Manila Standard - 2023 February 4 - Saturday

DRUG WAR VICTIMS HAD FALSE DEATH RECORDS—FORTUN

PH, US revive joint sea patrols

To help address security challenges in SCS amid China's military rise

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE United States and the Philippines have agreed to restart joint patrols in the South China Sea as the longtime allies seek to counter China's military rise, a US Defense Department statement said.

Indonesia tells major powers to keep SEA out of rivalries

INDONESIA told major powers not to use Southeast Asia as a "proxy" for their rivalries Friday at the start of two-day talks between regional foreign ministers, while also calling for unity and progress on the Myanmar crisis.

Southeast Asia's biggest economy is the chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2023 and will later this year host the bloc's annual leaders' meetings, which are typically also joined by China and the United States.

Disputes over the South China Sea have pitted some ASEAN members against Beijing and boosted sympathy for US opposition to China's growing assertiveness, but others have shown support on issues in line with the Asian superpower.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo told ASEAN ministers in talks before Friday's meeting that "ASEAN should not Next page

NEDA approves six big-ticket projects worth over P100b

By Vince Lopez

SOCIOECONOMIC Planning Secre-

tary Arsenio Balisacan on Friday said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board has approved six big-ticket projects, including the proposal to raise funding for

The two countries had suspended maritime patrols in the hotly contested area under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

During a visit to Manila by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, he and Philippine counterpart Carlito Galvez "agreed to restart joint maritime patrols

in the South China Sea to help address (security) challenges," the statement said Thursday (Friday, Manila time).

The officials had also announced a deal to give US troops access to another four bases in "strategic areas" in the Southeast Asian nation.

Beijing's growing assertiveness on

Taiwan and its building of bases in the disputed South China Sea have given fresh impetus to Washington and Manila to strengthen their partnership. Given the Philippines' proximity to Taiwan and its surrounding waters, its cooperation would be key in the event of

the rehabilitation of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

The six projects were on top of the seven that were earlier approved by the NEDA board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

On Thursday, Malacañang announced

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Oil price rollback as much as P2/liter likely next Tuesday to snap 3-wk hike

By Alena Mae Flores

DIESEL will likely go down P2 a liter and gasoline by almost as much next week as oil companies adjust their pumps to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The rollback will put an end to three

consecutive weeks of oil price hikes for gasoline and diesel, which reached a total of P5.05 per liter for gasoline and P3.75 per liter for diesel.

Department of Energy (DOE) director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau

Rodela Romero said she expects a price

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BI relieves warden facility head, staff

By Rey E. Requejo

Commissioner Norman Tansingco did not authorize the use of cell phones in the facility.

By Joyce Pangco Pañares

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has relieved the head and other personnel of its warden facility after six mobile phones were found on a Japanese detainee wanted in Japan, a bureau spokesperson said Friday.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told radio dzBB that the responsibility for the breach lies with the head of the warden facility.

The Department of Justice on Tuesday said that six iPhones were taken from one of the four Japanese nationals that the Japanese government had requested to be deported. Sandoval said Immigration

Sandoval said Tansingco was set to visit the facility Friday to inspect it for further improvements.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the deportation of the four Japanese nationals may begin next week, following the dismissal of most of the cases filed against them in various Philippine courts. Remulla made the statement after a Taguig court dismissed a “light threats” complaint filed against one of the Japanese nationals, Fujita Toshiya. Remulla said that the four Japanese

FRONT. The ASEAN Secretary General and Foreign Ministers (except Myanmar) pose for a group photo during the 32nd ASEAN Coordinating Council meeting in Jakarta on February 3, 2023. From left: Malaysia's Zambry Abdul Kadir, Brunei's Erywan Pehin Yusof, Singapore's Vivian Balakrishnan, Thailand's Don Pramudwinai, Vietnam's Bui Thanh Son, Indonesia's Rento Marsudi, Laos' Saleumxay Kommasith, Philippines' Enrique Austria Manalo, Cambodia's Prak Sokhonn, East Timor's Adaljiza Magno, and ASEAN Secretary General Kao

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco (center) leaves the detention facility where four Japanese nationals suspected of being involved in an alleged string of robberies in Japan are believed to be detained in Taguig City on February 3, 2023. AFP

in Kuwait paralyzed after fall from 3rd floor

A 34-YEAR-OLD overseas Filipino worker in Kuwait has become paralyzed from the waist down after escaping her “abusive” employer by jumping from a window on the third floor two weeks ago. “Mary” – a mother of two and a native of Cagayan Valley, suffered from a fractured spine and fractured left foot.

an interview with ABS-CBN from Next page

Farmers hurting over low onion farmgate prices

FARMGATE prices of onions have gone down amid the arrival of imported ones, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said.

SINAG president Rosendo So said prices of white onions have dropped to P70 to P90 per kilo from a high of P700 in December.

"This is in Bongabon area in Nueva

PH,...

From A1

a conflict with China, which a fourstar US Air Force general has warned could happen as early as 2025.

The agreement on joint patrols was made "at the last minute" of Thursday's defense talks between Austin and Galvez, a senior Philippines official told AFP on Friday.

"There is firm agreement that we will discuss guidelines of how to do these joint patrols," said the official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

"There will have to be follow up discussions... (about) exactly what we want to do, exactly where we want to do things, how often," and whether naval or coast guard vessels would participate in the patrols, the official added.

"Of course, the devil is going to be in the details, so technically if we don't agree in the end about how we want to do it, then it's not going to go forward.

Austin earlier clarified the United States is not interested in building permanent bases in the Philippines under EDCA where American troops can be stationed on a rotating basis and where the US can store fuel and equipment.

“I just want to be clear that we are not seeking permanent basing in the Philippines, as you heard us say in our statements, EDCA is a collaborative agreement that enables rotational activities," he said in a briefing shortly after his meeting with Galvez Thursday afternoon.

He also said these EDCA locations are a key pillar of training and op -

NEDA...

From A1 that the first public-private partnership (PPP) project approved by the NEDA board was the proposed construction of a P6-billion cancer center at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila.

On top of the UP-PGH cancer center project, the proposed increase in the cost of the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project by P7.6 billion from P21.9 billion to P29.6 billion also secured the NEDA board's approval, Balisacan said in a Palace press briefing Friday.

Balisacan said the NEDA Board approved the DOTr's request for changes in scope, project cost increase, implementation period extension, additional loan and second loan reallocation of the MRT-3 rehabilitation project.

"This project involves upgrading MRT-3 to its original, as designed, state, with provision for capacity expansion in the future. All subsystems will be restored, renewed or upgraded, including the tracks, signaling system, power supply system, overhead catenary system and communication system, as well as maintenance in a station equipment," he said.

"The project will also involve integrating other MRT-3 related projects such as the common station, the Dalian

Oil...

From A1 rollback based on the four-day trading in the world oil market.

Romero said gasoline prices will likely go down by almost P2 per liter and diesel and kerosene by more than P2 per liter.

She said the computation does not include the administrative and operating costs of the oil companies.

Romero attributed the price cut to the "ongoing recessionary fears, the threat of further interest rates and the build-up in US inventories of crude, petrol, and distillates."

Sources said world oil prices were also influenced by reports that Russian exports remained strong and the decision of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies not to cut production, contrary to market expectations.

Ecija. Red onions, on the other hand, is now at P170 to P190 per kilo," So said in a radio interview.

Farmers, however, have complained that the low farmgate prices

portunities to strengthen the interoperability of both Philippines and US forces.

"It also provides us the ability to respond effectively to humanitarian issues and also disaster relief and other types of crisis, not just for the Philippines but for the regions we are in," Austin said.

In the same press conference, Galvez said these four new EDCA locations would be revealed once they have finished consulting with the local communities where these facilities would be located.

"The President wanted that all actions will be consulted with our local governments and also wanted to see that these agreements of the four EDCA sites will be finished, " he added.

Finalized after eight rounds of talks in August 2013, the EDCA which was signed in 2014 allows US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to build facilities, and position equipment, aircraft, and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.

Under the EDCA, the Philippine government is working with the US to build the future facilities in Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu province.

Asked what capabilities are needed to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Galvez said the military needs more heavy and medium-lift capability to boost its disaster response missions.

Galvez said this means more C-130 cargo transports and S-70i "Black

trains, and the transition to a four-car train configuration. This rehabilitation project aims to enhance the safety and level of service of the MRT-3 and to promote its use to help alleviate the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila," he added.

Balisacan said the NEDA board also approved the utilization of Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) P2.12-billion loan balance for the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM).

The NEDA board, Balisacan said, also confirmed the InvestmentCoordination Committee's approval of the Department of Transportation's P17billion New Dumaguete Airport Development Project, P13 billion of which will be funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Korean government.

"Under this project, a new airport facility in Bacong, Negros Oriental will be developed with domestic and international standards for operational safety and efficiency. This project will replace the existing Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport due to physical and operationalconstraints involving the latter," Balisacan said, noting that the project will be implemented within seven years.

He said the new Dumaguete airport will enhance the province's tourism and

On Jan. 31, the oil companies raised pump prices of gasoline by P1.30, diesel by P1, and kerosene by P1.35.

This resulted in a total net increase this year of P7.20 per liter for gasoline, P3.05 per liter for diesel, and P4.45 per liter for kerosene.

Also on Friday, the DOE said it will release an energy storage system (ESS) policy on Feb. 14.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena

Guevara said this would take into account an increase in renewable energy, which can be affected by many variables.

For example, she said, for wind energy, if the wind dies down, the output of energy will go down as well, so an energy storage system would compensate for the lack of wind.

These energy storage systems would also help transmission and distribution providers because they need to stabilize their system, she added.

are affecting their income. Some farmers have also flagged what they described as an "oversupply" of tomatoes.

In an interview with ABS-CBN, farmer Joemar Sabawil said they are earning very little because prices of tomatoes at the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) have dropped. "We really have an oversupply. We

Hawk" helicopters, which the AFP has already configured for search and rescue missions.

Aside from this, the DND chief said the AFP needs more assets to defend the country's maritime domain.

This includes the capability to detect submarines in the WestPhilippine Sea, Galvez said.

On Friday, Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said thelatest agreement between the United States and the Philippines is not directed at any country, even though analysts say it would enable American troops to better protect nearby Taiwan from a Chinese invasion.

“Every country has its own interpretation. To us, we are only doingwhat is rightfully our right to defend ourselves. None of these moves are being directed to any country,” Romualdez told CNN Philippines.

Romualdez was responding to the Chinese Embassy’s statement accusing the United States of using the Philippines against China.

Beijing said Austin "smeared China on the issue of the South China Sea to advance the anti-China political agenda of the US."

Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippine-US alliance was “rock solid” after Austin met with Philippine officials.

“We identified key initiatives to improve mutual understanding of our priorities and challenges and to strengthen our relationship in ways that would secure our peoples,” he said in a Twitter post.

Senators welcomed the agreement with the United States.

Senator Francis Tolentino said he welcomed “defense and security upgrades with reliable allies like the United States,” noting that these must

trade potential, economic activities and standard of living.

NEDA also approved the Department of Agriculture's (DA) P6.6-billion Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), which aims to increase agricultural productivity, resiliency and access to markets and services of organized farmers and fishers groups in selected areas, Balisacan said.

He said around P5.3 billion of the estimated total cost of the MIADP will be financed through the ODA from the World Bank, while the remaining P863.461 million will be shouldered by the DA and the local government units (LGUs).

He said the MIADP covers selected ancestral domains in ZamboangaPeninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"The project will be pivotal in reducing poverty, unemployment and food insecurity among indigenous peoples. It will improve the economic situation of the indigenous people in Mindanao and further strengthen the capacity of LGUs to implement support programs that address weak market linkages and poor infrastructure in geographically isolated ancestral domains," he said.

Balisacan said the NEDA board also

OFW...

From A1 her hospital bed, Mary recalled that on Jan. 21, after finishing her chores, she did a Tik Tok live with her online friends inside her room when her female employer barged in.

“She started slapping me and pulling my hair. She confiscated my phone and kept asking me where I planned to go. I explained to her I was just resting and doing Tiktok but she would not listen. She kicked me on my back and locked me in the room,” she said.

Fearing for her life, Mary decided to escape through a small window in her room on the third floor. She was brought to the hospital by bystanders where she has been recuperating until now.

The Philippine embassy in Kuwait has also assigned a lawyer to handle her case against her employer.

cannot sell the tomatoes -- they will just rot. Our trucking cost to bring our produce to NVAT is wasted," Sabawil said.

At Balintawak Market, a kilo of tomatoes fetches for P15 to P40, depending on the size of the produce.

The Bureau of Plant Industry, however, said there is no oversupply but only an overproduction during the

be anchored on “solid constitutional foundations.”

Senator Francis Escudero noted that the expansion was well within the bounds of EDCA and will help promote regional stability.

On the other hand, Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto said that as the number of EDCA facilities have increased, the administration should brief Congress and tell the public where the additional bases will be.

“National security is not harmed by that candor. But any secrecy will deal transparency, an avowed hallmark of this administration, a serious blow,” he said in a statement.

“The men from Washington who came to town said they would like to speed up EDCA’s implementation. If that is what they desire, then what is the ultimate goal?

“Are we being built up as their armed garrison in the Pacific as a tripwire to Chinese expansionism?” he added.

He said that while the agreement is an administration prerogative he supports, he wants that the agreement be made public and the pros and cons be told.

On Thursday, China lashed out at the United States for its "zero-sum game mentality" and warned the Philippines against allowing itself to be "dragged into trouble waters."

“The United States, out of its self interests and zero-sum game mentality, continues to step up military posture in this region. Its actions escalate regional tension and undermine regional peace and stability,” the embassy said.

“It is hoped that the Philippine side stays vigilant and resists from being taken advantage of and dragged into troubled waters,” it added.

gave its approval to the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) first phase of the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project.

He said the project aims to mitigate flood damage, reduce flood risk and improve climate resilience in the country's three major river basins, including Abra, Ranao and Tagum Libuganon in Mindanao.

The project, with an estimated cost of P20 billion, is to be financed through an ODA loan from the Asian Development Bank.

Balisacan said the NEDA board also approved the DOTR's request for changes in scope, an increase in cost, and the extension of the implementation period for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project.

The project, he said, involves delivering a "modern, high priority" bus system for Davao City, wherein interconnected bus services will be prioritized along 29 routes.

"Implementation period for this project is extended from 2023 to 2029," Balisacan said.

Balisacan said the approval of the "high-impact" projects will play an important factor in attaining the Marcos government's economic development agenda.

"These projects are expected to significantly contribute to achieving our social and economic transformation goal in the medium term," he said.

“We have already filed the case and we will do our best to get justice,” said lawyer Zahra Shammouh Mary's case surfaced days after the burnt body of Jullebee Ranara, a 35-year-old household worker, was found in a desert in Kuwait last month.

Ranara's killing prompted the Philippine government to suspend the accreditation of new foreign recruitment agencies in Kuwait.

“Hold or deferring applications from new agencies for accreditation but otherwise all agencies business as usual,” Department of Migrant Workers spokesperson Toby Nebrida said Friday. DMW Secretary Susan Ople earlier dismissed calls for a deployment ban. Instead, she said the Philippines and the Kuwaiti government will discuss stricter safeguards, more responsive and concrete actions especially on calls for rescue and assistance from OFWs in Kuwait.

harvest season.

"We really produce more than what we consume, but that is not oversupply per se," BPI spokesman Jose Diego Roxas said after a photo of tomatoes being thrown away by farmers went viral on social media.

"You can see from the photo that the tomatoes were quite small, or what we call rejects," he added.

Indonesia...

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be a proxy for any party," repeating a call he made at an ASEAN leaders' summit in Cambodia last year, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.

Another issue dominating talks was the crisis in military-ruled Myanmar, which has been in turmoil since the army seized power in 2021.

The junta remains an ASEAN member but has been barred from top-level summits over a lack of progress on a plan by the bloc to achieve peace between the military and Myanmar's anti-coup movement.

Myanmar's foreign minister Than Swe – appointed this week – was not present at the ASEAN talks Friday, the bloc having declined to invitea junta member and only requesting a "non-political representative" –an offer rejected by Naypyidaw.

There has been little movement on the "five-point consensus" agreed between ASEAN and the junta in April 2021 that called for an immediate end to violence and dialogue between the military and rebels.

But Widodo "emphasised that the fivepoint consensus of the ASEAN leaders should be the main agreement to assist the resolution of the problems in Myanmar," Marsudi said. AFP

BI...

From A1 nationals, which include Yuki “Luffy” Watanabe, the alleged leader of a Japan-based burglary gang that he reportedly managed from behind bars in the Philippines through cell phones, are facing 10 to 11 cases filed against them.

“I think we have already taken care of seven of them, seven cases. So,maybe three more cases to go. But at least, in the one week we’ve been doing it, we’ve been able to move forward with the process of deportation,” Remulla said.

“I don’t know if it’s Monday, or it’s Tuesday. But we will definitely start (deportations) next week. Whatever date it is, when we’re ready, when the tickets are there, when the escorts are there, then we start deporting, because they have to be escorted back to Japan,” he added.

Aside from the deportations, local officials are also formalizing the turnover of evidence to the Japanese government, including the cell phones confiscated, in accordance with the rules on transnational crimes agreed upon between countries.

The case of Toshiya was dismissed earlier Wednesday by Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 116.

Clerk of Court Merly Pagkalinawan said “the motion to withdraw (filed by prosecutors) stated the ground that there is a consistent absence on the part of the private complainant.”

“That is the reason why the motion is granted and it has the effect of dismissal of the case,” she added.

Pagkalinawan said the judge found no probable cause as there were no “overt acts” on the part of the accused.

The court official also said Toshiya and the complainant never appeared in court.

“None of the parties appeared, the complainant, the accused, even if there was counsel representing them, there were no appearances,” she said.

After they failed to appear for the second time, she said the courtissued a warrant of arrest that was later lifted when the case was dismissed.

The Japanese government has requested the deportation of Toshiya, Yuki Watanabe, Kiyoto Imamura, and Tomonobu Kojima. However, the DOJ said that they cannot deport individuals with pending cases.

OCD: 16 hurt in Davao de Oro earthquake

AT LEAST 16 people were reported injured and 97 others economically affected by a magnitude 6 earthquake that shook Davao de Oro on Wednesday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.

The OCD, in its updated report, said the tremor damaged over 52 infrastructures and two houses. The quake likewise set off two landslides.

The OCD said its field workers were continuing their assessment, coordination and monitoring the earthquake’s effects. Meanwhile, assistance is being rendered to

DFA: PH backs Timor-Leste’s ASEAN bid

THE Philippine government reaffirmed on Friday its support for Timor-Leste’s full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo conveyed the Manila’s commitment to back East Timor’s bid to join the ASEAN to his Timorese counterpart, Foreign Minister Adaljiza A.X.R. Magno, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ (AMM) Retreat in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“I met Timor Leste FM (Magno) on the sidelines of the AMM Retreat in Jakarta to discuss how we can further our bilateral relations & opportunities for cooperation under the ASEAN framework in Timor Leste’s current capacity as observer,” Manalo said in a post on social media.

“I also reiterated (the Philippines’) support for Timor Leste’s eventual admission as a full-fledged member of ASEAN,” he added.

The ASEAN last year granted Timor-Leste an observer status and allowed its participation in all of its meetings, including summit plenaries.

In a November 2022 statement, the ASEAN leaders agreed “in-principle to admit Timor-Leste to be the 11th member” of the bloc.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said Timor Leste’s inclusion took some time because membership in the ASEAN is a “complex issue” that has to take into consideration factors such as a country’s capacity to assume ASEAN’s rotating chairmanship.

the victims.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the epicenter of the quake, which occurred at 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday, was located at 12 kilometers N 29° E of New Bataan.

It said the quake occurred southeast of

Compostela in Davao de Oro with a depth of 28 kilometers.

The PHIVOLCS) also said 745 minor aftershocks have been recorded as of 8 a.m. Friday.

In a related development, the Department of Education (DepEd) estimated the cost of reconstruction and rehabilitation of the damaged school buildings at P7 million.

DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said 14 schools suffered varying degrees of damage in the Davao Region.

MMDA opens 12th Adopt-a-Park project in San Bartolome, QC

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has opened its 12th and latest park located in Barangay San Bartolome, Quezon City as part of the agency’s continuing Adopt-A-Park project.

The Nomar II Park features a multi-purpose building, lamp posts, seating areas and playsets. Apart from this, it also has an indoor sports facility that houses basketball and badminton courts.

MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes and general manager Undersecretary Procopio Lipana led the opening ceremony, graced

Panel okays bill on teens’ access to contraceptives

By Maricel V. Cruz

ALBAY Rep. Edcel Lagman on Friday hailed the passage by a House committee of a bill providing Filipino adolescents access to modern contraceptives without parental consent.

Lagman was referring to the approval by the Committee on Youth and Sports Development of House Bill 79 titled the “Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act” together with six other similar measures.

The committee chaired Rep. Faustino Michael Dy III approved the bills last February 2, 2023, while a substitute bill is being prepared by the committee to consolidate the measures along with committee amendments.

In a statement, Lagman asserted that “young people have the right to lead healthy lives and the means to protect their health and safeguard their future. This includes access to reproductive health information, services, and commodities.”

by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Artes said the Nomar II Park serves as additional space for recreational activities in the city.

“We are hoping to partner again with the local government of Quezon City for future projects,” he said.

The park was designed by the Quezon City Parks Development and Administration Department.

Mayor Belmonte expressed her gratitude to the MMDA, adding that having open spaces will benefit the residents of Quezon City.

“I am appealing to my constituents to maintain the cleanliness of the park,” she said.

“Ang protocol po natin is that Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) or distance learning muna ang mga learners affected by schools with infrastructure damage, para hindi maalantala ang pagaaral,” Poa said.

“Then provision of temporary learning spaces for schools with major infrastructure damages, while being repaired,” he added.

IN BRIEF

Parents of disabled kids to get aid under new bill

A GROUP of lawmakers on Friday pushed for the swift approval of a measure that aims to grant parents of children with disabilities (CWDs) a P2,000 monthly subsidy from the government.

House Bill 6743 filed by Reps. Paolo Duterte of Davao City, Eric Yap of Benguet and Edvic Yap and Jeffrey Soriano--both nominees of ACT-CIS outlines the requirements for parents of disabled children to qualify for the subsidy and mandates the creation of a database of all CWDs to be able to effectively implement this proposed law.

Citing a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) done in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the bill’s authors pointed out that expenses for raising a CWD is 40 to 80 percent higher than that for other kids without disabilities.

The UNICEF study also found out that poverty rates are 50 percent higher in households with CWDs.

“This proposed measure seeks to provide the [government] support and assistance needed by children with disabilities through a provision of a monthly subsidy to their parents in order to help alleviate the challenges they contin ously face amid the rising costs of living,” the bill’s authors said. Maricel V. Cruz

Lawmakers applaud passage of HB for agri loans

LAWMAKERS welcomed the House of Representatives’ final reading approval of a bill restructuring and condoning all interests, surcharges and other penalties of farmers and fishermen loans from government lending agencies to help the agricultural sector become more productive.

One of bill’s authors, Rep. Arnolfo Teves of Negros Oriental was referring to the proposed Agrarian and Agr cultural Loan Restructuring Act which aims to provide for the restructuring and condonation of unpaid interests, penalties, and surcharges on loans secured by farmers, fisherfolk and agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, People’s Credit and Finance Corp., Cooperative Dev’t. Authority, National Food Authority, and Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corp.

Teves, author of House Bill 2877, e pressed confidence that his proposed measure would also hurdle the Senate without hindrance for the much needed immediate support for the overburdened farmers and fisherfolk due to the ballooning interests of their loans. Maricel V. Cruz

LGUs craft support plan for agrarian reform orgs

AT LEAST seven government agencies and nine local government units have crafted a convergence plan to benefit farmer-members of 113 agrarian reform beneficiaries’ organizations (ARBOs) in Sarangani and General Santos City, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Mariannie Baunto, DAR-Soccsksargen director, said DAR has partnered with the Cooperative Development Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Trade and Industry to provide essential support services to the agrarian reform beneficiaries.

The thrust is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Secretary Conrado Estrella III to improve the livelihood of the farºmers nationwide by providing them with different support services, such as farm machinery, farm inputs, agricultural technologies and training skills.

“These agencies have committed to sharing their resources to help u lift the lives of our farmers and pr mote sustainable development in the countryside,” she said. Rio N. Araja

Escudero: No tax exemption for Maharlika corp

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Chiz Escudero said it is “bad

policy” to give tax exemption to the proposed Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), which will manage the country’s Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

Under the proposed bills, Escudero said the MIC will be exempted from national and local taxes, and from coverage of the Governance Commission for Government-owned and controlled corporations (GCG).

“It is bad policy to have a lot of exemptions and very difficult to implement, if at all. So, I think they should not continue with that policy,” he said, adding that the current administration should uphold its “no tax exemption” policy.

He also questioned the perks to be granted to the MIC and expressed concern on the many privileges that the MIC will get supposedly to attract investors and augment government resources.

Fortun: Drug war victims had false death records

FORENSIC pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun said that more victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war had falsified death certificates.

Reports said Fortun has so far examined the exhumed remains of 74 people killed in the bloody crackdown.

“Last year April, I only had 7 in my collection and we actually found 4 more.

So, I now have 11,” Fortun, quoted by an ABS-CBN News report, said. “For the 74 cases, the total now is 11 cases where the death certificates were certified as natural cause but the victims died from gunshot wounds.”

Earlier, Fortun noted an incomplete examination on the body of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos, who was killed by police in an alleged anti-drug operation in August 2017.

She noted that the corpse was super-

ficially cut and was not opened, in contrast with what is normally done during autopsies.

Other autopsy procedures that Fortun found unusual included the arbitrary insertion of a metal stick to the gunshot wounds and incorrect measurement of the trajectory of the bullet, ABS-CBN News reported. Fortun also found a bullet fragment in the neck vertebrae area of Delos Santos’ remains, which authorities might have missed.

Three Caloocan policemen in 2018 were found guilty of murdering the teenager.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Crispin Remulla meanwhile said the family De los Santos will be meeting with the

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following revelations made by Fortun.

The DOJ chief also reiterated that the visit of forensics expert Dr. Morris TidballBinz to the country this month is meant to boost the country’s much-needed capability in examining wrongful deaths.

In a media interview, Remulla stressed that the 66-year-old United Nations expert is “not coming in as a special rapporteur.”

“That’s why, this capacity building is one of the commitments we have with the United Nations. and of course, the UN will be the one that will fund this capacity building program,” Remulla added.

Tidball-Binz was appointed the UN Special Rapporteur on extra-judicial, summary or arbitrary executions on 1 April 2021.

He had been in the country as part of an international team of pathologists to identify the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Escuderoe cited Section 31 of SB 1670 which provides that the following transactions and assets of the MIC and MIF shall be exempt from “local and national taxes, direct and indirect, that may be imposed under the Local Government Code of 1991, and the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, pursuant to the regulations to be issued by the Department of Finance (DOF), upon the recommendation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).”

He said importation of supplies and equipment by the MIC and MIF shall also be exempt from customs duties, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The MIC, he said, should be obligated to pay the taxes due as the government, and if it wants to, can always funnel the money back to the Maharlika Fund by way of the Tax Expenditure Fund as provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act.

But Sen. Sonny Angara said everything is not yet final as some progress has been made in improving the bill and introducing safeguards. Angara said he believes to come up with a better MIF in the upcoming Senate hearings.

“We will scrutinize every minute details,” he added.

Escudero further said the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the financial institutions eyed to be the major contributors to the MIF, have been paying taxes as the rest of the other corporations.

“The Land Bank and the DBP do not do not enjoy these exemptions. So, why give it to the MIC?” he asked.

JV bats for lower PhilHealth dues

SENATOR Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has urged the Senate to amend Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law to lower current premium rates being collected by the Philippine Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

Ejercito, one of the principal sponsors of the UHC Law during his first term in the Senate, said adjusting these premium rates is necessary since the country is still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have to adapt to the situation. The intention might be good in increasing the rates, but we should understand we are still recovering from the pandemic.

In July 2022, Ejercito filed Senate Bill No. 160, which aims to introduce several reforms

By Vito Barcelo

to the collection of PhilHealth premiums. Proposed amendments seek to revise PhilHealth’s premium rate schedule; base the contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and self-employed individuals on the lowest premium rate; free distressed or repatriated OFWs from their obligation to resolve their unpaid premiums upon their return to the country; and remove the payment of PhilHealth contributions as a requirement for the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates.

Other proposed changes to the premium collection scheme include fixing the income ceiling for premium contributions at P40,000 as the basis for premium rates and increasing the national government’s subsidy for indirect contributors.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

BI nabs Japanese wanted for illegal recruitment

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a Japanese fugitive wanted by authorities in his country for illegal recruitment and falsifying official documents. The suspect, Amano Mototaka, 50, was arrested along Arellano Ave., Sta. Ana, Manila by operatives from the BI’s fugitive

search unit (FSU).

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that Amano is the subject of an arrest warrant issued by a summary court in Nagoya, Japan on Sept. 30, 2022, but he eluded capture by fleeing to the Philippines.

“We issued a mission order for his arrest after we received information from Japanese authorities that he is a wanted criminal, set to

stand trial in Japan for his alleged crimes,” the BI chief said in a statement.

According to records obtained by the BI, Amano was accused before the Nagoya court of falsifying false entries in original electromagnetic notarized deeds and offering them for sale.

The said offense violated Japan’s control and improvement of amusement business punishable under the country’s penal code.

PAO seeks hefty fines for erring contractors

By Rio N. Araja

THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) is seeking tougher fines and penalties against developers and contractors of substandard and defective construction of structural units.

During yesterday’s MAYBATAS#PALA, PAO chief Persida Acosta cited those behind the construction of residential units, townhouses and other structures could be held liable under the National Building Code of the Philippines or Presidential Decree 1096. She, however, lamented that violators of the law could only be meted out two-year imprisonment and be penalized with P20,000 if found guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

“Two years is not enough,” she stressed, adding that “An erring developer only gets blacklisted (by concerned government agencies).”

She called lawmakers to raise the fine and impose a higher jail term.

“The sanctions are light. That is why there are rampant violations. This is a challenge to the members of Congress and our senators to impose a tougher sanction so we could get rid of these (negligent) developers and contractors,” she said.

She invoked Article 1725 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines stating that “The owner may withdraw at will from the construction of the work, although it may have been commenced, indemnifying the contractor for all the latter’s expenses, work and the usefulness which the owner may obtain therefrom, and damages.”

PD 1096 states that “All buildings or structures as well as accessory facilities thereto shall conform in all respects to the principles of safe construction and must be suited to the purpose for which they are designed.”

Mototaka is also under investigation in Japan for arranging fake marriages of Filipino applicants so the latter can acquire long-term resident visas and eventually recruit them to work in his illegally-operated entertainment bar.

The Japanese is currently detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.

KIDS. The Valenzuela

led by Mayor Wes Gatchalian,

COMMEMORATING THE BATTLE OF MANILA. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna led the wreath-laying during the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Manila at its marker in Freedom Triangle Plaza on February 3. Representatives from the Embassy of Australia, Japan, the People’s Republic of China, the United Mexican States, and the Manila City Council with the Armed Forces of the Philippines graced the event. Norman Cruz

EARLY MORNING DIP. A local tourist enjoys an

early morning dip in a resort in San

Juan Batangas. Manny Marcelo

Considering the US Coast Guard to join the Philippines in patrolling

South China Sea

THE idea of a joint maritime patrol by the US Coast Guard and by the Philippine Coast Guard to ward off the continuing incursion of Chinese militia in the South China Sea is a suggestion better said than implemented.

When one suggests the idea of a joint patrol it connotes the Philippines is unable to patrol and control our own border against our biggest neighbor in the South China.

First, it connotes that there a dispute between China and the Philippines.

Second our invitation for the US partakes that of a guarantor to our security, nullifying it has openly admitted to have no claim in the South China Sea.

What we have as our neighbor is the People’s Republic of China for which we have a dispute in the South China Sea and with many of the littoral states in the region.

What we have is a border dispute where the failure of both parties failed to agree on their respective boundaries.

But in our case, our boundary with China has clearly been demarcated in the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, meaning the boundaries beyond the demarcated as boundaries is now considered an international water, or open to freedom of navigation.

In fact, it was the boundaries demarcated in the Treaty of Paris that estopped our claim to any of these islands located outside of the Treaty.

the US continues to solicit support from its allies in the Indo-Pacific region to resuscitate the geo-political alliance, and impressed most countries that the newly formed groupings may one day urge Taiwan to take a separate move towards independence from China.

For our ambassador to invite the US Coast Guard to consider joining in patrolling the West Philippine Sea is motivated by selfish consideration of wanting to expand US military bases agreement in the Philippines without going through the constitutional process of having the treaty ratified by the Senate.

It seems our ambassador does not understand the US has no territorial claim in the disputed area called South China Sea.

It has no direct interest except in securing its interest in the island, and prevent China from invading the islands, a prize it is willing to pay.

Our ambassador wants to engage China in a war over an island for which it could not possibly defend nor protect despite the enormous armada of the US.

Even sensible Americans who could clearly delineate their country’s national interest are unwilling to plunge their country into war with China.

Only the ideological bigots made up of the neoliberals and those supported by the US military-industrial complex who today represent the financiers of wars are the ones hooting for war.

Americans could easily discern they could not be duped to engage in war on the basis of a collateral agreement provoked by one with which it has no direct military alliance.

It is sad the only country willing to go to war with China over Taiwan is the Philippines like what the US did to sow intrigue in Ukraine until the contradiction for war became inevitable.

The matter got complicated because of our position to invite the US join us in patrolling the South China Sea.

Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez, began by suggesting leasing out the US military bases granted it under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

It was questioned because it violated the basic purpose of the agreement and of our Constitution.

It cannot be argued the Philippines invited the US Coast Guard to help us patrol the longstretch of South China Sea.

It was the US that prodded us to secure an agreement to justify its presence in the area.

It having no claim in the area was done to limit its responsibility.

Nonetheless, the US will be the one that would stake its future in the area.

The US and its naval units patrolling the South China Sea cannot alone insist on freedom of navigation.

It is free to navigate and patrol the area based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea but it has no limited rights which is to regularly patrol and navigate the area so sensitive to China and to abet moves by that breakaway island called Taiwan.

Such is to exercise of hegemonism which could not be treated favorably by China and other countries which are littoral to the South China Sea.

US presence in the South China Sea has become awkward since it insists it has no claim to any of the territories in the South China Sea. Its presence is only justified by that Cold War, which is to maintain the two-China policy; that of securing Taiwan to stop China from invading that island.

The US position has become so untenable

By Caroline Taix

GRAYS, a town near London, voted overwhelmingly in favor of Brexit.

But three years after severing ties with the EU, some are feeling remorse as the country lurches from one crisis to another.

“I did vote Brexit, but I regret it,” said 42-year-old Maria Yvars, arguing she felt cheated by politicians.

“They didn’t give us the full facts... they told us things that were not true,” said the counselor in the town 30 kilometers east of the British capital.

“Now, this country is like a ship without a captain,” she added after the ruling Conservative government deposed two prime ministers last year including Boris Johnson, who led the campaign to quit the European Union.

In the 2016 vote, 72.3 percent voted for Brexit in the Essex constituency of Thurrock, of which Grays is the largest town with around 75,000 people.

That was the fourth highest pro-Brexit vote out of 382 voting areas in Britain that backed the split.

Arch-euroskeptic Nigel Farage chose

Death or injury

THE heart-warming video of a sister engaging former professional boxer Prichard Colon Melendez, strapped on a special medical bed, in a playful shadowboxing, serves as a lucid reminder for everyone how fragile life is, especially for a prizefighter performing in the ring.

Melendez, a Puerto Rican-American, was a bright prospect in professional boxing until he suffered his first loss in the ring in 2015.

He was constantly hit at the back of his head, despite his plea to the referee. He left the match in the ninth and proceeded to the dugout where he collapsed and remained in a coma for 221 days due to bleeding in the brain.

He slowly recovered but is still in a vegetative state although he’s now responding and improving steadily.

Filipino boxer Renerio Arizala was more fortunate.

The former featherweight contender suffered brain damage after losing to a Japanese foe via 6th-round knockout in Yokohama in 2019.

He collapsed in the dressing room after the loss and fell into a coma for 10 days before undergoing surgery to fix brain blood clotting.

He survived the ordeal and has since retired. He is currently a trainer at one of Elorde’s gyms. Others were not as lucky.

Oxygen supply is a must beside the ring and the medical team is always on standby

Local contender Karlo Maquinto died after a hard-fought match in Caloocan that ended in a majority draw. He collapsed and lost consciousness just after the announcement of the decision and was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was treated but later died due to cardiorespiratory arrest.

In 2013, a teener from Bulacan died after being comatose for days following a loss in a boxing competition at a regional meet for the Palarong Pambansa, a multi-sports competition among elementary and high school students. He was diagnosed to have suffered from an internal hemorrhage that led to his tragic death. The following year, boxing was scrapped from the list of events of the Palaro. The Games and Amusement Board, the government agency in charge of professional boxing regulations, have instituted stricter measures for the safety of the sport.

Oxygen supply is a must beside the ring and the medical team is always on standby. Trainers and handlers have become more medically scientific in their training methods. Healthy monitoring has become more of a standard procedure.

In spite of all these measures, it remains a fact that boxing as a career path will always be a choice between death and injury. Success comes to only a few.

There have been calls for a total ban on the sport but the opposition prevailed.

Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao, who started boxing at age 14, said it should not be stopped because it remains to be a source of hope for poor, young aspirants searching for better life and future for their family.

Boxing is here to stay but it will always be a dangerous sport.

The ICC and Duterte, the next phase

THE victims of the war against drugs inflicted by the Duterte administration on the Filipino people cry out for justice.

Thousands have died from this war; many families have been affected. Unfortunately, in our country, justice has so far eluded the victims and their families.

The jurisdiction of the ICC shall be limited to the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole.

The Court has jurisdiction with respect to the following crimes:

I say it was this ambassador who first broached the idea of having some of the US military bases be rented out to Taiwan, unmindful such decision would have the dreadful consequence of the country being directly involved in war with China.

Such silly idea is no different for a joint patrol with the US Coast Guard to patrol the whole stretch of South China Sea.

Regular patrol means routine monitoring of enemy vessels passing through that body of water, and all ships must observe certain protocol to avoid misunderstanding and conflict.

It is on this basis why the idea of a joint patrol by both the Philippine Coast Guard and the US Coast Guard is outlandish to comprehend:

first, that duty primarily involves the enforcement of sovereignty and of the country’s territorial integrity.

Second, a joint patrol usually involves the enforcement of punitive and police action for the enforcement of our laws against violators.

Usually, violators often involve foreign powers. Such action cannot just be relegated to other countries as they involve that country’s sovereignty.

If the issue of sovereignty is not resolved through peaceful means, there is the likely possibility of it resulting into war.

That could result in a proxy war with China over the issue unheard of in geo-politics.

Romualdez should be removed by the President as our ambassador.

He violated the basic norm of diplomacy that could lead this country to war with China.

What he is doing is an open betrayal of his duty as our ambassador: secure and protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. rpkapunan@gmail.com

With the recent order by the International Criminal Court pre-trial chamber for the resumption of the probe on Duterte’s violent war on drugs, which was earlier suspended, we review once again the legal framework of the ICC’s creation under the Rome Statute, the implications of the country’s unilateral withdrawal from the Roman Statute treaty in the probe of Duterte administration’s involvement in the war on drugs, and the effects of the assumption by President Marcos as the chief implementer of laws and foreign policy architect, on the direction and fate of the drug war investigation.

The Rome Statute was adopted by 120 States on July 17, 1998 to establish the International Criminal Court.

This is the first time in the history of humankind that States accepted the jurisdiction of a permanent international criminal court for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes committed in their territories or by their nationals after the entry into force of the Rome Statute on July 1, 2002.

The Criminal Court however is not a substitute for national courts.

According to the Rome Statute, it is the duty of every State to exercise its criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for international crimes.

The International Criminal Court can only intervene where a State is unable or unwilling genuinely to carry out the investigation and prosecute the perpetrators.

The primary mission of the International Criminal Court is to help put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, and thus to contribute to the prevention of such crimes.

What are the crimes under article 5 of the Statute of Rome over which the ICC may exercise jurisdiction?

The International Criminal Court can only intervene where a State is unable or unwilling genuinely to carry out the investigation and prosecute the perpetrators

(a) The crime of genocide which means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

(b) Crimes against humanity which means any of the following acts when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack.

(c) “War crimes” which means grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, namely, any of the following acts against persons or property protected under the provisions of the relevant Geneva Convention and other serious violations of the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict, within the established framework of international law.

In the case of an armed conflict not of an international character, serious violations of article 3 common to the four Geneva Conventions of August 12,1949, namely, any of the following acts committed against persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including

Regret takes hold in Brexit bastion

Thurrock as the backdrop to unveil his antiEU manifesto for the general election of May 2015.

The post-industrial area, which has taken in many migrants from eastern Europe, also includes Tilbury, one of the country’s main container ports.

AFP reported from there in 2017, finding Brexiteers had little regret about their vote a year later. But the departure only took full effect at the end of January 2020.

Johnson had promised “sunlit uplands” for Britain. Instead it got COVID, and now a crippling cost-of-living crisis resulting from sky-high inflation.

Thurrock Council, the local authority, effectively went bankrupt in December after a series of disastrous investments.

In Grays’ pedestrianized town center, one abandoned shop window reads “closed forever.”

Like many other high streets in Britain, the shops left are dominated by discount retailers offering £1 items, charity stores and bookmakers. ‘Ashamed’

While the government attributes Britain’s economic malaise to the

pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Brexit is increasingly being blamed for setting the country back after it cut off access to Europe’s single market across the Channel from Essex.

“Yes I voted for Brexit and I wish I hadn’t,” said another woman in her 50s, who wished to remain anonymous.

“Look at the country, it’s a disaster isn’t it?”, she added, explaining that most people she knows regret their Brexit vote.

Those who championed their Brexit vote were now “embarrassed,” even “ashamed,” added Yvars.

Support for Brexit across the nation has never been so low, according to a YouGov poll released in November.

Fewer than a third of Britons believe it was a good decision, with one in five Brexiteers changing their minds, according to the poll.

“What did the Brexiteers expect?” queried a Grays employee of the National Health Service (NHS) who wanted to remain in the EU. “We lost EU funding.”

Saving the NHS was a hallmark of Johnson’s Brexit campaign. Emblazoned on his red campaign bus was the message: “We send the EU £350 million a week. Let’s fund the NHS instead.”

Today, NHS workers including for the first time nurses have been striking in protest at government pay offers. ‘It will take time’

But Elaine Read, a 73-year-old woman who worked in finance in London, is not

members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds, detention or any other cause.

And (d) “Crime of Aggression” which means the planning, preparation, initiation or execution, by a person in a position effectively to exercise control over or to direct the political or military action of a State, of an act of aggression which, by its character, gravity and scale, constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations.

Once a case is referred to the ICC for investigation, the Office of the Prosecutor determines the jurisdiction of the Court with respect to the alleged crimes taking into account his/her thorough analysis of the available information, to determine whether there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation.

It is likewise the task of the Prosecution to ascertain whether any national authorities are conducting a genuine investigation or trial of the alleged perpetrators of the crimes, as well as to notify the States Parties and other States which may have jurisdiction of its intention to initiate an investigation.

The Pre-Trial Chamber may, at the request of the Prosecution, issue a warrant of arrest or summons to appear if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person concerned has committed a crime within the Court’s jurisdiction.

The warrant is issued if it appears necessary to ensure that the person will actually appear at trial, that he or she will not obstruct or endanger the investigation or the Court’s proceedings, or to prevent the person from continuing to commit crimes.

I will continue this discussion on Tuesday.

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

among the regretful contingent.

“I would probably vote again Brexit,” she said.

“We are an island, we’re isolationist. I felt we weren’t in control anymore. So many laws were overturned by Brussels. “So much has happened that we haven’t had the chance to see all the benefits” of Brexit, she added.

The UK is the only G7 economy that has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic size in gross domestic product.

The UK government’s own Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that leaving the EU will reduce the size of the British economy by about four percent in the long run.

But neither Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government nor the opposition Labor party are promising any change of course, vowing instead to make Brexit work.

Ray Yates, a 70-year-old former dockworker, said the situation in Thurrock was “terrible” while stressing: “I still support Brexit.

“But it will take time—at least 10 years. And a new government.” AFP

If the issue of sovereignty is not resolved through peaceful means, there is the likely possibility of it resulting into war

In the 2016 vote, 72.3 percent voted for Brexit in the Essex constituency of Thurrock, of which Grays near London is the largest town with around 75,000 people

WORLD

Pentagon tracking Chinese spy balloon

THE Pentagon said Thursday it was tracking a Chinese spy balloon flying high over the United States, reviving tensions between the two countries just days ahead of a rare visit to Beijing by the top US diplomat.

At President Joe Biden’s request, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and top military officials considered shooting the balloon down but decided doing so would endanger too many people on the ground, a senior defense official told reporters Thursday.

“Clearly, the intent of this balloon is for surveillance,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official added that the balloon had flown over the northwest United States, where there are sensitive airbases and nuclear missiles in underground silos, but that the Pentagon did not believe it constituted a particularly dangerous intelligence threat.

“We assess that this balloon has limited additive value from an intelligence collection perspective,” the official said.

China said on Friday it was working to verify the facts around US claims that Beijing flew a spy balloon over its territory, warning against “hype” over the issue.

“Verification is under way” over the reports, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing, adding that “until the facts are clear, making con-

Violence rages in east DR Congo after Pope’s visit

POPE Francis made repeated appeals for peace during his landmark trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo this week, but there was no let-up in fighting in the east.

Putting an end to violence was a dominant theme of the pontiff’s visit to Africa’s largest Catholic country, where he arrived on Tuesday and was to depart for South Sudan on Friday.

Dozens of armed groups have plagued eastern DRC for decades, many of which are a legacy of regional wars that flared in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Since late 2021, the M23 rebel group has also captured swathes ofterritory in the turbulent region and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.

In a huge open-air mass in the capital Kinshasa, which organizers saiddrew a million people, Francis urged the faithful not to “give in to divisions.”

The 86-year-old later met victims of the conflict, who recounted horrors of mutilation and rape. He condemned the “inhumane violence” and called for mercy from God.

“May he convert the hearts of those who carry out brutal atrocities, which bring shame upon all humanity,” Francis said.

The message was well received by worshippers, many of whom said they had hoped the pope’s visit would spur peace.

Theoneste Bahati Gakuru, 34, a human rights activist in the eastern city of Goma, said he thought the papal trip had drawn much-needed attention to the violence.

He added that the international community should now “take action to stop this disastrous situation”.

Kathungu Matumaini, a nurse in the eastern city of Beni, said: “We are innocent, we know nothing about politics”. She asked that her “tears and prayers be heard.”

Combat between the M23 and state forces continued during the pope’s visit, while attacks by other armed groups also claimed the lives of civilians in the east. AFP

jectures and hyping up the issue will not help to properly resolve it.”

“China is a responsible country and always abides strictly by international law. We have no intention of violating the territory or airspace of any sovereign country,” she said.

“(We) hope that both sides will handle (the situation) with mutual calm and prudence,” she added.

The discovery of the aircraft comes just days before an expected visit to China by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, with managing heightened tensions between the two powers at the top of the agenda.

Blinken’s visit to Beijing, which follows a meeting last November between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit, will be the first trip to the Asian country by the United States’ top diplomat since 2018.

In addition to ongoing disputes over trade and intellectual property, relations between the two countries have frayed, particularly over democratically-governed Taiwan, which China has pledged to reunite with the mainland. AFP

China to fully reopen borders with HK, Macau IN BRIEF

China said on Friday it will fully restore travel across its borders with Hong Kong and Macau next week, dropping COVID testing requirements and daily quotas after a lengthy pandemic separation.

The semi-autonomous cities have both stuck to Beijing’s zero-COVIDstrategy for nearly three years, splitting families, cutting off tourism and suffocating businesses.

The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said on Friday that all remaining restrictions would be dropped starting midnight on February 6, with group tours allowed to resume.

Limited travel across the border be-

tween Hong Kong and mainland China resumed in January after Beijing abruptly axed its isolationist policy.

Initially, only 60,000 people were allowed to cross each day in either direction and they were required to show a negative PCR test.

Hong Kong leader John Lee said on Friday that the partial reopening had been “orderly, safe and smooth.”

Hong Kong’s lengthy separation from its biggest source of growth inflicted a heavy toll, with some estimating it cost the financial hub $27 billion.

Mainlanders have long made up the vast majority of visitors to Hong Kong,

with around 51 million arriving in 2018, nearly seven times the city’s population.

City officials are hoping an influx of visitors will revitalize therecession-hit economy, injecting cash into the oncevibrant tourism and retail sectors.

Unvaccinated overseas travellers will be allowed to visit Hong Kong starting Monday, but Lee said pre-arrival rapid antigen tests will still be required.

“As the full reopening of the border with mainland China will bring a large surge in travel, to ensure risks are manageable we will keep the testing requirement for overseas travellers for a period of observation,” he said. AFP

Myanmar imposes tough new measures

MYANMAR’S junta has introduced tough new measures in resistance strongholds under which people accused of treason and “spreading false news” will be tried by a military court, state media said Friday.

In the 37 townships affected by the measures, no appeals will be allowed for convictions handed down by military tribunals, with the exception of the death penalty, which must be approved by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a 2021 coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, and a subsequent crackdown on dissent has sparked fighting across swathes of the nation. AFP

HK’s largest national security trial to begin

GOOD LUCK DANCE.

A lion dance team performs to bring good fortune and to chase away bad luck at a shopping district in Hong Kong on February 3, 2023 AFP

Australia to legalize magic mushrooms for medical use

AUSTRALIA’S drugs watchdog on Friday announced that psychedelic substances MDMA and psilocybin – more commonly known as ecstasy and magic mushrooms – will soon be used in the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress.

Psychiatrists will be able to prescribe the two substances from July, the Therapeutic Goods Administration said after finding “sufficient evidence for potential benefits in certain patients.”

The two drugs are currently “prohibited substances” and can only be used in closely controlled clinical trials.

The administration said they had been found to be “relatively safe” when administered in a medical setting and provided an “altered state of consciousness” that could help patients.

Mike Musker, a mental health and suicide prevention researcher at the University of South Australia, welcomed the move as “long-

awaited.”

“There are many people in the community experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and depression, particularly army veterans and people who have worked in emergency services, where standard psychiatric drugs have not worked and offer no relief,” he said.

Musker said the two drugs “reduce inhibitions” and could help people process difficult images and memories. AFP

Sushi conveyor pranks spark outrage

A HANDFUL of unhygienic pranks at sushi conveyor belt restaurants in Japan have sparked stock slumps, venue overhauls and legal action, along with furious social media commentary.

Several videos dubbed “sushi terrorism” have emerged on social media including Twitter and TikTok in recent days, some of them apparently weeks or even years old.

In one, viewed nearly 40 million times on Twitter, an apparently teenaged customer licks the top of a communal soy sauce bottle and the rim of a teacup he then places back on a shelf, before licking his finger and touching a piece of sushi as it goes past on the belt.

The video, filmed at a branch of the Sushiro chain in the central Japanese city of Gifu, prompted stocks in the

restaurant’s parent company to plunge nearly five percent Tuesday.

Other videos emerged showing customers at different chains putting wasabi on passing pieces of sushi or licking the spoon in a communal green tea powder container.

Though the incidents appear to be confined to just a few videos, they have caused an uproar in Japan, a country with famously high standards of cleanliness.

“This is sickening,” one Japanese Twitter user wrote in response, with another adding: “I can’t go to conveyor belt sushi restaurants anymore.”

In a statement, Sushiro said the teen behind the viral video had apologized, along with his parents, but that the firm had filed a formal police complaint. AFP

THE trial of 47 of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy figures begins on Monday, in the largest prosecution under a national security law that has crushed dissent in the city.

The proceedings are expected to last more than four months, and the defendants face sentences of up to life imprisonment if convicted.

Authorities have accused the 47 of trying to topple Hong Kong’s Chinaapproved government.

The defendants say they have been targeted for normal opposition politics, with observers saying the trial illustrates how little room there is left to criticise China’s rule since huge pro-democracy protests in 2019 were stamped out.

Those on trial represent a crosssection of Hong Kong’s opposition –from prominent legal scholar Benny Tai, to former lawmakers such as Claudia Mo, Au Nok-hin and Leung Kwok-hung, to younger democracy activists such as Joshua Wong and Lester Shum. AFP

Italy recovers 8 bodies from migrant boat

ITALY’S coast guard has recovered the bodies of eight migrants in the Mediterranean, officials said Friday, as a spat rages over Rome’s crackdown on rescue charities in the world’s deadliest crossing.

Rescuers found the bodies of five men and three women—one of whom was pregnant—in a boat late Thursday, Filippo Mannino, the mayor of the island of Lampedusa, told AFP.

The 42 survivors on board were brought ashore, he said.

The rescued migrants were soaked through and those who perished were believed to have died of cold and hunger, according to Italian media reports, citing translators who spoke to the survivors.

The bodies of two people were still missing, ANSA news agency said.

Survivors said a four-month-old baby on board had died, and his mother in her grief had put the body in the sea. A man then jumped in to recover it, but drowned, they said, according to ANSA. AFP

Market rebounds; Peso hits 53.68 a dollar

STOCKS and the Philippine peso advanced Friday following gains on Wall Street but optimism over a possible pause in Federal Reserve interest rate hikes was being weighed against worries about the global economy after a year of monetary tightening.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, went up 41 points, or 0.59 percent, to close at 7,027.38, as four of the six subsectors posted gains, led by property companies.

The broader all-share index also rose 21 points, or 0.59 percent, to settle at 3,705.46, on value turnover of P20.12 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers,

PSEi February 3, 2023

103 to 83, while 48 issues were unchanged.

Four of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by SM Prime Holdings Inc. which climbed 5.42 percent to P38.90 and Emperador Inc. which moved up 1.47 percent to P20.70.

The peso sustained its appreciation against the US dollar, closing at 53.68 on Friday from 53.84 Thursday.

Eyes are now turning to the release of US jobs data later on Friday, which will provide a clearer idea about the state of the world’s biggest economy.

“A softer payrolls data, so long as it does not fall off a cliff triggering a recessionary (backlash), could re-engage all the favorite trades of the year,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes.

“Not least, it would provide the most critical evidence to date to suggest that the market’s rates pricing is more in line with reality than the Fed’s own more subtly hawkish higher for longer signalling.”

Wall Street’s three main indexes ended broadly higher, with the Nasdaq piling on more than three percent thanks to

MOST ACTIVE

US extends tariff relief for 81 Chinese

WASHINGTON—The United States will temporarily extend tariff exemptions for some medical products from China, while it seeks public comment on whether such relief should continue, the US Trade Representative said Thursday. These exclusions cover 81 medical-care products, and the exemptions stem from the US battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The current exclusions were originally scheduled to expire on February 28 and will now last through to mid-May, said the USTR in a statement.

“USTR is requesting public comments on whether to extend

Mexico invites foreign investments in clean energy transition projects

PUERTO PEÑASCO—Mexico

welcomes investment by all countries in its clean energy projects, its foreign minister said on Thursday, launching a diplomatic charm offensive amid international concerns over controversial power reforms.

Several dozen ambassadors were taken on a visit to a giant solar park being built in Puerto Peñasco in the desert in northern Mexico using photovoltaic panels made in China.

“We want to invite all the countries of the world, all the companies of the world” to “participate, invest, be part of the future of Mexico,” Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said.

The first phase of the solar plant is due to be inaugurated in April by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, according to officials.

Once completed, the park will be able to supply 1.6 million electricity users, thanks to an estimated investment

totaling $1.6 billion, according to state power provider CFE.

Mexico pledged at the COP27 climate talks in Egypt in November to strengthen its emissions-cutting efforts as part of a $48 billion renewable energy investment scheme with the United States.

The Latin American nation previously committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 22 percent from the business-as-usual levels by 2030, but will increase that to 35 percent, Ebrard said at the time.

The Mexican-US collaboration in renewable power comes despite tensions between the neighbors over Lopez Obrador’s efforts to boost the state’s role in the energy sector.

Mexico faces a formal trade complaint from Washington and Ottawa, which say the reforms hurt foreign investors and favor polluting fossil fuels over clean energy. AFP

forecast-beating results from Facebook owner Meta.

However, the after-hours reports from Apple, Amazon and Google’s parent firm Alphabet brought investors back down to earth.

Apple said sales dropped more than expected in October-December, Amazon’s revenue was hit by weak consumer demand and Alphabet results fell short of estimates.

“The war in Ukraine, inflationary pressures, economic uncertainty and macroeconomic headwinds kept the consumer sentiment weak in 2022 while smartphone users reduced the frequency of their purchases,” Harmeet Singh Walia of Counterpoint Research said in a

medical products

particular exclusions for Covidrelated products for up to six months,” the statement added.

The temporary extension until May allows for consideration of these public comments. Such exemptions were first announced in December 2020, and have been extended several times in recent years.

Items on the list include pump bottles for hand sanitizer, plastic containers for sanitizing wipes, blood pressure monitors, fingertip pulse oximeters, MRI machines and X-ray tables.

As inflation surged in the past year, President Joe Biden has been

under pressure to end the so-called Section 301 tariffs.

These came as trade tensions between the United States and China escalated when then-president Donald Trump imposed tariffs on $350 billion worth of Chinese goods, alleging unfair trade practices along with theft of US technology and intellectual property.

Washington and Beijing signed a so-called phase one trade agreement in January 2020, under which China pledged to boost its purchases of American products and services by at least $200 billion over 2020 and 2021, although the target was not met amid the pandemic. AFP

report on Apple.

Still, after a shaky start, most Asian markets enjoyed gains.

Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington, Taipei, Bangkok and Jakarta were all higher, though Hong Kong dropped on a sell-off in tech firms while Shanghai was also off.

Futures in the Nasdaq and S&P 500 were both deep in the red, while London, Paris and Frankfurt opened lower. Mumbai posted gains, though tycoon Gautam Adani took another battering, having lost more than $100 billion from their valuations since a report last week accused his empire of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud.” With AFP

Big tech gloom hits earnings of Google and Apple

SAN FRANCISCO, United States— Google and Apple on Thursday reported downbeat results for the last quarter of 2022 as Amazon beat expectations but warned that the coming months would be uncertain in a difficult moment for Big Tech. The tech titans posted earnings as shares in Meta skyrocketed a day after it reported better results than expected and signaled spending and job cuts.

The results follow weeks of unprecedented layoff rounds in the usually unassailable tech sector amid pessimism about the economic outlook.

The souring mood followed a long spell of outsized growth during the peak Covid-19 period when consumers went online for work, shopping, and entertainment.

“Big Tech calls from Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet painting a much different picture of demand environment than the tech bears were hoping for,” tweeted Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, referring to investors who believe shares are on a downward path. While earnings reports show there is “caution in the air” there are signs that the companies could be heading for soft landings, the analyst added.

Google parent Alphabet’s revenue of $76 billion in its fourth quarter and profit of $13.6 billion were below what it made in the same period a year earlier, with share prices falling more than 3 percent in after-market trade.

Google saw a slump in its crucial advertising sales, which were slightly better than analysts had projected, according to data compiled by Factset.

“It’s clear that after a period of significant acceleration in digital spending during the pandemic, the macroeconomic climate has become more challenging,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in an earnings call.

Pichai last month announced a plan to lay off 12,000 employees in order to reverse pandemic over-hiring and focus on new areas, especially artificial intelligence. AFP

Egyptians hope to bag bargains at bookfair as crisis bites

By Bahira Amin

CAIRO—Thousands of Egyptian bibliophiles weave through a labyrinthine display of books, reviving an annual tradition at the Arab world’s largest book fair, but this year it comes at a steep cost.

The 54th Cairo International Book Fair was overshadowed by a punishing economic crisis that has seen Egypt’s currency, the pound, halve in value and prices skyrocket in the past year.

Organizers say the fair lured more than half a million visitors on its opening weekend alone -- but with publishing houses already struggling to cover the rising cost of printing, many fear this will not translate to sales.

“We expected a much smaller turnout this year than we had,” said Wael al-Mulla, one of more than 800 publishers at the fair.

Budgets are tight in Egypt, where inflation hit 21.9 percent in December, forcing many to dip into their savings to cover ever-rising daily costs.

“Books are a luxury product,” said Mulla, who heads the Masr El Arabia publishing house. “They’ll inevitably be less of a priority when people need to budget for the basics.”

A steep currency devaluation has compounded costs for importdependent publishers, leading many to hike the price of books by up to double.

“You could once come with 2,000 pounds (now $66) and fill a suitcase

In this picture taken on Jan. 29, 2023, people visit the 54th Cairo International Book Fair in Cairo. AFP with books,” Mohamed El Masry, chief executive of El Rasm Bel Kalemat Publishing, told AFP.

“You can’t do that anymore,” the 38-year-old lamented. ‘Bare minimum’

To incentivize readers, Egypt’s publishers’ association has encouraged sellers to give the option of buying books in installments through popular buy-now-pay-later services.

State-owned publishers have also offered heavily discounted Arabic classics for under 30 pounds, or $1. According to sellers, readers—eager for their annual haul despite the crisis –- are deploying new methods to lessen the burden.

“We see most people coming with their friends as a group. They’ll decide what they want, divide the books among themselves and then pass them around,” said Abdallah Sakr, 33, a publishing manager at El Mahrousa.

“Everyone’s surprised when they see the prices, but there’s still a desire to read. So instead of buying five books, they’ll get two, or one instead of two,” he added.

To survive the crisis, publishing houses have grown more selective.

As the pound plummeted, the price of basic paper stock—all imported —quadrupled, forcing publishers to “decrease commissions and print fewer books per edition”, Mulla said. AFP

GOOGLE PROTESTERS. Members of the Alphabet Workers Union hold a rally outside the Google office in response to recent layoffs, in New York on Feb. 2, 2023. Google’s parent company Alphabet announced in January it would cut about 12,000 jobs globally, citing a changing economic reality. AFP

Aerial view of solar panels of the largest solar plant in all Latin America, which is being built by Mexican state-owned electric utility Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), in Puero Peñasco, Sonora state, Mexico. AFP

BUSINESS

BPOs to boost office space demand in 2023

By Othel V. Campos

OFFICE space demand in the Philippines is expected to double to 228,000 square meters in 2023 from 110,500 sq. m. last year on the back of the sustained expansion of business process outsourcing companies, a real estate services firm said Friday.

“The country’s office market is [showing] uneven but steady recovery, supported by sustained transaction activity in Metro Manila and provincial locations becoming a mainstay in locators’ portfolios. Developers and occupiers alike have much to gain by exploring both flexible and traditional workspace solutions, especially in the

IN BRIEF

PAGCOR’s income jumps 66% to P59b

STATE-RUN Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said it posted a 66.16-percent increase in total income in 2022 to P58.96 billion from P35.48 billion in 2021.

PAGCOR said in a statement the biggest contributor was its income from gaming operations which reached P55.05 billion, or 68.71 percent higher than P32.63-billion earnings a year ago.

PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco expressed optimism the gaming industry would continue its growth momentum in the coming years.

“Looking at PAGCOR’s upward revenue trend since the first quarter of 2022 up to the end of the year, as well as the recovery path of other gaming hubs in Asia like Singapore and Macau, we are confident that the Philippine gaming sector will be able to fully recover, or even surpass its pre-pandemic earnings soon,” Tengco said.

The gaming industry’s robust performance in 2022 was also attributed to the opening of Philippine borders to local and foreign tourists that improved the performance of the travel, entertainment and hospitality sectors.

Julito G. Rada

PLDT unit expands VITRO data centers

THE data center and multi-cloud solutions subsidiary of the PLDT Group strengthened its footprint as the country’s dominant data center with the completion of several capacity expansion projects of its premiere VITRO data centers in Makati and Parañaque.

“Our 10 Vitro data centers have roughly 65 percent power share in terms of data center colocation space in the country, according to the latest Structure Research’s Data Center Industry Report. We continue to expand and transform our existing facilities to ensure these are always at par with hyperscalers’ global standards. Simultaneously, we are progressing with the construction of ePLDT’s 11th state-of-the-art data center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna,” said Victor Genuino, ePLDT president and chief executive.

The transformation includes the expansion of VITRO Makati 2 and Parañaque which will add 1,820 new racks ready for service as early as March this year and an incremental 14 megawatts to the total power capacity of VITRO.

“We’ve expanded the fourth and fifth floors of our VITRO Makati 2 and currently increasing capacity for VITRO Parañaque. These expansions will allow us to deliver on the urgent requirements of our current roster of customers, while providing additional capacity to new customers this year as we prepare for the launch of VITRO Sta. Rosa in the first quarter of 2024,” he said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Converge posts highest speed for video streaming

FIBER broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. logged the highest speed for video streaming based on Netflix’s ISP speed index in December 2022.

Converge recorded a speed rate of 3.6 megabits per second in December, with a full year average speed of 3.42 Mbps. This is a marked improvement from the preceding six months where Converge has consistently been logging 3.4 Mbps.

“We’re proud to be recognized by a leading streaming service as the ISP giving the best experience to its viewers. This is proof of the top notch technology that goes into our network to be able to deliver quality entertainment to Filipinos,” said Converge chief executive and cofounder Dennis Anthony Uy. Converge has been ranked No. 1 by Netflix in its monthly speed index for the majority of 2022. The ISP speed index is a measure of prime time Netflix performance on a particular ISP and not a measure of overall performance for other services or data that may travel across the specific ISP network. Faster Netflix performance generally means better picture quality, quicker start times and fewer interruptions. Darwin G.

Amojelar

PAG-IBIG Fund members collectively saved nearly P80 billion in 2022, setting another record for the highest amount saved by members with the agency in a single year, top executives said Friday.

Pag-IBIG members collectively saved P79.9 billion in 2022―the highest in the agency’s 42-year history. This increased by 25 percent, or P16.2 billion, from the P63.7 billion collected in 2021. Forming part of the total savings is the agency’s Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, which also increased 6 percent from P37.71 billion in 2021 to P40.06 billion in 2022.

“The sustained growth in Pag-IBIG members’ savings collections has been truly remarkable. It denotes our members’ trust and confidence in our

provinces,” said Colliers associate director for office service and tenant representation Kevin Jara.

Colliers reported that office space net take-up reached 110,500 sq. m. in 2022, a huge turn-around from the negative take-up in 2020 and 2021.

It said some 641,100 sq. m. of new office space would add to the existing

STARLINK’S ENTRY.

SpaceX’s Starlink is presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (third from left) by (from left) Data Lake vice chairman and chief executive Anthony Almeda, Starlink director Nick Galano, Data Lake chairman Henry Sy Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy. The high speed, low latency broadband internet provided by Starlink and local partner Data Lake is set to be introduced to the Philippine market in the first quarter of 2023.

office inventory this year. This would represent a 14.55-percent decline from 750,300 sq. m. of completed spaces in 2022.

Colliers said the new supply in Metro Manila was reverting to pre-POGO levels, while flexible workspaces would likely play a crucial role in tenants’ post-COVID operations.

Office rent is expected to further drop by 5 percent in 2023 following a 0.6-percent decline in 2022. Colliers expect rents to bottom out in 2023 before recovering in 2024. It said vacancy rate slightly eased to 18.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022 amid the lackluster take-up.

Residential spaces in the condominium segment are rebounding,

according to Colliers. Expected takeup in 2023 is seen to increase to 3,800 units from 3,000 units in 2022 on stable demand from employees in major business districts.

Condominium rents may increase by 2 percent in 2023, while vacancies are expected to drop 17 percent until yearend, it said.

“Collier is projecting improvement in vacancies across Metro Manila’s secondary market and this should result to rebound in rents and prices. We see continued queues from expatriates, while demand from local employees has been raising rents in major business districts such as Makati, Fort Bonifacio and Ortigas,” said Colliers director for research Joey Bondoc.

Power rates likely higher in February—Meralco

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. said Friday electricity rates may be higher in February following the lapse of a distribution-related refund.

“While we have yet to receive final billings from our suppliers, there is an upward pressure on the electricity rates this month,” Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarraiga said.

Zaldarriaga said this was mainly due to the completion of a distribution-related refund equivalent to around P0.19 per kilowatt-hour for residential customers.

“However, we are optimistic that this can be mitigated by lower WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] prices given the improved Luzon grid situation amid lower demand and less

power plants on outage as well as the absence of yellow alert in the last supply month,” he said.

Meralco sourced nine percent of its power supply requirements from the WESM in January.

“We also expect the lower natural gas prices as a result of Malampaya’s quarterly repricing to further help temper any increase in other bill components,” Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco’s electricity rates went up by P0.6232 per kWh in January on higher generation charges and the completion of a distribution-related refund amounting to P0.2761 per kWh for residential customers.

Meralco’s overall rate for a typical household went up to P10.9001 per kWh last month from P10.2769 per

kWh in December.

Generation charge went up by P0.3316 to P7.1291 in January from P6.7975 per kWh the previous month.

The company said early this week it would continue exhausting all measures and work with relevant industry stakeholders to find ways to mitigate the impact of the Court of Appeals’ issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction on a supply deal with a generation company.

Meralco said it would ensure the continued delivery of stable and reliable power to its 7.6 million customers following the CA ruling.

The company said it would continue to source supply from the WESM until it finds a new supplier to bridge the supply gap, a move that raised concerns about higher power rates in March.

Hotel occupancy is expected to pick up in 2023 to 60 percent from 55 percent in 2022, owing to the so-called revenge travel among tourists from China and the US.

New accommodation spaces will open in 2023 with the completion of an additional 4,410 rooms, a record high and up 204.3 percent from 1,449 rooms completed in 2022, Colliers said.

“Aside from the domestic tourism push, we see the influx of more international tourists boosting tourism receipts, hotel rates and occupancies. In our review, recovery should be supported by the modernization of more airports and upgrading of road networks,” Bondoc said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

programs, and our capacity to manage each hard-earned peso they have saved with us,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member PagIBIG Fund board of trustees.

“As our collections remain strong, we remain able to finance and maintain the low interest rates of our loan programs. These are among our many efforts in adhering to the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. towards advancing the welfare of our fellow Filipinos,” said Acuzar.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said the agency’s popular MP2 Savings continues to drive

the growth of its members’ savings. The voluntary savings program maintained its growth in 2022, as members saved a record-high P39.84 billion in the program, an increase of 53 percent, or P13.89 billion, from the P25.95 billion collected in 2021.

“We are happy that we continue to gain the trust of our members, as shown by the record-high amounts that they have saved with us in 2022, as well as in the past years. This shows their growing appreciation of the value in saving with Pag-IBIG Fund. That is why we remain committed in responsibly and prudently managing their savings, so that we can provide them the best possible returns,” Acosta said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE management of Metro Rail Transit

-3 said Friday passengers can expect faster and reliable services after the overhaul of 72 light rail vehicles. It said the overhaul of the 23-year-old fleet of the rail line allows the system to expand its train capacity by deploying available and reliable train sets at peak hours.

The increased train availability means that the rail line can now deploy 18 to 21 train sets at peak hours, up from 10 to 15 train sets before the overhaul.

All the newly-overhauled LRVs have undergone the required quality and safety checks to ensure they are in good

VISTA Land & Lifescapes, Inc., the real estate arm of billionaire Manuel Villar Jr., announced Friday its plan to issue additional corporate notes amounting to P2.9 billion, which will be used to refinance its debts and other general purposes.

Vista Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the additional corporate notes would be due on Dec. 26, 2025 at a fixed interest of 7.2595 percent per annum.

“The proceeds of the additional notes will be used to refinance existing or maturing obligations of the group and for other general corporate purposes,” the company said.

It signed a corporate notes facility agreement with BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp. as lead arrangers and book runners and Union Bank of the Philippines as joint lead arrangers.

Vista Land tapped China Banking Corp.-Trust and Asset Management Group as facility agent and Vista Land subsidiaries Brittany Corp., Crown Asia Properties Inc., Camella Homes Inc., Communities Philippines Inc., Vista Residences Inc. and STR as subsidiary guarantors.

Vista Land issued P12 billion worth of three-year corporate notes in December last year. It made an initial drawdown of P8.6 billion at a fixed rate of 7.9314 percent per annum.

The property firm also raised P2 billion from the issuance of corporate notes at a fixed interest of 7.2359 percent per annum in June.

Vista Land has been known for its houseand-lot developments but said it would focus on vertical housing developments in cities as land values increased in the past years. Alena Mae S. Flores

condition and safe for passengers’ use, the rail management said.

“With the completion of the LRV overhauling project, the passengers can expect more comfortable and convenient train rides as all the train coaches have been repaired and restored to good condition,” said MRT-3 director for operations Oscar Bongon.

The overhauling project commenced in 2019 with the reinstatement of SumitomoMHI-TESP as the maintenance provider of MRT-3. Sumitomo-MHI-TESP is the Japanese consortium that designed and built the MRT-3 system and had maintained it from the start of operations in 2000 until 2012, when their contract expired.

Pag-IBIG Fund members’ savings reached record P79.9b in 2022

COURTESY CALL. The Employers Confederation of the Philippines led by its president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. (fourth from right) pays a courtesy call on Denmark Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau Franz-Michael Mellbin (center). With them are (from left) ECOP director-general Jose Roland Moya, vice president Antonio Sayo, governor Ferdinand Ferrer, governor Enunina Mangio, governor Federico Marquez Jr., deputy DG Abigail Gorospe and advocacy and communications specialist Angela Usero at the Royal Danish Embassy Manila in Taguig City. The courtesy call was conducted with ECOP’s renewed strategic partnership with the Confederation of Danish Industry which will revolve around social dialog and just transition.

Angels

eye big start vs Valdez-less Cool Smashers

PETRO Gazz hopes to exploit the absence of Alyssa Valdez as the Angels mix it up with the Creamline Cool Smashers in a compelling rematch of last year’s finalists marking the start of the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference today (Saturday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Valdez has been out of commission since suffering a right knee injury during the team’s bronze medal clash with Chery Tiggo in the 2022 Reinforced Conference but the three-time league MVP expects the rest of the Cool Smashers to take over and deliver despite her absence.

“I’m very much confident that this team will give a good fight this conference,” said Valdez.

With Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza on the firing end, Ced Domingo manning the middle, Jia De Guzman orchestrating the plays and the likes of Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, Risa Sato, Kyle Negrito, Kyle Atienza and Rose Vargas ready to step up at any given chance, things remain looking up for the defending champions in the tournament they ruled via sweep of the Angels last year.

But while the Angels also lost a key figure in Myla Pablo, who has opted to move over to F2 Logistics, the 2022 Reinforced Conference champions remain as formidable as ever with MJ Philips, Grethcel Soltones, Jonah Sabete, Nicole Tiamzon and Aiza Pontillas still in the fold, along with Djanel Cheng, Alisa Buitre, Lourdes Clemente and Remy Palma.

New coach Oliver Almadro is also expected to give the team a new dimension and new recruits Dzi Gervacio and Jellie Tempiatura out to provide added firepower.

Gametime is set at 6:30 p.m.

“Exciting naman palagi ang laban namin sa Petro Gazz. Pero ngayon, new head coach sila (Oliver Almadro) kaya pag-aaralan namin. Basta expect na magiging ready kami at ang Petro Gazz,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

“Naghanda at nagpalakas ang lahat ng teams ngayong off-season. Kami naman, intact pa rin yung lineup namin. Handa naman kami this conference pero, yun nga, nag-recruit ng bagong players yung ibang team tapos yung ibang teams naman nagbago ng sistema altogether. Tignan na lang natin kung san kami aabutin ngayong All-Filipino,” he added.

SMBeermen maul Dyip to seize 3rd straight win

By Peter Atencio

THE San Miguel Beermen wasted no time putting away Terrafirma Dyip, 122-102, to smoothly march to their third straight win in as many games on Friday in the 2023 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center.

The Beermen, behind Cameron Clark with 31 points and 14 rebounds, rose to a share of second spot with the NLEX Road Warriors. CJ Perez added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Beermen, who are now behind the unbeaten Converge FiberXers.

The Dyip, who tote a 1-2 mark, drew 30 points from Jordan Williams. Mo Tautuaa shot 17, while Allyn Bulanadi chipped in 14. Clark and Bulanadi banged in eight points apiece in the second quarter as the Beermen exploded with 38 points and

took a 57-44 halftime lead.

Bulanadi struck thrice in succession in the last 8:17, his putback and layup finding their marks after Chris Ross hit a trey, allowing the Beermen to move away from a 24-all tie, and ahead, 32-29.

Bulanadi’s trey with 6:19 left then allowed the Beermen to grab a 39-30 lead.

As Dyip struggled and shot nine of 24 attempts in the second period, the Beermen eventually took control after Clark’s putback in the last 21 seconds handed them a 57-44 halftime spread.

“They started strong and we started flat. The best thing about it is after three to four minutes, we woke up and brought

CAS dismisses PH Swimming Inc. appeal

THE Court for Arbitration on Sport dismissed a request filed by the Philippine Swimming Inc. against World Aquatics for a stay in the enforcement of the world body’s withdrawal of recognition on the national sports association and the creation of the Stabilization Committee that would oversee swimming in the country.

The CAS’s dismissal of the appeal was stated in a 16-page letter dated Thursday, February 2, 2023, and signed by Dr. Elisabeth Steiner, Deputy President of the CAS Appeals Arbitration Division.

“The request for a stay of execution of the decision rendered by the FINA Bureau on 3 and 15 December 2022 filed

ERNEST John “EJ” Obiena is always at his best whenever the reigning Olympic and world champion in pole vault, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, is around.

The 27-year-old Obiena soared to 5.91 meters to settle for the bronze medal in the 2023 Mondo Classic Uppsala, Sweden on Thursday in his first encounter with Duplantis since their last meeting in September, 2022.

Obiena may have failed to win it all, but he nevertheless matched the Philippine national indoor record of 5.91 meters, he accomplished last year at the Perche Elite Tour in Rouen France.

Duplantis went on to clear 6.1 meters for the gold medal before a big home crowd.

Later, Duplantis tried to go for an indoor world record of 6.22m, but failed in trying to clear the height in three attempts.

Duplantis was 12 cms short of the record he made last season at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, with a 6.20m.

The 6.10-m jump of Duplantis is the best

by the Philippine Swimming Inc. on 20 December 2022 and supplemented on 12 and 19 January 2023 in the matter

CAS/2022/9351 Philippine Swimming Inc. v. World Aquatics (formerly known as Federacion Internationale de Natation (FINA), is dismissed,” the CAS document said.

With the dismissal of the appeal, the CAS affirmed the World Aquatics’s order for the establishment of the Stabilization Committee—composed of Atty. Wharton Chan, Valeriano “Bones” Floro and Arrey Perez—to handle the affairs that were supposed to be the PSI’s as the sport’s national federation.

“This reaffirms the world swimming

body’s order for us in the Stabilization Committee to continue with our task, which, among others, include handling the day-to-day affairs of the swimming NSA, draft its new by-laws and recommend for the holding of elections of its board of trustees,” Chan said. With the 32nd Southeast Asian Games just under three months away, Chan said that the conduct of trials for members of the swimming team to Cambodia is top of their proriorities. The Stabilization Committee earlier announced the holding of open tryouts for the national teams for swimming, diving and water polo February 18 and 19 at the New Clark City Aquatics

Duplantis brings out Obiena’s best

Center in Capas, Tarlac.

The PSI, through its legal counsel Poblador, Bautista and Reyes Law Office, filed a request with the CAS against the World Aquatics for a delay in the execution of the international federation’s instruction on the creation of the Stabilization Committee and the withdrawal of recognition on the NSA’s board of trustees and its recognition as a FINA member.

PSI’s lawyers reiterated association president Lailani Velasco’s request that they should have been informed of the nature and cause of the complaints that prompted the FIBA Bureau to withdrew its recognition on the group.

gold medal in the Brussels leg of the Diamond League last September.

That was when Duplantis committed an error at 5.91 and settled for a silver with his 5.81 meter performance.

The last time, Duplantis, Lightfoot and Obiena fought for medals together was in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics back in 2021, when the Filipino placed 11th, the American landed fourth and the Swede claimed the gold.

It was Obiena’s fourth medal for the season.

Obiena now has two golds this year after jumping 5.82 meters for the top honors in the Perche En Or indoor meet in Roubaix, France on Sunday.

Two weeks ago, 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 settled for the silver at 5.77 meters when he competed against former world no. 1, and currently unranked Sam Kendricks of the United States in the Internationales Springer-Meeting in Cottbus, Germany.

our San Miguel (kind of) basketball,” said SMB coach Jorge Gallent. Simon Enciso’s triple in the final 8:50 of the third later handed their Beermen their biggest edge at 22 points, 68-46,

The Scores: San Miguel Beermen 122 Clark 31, Perez 20, Tautuaa 17, Bulanadi 14, Lassiter 12, Cruz 9, Fajardo 6, Ross 6, Brondial 4, Enciso 3, Canete 0 Terrafirma Dyip 102 J.Williams 30, Tiongson 20, Camson 18, Cabagnot 10, Calvo 7, Gabayni 6, Ramos 4, Ferrer 3, Daquioag 2, Gomez de Liano 2, Mina 0, Cahilig 0, Alolino 0

QUARTERS: 19-21, 57-44, 88-78, 122-102

Jarencio back as UST coach

ALFREDO “Pido” Jarencio is back.

The 58-year-old Jarencio has returned to take care of the coaching chores of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers men’s basketball team in the coming 86th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. School officials announced their decision to get Jarencio on Friday via the university publication, The Varsitarian.

Jarencio returns after a nine-year absence and after a successful sevenyear stint with the Growling Tigers. On his first season as head coach in 2006, he led the Growling Tigers stun the highly favored Ateneo Blue Eagles, 2–1, to win the UAAP Season 69 title.

The Growling Tigers reached the UAAP finals two more times, in 2012, and in 2013, to settle for the runner-up honors.

Jarencio, who is currently the NorthPort Batang Pier team manager in the Philippine Basketball Assocition, quit the UST squad in 2013, after season 76, when UST lost the championship to the La Salle Green Archers.

Members of the Growling Tigers met Jarencio on Friday at the Quadricentennial Pavillion for their first practice session, according to the Varsitarian’s posts.

He replaces Bal David, who coached the Growling Tigers in Season 85. David left the UST team after the Tigers won only one out of 14 games during his watch.

Two other UAAP squads have new coaches, with La Salle getting Topex Robinson and Far Eastern University bringing in Denok Miranda. Peter Atencio

SMB’s Cameron Clark towers for a shot against the defense of Terra rma’s Andreas Cahilig in a PBA game won by the Beermen, 122-102.

Peter Atencio

vs Petro Gazz

season-opening jump for any pole vaulter.

American KC Lightfoot needed three attempts to clear both 5.52m and 5.82, before settling for the silver after matching

Obiena’s 5.91-meter effort in just two tries. The last time Obiena competed against Duplantis, the Filipino cleared 5.91 meters to win the outdoor men’s pole vault

Ernest John Obiena settles for the silver behind world champion Armand Duplantis.

HOME & DESIGN

Make your mark at the UX Designer’s world

websites, and other digital interfaces coming out every day, the demand for UX Designers has never been greater.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in UX, the first step you should take should be to look for a school that specifically offers a UX Design course , or specialization. But simply enrolling in a 4-year course isn’t enough to guarantee success. Students with ambitions of becoming leaders in the world UX will want to develop their skills early by following these tips:

Immerse yourself UX Design philosophies

Learning from your college professors is important, but it’s also vital to expose yourself to many ways of thinking as you develop your skills. This will help you become more flexible and agile in your thought and design process. Go beyond your textbooks and classroom discussions. Start by reading great UX books like Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug or The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman. You may also turn to blogs from thought leaders like UX Booth or UX Magazine. Test different designs through personal projects

After you’ve learned the basics of UX design from your professors, you definitely try to apply what you’ve learned to a personal project. Here are a few ideas:

• Try redesigning a website that you dislike using. Optimize it for better usability.

• Design a new interface for your favorite app. See if your new design works better.

• Conduct an informal case study of a website you like. Analyze what makes it so good.

• Tackling personal projects is one of the best ways to really help you get a grasp of the design philosophies that speak to you. This allows you to develop your own style while building up a portfolio you can show to hiring managers after you graduate.

Join UX design contests

There are a number of UX design contests hosted by UX associations that are open to students. Not only do these contests allow you to test your skills, but it also helps you see where

you stand compared to your peers. A contest is a good way to get your name out there as an aspiring professional. It isn’t uncommon for promising students to receive internship, or even job offers based on contest entries.

Look for a mentor/go on internships

Having a mentor who can guide you is an incredible career advantage. One of the best places to look for a mentor is to join online groups for UX associations in the Philippines. Try to see if a member there would be willing to mentor you. Alternatively, you may join UX conferences and events to connect with well-established professionals.

GIVE RESORT-INSPIRED

LIVING A TRY

DMCI Homes is introducing The Calinea Tower in M.H. Del Pilar St., Grace Park, Caloocan City to offer resort-inspired condominium-living, a trademark pioneered by the company. ‘The Calinea Tower will also be a perfect symbol of the fast-paced development of this high-growth area with its premium features and innovative building design,’ said DMCI Vice President for Project Development Dennis Yap. The single-tower condominium with 48 residential floors, will boast an exclusive community that exudes a sense of glamour and luxury from the expansive lobby all the way to the hallways leading up to the units. Seen from the outside, podium gardens tease the focus on greens and a park-like atmosphere waiting within. Unit prices start at P5.25 million.

If you are looking for more real-world experience, you may want to visit your school’s Office of Career Services to help you find internship opportunities. While an internship may be a part of your curriculum, ambitious students will want to gain as much work experience as possible. As such, going on multiple internships is a great idea. The Enderun approach

Enderun is a four-year undergraduate college and management school in the Philippines that offers a full range of bachelor’s degree and non-degree courses in the fields of international hospitality management, business

administration, entrepreneurship, economics, architecture, interior design, and multimedia arts.

The Enderun approach to education is unique, and highly differentiated. As a management school, it prepares students for leadership positions in the global business environment. Enderun students work closely with faculty mentors, who are themselves industry experts and professionals. Students also gain realworld experience from intensive work internships both in the Philippines and abroad. For more information, visit www. enderuncolleges.com

Investment gift

A DREAM IN THE HEART OF MANILA

Cityland recently announced the launching of One Hidalgo, a 40-storey residential condominium with commercial units at the ground floor and office units at 2nd floor, situated along P. Hidalgo Lim St. corner Gen. Malvar St., Malate, Manila. The project has amenities, re: a study hall with free WIFI connection at the penthouse level, function hall with movable children’s play set, swimming pool, gym and 24-hour association security. The commercial, office and residential units in studio, 1, 2 and 3 – bedroom type are now available on cash or installment terms on a first come-first served basis. Cityland has over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering projects on time,and even ahead of schedule.

Hip, happening in Makati

MAKATI is a hip and happening destination, and the area that best captures this vibe is the North of Makati—or NOMA to its denizens.

A neighborhood teeming with galleries, live music, and one-off dining options, NOMA is also home to The Rise Makati (Shown in photo), a 55-story residential condominium that shares the fun and fresh atmosphere of its dynamic location.

Situated along Malugay Street in San Antonio Village, this modern development spoils its residents to the hilt with amenities that promise endless hours of leisure and enjoyment: there’s a 28-meter tropical pool, 380-meter private jogging path, a well-being zone called The Nest, lounge space known as The Hangout, a business center called The Workshop, and The Kids Zone, where condo-dwelling children have room to run and play in a 280-sqm space.

Learn more about what makes The Rise Makati your dream home in the city. Visit its website at therisemakati.com and follow @TheRiseMakatiOfficial on Facebook and Instagram.

FOR the serious property investor, the gift of a unique property trumps all other investment gifts — especially if that gift keeps issuing returns every year. Enter the Ridgewood Premier Hotel. Investing in a unit purchase here can guarantee you a return of 6% per annum. The use of your unit for hotel activities can also net you an additional 6% if hotel occupancy rates stay up. And in 20 years, Ridgewood Premier Hotel can offer you a buyout with a guaranteed return if you wish to cash in. Buyers and investors who act from now until February 28 become eligible for Ridgewood Premier Hotel’s array of New Year & Valentine’s gifts.

All hotel unit buyers are slated to get P20,000 worth of gift certificates. Investors also receive two weekday lunch buffet tickets for NIU by Vikings (at SM Aura Premier). Learn more how Ridgewood Premier Hotel can be your key to prosperity in this Year of the Rabbit and beyond. Call 8882-7995 or (0917) 808-4905.

GROUNDBREAKING

USER Experience, commonly known as UX, has quickly become one of the most sought-after careers today. Small surprise as our world has become increasingly digitized over the last decade. With hundreds of new apps,

Flagship MINI PH showroom officially part of MINI Asia family

AFTER the successful opening of the largest MINI showroom in the Philippines in Bonifacio Global City last December, MINI Philippines warmly welcomed MINI Asia to commemorate the flagship showroom and kick off 2023.

Leading the handover ceremony from the MINI Philippines team were Willy Tee Ten, President of MINI Philippines, and Jefferson Lizardo, General Manager of MINI Philippines. Joining the launch from MINI Asia were Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Asia; and Samantha Ang, Sales Manager of MINI Asia.

“2023 is going to be an exciting year for MINI globally, and in the Philippines,” said Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Asia. “This year we will focus on bringing customers new Editions, creating engaging experiences to bring the MINI Community together, and reigniting our commitment to environmental and social sustainability initiatives.

It is an honor to be here today to commemorate the flagship showroom in BGC and kickoff 2023 with the MINI Philippines team.”

Hino Motors PH appoints Shingo Sakai as president

HINO Motors Philippines (HMP)

announces the appointment of its new president, Mr. Shingo Sakai. In a ceremony held at the Sheraton Manila Hotel ballroom last January 27, the new president was introduced to its network of dealers and business partners during the company’s 8th annual dealer conference. Sakai succeeds Mitsuharu Tabata who was at the company’s helm for four years.

During the ceremony, Sakai acknowledged Tabata for his leadership, keeping the company strong and stable despite the pandemic. Sakai also mentioned to continue Tabata’s great achievements which highlights digitalization of the company’s as well as dealers’ processes and a strong push towards the brand’s Total Support (TS) credo.

In his introductory speech, Sakai highlights his approach in leadership he coined H.O.P.E. which stands for Honest, Open, Perseverant and Earnest. He also sets greater focus on Total Support and how crucial it is to pursue lasting customer retention for long term business success.

Total Support is at the core of Hino’s brand philosophy, emphasizing a holistic perspective towards customer service.

As an automotive company dealing mostly with businesses as clients, Hino understands the importance of attaining maximum, uninterrupted uptime while keeping overhead costs at a minimum.

And

Staying true to its TS commitment, Hino provides a strong backing for customers through quality, durable and reliable products and aftersales service.

Shingo Sakai has been with Hino for 15 years. Joining the company in 2007, he has extensive experience in marketing, sales, planning and research. Sakai also spent considerable time overseeing ASEAN and Australian markets handling business planning, aftersales and manufacturing.

Before joining HMP, his latest assignment was at the global headquarters Hino Motors, Ltd. where he was General Manager for Total Support.

Through his term, Sakai aims to drive Hino towards being the top choice for commercial vehicles for business owners and drivers through expansion of its service capabilities, all while ensuring a robust dealership network and a solid organization at HMP.

Thanks to Peugeot PH, drive your way to 24 Heures du Mans

PEUGEOT Philippines is rewarding its customers with the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the 24 Hours Le Mans race happening in France from June 10 to 11, 2023. Two lucky winners and their companions will receive VIP access to the Le Mans Race, round trip airfare and hotel accommodations. Customers are entitled to join the raffle upon purchase of a brand-new Peugeot vehicle at any authorized dealership nationwide. The current vehicle line-up includes the Peugeot 2008 SUV, Peugeot 3008 SUV, Peugeot 5008 SUV and the Peugeot Traveller Premium.

The 91st staging of the 24 Hours Le Mans is an automobile endurance event that is scheduled to take place at the Circuit Bugatti du Mans in Le Mans, France. Peugeot will enter its 9X8 Hypercar in the newly created Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) class in the World Endurance Championship, culminating in a return to the famous 24-hour race.

“We’re excited to offer our customers the once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the sheer power and performance of the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar and get exclusive VIP access during the 24 Hours Le Mans race in France – the birthplace of Peugeot,” said Maricar Parco, brand head of Peugeot Philippines. For more than 10 years, Peugeot has been perfecting its mastery of HybridElectric technology in competition and on the road. The Peugeot 9X8 will succeed the Peugeot 905 and Peugeot 908, victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans respectively in 1992 and 1993, and in 2009.

Customers can visit any of the 13 Peugeot dealerships located in:

• Metro Manila: Alabang, Balintawak, Makati, Manila Bay, Pasig and Quezon Avenue

• North Luzon: Bulacan and Pampanga

• South Luzon: Sta. Rosa and Batangas in South Luzon

• Visayas: Cebu and Negros (Bacolod)

• Mindanao: Davao

Visit

Mr. Willy Tee Ten commented on the occasion, “We are delighted to welcome the MINI Asia team to our largest showroom today and look forward to working closely with the team to bring our customers in the Philippines the best that MINI has to offer.”

MINI BGC

Spanning 753 sqm, the showroom can house up to four display cars, has a large spacious area to receive guests, and a roof deck that serves as a venue for MINI activations and events.

For customers who live and breathe the brand, a wide variety of merchandise is available for purchase from the MINI Lifestyle Collection, such as luggage, shirts, jackets, and more.

For clients looking to give their favourite rides some care and attention, the showroom has a service centre to handle quick services, while more extensive jobs will still be conducted at the service factory.

Finally, electric vehicle charging points will soon be installed to support cleaner and greener energy use for the good of the environment.

The MINI BGC Showroom is located at 38th Street corner 11th Avenue Triangle Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

For more information about the showroom, its services, or appointment inquiries, please contact 0917-622-8600.

How to make your car battery last for a year

can keep your car’s battery in the best condition at all times

DESPITE the still ongoing pandemic, the new normal is allowing people to go out again— schools resume face-to-face classes, offices and other workplaces are operating as normal again, and commercial establishments have regained momentum. The traditional (and normally exhilarating) ‘stop and go’ city traffic across the metro has undoubtedly returned. Before going out on the roads to bravely face the horrific traffic situation, be reminded that long traffic can wreak havoc on the battery of your car.

Frequent accelerating and stopping the car more consistently forces the vehicle’s battery to work much harder than it normally should. By subjecting the car battery to quick and short charge-ups, it is spared from fully warming up and charging during your drive. While the stop-and-go city traffic is inevitable and should be endured throughout the year, it will help to know and understand other ways to keep the car battery in top condition at all times. Avoid driving very short distances, if possible. If you are among those who frequently drive short trips, it is time to consider walking, if possible. Driving short distances more often could do harm to the car battery in the long run. It can cut short the life of the car battery because the practice does not facilitate a full recharge in between trips.

Do you need to drop by the nearest convenience store to buy ice cream or any item you abruptly need? Walking could be a practical and healthy option—it could save your battery, prevent gas consumption, and give your body a quick physical activity that promotes cardiovascular health. If you can’t help it, drive the car for another five minutes to maintain your car battery’s health.

Be conscious about the gadgets you plug in while on a road trip.

For busy people, charging smartphones or even

laptops through the car’s charging outlet could be a normal task. Be aware that this habit can strain the car battery in the long run.

Using the navigation screen, playing the radio, turning on the internal lights and sensors, using the air conditioner, or keeping the dashcam on while driving also utilizes significant energy supplied by the car battery. To avoid the need to charge your gadgets while driving, be sure to do the recharging through the electric outlet at home before going out or the night before. Turn off or unplug the dashcam when not in use. Lastly, use the air conditioner and the car stereo controllably.

Don’t use car lights or play the radio when the engine is off.

You are not saving anything when leaving the car lights, air conditioner, or car radio on when idling, or when the engine is turned off. In fact, such a practice can be harmful to your vehicle’s battery.

To save the battery, remove the car keys from the car ignition when parked. If you need to stay inside the car while it is parked, why not consider opening the windows or using your smartphone’s radio instead? If the heat inside the car is unbearable, why not just go out and kill time in a

coffee shop or elsewhere where there is open air?

Always check if all lights are off before leaving your car parked.

Disconnect the car battery terminals before going on a vacation abroad.

Are you going abroad for more than a week?

Are you planning to take a vacation to a domestic destination and leave the car at home during the duration? It would be best to simply disconnect the battery terminals before going. Doing so would help prevent the battery from inevitably losing charge during the days the car would not be in use. Just disconnect the battery’s negative terminal and you’re good to go. Otherwise, have a friend or relative start the car at least every few days—or have them drive the car for at least 20 minutes every day or every other day to maintain the battery’s health while not in use during the holiday break.

Don’t ignore your car’s battery warning sign.

The car will send you signals when the battery is starting to get weak so you would be warned. If you notice having the need for an extra juice when starting the engine in the morning or when you see the battery warning light on the dashboard, take it as a sign to seek a battery service. Have the car battery inspected immediately or if required, replace it with a new and better one. If you are considering switching brands when replacing your car battery, it is time to check out Furukawa Battery, from a 72-year-old Japanese battery manufacturer. The brand dates back its history from 1914, before the company was reorganized in 1950. Through the decades, and in its manufacturing base in Thailand, Furukawa has maintained its reputation of being among the most reliable brands of truck, automotive and motorcycle batteries in the region. It has also gained a strong following from consistently satisfied car owners in the Philippines.

Honda announces 2023 racing plans

HONDA Philippines Inc., the no. 1 motorcycle company in the Philippines, once again set the bar high in its quest to become the leading name in the field of motorsports.

Last November 2022, they announced its OffRoad Motorsports Strategy. And this year, HPI further strengthened its commitment with a series of collaborations that aimed to intensify its racing brand as they launched its plan to go full throttle in the domestic and international racing scene last January 28, 2023. Headed by its’ President Susumu Mitsuishi with the Motorsports Team, starting this year, HPI made the announcement at a recent event held at the Honda Safety Driving Center. The program highlights the unveiling of the strategies that aim to launch Filipino riders marked with a strong challenging spirit, determination to win, self-discipline, and perseverance as they compete in the World Championships.

With the company’s long and proud history in motorsports since 1959, Honda has been considered a force in motorsports, winning trophies both in local and international competitions.

In International racing competitions, HPI will continue to support racing teams together with other Honda Subsidiaries in Asia. Moto 2 and 3 Idemitsu Honda Team Asia. Honda Asia Dream Racing with Showa that will be joining the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) ASB1000 class and the Suzuka 8 Hour with the participation of the first and only Filipino mechanic to join the crew.

The inspiring young Filipino racers Jakob Sablaya, NAMSSA’s 2022 Rider of the Year and Alfonsi Daquigan, TSR’s (Team Spirit Racing) Overall Champion were given a Plaque of Appreciation for their performance in the last year’s domestic

racing competitions using the SupraGTR150 and CBR150R. “The “Honda racing spirit” is a testament to our commitment to winning by developing our people and technologies. With this in mind, we take on the exciting journey of training and developing Filipino young racers, in collaboration with SDG (Showa Denki Group) MS HARC-PRO

Honda Ph,” says Mr. Mitsuishi. As Domestic Racing will be the based activity for reaching Road to Champion / World Class races, HPI will continue to discover and support riders with the same level and quality of skills and talent by continuing to join the domestic racing competitions such as IRGP (Inside Racing Grand Prix), MotoIR Championship, Super Series, competitions, that young and aspiring riders will be able to improve their skills and develop their self - confidence in riding, competing with the other brands. And will be discovering a new set of young aspiring riders thru Honda Pilipinas Dream Cup (HPDC) program starting with the Try-Outs this 2023.

HARC-PRO, headed by Mr. Shigeki Honda was introduced and unveiled the collaboration with HPI during the event. The professional racing team, originated in Japan is popular for producing World Class talents such as Hiroshi Aoyama former GP250 World Champion and now Honda Team Asia’s Team Manager; Takaaki Nakagami of LCR Honda Team competing in MotoGP and a former Japan Road Racing Champion, and other famous and former MotoGP World Champions Casey Stoner, Nicky Hayden and Jack Miller including World Superbike’s (WSBK) Michael Van der Mark and Leon Haslam are also former HARC – PRO Suzuka 8 Hour Riders including former Moto 3 rider Yuki Kunii to name some few personalities. In the Philippines, it was established last 2021 located at Cabanatuan City Nueva Ecija.

HARC—PRO Ph in collaboration and support from HPI will be continuing to participate in ARRC under the team name SDG (SHOWA DENKI GROUP) MS

HARC- PRO Honda Philippines with their Japanese riders in ASB1000, #73 Haruki Naguchi and AP250, #27 Chihiro Ishii. Also, they will be nurturing the very best young riders through scholarship training, one of the first for HPI, the 2023 Honda Young Riders Training Program (HYRTP) that will be instructed by World Class riders Yuki Kunii and Haruki Noguchi sharing their skills respectively starting this February 2023 at the Tarlac Circuit Hill using the CBR300R racing bikes. “In this program, Filipino riders will now have a chance to achieve their dream to become World Class competitive riders participating in International races in the future.” Says Mr. Susumu Mitsuishi.

TECH & GADGETS

Google: Filipino consumers look for identity, value, joy

GOOGLE report shows that Filipinos connect with their identities, and seek value and joy in their activities as consumers. They also expect brands to better understand how their needs have changed for the past three years due to unprecedented events including the pandemic.

Think With Google: Year in Search

2022 is an annual report for marketers that aims to help them uncover audience insights and trends drawn from analyses based on billions of Google searches.

The previous year marks the third year since the world was plunged into a global pandemic. It also marks the year when Filipinos are starting to move out of the shadows of the uncertainties of COVID-19. Think With Google: Year in Search 2022 shows that Filipinos are reenvisioning who they can be, on their own terms.

From local traditions, to making global connections, and only consuming products and services they deem essential to their lives, this was the year where people are looking to be their most full and authentic selves.

“When life hands out lemons, Filipinos no longer just search for ways to make lemonade. Having weathered three years of disruptive changes, they’re seeking to live life on their own terms and looking to be in control of their identities, lifestyles, and what they value,” said Gabby Roxas, Country Marketing Manager, Google Philippines and South Asia Frontier markets. “After analyzing search trends and data this year to help marketers uncover helpful insights, we saw how Filipinos used Google Search to stand their ground amid sustained waves of uncertainty. With open minds, quick thinking, and digital savvy, they’re seeking out authentic, fulfilling ways of living, working, and being that suit them, and not simply going with what life serves up.”

Here are the three consumer trends that will shape the year ahead:

Filipinos are soul-searching

Filipinos are looking for special interests–niche or otherwise–in order to find themselves and their community online. Filipinos desire to be part of

the global culture, but also seek uniquely Filipino traditions. While search interest in “ppop” (Philippine pop) grew by over 20% and queries for “japanese restaurant” at over 40%, Filipinos are also looking for locally-relevant trends as search interest in “Filipiniana” grew by over 130%. This dynamic duality points to the increasing complexity of their identities as global citizens and proud denizens.

At the same time, Filipinos are now moving towards specificity–their searches are now more refined as they become aware of their distinctive identities and their evolving sense of self. Searches for “plus size dress” in particular increased by over 40% as did “anti-aging cream” which grew by 20% and “glasses for face shape” increased by over 15%, to name a few. They are also taking better care of themselves as various searches for selfcare are on the rise, along with embracing diverse lifestyles. Search interests that grew include mental health (over 20%), “anxiety meaning” (over 50%), “what is stress” (over 30%), “genderqueer” (over 40%), “solo parent”(over 80%), and “social equality” (over 50%).

Filipinos are looking for value and balance

During these times of early pandemic recovery and high inflation rates, Filipinos have learned a lot about value and balance. This is reflected through their searches about upskilling and striking out on their own–search terms such as “hybrid learning” which grew by over 210%, “freelance” by over 40%, and “business idea” by 20%.

They are also now seeking greater

economic literacy and are looking for information to increase their financial and economic knowledge, from learning about the causes of rising prices to emerging investment trends, to making decisions that count. “Cryptocurrency” searches grew by over 350%, while “when to sell” and “when to buy” both grew by over 40%. Search terms around “Philippines inflation” increased by 110%, while “inflation” rose by over 90%.

Their concern about rising prices also translates to looking for more environmentally-friendly alternatives as searches for “sustainable energy” increased by 80%.

pinos decided that it’s time to live their lives once again–albeit more carefully. While uncertainty persists, they are no longer letting it stop them from living their best lives, from booking long-awaited trips, dining out, going to live concerts, and more.

This is evident as search interest in “best buffets” climbed by over 130% and travel-related searches such as “staycation” jumped by over 25%, “cheapest flights” by over 320%, “affordable beach resort” by over 100%, and “passport requirements” by over 40%.

Beyond these, Filipinos are also leaning on digital services in bigger ways than ever before to make their lives easier, and using the time they save to enjoy the offline experiences that matter to them.

People searching for “doctor anywhere” jumped by over 35%, “online multiplayer games with friends” grew by over 40%, “e-wallet” grew by over 55%, “dress up” rose by over 210%, “cinema Philippines” grew by over 280%, and “concert tickets” grew by more than 165%.

These three consumer trends show what’s top of mind for Filipino consumers and how brands can address their needs as they search for value, trust, and ways to live life to its fullest in this new reality.

To learn how you can tap into these trends and unlock growth with Google Search and marketing innovations, read the full Think With Google: Year in Search 2022 Philippines report.

Cashless transactions with PalawanPay

WITH the rise of e-wallets for different financial transactions, what makes PalawanPay the app of choice for millions of Filipinos nationwide?

An e-wallet app is ideal for cashless transactions but PalawanPay offers more than that. It helps connects people especially during difficult times like the pandemic. A kasambahay working in Metro Manila was able to keep sending money to her parents in Cagayan Valley for two years even when she was unable to travel back home. A student in Manila was able to keep getting her allowance from her parents in Bukidnon, thanks to PalawanPay. For Filipinos who take care of the needs of their families, the app bridges time and distance. It also supports Filipinos with their financial transactions and gives them convenience.

As part of the Palawan Pawnshop Group, a trusted remittance partner of Filipinos since 1985, PalawanPay is a mobile e-wallet that has features like Cash In, Cash out, Pera Padala, and Money Transfer. You may also purchase mobile load, pay your bills and send payments to authorized merchants using the QRPH code.

But above all, what these consumers want is value. For instance, people are being more pragmatic and are focusing on the essentials, with 40% of consumers making fewer impulse purchases and prioritizing needs over wants. In fact, search interest in ”which one” jumped by more than 160%, and “which is better” rose by over 20%. Meanwhile, search interest in “best deal“ grew by more than 40%. Trust in a brand also plays a significant part in people’s calculations and perception of value. Search interest in terms containing “most recommended” grew by over 40% and “original product” leapt by more than 55%. Search for “customer reviews” also rose by over 35%.

Filipinos are seeking out joy

The year 2022 is the time when Fili-

Win exciting prizes from Infinix on Valentine’s Day

MAKE your Valentine’s extra special with Infinix’s Sweet day! Couples can get a chance to win P5,000 worth of vouchers and matching Infinix hoodies to commemorate the much-loved season of the year when they buy any brand-new Infinix smartphone at an Infinix Concept/ Kiosk shop.

To join this exciting promo, all you need to do is follow the mechanics below:

1. Like and follow the official Infinix Facebook Page

2. Take a sweet selfie pose with your partner together with your newly purchased Infinix smartphone/s at any Infinix Concept/Kiosk shop nationwide.

3. Post your entry on your public personal Facebook account with the official hashtag #InfinixSweetDay and mention the Infinix Concept or Kiosk shop where you purchased your Infinix smartphone/s in the caption. (Don’t forget to set your Facebook account to public!)

4. We will choose three couples to win PHP 5000 worth of vouchers and two Infinix Jackets.

5. Promo will run from February 4, 2023 until February 13, 2023, and winners will be announced on February 14, 2023. Get yourself and your special someone a brand new Infinix smartphone at official Infinix Kiosk and Concept Stores nationwide! For more information, visit the Infinix official Facebook page and click here to find Infinix stores near you.

Apart from the aforementioned features, PalawanPay stays true to the Palawan Pawnshop Group’s brand of service which is “mura, mabilis, and walang kuskos balungos.” Diving deeper into what PalawanPay offers, you will see how beneficial and helpful it can be.

PalawanPay banks on the 10,000+ Palawan Express Pera Padala outlets and Authorized Agents nationwide where you can cash in and cash out in many locations for your utmost convenience.

You can send money from one PalawanPay account to another or other e-wallets, banks, or banking apps anytime, anywhere. If you are someone who lives and works away from your family, PalawanPay connects you together via remittances despite the distance. Paying your bills on the PalawanPay app means you no longer need to line up for hours. You can pay your utilities with just a few clicks. The app lets you pay your household utilities, collection services, credit cards, e-commerce, government agencies, insurance, loans, payment gateways, memorials, real estate, and schools without having to take time off from work or leave the house. PalawanPay has more than 600 billers such as Meralco, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Sky Cable, Cignal, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Manila Water, Easy Trip, Home Credit, and many others.

With the PalawanPay app, users can reload their mobile phones on their own with over 350 load variants to choose from.

PalawanPay is a QRPH-compliant app that adheres to the National QR Code Standards set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. This provides users with more convenience, security, and accessibility when it comes to financial transactions. You can now pay, transfer, and receive cash, as well as transact with other e-wallets, banks, and banking apps using the QRPH logo. You can also use the app in any store or merchant with a QRPH logo.

Senior citizen registers 20-year-old SIM at Globe’s registration desk in Bacolod

WHEN Erlinda Caring chanced upon a Globe SIM Registration Assistance Desk on her recent trip to a mall in Bacolod City, the 68-year-old took the opportunity to get her SIM registered. She didn’t want to cram close to the deadline or risk losing her TM SIM, which she has been using for some 20 years.

“My children were busy, and I saw SIM registration in my area, so I grabbed the opportunity to register my SIM Card,” Caring, a basic phone user, told Globe brand ambassadors who manned the assistance desk on January 27, the day of her visit.

Caring, of Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City, was ready with two valid IDs and her SIM, and gamely posed for a photo to complete her registration. It took her all of 5 minutes. A loyal TM user, Caring shared that she has never changed her SIM

as it has been convenient to use. “TM load is affordable and has a fast signal, too,” she said.

Globe has started rolling out SIM Registration Assistance Desks in strategic locations across the country to help seniors and basic phone users like Caring register their SIMs within deadline conveniently.

This is among Globe’s initiatives to reach out to as many customers as possible and get their SIMs registered before the April 26, 2023 deadline. Those who fail to register will have their SIMs deactivated.

“We are going where our customers are so we are bringing SIM registration assistance desks to strategic locations. We want to make sure that those facing challenges in registering their SIMs get the help that they need,” said Cleo Santos, Head of Globe’s Channel Management Group.

In January, Globe deployed SIM registration assistance booths in 15 areas under the government-led rollout of on-site SIM registration. It also held SIM registration assistance in 30 Puregold branches across the country from January 27 to 29, and massive SIM registration initiatives at the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo.

Registration continues 24/7 at Globe’s online platform https:// new.globe.com.ph/simreg, while SIM Registration will soon be available in the GlobeOne app, where customers may get exclusive promos and deals only in the app.

As of February 2, Globe has logged over 11.45 million registrations on its platform. It is set to roll out more on-site SIM registration booths in the coming weeks.

Long-time Globe customer Erlinda Caring registers her 20-year-old TM SIM at a Globe booth at a mall in Bacolod City, January 27, 2023.