Manila Standard - 2023 January 27 - Friday

PH posts 7.6% growth in 2022

Strong consumer spending fueled expansion, fastest pace in 46 years

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

ECONOMIC growth beat expectations last year, expanding to its fastest pace in 46 years on the back of strong consumer spending despite rising inflation, officials said Thursday.

Gross domestic product (GDP), or the value of goods and services produced by the country, expanded 7.6 percent in 2022, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said in a briefing, faster than the pandemic-blighted 5.7 percent output in 2021.

The reading topped the government’s target growth of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent.

"There was so much pent-up demand… and that significantly improved

economic activities," Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a briefing.

"We are confident that we will remain in our high growth trajectory," he added. The full-year economic performance was also the Philippines' best since 1976, according to official data.

Growth in the last three months of the year also beat expectations, expanding 7.2 percent against a 6.6 percent median

SWS: 34% of adult Pinoys say life improved last year

A RECENT Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found that at least 34 percent of adult Filipinos believe that their quality of life got better compared to a year ago.

According to the national SWS survey conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, 2022 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults, 26 percent of the respondents said their life got worse, while 39 percent said it was the same.

The pollster said the score of the Net Gainers, or those who said their lives improved since last year, is +8 -computed by subtracting the percentage of losers from gainers --and was classified as "high".

SWS said the December 2022 Net Gainer score was up from the "fair" levels of net zero in October 2022 and -2 in June 2022 and April 2022, but it is still

MOVING GOODS. A worker pulls a trolley loaded with fabric goods for delivery to stores in the Divisoria district of Manila on January 26. The Philippines’ economic growth beat expectations last year, fueled by strong consumer spending despite rising consumer prices, officials said Thursday. Ted Aljibe/AFP

President tells PCG to defend both coastlines, nationals

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reminded the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to always be ready and aware while guarding the country’s maritime boundaries, especially in

PALACE RITES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos

Jr. acknowledges the critical role of barangay health workers in the fight against COVID-19 in a meeting with leaders of the Barangay Health and Wellness (BHW) Party-list on Wednesday night, then leads the donning of rank ceremony for Brig.

Gen. Ramon Zagala, the current Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander (inset), with the latter’s family in Malacanang.

PCO photos

the West Philippine Sea.

During the oath-taking of PCG personnel in Malacañang, Mr. Marcos said that Coast Guard members are frontliners ready to confront whatever threats come through the country’s coastlines.

“That is why we must guard ourselves; we must be ready and

aware and industrious in the work that we do to make sure that we do not have any untoward incidents, that we do not have any mistakes, we do not have any misunderstandings that might cause the problem to escalate out of our control,” the President said. “I’m confident that all our officers

know this mission, that all our officers know how to fulfill that mission. And that is why we continue to support you in every way that we can so our citizens feel safe,” he added.

Mr. Marcos noted that although the PCG’s primary role is search and rescue, as well as boundary patrol,

UNITED States Defense Secretary

Lloyd Austin has been planning to visit the Philippines, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez revealed Thursday. Romualdez said Austin wants to meet his Filipino counterpart, Defense

PRECIOUS PICKINGS. A shopper picks out red onions at the Divisoria Market in Manila on Thursday. The bulbs are selling at P270 per kilo but prices are expected to down with the arrival of imported onions in the market. Danny Pata

Imported onions in, but price still high

arrested after 22 years over Dacer-Corbito murders

A FORMER policeman has been arrested in Bulacan over the killing of public relations executive Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito in 2000. According to the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), law enforcers from different units arrested William Reed III, 57, in an operation in Brgy. Poblacion, Pulilan, Bulacan on

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Monday.

Reed, a former Senior Police Officer I, was served with a warrant of arrest issued in 2001 by then-presiding judge Rodolfo Ponferrada of Regional Trial Court Branch 41 in Manila.

The ex-cop is charged with double murder without bail.

"Further, above-mentioned accused

BUSINESSWOMAN Yvonette Chua Plaza had “sensitive information” she planned to use against her reported lover, Army Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, before she was killed last December in Davao City, a spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) said Thursday.

shoot

than P700 per kilo in recent weeks owing to a supply shortage.

Murder, obstruction of justice, and theft complaints were filed Wednesday against Durante—the chief of the Presidential Security Group under President Rodrigo Duterte—and nine others, PRO-11 spokesperson Police Major Eudisan Gultiano said in a television interview. Only eight of the respondents, most of them soldiers, were identified by name, including Durante, according to Gultiano. Two were John Does identified only as "Junior" and "Master Sergeant.”

US defense chief plans visit to talk with DND head

Next page

Ex-cop

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

Philconsa: Give ‘Cha-cha’ a chance

By Maricel V. Cruz

AN OFFICIAL of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) on Thursday appealed to the public to give Charter Change a chance.

Lawyer Dionisio Donato Garciano, Philconsa Vice President for Luzon, made the appeal as House of Representatives committee on constitutional amendments began on Thursday its initial public hearing on several measures to amend the 1987 Constitution.

"We must also give good intentions or give the benefit of the doubt to good

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estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists

"The improvements in labor market conditions, increased tourism, revenge and holiday spending, and resumption of faceto-face classes supported growth in the quarter," Balisacan said.

Agricultural production, however, grew just half a percent last year, barely contributing to the overall output.

Consumer spending weathered rising inflation as pent-up demand to spend in restaurants and entertainment as well as more jobs fueled domestic demand, Balisacan said.

"Clearly, if not for the high inflation and elevated prices during this period, growth could have been higher," Balisacan said.

Inflation hit 8.1 percent in December, the fastest in 14 years, prompting the central bank to aggressively raise interest rates.

Inflation stood at 5.8 percent for the full year, above the bank's target.

Balisacan said keeping commodity prices in check and ensuring food security are at the top of the government’s priorities "as

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10 points lower than pre-pandemic level of "very high"+18 in December 2019.

"The 8-point rise in the national Net Gainer score between October 2022 and December 2022 was due to increases in all areas, especially in Mindanao," the SWS said.

In Metro Manila, Net Gainers rose from high to very high, increasing by nine points from +9 to +18.

Gainers in balance Luzon also climbed by two points from high to very high, or from +8 to +10.

It rose from mediocre to fair in the Visayas, up by 9 points from -13 to -4; while it rose sharply from mediocre to very high in Mindanao, up by 21 points

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On Wednesday, PRO 11 director Brig. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr. said they had sufficient evidence to charge Durante with murder and obstruction of justice in the killing of Plaza.

Gultiano said four of the suspects — Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza, Sergeant Delfin Sialsa Jr, Corporal Adrian Cachero, and Noel Japitan — have surrendered to authorities and now are under their custody.

Asked about the possible motive for the crime, the PRO-11 spokesman said: “We have identified a motive, like the sensitive information allegedly being used by Yvonette Plaza against General Durante.”

Gultiano, who did not specify the nature of that information, added that Durante and Plaza have an intimate relationship, and that the Army general had reportedly admitted to jealousy based on the confessions and testimony of the other suspects.

Durante has yet to respond to the charges as of press time.

In a separate interview Thursday, Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. assured that no

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"The CA Resolution is a welcome relief for consumers of Meralco. This comes at the most opportune time as we enter the summer months, where prices usually increase due to higher demand," ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

"The fixed price of supply under the SMEC PSA (power supply agreement) will continue to provide some protection for Meralco customers. Having said that, we at the ERC will continue to work with all stakeholders to explore more price mitigation measures," Dimalanta said. SMEC, the power arm of the San Miguel conglomerate, had yet to react to the decision as of press time.

The 16th Division, on the other hand, granted SMEC’s motion that the subject case be consolidated with another case with similar facts filed by sister firm

intentions,” said Garciano, referring to measures filed in Congress on Charter Change.

“We must give this committee the benefit of the doubt in proposing amendments to the 1987 Constitution. This initiative is made with good intentions,” he added. Garciano was among the legal

global and domestic headwinds persist.”

Balisacan said the reopening of the Chinese economy would be a boost to the domestic economy in the months ahead.

“We export to China and we also import from China. With the improving mobility in China, it will also benefit our tourism sector,” Balisacan said.

Officials are aiming for growth of 6-7 percent this year amid fears of a global economic slowdown.

"That is a very respectable growth for the Philippine economy if we achieve that," he said.

The higher-than-expected growth could give the central bank "space to tightening policy further," ING senior economist Nicholas Mapa said.

"Inflation, although close to peak, remains well-above target and could prove to be sticky over the coming months," Mapa said.

National statistician and civil registrar general Dennis Mapa said in an online briefing the economy gained mainly from the strength of the industry and services sectors.

The industries that contributed the most to the annual growth were wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 8.7 percent; manufacturing,

from -11 to +10.

"The survey question on the respondents’ assessment of their change in quality-of-life in the past 12 months has been fielded 147 times since April 1983. The Net Gainer score was generally negative until 2015, when it rose to positive numbers until the drastic deterioration beginning with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. It has since trended back upwards but still has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels," the SWS said.

SWS said net gainers were very high among college graduates and junior high school graduates, and fair among nonelementary graduates and elementary graduates.

Meanwhile, net gainers were higher among people whose families were not facing hunger.

special treatment would be given to Durante.

"We do not tolerate any wrongdoings or criminal acts of any of our soldiers, be they officers or enlisted personnel, our treatment of them, if they err, are the same,” Brawner said in a radio interview.

“When we learned from reports that Gen. Durante is a person of interest, we immediately had a conference and decided to relieve him from his post as commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade so that the investigations will be impartial, although our actions are SOP (standard operating procedure)," the Army chief added.

Brawner said they respect the judicial system and will allow the legal process to take its course.

He said Durante and his deputy Col. Michael Licyayo, who was also implicated in the case, are already being held at PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila after being relieved from their posts.

“That is our SOP especially for criminal cases, they are relieved of their posts immediately but they will be placed in PA custody,” he added.

Brawner also said these Army personnel would also be charged under the military justice system. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC) pending before the CA’s 13th Division.

SPPC won a 60-day TRO against ERC for a similar case, which is expected to expire next week.

SPPC, the administrator of the 1,200 MW Ilijan power plant, stopped supplying Meralco 670 MW of supply starting Dec. 7 following the ruling from the 13th Division of the CA.

ERC cited the Jan. 13 decision of the appellate court that the regulator's denial of SMEC’s motion for price adjustment already preserves the status quo – which is the contract price in SMEC and Meralco’s 2019 agreement.

The commission said the court ruled that the grant of SMEC’s TRO will “not serve its purpose, since it will have the effect, not of maintaining the Contract Price, but of setting aside the assailed Order itself, thereby rendering the main case, the petition for certiorari, moot.” (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

luminaries and resource persons who took part during the initial deliberation on bills seeking to amend the existing Constitution in the current 19th Congress.

But House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro on Thursday recommended conducting a nationwide survey to see if most Filipinos want to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Castro said the citizenry’s participation is very important in the discussion of the constitutional changes.

“Before we go to the Chacha, can we do a general survey of the public to see if they really want it, before we continue with this matter,” Castro said. She added that there was a lack

5.0 percent; and construction, 12.7 percent.

The main contributors to the fourth quarter 2022 growth were wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 8.7 percent; financial and insurance activities, 9.8 percent; and manufacturing, 4.2 percent.

But agriculture, forestry, and fishing posted a contraction of -0.3 percent.

On the demand side, household final consumption expenditure grew by 7.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022. Government final consumption expenditure, 3.3 percent; gross capital formation, 5.9 percent; exports of goods and services, 14.6 percent; and imports of goods and services, 5.9 percent were other sources of growth for the quarter.

The gross national income grew by 9.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022 and by 9.9 percent for the full year. Net primary income from the rest of the world grew by 57.5 percent during the fourth quarter and by 76.4 percent for 2022.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort told Manila Standard that the bright spots for the economy going forward would be the sustained strength of remittances, exports recovery, lower unemployment rate, manufacturing, foreign direct investments, and expansion

President...

From A1 many duties that once belonged to the Navy have been shifted to the Coast Guard.

“The reason for this is very simple. We do that so that we will notraise the tensions by putting in units and assets of the Philippine military into the area,” he said.

“But as many of the incidents have started to show over the past few years, that mission has become more, shall we say, intense. Now you are expected to defend not only the coastline, but to defend our nationals,” the President said.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and China are still working to establish a direct line of communication to prevent tensions from rising in the South China Sea, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

"The communication mechanism is intended to ensure timely, effective, and peaceful management of urgent ongoing maritime issues and concerns of critical

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Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who was appointed earlier this month to head the Department of National Defense.

"Secretary Austin has been planning to come to the Philippines, if I'm correct it's been over a month since I was informed in Washington thathe wanted to come to the Philippines, so we have a new Secretary of Defense, he's looking forward to meeting him," Romualdez said, in an interview with ANC.

"The main purpose is really to be able to again be able to interact with our defense establishments especially with our new Defense secretary," the Filipino diplomat added.

Romualdez made the statement after it was disclosed that there has been a serious discussion between Manila and Washington on conducting joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

But Romualdez clarified that joint patrols are not confined with the United States, but they are also possible with other allies such as Japan and Australia.

"First and foremost, we have the VFA,

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But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. still ordered a meeting of onion industry stakeholders after the DA, which he also heads, noticed that imported onions were still being sold at higher prices.

"The President has ordered a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday (January 30) with importers, traders, retailers, and farmers to discuss the price since the DA price monitoring team saw imported onions being sold at P180 to P200 per kilogram," Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

With Mr. Marcos as concurrent Agriculture Secretary, the DA is looking to achieve a price of P170 for a kilo of onions in 2023, even in certain

of interest in the subject, even in the chamber.

“The participation of the people is important in Charter change or constitutional amendments because this is a fundamental law of the land. We need the participation of our people,” she added.

The committee, chaired by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, maintained that the deliberations on Charter Change would not be rushed as "(charter change discussions) has been passed thoroughly in the past seven Congresses."

"Our people should not worry at all because this would not be rushed,” Rodriguez stated. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

of bank lending.

GDP growth could average about 6 percent to 7 percent in 2023, Ricafort said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s good economic stewardship resulted in the country’s 7.6 percent full-year growth in 2022.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the latest GDP figures validate the government's economic strategies, and shows that the administration is on track with its “Agenda for Prosperity.”

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said the country could remain on the high economic growth path and could even improve its 7.6-percent full-year expansion last year.

“With the right policies that will continue to implement President Marcos’ Agenda for Prosperity roadmap, and with the existing close cooperation between the executive and legislative branches, we can build on our stellar economic performance,” Romualdez said.

“Under the able leadership of the President, the nation’s GDP has been above 7 percent for the first six months of his term. His decision to reopen the economy despite the pandemic boosted growth,” he said. With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

importance as determined by both sides on a case-to-case basis," Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a press conference.

"As with other bilateral arrangements, internal procedures have to be put in place to make the communication mechanism operational and this is being discussed with the Chinese counterparts."

Daza was referring to a director-level communication mechanism established between the DFA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China on issues related to the South China Sea early this month.

She said the new mechanism is an addition to the existing diplomatic channels regularly used by both agencies such as notes verbales and the bilateral consultative mechanism.

Daza noted that all maritime issues would continue to be raised through these channels, including the recent incident where the Chinese Coast Guard drove away a Filipino fishing boat from Ayungin Shoal. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

we have the EDCA, we have the Mutual Defense Treaty so that's only part of the many aspects of our defense relationship or defense alliance with the United States," he stressed.

"Joint patrols does not really mean that it's directed to any one country. It basically means that it is really for us to be able to, like the VFA, have an interoperability... that's the operative word that I'd like to use... that we will always be able to be ready if in any event there is conflict..." he said.

The Filipino diplomat pointed out that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s main goal is to ensure peace and security in the resource-rich region.

"President Marcos' main objective in the West Philippine Sea really is to find peace and security and also importantly, he wants to make sure that our fishermen will be able to continue to fish in those waters because they've been doing that for centuries," he explained.

The President earlier said the Philippine government already used the mechanism that he had proposed in Beijing following recent reports that the Chinese coast guards drove away Filipino fishers in waters\ off Ayungin Shoal. Rey E. Requejo

months when they will be sold for P80 a kilo.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, Assistant Secretary for Consumer Affairs Kristine Evangelista acknowledged that "too many layers of traders" had pushed up the prices of local onions.

“Locally, we have seen that there are players and many layers of traders, and that definitely affects the price in the retail market,” she told ABS-CBN.

She said the department would work on enabling farmers to sell their produce directly to the market, eliminating the “unnecessary layers” of traders.

Evangelista said the DA wants to prevent the prices of onions from fluctuating daily.

But senators investigating the surge in onion prices have blamed the abnormal situation on a cartel that controls supply.

PBBM pushes e-visa extension for 4 countries

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies on Thursday to act upon the extension of e-visas for Chinese, Indian, South Korean, and Japanese nationals to capture the tourism markets from these countries.

The President issued the directive during the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Tourism Sector group meeting in Malacañang.

The PSAC advises the President on the government’s economic objectives, particularly in the country’s key sectors.

To capture the tourism markets of China and India, PSAC has recommended the inclusion of Indian nationals under the visaupon-arrival program and the extension of e-visa, which is currently available only for Taiwanese citizens and to Chinese, Indian, South Korean, and Japanese nationals.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo said during the meeting that on the issue of e-visa, the DFA is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on the development of the technical plans.

On the visa-upon-arrival, Manalo said the DFA has a program, which applies to certain Chinese nationals, other citizens such as Americans, Japanese, Australian, Canadians, and Europeans could have a 14-day visa upon arrival. Vince Lopez (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Ex-Enrile staffer Reyes attends PDAF hearing

GIGI Reyes, the former chief of staff of current Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, on Thursday appeared before the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division to attend her trial on the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

It was Reyes' first appearance before the anti-graft court since the Supreme Court ordered her release last week, under the condition that she would attend all her Sandiganbayan hearings.

Reyes and Enrile, the former Senate President, are still undergoing trial for plunder charges after allegedly pocketing P172 million worth of kickbacks in the so-called "pork barrel scam."

The next hearing for both plunder and graft cases is set on Feb. 7 and every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter at 2 p.m.

Reyes declined interview requests from the media after her hearing.

The Supreme Court earlier ruled to grant Reyes' release from jail based on a petition for habeas corpus that her camp filed in 2021, saying Reyes' confinement had "become oppressive thus infringing upon her right to liberty."

Reyes' former boss Enrile had already been released on humanitarian grounds in 2015 despite facing non-bailable charges. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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is included in the list of Most Wanted Persons (National Level) as stated in DILG Memorandum Circular No 2003-106 dated January 10, 2023 with P250,000 reward," the NCRPO said in a statement.

Reed is temporarily detained at RSOG (Regionl Special Operations Group) facility prior to the return of his Warrant of Arrest to the court of origin, the police statement added.

Eyewitnesses had said Dacer was reportedly abducted and killed on November 24, 2000. They told reporters that policemen strangled the PR man and Corbito using electric cords before their corpses were set on fire.

Both eyewitnesses were then arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation over their alleged involvement. One of them admitted to helping build a pyre of wood and tires to set the victims on fire.

The case has dragged some of the country's prominent politicians, including former President Joseph Estrada and former Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who have yet to react to the report as of press time.

Earlier this month, the department gave the green light for the importation of 21,060 metric tons of onions to fill a supply gap and arrest the continuous spike in the price of the commodity in the market. Licensed importers were given until today, January 27, for their shipments to arrive in the country.

Also on Thursday, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has intercepted P9.49 million worth of imported fresh red onions in two separate operations in Zamboanga City.

Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz said the first operation was conducted in Barangay Labuan's coastal area, where a motorized wooden sea vessel was intercepted with 1,624 bags of imported fresh onions, worth P2,598,400. Vince Lopez, Vito Barcelo and Joel E. Zurbano (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

POLLUTION. Smoke rises from one of five steel plants in San Simon, Pangasinan as the Chinese-led firms are chided by a local councilor for being major emitters of harmful particles and air contaminants. Video showing excessive smoke from their facilities were broadcast on local and regional news channels and websites. Photo courtesy San Simon ABC

Village leaders air gripes over toxic emissions

By Butch Gunio

SAN SIMON, Pampanga —Local authorities here have sounded the alarm over what they perceived as a looming environmental and health crisis posed by at least five steel plants operating within their localities.

Attempts to get the side of the owners of the steel factories proved futile as they clammed up on the issue.

Executives of five major emitters of harmful particles and air contaminants, particularly in Barangay San Isidro here -- WanChiong Steel Corp., Real Steel Corp., Altima Empire Steel Corp., SKK Steel Corp, and Melters Steel Corp. – did not reply to questions posted by the Standard on their steel plants’ activities.

Photos and video clips showing excessive smoke from their facilities were aired on local and regional news channels and websites.

Win: Most Filipinos against POGOs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

CITING results of a Pulse Asia survey, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said majority of the Filipino people believed that the existence of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is harmful to the country.

Meanwhile, Labor Undersecretary

Benjo Benavidez said Filipino and foreign employees working in the POGOs who would be affected by the closure of their companies are entitled to benefits.

“The survey results are an important piece of data that we will take into consideration as the data represents the sentiments of our people and provides

SC paves way for trial of 20-year-old graft case

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has paved the way for the Sandiganbayan to proceed with the trial and resolution of the graft and estafa charges filed against textile company owner Grace Chingkoe and a former official of the Department of Finance, in connection with a multimillion- peso tax credit scam more than two decades ago.

In a 26-page decision penned by Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the SC’s Second Division ruled that the Sandiganbayan did not commit grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in denying the petition filed by Chingkoe and Uldarico Andutan, Jr.’s motions to quash or dismiss the cases against them on the ground of violation of their constitutional right to due process and speedy disposition of cases.

Chingkoe was the corporate secretary of Filstar Textile Industrial Corp. incorporated in 1989. The company is a manufacturer and importer-exporter of yarns, threads, laces and fabrics.

Andutan was a former deputy executive director of the One-Stop Shop Inter-Agency Tax Credit and Duty Drawback Center of the Department of Finance (DOF).

relevant insights on the issue at hand,” the senator said.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee of Ways and Means, has been spearheading inquiries on the POGO operations in the country, particularly on the gaming facilities economic benefits as opposed to social costs.

During the latest hearing held on Monday, Gatchalian inquired how the POGOs were being taxed.

Gatchalian said earlier his panel will come out with a report within this week, but the report was delayed due to further inquiries on POGO operations.

In the Pulse Asia survey, respondents were asked about their sentiments on whether the POGOs were beneficial or harmful to the country. At least 58 percent of the respondents said they think the operation of POGOs was deleterious to the country.

Gatchalian noted the overall sentiment is reflected across location and class, based on the survey.

In terms of location, 61 percent of the

respondents in the National Capital Region, 55 percent were from other parts of Luzon thought negatively of the POGOs. The same opinion was aired by 53 percent of the respondents in the Visayas, and 67 percent of those in Mindanao.

In terms of social class, 70 percent in the ABC classes rejected the POGOs, along with 58 percent in the D class, and 44 percent in the E sector.

The respondents cited as their main reason the alleged proliferation of vices spawned by the POGOs, as well as the POGO-related crime incidents in the country.

By contrast, only 19 percent of the respondents favored the existence of the POGOs.

San Simon Association of Barangay Captains president and ex-officio councilor Randie Flores, in a press conference, warned about alleged high mortality rate and breakout of pulmonary diseases due to daily emissions of toxic substances pollution and contaminants from the steel plants along Quezon road in this municipality.

“Almost 30 percent of our barangay’s total population has health issues due to the heavy pollutions brought about by mostly Chinese owned steel smelting and manufacturing plants”. Flores revealed.

Tulfo eyes health ratings stamped on food products

TO PROVIDE Filipino consumers proper knowledge on the food they eat, Sen. Raffy Tulfo filed a bill mandating the use of a health rating system on the labels of packaged food products. Tulfo said this will be in addition to the standard nutrition facts stated on the label.

In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 1684, Tulfo gave assurance the health rating will help save the consumers from life-threatening diseases.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the importance of health and wellness,” the senator said.

This includes comprehensive knowledge of the food individuals consume. Undeniably, he noted that people who maintain a healthy diet will have a lower risk of serious illnesses and enjoy a better quality of life.

The Department of Health (DOH) said the leading cause of death in the Philippines are diseases of the heart, vascular system, and respiratory system, along with malignant cancers, and diabetes.

Earlier, Tulfo aired concerns about the high level of sodium in instant noodles and canned sardines, which are popular among the poor. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Cavite solon proposes legislative study on automation of BSKE

By Maricel V. Cruz

CAVITE Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr. has urged the House of Representatives to study the possibility of automating the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) national elections.

In filing House Resolution 717, Barzaga said the automation will not only yield faster results and early proclamation

DAR delivers land titles to 400 agrarian beneficiaries in Cebu

AT LEAST 400 farmer-beneficiaries in Barangay Binongkalan, Catmon, Cebu have received 326 certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) covering 157.28 hectares of agricultural land from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The distribution of land titles was in line with a directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through the leadership of Agrarian Secretary Conrado Estrella III.

Prior to the distribution of CLOAs, DAR officials and personnel discussed the rights and obliga -

tions of the agrarian reform beneficiaries to their properties.

Grace Fua, provincial agrarian reform program officer II, who led the distribution of CLOAs attended by Catmon Mayor Aves Monleon, said DAR is pooling all their efforts to fast-track the issuance of the CLOAs to the landless farmers.

“Apart from helping them in making their lands productive, the DAR also reminds them from time to time of their obligations such as paying their taxes to confirm ownership over the land,” she said. Rio N. Araja

of the winners, but also “prevent human intervention or error and confusion in the appreciation of ballot on an experimental basis on the BSK Elections in large barangays preferably in Metro Manila.”

In his resolution, Barzaga asked the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms to conduct an inquiry on the “viability and feasibility of adopting the experimental use of the

Automated Elections System (AES) in the Barangay and SK elections.”

“Automated elections have proven to be economical as it can accommodate up to more than 1,000 voters per clustered precinct as opposed to the 500 voters per precinct in manual elections which entails hiring more personnel in manual elections,” he said in the resolution.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed

last October 10 Republic Act (RA) No. 11935 moving the December 5, 2022 barangay and SK elections to the October 30, 2023 and holding succeeding elections every three years thereafter. As of October 2022, there were 42,022 barangays in the country, each of which has one punong barangay and seven Sangguniang barangay members, one SK chairperson and seven members.

MALL POLL LISTUP. Five days before the deadline of voters’ registration, citizens are seen lining up inside a mall in Binondo, Manila, on Thursday. The Commission on Elections urged eligible voters to file their application for registration for this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to be held on October 30, as this would not likely be extended. Norman Cruz

TAKING. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro administers the oath of office to Cecilio Bondad Jr., the new kagawad (councilor) of Barangay Bankilingan, on Thursday. Norman Cruz

DMW, OWWA vow to assist Ranara family

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SEN. Imee Marcos and other government officials recently visited the family of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara and vowed to provide assistance to the victim’s family.

Ranara was allegedly raped and brutally killed by the 17-year-old son of her employer in Kuwait.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Usec. Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio joined the senator in visiting the family of the 35-year-old Ranara who left behind four children.

The senator and labor officials told the bereaved family of Ranara that the government will give prompt attention to the murder to ensure that justice will be served.

Cacdac also said that aside from the welfare of the Ranara’s family, he was also tasked by Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople to closely monitor the case.

Ignacio also guaranteed that the OWWA will continuously provide assistance to Ranara’s family.

Sen.Christopher “Bong” Go meanwhile has urged the DMW in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other relevant offices to conduct a thorough investigation into killing. Go also urged the government to protect and guarantee the safety of every Filipino working abroad.

The burned body of Ranara was reportedly found in the desert in Kuwait this past weekend, according to local media.

News IN BRIEF

LRTA to allow pets on trains

starting Feb.

LIGHT Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) administrator Hernando Cabrera said pets will be allowed inside LRT-2 stations and trains from Feb. 1, subject to certain rules set by the LRTA.

FAMILY VISIT. Senator Imee Romualdez

Marcos recently visited the family of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara who was reportedly murdered by the 17-year-old son of her employer in Kuwait. Marcos extended financial aid to Ranara’s family and promised to provide employment or livelihood to the OFW’s husband and siblings.

Lino Santos

Overturn ‘Bloody Sunday’ case, labor leader’s wife asks Justice

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has been asked to overturn a resolution that dismissed the murder complaint filed against 17 policemen for the death of labor leader Emmanuel “Manny” Asuncion during the so-called “Bloody Sunday” killings in Southern Tagalog on March 7, 2021.

In a motion for reconsideration filed on Thursday before the DOJ’s panel of prosecutors, Asuncion’s wife, Liezel, through the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL), pleaded for the reconsideration of the dismissal of the murder case, arguing that all elements for the crime of murder are present.”

“A careful perusal of the AffidavitComplaint as well as the documents

filed by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) would show that all the elements for the crime of murder are present, such that the filing of charge for murder, not its dismissal, should have been this Honorable Office’s recommendation,” the complainant said in her appeal.

In a resolution released last Jan. 16, the DOJ panel ordered the dis-

missal of the murder complaint filed against PLt. Elbert M. Santos. PLt. Shay Jed Sapitula, PSMS Hector R. Cardinales, PMSgt. Ariel P. Dela Cruz, PSSg. Joemark Sajul, PCpl. Ernie A. Ambuyoc, PCCpl. Mark John A. Defiesta, PCpl. Arjay Garcia, PCpl. Caidar Dimacangun, PCpl. Bryan Sanchez, PCpl, Ericson Lucido, Pat. Jayson Maala, Pat. Juanito Plite, Pat. Jonathan Tatel, Pat. Prince Benjamin Torres, Pat. Jaime Turingan, and Pat. Rey PJ Dacara Lopera. “We lament the demise of Emmanuel Asuncion. However, complainant and the evidence she submitted failed to discharge the obligation to prove the existence of a crime and identity of the perpetrators thereof,” the panel’s resolution stated.

The LRTA official said pets should be fully vaccinated against rabies and that they should be placed inside a cage. The pets should also wear diapers.

“Cleanliness should be maintained. We are implementing the usual policies in place in other petfriendly establishments. Pets should be caged. If they are just leashed, we could have operational problems inside the train or station,” Cabrera, quoted by an ABS-CBN News report, said.

DOJ set to release guide on case-build up

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will soon come up with a draft on “Case Build-Up Guidelines” intended to improve the conviction rate in the prosecution of criminal cases in courts.

The DOJ said there will be “the two game-changing paradigms” that will be introduced in the guidelines, which are “close coordination between the prosecutors and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and higher quantum of proof.”

Under the guidelines, “prosecutors will be required to certify that there is reasonable certainty of conviction based on the evidence presented,” the DOJ said in a statement.

Rey E. Requejo

CIDG arrests suspects in Albay rape-slay case

AFTER 12 long years, the perpetrators of the rape-slay of a 19-year-old college student Laesybill Lim Almonacid, in Barangay Bascaran, Daraga, Albay have finally been arrested.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauded the efforts of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Albay (CIDG-Albay) for renewing investigation efforts until a credible witness led to the arrest of brothers Omar Almonacid and Stephen Almonacid, the victim’s uncles, on Jan. 11 for charges of rape with homicide.

Before the arrest, the case was already considered as a “cold case” due to lack of witnesses and evidence. Rio

N. Araja

PAF investigators to look into weather, human factors in aircraft crash

THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) is looking into materials, meteorological, and human factors in determining the cause of Wednesday’s crash of a SiaiMarchetti SF-260TP turboprop light attack aircraft that killed two pilots.

In an interview with reporters on Thursday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma.

Consuelo Castillo said aircraft accident

investigation teams have secured the crash site in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Del Rosario in Pilar town, Bataan as the probe is ongoing.

For the material angle, she said this would be investigated by examining recovered aircraft components and the last transmissions made by the pilots before the actual crash

landing. This is to determine if there were problems encountered during the flight.

She noted that while the remaining SF-260TPs would be grounded while the investigation is ongoing, the PAF has sufficient aircraft at hand to conduct close-air support missions.

As of this time, Castillo said, the

Poe urges crackdown on fake rides

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SEN . Grace Poe is urging authorities

to step up efforts in cracking down on reported fake ride-hailing app drivers posing as the booked ride of commuters.

Poe, the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, also called on legitimate ride-hailing companies to work closely with authorities in getting rid of the fake ones that could impact their business.

She warned that these schemes could victimize passengers through exorbitant fare charges that would be hard to

contest once inside the vehicle.

Worst, it threatens the safety and security of passengers as the ride offer could be used as cover for other criminal intent, she said.

“The vigilance of our people must be matched with quick action from the police, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and other concerned agencies in putting in place measures to counter this illegal modus,” Poe said, adding that “our weary commuters who are forced to shell out hardearned money to get to their destination or to get home deserve to always feel safe and secure.”

PAF has four remaining SF-260TPs in its inventory. She, however, noted that more training versions or models of the aircraft are being used in basic training and flight schools. While she did not identify the two pilots killed in the crash, the PAF spokesperson said they have the rank of captain. Joel Zurbano

MOTORCYCLE taxi-hailing company Angkas expressed its full support for House Transportation Committee chair and Antipolo City second district Rep. Romeo Acop to let the proper body investigate complaints filed against Angkas.

Earlier this week, Acop was asked for his reaction regarding the alleged overcharging complaint filed against Angkas by the Coalition of Filipino Commuters.

The retired Philippine National Police General said Filipinos (CFC) have the right to file complaints against erring service providers. Once the case has been filed, the proper body should investigate.

Angkas CEO George Royeca said he completely agrees with Acop and that they are open to answering any queries.

The CFC charged Angkas before the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for its alleged failure to stop its abusive riders from overcharging customers during the holiday rush.

Despite the accusations, the Angkas CEO reaffirmed their commitment as the government partner for a safe and dependable motorcycle taxi ride-hailing service by enhancing professionalism in its operations, primarily among its riders.

CALL FOR JUSTICE.

Members of Bagong

Alyansang Makabayan show the images of “Bloody Sunday” massacre victims in front of the Department of Justice (DOJ). The National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), counsel for the family of killed BAYAN Cavite coordinator Manny Asuncion, also filed a motion for reconsideration of the DOJ’s dismissal of charges against the suspects in Asuncion’s killing. (See story above) Danny Pata

Angkas says it supports probe on overcharging

COURTESY CALLS. Vice President Sara Duterte recently met with UK Ambassador, Her Excellency Laure Beaufils in a courtesy call to share the policies and programs of the Department of Education. (Right) The Vice President also met with the Hungarian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Dr. Titanilla Tóth, and discussed the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Philippines.

Opinion

Fundamentals of contracts of sale

ONE of the most common subjects of commercial transactions are sales of real or personal property.

A “contract of sale [occurs when] one of the contracting parties obligates himself to transfer the ownership of and to deliver a determinate thing, and the other to pay therefore a price certain in money or its equivalent” (Article 1458, Civil Code).

On the other hand, a sale can be made through a contract to sell, which is “’[A] bilateral contract whereby the prospective seller, while expressly reserving the ownership of the subject property despite its delivery to the prospective buyer [of the object], commits to sell the property exclusively to the prospective buyer upon full payment of the purchase price” (Spouses Beltran v. Spouses Cangayda, G.R. 225033, August 15, 2018).

“[I]n the first case [contract of sale], the vendor has lost and cannot recover the ownership of the property until and unless the contract of sale is itself resolved and set aside. In the second case [contract to sell], the title remains in the vendor if the vendee does not comply with the condition precedent of making payment at the time specified in the contract” (Royal Plains View, et al. v. Mejia, G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018, citing Lim v. Court of Appeals [1990]).

Contracts of sale must comply with the essential requisites of Article 1318 of the New Civil Code, as follows: (1) consent of the contracting parties; (2) object certain which is the subject matter of the contract; and (3) cause of the obligation which is established (G.R. 225033, August 15, 2018).

Contracts of sale must comply with the essential requisites of Article 1318 of the New Civil Code

“Being a consensual contract, sale is perfected at the moment there is a meeting of minds upon the thing which is the object of the contract and upon the price. From that moment… the vendor obligates himself to transfer the ownership of and to deliver a determinate thing to the buyer who, in turn, is obligated to pay a price certain in money or its equivalent” (G.R. 225033, August 15, 2018).

The failure of either party to comply with his obligation, including the failure to pay the price agreed upon, entitles the other to rescind it or to demand performance (Article 1191, Civil Code).

However, the vendee’s failure to pay within the agreed period shall not constitute a breach of faith, so long as payment is made before the vendor demands rescission, either judicially, or by notarial act (G.R. 225033, August 15, 2018 citing Article 1592, Civil Code).

However, “[J]urisprudence abounds with rulings that the remedies of rescission, under Articles 1191 and 1592 of the Civil Code, are not available in contracts to sell. This Court succinctly explains: The respondent court did not err when it did not apply Articles 1191 and 1592 of the Civil Code on rescission to the case at bar. The contract between the parties is not an absolute conveyance of real property but a contract to sell. In a contract to sell real property on installments, the full payment of the purchase price is a positive suspensive condition, the failure of which is not considered a breach, casual or serious, but simply an event which prevented the obligation of the vendor to

Beijing says one thing and does another

convey title from acquiring any obligatory force. The transfer of ownership and title would occur after full payment of the purchase price” (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

If the sale of the real estate was by installment, will Republic Act 6552, otherwise known as the Maceda Law, apply (granting grace periods for installment payments or percentage refunds of certain payments)?

“[T]he buyer’s protection under R.A. No. 6552 only applies to contracts of sale of real estate on installment payments, including residential, condominium apartments, but excluding industrial lots, commercial buildings and sales to tenants” (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

In the case of Royal Plains View, et al. v. Mejia, the Supreme Court held that a purchase by a (real estate) company of a six-hectare lot can hardly be considered as residential.

Similarly, in the case of Spouses Garcia v. Court of Appeals, the subject lands, comprising five parcels and aggregating 69,028 square meters, is not residential real estate within the contemplation of the Maceda Law (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

“But this is not to say that sellers in a contract to sell of industrial and commercial lots are precluded to cancel the contract when buyers defaulted in one installment. The old case of Luzon Brokerage Co., Inc. v. Maritime Building Co., Inc. made it clear that R.A. No. 6552 or the Maceda Law expressly recognizes the vendor’s right of cancellation of sale on installments of industrial and commercial properties with full retention of previous payments” (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

“In other words, whether the property is residential, commercial or industrial, Maceda Law does not make any distinction insofar as the availability of the remedy of cancellation by the seller in case of nonpayment of installments is concerned. The only distinction lies on the added protection [grace period and payment percentage refunds] given by the law to residential buyers, which is not enjoyed by commercial and industrial lot buyers” (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

“[W]hile we recognize the seller’s right to unqualifiedly cancel the contract to sell (of industrial or commercial properties) upon the buyer’s default… such cancellation must be made with notice to the other party who failed to perform his end part of the bargain. This gives the opportunity to the other party to question the cancellation made on account of error, abuse or any other grounds. Such that this time, the burden of instituting an action is shifted from the injured party to the defaulter” (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

“Thus, in the old case of University of the Philippines v. De Los Angeles, the Court, through Justice Jose B.L. Reyes, underscored the necessity of judicial validation of unilateral rescission… [I]n other words, the party who deems the contract violated may consider it resolved or rescinded, and act accordingly, without previous court action, but it proceeds at its own risk” (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

“In the same manner that in unilateral cancellation of contracts to sell, notice to the other party is important.

“If the other party perceives that the cancellation of the contract is not proper, he/she is free to question and raise his/her objection to the court. It is the court who will settle once and for all if the cancellation is warranted” (G.R. 230832, November 12, 2018).

No to nefarious NCAP

THERE’S going to be very bad news indeed for motorists particularly if the Supreme Court rules in favor of the constitutionality of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority along EDSA and the local governments of Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, San Juan, and Valenzuela in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

That would mean a minimum fine of P2,000 for the first offense and as much as P5,000 for succeeding traffic violations that could include beating the red light, disregarding traffic signs and lane markings, and so on.

The NCAP is supposed to instill discipline among motorists and minimize contact between traffic enforcers and traffic violators that could lead to bribery or extortion.

Moreover, it is supposed to ensure smooth traffic flow in crowded city thoroughfares since motorists would think twice or even thrice before abruptly changing lanes, over-speeding or engaging in reckless driving.

In other words, keep traffic in city streets flowing smoothly during rush hours and even in the wee hours of the morning when the all-seeing closed-circuit television systems are still able to record traffic violations with unblinking precision.

That rationale looks fine and dandy on the surface.

But it upends basic principles enshrined in our Constitution, such as due process of law and the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

The Supreme Court resumed last Tuesday the oral arguments on the NCAP issue, with Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra representing the respondents for the government.

During a hearing last December, the petitioners said the NCAP should be scrapped as it violates the Constitution and overreaches some laws involving traffic and the privacy of the motorists.

“The traffic scheme was issued with grave abuse of discretion as it contravenes the Constitution and existing statutes, which prejudices the rights of the petitioners,” they averred.

The petitioners also slammed the excessive fines imposed on traffic violators: “The fines

imposed under the NCAP warrant the declaration of its invalidity. A regulatory fee must not produce revenue in excess of the cost of regulation because such fee will be construed as an illegal tax.”

A lawyer also filed a petition before the SC after he was fined P20,000 by the city government of Manila for a traffic infraction.

He questioned how the local government’s traffic scheme and the Land Transportation Office have been accosting owners and operators of vehicles instead of those who are driving them.

One operator of a taxicab fleet owes at least a million pesos in fines because her drivers racked up violations caught by the CCTV cameras.

Solicitor General Guevarra said the LGUs implementing the NCAP have the right to enact ordinances on traffic measures pursuant to their police power under the Local Government Code.

The implementation of the NCAP has been suspended since the issuance of a temporary restraining order by the SC in August last year.

The NCAP is actually implemented by private service provider QPax Traffic Systems Inc., which gets up to 70 percent share of the fines collected from the scheme.

The scheme has drawn much from public utility vehicle operators and private vehicle owners due to excessive fines imposed even for minor violations.

Did the MMDA and LGUs bother to open the scheme to public bidding?

I totally agree that NCAP is unconstitutional and should be scrapped.

UPON his return to the country from a three-day state visit to China where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Marcos Jr. gleefully reported the good news: Beijing had agreed to allow Filipinos to their traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea, that China will not stop our fishermen from fishing.

This, after President Xi had assured Marcos he was willing to “find a solution” and a “compromise” on the contentious issue of whether Filipino fishermen can be allowed to pursue their livelihood in that part of the South China Sea which China claims it owns on the basis of a mythical “nine-dash-line” that covers practically the whole of the vital sealane. Here’s Marcos speaking: “They will continue to allow our fishermen to fish in the fishing grounds that they have been to, they have used for many generations. That’s it. It’s that simple.”

It’s not that simple, it turns out.

The problem is that Xi did not categorically set any definite timetable for finding a solution or working out a compromise on the issue. Was the open-ended pledge meant solely to placate Manila and keep us from complaining constantly about Chinese incursions in the area we consider part of our 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone?

A flurry of diplomatic protests and notes verbales addressed to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs apparently have fallen on deaf ears, or per-

Nuns

IN MY article last week, I discussed the popular television serial Maria Clara at Ibarra currently aired on the GMA TV network.

I said that the program, particularly its villanous priests like Padre Damaso and Padre Salvi, reminds me and many of our people about today’s Roman Catholic clergy. Maria Clara at Ibarra is based on Jose Rizal’s immortal novel Noli Me Tangere, which exposed the abuses by evil friars during the Spanish colonial period of the country.

The Spanish friars exploited the union of Church and State regime in force in the islands back then.

They were mostly lascivious clergy who took advantage of Filipino women, and threatened anyone and everyone who did not obey their commands, no matter how illicit or immoral the same might be, with spiritual damnation.

The Spanish friars also used the union of Church and State as a vehicle for their exercise of political power, oftentimes superior to government authority. They amassed wealth, and owned extensive real estate eventually called “friarlands” during the American colonial period in the Philippines.

In my article, I pointed out the evils brought about by priests and clergymen meddling in politics, and I emphasized the importance of the constitutionally mandated separation of Church and State obtaining in current times.

As I stressed in that article, most of today’s Roman Catholic clergy are so immersed in politics that, apparently, the bulk of their lot has completely “forgotten” about the separation of Church and State.

I also highlighted that today’s Catholic clergymen long for the past years when they wielded political influence in government, particularly during the unlamented administrations of President Corazon Aquino and her son, President Noynoy Aquino. In my essay, I also mentioned that many contemporary nuns are just as highly politicized as many of the cardinals and priests of today are. Several readers urged me to elaborate on my remark about the nuns. Here is my elaboration.

haps even sent straight to the trash bin, we really don’t know. What we know is that the Chinese Coast Guard has time and again driven away Filipino fishing boats trying to enter areas we claim as part of our EEZ.

In the latest incident only days after Marcos reported the ‘good news’ to media, fishermen from Puerto Princesa in Palawan were fishing at Ayungin on January 9 onboard their boat Ken-Ken, when a CCG ship with bow No. 5204 approached the area. The PCG said “the vessel maneuvered toward the fishing boat at a distance of approximately 800 yards (730 meters) and launched a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). The CCG personnel onboard the RHIB gestured [to] the Filipino fishermen to leave the area, coupled with verbal warnings in Chinese using a megaphone while waving a Chinese flag.”

China Coast Guard told the fishermen to get out of Ayungin or Second Thomas. The video showed CCG 5204 still following Ken-Ken for some time, even after the fishing boat had left the shoal.

A flurry of diplomatic protests and notes verbales addressed to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs apparently have fallen on deaf ears, or perhaps even sent straight to the trash bin, we really don’t know

That’s naked gunboat diplomacy by Beijing, by any standard.

This incident that took place right after Chinese President Xi Jinping assured our president that China will not stop our fishermen from fishing in disputed waters and would “find a solution and a compromise” can only mean two things: One, that Xi does not know what his military is doing on the ground – or at sea. And two, he really did not mean what he told Marcos. You be the judge.

There are many nuns who, like many priests and clergymen, are also highly politicized.

My research indicates that the road to politics taken by today’s nuns first opened at the height of the February 1986 EDSA revolt when Mrs. Corazon Aquino went to a convent to consult some nuns on what course of action she should take.

Naturally, the nuns took advantage of their obvious influence on the next President of the Republic.

Apparently, pride prevented the nun from apologizing. Incidentally, under Catholic church doctrine, pride is one of the seven deadly sins

It helped Madre Damasa a lot that books on the EDSA revolt are rich with photographs of nuns joining the crowds at EDSA to block the way of troops loyal to the constitutional government of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

All that was enough to assure the nuns of their privileged place in the administration of Mrs. Aquino.

For starters, a nun was among those appointed by the neophyte President Aquino to a commission which drafted the present-day, defective 1987 Constitution.

Although its members were all unelected like President Aquino, the commission exercised the tremendous power of writing the fundamental law of the land.

Since then, President Aquino made it a point to regularly consult priests and nuns on matters of the

I decided to contest the Notice of Violation because the video clearly showed that the leftmost lane of Pedro Gil St. going to Taft Avenue was occupied by four tricycles and a passenger jeepney that were obviously waiting for passengers at the time.

When I submitted the letter to City Hall contesting the violation, I noticed that there were many others waiting in line at the MTPB office.

I was told to attend a hearing by an Adjudication Officer one month later.

I dutifully showed up before the Adjudication Officer on the day of the hearing.

It didn’t take him a minute to read my letter of explanation and to look at the video evidence to dismiss the case outright for lack of merit.

I don’t think those who signed the Notice even bothered to look at the video because that would have shown that the leftmost lane was occupied by five other vehicles waiting for passengers.

Many netizens have openly criticized the traffic scheme. They have been urging LGUs to install 21st century digital traffic lights that indicate how many minutes remain for green lights to turn to amber and red instead of the antiquated ones with no digital numbers.

State, in manifest violation of the constitutionally mandated separation of Church and State.

The news archives have many accounts of nuns engaging in politics far beyond just their right to vote.

I remember an opinionated nun from a known Catholic school for girls in the southern part of Manila, who had a very strong dislike for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In 2020, a few days after the Regional Trial Court of Manila convicted Rappler boss Maria Ressa and her editorial assistant of the crime of cyberlibel, the nun went online to denounce the court’s ruling.

Even though she had no knowledge about the law on libel, the nun criticized the court’s decision on many grounds, mostly legally unfounded.

The nun even went on to criticize the person of the judge, an alumna of the college which the nun headed. According to the nun, the judge does not deserve to be an alumna of the school.

Great scott! A nun who isn’t even a lawyer criticizing a decision of the trial court on its merits!

In October 2022, the Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Ressa and her assistant. This time, the nun was silent. Her layman’s criticism of the trial court’s conviction of Ressa, et al. was proved wrong by the appellate court.

To my knowledge, the nun did not retract her accusations against the judge, even if four judicial minds (those of the judge and the three appellate court justices) proved her wrong.

Apparently, pride prevented the nun from apologizing. Incidentally, under Catholic church doctrine, pride is one of the seven deadly sins. By way of summation, Madre Damasa should stop meddling in politics. It’s not the office of a true nun to do so.

posed so they can avoid all the hassle.

The lesson here is this: NCAP, by “convicting” the offender on the basis of video evidence and demanding payment of exorbitant fines for minor traffic infractions, appears to me as nothing less than plain and simple extortion.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

I experienced the no-contact apprehension scheme first-hand in the city of Manila last April, when I received a Notice of Violation from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau telling me that I had to pay P2,000 for disregarding lane markings and proceeding to turn left at Taft Avenue from Pedro Gil St. from the middle lane, where vehicles should go straight.

This, they said, stacks the cards against motorists and allows the government to demand hefty fines from them without due process.

Sure, you can contest the violation but you have to go through a lot of inconvenience going to City Hall, lining up for hours so that you can explain yourself before traffic authorities.

Many, I think, simply cough up the fines im-

should also stop meddling in politics

The lesson here is this: NCAP, by ‘convicting’ the offender on the basis of video evidence and demanding payment of exorbitant fines for minor traffic infractions, appears to me as nothing less than plain and simple extortion

TOP GAINERS

WASHINGTON—The US economy is forecast to have grown but at a slower pace in the final months of 2022, helped by consumption and business investment although recession fears loom.

Economic activity has been easing as the US central bank hiked the benchmark lending rate seven times last year, in hopes of cooling demand and reining in costs as inflation surged.

The property sector has slumped, followed by declines in manufacturing and retail sales.

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

Market declines; Peso climbs to 54.40 a dollar

STOCKS fell Thursday, as investors stayed on the sidelines despite the government’s announcement that the economy grew 7.2 percent in the fourth quarter and 7.6 percent in 2022.

The announcement, however, pushed the value of the peso to 54.40 a dollar, the highest this year. The local currency gained 2.43 percent since the start of 2023 trading.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, tumbled 38 points, or 0.55 percent, to close at 7,042.70, as all six subsectors declined.

The broader all-share index also lost 9 points, or 0.27 percent, to settle at 3,692.89, on a value turnover of P5.11 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 107 to 99, while 49 issues were unchanged.

UK annual car output at lowest level since 1956

LONDON—British annual car production has dropped to the lowest level since 1956, largely owing to global shortages of semiconductor chips, industry data showed Thursday.

Around 775,000 cars were built last year by the country’s mainly foreign-owned vehicle manufacturers, down almost ten percent from 2021, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said.

Output in 2022 was down nearly 41 percent compared with before the Covid pandemic in 2019, the SMMT added. At the same time, the UK produced a record number of electric vehicles, the data showed.

“The main reasons for the depressed output (overall) were the crippling global shortage of semiconductors, which limited the ability to build cars in line with demand,” said the organization.

Output was hit also by “significant structural changes, reflecting a loss of production at two-volume manufacturing sites -- and the impact of supply chain pauses in China due to Covid lockdowns”, the SMMT noted.

Japanese car giant Nissan produced the most vehicles at more than 238,000, up 16.5 percent yearon-year.

The next biggest was Indianowned Jaguar Land Rover, with nearly 203,000 cars, although this was down more than eight percent compared with 2021.

The Mini, owned by German group BMW, was the most exported model, followed by the Nissan Qashqai.

Almost 80 percent of the vehicles produced last year were made for export, with the biggest demand coming from the European Union.

The UK car sector has managed to swerve post-Brexit trading obstacles suffered by other industries. AFP

Three of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Figaro Coffee Group Inc. which climbed 5.62 percent to P0.94 following reports that Monde Nissin Corp. is acquiring a 15-percent interest in the coffee chain operator for P820.3 million.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty family went up 2.74 percent to P525.00, while JG Summit Holdings Inc. rose 0.71 percent to P56.90.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets rose Thursday as the majority returned from the Lunar New Year break on an optimistic note, with inflation slowing and central banks hinting at a lighter approach to tackling prices.

Hong Kong led the way again, hitting an 11-month high, helped by hopes that China’s reopening will fuel a strong recovery this year, while Bloomberg News said travel and box office numbers for the holidays were encouraging.

But uneven earnings from tech giants largely kept sentiment in check and saw Wall Street end on a soft note, with the

Nasdaq in the red.

Traders are now awaiting the release of US growth data on Thursday and the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation Friday.

Still, Asia continued to outperform after a strong start to the year.

Next week, the Federal Reserve will make its latest policy decision since slowing its pace of rate hikes in December, after four straight 75 basis-point increases.

Speculation has been building in recent weeks that the bank could take its foot off the pedal as data points to inflation coming down quicker than expected and other indicators suggest last year’s tightening was taking hold in the economy.

And while there remains some concern that the world’s top economy could tip into recession, there is growing hope it can achieve a so-called soft landing.

Hong Kong jumped 2 percent Thursday to its highest level since early March, while Singapore, Wellington and Jakarta were also up. With AFP

Against this backdrop, the world’s biggest economy is seen to expand 2.6 percent in the October to December period, according to a consensus forecast of analysts, down from 3.2 percent in the third quarter last year.

This would mark the second straight quarter of growth after two rounds of contraction.

But the housing sector was likely a drag, with mortgage rates still high and weighing on affordability. Recession risks?

While unexpectedly resilient consumer spending has supported growth, there are signs that households are drawing down on their savings from the pandemic period.

This could point to more subdued expenditures ahead, analysts say.

“Recent economic data signal the economy entered 2023 on a weak footing,” said Ryan Sweet of Oxford Economics.

He expects the US could enter a recession in the second quarter as consumers limit their spending and businesses become more reluctant to hire and invest.

But others believe the country may yet avoid a downturn.

Rubeela Farooqi of High Frequency Economics said that healthy household balance sheets along with a strong labor market could keep things positive this year.

“We’re still seeing wage growth that is way above the pre-pandemic trend... We’re not seeing a surge in jobless claims,” she told AFP. AFP

Amsterdam’s largest biking garage is located underwater

AMSTERDAM—Plagued by evershrinking space to park its hundreds of thousands of bicycles, Amsterdam opened Wednesday the first of its largest-ever bicycle parking complexes, built underwater in a pioneering engineering project.

The shelter is constructed beneath the Open Haven Front, an access tributary to the city’s IJ river, and will be followed by another next to the IJ itself that will open in February.

They will have a combined capacity for 11,000 bikes in the cycling-mad Dutch capital.

“Together the shelters will be the largest in the city,” the Amsterdam municipality said, with the Open Haven Front storage able to take 7,000 bicycles and the IJ-side site around 4,000.

Construction started in 2019 and involved draining part of the Open Haven Front next to Amsterdam Central Station.

A time-lapse video posted by the Amsterdam municipality showed how the water was pumped out, the structure built and the area eventually reflooded.

Bike parking in an Amsterdam street. Courtesy of Amsterdam website.

“We have a lot of knowledge and expertise when it comes to water,” Dutch deputy infrastructure minister Vivianne Heijnen told AFP at the opening ceremony. This storage “makes optimal use of the space you have in a small country”, she said.

Conveyor belts take cyclists nine meters (30 feet) below ground level, ac-

cording to wUrck, the architectural firm that designed the ultramodern parking spaces that aim to evoke their oceanic surroundings.

“The cyclist steps into an imaginary oyster with a rough exterior of basalt and natural stone and a smooth, light interior,” the firm said in a statement.

“Now you will be assured that you

can immediately park your bicycle when you come to Amsterdam station,” the city’s transport alderwoman Melanie van der Horst said.

There are an estimated 900,000 bicycles in Amsterdam with some 625,000 trips made daily, according to the city’s 2021 Bicycle Monitor plan -- and finding proper parking has long been a headache. AFP

Tesla reports record profit, forecasts higher delivery at 1.3m units

NEW YORK—Tesla reported another round of record quarterly profits Wednesday while confirming its long-term growth outlook despite concerns about rising competition and macroeconomic headwinds.

Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company reported fourth-quarter profits of $3.7 billion, up 59 percent from the year-ago period as revenues jumped 37 percent to $24.3 billion. The results were fueled by a 31 percent rise in vehicle deliveries compared with the year-ago period.

The EV giant, which startled investors earlier this month by announcing vehicle price cuts in the United States and Europe, acknowledged challenges such as rising interest rates and an “uncertain macroeconomic

environment.”

Tesla said it was accelerating its “cost reduction roadmap,” while working to ramp up production.

“In any scenario, we are prepared for short-term uncertainty,” said Tesla, while adding that its “relentless cost control and cost innovation” will allow it to navigate 2023 better than rivals.

The recent US and European price cuts—which followed similar actions last year in China—have prompted debate among analysts on whether they are a sign of weakness, or a shrewd tactic to increase market share.

Musk touted the move in a conference call Wednesday, saying Tesla has seen increased orders since it was announced. “Price really matters,” the billionaire

said. “These price changes really make a difference for the average consumer.”

The company has described its long-term plan as seeking to chalk up production growth of 50 percent per year, on average.

Tesla’s earnings report Wednesday reasserted that long-term forecast but said it would likely only produce 1.8 million vehicles in 2023, about 31 percent above the 2022 production.

It also predicted a 37 percent growth in deliveries, at 1.3 million.

Courting controversy

Musk has noted that Tesla’s output has been constrained by economywide supply chain and raw material shortages but said Wednesday that output could reach two million in 2023 if there is a “smooth year” free of

disruptive surprises.

Tesla confirmed plans to launch production of its Cybertruck in 2023 at its massive Texas plant.

Musk said the volumes of the Cybertruck would not be significant in 2023 but would be meaningful in 2024.

CFRA Research analyst Garrett Nelson described Tesla’s guidance as “mixed,” with 2023 volumes shy of estimates but the confirmation of Cybertruck production “a big positive.”

Shares of Tesla have fallen about 50 percent from their year-ago level, reflecting worries about the introduction of EVs from other automakers, the drag from a slowing economy, and anxiety that Musk’s other pursuits such as running Twitter are hindering the company. AFP

US economy seen to have posted slower growth in Q4

BOAT SHOW. A Solace Racing 450 boat is displayed during the 2023 New York Boat Show held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, on Jan. 25, 2023. AFP

B4 FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Monde Nissin acquiring 15% of Figaro Group

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MONDE Nissin Corp. said Thursday

it is acquiring a 15-percent interest in restaurant chain operator Figaro Coffee Group Inc. for P820.3 million, a move that will enable it to expand its presence in the food sector.

Monde Nissin said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its executive committee approved the acquisition of 820.268 million shares at a subscription price of P1 apiece.

The price represents a 12.35-percent premium to FCG’s closing of P0.89 on Wednesday.

Monde Nissin chief executive Henry Soesanto said the acquisition would provide the company exposure to the food service sector, which could be a potential avenue for further growth here and abroad.

Soesanto said Monde Nissin would work with FCG to identify synergy plans to create value for both companies.

“We look forward to working with the Figaro Group management team and potential future collaborations that this new relationship may offer,” he said.

FCG said in a separate disclosure the fresh equity from the transaction would be used to finance expansion plans.

“We welcome this partnership with Monde Nissin as we believe a combination of their leadership in the food sector, strength in manufacturing and timeless brand equity, combined with our fast-growing store network and brand strength will yield excellent opportunities for Figaro Coffee Group to solidify its position as a very strong and stable F&B company,” FCG chairman emeritus Jerry Liu said.

The Philippine Stock Exchange implemented a one-hour trading halt on FCG’s shares to enable the investors to digest the news.

FCG owns Figaro Coffee Systems Inc. which operates and/or franchises a network of restaurants. These include Figaro Coffee, Angel’s Pizza, Tien Ma’s and The Figaro Group Express.

2022 trade deficit hit record $58.3b, imports surged 17%

By Julito G. Rada

THE country’s trade deficit widened to a record $58.32 billion in 2022 as imports surged amid high commodity prices, preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show.

Merchandise imports climbed 17.3 percent to $137.16 billion in 2022 and outpaced the 5.6-percent increase in exports to $78.84 billion.

This resulted in a 38.1-percent rise in trade deficit to $58.32 billion from $42.23 billion in 2021. It was also larger than the trade gap of $24.50 billion in 2020.

The trade deficit weighed on the peso which hit an all-time low of 59.0 against the US dollar in October, before recovering in the succeeding months on the back of higher remittance inflows. The

peso closed at 54.40 Thursday.

London-based think tank Oxford Economics said global headwinds might affect the external trade of the Philippines in 2023.

“We think 2023 will be a difficult year for the Philippines’ economy. On domestic front, initial boost from pentup demand will start to fade in the coming quarters. At the same time, although easing, elevated inflation will continue to strain real purchasing power. Slowdown in the global economy will also weigh on goods exports, which in turn will weigh on investment appetite of export-oriented manufactures,” Oxford Economics said.

The PSA reported that the gross domestic product of the Philippines expanded by 7.6 percent in 2022, faster than 5.7 percent in 2021.

The PSA said that in December, the trade deficit reached $4.60 billion, as exports declined 9.7 percent to $5.67 billion and imports fell 9.9 percent to $10.26 billion. The December deficit was narrower than the $5.117-billion shortfall recorded a year earlier.

SM focuses expansion toward provincial areas

CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. is gearing its expansion plans toward the provincial areas where growth is faster, according to a top company executive.

SMIC president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio said in a statement the group’s retail, malls, hotels and residential units are focusing on further expanding in provincial areas where local economies are growing faster due to strong inflows of remittances.

“We are investing in the future growth of the Philippines as it continues to present tremendous potential,” DyBuncio said.

More than 80 percent of SM’s new retail stores are in provincial areas, which receive a large share of remittances. SM Retail, the retail arm of SM Investments, operates over 3,300 department stores, groceries and specialty retail stores.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the narrower trade deficit was brought about by the sharp decline in exports amid the lower global commodity prices that reduced the value of some export items.

Ricafort also cited the “risk of recession in the US that reduced some demand for exports, and the COVID restrictions earlier in 2022 in China.”

“The significant narrowing in the trade deficit data in recent months [especially since October 2022] may have fundamentally helped stabilize and even improved the peso exchange rate,” he said.

Ricafort said the narrower trade deficit in December might also be caused by lower global crude oil prices which were still among one-year lows at $80 per barrel for the Nymex crude oil benchmark. He said other major global commodity prices such as natural gas (new 1.5-year lows recently), wheat, soybean, coal, iron, steel, copper and nickel also started to ease in recent months.

SM Prime Holdings Inc., the mall and residential unit of SMIC, is also looking to further expand into the provinces, particularly in Northern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Jenniffer B. Austria

Hot money posted $887m in net inflows last year

FOREIGN portfolio investments or hot money posted net inflows of $887 million in 2022, a reversal of the $574-million net outflows in 2021, as fund managers remained confident in the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals despite uncertainties on the external front, latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show. The 2022 net inflows, however, missed the $3.5-billion projection of the BSP for the year. Gross inflows reached $12.343 billion, which offset the $11.457-billion gross outflows.

Data showed that in December, hot money recorded net inflows of $93 million, lower than $489 million in November 2022, but a turnaround from the $4.38-million net outflows a year ago.

Meanwhile, the $1.09 billion registered investments in December reflected an increase of 3.6 percent or by $38 million from $1.05 billion in November.

Majority of investments (74.0 percent) in December went to Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities, while the balance went to peso government securities (26.0 percent) and other instruments (less than 1.0 percent). Julito G. Rada

NTC starts rollout of SIM registration in remote sites

THE National Telecommunications Commission said Thursday it started the rollout of SIM registration in remote areas to reach more people who have limited access to the internet.

NTC officer-in-charge commissioner

Ella Blanca Lopez said the rollout of SIM registration in remote areas aimed to ensure the success of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first priority legislation.

“The endeavor is aimed at maximizing SIM subscriber participation in the SIM registration process, thereby helping ensure the successful implementation of the SIM Registration Act,” she said.

The agency earlier identified 15 locations in different provinces as pilot areas for assisted registration between Jan. 25 and Jan. 27. These are Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Leyte Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Benguet, Cagayan, Bulacan, Batangas, Zamboanga del Sur, Oriebtal Mindoro, Albay, Iloilo, Cotobato and Surigao del Norte.

It said that as of Jan. 24, the total completed SIM registration reached 24,922,249 SIMs or 14.75 percent of the 168,977,773 million subscribers nationwide.

Darwin G. Amojelar

CCC-FIRST GEN TIEUP. Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Roque (center) and First Gen Corp. president Francis Giles Puno (fourth from right) participate in a tree-planting activity inside the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo, Rizal after signing a memorandum of agreement to strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives of First Gen’s partner-communities and LGUs. With them are (from left) First Gen senior manager for corporate social responsibility Janice Dugan, CCC chief of strategic partnerships division Alexis Lapiz, First Gen vice president and CSR head Shirley Cruz, First Gen vice president for external affairs and security Ramon Araneta, CCC chief of staff Carol Kay Paquera, First Gen vice president and head of corporate communications Ricky Carandang and CCC executive assistant Sheilla Ducay.

Electricity spot market in Mindanao starts operations

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Mindanao started commercial operations on Thursday, according to the Department of Energy.

It said in an advisory the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines would oversee the operations of WESM Mindanao.

Similar to its function for the Luzon and Visayas grids, WESM would be the venue for efficient scheduling, dispatch and settlement of energy withdrawal and injections in the Mindanao grid.

The DOE said IEMOP would use its two main systems—the Market

Management System and the Central Registration and Settlement System— for WESM Mindanao.

The MMS will determine the optimal dispatch schedule of generators and customers in the grid, including their respective locational prices. The CRSS will facilitate the registration of market participants and the settlement of WESM transactions.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla issued Department Circular No. DC 202212-0039 in December last year to announce the start of WESM Mindanao’s commercial operations on Jan. 26.

The department said the operations of WESM Mindanao and the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project

ADB lending $500m to help PH address impact of pandemic

were expected to improve the reliability of power supply not only in the Mindanao grid, but also in the Luzon and Visayas grids.

It said the MVIP was expected to be completed by March 2023, and its commercial operation would necessitate the implementation of WESM Mindanao to allow the efficient transfer of electricity exchanges.

The circular spells out the responsibilities of IEMOP, National Electrification Administration, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., Philippine Electricity Market Corp. and National Grid Corp. of the Philippines for the commercial operations of WESM Mindanao.

German company expanding Batangas facility

By Othel V. Campos

ZAMA Precision Industry Manufacturing Philippines Inc., a unit of Germany’s ZAMA Group, is expanding its production capabilities in the Philippines by adding a 11,000-meter-square facility in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

GAWAD UP OBLATION. University of the Philippines president Danilo Concepcion (center) bestows the Gawad UP Oblation medal to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan, represented by director for government and public affairs Atty. Mike Toledo (right), in ceremonies held at the Diliman campus in Quezon City. Also on stage is Dr. Elena Pernia, UP vice-president for public affairs. The medal is bestowed upon individuals who have increased the institutional visibility, international prestige and recognition of UP and helped it undertake its mandate as a national university. The award is considered as UP’s highest recognition to benefactors and supporters who have rendered extraordinary service to the premier university.

“Through this new facility, we will be able to amplify our efforts in producing electro-mechanicals technologies, wire harness and textile materials as well as explore other business ventures. This contributes more to the economy of the Philippines and also generates more employment,” said ZAMA Philippines president and managing director Ronald Wienholts.

The new $16-million facility is estimated to operate commercially by February 2024.

“We are honored to have attended such this important milestone. ZAMA has been a great example of how companies from Europe approach diversifi-

cation of their business and to explore the China +1 strategy,” said GermanPhilippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. executive director Christopher Zimmer.

The ZAMA Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of diaphragm carburetors. It is also a major supplier of chain lubrication solutions and tensioning kits for chainsaws and a technology leader in those fields with operations in Japan, China, Philippines, the United States and Hong Kong.

The firm supplies to major original equipment manufacturers of gasolinepowered outdoor tools. Its facility is located at the First Philippine Industrial Park II Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

The ZAMA Group is also a member of the GPPCI. It belongs to the international network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad which is represented by 150 offices in 93 countries.

THE Asian Development Bank said Thursday it approved a $500-million (about P27 billion) policy-based loan to help the Philippine government address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on jobs, livelihoods and the labor market.

It said in a statement the loan would also help create an enabling environment for existing and emerging businesses to flourish and spur more employment.

The ADB said the Post-COVID-19 Business and Employment Recovery Program would assist the government in creating a more liberalized business and investment environment to encourage the private sector to grow and create more jobs.

The program also supports government initiatives to expand labor market programs that address skills mismatches and promote training to reskill and retool workers to meet new demands in the post-pandemic jobs market.

“With the economy slowly moving towards a sustainable growth path, it is important to ensure private enterprises are supported with policies that make it easier for them to do business and generate employment,” ADB senior public management economist Sameer Khatiwada said.

“This program is expected to help create jobs, get businesses back into action and pave the way for displaced workers, youth and women to return to the labor market by enhancing their skills through training and linking them to good quality jobs,” Khatiwada said.

The Philippine workforce was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the country recording the steepest decline in employment rates among Southeast Asian countries in 2020. While the unemployment rate declined to 4.2 percent in November 2022 from 6.5 percent a year earlier, labor market recovery remained uneven. Julito G. Rada

Inaugural Junior PH Golf lures big field

NINETY-ONE junior golfers, a mix of some of the leading players in the ranks and siblings and offsprings of former and current touring pros, make up the cast in the Junior Philippine Golf Tour launch on Sunday (Jan. 29) at The Country Club in Laguna.

Reese Ng, Mikha Constantino, Gabie Rosca and Anya Cedo banner the field in the girls’ 15-17 age-group while Zachary Villaroman, Zachary Castro, John Bernis and Santino Pineda headline the boys’ cast in the premier division of the four-age category

Sports

event put up by ICTSI to boost junior golf under a different program setup.

The drive, chip and putt competition, managed and conducted by professional tour directors, rulesmen and marshals, is also held to provide a venue for the youngsters where they could harness their talent and skills with the top products earning the chance to compete abroad and gain exposure in international competitions.

The organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. said 16 other events will be held in Luzon in the coming months with plans to bring the new junior golf circuit to Visayas and Mindanao where talents abound.

The JGPT offers no membership fees and is not in any way associated with the existing junior golf organizations.

Meanwhile, hostilities in the 13-14 age bracket is expected to be fierce with Shinichi Suzuki, Tristan Padilla, Gabriel Handog, Patrick Tambalque, Aaron Chua and Kristoffer Nadales leading the chase in the boys side and the likes of Celine Abalos, Frances Duque and Marie Isabelle Tang bracing for a furious battle in the girls’ category.

Keira Que, Precious Zaragosa, Eona Padilla and Samarah Torres make up the core of the girls’ 11-12 division that includes Kendra Galao, Tiffany Bernardino, Levonne Talion and Giulian Ballado, while Rafael Hernandez, Matthias Espina, John Gomez, Nathan de Leon and Andrew Chua head the cast in the boys’ category.

PFL plans Asian tour, opens door to Filipino MMA fighters

By Randy Caluag

BIG-TICKET

PFL senior vice president Loren Mack said the US-based fight promotion will soon open its doors to Asian fighters, including Filipinos.

“There’s no fight fans like the Filipino fight fans, so we’re in discussion with a few fighters there. We’re keeping our eyes open for the next big stars to emerge out of the Philippines,” said Mack in an interview with PTV Sports.

And that possibility could be as early as this year.

“You’ll see Filipino fighters in the PFL, maybe several, as we’re closing

in on getting somebody to represent the Philippines in PFL in 2023,” Mack added.

The PFL is preparing to conduct an Asian tour and bring with them some of the rising stars, including Biaggio Ali Walsh, grandson of boxing great Muhamad Ali.

“I know he’s (Walsh) is excited to visit Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and others,” said Mack.

PFL co-founder and president Ray Sefo, a former MMA and muay thai world champion, confirmed the

The US-based PFL is planning to hold events in Asia and recruit Asian fighters, including Filipinos.

Qualifiers for SEAG PH aquatics team set at New Clark City on Feb. 18,

AN open qualifying competition that will determine the composition of the country’s aquatics team to the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games will be conducted on February 18 and 19 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

This was announced on Thursday by the Stabilization Committee that was tasked by the World Aquatics (formerly FINA) Bureau to oversee aquatics (swimming) in the country.

The FINA, in a directive dated December 3, 2022, ordered the creation of the Stabilization Committee to take

over swimming in the country after it withdrew its recognition on the Philippine Swimming Inc.

The Stabilization Committee is composed of POC legal head Atty. Wharton Chan and deputy secretary general Valeriano “Bones” Floro and Bases Conversion Development Authority senior vice president Arrey Perez.

“The Stabilization Committee will supervise and manage the qualifiers or tryouts which is open to all athletes, clubs and stakeholders,” Floro said.

Floro said qualifiers will be in

swimming, diving and water polo. Artistic swimming (synchronized) and open water swimming are not in the program of the May 5 to 17 Cambodia SEA Games. For inquiries, email the POC Cambodia SEA Games Secretariat at aquatics.stab.comm@gmail.com.

Floro added that the qualifiers will be conducted based on the swimming technical handbook provided by the Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee.

In the handbook, a total of 20 events will be contested in swimming, two in

19

water polo (men and women) and the individual 3-meter springboard and platform for men and women in diving.

The swimming events for men and women are freestyle 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,500; backstroke 50, 100 and 200; breaststroke 50, 100 and 200; butterfly 50, 100 and 200; individual medley 200 and 400; and freestyle Relay 4x100 and 4x200.

There are also freestyle events in the 800 meters for women and 1,500 for men, as well as a 4x100 meters medley relay for men, women and mixed team.

Former no. 1 Kendricks gives Obiena tough challenge

By Peter Atencio

FORMER

world no. 1 Sam Kendricks

of the United States provided a challenge to Filipino Ernest John “EJ” Obiena when they competed in the Internationales Springer-Meeting held in Cottbus, Germany on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time).

For one, the come-backing Kendricks came up with a personal best for the year with 5.82 meters, which was good for the gold, following a five-month absence due to injury.

Kendricks’ absence saw him slipping out of the world rankings after missing a lot of important tournaments since August.

For the world no. 3 Obiena, this gave him an idea on how he’s doing after the 30-year-old Kendricks went on to grab the gold medal.

Obiena settled for the silver at 5.77 meters on his first attempt, after committing errors in his bid to keep up with Kendricks at 5.82.

Taking the bronze was Ben Broeders from Belgium (5.72), with European

Champion Bo Kanda Lita Baehre (Leverkusen) in fourth after he jumped 5.40 meters.

It was Obiena’s 19th medal since last year and his second podium this season.

Last Saturday, Obiena ruled the 5-6 National Indoor Meeting in Padova, Italy where he won the gold medal with his jump of 5.56 meters.

Obiena has firmly held on to the no. 3 spot in the world rankings for the last 26 weeks, with 1398 points.

He is close to surpassing another American rival, Christopher Nilsen, who is at no. 2 with 1434 points, followed in front by Swedish bet Armand Duplantis, the world’s no. 1 with 1606 points.

Last season, Obiena claimed a total of 17 medals, which included 12 golds, two silvers and three bronzes.

During the Cottbus meet, he took three tries to secure 5.50 meters, before Obiena grabbed the lead in the 10-man field after taking the 5.77-meter mark with just one effort.

expansion plan in an interview by Malaysia’s New Strait Times.

“South East Asia is actually a huge market when it comes to MMA, especially countries like Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia,” Sefo told NST.

PFL, which has a large following in the US and Europe, is the second biggest global MMA organization after UFC, which has been drawing flak as of late due to players’ complaints about fight purses and benefits.

The Singapore-based ONE Championship has large following in Southeast Asia and most parts of Asia. Sefo also confirmed Mack’s statements that some fighters from Asia could be tapped for future PFL promotions and mentioned fighters from China, Japan, Thailand and Philippines.

Sun Life Cycle PH back on road in April

THE Sun Life Cycle PH, a fun ride open to all ages and skill set, wheels back into the mainstream after a three-year hiatus with two venues hosting its much-awaited return in April.

The Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite will serve as the event’s venue for the main event on April 23 with Manila hosting the pre-event bike camp for kids on April 16 at the Quirino Grandstand where youngsters will learn etiquettes and bike activities, including mounting, turning and skills.

The Sun Life Cycle PH Vermosa at the sprawling Cavite complex will also feature the kids (2-3 years old) 100m ride, criterium (30 mins solo ride) and criterium with parents, and the individual 30K, individual 40K and 60K corporate/team ride.

The event also encourages group rides with the 3+1 promo for the individual 30K and individual 45K.

Registration is ongoing. For details, contact secretariat@cycleph. com

“This event is a great help, because after the pandemic, people now really want to do more outdoor activities,” said Imus Mayor Alex Advincula during Wednesday’s photo-op for the resumption of the event. “The city will continuously promote this event for the benefit it provides, especially in the physical aspect, including the youngsters.”

Advincula also thanked the organizers and sponsors of Cycle PH, saying: “We’re thankful to the Ayalas for making Imus a sports hub. When it comes to sports, people need to stay fit – health is wealth, so we really should focus on this.”

The Vermosa Sports Hub, a stateof-the-art sports complex, has hosted a number of big sporting events, including the SEA Games and the IRONKIDS.

martial arts fights have been opened for Filipino combat athletes with the imminent expansion of the fast-growing Professional Fighters League in Asia.

GOOD DEFENSE, BETTER OFFENSE. Terrafirma’s Enrique Caunan defies the defense of San Miguel Beer’s Ken Bono during a PBA 3x3 Third Conference Season 2 game on Thursday at Robinsons Place Antipolo.

Drive away in new Toyota Fortuner with OKBet promo

ONLINE sports fans and gamers in the Philippines have a chance to win big with a new promotion from OKBet, an online sportsbook, and e-games platform. The company is offering verified players the chance to win a brand-new Toyota Fortuner by simply placing wagers on their favorite sports, or playing electronic games on the platform.

Dubbed “Super Jackpot Win A Ride”, the promotion – the biggest by OKBet to date -- also includes the chance to win up to PHP 50,000 worth of free wagers each month, an Apple iPhone 14 Pro, or a Honda CBR150R sport bike. The monthly raffle draws will be streamed live on OKBet’s

Djokovic says ‘sent message’ with monster win over Rublev

MELBOURNE —Novak Djokovic said he “sent a message” at the Australian Open by thrashing Andrey Rublev on Wednesday to make the semi-finals and edge closer to a 22nd Grand Slam title.

The Serb was in the zone to blitz past the Russian fifth seed 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena and set up a meeting with Tommy Paul for a place in Sunday’s final.

The unseeded American defeated countryman Ben Shelton 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in his quarter-final.

Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title was far from smooth at the start, plagued by a hamstring strain suffered en route to the title at Adelaide this month.

The 35-year-old struggled physically in the early rounds but was dominant

during his fourth-round demolition of Alex de Minaur and was ruthless once more against Rublev.

“Last two matches, playing against two guys who were in form and to beat them dominantly in three sets is something that I definitely want in this moment, something that sends a message to all my opponents,” he said.

“With this kind of game the confidence level rises, so I feel better on the court as the tournament progresses.

“I’ve been in this situation so many times in my life and career,” he added after reaching a 10th semi-final at Melbourne Park. Only Roger Federer (15)

and Jack Crawford (11) have been there more often.

“I’ve never lost a semi-final in the Australian Open, hopefully that will stay the same.”

Victory for the red-hot favourite propelled him into a 44th Grand Slam semi-final to close the gap on Federer’s all-time record 46.

In another astonishing record, he clocked a 26th consecutive match-win at the Australian Open to equal Andre Agassi’s Open-era record for longest streak at the first Grand Slam of the year. The signs were ominous for Rublev before the match even started.

In contrast to Djokovic’s outstanding record in Melbourne, Rublev -- who was taken to five sets by Holger Rune in the fourth round -- came into the clash with a 0-6 record in Grand Slam quarter-finals.

After a shaky start when he served

Northcutt makes ONE return at ‘Fight Night 10,’ takes on Mujtaba

“SUPER” Sage Northcutt’s path to redemption is now clear, as his return to the ONE Championship Circle finally has a date.

Northcutt re-enters the organization after a four-year layoff when he takes on Ahmed “Wolverine” Mujtaba in a three-round lightweight MMA bout at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on May 6 at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado.

By marking his return to the U.S., “Super” gets a chance to salvage his once-promising prodigious career after showcasing his top-level karate skills in various regional promotions.

He once fought for the UFC and had himself a solid showing, winning six of his eight bouts and taking home three straight victories. Then, he decided to transition to ONE Championship, but his legacy hit a wall.

Northcutt faced striking ace Cosmo Alexander, who had other plans for him, knocking him out seconds into their match, sending him to the operating room for nine

hours to repair the eight facial fractures he incurred.

With the injury behind him, and COVID restrictions a thing of the past, Northcutt looks to live up to his potential. However, he’ll face another dangerous opponent in his return.

The American Kickboxing Academy product in Mujtaba has been on a roll, decimating his past two opponents as he looks to put Pakistan on the map in MMA. Mujtaba knocked out Rahul Raju before catching Abraoo Amorim in a triangle-choke for another first-round win.

Should Mujtaba beat Northcutt, not only would he further Pakistan’s relevance in MMA —he’ll also be on the radar of lightweight contenders, currently ruled by ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee. Northcutt will join ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes when they complete their trilogy in the main event of ONE’s debut on U.S. soil.

double fault to open proceedings, Djokovic quickly settled into a rhythm.

Precision, power

The Russian Rublev, who also sent down a double fault to start, struggled early on.

His serving jitters persisted and when the Serb worked a break point at 2-1 he double-faulted again in response.

Djokovic showed no signs of hamstring trouble to race into a 4-1 lead. He then converted a fifth break point to speed 5-1 clear and clinch the set in 39 minutes.

Rublev had no answers to his precision and power.

Djokovic continued in the same vein in the second set, grabbing his opportunity in game four after a 16-shot rally when Rublev blinked first with a backhand error.

Another break left Rublev frustrated and castigating himself as he slumped two sets down. AFP

official social media platforms, and will run from February 1 to July 31 this year.

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Strong Group begins Dubai campaign vs UAE squad

STRONG Group opens its title campaign in the 32nd Dubai Basketball International Championship against the national team of the host country at the AlNasr Club Hall on Friday, Jan. 27. The game, which will also serve as the curtain raiser to the nine-day tournament, is set at 11 p.m. (Manila time) with Strong Group owner Jacob Lao and coach Charles Tiu hoping to give Filipino migrant workers in the most populous emirate of UAE good entertainment for the rest of their stay.

“We’re looking forward to playing different international teams and we’re excited to showcase our talents for our fans in Dubai and we hope we can live up to their expectations and defend the crown that we came here for,” said the youthful owner who played for the UAAP champion Ateneo last year.

Game Friday (Al-Nasr Club)

11 p.m. – Strong Group vs UAE Sage Northcutt

The team, Lao said, is determined to keep the crown won by Mighty Sports three years ago.

Mighty Sports and Acto City are backing the team that will be spearheaded by NBA caliber imports Nick Young and Shabazz Muhammad.

Tiu’s little concern is how fast his players can adjust to the long travel and time (PH is ahead by 4 hours) after arriving early Thursday.

“The rest of our team members are arriving 5 p.m. Thursday and we play 7p.m. Friday. So it’s a short turnaround plus jet lag. Tight schedule for us but hopefully we can find a way,” said Tiu.

Young, an NBA veteran who won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, is eager to prove he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank as he tries to hold the fort for the team which missed the services of big man Ange Kouame.

PARIS—France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Wednesday it was too early to say if the armed forces will be required to assist with security at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Organizers say 22,000 private security guards are needed for the Olympic sites and for the moment they have found between 11,000 and 12,000 suitable candidates.

“If at the very end of the process, we are lacking a certain number of people, we will look at what we can do. But we think that a large country like France is capable of responding to this challenge of private security,” Darmanin told the Senate, the upper house of the French parliament.

“We will know more at the start of next month,” he added.

The Paris local organizing committee will begin choosing between bids for contracts from security companies in February.

The organizing committee’s director general Etienne Thobois said Wednesday that his staff were examining the bids received from the first tender for security contracts, which covers just over a third of the personnel required.

“All the scenarios are on the table,” Thobois said.

The French state’s spending watchdog has warned that the local organizers will have to foot the bill if the army has to be used for security.

Members of Britain’s army, navy and air force filled some security roles at the 2012 London Olympics after private security firm G4S failed to provide enough security guards. AFP

“Nick slowly getting there but his knee is a bit banged up. We are a small team basically a college team with some imports against pro teams. Let’s see how it goes,” said added Tiu.

Also expected to step up to the plate is Renaldo Balkman who was part of the Mighty Sports that last won the tournament, becoming the first non-Arab team to win the title.

The team will also be leaning on its young guns led by Fil-Am guard Sedrick Barefield, Jerom Lastimosa, Will Gozum, Justine Baltazar, Kevin Quiambao and JD Cagulangan. Also in the crew are BJ Andrade, Francis Lopez, Migs Oczon and Inand Fornillos.

Although not really known as a powerhouse team in the MiddleEast, the UAE national team is certainly a no pushover and can still give the young Filipino crew a run for their money.

Minister: Too early to say if Paris Olympics will need army

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates victory against Russia’s Andrey Rublev during their men’s singles quarter-final match on Day 10 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP

Entertainment

PEOPLE

…are talking about

Chito Miranda

The OPM band

Parokya Ni Edgar is responsible for several iconic hits Fili - pinos grew up with through the years. But the band shares more than just a love for music. In a recent post, the band’s frontman, Chito, called for support from their fans to help their bandmate battling a severe illness. Their sense of brotherhood relieves OPM enthusiasts because it sets an example of how music brings people together.

Vito Bacarro

Jim Saab’s sec ond-born son, Vito, captured the hearts of adoring netizens and music lovers through several videos showcasing his passion for playing instruments. He showed how quick he was to learn new beats and jam with his dad during sessions. Moreover, Vito is a certified Beatles fan who knows many hits by heart. Guess it shows that being musically inclined runs in the family.

…are not talking about

Dawn Zulueta

The weeklong 2023

World Economic Forum held last week brought attention to its attendees, and the Filipinos had a laser focus on the actions of the country’s delegation. So when they saw Dawn shopping in Davos, Switzerland, they assumed she tagged along for the ride, especially since her husband, Antonio Lagdameo Jr., is the Special Assistant to the President. Whether it was at their expense or not, seeing Dawn living lavishly during a relevant conference was out of touch.

Andrew E

Although Toni Gonzaga anniversary concert sold out, people weren’t impressed with Andrew’s guest ing. People expected to see more because Toni was celebrating two decades in the entertainment industry. Some people found Andrew’s appearance predictable and hoped to see other celebrities amp up their performances. Oh, well. At least Alex Gonzaga was there as Toni and the other guests poked fun at her for her controversial cake-smearing fiasco.

SPARKLE, GMA

Network’s talent management arm, a year into its rebirth, took 2022 by storm with a frenzy of events and a number of launches that saw fresh faces and re-energized artists who showed superb talent and left beautiful sparks all over this glam and glitzy industry.

And under the vibrant leadership of Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA’s Senior Vice President, Sparkle took center stage. The focus, she says, is now on the artists, “I hope that I can lead Sparkle well and that I can fulfill the demands of the position and I hope na tumuloy-tuloy and we can really be of service to our stars and to the network.”

Supporting her in overseeing the operations of the department is a team of seasoned personnel from the industry including AVP for Talent Management Joy Marcelo, Senior Managers Tracy Garcia, Vic del Rosario, Daryl Zamora, among others who oversee probably the largest support team of managers, handlers, producers, and specialists to more or less 300 artists.

With the guidance of the iconic star builder Mr. Johnny Manahan, who has been hands-on since the rebranding of the group to Sparkle.

The most watched TV programs of 2022 were top-billed by no other than Sparkle’s Prime artists – Sanya Lopez for First Lady, Ruru Madrid for Lolong, Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Julie Anne San Jose for Maria Clara at Ibarra Kylie Padilla for Bolera, and Alden Richards for Start-Up PH, to name a few. These shows dominated TV viewing throughout the year. Hard work and perseverance of these actors brought the programs and their acting skills to even greater heights. Trusted brands, multinationals, and even start-ups forged partnerships with leading Sparkle endorsers Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, Gabbi Garcia, Julie Anne San Jose, Kyline Alcantara, Camille Prats, and Khalil Ramos. These Sparkle artists landed multimedia endorsements surpassing the expectations of management.

With all these, Sparkle held the biggest gathering of stars last July for a thanksgiving gala and charity event. The night decked out the loveliest and most glamorous lineup of talents which kept the netizens abuzz for several weeks and

Sparkling on its first year

PAGEANT CONCEPT

BY ETON CONCEPCION

WHILE Miss Universe is now open for married women, the Mrs. Universe pageant still continues on its 45th year with over a hundred candidates from all over the world competing in Sofia, Bulgaria, set from January 30 to February 5.

Mrs. Philippines Universe 2022 Veronica Yu, 41, a businesswoman and volunteer firefighter, leads a six-member Mrs. Universe Philippines FDN delegation, who were crowned in October 2022, to claim the title yet to be won by a Filipina.

“I am ready to represent the country and bring home our first Mrs. Universe crown.

I’m excited to bring to the international stage my advocacy for the prevention of violence against women and children. My ongoing mission is to

gave millions of views, unchallenged in number to this day. Definitely on their way to stardom is the newest batch of stars that was launched, the Sparkada. These artists were also part of Sparkle’s official summer music video titled “Kung Ikaw Ang Kasama.”

Some of them, Tanya Ramos, Caitlyn Stave, Kirsten Gonzales, Cheska Fausto, Vince Maristela, Sean Lucas, Raheel Bhyria, and Michael Sager, are seen in the current Primetime program Wattpad’s gigantic hit Luv Is caught in his arms with Sparkle’s newest love team Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay Sparkle’s prime artists also landed multiple covers and features in major local and international magazines such as Vogue, Now Magazine, L’Officiel Preview, MEGA Magazine, and Cosmopolitan PH, to name a few.

The glitz, glam, and fun never stopped all year long as Sparkle then held its firstever Halloween party via “The Sparkle

Spell.” Following the successful GMA Thanksgiving Gala, Sparkle artists and online influencers showed off their scariest, sexiest, and most stylish costumes in one bewitching evening.

Sparkle then gave an early Christmas present to its loyal Kapuso fans as it held the ‘Sparkle Fans Day: Isang Pasasalamat’ at the SM North Edsa Skydome to show appreciation for the fans’ undying love and support. The event was jam-packed with 1,400 fans and featured astounding performances from 70 Sparkle Artists. The well-anticipated event also carried out funfilled activities.

Later in the year, Sparkle successfully organized its second grand contract signing event, Signed for Stardom, where various Kapuso artists, composed of veteran actors and actresses, TV hosts, singers, comedians, beauty queens, and rising stars, renewed their contracts, while at the same time, new faces were introduced to its ever-growing, ever-shining roster.

Some of the brilliant stars who renewed their contract with Sparkle were: Kylie Padilla, Kyline Alcantara, Ysabel Ortega, Derrick Monasterio, and David Licauco.

Also joining them were some of the most talented actors and actresses in the industry today, namely, Thea Tolentino, Lianne Valentin, Angel Guardian, Liezel Lopez, Sophie Albert, Thia Thomalla, Maxine Medina, Rodjun Cruz, EA Guzman, and Juancho Trivino. Sparkle also welcomed seasoned actor Jason Gainza, beauty queen Bianca Manalo, and actor-comedian Buboy Villar to its roster of stars.

Another highlight of the year was when Sparkle welcomed this Generation’s Pop Princess, Zephanie. To date, she continues to showcase her amazing vocals in GMA shows and events. Also joining Sparkle’s star-studded roster of talents is Chanty, a member of the new K-pop group Lapillus Read full story on manilastandard.net

Fil-Am singer Kenneth Laurente releases first Tagalog single ‘Sayo Na’

“Sayo Na,” which he recorded with rising act Klarrence in equal billing. The song, penned by Ryan Radaza and produced by Rasec Marc, is the theme song for “Tahanan” which was awarded the grand prize at Culver City Film Festival last year.

BY YUGEL LOSORATA TOUCHBASS

SINGER Kenneth Laurente, dubbed as L.A. Master Balladeer by the FilipinoAmerican community, has already released five singles, all with English lyrics. That’s not his intention, but may have to do with the natural flow of things in the city where the Hollywood Walk of Fame is.

The California-based talent, who has performed with the likes of Nonoy Zuniga, Lani Misalucha, and Jed Madela, is now, as part of his noble plan, releasing a Tagalog piece for his latest single. His goal is “to focus on representing the Filipino culture in Los Angeles.”

Laurente’s new digital single is called

“’Sayo Na’ is the foundation of the relationship of the main characters in the movie, which led to it being a conversation between two singers,” Laurente said. “I’ve been a fan of Klarrence since her debut single so when I met her in the recording studio to record this song, I was so enthusiastic about it.”

“Sayo Na” is blessed with an embracing tune anchored on empowering Filipino lyrics. It captures the longing for something or someone, and conveys a sense of uncertainty and wonder common for someone in a new environment still finding a spot.

Kenneth added, “It also emphasizes the fight for love, whatever the obstacles that may arise, and serves as an emotional anchor for the film, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of the main character’s emotions.”

The song was written specifically for the film by writer-director Nicholas Barber and director of photographyproducer Nichole Ruiz. It is a movie about a Filipino forced to immigrate to the United States with his family due to financial struggles. It’s a relatable tale for many Filipinos in foreign lands and gripping with human drama.

Laurente’s own story is not an easy walk to the stage. His career in L.A only began in 2019, or after getting out of the US military. Good thing he’s been singing all his life, having been a member of the choir, most notably in the Saint John Bosco Chorale of SJB Parish in Makati

The beauty of diversity

Volunteer firefighter, PSG trooper, single mom, and three others vie for 45th Mrs. Universe crown in Bulgaria

and underprivileged,” said Yu, a Rotarian who has traveled as far as India to fulfill her mission.

Mrs. West Pacific Asia Universe 2022

Jeannie Jarina, 45, is a single mother who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University, and currently works as CEO of Technofab Steel Co.

Asked about how she manages her time being a married woman and beauty queen, she said:

“It’s really hard to juggle the responsibilities of a single mom and your full-time job, and then preparing for the competition, but if there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Mrs. North East Asia Universe 2022 Lady Chatterly Alvaro-Sumbeling is a Lieutenant Commander of the Philippine Navy and currently serves as Chief Civil Military Operations Officer of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at Malacañang Palace.

She was conferred the Order of LapuLapu by then President Rodrigo Duterte in recognition of her outstanding service as PSG officer, and was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Medal by President Benigno Aquino III in 2012 for composing “Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan,” the official theme song of AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan. A role model for women empowerment, Lady Chatterly, who is married to a fellow military officer, will bring to the Mrs. Universe stage her advocacy of uplifting fellow women to reach their full potential. The rest of the Philippine delegates are Mrs. North Pacific Asia Universe 2022 Gines Shainon Angeles, Mrs. Continental Asia Universe 2022 Michelle Solinap, and Mrs. Pacific Continental Universe 2022 Virginia Evangelista

night will be on February 3 while the Gala / Awarding night is set on February 4 at the National Palace of Culture where Mrs. Universe 2022 Ana Kudryavtseva Siradze of Georgia will crown her successor.

City. This membership led to a tour of Canada and Singapore in 2008 and 2012, respectively.

Laurente is also a member of Fil-Trio, a Fil-Am classical-crossover group, with Cristiani Rebada and Lyndon Apostol They will perform at the concert of Jose Mari Chan and The Company, entitled Love In Other Words, set on February 25. Asked to name some of his key influences, Laurente named Martin Nievera, Josh Groban, and Andrea Bocelli. He is set to perform with “Fil-Am Prince of Pop” Garth Garcia on January 27 in Los Angeles, and February 4 in Modesto, California.

“Being a performer here in Los Angeles is difficult,” Laurente pointed out, “It is necessary to have a stable job and income to finance your passion. I have my own home music studio where instruments and gears are very expensive. I have a 9 to 5 job while I’m perfecting my craft. On weekdays I have about two hours to work in my music studio or perform on weekends. It takes time, but the results are definitely worth it.”

Laurente’s new single “Sayo Na” is proof of such a priceless gem.

Mrs. Universe Ltd., a pageant for married, divorced or widowed, 18 to 55 years old, looks for the “most honorable married woman involved with a significant cause in favor of other people.” The idea is to unite women from different countries involved in different initiatives under the motto “Against Violence,” which in different years covers different causes.

Mrs. Universe Philippines Foundation CEO and national director Charo Laude expressed confidence that finally, the Philippines will bring home the title. The 46th Mrs. Universe will be held in Manila in October 2023.

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant

Zephanie

Sanya Lopez

Alden Richards

Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo

Barbie Forteza and Jak Roberto

Kenneth Laurente, L.A.’s Master Balladeer

Six Filipino women from different backgrounds are competing in Bulgaria for the Mrs. Universe crown

Sparkle talents presented during the ‘Signed for Stardom’ event held at the latter part of 2022

Life

Beauty and lifestyle mecca of North Luzon opens doors to the public

BEAUTÉDERM is fast becoming a household name because of its innovative efforts that raise the bar for the entire beauty and lifestyle industry. No wonder, a number of A-list celebrities are now entrusting their names to the brand.

To further strengthen its position in the beauty and lifestyle market, President and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan had a vision of building a structure that would symbolize the success of the brand – an edifice that will signal the Beautéderm’s attempt to become at par with the industry’s bigger players.

“This is just the first and let’s build nine more,” Anicoche-Tan said in jest. “But why not, let’s claim it.”

As a grand prelude to its 14th anniversary in the business this 2023, Beautéderm Corporation opened the year with a historic event that marked the unveiling of Beautéderm Corporate Headquarters

along with the grand celebration of The Year Of The Water Rabbit.

Serving now as a landmark in Angeles, Pampanga, Beautéderm Corporate Headquarters is an expansive and modern five-story building that houses the company’s corporate operations as well as other businesses that comprise the Beautéderm Group of Companies.

The building itself now serves as the beauty and lifestyle mecca of North Luzon housing the luxury store A-List Avenue that offers high-end fashion brands; BeautéHaus, an aesthetic clinic; AK Studios, a state-of-the-art studio

ideal for photo shoots and video productions; and Beauté Beanery, which is now considered the poshest fusion restaurant and café in Angeles City today.

For almost two years, with Anicoche-Tan at the helm, the entire team of Beautéderm has meticulously planned the design and construction of Beautéderm Corporate Headquarters as it is positioned not only as the company’s base of operations but a premier lifestyle venue in Angeles City as well.

“Beautéderm Corporate Headquarters is truly a dream come true,” said Anicoche-Tan. “Each person who ever believed and continue to believe in my vision to contribute a beautéful difference in this world has impacted every brick, metal, and stone of this building. I did not accomplish this alone – I certainly had help. I dedicate this to all our consumers not only here in the Philippines but around the world as well, to my hardworking staff, to my brand ambassadors, and to all our resellers, distributors, and franchisees. Together, we are ready more than ever, to face the promises of the coming years anew with all our hopes and dreams.”

For over a decade, Beautéderm has steadfastly won the trust of millions of loyal consumers as an industry leader in the field of beauty and wellness with countless products that are now considered daily essentials that consist of skin and body care; vitamins and health boosters; home fragrances; and patented merchandise to mention a few.

The company’s business model is designed by its founder to provide consumers with life-changing products that enable them to gain the confidence to maximize their full potential as individuals while providing resellers, distributors, and franchisees a sustainable livelihood that empowers them with the financial independence to live full lives with their families and loved ones.

How Arjo Atayde does it all

tive suffering from PTSD who – in his bid for redemption as a security guard – attempts to save the life of a woman being hunted down by a corrupt police death squad working for a drug cartel. The twisted narrative finds Arjo’s character waging war between his inner demons and those that exist in reality.

Anicoche-Tan standing at the entrance of the five-storey building which is now a landmark in Angeles City. (Inset) The dragon prosperity dance welcomes guests attending the grand opening

work is work. I enjoy what I’m doing and I learned a lot of things through the years,” he smilingly explained.

Given the wealth of learning, it made me wonder what hack Arjo has unlocked to make the most out of his 24 hours a day.

I was curious about how he is taking care of his well-being while working on different roles that demand a lot.

knows better.

DURING a set visit early this month, actor-turned-politician Arjo Atayde was all muddy and “bloody” when he said “hi.” Drenched by artificial rain, Arjo was rehearsing punches with costar Sid Lucero for an action scene under a rain rig. He is top-billing the family-produced action movie Topakk

Having observed his showbiz journey from the time he starred as Jepoy in the ABS-CBN series E-boy more than a decade ago and was given a big break via Dugong Buhay, it was a delight to see Arjo coming into his own and wearing another hat. He juggles being an actor-producer with being the representative of Quezon City’s 1st congressional district.

“We’re here to push Filipino quality films and series,” the award-winning actor shared the vision of Nathan Studios, a family-owned production company. He co-owns the company with his sister Ria, mom Sylvia [Sanchez], and dad Art

Arjo revealed that producing has long been suggested by his mom but it only went into fruition after the ABS-CBN shutdown. The network that has become home to the Ataydes lost its franchise in 2020.

Named after the street where Arjo and his siblings grew up, Nathan Studios is a form of homage to their childhood. Nathan has been handling production projects before Topakk and the list includes the thriller series Cattleya Killer, a co-production with ABS-CBN International Productions.

Topakk features Arjo in his first mainstream starring role. The project came after he made history as the first Filipino to win Best Actor at the 3rd Asian Academy Creative Awards

in 2020. Arjo’s portrayal of “Bagman” Benjo Malaya in the crime drama thriller was so effective that he bested the most respected actors from all over Asia.

With dios’ recent project, Arjo and the team are taking a chance on tackling fresh issues in the ac tion genre.

“We are dealing with some things that have nev er been or are not usually tackled in films,” Arjo in troduced. The upcoming movie which also stars Julia Montes and is di rected by Richard Somes dives deep into post-trau matic stress disorder or PTSD, a condition com monly acquired by men in uniform as they get into battles and fight for the safety and secu rity of the nation.

Topakk is the story of a for mer special forces opera

To prepare for his role, Arjo did his homework. “I watched different videos on YouTube. I don’t peg but I observe depending on the situation. I definitely studied [my role] through videos. That’s the only way I had since I had a lot of work to do,” Arjo shared. He playfully added while pretending to push buttons on an imaginary tablet, “YouTube time! I watched videos before sleeping. It was my assignment.”

Arjo admitted his contribution to the production business is limited to providing creative insights ily discussions as he takes public service seriously. fused juggling three jobs, Arjo gave a quick no. “No, no, no. At the end of the day, this is ground.

I know

I can clearly remember how Arjo’s intense role as Joaquin in the recordbreaking and top-rating primetime series FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano was so heavy that it took time for him to completely detach from it. This time, he

“I take a day off at least once a week, at least Sunday, unless there’s an important event in the district,” Arjo was thrilled to share. “I relax on a Sunday and spend some family time. I make sure to work from Monday to Saturday so I have to breathe,” he added. There is so much to watch out for in terms of Arjo’s career and even personal life. Friends and fans are beyond thrilled when he and host-actress Maine Mendoza got engaged last year. There is a huge chance the much-awaited wedding is happening this year.

LCS Group chief meets with Korea’s Jungheung Group

PH’s

PHILIPPINES’ LCS Group chairman Luis Chavit Singson recently met with Jungheung Group vice chairman Jung Won-ju and other Korean corporate traders in an event to promote exchange between the two countries’ business communities in Seoul.

About 100 government officials and businessmen including Genesis BBQ chairman Yoon Hong-geun, Philippines’ Governor of Ilocos Sur Jeremias Singson, and LCS Group vice chairwoman Richelle Louise Singson-Michael attended the Conference on Korea-Philippines Ex-

change and Cooperation.

During the event, held at a hotel in Gangnam, Seoul, under the theme of “Post-Corona: New era and relationship,” LCS Group introduced its projects in construction, property development, retail, and manufacturing.

LCS Group is currently engaged in a regional development project in the Ilocos Sur province and the Manila Metrowalk commercial complex project. Chairman Singson said his conglomerate will actively cooperate with Korean companies entering and investing in the Philippines.

LCS Group Chairman Luis Chavit Singson met with Jungheung Group Vice Chairman Jung Won-ju and other Korean corporate traders in Seoul

Rhea Anicoche-Tan flanked by the brand’s celebrity ambassadors during their headquarters’ grand opening

Arjo Atayde, Julia Montes, Sylvia Sanchez, Will Fredo, and Richard V Somes

Arjo Atayde