter.

As a result, Ireland’s data protection agency is the lead European regulator responsible for holding them to account.

‘Regulatory uncertainty’ California-based Meta, which is led by Mark Zuckerberg, expressed disappointment with Wednesday’s news and will appeal.

“The debate around legal bases has been ongoing for some time, and businesses have faced a lack of regulatory certainty in this area,” it said in a separate statement.

“We strongly believe our approach respects GDPR, and we’re therefore disappointed by these decisions and intend to appeal both the substance of the rulings and the fines.” AFP

Stock market advances; Bloomberry tops gainers

STOCKS rose for a third day this year, racking a rally on Wall Street, which came even as minutes from the Federal Reserve’s December meeting showed officials intended to keep lifting rates to fight decades-high inflation.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, rose 42 points, or 0.64 percent, to close at 6,761.33 on Thursday, as four of the six subsectors advanced, led by financial issues.

The broader all-share index also went up by 13 points, or 0.38 percent, to settle at 4,550.45, on a value turnover of P6.89 billion. Gainers

outmatched losers, 93 to 84, while 53 shares were unchanged.

Seven of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Bloomberry Resorts Corp. which climbed 4.36 percent to P8.86 and Universal Robina Corp. which picked up 3.88 percent to P139.30.

Most Asian markets also rose Thursday, led by Hong Kong after the city’s traders extended an impressive start to the year thanks to optimism over China’s reopening and officials there making key policy changes to encourage investment.

Oil prices also staged a mild rebound but remain under pressure after losing around nine percent in the previous two days owing to demand concerns.

The upbeat mood has been boosted by signs that China is implementing policy changes to make it a more attractive investment location.

A decision allowing Ant Group to

raise $1.5 billion in funding was seen as an indication authorities’ long-running crackdown on the tech sector could be coming to an end, and fresh measures to support the struggling property sector have also been unveiled.

Reports that Beijing was considering lifting a two-year ban on some imports of Australian coal, as well as a slight thawing of ties with Washington, were also providing some hope for the year ahead.

That all comes against the backdrop of the rollback of the country’s harsh zero-Covid policy, which had sapped economic growth since the start of the pandemic.

The move has fanned hopes that the world’s second-largest economy will bounce back after three years of lockdowns and tough restrictions, though the surge in infections in recent weeks has also raised concerns about the near-term outlook. With AFP

Amazon to cut 18,000 jobs amid economic uncertainties

WASHINGTON—Amazon announced Wednesday it would cut more than 18,000 jobs from its workforce, citing “the uncertain economy” and the fact that the online retail giant had “hired rapidly” during the pandemic.

“Between the reductions we made in November and the ones we’re sharing today, we plan to eliminate just over 18,000 roles,” said CEO Andy Jassy in a statement to his staff. The company announced 10,000 layoffs in November.

Jassy said the company’s leadership was “deeply aware that these role eliminations are difficult for people, and we don’t take these decisions lightly.

“We are working to support those who are affected and are providing packages that include a separation payment, transitional health insurance benefits, and external job placement support,” he said.

Some of the layoffs would be in Europe, Jassy said, adding that the impacted workers would be informed starting on January 18.

He said the sudden announcement was being made “because one of our teammates leaked this information externally.”

“This year’s review has been more difficult given the uncertain economy and that we’ve hired rapidly over the last several years,” Jassy said.

But he added that “Amazon has weathered uncertain and difficult economies in the past, and we will continue to do so.”

The retailer had indeed hired with a vengeance during the pandemic to meet an explosion in demand for deliveries, doubling its global staff between the beginning of 2020 and the beginning of 2022.

The group had 1.54 million employees worldwide at the end of September, not including seasonal workers recruited during periods of increased activity, particularly during the holiday season. AFP

Stellantis to invest $150m in Archer to produce electric air taxis

Stellantis also plans to increase its equity stake in Archer by buying back shares on the market.

Archer has already received a preorder from US carrier United Airlines for 200 vehicles.

The plan is for these aircraft to fly between New York and Newark Airport initially, then expand to other cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco, where United has a significant presence. AFP

Stellantis will also invest up to $150 million in Archer and its vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) designed to carry four passengers in addition to the pilot, the company said in a press release.

Called Midnight, the vehicle looks like a small plane with several rotors on its wings and is designed to make consecutive trips of around 20 miles (30 kilometers) with a recharge time of about 10 minutes between each trip.

Archer envisions an age of aerial ridesharing, an “Uber or Lyft of the skies,”

President Louise Bristow told AFP last year.

The two groups had previously partnered in 2021 but on a more limited scale, with Stellantis expected to provide technical assistance and access to its supply chain.

This time, Stellantis is expected to mass produce Archer’s aircraft as the exclusive contract manufacturer in Covington, Georgia, in the southeast United States.

The partnership allows Archer to accelerate production of the aircraft, which is expected to begin in 2024. It is also expected to save the US company “hundreds of millions of dollars of spending” during the production ramp-up thanks to Stellantis’ expertise.

Archer should be able to build up to 650 aircraft per year initially before a possible expansion to produce up to 2,300 per year, said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s co-founder and chief executive, at the press briefing.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in the statement that he is “continuously impressed” by Archer’s “ingenuity and unwavering commitment to deliver.”

Deepening the partnership between the two companies “demonstrates how Stellantis is pushing the boundaries to provide sustainable freedom of mobility, from the road to the sky,” he continued.

The move “places Archer in a strong position to be first to market,” said Adam Goldstein, founder, and CEO of Archer, in the statement.

“Our two companies are taking these important steps together to realize a oncein-a-generation opportunity to redefine urban transportation.”

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPS RAYMUNDO and LEONOR RIGONAN was extrajudicially settled by heirs as per DOC. No. 307 Page 62; Book No. 5; Series of 2022 before Notary Public Glennaries M. Yamsuan of Quezon City. MS-(JAN. 6, 13 & 20, 2023)

RAYMUNDO and LEONOR RIGONAN was extrajudicially settled by heirs as per DOC. No. 307 No. 5; Series of 2022 before Notary Public Glennaries M. Yamsuan of Quezon City.

LAS VEGAS, United States—Global automaker Stellantis will produce electric “air taxis” developed by US aviation company Archer, it announced Wednesday at the major Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Vice

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

This undated image released by Stellantis N.V. on Jan. 4, 2023 shows Archer’s vertical takeoff and landing aircraft called Midnight. Global automaker Stellantis will produce electric ‘air taxis’ developed by US aviation company Archer. AFP

TUNA AUCTION. A member of staff (left) carves up a bluefin tuna which was purchased earlier in the day for over $270,000 at the first tuna auction of the New Year at the Sushi Ginza Onodera main store in Omotesando in Tokyo on Jan. 5, 2023. Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Onodera Group and Japanese wholesaler Yamayuki forked out $273,000 for the 212-kilogram bluefin tuna in the auction. AFP

Aboitiz Power gets P20-b loan from LandBank

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ABOITIZ Power Corp. said Thursday clean energy subsidiary Aboitiz Renewables Inc. signed a P20-billion loan agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines to fund renewable energy expansion.

Aboitiz Power chief renewables officer Jimmy Villaroman said the longterm debt financing would finance ongoing and new RE power plants.

“We are very grateful to LandBank for their support and confidence in our company. This loan will allow us to continue providing clean and sustainable energy to help meet the growing demand in the country,” Villaroman said.

Villaroman said the loan facility was in line with Aboitiz Power’s 10year strategy of growing its RE portfolio to 4,600 megawatts, or half its 9,200 MW total capacity target by 2030.

Aboitiz Power is looking at P190 billion in capital expenditure spending for an additional 3,700 MW of clean energy capacities in the next decade.

The company had over 1,000 MW of disclosed and ongoing RE projects, including solar, floating solar, hydro and onshore wind as of November 2022.

Aboitiz Power chief financial officer Liza Luv Montelibano said the loan reflected the company’s strong financial position and its lending partners’ trust in the organization.

“We look forward to continuing to work with LandBank and other financial institutions as we drive the growth of renewable energy in the country,” Montelibano said.

Aboitiz Power and its partners are the largest owner and operators of RE in the Philippines based on installed capacity.

The company also signed a joint venture agreement with renewable energy firm Mainstream Power to develop a 90-MW onshore wind project in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

BPI fixes transaction error, vows to improve processes

By Julito G. Rada

BANK of the Philippine Islands, the third-largest lender in terms of assets, said Thursday it resolved the duplicate transactions that affected accountholders on Dec. 30 and 31 and vowed to improve processes to prevent the recurrence of the problem.

Some BPI accountholders complained on social media that their ATM, CAM deposit, POS (point of sale) and e-commerce debit transactions from Dec. 30 to 31, 2022 were posted twice.

BPI said in a statement it had worked to reverse the duplicate transactions and the issue was resolved, as committed.

“We would like to thank our customers and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and support dur-

ing the period. We are humbled by our clients’ unwavering trust in our ability to safeguard their accounts and their heartwarming appreciation of our frontliners’ immediate response and attention,” the bank said.

BPI president and chief executive Jose Teodoro Limcaoco said the bank regrets the incident and its effect on customers.

“No one is ever perfect, and when you stumble, you admit and address…. This incident only strengthens our resolve to always pursue excellence, uphold the highest banking standards, and repay the trust and confidence our customers place in us,” Limcaoco said.

He said BPI was committed to reviewing and improving existing systems, processes and controls to address gaps and pursue enhancements to prevent recurrence.

“We have 171 years of legacy and trust to preserve which we have done so through continuous innovation, process re-engineering, and prudent management. At BPI, we understand that when our customers bank with us, they are giving us their trust. They have our as-

surance that their accounts are safe and secure,” the bank said.

BPI said on Wednesday evening it had resolved the duplicate transactions on affected BPI accounts, but clients might experience “intermittent access” to its web and mobile app platforms, given the high volume of inquiries on its online banking channels.

Several clients through Facebook comments commended BPI for resolving the issue quickly. They said their money affected by the double-debit transactions had been reimbursed.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier ordered BPI to submit a timeline and updates on the reversal of doubledebit transactions.

The BSP said BPI had identified the root cause of the operational error and committed to reverse the erroneous transactions and restore mobile and internet banking services the soonest possible.

The BSP said it had been working to strengthen banks’ cyber resilience through industry-wide initiatives to protect consumers amid increasing digital payments.

PAFMIL seeks extension of anti-dumping duties on Turkish flour

By Othel V. Campos

AN INDUSTRY group said Thursday it will file a request for the extension of the three-year anti-dumping duties on imported wheat flour from Turkey.

The government imposed antidumping duties on Turkish flour imports after an inquiry found that Turkish exporters were selling the products at dump prices in the Philippines. The duties will expire on Oct. 27, 2023.

The Philippine Association of Flour Millers said it would file the request next month with the Tariff Commission on the assumption that Turkey would return to its dumping practice, if the anti-dumping duties would be allowed to expire.

It said that based on global developments, Turkey has nearly unhampered

access to low-cost Ukrainian wheat. It said that because of the RussiaUkraine war, all Ukrainian wheat exports had to go through Turkey for inspection before proceeding to the importing countries. This provides Turkey an opportunity to export flour using cheap Ukrainian wheat, according to PAFMIL.

The new petition will be the third anti-dumping petition requested by the local flour millers against Turkish flour millers. The first petition was in 2014 which the TC approved a year later.

The TC recommended five-year anti-dumping duties on 17 Turkish flour millers with the punitive duties ranging from 2.87 percent to 16.9 percent. From 2008 to 2012, Turkish flour exports to the Philippines soared by 938.9 percent and in 2012 captured 9 percent of the local flour market.

The second petition, approved by the TC in September 2020, extended the duties until 2023.

The TC said in its decision, “there is a high likelihood that termination of the anti-dumping duties will lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping of wheat flour imported from the Republic of Turkey.”

It recognized the existence of a real and imminent threat to the domestic industry that continues to exist at present. Seventeen Turkish flour millers were told to observe and pay anti- dumping duties of 2.87 percent to 29.57 percent.

The anti-dumping duties were on top of the 7 percent most favored nations import duties for non-ASEAN and Australia-New Zealand with which the Philippines has multilateral trade agreements.

Broadband, mobile download speeds improve

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE country’s fixed broadband and mobile broadband download speeds further improved in December, boosted by the aggressive network rollout of telecom companies nationwide, according to Ookla Speedtest Global Index report.

It showed that the Philippines’ fixed broadband median speed improved to 87.13 megabits per second last month from 81.42 Mbps in November.

The latest download speed represented a 7.01-percent month-on-month improvement for fixed broadband. It also indicated an improvement of 26.39 percent since the start of the Marcos administration in July 2022.

Mobile median speed increased, as the country yielded a download speed of 25.12 Mbps in December, compared to 24.04 Mbps in November.

The latest download speed signified a 4.49-percent month-on-month im-

provement for mobile. The speed also represented an improvement of 17.33 percent since July 2022.

National Telecommunications Commission officer-in-charge Ella Blanca Lopez said “the continued improvement in internet speed is a welcome development as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. encourages the country to embrace digitalization if it wants to survive and thrive in a postpandemic economy.”

The NTC said the streamlining and speeding up of the issuance of permits by local government units in July 2020 translated into a significant increase in permits granted to telcos from July 2020 to November 2022.

It said the improvement in internet speed was largely attributed to this development as telcos were able to fasttrack building infrastructure such as cellular towers and fiber optic network that were necessary in boosting services and connectivity.

Vivant acquires

22-MW solar project in Bulacan

VIVANT Energy Corp. said Thursday it acquired the project company that will own and operate a 22-megawatt solar plant in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.

“The transaction is a strategic investment to increase Vivant’s footprint in the renewable energy industry,” Vivant Energy’s parent company Vivant Corp. said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The transaction is expected to generate returns for Vivant shareholders, it said.

Vivant Energy signed a share sale and purchase agreement with Cleantech Global Renewables Inc. to acquire its entire interest in San Ildefonso Alternative Energy Corp. The company acquired 1,250,004 common shares of Cleantech in SIAEC, the project company for the solar plant project.

Vivant Energy paid $5 million for Cleantech’s shares and P3.749 million for SIAEC’s 3,749,996 unissued common shares at P1 par value per share.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Group warns of rotating blackouts in second quarter

CLIMATE and energy group Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities warned of yellow and red alerts, with possible rotating blackouts in Luzon, in the second quarter if the government would fail to address the need for additional capacities.

ICSC senior policy advisor Pete Maniego Jr. said the power outlook for 2023 is “bleak” as the group does not foresee much improvement in supply from both coal and fossil gas power plants.

Maniego said several coal plants suffered prolonged and recurrent outages even after repairs and maintenance.

“Fossil gas supply remains restricted, affecting the operations of natgas plants. The entry of new solar and other RE power plants to augment much-needed supply is likewise constrained by limited transmission and distribution interconnection capacities,” Maniego said.

Maniego labeled as “very optimistic” the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ 2023 weekly demand, supply and operating margin report where sufficient operating reserves were projected from April 24 to May 28. He said the report might not reflect the actual operation of the grid.

Mae S. Flores

Alena

UnionBank prices P12-b stock rights offering

UNION Bank of the Philippines priced its planned stock rights offering at P56.88 per share, representing the middle of the indicative price range, to raise P12 billion in fresh capital.

The final offer price represents a discount of 35-percent to the stock’s closing price of P87.40 on Wednesday.

UBP senior vice president Joselito Banaag said in a letter to the stock exchange the final offer price was determined based on the volume weighted average of the stock for the past 15 days prior to pricing and applying a discount of 30 percent.

UBP said it would offer 210.970 million common shares to shareholders as of record date Jan. 12. Shareholders are entitled to subscribe to 1 right share for every 10.1536 shares owned. The offer period will be from Jan. 16 to 27, while listing date was tentatively set on Feb.6.

The bank plans to use P8.88 billion of the proceeds to support loan availments by customers. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Jenniffer B. Austria

RFM Corp., the food and beverage company of the Concepcion family, said Thursday net income in 2022 reached P1.06 billion, down 18.5 percent from P1.3 billion in 2021 on higher costs of raw materials.

RFM said in a disclosure to the stock exchange preliminary unaudited 2022 sales expanded 15 percent to P19 billion from 2021, on the back of both volume and price increases in RFM’s ice cream, milk and institutional segments.

The company said margins were compressed as the company absorbed the higher input costs of wheat, milk and sugar. The higher electricity charged by the company’s power supplier also contributed to lower profit in 2022, it said.

“RFM made a conscious effort not to fully pass on the higher costs of commodities and power to the consumers as it wanted to avoid demand contraction that could be inimical to sales in the long run,” RFM chief executive Jose Ma. Concepcion III said.

Concepcion said the company was expected to recoup its margins in 2023 amid the strengthening of the peso against the dollar and the reversal in commodity prices.

“RFM’s outlook for 2023 is continued growth in topline and single-digit growth in income. RFM’s Royal and Fiesta pasta brands shall continue to strengthen their leadership in the pasta and sauce market, while our Selecta Milk hopes to sustain the double-digit growth over the years with more innovations. Our ice cream joint venture with Unilever is a big anchor for our topline and bottom line over the years and shall continue to be so in the future,” Concepcion said.

RFM’s profit fell 18.5% to P1.06b on higher costs

agreement covering the lease back of the said towers. Attending the signing ceremony are (from left) Aboitiz InfraCapital president and chief executive Cosette Canilao, PLDT and Smart president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio, Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz, PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan and Unity chief executive Robin Sarmiento.

Kings eye 3-1 lead: Dragons seek fair officiating, equalizer

By Peter Atencio

THE big crowd that’s been coming over to watch the best-of-seven championship series of 2022-2023 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Finals is firing up the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, and unnerving the Bay Area Dragons at the same time.

The loud cheers of the crowd is inspiring the Gin Kings even more going into Game 4 today at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m not gonna apologize (for the loud crowd). I love being a part of this,” said Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone after they put away the Dragons, 89-82, in Game 3 to earn a 2-1 lead.

The Dragons were rattled and unable to hold on to the lead after one of their key players, Hayden Blank-

ley fouled out with five minutes left the final frame. He finished with 10 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and two assists.

Blankley, who later took a shot at the officiating on social media, was summoned at the Commissioner’s office to sh are his views.

“Got nothing but love and respect for the Philippines and its people, but at this point it’s obvious, just let it be a fair game, please. As the locals would say—it’s cooked,”

posted Blankley on Instagram.

In that game, their import Andrew Nicholson suffered a left ankle injury after landing on Jamie Malonzo’s foot with only 35 seconds left to play.

But he is expected to suit up in Game 4.

Coach Brian Goorjian and the Dragons may have to adjust to the calls and the big crowd when they seek to equalize the series again.

“The game? It’s for everyone to see,” said Goorjian as he kept his silence on the outcome of Game 4 and his objections on the officiating.

But officiating is just one of the Dragons’ concerns. They also must find a way to stop recently naturalized Ginebra import Justine Brownlee, who scored 19 points in the fourth quarter during Ginebra’s Game 3 triumph. He ended up with 34 points.

The resident Ginebra import pointed to cr owd support as one of the primary reasons why they were able to recover from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.

“Being down 14 is not a great situation for us, but the crowd really fueled us,” Brownlee said. “And we’ve been carrying that never-say-die attitude, well, with Ginebra, forever, so we definitely feed off the crowd.”

Cone said he symphatizes with the Dragons since had experienced the same situation for so many years coaching the Alaska Aces and the Star Hotshots in games against the Gin Kings in the past.

“I’ve experienced this all the time while playing against Ginebra, 25 years playing against Ginebra during Big J’s time. That’s the way it is. We had this kind of atmosphere every time we hit the floor,” added Cone.

ONE Championship’s 3 best Muay Thai fights of 2022

ONE Championship provided fans with some of the most exciting and memorable Muay Thai fights in 2022.

From unbelievable displays of skill and technique, to bouts that kept viewers on the edge of their seat, ONE’s global fan base was mesmerized by the action on display. Many Muay Thai fighters in the world have stepped up to the challenge, delivering performances that will be remembered for years to come.

Though it was difficult, we chose three of the year’s most exciting fights.

Liam Harrison Versus Muangthai PK.Saenchai Liam Harrison’s incredible battle with Muangthai PK.Saenchai at ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic in April was a thrilling fight for spectators.

The opening moments of the fight between “The Hitman” and Muangthai saw both competitors

knocked down twice, and with only one eight-count left before the fight would be forced to end, fans were captivated by the sight of the two bantamweights exchanging blows.

After forcing Muangthai down for the third time, Harrison triumphed over “The Elbow Zombie” in the middle of the first round, earning himself a bonus of US$100,000 for his hard-fought victory.

Nong-O Gaiyanghadao Versus Liam Harrison

Seven-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao took Harrison down in devastating fashion at ONE Fight Night 1: Moraes v Johnson II in August.

The 36-year-old initially traded shots with the Englishman until he upped the pressure with his leg kicks halfway through the first round. The Thai aimed at Harrison’s knee and landed the perfect strike that sent his foe to the canvas.

Unable to continue, the #4-ranked athlete con-

De Guzman paces jungolf field with 74

DAVAO CITY— Lucas de Guzman fired a twoover par 74 in the first round to lead the 6-under boys’ division of the Mindanao leg of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines Apo Circuit on Thursday at the Apo Golf and Country Club here.

The 6-year-old de Guzman birdied the final hole, his fifth for the day in this event that aims to discover new talents in the sport, especially in the region.

“It was a good game for me,” said De Guzman, a veteran of the 2022 IMG Academy Junior World Championships in the US and son of popular social media personality Lue and former Philippine Football Team training pool member Rommel.

With coach Toch “J3” Altea—mentor of pro golfer and Olympian Miguel Tabuena—guiding him, De Guzman enjoys a 13-shot lead on hometown bet and Mindanao champion Ethan Lago, who had an opening round 87.

Also leading their respective divisions are Nicole Gaisano-Gan, who had a 76 and leads Lisa Sarines (78) by two strokes in the 11-12 girls’

play. Stephanie Gaisano-Gan had an 87 and is up by eight on Soleil Molde (95) in 6-under girls’ division, Ralph Batican’s 74 leads participants in 9-10 boys’ bracket, while Brittany Tamayo’s 73 is the best performance in 9-10 girls’ group.

The second and final day of the 5 to 12 years old will be played Friday, while participants in the 13 to 18 years old categories will see action on Saturday and Sunday.

“We are happy with the turnout for the 5-12 years old, and we’re excited as well for the 13-18. We hope to discover new talents at the grassroots level, which is the mission of JGFP,” said JGFP president Oliver Gan of the tournament backed by Gaisano Malls, John Gaisano, Dimdi Furniture and Appliance Centre, Soleil Cafe and Islandwide Distribution Corporation.

Lucas de Guzman buries a birdie on the 18th hole as coach Toch “J3” Altea watches the young golfer complete a first-round total of two-over par 72 in the Mindanao leg of the JGFP tourney on Thursday at the Apo Golf and Country Club in Davao City.

ceded to the World Champion and Nong-O was aptly rewarded with a $50K bonus.

Joseph Lasiri Versus Prajanchai PK.Saenchai Joseph Lasiri entered his matchup with Prajanchai PK.Saenchai as the underdog at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot in May.

However, “The Hurricane” blew a storm through the 28-year-old’s defense as he continuously served power punches, wearing the former strawweight king down until he finally tossed in the towel at the end of the third round.

Lasiri was then crowned the new ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion and earned the coveted 50 Gs from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Download the ONE Super App to catch all the action at ONE Fight Night 6: Superbon vs. Allazov o n Saturday, January 14, at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bay Area’s Powell, Blankley fined by PBA

THE Philippine Basketball Association has penalized Bay Area players Myles Powell and Hayden Blankley for their comments following the Dragons’ loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 of the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday night.

Commissioner Willie Marcial slapped Powell a P100,000 fine, while Blankley must shell out P75,000 after the two criticized the officiating moments after the Dragons’ 89-82 defeat to the Gin Kings.

The two expressed their grievances on social media, with the 22-yearold Blankley saying that it was “obvious” and “cooked” as he asked for a “fair game.”

“Got nothing but love and respect for the Philippines and its people, but at this point it’s obvious, just let it be a fair game, please. As the locals would say — it’s cooked,” said Blankley Powell wrote on Twitter, commenting on the discrepancy of free throws between the two teams.

“Y’all saying we shot 21 free throws in Game 2 & y’all only shot 5 proves exactly my point,” he tweeted, “something ain’t right clearly the refs making the difference between who wins or not when it should just be a fair called game.”

Marcial clarified he did not summon Bay Area coach Brian Goorjian, who refused to comment about the officiating in Game 3 when asked by reporters, although his body language indicated his frustration. Peter Atencio

Malixi saves 71, but falls 5 shots o Ding

RIANNE Malixi dominated the last two par-5s to salvage a one-under 71 but fell five strokes off Hong Kong’s Virginie Ding at the start of the Women’s Orlando International Amateur at the Orange Country National Golf Center and Lodge in Florida Wednesday.

Malixi cracked a frontside pargame marred by missed birdie opportunities with three birdies in the last nine holes, including the long holes on Nos. 14 and 17, as she bucked a two-bogey mishap to post a 36-35 round at Crooked Cat, one of the two courses hosting the 54-hole championship which drew a huge field of 180 bidders.

The top 70 and ties after 36 holes will advance to the final round.

Malixi, 15, kept flashing fine form off the mound and with her iron play but continued to struggle on the greens that has stymied her previous title bids. Her first putt from 20 feet lipped out and she missed her chances inside 9 feet miss on the next two holes.

She did drain a long putt to save par on the par-3 No. 8 then buriued a seven-footer for birdie on No. 10 to launch her backside drive. But after two regulation pars, the top ICTSI-backed campaigner missed the par-3 No. 13 green, chipped short and muffed a par-putt bid from close range.

She recovered the stroke on the par-5 14th but missed another sevenfooter for birdie on No. 15 and blew a four-footer for par on the next. She, however, birdied the last long hole, No. 17, to save a 71.

But Malixi stood too far behind Ding at 20th place as the latter, billed as the next Hong Kong superstar, sizzled with seven birdies against a bogey for a 66 and a onestroke lead over Americans Alice Hodge and Ami Gianchandani, who matched 67s.

Five players posted similar 68s and five more matched 69s to guarantee a tight, fierce chase for the championship, the second of three Florida events lined up for Malixi, who placed second in last week’s Citrus Golf Trail in Sebring.

She will next vie in the Annika Invitational on Jan. 15-17 at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

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

Ginebra’s Justine Brownlee proved unstoppable with 19 points during Ginebra’s 89-82 Game 3 win over Bay Area in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Djokovic recovers from shaky start, makes Adelaide quarters

ADELAIDE—Novak Djokovic overcame a shaky start to beat Frenchman Quentin Halys on Thursday and reach the Adelaide quarter-finals,

The top seed from Serbia won 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/5) and will face Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in the last eight of the Adelaide International.

Djokovic returned to the scene of his 2007 title run on Tuesday with a comfortable straight-sets win over France’s Constant Lestienne.

He backed that up against Lestienne’s doubles partner Halys but was slow to get going, slumping 2-5 in the first set before clinching victory.

“It was a great performance from my opponent today,” said the 35-year-old Djokovic, who is warming up for a tilt at a 10th Australian Open title after missing last year’s Grand Slam when he was deported over his vaccination status.

“He played like a top-10 player today.

“As far as my game goes, I feel good on the court,” Djokovic added.

“I didn’t have such a great start and he was serving really well. Tough to break so two tiebreaks were probably the most realistic score.”

With the crowd firmly behind the former world number one on a packed centre court, Djokovic -who won Wimbledon among five titles last year -lost his opening service game against the 64th-ranked Frenchman.

He earned two break points in game three but was unable to convert, biding his time until the seventh game, when he broke to love then raced through the tiebreak.

Nothing separated them in the second set, which again went to a tiebreak, after Halys saved two match points at 5-4, with Djokovic finally prevailing when Halys netted a backhand.

Djokovic’s reward is a clash with world number 18 Shapovalov, who sailed into the last eight with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin.

Djokovic has won all seven previous encounters with the Canadian.

FIFA boss Infantino in Pele wake selfie row

PARIS—FIFA chief Gianni Infantino insisted Wednesday he would never be disrespectful to Pele as he came under fire over a photo call at the Brazilian legend’s wake.

Infantino took a selfie with some of Pele’s old teammates on Monday right beside the open coffin of the three-time World Cup winner.

The Swiss said he took the photo as Pele’s friends seemed unable to operate their mobile phones.

“I took the phone of one of them and took the photo of all of us for him,” Infantino insisted.

“If being helpful to a teammate of Pele creates criticism I’m happy to take it and will continue to be helpful wherever I can to those having contributed to write legendary pages of football.

“I have so much respect and admiration for Pele and for that ceremony yesterday that I would never do anything that would be disrespectful in any way whatsoever,” Infantino said.

Brazil gave Pele a powerful send off starting with a day-long wake at the Santos stadium.

Santos said more than 230,000 people had attended his 24-hour wake in the Vila Belmiro stadium.

At the funeral a more sombre tone was set as Pele’s tearful widow Marcia Cibele Aoki was embraced by the equally moved newly-sworn in president Lula. Pele died Thursday at age 82 after a battle with cancer. AFP

Also

PNVF revives national U-18 spike tourney

THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation will revive the First PNVF National U18 Championships for Boys and Girls in February and March, federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara announced on Thursday.

“This is to reactivate the grassroots and age-group competitions which will also be basis of the selection of national age-group teams,” Suzara said.

The joint tournament is scheduled February 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 and March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 both at spruced-up Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Inquiries and registration are available at the PNVF website http://volleyballphilippines.com/.

The last time the inter-secondary U18 tournament was held was when the PNVF was still called the Philippine Amateur Volleyball Association decades ago.

The PNVF was the busiest national sports association in 2022 for having hosted major international competitions—a Men and Women leg of the Volleyball Nations League last June at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Cup last August and Champions League last November both at the PhilSports Arena and the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in Subic last December with Sisi Rondina and Jovelyn “Gonzaga winning gold and Genesa Jane “Jen” Eslapor and Floremel Rodriguez settling for silver.

Also on tap for 2023 are again the VNL at the Mall of Asia Arena in July and Champions League in November.

The PNVF also forged a training partnership with the Japan Volleyball Association for indoor and beach volleyball.

Sentro Artista holds chess tourney in QC

he

“That’s

SENTRO Artista recently held its first chess tournament for all ages to promote mental health awareness through the arts and chess at the Rockwell’s Arton Strip in Katipunan, Quezon City.

The event was supported by Sen. Koko Pimentel III.

A dozen participants competed in grueling knockout matches inside the Sentro Artista’s art hub, where spectators watched, including Senator Pimentel, Court of Appeals Justice Alfonso Ruiz Jr., Sagada Coffee partner Richie Watanabe, veteran journalist Jay Ruiz and Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary James Layug, among others.

Pimentel believes that chess is crucial for mental health, noting that the availability of faceto-face interactions among the players now is very important to resolve mental problems and sharpen the minds.

“This is a great idea to have a face-to-face chess tournament since everything is now back to

Hail to the King, Pelé!

made them famous on the pitch, Pelé did them all first.

TWO famous people died two days apart before 2022 ended. Edson Arantes do Nascimento joined our Maker last December 29. Two days later, Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger passed away. The former was Pelé while the latter was Pope Benedict XVI. Of course, much was said about the Pope Emeritus’ death in the local papers, while mentions on Pelé’s death were mostly confined to the sports pages. Which is expected from a Catholic country like us and where football is not the favorite sport.

Worldwide, however, it was quite different. The whole world mourned the passing of the greatest football player ever to live. With apologies to Lionel Messi, football will not be what it is now without Pelé. Simply because even before Messi, Deigo Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and even David Beckham did what

If there is one individual, who touched so many lives regardless of culture, nationality, race, religion, gender, politics or even generations, it was Pelé. Not a scientist, a president or even a Pope. It was a footballer, who played the beautiful game that elevated the sport to what is now. Moreover, Pelé inspired millions or even billions of people to go through the challenges of everyday existence–poverty, racism, inequality, corruption, hopelessness, crime, incompetence, joblessness, high fuel prices and even onions as status symbols, to name a few.

Pelé was the only player to win the FIFA World Cup three times – in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil. Overall, he netted 1,279 goals in 1,363 games he played. What made Pelé so special was the fact that he became synonymous with the beautiful game on how he carried himself on and off the pitch. He scored so many spectacular goals, while remaining an inspiration even if he no longer laced his boots.

His impact can be felt even here in the Philippines, where most of our cur-

normal. It’s also good to play chess in this kind of art environment, with a cup of our own Sagada Coffee,” Pimentel said.

“We know chess’ reputation as

rent players have only seen his games online or on some documentaries or news features. Even a non-footballing country like ours knows something about the iconic number 10 of Brazil. Heck, he put Brazil on the map and in the same breath with football. Such was his contribution to making football the biggest sport on the planet.

Brazilian football superstar Neymar probably summed it best when he said that before Pelé, football was just another sport.

Rest in peace, King Pelé!

On the local front, another era ended as Pinoy football icon Stephan Schrock played his last game with the Philippine Azkals in a 2-1 defeat against Indonesia last Monday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Shrock scored six goals in 57 appearances spanning 11 years for the national team. The loss against Indonesia was not the ending we wanted for El Capitan – he was able to make the assist to super sub Jens Rasmussen to cut the visitors’ lead to just one goal.

Schrock, who made his desire to be a presence in the development of the current crop of Azkals and in the coaching staff, is currently on a well-deserved break with his family. You can say so many things about Schroecky, and I will not argue with you, but his com-

a

mitment to the flag and country should never be doubted. Thank you Stephan for your service to the national team! Please get your A-license as soon as possible. The time, Schroecky, the coach should start soon.

Before I forget, much has been said about the failure of the Azkals in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022. Even more about heaping the blame on the Azkals’ management, especially against Dan Palami. The failure to call seasoned veterans like Daisuke Sato, Patrick Reichelt, Ian Ramsay and other Azkals playing in different leagues outside the Philippines is also among the reasons why the team only managed to eke out a win in four games. There were so many criticisms and bashings heaped on the team by self-proclaimed experts and Monday-morning strikers to speak. I will not argue with some people who can’t even show or use their real names, espousing bravado and self entitlement behind dummy accounts and pseudonyms. Whatever gets you off, go for it.

I will enjoin you, however, on finding out the other parties to blame for the Mitsubishi Cup debacle. I’ve heard that some individuals did everything they could just to ensure that the Azkals would fail in the tournament. One of these individuals wanted to just field

“Art has the power to heal while chess, motivates us to improve ourselves,” Ruiz said, adding that the one-day chess tournament is part of a series of events that includes painting competitions, arts and crafts classes and musical performances.

Vanessa Celestial, a sought-after vocalist and jazz artist, performed in Sentro’s first jazz night last week. Next month, Sentro Artista will launch its first publication, a book project with Filipino poets and visual artists.

Among the tournament’s winners were Rolly Parondo Jr. (open class champion) and Narciso Gumila (open class first runner-up), together with Gavin Lorenzo Ruiz (youth class champion) and Miguel De Vera (youth class first runner-up).

in a token team in the tournament, “pang attendance lang daw ba”. This is probably one of the reasons, why some big name Azkals were not invited to join the national pool.

One of these individuals also played a part in making the life of the team a struggle even before they reached the pitch. Talk about the team competing in an away game without having their accreditation cards. A report claimed that a match official manually did these ID cards before the actual game in one of the games of the team abroad. Which is a great embarrassment to the team. Sino ba dapat gumawa nito?

Someone also claimed that another individual sat on the request for endorsement of financial assistance to the team from government agencies, which could have contributed much to the preparations of the team.

One final allegation. These acts were done by one or two persons in Pasig.

I just wish these claims are not true. But if they are, someone should look into these allegations and hold them accountable. Hirap na nga ang team, lalo pang pinahirapan.

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

sport that showcases man’s mental prowess. These pocket chess tournaments are always a welcome sight as they serve as a springboard for our country’s budding players,”

added.

why we are encouraging also the Philippine Sports Commission to support the young athletes as well.”

Sentro Artista Director Marjorie Ruiz, echoed Pimentel’s sentiments.

stepping up his preparations for the Australian Open.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against France’s Quentin Halys during their men’s singles match at the Adelaide International tennis tournament in Adelaide. AFP

Shapovalov is still riding the wave of leading Canada to the Davis Cup title and said he was determined to maintain his good form.

“Definitely trying to implement that on the individual side. Obviously so far it’s been a great start. Hopefully I can capitalise on a good start to the week and definitely excited for what’s to come,” he said.

in the last 16, American Sebastian Korda beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4. Adelaide defending champion Thanasi Kokkinakis meets Jannik Sinner later Thursday.

In the women’s draw, Czech teen Linda Noskova defeated American Claire Liu 6-2, 6-2 to power into the last eight where she will play either Victoria Azarenka or Chinese qualifier Zheng Qinwen. But former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko crashed out to Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu 6-3, 6-0, who will face Russian world number nine and fourth seed Veronika Kudermetova next.

Tunisian world number two Ons Jabeur, who reached two Grand Slam finals last year, faces Romania’s Sorana Cirstea later. AFP

Sen. Koko Pimentel III and Gavin Lorenzo Ruiz do the ceremonial handshake prior to the start of Sentro Artista Chess tournament at the Rockwell Arton Strip in QC.

Training the spotlight on the art of drag

THE fabulous expression that is “drag” is rapidly inching into the mainstream through various shows—both live and streamed— that elevate the artists and their craft into more than just mere entertainment.

Fire & Ice Media production, the newly formed company of LGBT powerhouse couple—singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra and wife, actress, and former Film Development Council Of The Philippines chairperson Liza Diño, will be staging a pre-Valentine extravaganza that showcases Drag Race Philippines season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole alongside Viñas Deluxe and Brigiding Fresh from their multiple wins at the Aliw Awards for Best Stage & Musical Direction for Seguerra’s anniversary concert, Fire & Ice media wants to shine the spotlight on the art of drag through Divine Divas: The Ultimate Drag Experience. The concert will showcase Philippine drag culture at its finest on February 10, at the New Frontier Theater, Araneta City, Cubao. It will be a showcase of the various disciplines that drag represents: imper-

sonations of music superstars like Beyonce and Lady Gaga, as well as performances of original songs that the drag artists themselves helped create and bring to life.

But more than the performances, the concert also aims to present the colorful, multifaceted lives of the drag queens: from their struggles to their triumphs. After all, beneath the glamourous makeup and the wonderful clothes, there is a human being wishing simply to be seen, represented, heard, and loved.

Says Brigiding of her experience: “This is a very inspiring moment for me because I’ve never thought of this when I was younger, I’ve never seen someone like me when I was younger, but because I dreamed and believed, it’s happening. And now, to be that inspiration to the younger queer artists and the LGBTQ community is one big beautiful thing.”

Part of the reasons for staging this concert is also to bring the art out onto a bigger platform, a bigger stage, one that is not limited to a niche audience and a very specific, limited crowd.

“This is an opportunity for drag queens to

be seen on the main stage and to be considered mainstream artists. Fire &Ice wants to support that. Especially since we are part of the LGBT community. We deserve to be front and center and not just be on the sidelines. Through this concert, we hope that more people will appreciate these drag performers and help normalize drag as a form of entertainment,” producer Diño explains.

For Seguerra, this is a key moment in the history of Philippine drag. “Local drag queens are finally there on the main stage. You see their names alongside mainstream artists and concert performers. For me, that’s a big thing because drag has always been on the sidelines. Has always been underground.”

Ticket prices for Divine Divas: The Ultimate Drag Experience range from P800 (Balcony B) to P6,500 (SSVIP) and are now on sale at TicketNet (visit www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 89115555).This event is co-produced with Nathan Studios, a production company co-founded by veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez.

Celeste Cortesi makes big impression at Miss Universe

MISS Universe Philippines 2022

Celeste Cortesi

and her team are now in New Orleans, Louisiana for the ongoing 71st Miss Universe competition.

Arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport, the 25-year-old Fil-Italian beauty made a big impression by wearing a powerful red ensemble comprised of a leather coat with fur, knee-high boots, and black cat-eye sunglasses.

Cortesi, who represented Pasay in the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 last April, steadily gained the top spot in the national pageant after winning several other awards including Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit.

Now, Cortesi is competing against 85 other delegates from around the globe in Miss Universe’s first edition to be held under the ownership of Thailandbased JKN Global Group, which purchased the Miss Universe Organization from WME/IMG in October last year.

Cortesi hopes to win the fifth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines following Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).

The 71st Miss Universe pageant will take place on January 14 (January 15 in Manila) at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Last year’s winner, India’s Harnaaz Sandhu, will crown her successor by the end of the event with the new “Force for Good” crown.

Filipino pageant fans can watch the live coronation on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC.

* * *

A

The highly anticipated Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards 2022, as expected, proved to be a huge success and star-

high self-esteem and untainted image.

“They are the cream of the crop, not only achievers in their respective careers, but persons of high self-esteem and untainted image. They are perfect models in the family, community, and the country, in general. Today, we salute and recognize

them as the Philippines’ Men & Women of Integrity and Honor,” Burlat said during the awarding ceremony.

Burlat, who was born in Ozamis, Misamis Occidental and listed among the Outstanding Men and Women of the Philippines, had said that he decided to introduce the Gawal Dangal award as a way of returning gratitude to the numerous awards that he had received in different occasions.

The long list of honorees, from the entertainment, media, corporate, entrepreneurship, and pageant, were grouped into four batches. Beauty queens include Alma Concepcion (Outstanding Celebrity Beauty Queen of the Year), Maxine Medina (Most Influential Movie Queen of the Year), Iona Gibbs (Remarkable Beauty Queen of the Year), and Justine Felizarta (Outstanding Beauty Queen of the Year).

Also honored were Neil Perez (Outstanding Mod-

el & Pageant Title Holder), mom-beauty queen Dr. Giselle Legaspi-Barrion (Most Outstanding HR & OD Consultant of the Year) and husband Reynald Ryan Barrion (Outstanding People Manager of the Year), singer-beauty king Lester Paul Recirdo (Outstanding Event Performer of the Year), with partner Dr. Faye Tangonan (Empowered Beauty Queen of the Year), Anton CM (Most Outstanding Fashion Photographer of the Year), Chino Hansel Philyang (Hall of Fame Book Author of the Year), along with this pageant columnist (Advocate for Animal Welfare).

Movie and TV personalities awarded include Sharon Cuneta (Outstanding Movie Queen/Singer Performer of the Year), Maricel Soriano (Outstanding Movie Queen and Best Drama Actress of the Year), Ima Castro (Best Actress in a Musicale), Gerald Santos (Best Actor in a Musicale), Teejay Marquez (Outstanding Young Actor of the Year), Elijah Alejo (Most Outstanding Young Actress of the Year), Richard Quan (Most Durable Best Supporting Actor of the Year), Enzo Pineda (Best Supporting Actor of the Year), Rodjun Cruz (Most Revered TV Personality of the Year), Lovely Rivero (Most Revered TV Actress of the Year), Sabrina M (Supporting Indie Actress of the Year), William Martinez (Remarkable Actor of the Year), Jethro Ramirez (Supporting Indie Actor of the Year), Lance Raymundo (Best Host/Singer of the Year), Patricia Javier (Most Outstanding Celebrity Entrepreneur of the Year), and FAMAS President, Francia Conrado, MA.

Modern-day renaissance woman

Star Magic holds first hybrid workshop in Toronto

England,

They had intensive face-to-face workshops for Acting and Voice on December 14 and 15. They started the online training in acting and voice last August and culminated and held a showcase of the voice workshop on December 16. Joining the showcase as guest performing artist was Ice Seguerra Carlos, head of the Star Magic Artist Training and Workshops, is the only certified Chubbuck Technique premier acting teacher in the Philippines. He trained some of the most sought-after and award-winning actors of today such as Christian Bables, Joshua Garcia, Jane De Leon, Coco Martin, Julia Barretto,

When the pandemic shut down all countries, their borders, and economies for the past two years, Carlos did not waste time in studying and finding ways to transpose all workshops and training for the actors.

“In April 2020, after a month-long of intensive studying, auditing classes abroad, and transposing modules online with my teachers, we resumed the training for acting, dance, voice, and conversational Tagalog via zoom. And it worked,” said Carlos.

In June 2020, Star Magic had a soft launch of all workshops online.

“We had 300 students all over the world during the pandemic from 22 participating countries such as

In October 2020, Star Magic Workshops also launched its first-ever online workshop for participants in Canada in partnership with AMP Studios Canada, an artist training and production company that was founded in 2019 in Ontario, Canada. It provides education and training programs to aspiring artists in various aspects of the performing arts.

Apart from artist training, they also actively support local projects of Filipino-Canadian communities. Its mission is to train and discover talents to become award-winning and world-class artists in their own field of expertise and produce quality films and tv series participated by AMP Canada’s homegrown talents.

Nickie

Before 2022 ended, Rahyan Carlos and his team of teachers and staff did a hybrid face-to-face workshop in Toronto, Canada in partnership with Rechelle Everden and Chalen Lazerna of AMP Studios Canada, the only official partner of ABSCBN’s Star Magic for Acting, Voice and Dance Workshops in Canada.

Jake Cuenca, Liza Diño-Seguerra, Anna Luna, EJ Falcon, Alora Sasam, Ynna Asistio, Roco Nacino, Sandino Martin, Arjo Atayde, Paulo Avelino,

Joshua Garcia, Janella Salvador, Charlie Dizon and other artists.

Carlos was trained personally by the world-renowned acting teacher Ivana Chubbuck in Hollywood who trained award-winning actors such as Halley Berry, Charlize Theron, Beyonce Knowles, Ian Somerhalder, Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sylvestre Stallone, Jared Leto, Gal Gadot, and Judith Light to name a few.

London, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Florence Italy, Virginia, New York, L.A., Guam, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, France, New Jersey, Dubai, Qatar, and Canada. We had live and recorded online recitals and culminating activities of all our workshops and people were so entertained and cheered for their loved ones who participated in the online training,” Carlos shared.

star-studded Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards 2022

studded event, held at Eurotel North Edsa, Quezon City, recently.

Organized and presented by award-winning director-actor-host Romeo ‘Romm’ Burlat, who also served as chairman, the awardees from different fields of endeavor were chosen, first and foremost, for their

VENUS Emperado Apas of Ipatupad Partylist was recently awarded the Modern-Day Renaissance Woman in Business Management and Leadership by Netizen’s Best Choice Awards held at Okada Grand Ballroom. His son Roven Zeil Apas and brother Gielito Emperado were also recognized for their successful family-owned business IC Construction, Inc. Ms. Apas is a successful entrepreneur and has served as consultant to various government agencies after finishing her studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Divine Divas Precious Paula Nicole with Viñas Deluxe and Brigiding

On her second day in New Orleans, Celeste posts an OOTD on Instagram

Celeste Cortesi is vying for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown

Celeste arrives at the Los Angeles International Airport in powerful red ensemble

Romm Burlat of Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards 2022, with some of the awardees

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How to effectively redesign your life in 2023

Golden Stories

THROUGH the past decades, Golden Haven has gained prominence as a highly trusted name in the Philippine deathcare industry, lauded for its chain of well-curated, beautifully themed memorial parks. Its tranquil settings are best known as sanctuaries for Filipino families to honor their deceased loved ones. With verdant greenery marking Golden Haven’s sprawling terrain, peace and serenity are evoked, inspiring the living to reminisce on happier times spent with those long gone.

Indeed, Golden Haven, now with more than 30 parks all over the country, has shown spectacular growth in the memorial property sector. And much of this may be credited to an idyllic work environment that drives its employees to thrive and succeed – and weave their very own “golden stories” to share with the rest of us.

One such aspirational tale is that of Eden Nario Pallera, fondly called “Tita Eden” by the members of the Golden Haven Community. A public school teacher before she joined Golden Haven, Tita Eden sought a career that would enable her to provide the best life for her three growing daughters.

I have been around for 35 years – and counting – because the company stays true to its “Alagang Golden” promise, made not only to its clients but also to its people.”

THE year 2022 was lifechanging for me. It was a year of facing fears, taking risks, and making a long-time dream come true. Sixteen years after getting my undergraduate degree in 2006, I decided to take the plunge and wear my student hat again.

Around the same time last year, I was busy compiling my university documents at the height of a new COVID-19 variant spreading, taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) home edition, seeking recommendation letters, and having my transcript of records converted to US standards. On top of my work, I was secretly applying for my dream graduate school abroad.

At 37, I did not know if I still had what it takes to survive a rigorous academic program. I have no idea how I conquered and powered through the lingering selfdoubt and imposter syndrome. I just knew that I repeatedly asked myself if I still have the physical energy to pull all-nighters or enough time for a full year of study. Looking back, what worked for me was intentional planning that began the previous year (2021).

As early as grade school, I have been writing down goals at the start of the year. My life planning involved a long list of what are commonly known as New Year’s resolutions. Yes, I was also one of those

who vowed to make changes that did not even make it to February (Promising to avoid chocolate and other sweets did not even last for a week!). From an estimated list of ten resolutions, achieving one or two has been the norm, with hundreds of excuses in between. Time after time, I failed to follow through on a lot of things I swore I would do. I just grew tired of the pattern. Eventually, the moment I became more realistic and dropped the list of resolutions to focus on just one or two, I began noticing a positive difference.

Here are three powerful quotes that became my game-changers:

“A year from now, you may wish you had started today.” This quote attributed to author Karen Lamb gave me a preview of regret waiting on the other end if I do not take action. This is perfectly aligned with quotes I came across online - an anonymous one that constantly reminds me to do something today that my future self will thank me for and another by hockey player Wayne Gretzky that says “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”

“There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” With several failed attempts to create habits all at once under my belt, this quote said to have been dropped by the late bishop and theologian Desmond Tutu, made so much sense. When a goal tends to be daunting, breaking it down into more manageable tasks is the key. A case in point is looking at goals on a yearly view and mapping them out into weekly and daily.

“Whether

Business magnate Henry Ford captured the essence of believing in one’s capabilities. 2021 meant working on myself and addressing limiting beliefs I have accumulated in my subconscious. I am still a work-in-progress, with constant bouts of self-doubt, but I have a better relationship with myself that allows me to embrace my flaws and opportunities simultaneously.

For 2023, I am still in the process of finding a theme. This idea, as easily described by content creator and lifestyle designer Aileen Xu of Lavendaire, simply entails finding a word that will determine the all-encompassing energy you want to experience the whole year (eg. Nourish, Recover, etc.). The other powerful prompts I learned from her are: How do I embody my theme this year? What do I want to release in 2023?, and How do I want to evolve in 2023?

As a saying goes, “You get what you focus on, so focus on what you want.” Having a simple yet powerful theme will be a quick guide to assess intentions and initiate a series of actions. It should ignite joy, kilig and, passion from within. With these things in place and many of us becoming active goal-getters, 2023 has the makings of something bigger and better.

The author is entering her second semester of the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. For your random thoughts, e-mail her at randomrepublika@gmail.com.

Tita Eden jump-started her Golden Haven journey as one of its pioneering batch of sales counselors in 1987. Enticed by a life she had only dreamt of having, she enthusiastically learned her way around and, through sheer perseverance, became a unit manager in 1991. At this point, Tita Eden had quickly fallen in love with her work, the company, and her colleagues. With this new-found dedication and commitment, she convinced her husband, who was then toiling as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), to come home and become an agent for Golden Haven, ultimately reuniting their family.

Tita Eden’s dreams for a brighter future drove her to be on top of her game; in just a year, she was promoted to agency manager. Then a well-deserved recognition came in 2005 when she was awarded the President’s cup by former senator and Golden Haven’s chairman, Manny Villar himself.

Today, Tita Eden remains a dynamic leader in the Golden Haven community as an agency sales director. Regarded as one of the company’s pillars, she continues to contribute significantly to the success of Golden Haven. Her colleagues look up to her as a “living legend” whose name is recognized in every branch.

Tita Eden credits former senator Manny Villar’s famed work ethic for her phenomenal success. “From the beginning, I readily adopted his mindset of sipag at tiyaga,’” she declares. “And

Tita Eden now gleefully relates her stories of travel to various countries such as Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, and Japan, made possible through her work in Golden Haven. But among all her achievements in Golden Haven, she acknowledges that her most “amazing accomplishment” was putting all her three daughters through school and showing them that a rewarding lifestyle is achievable as long as they are willing to work for it.

“My three girls now enjoy a secure and comfortable life with their beautiful homes, cars, and investments. Of course, they all acquired Golden Haven properties—investing in their own lots, columbarium vaults, and alcoves. Their future and that of their families are looking bright.”

Despite her achievements, Tita Eden remains focused on a singular goal: to encourage even more people to join Golden Haven’s roster of brilliant agents and share the wonders and joys of being part of the community. “I want to help others build a stable and fulfilling career in sales just like I did,” she declares, “and hopefully change their lives for the better—exactly the way Golden Haven changed mine.”

True enough, Tita Eden’s story of loyalty and perseverance is one that is often shared with Golden Haven’s newbies and with anyone in the community in need of inspiration.

“Aspiring investment consultants and ambassadors seeking a life of comfort and fulfillment will find this as members of the Golden Haven community where generous commissions and great earning opportunities await,” Tita Eden excitedly asserts. “Those who jump on board Golden Haven will learn about property sales and marketing and enjoy incentives such as all-expenses-paid travel to various destinations.”

Anne Curtis says being a goal maker can empower more Filipinos to secure  better future

FOR multi-faceted A-lister Anne Curtis, fulfilling your dreams is not impossible if you are focused on your goals, and have the much-needed support to achieve them.

As wife to content creator and creative director Erwan Heussaff and mother to two-year-old Dahlia, Anne shared how her priorities have evolved – thinking more about her family than herself, especially when making financial decisions. The mindset has become almost selfless, focused on building a beautiful future for the people who matter to her.

“I am happy that my personal advocacies go hand-in-hand with my partnership with Manulife. I love how they really brought out the ‘Anne with a Plan’ in me, especially now as my life and family goals continue to evolve and grow. My family has become my top priority, and

my focus is to ensure that we are ready to face whatever the future holds while living our lives to the fullest,” said the Manulife ambassador.

“I encourage Filipinos to be goal makers – have the courage to reach for your dreams and become more financially empowered to get the future that you want,” she added. “By learning to save, finding creative ventures to help augment your income, and securing insurance and investment policies, you can seize every opportunity to be a step closer to your financial goals.”

Anne had been taught the importance of being financially smart, having started in the entertainment industry at a young age.

“I learned early on that I must work hard to get what I want. My parents taught me the value of hard-earned

money when I started earning – malaki na noon ‘yung P1,000, my first paycheck. It made me realize the value of hard work. Along the way, you also want to make sure that what you’ve worked hard for all these years, may mapupuntahan.”

To help Filipinos make more informed financial decisions by being goal makers, Manulife has developed a way to help consumers identify which life and health insurance products best fit their priorities, life stages, and goals.

“We at Manulife want to support every Filipino, wherever you are in your life journey, and make your every day better. To this end, we’ve aligned our insurance solutions with Filipinos’ most common life goals. Whether you are someone who wants coverage to help with expenses if you fall ill; a parent who

wants to plan for your children’s future; a professional who wants to save for retirement; or an entrepreneur protecting your business and employee well-being, we have a plan for you,” said Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Anne added: “I was a policyholder years before I became their brand ambassador, so I have a long-standing relationship with Manulife. With Manulife as my financial partner, I know I am always protected, no matter what life may bring.”

“It won’t happen anytime soon but planning for retirement is also on my mind. I encourage everyone to get a retirement plan while young because you only need to set aside a small amount regularly, and see your investments grow,” Anne ended.

Nickie

you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

‘Tita Eden’ and her three-decade legacy of loyalty and perseverance

Eden Nario Pallera with Former Senator Manny Villar (Middle)

Awards of Tita Eden

Anne Curtis encourages everyone to get a retirement plan while they’re young

Apart from being one of the country’s top lifestyle and entertainment bloggers, the author is also known for turning cute images into polymer clay art.