Manila Standard - 2023 February 18 - Saturday

PH, China: Don’t rock the boat

Both sides demand a stop to ‘dangerous, provocative’ moves in WPS

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Philippines and China on Friday called for restraint in the actions of their respective Coast Guard ships in the West Philippines, demanding a stop to what their envoys called “dangerous” and “provocative” actions that would endanger the “good relations” between their countries.

"We are calling on China to desist and restrain from this action because this is not just damaging, dangerous... it is also destabilizing in terms of stability and peace in the region," Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a public briefing.

HE SAID, SHE SAID.

a

on Friday.

one of the PCG fleet's largest ships, which has been deployed to the

PBBM: Trips abroad bearing fruit, projects set to start

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the agreements signed on his

trips abroad have started to bear fruit, generating P3.48 trillion in investments so far.

“I can already report that some of the MOUs (memorandums of understanding) that we signed in Indonesia and in Singa-

LRT, MRT seek fare hike, PNR plans five-year service pause

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE operators of three mass rail systems in Metro Manila on Friday said a fare hike of at least two pesos per boarding is crucial to support their operations and to reduce the subsidy being provided by the national government. In a public hearing, the Light Rail

Manila Corp. (LRMC), the operator of LRT Line 1, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) operating LRT Line 2 and the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) management asked the Rail Regulatory Unit of the Department of Transportation to approve their respective petitions for fare adjustments.

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Fuel price hikes by about P1/l up

pore now have results. And in fact, I think in the next couple of weeks, we will be starting to inaugurate some of these projects already,” Mr. Marcos said in a video message. The President met with officials of

the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Investment and Economic Affairs (OPAIEA), led by Frederick Go, which serves as a presidential delivery unit, pursuing the President’s priority investment

China’s ambassador to the Philippines, meanwhile, said both sides should refrain from taking any provocative action in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, two weeks after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) accused its Chinese counterpart of aiming a military-grade laser at its ship near Ayungin Shoal.

"I think that first of all both sides should exercise restraint and refrain from taking any unilateral and provocative action. At the end of the day, that water is a disputed area," said Chinese envoy

Gov Adiong survives ambush, 4 escorts killed

By Bobby Lagsa and Nash B. Maulana

LANAO del Sur Governor Mamintal

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“Bombit” Adiong Jr. survived an ambush

Friday afternoon, but four of his police escorts died in the attack.

Adiong was taken to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in the town of Kalilangan, where doctors declared him out of danger.

Wanted poster of suspects in missing ‘sabungeros’ out

THE Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Friday released a wanted poster of the six suspects in the case of missing “sabungeros” or cockfighting enthusiasts.

This came after an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention was issued by the court against the six suspects —Julie Patidongan alias Dondon, Mark Carlo Zabala, Roberto Matillano Jr., Johnny Consolacion, Virgilio Bayog and Gleer Codilla alias Gler Cudilla.

The Department of Justice has offered

for any information on the arrest of the six.

“We expect that these posters would help us obtain information on the whereabouts of these suspects for their immediate arrest,” said CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr.

Caramat added that the posters will be distributed nationwide and will be posted in all police units, places of convergence, social media, and the website of CIDG.

He urged the public to help them in any way possible to apprehend the accused. Next page

Andiong was traveling along the WaoMarawi Road when unidentified gunmen attacked his convoy, killing four police escorts.

The attack occurred at Sitio Landslide,

PRISON officials on Friday said they will proceed with plans to develop a 270-hectare property of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in Tanay town, Rizal province to put up headquarters and residential sites for BuCor workers, despite the protest of a group also claiming the land.

In a statement, the BuCor reiterated that it remains as the owner of the property, which is being claimed by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation.

BuCor Acting Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the bureau’s Tanay

property will also be used “for the sustainment of its basic institutional food requirements.”

“BuCor is the registered owner of the subject property by virtue of the transfer certificate of title (NR 069-20220110986) issued in favor of BuCor,” Catapang said in a statement.

“Existing jurisprudence dictates that until and unless it is nullified by a court of competent jurisdiction in direct proceedings for the cancellation of title, the title to the land under the name of the Bureau of Corrections

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian (left) shows photos of the kind of handheld laser speed detector and greenlight pointer he said were used by the Chinese Coast Guard in

briefing

He noted these lasers are readily available online and are not military grade, following a statement by Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza (inset) standing by the Philippine Coast Guard account of the encounter with the Chinese in the West Philippine Sea. Photo on top right shows the BRP Teresa Magbanua,

Kalayaan Island Group. Handout photos

MIAA starts probe on private jets

By Joel E. Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Manila International Airport Authority is investigating the alleged irregularity of the Feb. 13 departure of a group of foreigners on board a chartered private flight.

The MIAA management said the probe was conducted following the request of Police Aviation Security - National Capital Region chief Col. Rhoderick Campo, who claimed there were violations in the handling of the flight bound for Dubai.

The aircraft is reportedly owned and operated by Cloud Nine No. 1 Leasing Company Limited.

The Senate Blue Ribbon committee is also set to investigate the alleged human

PH,...

From A1

Huang Xilian at a press conference Friday.

Huang held a news conference hours after the DFA, through Daza, accused China of destabilizing peace and security in the West Philippine Sea after the Feb. 6 laser-pointing incident.

The agency also stands by the report of the Philippine Coast Guard, Daza said.

Huang said he was “saddened to hear” that the crew of the PCG ship BRPMalapascua has suffered temporary blindness, but repeated the Chinese position that they did not use military grade lasers but only lasers to help with navigation.

In a televised public briefing, the DFA spokesperson called on Beijingto exercise restraint, even as she noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already expressed serious concern over the laserpointing incident.

"No less than the President has called attention and expressed seriousconcern

Gov...

From A1

Amai Manabilang town in Lanao del Sur.

The new national highway the governor was traveling on traverses a forest.

The convoy was on its way to Wao, Lanao del Sur.

Killed in the attack were Juraij Adiong, Aga Sumandar, Jalil Cosain and Kobi, the driver.

Lanao del Sur’s fragile peace is often mired by gun violence attributed to intense political rivalry.

BuCor...

From A1 remains indefeasible and binding upon the whole world,” he said.

He pointed out that being the registered owner of the subject property, BuCor has all the right to conduct any activity in the area, including "the questioned ocular inspection that was conducted by our personnel.”

“The subject 270 hectares of land which is titled under the name of the Bureau of Corrections is not a relocation site of the New Bilibid Prison contrary to the allegations of the adversaries,” he said.

Pursuant to the five-year development plan of BuCor, he said the subject property in Tanay, Rizal will be used as the BuCor headquarters, including residential uses for its personnel and employees and other land use development plans and policies of BuCor.

“I would like to reiterate that I wholeheartedly support the noble objective of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and its geo park projects. I am a pro-environmentalist and would not oppose any plan of the foundation that would be geared towards the conservation of our ecosystem,” he said.

“However, I have also my avowed duty as the head of the Bureau of Corrections not only to safekeep all prisoners or persons who are deprived of liberty but also to safeguard their basic rights and ensure their reformation by creating an environment that would strengthen government capability that aimed towards the institutionalization of highly efficient and competent correction services…,” he added.

The Masungi Georeserve Foundation earlier raised its concerns after BuCor personnel visited the Georeserve last Feb. 16 to conduct an ocular inspection for the supposed relocation site of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Catapang said the land was “originally registered under the name of the Republic of the Philippines covered

Wanted...

From A1

The case of eight cockfighting enthusiasts who disappeared after joining a cockfight at the Manila Arena on Jan. 13, 2022 is one of the eight cases being investigated by the CIDG through Special

trafficking using private flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The chairman of the House of Representatives' committee in dangerousdrugs also called on aviation and immigration authorities to stop the use of private aircraft in drug and human trafficking.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the panel's chair, calledon the agencies following the expose on the

about the increasing frequency and intensity of actions that are happening in the West Philippine Sea,” Daza said.

Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines, China insists it has sovereignty over the waters around Ayungin Shoal, where the BRP Malapascua was en route to resupply Filipino marines in the area.

Daza’s statement came after the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China over the laser-pointing incident on Feb. 6.

Earlier, Mr. Marcos summoned Huang to the Palace, but details of their meeting were not made public.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier accused the PCG ship BRPMalapascua of intruding into Chinese waters but denied that its coast guard pointed military-grade lasers at the crew of the Philippine ship.

Daza stressed there was no reason to doubt the PCG's account of the incident.

Some countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, have raised serious concerns over the laser-pointing

Initial police reports said armed men open fire on Adiong’s vehicle as they traversed the Maguing section of the newly finished road connecting Marawi City and Bukidnon through Wao on a shorter route.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong issued a statement saying that his brother the governor was in stable condition.

“Through the Grace of Allah, Gov. Bombit is in very stable condition. The worst has passed. He’s out of danger,” the statement said.

“We are heartbroken over the deaths of his security details, all of whom are family members who were with my brother

by original certificate of title No. 3556 issued by the Register of Deeds of Rizal on March 29, 1963.”

He said the land became “the subject of Presidential Proclamation No. 1158 issued on September 8, 2006 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which reserved the said 270 hectares of land as the new site of the New Bilibid Prison.”

He added that the Registry of Deeds of Morong, Rizal registered the title to the BuCor on Sept. 28, 2022 and later the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal issued a tax declaration denominated as TD NO. 18-TN-003-01994 under the name of the bureau.

The Masungi Georeserve Foundation on Thursday raised alarm over an area inspection conducted by BuCor personnel for the alleged relocation site of the New Bilibid Prison within the geopark’s vicinity.

Masungi reported that 20 BuCor personnel went to the georeserve with orders to conduct an inspection and security threat assessment.

“They bear a newly minted title over 270 hectares of the Lot 10property in the name of BuCor. The remaining 30 hectares of Lot 10 were reportedly titled simultaneously in the name of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” it said.

According to the foundation, Lot 10 is home to the fragile limestone formations of Masungi Georeserve and was equitized in a joint venture project between the DENR and Blue Star Construction and Development Corp., which leads and funds the group’s conservation efforts. Lot 10 was included in conservation efforts under the Masungi GeoparkProject between the foundation and the DENR through an agreement in 2017 and is also part of several protected and conserved areas.

“The Masungi Georeserve Foundation and Blue Start have been protectingthe area for decades against professional squatters, physically and legally. Rangers and our conservation team have been harassed, shot, and bullied multiple times,” it said.

Investigation Task Group "Sabungero".

So far, the criminal complaints filed by the CIDG in the Manila Arena case and the case of missing “e-sabong” (electronic cockfighting) master agent Ricardo Lasco were found by the courts to have probable cause, resulting in the indictment of respondents through the issuance of arrest warrants.

private plane that was allegedly allowed to fly out despite incomplete documentation. He said that other than human trafficking, drug trafficking is likewise possible using the same modus operandi.

“Heads must roll with this incident. This cannot take place without the knowledge of those who are tasked to implement strict controls in the airports and all other ports of entry and exit,” Barbers said.

:My serious concern is the cargo in such instances. If human trafficking can take place, how much more with illegal drugs,” he added.

In a statement, MIAA confirmed it authorized the Airport Police Department to assist vehicles going to the Balagbag ramp last Feb. 13, following an official written request from Globan Aviation Corp. for the chartered flight they handled that night.

“The assistance of the APD was

issue.

Daza said a total of nine diplomatic protests were already lodged by the DFA against China this year. She added that in 2022, almost 195 protests were filed.

"Under the administration of our President, there are about 76 that have already been issued," she said.

Meanwhile, the PCG announced that it has strengthened and increased its presence and operations in the West Philippine Sea as the President ordered.

In a statement, the PCG said Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu deployed “one of the PCG Fleet's largest maritime assets,” the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) on Jan. 28.

The DFA said that for the first time, China and the Philippines made use of the newly established communication mechanism to tackle the recent laser beaming incident.

Daza said China had called the Philippines on Feb. 14 to talk about the “urgent issue.”

during the violent attack. We offer our deepest sympathies to all our bereaved loved ones.

“We implore the authorities to act with urgency and utilize all legal means available to pursue and bring the perpetrators to justice. This condemnable act must not be taken lightly,” Rep. Adiong said.

“May peace prevail in our beloved Lanao del Sur.”

Unofficial reports showed that Adiong’s gray Toyota Hi-Lux pickup truck was trailed and overtaken by the car of the assailants, who fired at his vehicle as

LRT,...

From A1

Based on their petitions, the three rail operators have proposed a boarding fare of P13.29 and distance fare of P1.21 per km. At present, LRT Line 1, MRT3, and LRT Line 2 have maintained a boarding fare of P11 and distance fare of P1 per km since 2015.

"Were asking the unit [RRU] to approve our fare hike petition because of higher inflation and power rates," Jhimmy Santiago, LRMC general counsel said during the hearing.

He said that the actual fare deficit for LRMC stood at P1.46 billion for failure of the government to approve its fare hike request since eight years ago.

Assuming there is no fare increase until 2025, the LRMC's fare deficit will balloon to P5.7 billion, Santiago added.

Under its contract with the government, the initial boarding fare was supposedly pegged at P12.13, and the initial distance fare should be at P1.10 per km.

This developed as an the general manager of the Philippine NationalRailways (PNR) said it is coordinating with other agencies and local government units to provide alternative modes of transportation for riders during the proposed five-year paused operations of the train system.

“The LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] can open new special bus lanes and jeepney route,” PNR GM Jeremy Regino told Dobol B TV. “We are also consulting with the LGUs for the smooth implementation of alternative transportation.”

The land-based railway train system serves 30,000 passengers dailyfrom Governor Pascual Station in Malabon to Calamba Station in Laguna,while 2,000 from Alabang Station in Muntinlupa to Calamba, according to Regino.

According to Regino, the PNR’s stoppage will be done in segments. The government will save around P15 billion if the PNR operations are halted during the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), he added.

The PNR will announce this to the public two months before the start of the temporary closure, Regino said.

LRTA, on the other hand, said the approval of the fare adjustment is "crucial" considering that the financial condition of the LRT-2 line.

"LRTA's internally generated funds

conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures requiring patrol cars to escort vehicles without blinkers and with no MIAA issued permit to the Aircraft Movement Area (AMA). AMA Permits are issued annually by the MIA Authority to its official vehicles and that of the airlines and other airport agencies with operations in this restricted part of the NAIA,” it stated.

“Globan Aviation Corporation, a ground handling company, obtained the necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for entry-exit clearance; the PNP Aviation Security Unit for the Aircraft Exit Clearance, the MIAA for ramp entry of vehicles that transported the passengers to the Balagbag ramp, all of whom were processed and cleared by the Bureau of Immigration on site,” it added. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

“They called using the direct mechanism and as expected, they narrated their position. We, on the other hand, also narrated what happened andhow we considered the incident as aggressive, and also as threatening.

So, we hope that this does not actually continue,” Daza said.

The establishment of a communication mechanism was an outcome of themeeting of President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping in January in China.

Both leaders agreed to establish a direct line from their respective Foreign Affairs departments intended to be used for urgent maritime issues and concerns.

During the call, China expressed its intention to engage with thePhilippines regarding the latest Ayungin Shoal incident, to which the latter agreed.

“We are open to engagement in different levels at (and) differentforums. And that applies to all. We want to be friends, but this should not, in any way, sacrifice the national interest of the country,” Daza said.

they passed. The governor’s vehicle had apparently detoured to the right by a roadside hill.

Escorts boarding a black pickup convoy vehicle were able to fire backand cover the governor’s vehicle, initial reports from the crime scene said.

An escort seated by the front passenger’s seat and another on the right rear seat were fatally wounded, police said.

The governor was checking on some finishing work on the new road. Like his father, the late Gov. Mamintal “Mike” Adiong Sr., Bombit Andiong is an engineer by profession.

are not sufficient to sustain its total operating expenses requirements. For this reason, the authority has an operational subsidy from the national government for the year 2023 in the total amount of P1.053 million," it said.

It said the proposed fare increase would reduce subsidy from thegovernment and provide better and improved services. such that LRTA can invest on rehabilitation and improvement of the system and its facilities.

Meanwhile, MRT3 said it has been struggling with finances due tohigher operating expenses.

"Fare revenues have never been enough to compensate what is owed to Metro Rail Transit Corp. to cover the initial investment in building the railway facility and to properly maintain and operate the line," MRT3 officials said.

"However, because it is an essential service, it is continuouslymaintained and subsidized, costing continuous deficits on the part of the government,” it added.

As of November 2022, the MRT3 system's total expenses amounted to P8.96 billion, while the total revenue amounted only to P1.1 billion—a deficit of P7.8 billion or P88.34 in government subsidy for every passenger.

Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, andother stakeholders opposed the proposed fare hike for the three mass rail systems.

"Congress, DOF (Department of Finance), DBM (Departments of Budget and Management) and Malacanang have not said anything about reducinggovernment subsidy, so why should LRTA and MRT3 dictate this and pass on their costs to commuters? This is unacceptable," Reyes said.

This is also in the wake of reports that several LRT-1 coaches wereleft unused due to water leaks, which “show how exasperating the situation can get,” Senator Grace Poe said in a statement.

“Our transportation woes just won't end. We must exact transparency and accountability from those involved in allowing the delivery of the train cars without thorough inspection,” she added.

Poe said the people will hold the Department of Transportation to itscommitment to make the supplier remedy the problem to make the coaches usable.

“The money of the people is involved here. We cannot just let thetrain cars gather water and rot while millions of commuters go through the daily travails of commuting,” she said. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

FOUR out of 10 persons in the country were never married, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Friday, citing its 2020 Census of Population and Housing.

Based on the 2020 CPH, the PSA said the Philippines had a household population of 108,667,043 persons. Of this total, the household population 10 years old and over comprised 79.4 percent or 86,333,513 persons.

Of these 86 million persons, 34.26 million persons or 39.7%, or nearly four in 10 were never married, while 33.87 million persons or 39.2% were married.

“Based on VSR (Vitals Statistics Report) 2020, the earliest age of bride and groom is 13 years both… Data showing as early as 12 years old [for getting married],” PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa explained to GMA News on why 10 years old was made the base age for determining marital status of the population.

The VSR is a yearly report on vital events like births, deaths, and marriages occurring in the Philippines. It highlights data on the number and percent distribution of these events -- by month of occurrence, age, sex, and region, province, or city.

The rest of the population was categorized as follows — in commonlaw or live-in marital arrangement at 14.7%, widowed at 4.5%, and divorced/ separated/annulled at 1.9%, the PSA said.

Despite the higher percentage of single persons, the number of married persons increased by 1.52 million from 32.5 million in 2015 to 33.87 million in 2020.

Among married persons, 61% were aged 30-54 years, broken down with the following age groups —40-44 years at 13.2%, 35-39 years at 13.1%, 30-34 years at 12.1%, 45-49 years at 11.9%, and 50-54 years at 10.7%. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PSA: 4 out of 10 Filipinos were never married PBBM:...

From A1

and economic agenda, as well as ensuring timely delivery of investment projects, trade agreements, and pledges.

During the meeting, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual informed Mr.Marcos that his foreign travels resulted in 116 projects worth US$62.926 billion (P3.484 trillion).

Total foreign investments committed during his official visits include Indonesia, $8.48 billion; Singapore, $6.54 billion; United States, $3.847 billion; Thailand, $4.62 billion; Belgium, $2.20 billion; China, $24.239 billion; and Japan, $13 billion. Of the commitments, $4.349 billion or P239 billion have materialized with the companies in various stages of implementation of their projects in the country.

Projects worth $29.712 billion or P1.7 trillion have an existing memorandum of understanding or letters of intent while confirmed projects worth $28.863 or P1.5 trillion are at the planning stage.

The President said it is now time to consolidate all the investmentpledges and determine what needs to be done so those projects can move forward.

“There are many things that need to be resolved, particularly rules and regulations that are not investor-friendly,” the Chief Executive said, adding they have identified issues that are posing problems to businesses.

“And the next item is going to be, we will have to converge all of thedifferent agencies of government so that we are working off the sameplan,” he said. “That’s what we’ll do because we have to strike while the iron is hot.”

“We’re moving very quickly to, as I say, make sure that while the Philippines is still top of mind of these investors that we immediately explore those opportunities and take advantage of the contacts we made during these trips,” Mr. Marcos added.

Fuel...

From A1 that the world oil demand is predicted to rise by two million barrels per day in 2023."

"One contributory factor is the increase in demand of China as a result of the lifting of their Zero Covid policy," Romero said.

China is one of the world's biggest consumers of oil products.

On February 7, the oil companies rolled back pump prices by P2.10 per liter for gasoline, P3 per liter for diesel, and P2.30 per liter for kerosene.

These resulted in a total net increase this year to stand at P5.10 perliter for gasoline, P0.05 per liter for diesel, and P2.25 per liter for kerosene. Domestic pump prices are adjusted weekly, and prices of petroleum products vary depending on the brand, location, and market forces. The Philippines imports more than 90 percent of its fuel requirements.

BOC foils fuel smuggling bid off Batangas

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo

GOVERNMENT agents have seized another ship and its cargo of smuggled fuel in the waters off Batangas City.

In another development, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) apprehended a tanker with 850,000 liters of undocumented fuel in the high seas of Batangas.

A task force composed of operatives from the Port of Batangas and Customs Intelligence Group, assisted by the Navy and the Air Force intercepted the M/T Braleman 1 carrying 850,000 liters of undocumented fuel.

Customs Enforcement Group deputy commissioner Teddy Raval said MT Braleman 1 and F/L ST Mariner were caught siphoning fuel on Feb. 15.

“The fuel cargo tested negative for the presence of the government-approved marker and had no pertinent documents,” said Raval.

The two vessels were headed to Pier 13 of the Port of Manila in South Harbor.

Raval said a custodial investigation will be conducted ahead of the filing of a criminal case.

On Feb. 7, the Port of Batangas also seized a vessel with 700,000 liters of smuggled diesel along the coastal waters of Barangay Mainaga in Mabini.

Operatives of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service made the seizure after receiving information about the possible presence of unmarked fuel in the crude oil tanker VOI MT Harmony Star.

The deficient fuel marker level confirmed that the oil did not pass through the proper procedure of importation.

Raval said the multiple apprehensions and seizures relating to fuel smuggling manifest the intensified border protection efforts of the Bureau of Customs to combat illicit trade and fraud.

Zambales gov’t backs fisherfolk’s damage claim vs. HK cargo vessel

By Butch Gunio

IBA, Zambales—The Zambales provincial government has picked up the cudgels for local fishermen who lost income when a Hong Kong-based cargo ship recently hit their fishing device (FAD) called payao.

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said a government legal team will represent the Masinloc fishermen who are seeking to collect damages from the management of the bulk carrier HC Glory which was enroute to deliver coal to the Masinloc Coal-Fired Thermal Plant when the incident occurred on January 17.

“We will definitely back up our people in their quest for justice,” Ebdane said. “I have already instructed our legal team to represent the fishermen, and the matter has also been referred to the agriculture and legal committees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to see what further assistance we can render.”

Members of the New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association (NMFA), owner of the damaged payao, are seeking P900,000 in damages from HC Glory owned by the Hong Kong Haichang Holdings Group, Ltd.

House defends Rody on ICC probe

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE leaders have rallied behind former President Rodrigo Duterte who is facing investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his bloody anti-drugs war.

This developed as former Presidentnow House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo filed House Resolution 780 asserting that the ICC cannot pass judgment on Duterte.

“Una sa lahat yung problema ng illegal drugs ay problema ng bansa kaya ang bansa ang hahanap ng solusyon. Yun nga sinabi ni Sec. (Jesus Crispin) Remuilla okay naman makipag-dialogue sa ICC, pero di

pwede sila maghuhusga di sila pwede ang magdidikta, ang maghuhusga taongbayang Pilipino. Iyun ang spirit ng resolution at di naman tayo member ng ICC at di lang tayo ang di member ng ICC pati US nga di member ng ICC eh. Kaya sabi nga ni CPLC (Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce) Enrile kung siya di raw niya kikilalanin ang jurisidiction ng ICC,” Arroyo said in an ambush interview.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said how-

ever, that the alleged crimes against humanity of former President Duterte and his allies “cannot be cleansed in the laundromat of the House of Representatives.”

Asked about criticisms against her resolution, Arroyo said she respects their opinion.

Arroyo gave the interview at the sidelines of a public consultation on Charter change in Pampanga.

Arroyo and 18 other lawmakers filed House Resolution 780 urging the “unequivocal defense” of Duterte from a possible investigation of the ICC.

The resolution urged all members of the 19th Congress to rally behind the former President.

Other sponsors of the resolution are

CJ cites role of legal researchers in justice system

By Rey E. Requejo

CHIEF Justice Alexander Gesmundo has extolled the judiciary’s legal researchers, saying their work makes it easier and expeditious for judges to resolve cases.

In a speech before more than 300 legal researchers during their 14th Biennial National Convention and Seminar at the Palacio del Sur Convention Center in Marcian Garden Hotel, Zamboanga City, Gesmundo stressed that the fiveyear Strategic Plan for Judicial Innova-

tions (SPJI) which would “significantly improve the productivity of the courts,” came to fruition also due to the work done by court legal researchers.

The three-day convention that started last Feb. 15 has for its theme “Strengthening Legal Research Amidst Challenges and Adversities.”

The participants are officers and members of the Court Legal Researchers Association of the Philippines (CLERAP).

“The SPJI will, among others, allow us to ride this wave of technological

advancement, capitalizing on artificial intelligence (AI) not just for court operations, but also for legal research. This, in turn, will facilitate the speedy disposition of cases,” Gesmundo said.

“As the SPJI notes, in other jurisdictions, AI-powered applications are already being used in two particular areas of law and the administration of justice — AI-enabled transcription to support court stenography, and AI-powered tools to aid legal researchers,” the top magistrate added.

Reps. Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., Aurelio Gonzales, Anna York Bondoc-Sagum, Jose Alvarez, Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Richard Gomez, Wilton Kho, Loreto Amante, Edward Hagedorn, Edwin Olivarez, Eric Martinez, Eduardo Rama, Jr., Dale Corvera, Zaldy Villa, Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag, Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, Johnny Pimentel and Marilyn Primicias-Agabas.

The measure asserted that Duterte’s presidency ushered “remarkable accomplishments brought about by his relentless campaign against illegal drugs, insurgency, separatism and terrorism, corruption in government and criminality thus making the life of every Filipino better, comfortable and peaceful.”

PhilHealth paid P66.3b of COVID claims in ‘20-‘23

By Willie Casas

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) on Friday said it paid a total of P66.3 billion worth of claims for COVID-19 patients.

“From January 2020 to February pa lang of 2023, meron na po tayong kabuuang P66.3 billion na naibayad for COVID claims (From January 2020 to February 2023, we already paid a total of P66.3 billion for COVID-19 claims.),” PhilHealth acting vice president for corporate affairs Rey Baleña said at a Department of Health (DOH) forum.

Baleña the claims involved testing, community isolation, and hospitalization.

PhilHealth covers the hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients, depending on the severity of pneumonia, from P43,997 to P786,384, Baleña said.

PhilHealth also covers up to P22,449 for community isolation and up to P5,917 for home isolation, he said.

Baleña bared that PhilHealth had P224 billion reserve funds as of September 2022. It also had P394 billion in total assets, P355 billion investment portfolio, and P46 billion net income.

A study showed that the national average of financial coverage under PhilHealth is at 65.89 percent.

According to Baleña, it meant that for every P100 in medical expenses a patient incurs, the insurer covers around P66. Indigent members usually receive 79.48 percent coverage, which is the highest coverage among membership sectors, he said.

Parañaque

By Rio N. Araja

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) on Friday approved the release of certificates of eligibility for unit allocation to 20 family-beneficiaries of the San Martin de Porres’ socialized housing project in Sitio de Asis, Oso -

rio Compound, Parañaque City. NHA general manager Joeben Tai said the recipients of the housing units were informal settler-families affected by the infrastructure projects of the Parañaque City government.

Luis Bacamante, NHA NCR South Sector regional manager represented Tai

in the awarding ceremony with Mayor Eric Olivarez and Rep. Edwin Olivarez. The housing project is a 1,028-square-meter property owned by the city government intended for the informal settlers living in the danger areas and those affected by government infrastructure projects.

THE Quezon City government has rolled out a financial assistance for 8,000 indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs) under its PWDs Social Welfare Assistance Program this year.

“The PWDs have been receiving limited aid from different government agencies. We came up with this pro -

gram to help them with their family expenditures, especially nowadays that prices of basic commodities have been going up,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

The PDW Affairs Office said the city has initially enrolled 700 beneficiaries in the program granting a P1,500 quarterly subsidy to qualified indigent PWD

QCitizens for one year.

Under City Ordinance 3115-2022, the program covers an indigent PWD not receiving any other financial assistance from the national government through the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program; Rio N. Araja

LAKAS CONTINUES TO GATHER STRENGTH. Lakas-CMD leaders headed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Vice President Sara Duterte, along with party chairman emeritus and Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and new members from Davao Oro and Davao Del Norte provinces flash the thumbs-up sign following an oath-taking ceremony at the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center on Friday morning. Ver Noveno

SKAL International, the largest professional organization of tourism leaders worldwide with more than 12,000 members in 86 countries holds held its 1st GMM for 2023 at ColLab Sheraton Manila where European guests presented latests trends in tourism based on the Global Tourism Forum, follwed by a networking night. Photo shows (from left) Stefan Düss, CEO eee Austria, Angel Bognot, VP Skal ; Cynthia Norton, Treasurer ;, Menchie Orobia, Board member Hon. Serafin Barretto, DILG Undersecretary for Public SafetyAlfred Reiterer, Chair Foreign Investors Advisory Group Farid Schoucair, President Skal International Makati and Michael Jaey Albaña, Skal Board member

Railways

Zulueta files counter-affidavit in Percy Lapid murder charge

BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor)

Deputy Security Officer Ricardo Zulueta, one of the co-respondents of suspended BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag in two murder complaints, has filed his counter-affidavit denying the charges filed against him.

Zulueta’s lawyer Lauro Gacayan said the counter-affidavit was sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors through a courier last February 14. A copy was not available as of posting.

Bantag, Zulueta, and several other corespondents have been charged with twin murders for the deaths of radio commentator Percival “Percy Lapid” C. Mabasa and inmate Cristito Villamor Palana who was tagged by self-confessed gunman Joel S. Escorial as his “middleman” in the killing of the broadcaster on Oct. 3, 2022 in Las Pinas City.

The panel of prosecutors had earlier submitted the murder complaints for resolution after conducting a preliminary

investigation. The panel has yet to come out with its resolution.

Bantag and Zulueta’s co-respondents in the Percy Lapid killing are Escorial, brothers Edmon and Israel Dimaculangan, and persons deprive of liberty (PDLs) Denver Batungbakal Mayores, Alvin Cornista Labra, Aldrin Micosa Galicia, and Alfie Penaredonda.

In the Palana killing, their co-respondents are PDLs Labra, Galicia, Mario Germones Alvarez and Joseph Medel Georfo.

In an interview, Gacayan said he “sees no problem” on Zulueta’s filing of his counteraffidavit only last Feb. 14. “No problem because unless there is already a resolution, you can file anything,” he said.

He blamed the DOJ for the delay in the filing of his client’s counter-affidavit.

“They failed to give a copy of the complaints with affidavits of witnesses. Only a one-page subpoena which they repeated in the new case,” he added. Rey E. Requejo

SC sustains dismissal of Ongpin case

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has sustained the resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman ordering the dismissal of graft complaints against the late business tycoon Roberto Ongpin and former overnment officials, in connection with the granting of an alleged $20-million behest loan in 1980.

In a 16-page decision rendered on January 17, 2023, the SC’s First Division resolved to dismiss a petition for certiorari assailing the 2012 resolution and order of the Office of the Ombudsman that dismissed the graft complaints against Ongpin, a former Trade minister, as well as former Tourism minister Jose Aspiras, former Philippine National Bank (PNB) Senior Vice-President Gerardo Agulto Jr., and former PNB Executive Vice-President Domingo Ingco.

VP Sara seeks lawyers’ help to address teachers’ huge loans

By Bobby Lagsa

VICE President and Education

Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said she is looking forward to a partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) IBP to assist teachers with their problems with contracts and loan obligations.

The Vice President made the statement in a speech during the IBP’s 50th founding anniversary fellowship night in Davao City on Thursday.

“I’d like to thank our Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court for their advice to me as the Secretary of the Department of Education. I sought their advice on how to help our public school teachers with regard to their loan obligation,” Duterte-Carpio said.

“They gave me good advice, and I am looking forward to partnering with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to help our public school teachers with regard to their problems with their loans, and contract obligations,” the Vice President added.

A 2019 annual report by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) through a study by the Department of Education found that public school teachers owe a total debt of at least P319 billion to both public and private lenders, which is almost double the P163 billion debts in 2017.

Former GSIS President Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said that the government should put “an end to the ‘five-six’ scheme and other unscrupulous lenders who prey upon hapless teachers.”

It also junked the charges against Marbella Club Manila Incorporated (Marbella)

Executive Vice President Bernardo Vergara, Marbella Vice-President Federico Salcedo, and Marbella Vice-President Merle Deen. Ongpin, chairman of Alphaland Corporation, died on February 4, 2023, at the age of 86.

The case arose from the complaint filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) against the respondents alleging that

DOJ

commit grave abuse of discretion.

in April 1979, barely six months after Marbella was incorporated, a PNB subsidiary approved the request of Marbella for issuance of an NIDC Letter of Guaranty to guarantee foreign credit in the principal amount of $20 million.

The PCGG accused the respondents of acting with manifest partiality, bad faith, or inexcusable negligence when the PNB approved the loan even before it became the registered owner of the land.

But the Ombudsman dismissed the complaint in August 2012 for lack of probable cause and denied the PCGG’s motion for reconsideration in October 2012.

Due to this, the PCGG filed a petition before the SC against the Ombudsman for grave abuse of discretion.

Acting on the appeal of the government, the SC ruled that the Ombudsman acted pursuant to its mandate and did not

“Accordingly, this Court upholds the principle of non-interference with the investigatory and prosecutorial powers of the Ombudsman absent any showing of grave abuse of discretion on its part and of the established exceptions for this Court to do so,” the high tribunal said.

The SC also said that the Ombudsman found no proof of manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence on the part of the respondents.

It said the Ombudsman’s decision was anchored on the fact that Marbella was not a fictional corporation.

“The Ombudsman’s determination of probable cause does not resolve the accused’s guilt or innocence but evaluates whether the evidence presented before it would engender a well-founded belief that a crime has been committed or that the accused is probably guilty fo committing said crime,” the SC said.

OKs indictment of 10 in businessman’s slay

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the indictment of 10 individuals for kidnapping and ransom with murder charges before the Regional Trial Court of Sto. Tomas City in Batangas, in connection with the July 19, 2022 abduction and killing of Eduardo Tolosa Jr., owner of Iraseth Pharma, Inc.

In a press briefer, the DOJ said those to be charged as principals are Carlo G. Cadampog, Cesar G. Cadampog, Adrian Joseph Mendez, Richmel Riel P. Ignilan, Jomel Q. Vizcarra, and a person who is known as either Aldrin Antonio or Norman Antonio with an alias “Tomtom.”

The DOJ said that those to be indicted as accomplices are John Benedict V.

Salceda calls out old vape products being re-labeled

By Maricel V. Cruz

ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has called out vape products with labels that “obviously appeal to young people, in direct contravention of the Vaping Regulation Law” or Republic Act 11900.

Salceda, chair of the House ways and means committee, at the same time asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to clarify whether the 18-month transition period for vape sellers “is meant to sunset old stocks or is a free-for-all.”

“Flavors proliferated after RA 11900 amended the Tax Code’s ban on flavors for vape. So, this is obviously not to get old stock out. These new vape products with very youthenticing labels are clearly trying to stay for good,” Salceda said.

“Obviously, if you had old stock of vape prior to RA 11900 that had flavors, you were in violation of the law. The new law still bans flavors that appeal to young people. So, you shouldn’t be able to sell this stuff,” Salceda added.

The Vape Regulation Law bans “the sale of Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products and Novel Tobacco Products that are packaged, labeled, presented, or marketed with flavor descriptors that are proven to unduly appeal particularly to minors.”

Dumalanta and Victor R. Ferrer. David Z. Gundran Jr. and Melvin L. Andes will be charged as accessories, it also said.

The resolution of the panel of DOJ prosecutors was issued after conducting preliminary investigations on the complaint filed on Sept. 5, 2022, by the Philippine National Police AntiKidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) and the family of the victim.

The complaint also named as respondent Melchor P. Andes, a minor.

“After evaluation of the evidence, the Panel of Prosecutors found sufficient evidence to hold respondents, save for Melchor Andes, a minor, for trial,” the DOJ ruled.

“The indictment of respondents for kidnapping for ransom with

murder is not only grounded on the extrajudicial confessions of John Benedict Dumalanta, David Gundran Jr., Melvin Andes, Melchor Andes and Victor Ferrer who are all in unison in pointing to Carlo Cadampog as the mastermind in the killing of Tolosa but also on other relevant evidence such as CCTV (closed circuit television) footage and testimonies of other witnesses who corroborated on the plan of Carlo Cadampog to abduct and exact money from Tolosa,” it said.

The DOJ said that Tolosa was abducted on July 19, 2022, and killed the same day in Barangay San Juan, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas where he was buried in a pit dug by Dumalanta, Andes and Ferrer. Rey E. Requejo

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has filed a resolution seeking to investigate reports of bullying in the hospital hierarchy, which he said poses a threat to the physical, psychological and mental health and safety of affected medical workers and professionals.

In Senate Resolution No. 467, Tulfo noted that those affected by bullying are clerks, interns, residents, nurses and other medical professionals.

He cited a book by Dr. Erwin Manzano which reported that “some hospitals and clinics have adopted a culture of bullying wherein senior residents and consultants are offensive and oppressive to junior residents, trainees, clerks and those lower in ranks, but have remained unexposed due to them being influential or regarded as highly respected members in the profession.

“It is necessary to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to determine the extent of the problem and to propose measures to address the situation,” Tulfo said as he requested the Senate Committee on Health and Demography to investigate the issue.

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned a vehicle owner and some riders recently involved in a road altercation in Cainta, Rizal that went viral online.

The LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) will conduct an investigation into the physical assault of an L300 van motorist against a Grab rider as two other motorbikers tried to pacify the motorist along Felix Avenue last Feb. 13.

In a subpoena, the agency directed those involved to appear at the IID office at its main office on East Avenue, Quezon City on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. IID officer in charge Renan Melitante said they would want to know the root cause of the traffic altercation and the possible traffic violations committed by any of the parties, and to determine possible sanctions. He warned that failure to show up during the probe could lead to the waiving of any of the arties’ rights to be heard, and that the LTO would be left with no other option but to decide on the case based on the available evidence at hand. Rio N. Araja

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Wilfredo Mallari as Undersecretary of the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Mallari, who hails from Bataan, was recommended to the post by DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar. Mallari and his family profusely thanked President Marcos and Acuzar for the trust and confidence. Mallari, an enginner, is also former Public Works Assistant Secretary during the Duterte administration.

Before assuming the Public Works post, he retired as DPWH Region 4-B or Mimaropa regional director. He had also been the region’s assistant director. He was district engineer of Bataan’s first district for 14 years and of Las PinasMuntinlupa in Metro Manila for three years. Mallari rose from the ranks, starting as part-time civil engineering aide in 1975 while studying at the Adamson University in Manila. Butch Gunio

PLANT VISIT. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe on Friday visited the plant of Hijo Super Foods in Tagum City that processes green bananas to produce gluten-free flour and coconut sap to coco sugar. Ver Noveno

GAMEFOWL FESTIVAL. Senator Cynthia Villar (center) and Agusan del Sur 2nd District Representative Eddiebong Plaza (second from right), with other officials, lead the ribbon-cutting of the opening of the International Gamefowl Festival 2023 at the SMX Mall of Asia Hobby Expo 2023 on Friday. Danny Pata

SHOULD we still celebrate the 1986 People Power revolution?

In February 1986, the Filipinos booted out of power the dictatorship of Marcos by staging a bloodless revolt.

The revolt effectively ended the 20year dictatorial rule by the Marcos regime characterized by excesses, suppression of human rights, and plunder of the economy.

(Editor’s Note: Marcos, was first elected in 1965, re-elected in 1969, declared martial law in September 1972 to check what he called was a state of rebellion and lifted this in January 1981; in April that year he was re-elected and was proclaimed by the Commission on Elections and the Batasang Pambansa as the winner, along with his vice presidential candidate Arturo Tolentino during the snap elections in February 1986.)

Four decades later, the son of the former dictator is now again in power as the leader of the country.

It is ironic that we ousted a Marcos with much revulsion in 1986, only to once again embrace another President Marcos 36 years later.

It would seem the Marcos name, long associated with profligacy, plunder, and human rights suppression, is now vindicated, with the Filipino people willing to forgive and forget the past sins of the family.

Is the four-day People Power Revolt forgotten, consigned to the dustbin of history, a mere historical footnote?

How do we explain this phenomenon?

Can we attribute this to the notoriously short memory of the Filipinos?

This might as well be because our memory is so short that we often keep on reelecting politicians who are accused of crimes of betrayal of public trust and crimes so destructive of reputation that ordinarily would spell the death knell of political careers.

Or, maybe our understanding of compassion and justice is such that we are ready and willing to forgive and forget the crimes of people who did us wrong?

Or, perhaps, our political culture is so broken that the electorate is susceptible to being co-opted, and manipulated by enterprising and unscrupulous politicians.

Perhaps, the majority are so jaded and cynical that, for them, whoever is in power, their lot would not change.

They see poverty and insecurity as their destiny whoever holds the reins of government.

But to the loyalists, of course, the return of Marcos Jr. represents everything that is good about the 20year rule of his father which, rightly or wrongly, they reminisce with fondness.

Whatever the reason or reasons, the Marcoses are back with a vengeance.

And the major players in the 1986 EDSA Revolt are either dead, retired, or conveniently cozying up with the new Marcos dispensation.

Many people -- not all for sure -- who actively participated and took part in the historic 4-day EDSA Revolt have long moved on to new pursuits, and are now busy living in the present.

Since Marcos Jr.’s ascent to power, many things happened, are happening and will still happen. New challenges are emerging.

After more than three years, the pandemic is almost behind us.

The people are slowly returning to

What do the athletes need?

their pre-pandemic routines and habits.

The economy is slowly but painstakingly regaining its previous traction.

But the fragile state of the economy remains with the Russia-Ukraine war still raging, triggering a worldwide disruption in the supply of oil and other basic commodities resulting in sharp increase in prices which is inflationary.

The South China Sea controversy is another thorn in the backside of the new administration.

Recently, President Marcos was going the rounds among the neighboring countries to drum up economic support and counter the aggressive stance of China towards its neighbors.

In particular, Marcos Jr. is revitalizing the Philippine alliance with the US downplayed by his predecessor, President Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos Jr.’s recent effort to pursue closer ties with the US has been interpreted as the Philippines’ pivot to the US, Manila’s only security ally in the world.

Given

As an ally, the Philippines continues to benefit from the American security umbrella in Asia, especially in the midst of growing security tensions in the SCS, where the Philippines commits to defending its territories in the West Philippine Sea.

Needless to say, Philippine foreign policy is closely watched because the country is situated at the center of the Sino-American rivalry for dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Of particular concern is achieving institutional justice for the numerous victims of human rights violations not only by the previous administration but even as far back as the martial law victims of the dictatorship.

According to historical documents, the Marcos dictatorship committed 3,257 known extrajudicial killings (Amnesty International reports that some 2,520 of the 3,257 murder victims were tortured and mutilated before their bodies were dumped in various places for the public to discover), 35,000 documented tortures, 77 ‘disappeared’, and 70,000 incarcerations.

Note that these numbers do not include the unrecorded victims which may now be impossible to account.

Will the Presidential Commission on Good Government tasked primarily to run after the Marcos loot. be emasculated or abolished altogether under the Marcos Jr. administration?

How about the court decisions against the Marcoses? Will they be enforced?

Given the present-day realities, is EDSA still worth celebrating?

I will answer this question in a subsequent column.

By Ambassador Albert Del Rosario

THE Filipino athletes are again set to see action in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia with a little more than two months to go.

In terms of magnitude, the SEA Games may be the smallest multi-sports events the country’s national athletes are competing in, compared to the Asian Games and the Olympics.

But it has been a relevant source of pride and glory for Filipinos, especially in this part of the world where some countries are more powerful, economy-wise, than others.

Victories in sports have been providing Overseas Filipino Workers a sense of importance and power, even fleetingly, over the citizens of their host country. Again, the journey towards that goal will always be difficult for the athletes and their coaches.

The daily training and regimen have bored them to no end but they have always been told to perform at the highest level and deliver the goods.

Unknown to most, it’s always a lonely journey toward every gold or a medal of any color.

The Philippine Sports Commission, the agency tasked by the Filipino people to take care of the athletes’ needs, will again be called upon to deliver everything that it could possibly provide for the athletes and make sure they perform and carry

The SEA Games may be the smallest multi-sports event the country’s national athletes are competing in, compared to the Asian Games and the Olympics

the pride of the tri-colors very well in the international arena.

To those who are not in the know, though, the first line of “offense” is being taken care of by the National Sports Association handling a particular sport. Karate, sepak takraw, rowing, to name a few, have their own private NSA that provides for the athletes.

For NSAs that really compete and go to international competitions with serious intent to win and deliver, they really go out of their way to get

Strong anti-drug campaign needed

By Arman Gaico

NO OTHER administration has left a fierce anti-drug legacy than former President Rodrigo Duterte’s.

Though his war against drugs drew attention and criticism from the local and international communities, he garnered support from the public as his policy mobilized people, particularly the youth, to refrain from drug use. Given the resurging drug problem in the country, it is no wonder that Duterte has sought to drum up the administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

In a recent Facebook live, independent Senator Alan Peter Cayetano asked the former chief executive (and his running mate in the 2016 elections) to remind the public to continue the campaign against illegal drugs.

In response, Duterte said the police only need to be assured the government has their back when it comes to enforcing the law.

Duterte added the police can only choose between two options: right or wrong.

“If you choose what is wrong, you will be in a dangerous situation. If you choose what is right, all of us will be happy.” Cayetano, who served as foreign affairs secretary under the Duterte administration, echoed Duterte that the government should be “uncompromising on illegal drugs.”

Early this year, the senator made the same call amid fears several high-ranking police officials in the Philippine National Police have links to drug syndicates.

The senator, a strong supporter of the PNP, also highlighted police officers should be ‘agents of change’ in addressing the perennial drug problem in the country. He said this even though his home city of Taguig, with his wife Mayor Lani Cayetano at the helm, has not been spared of the rampant spread of drugs under the police.

In December last year, four employees of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were arrested in a raid at the Taguig City-owned building that housed the PDEA office. The incident prompted Mayor Cayetano to demand the return of the building to repurpose it for a more worthy public use, and to express the LGU is “dead serious about its fight against illegal drugs and that it demands the same level of commitment from PDEA.”

Given the resurging drug problem in the country, it is no wonder that Duterte has sought to drum up the administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign

After this incident, Mayor Cayetano gave a strong marching order to rid the city of illegal substances, which immediately bore fruit as six barangays were declared drug-free in the City of Taguig weeks ago.

Senator Cayetano himself has also continued to express full trust in the capability and service of the PNP, and stated that only those who are found to be narco-generals and involved in the illegal drug trade must be fired and face the music.

Recognizing the intense drug problem in the country, the Cayetanos have implemented an impressive and

Building the country’s credible defense posture

THE latest case of Chinese bullying was the February 6, 2023 incident at Ayungin Shoal where the Chinese directed a military-grade laser against the Filipino crew on a support mission, causing temporary blindness to our countrymen.

This worrisome incident highlights the need to find new ways to build our country’s credible defense posture to deter further bullying in our own waters.

As part of our defense assets, our country has long relied on “excess defense articles”—meaning excess equipment donated to us by other countries.

Excess defense articles remain useful to increase our capabilities; however, the costs for reconditioning and maintaining such articles becomes prohibitive over time.

The reconditioning itself is expensive and usually takes nine to twelve months to undertake.

Such excess defense articles are normally given on an “as is, where is” basis after consideration by the donor country that it no longer needs such articles.

This narrows our choices on the kinds of defense assets to acquire.

Outright purchases of assets for our country’s defense are, of course, ideal but come at a high cost given our limited resources.

As part of the options of our leadership, may we respectfully suggest the possibility of operational lease of defense assets, which may allow us to obtain newer equipment at lesser cost and with faster delivery time.

Operational leases may also give us more possibilities in terms of the types of defense assets to acquire.

A good analogy would be acquiring a car.

Buying a new car is usually expensive. Reconditioning and maintaining a used and donated car may also be expensive overtime.

But renting or leasing a car allows us to enjoy the benefits of acquiring a relatively new car, but at a cheaper price and without the waiting time for

resources to spend for the preparation of their athletes. They do request liquidation from the PSC, but most of the time, they get only a fraction of their actual expenses.

With the SEA Games in Cambodia in May, the NSAs and the PSC should really find a way now to seek a common means to immediately provide the needs of the athletes, like nutrition, vitamins and supplements, and available training venues— with less bureaucracy—at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the Philports Arena in Pasig be opened to national athletes regardless of their affiliation.

So how the PSC should make its presence felt more by athletes?

It should come up with liaison officers that would really monitor and regularly keep in touch with the athletes and coaches, keeping tabs on their training, listing down their particular needs, and lessening the government’s usually slow process of approving requests for provisions.

Richard Bachmann may be new at the helm of the PSC, but he can make a difference by really listening to the voice of the athletes and coaches whom he has vowed to serve during his term as chairman.

He may start by closely and regularly communicating with the athletes and coaches who actually do the preparation.

collaborative anti-drug campaign in their home city that involves local authorities, schools, and households to help the Taguigeños stay away from prohibited drugs.

In October last year, they renewed their commitment to improving the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Camp Bagong Diwa, the largest drug treatment facility in the country.

In November also of last year, the city government carried out a series of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral Treatment (SBIRT) seminars to aid drug dependents against the use of illegal substances through voluntary rehabilitation and medication.

Through this seminar, 75 employees and representatives from the City Departments, which include the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Barangay captains, and kagawads, were trained as SBIRT screeners.

In another collaboration before the COVID-19 pandemic, the LGU joined forces as well with schools and parents to conduct information drives in all 34 of the city’s public elementary and high schools to help protect 6,000 youth from being exposed and tempted from using illegal drugs.

These holistic efforts to tackle the drug problem, including the calls of Duterte and Cayetano, should be heeded by the current administration.

While its approach to addressing the drug problem at the grassroots level may be more refined, will it be enough against the Hydra-like illegal drug trade that regrows its heads whenever authorities try to chop them off?

(The author is an anti-crime and antidrug advocate in Cebu City. During his college days, he joined a nongovernmental organization that would help drug dependents and their families.)

refurbishment.

Our present leadership is taking the correct steps in defending the West Philippine Sea by pursuing joint patrols with our allies and establishing the additional “Agreed Locations” under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Our leadership should also engage with our allies to explore the possibility of operational leases of defense assets, as part of our calibrated options to increase our country’s defense capabilities.

As we have said before, we do not expect the US and our allies to fight our battles for us, but we count on their strong and unwavering assistance in building the strength and resources of the Philippines to meet challenges, especially in the context of relentless bullying by China in our own backyard.

(The author is Chair, Stratbase ADR Institute, Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Former Philippine Ambassador to the United States)

Our leadership should also engage with our allies to explore the possibility of operational leases of defense assets, as part of our calibrated options to increase our country’s defense capabilities

Quake death toll passes 41k; UN asks for aid

ISTANBUL — The death toll from the earthquake that has devastated parts of Turkey and Syria exceeded 41,000 on Friday as the United Nations appealed for $1 billion to address a growing humanitarian crisis.

Eleven days after the quake — now one of the 10 deadliest in the past 100 years — Turkish rescuers pulled a 17-year-old girl and a woman in her 20s out of the rubble.

“She looked to be in good health. She opened and closed her eyes,” coal miner Ali Akdogan said after participating in the rescue of Aleyna Olmez in Kahramanmaras, a city near the quake’s epicentre.

But hopes of finding survivors have largely faded.

Many in the affected zones are facing

‘Bureaucracy slowing down Russian attack’

MOSCOW — The head of Russia’s mercenary outfit Wagner said on Thursday it could take months to capture the embattled Ukraine city of Bakhmut and slammed Moscow’s “monstrous bureaucracy” for slowing military gains.

Russia has been trying to encircle and capture the battered industrial city ahead of February 24, the first anniversary of what it terms its “special military operation” in Ukraine.

“I think it’s (going to be in) March or in April,” Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said in one of several messages posted online.

“To take Bakhmut you have to cut all supply routes. It’s a significant task,” he said, adding: “Progress is not going as fast as we would like.

“Bakhmut would have been taken before the New Year, if not for our monstrous military bureaucracy.”

Prigozhin has previously accused the Russian military of attempting to “steal” victories from Wagner, a sign of his rising clout and the potential for dangerous rifts in Moscow.

Wagner’s claims to have captured ground without help from the regular army have also spurred friction with senior military leadership.

In Bakhmut, Artem, a deputy commander with a Ukrainian mortar unit, said fighting remained intense.

“There’s a regular Russian army here and they also have regular artillery groups and they shoot accurately as well,” he said.

‘Most important’ weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed to have annexed the Donetsk region that surrounds Bakhmut last year.

But the fierce fighting for the city is now the longest-running battle of Russia’s campaign and Moscow’s key military objective.

Taking Bakhmut would be a major win for Moscow, though analysts say its capture would be mainly symbolic as the salt-mining town holds little strategic value. As the conflict’s one-year anniversary approaches next week, the United States and its allies plan to mark the grim milestone with major new sanctions against Russia, Victoria Nuland, under secretary of state for political affairs, said Thursday. AFP

a dire emergency as they try to pick up the pieces in freezing conditions, without food, water and toilets — raising the spectre of further disaster from diseases.

“The needs are enormous, people are suffering and there’s no time to lose,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement, calling for funds to help the victims.

He said the contributions would provide humanitarian relief for three months to 5.2 million people.

The money would “allow aid

organizations to rapidly scale up vital support,” including in the areas of food security, protection, education, water and shelter, he added.

“I urge the international community to step up and fully fund this critical effort in response to one of the biggest natural disasters of our times.”

By Day 3 ‘she was dead’ Officials and medics said 38,044 people had died in Turkey and 3,688 in Syria from the February 6 tremor, bringing the confirmed total to 41,732.

The quake — in one of the world’s most active earthquake zones — hit populated areas as many were asleep in houses that had not been built to resist such powerful ground vibrations.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip

Erdogan has pushed back hard against accusations that his government floundered in its response to the country’s deadliest natural disaster of modern times.

For every miraculous tale of survival, there are stories of dashed hopes of saving loved ones who slowly died in the rubble. Hasan Irmak saw five family members — including his six-year-old daughter Belinda — buried under his flattened house in the Syrian border region town of Samandag.

“She was alive for two days,” the 57-year-old said of his daughter.

“I was talking to her in the ruins.

Then she lost all her energy. On the third day, she was dead. Help arrived

Key security event has Ukraine in focus

MUNICH — The Munich Security Conference opens on Friday, bringing world leaders together ahead of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as Kyiv steps up pleas for more weapons.

US-China ties will also be in focus at the three-day gathering, with tensions skyhigh after Washington shot down an alleged Chinese surveillance balloon over US territory.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and France’s President Emmanuel Macron will speak at the opening event, focused on Ukraine. US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will also be attending.

Coming just days ahead of the February 24 anniversary of Moscow sending its forces into Ukraine, the conflict will top

the agenda, with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba representing Ukraine. Ukraine’s Western backers, led by the United States, have given it a huge amount of weapons and pledged a barrage of others, including heavy battle tanks long sought by Kyiv to counter Russia’s offensive.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is now ramping up pleas for Western fighter jets, though Ukraine’s allies have so far been cool on the subject.

In a BBC interview released Thursday, Zelensky repeated his calls for more Western military aid: “Of course, modern weapons speed up peace. Weapons are the only language Russia understands.” He also ruled out conceding Ukrainian territory in a potential peace deal with Russia, warning that giving up land would mean that Russia could “keep coming back”, the British broadcaster reported.

- Rising balloon tensions -

But the recent decision by Berlin to allow German-made Leopard tanks to be sent to Ukraine — after weeks of hesitation — has fuelled hope in Kyiv about potential future weapons deliveries.

While “some decisions took too long,” Kuleba told Germany’s Funke media group that Berlin had “risen above itself”.

“I believe that things will go much smoother after the Leopard decision,” he said.

Kuleba is also expected to join a meeting of foreign ministers from the G7 club of rich countries on Saturday, on the sidelines of the conference.

With signs that Russia is managing to adapt to the sanctions imposed over its invasion, the United States and its allies plan a major array of new measures against Moscow to mark the invasion’s anniversary, a US official said. AFP

Embassy guard faces jail time for spying on UK for Moscow

LONDON — A former security guard at the UK’s Berlin embassy, who pleaded guilty to spying for Moscow, faces up to 14 years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday.

David Ballantyne Smith, 58, admitted to passing sensitive material to the Russian embassy in Germany and was then caught in a sting operation.

Judge Mark Wall said Thursday that he would sentence Smith on the basis that he had an “ongoing relationship” with Moscow and was “paid for his treachery”.

The sentencing hearing starts at 1000 GMT at the Old Bailey Court in central London.

The judge rejected Smith’s claims that he had passed information to Moscow only twice in order to cause “embarrassment” to the UK.

BORDER MARKS. People walk near the US-Mexico border wall at Friendship Park before being replaced in Playas de Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on February 16. US authorities announced that they resumed construction this week on the border fence at the iconic Friendship Park, replacing primary and secondary barriers along a 0.03-mile stretch of its southwest border with Mexico. AFP

Smith “was motivated by his antipathy towards this country and intended to damage this country’s interests by acting as he did,” the judge added.

The military veteran, originally from Paisley in western Scotland, had worked at the

Nokor vows strong response to US-Sokor drills

SEOUL — North Korea on Friday threatened an “unprecedentedly” strong response to upcoming US-South Korea joint military drills, describing them as preparations for war.

The warning came ahead of a tabletop exercise next week in Washington, in which the two allies will discuss responses to the use of nuclear weapons by Pyongyang.

North Korea has long condemned joint US-South Korea military drills, calling them rehearsals for an invasion.

It regards the exercises planned for this year “with just apprehension

and reason... as preparations for an aggression war”, a spokesperson for the North Korean foreign ministry said in a statement released by state media.

If Washington and Seoul go ahead with the drills, “they will face unprecedentedly persistent and strong counteractions”, the statement added.

Under its hawkish President Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea has beefed up military drills with the United States, which had been scaled back during the Covid pandemic. They were also paused for a bout of ill-fated diplomacy with Pyongyang under his predecessor.

Yoon’s government is eager to convince the increasingly nervous South Korean public of Washington’s commitment to deter Pyongyang, which last year declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power and conducted a record number of weapons tests.

The exercise next week will focus on “joint planning, joint management and joint response with Washington’s nuclear assets” in case of a nuclear attack by Pyongyang, a South Korean defence ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Pyongyang’s aggressive statement reflects the significance of this drill, said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. The exercise will be an important criterion for the extent to which the US nuclear arsenal will be involved in deterring North Korea, Yang told AFP.

Pyongyang has repeatedly said it is not interested in further talks, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently called for an “exponential” increase in his country’s nuclear arsenal. AFP

Berlin embassy for five years.

Prosecutors said Smith first wrote to the Russian embassy in 2020, revealing details of British embassy staff and suggesting further contact.

After the UK and German authorities found out about this, they formed a plot to try to catch Smith in the act.

Fake spies

Smith was told that a Russian citizen called Dmitry -- in reality a UK agent -- wanted to visit the British embassy to pass on sensitive information.

Smith then filmed CCTV footage of “Dmitry” inside the embassy and took packaging from a phone SIM card given to him.

Another UK agent later approached Smith pretending to be “Irina”, an operative in Russia’s GRU military intelligence service.

In covert video, Smith told her: “I don’t trust the bastards I work for” and “I don’t want to be in Germany. I’m stuck in the land of Nazi bastards”. AFP

on the fourth.”

Turkey has suspended rescue operations in some regions, and the government in war-torn Syria has done the same in areas under its control.

The Red Cross on Thursday more than tripled its emergency funding appeal to over $700 million.

The situation in rebel-held northwest Syria is particularly dire, with aid slow to arrive in the region ravaged by years of conflict.

“There is no electricity, no water, no sanitation,” Abdelrahman Haji Ahmed told AFP in Jindayris on the Turkish border, his ruined former home behind him.

“The lives of all the families are tragic.” AFP

Toddler dies, New Zealand storm toll rises

NAPIER, New Zealand — A New Zealand mum has recounted the heartbreak of watching her two-year-old daughter being swept away in floodwaters unleashed by Cyclone Gabrielle, which has killed at least eight people.

The storm has faded into the South Pacific but left a trail of destruction and human suffering across New Zealand’s North Island. About 10,000 people are displaced, cities and towns are still without power and drinking water, and local government officials estimate tens or even hundreds of communities have yet to be contacted.

Police on Friday confirmed an eighth death as a result of the storm, saying “the person is believed to have died after being caught in flood water”.

Details are only gradually emerging about the scale of the disaster and the horrors endured by survivors such as Ella Louise Collins. Collins, her husband and their two kids were trapped in their one-storey home in the hard-hit Hawke’s Bay region when the floodwaters arrived.

“The water was about 10 centimetres from the ceiling in our house and rose extremely quickly and violently,” Collins wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The family of four tried to escape to the safety of a neighbour’s roof, but were stopped by what she called “a sudden torrent of water which almost drowned us all”. In the chaos, two-and-a-half-year-old Ivy was swept away and drowned. Collins said the child “died very quickly”.

“Please give us time while we ground ourselves and navigate this impossible time.”

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins toured the Hawke’s Bay region on Friday, saying “the whole country” was feeling for communities affected.

“There are some people who are in a very, very fragile state.

“I just ask people to keep going, you know, we will get through this. We will come out the other side of it. But it is an exceptionally challenging circumstance at the moment.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

QUAKE MESSAGE. The message ‘Pray for Turkey and Syria’ is projected on the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, February 16, during a tribute to the victims of the earthquake that struck the two countries. AFP

Market falls; DITO, Globe buck the trend

PSEi February 17, 2023

TOP GAINERS

STOCKS fell for a second day on the prospect of continued monetary tightening after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its key interest rate by 50 basis points on Thursday.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, shed 36 points, or 0.54 percent, to close at 6,779.02 Friday, as four of the six subsectors declined.

It was still up 3.24 percent since the

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

start of this year’s trading despite the losses this week. The broader all-share index also lost 17 points, or 0.48 percent, to settle at 3,621.69, on a value turnover of P5.68 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 123 to 56, while 39 issues were unchanged.

Five of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by DITO CME Holdings Corp. which climbed 4.21 percent to P3.22 and Globe Telecom Inc. which rose 3.55 percent to P2,040.00.

The peso also traded lower at 55.24 against the US dollar Friday, following Thursday’s close of 55.12.

Meanwhile, most Asian markets also registered losses Friday as two Federal Reserve officials hinted at ramping up

their institution’s monetary tightening campaign in the face of stubbornly high US inflation.

Data showing the US wholesale price index eased slightly last month but rose more than forecast, reinforced the view that the central bank still has much more work to do to defeat inflation—even after almost a year of lifting borrowing costs.

The reading came as other figures from the United States showed consumer prices came down slower than expected and retail sales surged, while job creation smashed estimates and unemployment claims came in on the soft side.

Markets last month rallied on hopes the Fed would be able to pause its hiking cycle soon—or even cut rates by the

end of the year—but now there is a realization that more increases are needed to get inflation back to the bank’s two percent target.

“You will not sustainably get to two percent inflation when you have a labor market that is this tight,” Steve Chiavarone, of Federated Hermes, told Bloomberg News. “It is so completely out of whack.”

The tighter policy environment has renewed fears on trading floors that the US economy will tip into recession.

St. Louis Fed boss James Bullard and his Cleveland counterpart Loretta Mester on Thursday became the latest monetary policymakers to warn further hikes were in the pipeline. With AFP

TikTok pledges to comply with rules on EU scrutiny

PARIS, France—Social media platform TikTok, famed for bite-size videos of pranks and dances, said Friday it was working hard to comply with EU rules after the bloc’s leaders demanded greater efforts from the firm.

TikTok, whose parent company ByteDance is Chinese, is already facing calls for a ban in the US over its links with Beijing and is now under fierce scrutiny in the European Union.

The bloc’s top officials recently accused the platform of failing to deal with problems related to data, copyright, and access to harmful content.

TikTok said in a statement that it had bolstered its staff working on compliance and promised to host the data of European users in Ireland.

The EU is pushing through a suite of regulations to rein in big tech’s power.

Among the new laws is the Digital Services Act due to come into force in September, which obliges platforms to

remove illegal or harmful content or face massive fines and even a total ban.

“With younger audiences comes greater responsibility,” EU commissioner Thierry Breton told TikTok boss Shou Zi Chew in a call last month, according to a readout released by the EU.

“It is not acceptable that behind seemingly fun and harmless features, it takes users seconds to access harmful and sometimes even life-threatening content.”

The firm, which said it has more than 5,000 staff in Europe, promised to continue taking down harmful content and disinformation, and openly report any actions.

TikTok admitted last year that some staff in China could access the data of European users.

It was later forced to confirm that ByteDance staff had accessed TikTok data to track journalists in a bid to identify a source of leaks to the media. AFP

MERCEDES-BENZ

PROFIT.

LONDON, United Kingdom—Bitcoin hit an eight-month high to surge past $25,000 on Thursday as the volatile cryptocurrency rises despite pressure from US regulators.

The digital coin has soared by 50 percent since the start of the year, though it remains far off its peak of $68,992, which it reached in November 2021.

Bitcoin reached $25,249 on Thursday, its highest point since June and the first time it topped $25,000 since August.

A more optimistic outlook for the world economy is propping up the markets, including cryptocurrencies, with Paris and London stock exchanges hitting all-time highs on Thursday.

“While regulatory crackdowns continue to drive some unease, there’s clearly a growing sense of relief that the worst is behind it for the industry and 2023 could be a much better year,” said Craig Erlam, analyst at online trading platform OANDA.

US officials are cracking down on the cryptocurrency sector after the uproar caused by the recent bankruptcy of FTX and Alameda Research.

FTX, once the world’s highest-profile crypto exchange, collapsed spectacularly in November, leaving nine million customers in the lurch and seeing cofounder Sam Bankman-Fried indicted for fraud by US prosecutors.

US regulators on Monday ordered crypto firm Paxos Trust to stop issuing dollar-pegged cryptocurrency BUSD, a stablecoin, for trading platform Binance.

“The third largest stablecoin was given an expiration date of February 2024 and the market has seemingly shrugged it off,” said Riyad Carey, analyst at cryptocurrency data provider Kaiko. AFP

NEW YORK, United States—Tesla is recalling nearly 363,000 electric vehicles because of problems with their driver-assistance technology that heighten crash risk, according to a US regulatory announcement seen by AFP Thursday.

The recall affects a range of Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y Tesla autos from between 2016 and 2023, equipped with “Full Self-Driving Beta” technology, said a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice.

To remedy the problem, Tesla will release a software update that can be implemented remotely.

Problems with Tesla’s FSD Beta system mean cars could undertake maneuvers that “could potentially infringe upon local traffic laws or customs, which could increase the risk of a collision if the driver does not intervene,” said an NHTSA notice.

The driver-assistance system “may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections” by not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, traveling straight in a turn-only

lane, or running an orange light, NHTSA said in a letter to Tesla.

The system also “may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits,” the NHTSA letter said.

Tesla shares fell around five percent following the announcement.

The company’s Chief Executive Elon Musk downplayed the setback on Twitter, agreeing with a user who said the term “recall” should not be used for problems that can be addressed without significant repair.

“The word ‘recall’ for an over-the-air software update is anachronistic and just flat wrong!” Musk wrote.

The action comes as US regulators investigate Tesla’s driver assistance programs on a number of fronts.

Last month, Tesla disclosed that the Department of Justice opened an investigation into its driver-assistance program. That is on top of an ongoing NHTSA review of Tesla’s “Autopilot” following several safety incidents. AFP

Electric boat goes airborne, aims for cleaner ocean voyage

By Julie Jammot

SAUSALITO, United States—Appearing at a glance to be just a simple pleasure boat floating on the San Francisco Bay, as the hydrofoilequipped vessel picks up speed it suddenly begins rising above the water, grabbing the attention of passengers on a nearby ferry.

But instead of a roaring engine thrusting the boat along, its electric motor barely makes a sound.

Such electric boats with computerguided hydrofoils may soon supplant conventional ferries with combustion engines in harbors and bays around the world if Swedish “flying boat” maker Candela has its way.

“It’s half plane and half boat; almost like riding a magic carpet,” French sailor Tanguy de Lamotte said from the helm of the 8.5-meter (28foot) long C8.

De Lamotte, who has completed the Vendee Globe solo round-theworld race in a sailboat twice as large as the C8, heads Candela’s US arm.

The Swedish company’s goal is to make the most energy-efficient electric boats “and get away from fossil fuels,” according to de Lamotte.

Hydrofoils that act as underwater wings lift the boat as it accelerates, leaving only the rotor and hydrofoils immersed and greatly reducing friction.

In addition to using some 80 percent less energy to travel, the boat

And since the engine is electric, passengers are spared the noise and smell of gas-powered motors. Drop in the ocean?

Candela has received some 150 orders for the C8, which has a starting price of $400,000. The first delivery is expected to arrive in Florida by the end of the month.

While the project may seem like a drop in the ocean when it comes to countering climate change-inducing fossil fuel emissions, it is at least an oar stroke in the right direction, Lamotte contended.

Even if the C8 is a hit, their environmental benefit would be limited since recreational boats tend to be used only a couple of days a week and when weather is pleasant.

So Candela wants to tackle ferries. Their next model is a catamaran with 25 seats to be tested as a shuttle in the Stockholm archipelago later this year, he said.

The service is expected to cut in half the amount of time it takes people using ferries or buses to get from the Ekero suburb to the city center once it gets going.

The company also plans to test its P8 craft—a “limousine” version of the

C8—between the airport and hotels in Venice, Italy.

For now, electric motors combined with hydrofoils are far from being viable in massive container ships or cruise ships.

And, the issue of producing batteries and recycling the materials remains a hindrance in the industry.

“The solution of our environmental problem is going to come with technology,” de Lamotte told AFP aboard the C8.

“That is what we are trying to do; for sure the impact is way less than what we are using these days with internal combustion engines.”

Heading for Cannes Candela touts the C8 as the “fastest” and “longest-range” electric boat on the market, traveling as far as 57 nautical miles (about 100 kilometers) on a single charge with an average speed of 22 knots and peak at 30 knots.

According to an Allied Market Research report published last year, the electric boat market was worth $5 billion in 2021 and will exceed $16 billion by 2031. Candela seeks to differentiate itself with hydrofoils and an advanced computer that automatically adjusts them to keep voyages smooth and safe.

“Designing an electric boat is easy enough,” said de Lamotte, who was working on his own prototype when hired by the Swedish company.

“Making it fly by itself is more complicated.” AFP

Bitcoin tops $25,000, highest in 8 months on increased demand

Ola Kallenius, chief executive of German car maker Mercedes-Benz, addresses the media during the company’s annual financial statement at its headquarters in Stuttgart on Feb. 17, 2023. Mercedes-Benz reported a jump in profits for 2022, thanks to strong demand for high-end and electric models but warned of a sluggish start to the new year in Europe. AFP

Tesla recalls 360,000 vehicles over driver-assistance tech issue

French sailor Tanguy de Lamotte, CEO of Candela US, poses for photos during a media demonstration day near the company’s ‘flying’ electric C-8 boat in Sausalito, California on Feb. 8, 2023. AFP also avoids nausea-causing waves or swells, de Lamotte said.

BUSINESS

ICTSI proposes to expand Aussie port

By Darwin G. Amojelar

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc.

on Friday proposed to invest $343 million for the expansion of Victoria International Container Terminal to dramatically increase efficiencies and pave the way for larger ships to berth at Australia’s pre-eminent port.

Under the proposal, ICTSI would undertake a phased development of the Webb Dock North Container Terminal and integrate its operations with VICT, its 100-percent owned subsidiary in the Port of Melbourne. The design would deliver higher operating efficiencies at a

IN BRIEF

PAL taps Ramco to automate, optimize business operations

PHILIPPINE Airlines tapped global aviation software provider Ramco Systems to automate and optimize its business operations.

The airline unit of tycoon Lucio Tan signed an agreement with Ramco to deploy state-of-the-art Aviation Suite V5.9—a solution that will replace standalone legacy systems, thereby integrating, automating and enhancing business performances across PAL and affiliate PAL Express.

Aligned with PAL’s Accelerated Initiatives for Recoveries and Full Optimization through Innovation and Leadership program, Ramco’s on-cloud, next-gen platform will offer PAL end-to-end optimization of maintenance and engineering business processes to support regulatory compliance and enable sustainable digital transformation through paperless operations.

“At PAL, our focus has always been on improving our global network infrastructure and making Philippine Airlines worthy of our customers’ enduring trust and support. This has led us to embark on a transformational journey towards technological upgrades and innovation,” PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng.

Darwin G. Amojelar

BSP securities auction draws strong demand

THE month-long securities offered by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas received strong demand from investors a day after the key interest rate was raised by another 50 basis points to a 14-year high of 6 percent.

The weekly 28-day bill offering, which was earlier lowered to P140 billion from P170 billion, received a total tender of P202.364 billion, or equivalent to 1.445 times the volume offered.

The BSP accepted P140 billion, with the weighted average interest rate rising by 9.0626 basis points to 6.4707 percent. The yields accepted shifted higher and widened to a range of 6.3250 percent to 6.5985 percent.

BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said the results of the BSP bill auction reflected strong demand from market participants, following the BSP’s latest policy decision to raise its key policy rate by 50 bps.

“Looking ahead, the BSP’s monetary operations will continue to be guided by its assessment of the prevailing liquidity conditions and market developments,” Dakila said. Julito G. Rada

Petrowind seeks ERC nod on

P257-m Aklan power line

PETROWIND Energy Inc. is seeking the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission to develop the P257-million pointto-point transmission facility to connect its 13.2-megawatt Nabas 2 wind project in Aklan to the transmission line of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

PWEI, a subsidiary of Yuchengcoowned PetroEnergy Resources Corp., said in its application the interconnection facilities would directly connect the Nabas 2 project to the 13.2-megawatt NabasAVON-Caticlan substation overhead transmission line of NGCP through the 4-km 69kV transmission line of PWEI and the proposed common switchyard of Nabas 1 and Nabas 2.

PWEI said ERC’s issuance of a provisional authority is “urgently needed to enable Petrowind to achieve the target commercial operations of Nabas 2 wind power project by September 2023.”

“Petrowind respectfully submits that the dedicated facility project is the only viable option for connecting the Nabas 2 wind power project as detailed in the system impact study,” the company said. Alena Mae S. Flores

lower development cost and with a significantly reduced environmental impact compared to competing proposals.

The port operator already invested $481 million in Victoria since the establishment of VICT in 2014, making it one of the largest foreign infrastructure

investors in the Australian state.

The development would increase VICT’s container capacity to 3.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units, allowing for four container berths with the ability to service vessels up to 14,000 TEUs and up to 367 meters in length.

ICTSI executive vice president Christian Gonzalez said the company is the ideal long-term strategic partner for the Port of Melbourne to ensure it could meet the growing demand of Australia’s busiest container port.

“Victoria’s growing economy presents the Port of Melbourne with the opportunity to consolidate its position as Australia’s number one container port,” Gonzalez said.

“ICTSI is keen to solidify its partner-

ship with the Port of Melbourne to deliver the lowest cost, most efficient and environmentally-sustainable solution. Our vision for this operation is in lockstep with that of the Port of Melbourne’s own vision as it examines strategies to expand capacity and facilitate the growth of Victorian economy,” he said.

ICTSI engaged multiple global firms to assess the merits of its proposal in comparison to current expansion designs for the Port of Melbourne.

Jacobs Engineering undertook a detailed technical assessment, including estimates of construction costs, while Boston Consulting Group focused on market and economic assessments.

The external reports conclude that ICTSI’s proposal could deliver cost

BSP seen raising interest rate to 6.5% this

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to continue raising the key interest rate by additional 50 basis points to 6.5 percent in the first half in its bid to bring back inflation to the target range, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. said in a report Friday.

The policy-setting Monetary Board of the BSP on Thursday raised the policy rate by 50 basis points to 6 percent, or 25 basis points higher than the US Federal Reserve’s adjustment this month.

“We expect the BSP to do what it said it will and continue its tightening cycle. We anticipate the BSP to hike by 25 bp in March and another 25 bp in May, bringing the policy rate to 6.50 percent before pausing,” HSBC said.

“We then expect the BSP to hold this tight monetary stance throughout the rest of 2023,” it said.

The 6-percent policy interest rate was the highest since August 2008 at the height of the global financial crisis. Both the overnight lending and deposit rates were also increased to 6.50 percent and 5.50 percent, respectively.

“With inflation [at] a 14-year high and growth [at] a 46-year high, the BSP’s fight is not yet over,” the HSBC said.

HSBC said its forecast of more modest 25 bps hikes in March and May was under the expectation that inflation would peak in the first quarter of 2023. It said supply-side price pressures might ease to some extent in February as nonmonetary policies finally kick in. HSBC did not rule out any supply-

DTI chief optimistic on Senate’s concurrence to RCEP agreement

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry is optimistic about the Senate’s concurrence to the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, following the sponsorship by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and president pro tempore Senator Loren Legarda.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual assured farmers that the trade partnership would not leave agricultural stakeholders behind as measures to protect sensitive commodities, such as rice and corn, would remain in place.

“We have spent a number of sessions with farmer groups to discuss their concerns and explain to them that many of

our farm products are not covered by the tariff liberalization under RCEP. We have an existing free trade agreement with the ASEAN countries and those tariffs will be respected,” he said.

Zubiri underscored the objective of RCEP, which is “establishing clear, stable and predictable rules in doing trade and investments in the region so that it will be more convenient and competitive for our businesses and investors.”

He said the Philippines could not afford to isolate itself from the rest of the world, and various trade associations and international bodies and organizations recognized the value and importance of RCEP.

“It provides a stable platform so that

countries in the region can optimize their participation in the global economy or, more specifically, the global value chain,” he said.

The Philippines is the only country in ASEAN that is yet to ratify the agreement. “While various countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia have reported gains in RCEP, the Philippines is put at a disadvantage and missing out on a lot of opportunities,” Zubiri said.

Pascual said the DTI agreed with the proposal of Senate leaders to set up an oversight committee on RCEP implementation to ensure that appropriate assistance programs for local stakeholders, especially the agriculture sector, are provided.

savings of more than $165 million and spread the timing of spend over a longer period while introducing significant capacity into the market sooner.

Gonzalez said preliminary discussions had been held with the Port of Melbourne and its owners as well as the Victorian government and other key industry stakeholders.

He said ICTSI is ready and confident to test its proposal in any competitive process that the Port of Melbourne requires under its plans for the future of Webb Dock.

“We believe we can partner with the Port of Melbourne to deliver the superior proposal for Webb Dock and in turn, lock in further economic prosperity for Victoria,” Gonzalez said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

side shocks such as typhoons in the coming months.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said Thursday that in deciding to raise the policy interest rate anew, the Monetary Board noted that the latest baseline inflation forecast path had shifted higher relative to the previous assessment. Average inflation is projected to breach the upper end of the 2 percent to 4 percent target range at 6.1 percent in 2023, before returning to within target at 3.1 percent in 2024.

He said the forecasts were adjusted upwards following the higher-thanexpected inflation outturn in January of 8.7 percent and the continued stronger rebound in domestic demand and gross domestic product growth in fourth quarter.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BUSINESSMAN Antonio Tiu stepped down as president and chief executive of listed firm Ever-Gotesco Resources and Holdings Inc., after taking over the helm of the company a little over a year ago.

Ever-Gotesco said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday Tiu resigned as director, president and chief executive effective Feb. 16, 2023.

The company said Tiu had left “to focus on his agricultural business”. Ever-Gotesco did not identify Tiu’s replacement.

Sources said Tiu was also planning to step down as president of Phil Infradev Holdings Inc. which is engaged in infrastructure and real estate development.

TIu leads two other listed firms— AgriNuture Inc. which is into export, local distribution and retail of agricultural products and Greenergy Holdings Inc. which invests in agriculture, agri-tourism, real estate development, banking and finance and information technology.

TIu was elected president and chief executive of Ever-Gotesco in December 2021. The company acquired the net assets of Agriwave Organic Inc. and 3-J Development Corp. to manage agri businesses and eco-agri tourism, respectively.

The company announced in May 2022 plans to change its corporate name to Everwoods Green Resources and Holdings Inc. as part of its plan to diversify into agri-tourism and bamboo industries.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

TERRA Solar Philippines Inc. and Ma-

nila Electric Co. jointly filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission to approve their 850-megawatt power supply agreement that will result in savings of P14.8 billion to consumers.

Meralco executed a 20-year PSA following the conduct of a competitive selection process for the procurement of 850-megawatt renewable energy midmerit capacity on Oct. 24, 2022.

“Meralco notes that the annual delivered rate of P5.8 per kilowatt-hour [VAT and line rental inclusive] is lower by about P3.9840 per kWh than the effec-

tive cost of P9.7840 per kWh [VAT and line rental inclusive], if the equivalent capacity under the Meralco-TSPI PSA is to be sourced from the WESM,” the joint application read.

WESM, or the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, is the trading floor of electricity.

“In fact, by sourcing the capacity through the Meralco-TSPI PSA, Meralco’s average blended generation rate will be reduced by about P0.3540 per kWh, resulting in savings to consumers of about P14.8 billion,” the parties said.

TSPI submitted an unsolicited proposal for 850 MW capacity of RE mid-merit supply using a portfolio of solar power plants and battery energy storage systems.

Photo shows the Victoria International Container Terminal at the Port of Melbourne in Australia. International Container Terminal Services Inc. outlined a significant proposal for the expansion of VICT, its 100-percent owned subsidiary in the Port of Melbourne. The proposal would dramatically increase efficiencies and pave the way for larger ships to berth at Australia’s pre-eminent port.

CTB COURTESY CALL. The Chamber of Thrift Banks’ 2023 board of trustees makes a courtesy call on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla (center) in line with the 2023 CTB national convention slated on Sept. 22, 2023 at the Dusit Thani Hotel with the theme ‘Thrift Banks 2023: Taking the Lead to Economic Recovery through Digitalization’ where the governor is invited as a guest speaker. With Medalla are (from left) CTB trustee and convention co-chair Argeo Melisimo of First Consolidated Bank, trustee and 2nd vice president Francisco Dizon of Sun Savings Bank, trustee and secretary Jose Vicente Alde of Philippine Savings Bank, BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, CTB president Cecilio San Pedro of Sterling Bank of Asia, executive director Suzanne Felix, trustee and auditor Mary Jane Perreras of CARD SME Bank and trustee and convention co-chair Luis Chua of Bank of Makati.

Club Filipino likely to decide Seniors’ champ at PAL golfest

MANILA Southwoods will play in the Championship division of the Philippine Airlines Interclub Senior tournament for the first time next week when the 74th edition gets going in Cebu, and despite winning a title from a similar team tournament last year, the Carmona-based squad is not looking at itself as a solid title contender.

“We are balanced, but not deep,” non-playing skipper Freddie Mendoza said. And when pressed to assess his squad’s chances against traditional powers Canlubang and Luisita, he said:

“Our first four is solid, but our last four is iffy at best.”

Southwoods won the Founders Division the last time the Interclub was played before the pandemic, and with the club welcoming Jun Jun Plane into the ranks after a stories Regular Men’s career, expectations are naturally high—especially after winning the FilAm in Baguio last December.

National flag carrier Philippine Airlines is the organizer of this prestigious international sporting event which brings players from various countries in PAL’s global network.

“That had a very different format,”

Mendoza said, referring to the Fil-Am’s

TNT’s 1-2 punch propels Tropang Giga past Bolts

By Peter Atencio

THE 1-2 punch of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Mikey Williams helped propel the TNT Tropang Giga to a 111-104 subduing of the Meralco Bolts on Friday in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 6’6” Hollis-Jefferson, a 28-yearold NBA veteran, struck with 34 points to go with 11 rebounds and nine assists, while Williams added 25 points for the Tropang Giga.

Jefferson’s output almost matched the numbers he produced during his debut

game, where TNT cruised to a 138116 won over Blackwater as he had 37 points on 14-of-23 field shooting, plus 13 rebounds and seven assists on his first game.

Williams, filling in for an injured Roger Pogoy, fired 10 points in the third

CPS Antipolo, Parañaque clinch opening-day victories

CALIFORNIA Precision Sports and Parañaque Green Berets won their opening-day girls’ pool play matches in convincing fashions Friday in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Under-18 Championships at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum.

CPS of coach Dr. Obet Estrella Vital relied on their experience playing as a regular team, and with precision attacks, beat Marikina Titans Volleyball Club, 25-11, 25-11, in a Pool D match.

Parañaque Green Berets, on the other hand, beat New Gen. Sta. Cruz Laguna, 25-11, 25-18, in Pool A, while Grace Christian College Foundation of Taguig City downed Parañaque Thunderbolts Volleyball Club, 25-20, 25-18, in Pool B action.

“The players performed well to my expectations, although half of them are new,” said Vital, whose

team is playing out of Antipolo City. “I’m really happy and we’re hoping we continue winning.”

CPS goes for win No. 2 against Santa Rosa City at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday in the 36-team—20 girls and 16 boys— championships that will be played for four consecutive Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Matches with the medal plays for both genders set on March 12.

All are best-of-three matches, according to PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Seven matches were played on opening day with late day duels set between Team Hiraya (Angono) and Volida Volleyball Club (Manila) in a girls’ Pool D clash and Justice CM Palma High School (Quezon City) and Team Makati (Pool A), Queen Anne School (Santa Rosa) and Team Nagcarlan Laguna (Pool D) and MNHS-Antipolo City and Philippine Christian University (Pool B) in the boys’ contest.

period as TNT pulled away by 17 at the end of the third period, 86-69.

Coach Jojo Lastimosa said the absence of Pogoy led to Williams’ great game. “I still have enough forces left in the bench. And Mike (Williams) was a big help,” said Lastimosa.

Calvin Oftana shot 19 points for the Tropang Giga, who picked up their seventh win in eight games.

Jayson Castro made 16 points for TNT, which also stormed to its fifth consecutive win.

Hollis-Jefferson strung up a 7-0 run in the last 9:44 of the second period, with Kib Montalbo and Glenn Khobun-

tin, and this saw TNT widening a 27-25 edge to 14 at halftime, 56-42.

TNT’s lead rose to 21 in the third quarter, off Williams’ driving layup, with 1:06 to go, 86-55.

The Scores:

TNT Tropang GIGA 111 – HollisJefferson 34, M.Williams 25, Oftana 19, Castro 16, Khobuntin 6, Pogoy 4, Montalbo 4, K.Williams 3, Varilla 0, Chua 0

Meralco Bolts 104 – McDaniels 26, Black 21, Newsome 20, Banchero 11, Maliksi 11, Hodge 6, Quinto 4, Caram 2, Almazan 2, Pascual 1, Jose 0

QUARTERS: 27-25, 56-42, 86-69, 111-104

five-to-play, four-to-count format for four days. The Interclub will have eight players per team, with only four players seeing action and the top three scores counting. Players are also limited to playing only two rounds. Two rounds each at Alta Vista and Club Filipino will be played, and Southwoods stalwart Thirdy Escaño believes that the difference will lie at Club Filipino because of its unpredictable bounces and blind holes.

“If you’re used to playing perfectlyconditioned courses, this will be a very different feel for a lot of players,” Escaño said. “That’s where teams like Luisita and Canlubang have the edge.”

The annual event, considered the country’s unofficial national team championship, was shelved for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the 74th staging of the event is supported by platinum sponsors ABS-CBN Global, Asian Journal, Airbus, and NUSTAR Resort and Casino.

Gold sponsors include Radio Mindanao Network, Mastercard, Primax, University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network, PLDT/Smart, and Konsulta MD. Joining the event as silver sponsors are Philippine National Bank (PNB), Biocostech, and VISA.

Filipinas lose to Welsh,

but Stajcic praises team’s effort

THE Philippines showed lots of discipline on the field after missing two key players and holding its ground again Wales.

The 32nd-ranked Wales may have pulled off a 1-0 triumph over the Filipinas in the 2023 Pinatar Cup on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), but Welsh coach Gemma Grainger still praised the visitors for being such an organized squad.

“They were really well organized, the players were excellent though in how relentless they were. We probably could have had more goals, but the three points is the main thing,” said Grainger in post-game interviews after the game in San Pedro del Pinatar, in Murcia, Spain.

Filipinas’ coach Allen Stajcic said the team managed to put up a good fight against Wales, which had great players in its roster.

“That was an amazing effort –probably one of our best in terms of effort. We went up against players in the super league and some of the big clubs as well, so it was a really good effort and the team showed a lot of discipline defensively,” said Stajcic.

The absence of two scorers, Sarina Bolden and Jackie Sawicki was somehow felt by the team.

“We missed Sarina and Jackie who just came in and (were) unavailable for today. A lot of things to look forward in the next week and hopefully we can freshen the squad up for Game 2 and see how we go against Scotland, which is as good as a team or even better (than Wales),” said Stajcic.

Wales’ victory put it to second place after Iceland hacked out a 2-0 win over Scotland earlier.

Kayleigh Green scored on penalty kick for Wales in the 45th minute, when she sent it low to Filipinas’ goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel’s right from 36 feet. Peter Atencio

Young Korean tops PGT Q-School, foils Nakajima

TAGAYTAY—Hyun Ho Rho made a run of brave pars in the last seven holes to salvage a third straight 72 then watched Toru Nakajima flounder at the finish to snatch medal honors in the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School at Splendido Taal yesterday.

The 18-year-old Korean slugged it out with Nakajima in a shootout in another windy day here but could only force a tie with a birdie on No. 10 before yielding the lead again with a bogey on the next. But he came through with a couple of clutch par-saves and preserved a bogey-free run to the finish to wrest control as Nakajima bogeyed Nos. 16 and 17.

He matched the Japanese closing par to snare the top honors in the 72-hole Q-School organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. on a 289 total that included an opening 73.

Nakajima, who topped the PGT elims in 2015 at Eagle Ridge and in 2016 at Royal Northwoods, wound up with his worst card in four days, a 74, and settled for second at 290 while fellow Japanese Gen Nagai, just two strokes off the lead after 54 holes, bowed out with a frontside 39 and finished third at 293.

“I’m really happy that my game was really consistent. I didn’t really made much mistakes and had good saves. So I think my game was pretty steady which helped me win this tournament,” said Hyun, who finished second to Kristoffer Arevalo in the Philippine Amateur Stroke Play Championship in April 2022 weeks after being disqualified for signing a wrong scorecard in the Philippine Junior Amateur.

This time, he made sure to put everything in order.

“I’ve won a long, long time ago and my last good result was last year at Southwoods, so I’m so happy to win this Q-School,” said Hyun, who trains at Mount Malarayat.

Former national team member Gab Manotoc, meanwhile, rebounded from a woeful third round 80 and an early frontside 38 with an eagle on the par-5 No. 10 and two birdies in the last four holes against a bogey as he rallied with a 71 and finished fifth behind Ferdie Aunzo, who pooled a 294 also after a 71, at 296.

Three other local amateurs gained cards for this year’s PGT, including Russell Bautista, who placed 11th with a 303 despite a closing 81; Arevalo, who bucked a 77 and tied for 16th at 307 with Jonas Magcalayo (78) and Leandro Bagtas (80) and pro Allan Remata (76).

Jelbert Gamolo limped with an 81 while Jeffrey Pito-on ended up with

an 83 and finished tied with Kim Seong Guk, who also skied to an 82, at 34th with 316s. But the Korean had thought his final round output won’t be enough to net him one of the berths in the Top 35 and left early, giving the last two spots to the Filipino bets.

Others who made the grade were Nilo Salahog (76-297), Elmer Salvador (76-300), Hong Kong’s Michael Wong (79-301), Josh Jorge (75-302) and Japanese Atsushi Ueda (76-302), Elmer Saban (71-304), Bonifacio Salahog (78304), Omar Dungca (73-306) and Carlos Packing (79-306).

The first leg of this year’s PGT will be held at Marapara in Bacolod for the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic on March 15-18 with Iloilo hosting the next Visayas stop on March 22-25 for the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge.

TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (left) drives against Meralco’s KJ McDaniels in a PBA Governors’ Cup game won by the Tropang Giga, 111-104.

California Precision Sports sends a strong message early with a straight-set victory over Marikina Titans Volleyball Club.

Hyun Ho Rho raises his arms in triumph.

CREBA protests higher balanced housing quotas

Great place to work

SM OFFICES of the Commercial Properties Group, the commercial property development and management arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), offers workspaces that enable its tenant-partners and employees to thrive in the post-pandemic era.

SM Offices operates 34 office spaces in 23 strategic locations across the Archipelago. Over the years, SM Offices’ efforts have been focused on building an environment-friendly and socially conscious office portfolio. Among these are the E-Com Centers in the Bay Area, Pasay City.

The E-Com buildings provide a healthy environment for its tenants with its unique and expansive outdoor landscaped spaces, which include sky gardens, food and retail concourses, and entertainment plazas.

SM Offices recently completed FourE-Com Center, the latest precertified LEED Gold office building in Pasay City. FourE-Com Center has 89,100 square meters of leasable area, with 15 floors and 42 elevator units, providing its tenant-partners and their employees convenience and accessibility to their workspaces.

violate what is supposed to be a ‘cooperative’ atmosphere and conducive environment

THE country’s largest association of housing and real estate stakeholders has appealed against proposed bills in Congress increasing the current mandatory balanced housing compliance quotas for subdivision and condominium developers saying the move will bring a halt to projects that are already in the pipeline.

It would also reportedly suppress the newly-found resurgence of the property sector from the negative effects of the pandemic, the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) claimed in a statement.

CREBA emphasized the constitutional mandate of the state in pursuit of the common good, to undertake, in cooperation with the private sector, a continuing program of urban land reform and housing. Through the enactment of appropriate enabling laws, the national shelter program is aimed to make available at affordable cost, decent housing and basic services to underprivileged and homeless citizens in urban centers and resettlement areas.

Ballooning housing backlog

According to CREBA national chairman Charlie A. V. Gorayeb, the passage of the Urban Development

& Housing Act or UDHA in 1992 was backed by an eagerly supportive housing development sector confronted by an already ballooning housing backlog even as government imposed upon developers of subdivision projects the responsibility to build socialized housing units equivalent to 20% of their total project area or cost . This to ostensibly help accelerate the country’s housing production rate in exchange for various types of incentives.

Noel Toti M. Cariño, national president, CREBA supported the amendment of UDHA thru Republic Act No. 10884 of 2016 which reduced the balanced housing quotas for subdivisions to only 15% to make it more realistic for developers to comply with and still be able to effectively uphold its mandate to deliver housing units for the marginalized beneficiaries.

Condominium developers, in turn, started carrying the same social burden for up to 5% of their total project area or cost since 2016.

Untimely, anti-development?

The CREBA leaders expressed alarm over legislative efforts to revise the law anew via House Bill No. 1234 filed by Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy which will jack up mandatory compliance by condo developers to up to 20%. Meanwhile, House Bill No. 3589 filed by Rep. Michael Romero, will reportedly require subdivision compliance to as much as 25%. The group said such changes are “untimely and anti-development.”

“Mere permits and license applications for each stage of property development, not to mention actual construction, takes at least 5 years to unfold; sudden changes in regulations will be economically disadvantageous, risky even, for developers.” Gorayeb said.

Cariño underscored that any further attempts at over-regulation or over-taxation by the legislature or regulatory bodies will ultimately affect affordability because developers have no choice but to pass on any additional cost to the homebuyers.

LG units aim for smaller carbon footprint

BUILDING IDEAL HOMES. Ovialand Inc. was recently recognized as one of “Asia’s Leading SMEs” in the Enterprise Category by The Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (“ACES”) Awards in Malaysia. The ACES Awards bring Asia’s business aspirations and success stories to the global stage through knowledge-sharing and recognition. “This is a humbling acknowledgement that our dedication towards our mission of Premier Family Living has become a reality for families who have placed their trust in us,” said Pammy Olivares-Vital, President and CEO of Ovialand. At the awards event were from left to right: Shanggari Balakrishnan, CEO of MORS Group; Giovanni J. Olivares, Chairman of Ovialand, Inc. ; Pammy Olivares Vital; Luis Bueno Nieto, Jury Member for ACES Award.

LG RECENTLY unveiled its latest single commercial air conditioner lineup, focusing on the importance of leaving a better carbon footprint.

The global innovator’s new airconditioners use R32, which is classified as a highly efficient ‘Go Green’ refrigerant. Its global warming potential is significantly lower than R410A and also helps minimize ozone layer depletion.

Green refrigerant

Aside from the addition of the green R32 refrigerant, LG’s single commercial air conditioners offer industry-leading HVAC technology.

These use LG’s 5-step air purification process, which removes invisible, ultra fine dust, odor, and germs to ensure a clean and healthy living environment. Routine maintenance is also made easy thanks to a one-touch air cleaning filter.

The ceiling mounted 4-way cassette offers a Human Detecting On / Off Learning Operation System that automatically senses if a person is in the vicinity and turns the units on

and off as needed, saving energy. The independent vane operation feature uses 4 separate motors, making it possible to control all four vanes independently. The independent control provides optimal comfort for each user, whether indirect or direct flow is needed. Panel installation is also a breeze, making it easy to set-up and repair.

Ceiling mounted 4-way cassette

For the smaller ceiling mounted 1-way cassette, the comfort air feature provides two vane angles that can be controlled in 6 steps from 20˚ to 70˚, depending on the indoor environment and personal preference. The wind is discharged evenly up, down, left, and right automatically, so there is no cooling blind spot. Its design is slim and compact, making installation possible even in small and narrow spaces.

Ceiling mounted 1-way Cassette

LG’s round cassette has a slim and compact design, which won a Red Dot Award and a PIN UP Design Award.

It uses a 6-step vane control for cool and warm airflow in every direction,

compared to other brands which only use three. Thanks to its design, it has a circular airflow that eliminates blindspots. Its air purification function purifies indoor air by a 3 phase filter. Each filter can be reused just by washing without replacement. Also, it is easy to check air quality status with several devices. Round cassette These air conditioners also take advantage of LG’s AI technology. With the smart remote control, you can access your air conditioner anytime and from anywhere using smart devices such as Android or iOS based smartphones and voice commands via Google assistant. Smart functionality helps with maintenance and repairs as well. LGMV (Monitoring View) helps engineers to inspect and monitor the air conditioning unit easily. A technician can check the cycle information with diagrams and graphs, and also easily check the error status and take action immediately. For more details, visit www.lg.com/ ph.

REVOLUTIONIZING RESORT LIVING. Landco Pacific Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) , recently bagged the 2022 International Finance Award (IFA) for Best Luxury Leisure Concept in the Philippines: Beachtowns Club Laiya and CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach). Landco President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Gerard Penaflor received the IFA during a recent ceremony and gala night at Dubai (Shown here). The annual IFA recognizes corporate excellence and businesses that make a difference all over the world. Landco is also a recipient of the Most Sustainable Luxury Real Estate Developer in the Philippines by the 2022 Pan Finance International Award from the London-based publication and the Grand Award of Best Boutique Developer in Luzon by Philippine Lamudi’s Outlook 2022 Real Estate Awards. Landco BeachTowns 24-hectare Club Laiya and 15-hectare CaSoBe are sustainable, master-planned resort estates.

COOPERATIVE ATMOSPHERE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. kicks off a flagship housing project in Quezon City with (from left) House Speaker Martin Romualdez; Congressman Ferdinand “Sandro” Marcos; Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development; and Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City. CREBA said balanced housing quotas

where government acts as an enabler rather than a stifler of growth.

VALENTINE’S

Day may be over, yet Toyota Motor Philippines is still offering amazing deals so you can go for what you love this February. With a wide range of Toyota models to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for both your short-term and longterm goals!

Fall in love with flexible payment options

Still planning the perfect date night with your partner? You can never go wrong with the Vios! Under the Pay Low option, you can bring home the 1.3 XE CVT at only P115,350 downpayment, and not worry about how you’ll get to all those destinations on your list!

Through the Pay Low option, customers can purchase a unit for as low as 15 percent down payment with free one-year insurance, three-year LTO registration and no chattel mortgage at 60 months to pay via all-in cash out. The Rush is also available under this option at P176,400 down payment for the 1.5 G GR-S A/T variant.

And while many are meeting other people this love month, it’s also a time to show yourself some love! Go on that solo date with the Wigo 1.0 E M/T, available at only P6,347 per month under the Pay Light option. This option offers customers low monthly plans with 50 percent down payment at 60 months to pay.

If running a business is your passion, the Lite Ace may just be for you! Under the Pay Light option, the Pickup variant can be yours for only P6,371 per month. You can also get big savings when you pay in cash! P50,000 in cash savings await those who will purchase the Corolla Altis V HV and V variants during the promo duration, while those who buy the Innova can get up to P20,000 in cash savings, depending on the variant. Now that’s a deal you’re sure to love!

Do more of what you love with a well-maintained car

Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape allows you to worry less about possible

Love is still in the air with Toyota Special deals await customers throughout February

breakdowns on the road and focus more on driving to places you love.

During the promo period, all brandnew Corolla Altis, Raize, Veloz, Rush, Fortuner, as well as select variants of the Vios, Avanza, Innova, and Hilux are entitled to a FREE Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS).

Customers can avail the free PMS up to their 20,000KMS check-up, as long as it is within the 18 months from the release date of the vehicle.

Toyota continues to spread love to MSME owners with the Lite Ace!

All Lite Ace units sold and released during this period will qualify for a fixed 1,000KM-40,000KM PMS. New

Executives from Chevron and AutoHub Group during the recently concluded contract signing

Caltex SavePlus offers discounts to AutoHub patrons

CALTEX is distributing Caltex SavePlus cards with big fuel discounts and other benefits to AutoHub customers as part of their after-sales program. On top of that, customers that will book their PMS appointment thru their recently launched mobile app, are also eligible to get SavePlus cards. This was announced during the partnership signing ceremony, held at the AutoHub Dealership in Greenhills attended by Chevron and AutoHub executives.

“We’re always on the lookout for solutions and services that will improve our customer’s experience. That is why our partnership with Autohub is a strategic move for us. AutoHub has innovative solutions, and quality products and we have our shared mission of providing our customers and partners with the most rewarding perks and ever-reliable services. We hope that both our supporters enjoy this program,” says Fuels and Lubricants B2B Manager Jaime Zuluaga. “Through this partnership, our customers can enjoy instant discounts by using the Caltex SavePlus card at participating Caltex sites nationwide.

A major distributor of class-leading car brands, AutoHub recently launched

their mobile app that lets customers book oil change, car checkup and other automotive repair and maintenance services. First time app users will automatically be given a Caltex SavePlus card that will allow the cardholder to avail fuel discounts in participating Caltex stations. They will also be able to take advantage of the fuel technology that Caltex has to offer.

“Autohub was born out of risks, challenges and most of all, meaningful partnerships. This collaboration with Caltex, being one of our firsts this year, will hopefully set a benchmark for all our future partnerships – customercentric and rewarding for all. We are grateful for Caltex for trusting us, which fuels us even more to keep going and do better,” shares Ms. Norweijann Cruz, VP for Marketing, PR, Fleet, and Procurement AutoHub Philippines. “We have no doubt that our customers will find this partnership beneficial as they will not only get to enjoy savings from having Caltex’s fuel discount card, they’ll also be able to enjoy the journey more with the assurance that they are getting affordable and quality fuels for their vehicle.”

Honda commits to Turkey-Syria earthquake relief support

TOKYO, Japan—Honda would like to express its deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims of the February 6, 2023 earthquake which struck an area near the Turkish-Syrian border. In response to this tragedy, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has donated 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society to support the humanitarian relief and recovery effort in the affected areas.

A Honda subsidiary in Europe, namely Honda Motor Europe Ltd., and Honda Turkiye A. S. will donate more than 200

Lite Ace owners will only need to pay PHP1,999 per PMS until the 40,000KM check-up.

Lots to love when you trade in

If you currently own a Vios and are thinking of upgrading to an SUV, we reckon you might like the Raize! You’ll get a P20,000 rebate when you trade in for the Turbo and E variants, or P30,000 for the G CVT variant.

Those who love travelling with their friends or family can trade in their Vios for an Avanza or Veloz and get P20,000 in rebate; or the Innova to get a P35,000 rebate! The Hilux is also available for those who want to trade in their Fortuner. They’ll also get a P20,000 rebate!

The trade-in rebate can be used as a cash discount when you purchase the participating model during the promo period. It can also be used to purchase accessories. Rest easy with insurance and warranty on your vehicle

All brand-new Wigo, Veloz, and select variants of the Vios, Corolla Altis, Innova, Hilux, Avanza, Rush, and Fortuner purchased during the promo duration are covered by a FREE oneyear comprehensive insurance provided by Toyota Insure. The comprehensive insurance covers 24/7 personal accident, passenger auto personal accident, three-year

Road travels made HELLA better, safer

By Ramon Tomeldan

AS MANY Filipinos continue to experience the economic impact of the pandemic, leading European auto parts manufacturer HELLA helped motorists cope with the rising cost of commodities.

HELLA hosted a month-long roadshow that offered free spark plugs, wipers, and installation to riders and drivers in various parts of Metro Manila. Catering to some of the pandemic’s unsung heroes, among those who received the free parts and service are ride-hailing drivers and delivery riders who have continued to service Filipinos, come rain or shine.

Celebrating and honoring their service to the community, HELLA was able to install a total of 1,050 spark plugs and 1,870 pairs of wipers, helping close to 3,000 riders and drivers to ensure their safety on the road.

“HELLA hosted this roadshow because we really wanted to help them in our way, especially over the holidays.

By equipping them with reliable, highquality, and long-lasting parts for free, they can have an opportunity to make better financial decisions. They can use their budget on other essentials while also keeping them safe as they continue to serve the greater Filipino community,” said Jason De Leon, HELLA Country Manager for Philippines.

HELLA also collaborated with MotoRonda, a content creator in the motoring industry who showed up at various venues and attracted big crowds. He drove up interest in the roadshow, in turn producing long queues at the different venues he visited and amplified HELLA’s reach among various riding and driving communities.

Apart from this, HELLA also renewed its partnership with Grab, offering its riders, drivers, employees, as well as MoveIt riders, exclusive discounts of up to 30% on select HELLA products valid until January 31, 2023.

“Grab has been a significant partner for us in our previous engagements so

Is this the answer?

WHILE the party is not over yet after Malacanang came out with the Executive Order No. 12 which temporarily suspends tariffs or import duty on electric vehicles, parts, and components, there are some sectors of the car industry that are already airing some discomfort on the said issue.

The EO No. 12 was signed Jan. 13, 2023 and it was known as the “Customs Modernization, and Tariff Act” which simply halted the said duties under Section 1611 of the Republic Act No 10863, which “empowers the President, in the interest of general welfare and national security, and upon recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), to increase, reduce or remove existing rates of import duty.”

generators as well as essential products to meet the most urgent needs.

Moreover, Honda subsidiaries in the U.S., namely American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, LLC have already begun receiving donations from their Honda associates, and the companies are planning to augment the donation with a company matching gift.

Honda sincerely hopes for the earliest possible recovery of the affected region.

In the said Order, it mentioned that in the Republic Act No. 1169 which is the “Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act,” the State should “ensure the country’s energy security and independence by reducing reliance on imported fuel for the transportation sector” and also “provide an enabling environment that permits the development of electric vehicles, including options for micro-mobility as an attractive and feasible mode of

transportation.”

Last Nov. 24, 2022, the NEDA Board endorsed the temporary reduction of the most-favored nation (MFN) tariff rates on certain electric vehicles together with their parts and components.

And the EO No. 12 is the answer to that endorsement and it shall be subject to review after one year from implementation. It shall be the NEDA which shall submit to the President its findings and recommendations afterwards.

That’s an effective zero reduction on the 30 percent being slapped on various imported electric vehicles (EVs) which makes them out of reach in pricing by the ordinary consumers. And this is a great way to bring down the prices of EVs that are being sold in the market today.

But the reduction is only up to 5 years and without any support by NEDA to extend it, 30 percent taxes would be back for enforcement by customs.

One sector of the car industry bewailed the lack of support for the existing vehicles that are being sold to the market by way of bringing down the heavy taxes and too many road regulations.

The heavy taxes slapped on

CPTL, own damage (OD), loss/theft, excess bodily injury (EBI), property damage (PD), acts of nature (AON), and includes emergency roadside assistance.

Those who will purchase a brand-new Vios G, E or XLE this month will also enjoy a warranty coverage of five years or 150,000KM, whichever comes first. Create special moments this February with Toyota! Whether it’s spending quality time with a loved one or doing some much-needed self-loving, go all out! Promo runs up to February 28, 2023 only. Check out the full mechanics, offers and participating units through https:// toyota.com.ph/promos/GoForLove

we hope to extend our support for them with these efforts, especially in the face of a financial crisis. Now, their riders, drivers, and employees, as well as MoveIt riders, still have an opportunity to keep their travels safe and secure savings for other important matters,” said De Leon.

regular cars almost double or triple the amount of cars that are being imported abroad. The consumers are always the ones who carry the brunt of the high cost of owning one. And the problems on the roads—lots of potholes, corrupt traffic enforcers, endless traffic, and many others—also add on to the hair-pulling tragedies of the poor motorists.

The other one sector is saying that the government should have tried to bring down the price of electricity in the market even before coming out with the said tariff reduction. Yes, the price of electricity continues to be one of the highest in the region and an incentive should be given to those EV owners who rely on the electric chargers in fueling their vehicles.

Whether EO No.12 would be the answer to attract more EV buyers in the near future or not will be known when it is fully implemented soon. But by then, let’s continue to suffer from the endless traffic situations all over the metropolis all day long.

By Angelica Villanueva

HOW DO WE LOVE THE HONOR X9a?

Let us count the ways

With countless smartphones being launched, it is hard to find a perfect phone that will fit our standard and, of course, our budget.

Recently, global smart devices provider, HONOR, launched its latest addition to the HONOR X Series, the HONOR X9a.

In an instant, we fell in love with it! And so let us count the ways why we like it, shall we?

One, it can endure a lot of unexpected falls

After it was released a month ago, HONOR X9a undeniably gained the attention of everyone with its viral clips proving its durability after enduring smashes and crashes.

More than just a gimmick, the phone can actually overcome unexpected falls. It is so durable that even if a car runs over it, it still works and is seemingly indestructible.

It has undergone a lot of screen tests and attempts to break the phone, yet it withstood the tests and maintained its 20Hz Premium OLED Curved Display.

Two, you can personalize your phone to a style you want

Whether you’re a minimalist or someone, who’s into colorful designs, you’ll love this HONOR X9a feature.

The phone has a built-in application, where you can personalize the display settings of your phone, from its wallpaper, theme, font style, and its always-on displays, even without downloading or installing any other apps from the Google Playstore. You can also select the color mode and temperature you prefer.

It also has an eBook mode that will prevent your eyes from getting fatigued after using it for a long period of time.

Three, get extra with its super triple camera

In terms of camera, HONOR X9a sports a 64MP Super Triple Camera, making your selfies and photos extra clear and with accurate colors.

With its 64MP Ultra-clear Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Angle Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera, enjoy the fun in taking photos and videos from various angles.

With its 64MP Ultra-clear Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Angle Camera, and a 2MP Macro Camera, enjoy the fun in taking photos and videos from various angles and different video effects. More than the triple camera, HONOR X9a allows you to explore AI photography and multi-video features.

Four, it is long-lasting and fast-charging

If you’re the kind of person, who has lots of things on your plate, it is a must-have for a phone not just to have a long-lasting battery, but also to be fast-charging. Your

phone should match your lifestyle and last for more than a day. With a lot of things going on in your life and events, and with several things to catch up on, you need a phone that is the same pace as you.

And HONOR X9a is ready to keep up with you—whether it’s for school, work, or just a regular event in your daily life. It has a super-charger making it easy to juice up your phone.

Five, it is affordable Smartphones, nowadays, are filled with impressive specifications and features, but a buyer’s primary consideration

Davao City kicks off Bitskwela’s Bull or Bear PH Regional Web3 Debate

KEY opinion leaders, community builders, and business developers in Web3 met last December 14, and took part in the Davao leg of the Philippines’ premier Web3 debate, Bull or Bear.

The event was organized by cryptocurrency education platform Bitskwela; co-presented by Blockchain Network Philippines and Gcash; in partnership with Tekkon, MetaRollers, Playgroundzero.io, and Refit.

BoB was a night of education, sharing, and fun, which Web3 content creator Tony Rebamonte called “a milestone for Mindanao blockchain communities.”

Attendees witnessed as the debaters explored different viewpoints on local crypto and Web3 adoption, based on their unique experiences in the space. Making up the panel were well-known names in Web3, namely: Gilbert Lazaro (a.k.a. TitoVlogs), JQ Crypto of Crypto Pinas, Gilson Po of Blockchain Network Philippines, Patty Tiu of Thompson Collective, Ryan Morris of BreederDAO, and Robbi Samson of FirstMetroSecurities. The debate was moderated by Kish Morales of Women in Blockchain Philippines.

Key issues tackled included:

1. Should the Philippines adopt a digital peso?

2. Should Bitcoin be legal tender?

3. Should documents containing sensitive information be stored in NFTs?

4. Do the environmental effects of crypto outweigh its benefits?

5. Is the Philippines currently conducive to

Google PH shares tips on how to be safe online

THE internet has become an essential part of everyone’s life—from searching for the latest news and trends to communicating with our loved ones across the globe. Hence, great power really comes with great responsibilities. With the wide range that the Internet can reach, it is important for us, netizens, to know the weight of risks and compromises that comes with it.

In celebration of #SafeInternetDay, Google Philippines shared some tips and Google features we can use to keep ourselves and our families safe online.

Use strong passwords

We are encouraged to have a stronger password whenever we sign up for an account to prevent hackers from getting into our personal space.

is still its price.

For every phone that we buy, we also make sure that it is worthy of its price tag. During its launching last month, ambassadors and creators were asked to guess the price of HONOR X9a. With the phone’s great features, everybody assumed that it is an expensive phone. But, to the surprise of everyone, HONOR X9a 5G is priced only at P16,990, and it comes with free HONOR Earbuds X3 Lite worth P3,999. Truly a value for money, for an indestructible phone that packs a lot of punch.

crypto adoption?

Keynote speaker Engineer Jefferson Salvador also discussed how blockchain gaming could serve as a gateway to Web3. To maximize its potential, past issues with the Play-to-Earn space and crypto, in general, would need to be resolved to make the experience more frictionless for everyone.

The debate heated up as the panelists analyzed crypto’s place in the local scene. Better payment solutions, faster remittance, increased transparency, and more secure transactions are all good—but would they work in a developing country like the Philippines?

Next, they explored the various factors influencing decision-making in the crypto space, including stakeholders involved, government policies, financial constraints, technical infrastructure, privacy concerns, accessibility, and security.

They emphasized that Web3 and crypto adoption requires a balance between innovation and careful risk calculation. The key, Gilbert Lazaro claimed, was to keep an open mind, and as Gilson Po added, to consider all the benefits, disadvantages and implications on a national level.

One of the highlights was the issue of whether to stick to the core crypto principle of decentralization or to make adjustments for the common good and stick with centralization. Another hot topic raised was how much regulation would be healthy and how it would be implemented. Ultimately, the debaters agreed, instead of

blindly imitating what seems to work globally, decision makers have to decide based on what works best in the local scene. True to the spirit of Web3, Bull or Bear Davao was more than just a non-biased presentation of different perspectives. It was an attempt, once more, to find common ground and build a better, more cryptofriendly local space for all.

Passwords truly do matter and it is vital to secure our accounts. With Google Password Manager, it helps us create unique passwords that are hard to crack, store them all for you instead of you writing them down, and alert you if your credentials have been compromised by a breach and if you are entering them into malicious websites.

Make sure you’re going to legit sites

Now that hackers and scammers already reached our personal data including email addresses and contact numbers, it is encouraged to be mindful be alert whenever we encounter suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls from sources pretending to be from your bank, stores we frequently visit, or even a friend, as these can contain phishing links that aim to steal your sensitive data and information.

While URLs and HTTPS are a great indicator of whether the website you’re visiting is legit, it’s always best to avoid directly clicking on a link. Instead, type in the URL that you wanted to check. If you do click a link, explore it first if it is a safe site to visit, as sometimes this can indicate it’s going to take you to a malicious site instead.

For a safer internet browsing experience, it’s ideal to use Google Chrome and always ensure there is a grey locked icon in the URL field, which will indicate a secure connection. Also make sure the sites you visit include HTTPS, which confirms your browser or app is securely connected to the website you’re visiting.

Today, over 5 billion devices are automatically protected by Safe Browsing technology.

Get extra protection with 2-step verification

You can take a Security Checkup which is a step-by-step process for addressing personalized security recommendations, including enrolling in 2-step verification for an extra layer of security at sign-in, setting up your account in the event you need to recover it, managing risky apps, and more. A simple step helps strengthen your Google Account security.

Low-code emerging as present, future of digital transformation

THE Philippines has steadily ramped up its digitalization efforts in the last few years in response to rapidly changing circumstances brought on by the pandemic, with many businesses becoming software companies out of necessity.

Had they not shifted to using technology in the last few years, their organizations would not have thrived in an increasingly digital economy. At worst, they would have gone out of business.

With the growing ubiquity of digital technologies today, it has become impossible for a business to chart its success without applications supporting its internal and external functions. This ever increasing dependence on applications comes with its own set of challenges, mainly with ease and speed of development. This is why low-

code development is gaining traction among businesses looking to transform their operations to keep up with evolving digital demands.

Digital transformation made easy

Low-code is a rapid application development model that enables businesses to automate software development. Imagine using intuitive drag-and-drop models to generate code, meaning more rapid prototyping and development capabilities than ever before.

All over the world, low-code is being embraced as an enabler of digital transformation because it simplifies the digitalization of internal and customer-facing processes, helping users build mission-critical solutions like enterprise software, productivity apps, and customer portals.

UnionBank of the Philippines,

Inc. used low-code technology to launch the first fully digital branch in the Philippines. Another example is the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association, which digitalized its previously face-to-face sales approach with low-code development in a matter of days.

According to Richard Leoncio, CEO & Co-Founder of Via Appia Philippines, an expert service provider in the areas of low-code development, “Digital transformation is never solely about technology; it’s about getting the support and alignment of all stakeholders in transforming the way business is done and finding new ways to reinvent and disrupt existing business models for long-term success.”

He also added that “Low-Code

empowers us to turn ideas into Minimum Viable Products in days, not months. It’s 10 to 20 times faster than traditional coding and eliminates the worries of scalability and security. With Low-Code, we can develop once and deploy anywhere, giving us the agility to innovate and stay ahead of the game.”

A government priority

Beyond the private sector, the government is also doubling down on national digital transformation initiatives. In the recent National Information and Communications Technology Summit 2022, at the Manila Hotel, President Marcos called for the swift passage of the proposed E-Governance Act to allow the country to catch up with other nations in the digital economy to ensure fast, transparent, and efficient government service.

WHENEVER we look for a new phone, we want to make sure that it can match our lifestyle or last for a long period of time. For practical and financial reasons, we don’t change phones from time to time, right?