Manila Standard - 2023 February 25 - Saturday

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PH BACKS UN RESO URGING RUSSIA TO END UKRAINE WAR

Better PH human rights noted

EU panel lauds ’promising’ steps taken, including war on drugs shift

noted improvements in the human rights

environment

in the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

ISITING members of the European Union parliament"It was better than it was under President [Rodrigo] Duterte,” said European Parliament member Hannah Neumann in a press briefing yesterday.

“People were more open to discussing human rights, but things could improve if they were implemented,” she added.

In a separate statement, the EU Parliament members "welcomed the new government’s commitment to engage on human rights with the international community, including UN mechanisms."

They said they were "encouraged by promising first steps and announcements in this regard, notably within the framework of the UN Universal Periodic Review."

They likewise "noted favourably the President’s commitment to change the focus of the 'war on drugs' away from a punitive approach towards prevention and rehabilitation, and welcomed the commitment not to reintroduce the death penalty.'

Neumann, who is a vice chairperson

By Alena Mae S. Flores

The source said the forecast of an oil price rollback is based on theindicative movement of pump prices computed based on four-day trading and foreign exchange movement.

"Diesel – possible rollback of P1.50 to P1.70 per liter. Gasoline – possible rollback of P0.90 to P1 per liter," the source

DANGEROUS RETRIEVAL. Members of the search and retrieval team secured equipment from the ill-fated Cessna 340 that crashed on the west side slope of Mayon Volcano. From Camalig Mayor Caloy Baldo

THICK clouds and dangerous terrain proved to be challenging in the retrieval of the bodies of the four fatalities of the Cessna plane that crashed in Mayon Volcano, Camalig Mayor Carlos Baldo said.

PBBM orders ‘green lanes’ for strategic investments

By Vito Barcelo and

In Executive Order No. 18, the President said there was a need to ensure the country's regulatory environment is conducive to business operations to encourage investors to engage in strategic investments.

"Con sistent with the EightAgenda of the

administration and as part of the continuing efforts of implementing ease of doing business reforms, it is imperative to adopt measures that will expedite transactions with the government," the President said in the order.

EO 18 covers all national government agencies (NGAs) and their regional and

A MAYOR from a town in Maguindanao Del Sur was shot and wounded by two gunmen Thursday night in Pasay City, making him the third local official targeted for assassination in the span of a week.

provincial offices, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and other government instrumentalities, as well as local government units (LGUs), involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, certifications or authorizations (collectively referred to herein as ‘

Romualdez assures public no abuse of wealth fund

By Maricel V.

Cruz and Julito G. Rada 'SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Friday assured businessmen and the public in general that the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), a sovereign wealth fund, would not be abused. Romualdez made the assurance in a recorded video message before the Asia CEO Forum at the Manila Marriott hotel Friday. “As far as the issue of possible misuse and abuse of the fund, let me assure Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net twitter.com/ MlaStandard facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH manilastandard.net S

Datu Montawal (Pagagawan), Maguindanao Del Sur suffered two gunshot wounds in the hip and left arm and was initially brought to the Ospital ng Maynila. He was later transferred to Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City, where he was declared out of danger.

HUMAN
a
briefing
Studies
City on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023 (See story above
RIGHTS
TALKS. Members of a delegation of the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, led by Hannah Neumann (center), hold
media
at the Yuchengco Institute for Advanced
in RCBC Plaza, Makati
). Norman Cruz
Mayor Ohto Caumbo Montawal of Next page
V
The wreckage of the Cessna 340 plane, which went missing on Saturday morning three minutes after taking off from the Bicol International Airport, is located at an elevation of 3,500 to 4,000 feet on the west side slope of Mayon. “We cannot complete the operation today because even when the weather was fair yesterday, Mayon was covered in thick clouds. Our retrievers could hardly perform their task... And when
VOL. XXXVII • NO. 14 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com Diesel
week
Town mayor injured in another ambush, cops look into pattern
forecast to lead oil price cuts next
JOINT MILITARY DRILLS. Filipino and Australian soldiers take part in the Philippine-Australia Army-to-Army exercise being held inside a military camp in Cotabato City. AFP NEWS /A4 ‘PH CAN WITHDRAW FROM RCEP DEAL IF DISADVANTAGEOUS’ NEWS /A2
Next page Next page Next page Next page Next page
Thick clouds, risky terrain foil retrieval

PH backs UN resolution urging Russia to end Ukraine invasion

THE Philippines joined 140 other countries at the United Nations General Assembly urging Russia to leave Ukraine, a year after President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of the former Soviet republic.

"This resolution supported by the majority of the countries of the world shows the goal of this war. It states that Russia has to go out of Ukrainian territory," Denys Mykhailiuk, chargé d'affaires of the Ukraine Embassy in Malaysia, said on the ANC news channel.

He said international order should be restored, as stated in the UN charter.

"This means that every state, no matter how big or small, has equal rights for its sovereignty, independence and peaceful life," Mykhailiuk said.

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of the European Parliament subcommittee on human rights, added that allowing the International Criminal Court to proceed with its probe on the killings related to Duterte's war on drugs would be a step in the right direction.

She said the prosecution of those involved in the killings "will go on forever" with the current pace of the investigation.

Romualdez...

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everyone that your House of Representatives is keenly aware of your concern. For this reason, we have seen fit to incorporate adequate safeguards in House Bill No. 6608 to ensure that the funds are invested properly. These safeguards are both proactive and punitive,” he said.

He enumerated the MIF’s proactive safety checks, including transparency provisions and the requirement to subject the books of accounts of the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), which will manage the fund, to three layers of audit by an internal auditor, an external auditor and the Commission on Audit (CoA).

The audits will include an assessment of whether investments are made in compliance with the Santiago principles, a set of guidelines designed to promote good governance, accountability, transparency, prudent investment practices, and a stable and open investment climate.

The MIC’s operations will also be monitored by the Maharlika Investment Fund Joint Congressional Oversight Committee.

HB 6608 also provides that all Maharlika documents will be open to anyone who wishes to review them, including reports from the internal auditor, external auditor, and CoA.

The MIC management will be made up of persons of good moral standing and reputation, of recognized probity and independence, with substantial experience and expertise in corporate governance and administration, investment in financial assets, and management of investments in the local and global markets.

A small portion of investible funds of the Land Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would be pooled and placed under the management of MIC as the initial capital which will be the Maharlika Investment Fund.

The bill also identifies financial instruments where the fund could be used, including foreign currencies, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, Sukuk or Islamic bonds, mutual funds, joint ventures, and commercial real estate and infrastructure projects.

MIC can only participate in government projects that are approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), ensuring that the MIF is used for purposes that support the government’s socio-economic development plan.

“If these pro-active provisions are not enough, House Bill No. 6608 also provides heavy penal provisions and criminal sanctions to hold accountable and punish any director, trustee, or corporate officer who is proven to have abused the management of the Maharlika Investment Fund,” Romualdez said.

He said any erring MIC official can be charged with malversation or plunder, depending on the amount embezzled.

The ambassadors of France and Germany thanked the Philippines for voting in favor of the resolution.

Aside from the Philippines, 140 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while 32 countries abstained. Seven countries stood against the adoption of the resolution, namely: Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua, Russia, and Syria.

The Philippine vote was in line with the declaration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the country will always be

She said re-joining the Rome Statute of the ICC "would reinforce the [Philippine] government’s stated commitment to fighting impunity."

"Let us just take 6,000 since it was the number said by Senator [Ronald] Dela Rosa. Those 6,000 cases need to be filed, witnesses have to be found, evidence has to be collected for each and everyone,” Neumann said.

"Nine months into the new administration, 25 cases are being investigated and three people charged. This will go on for-

He said the mission of the House in pushing for the creation of MIF is clear: “to help resuscitate the pandemic-battered economy and make economic transformation the engine that will uplift the lives of our people.”

“From the swift passage of the General Appropriations Act of 2023 to the passage on third and final reading of important measures such as the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act, the Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team Act, as well as the Maharlika Investment Fund proposal, to the move to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution – the welfare of the Filipino people and the economic development of the country is always the paramount consideration,” he said.

The House leader encouraged those who could contribute their input to improve the MIF bill and other pieces of legislation to make their ideas known and present their proposals.

“We at the House of Representatives do not claim monopoly on development solutions. If there is anyone who has more creative ideas on how to support national development, by all means, make them known,” he said.

He said the House “is more than happy and willing to receive these ideas, so that these may be refined and fine-tuned over the course of the legislative process.”

“I am confident in every Filipino’s innate ability to find practical solutions to many of our problems. Let us work together towards a brighter future for the Philippines. With unity of spirit, there is truly nothing we cannot do,” Romualdez said.

At the same forum, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno presented the MIF as a tool that will further spur progress and economic development in the coming years.

The MIF bill is currently ending at the committee level in the Senate.

“The Maharlika Investment Fund, which shall be the country’s firstever sovereign investment fund, is designed to promote economic development by making strategic and profitable investments in key sectors,” Diokno said.

Diokno cited key examples such as public road networks, tollways, green energy, water, agro-ndustrial ventures, and telecommunications, which offer better rates of return and greater socioeconomic impact.

In the near and medium term, he said the passage of the MIF will widen the country’s fiscal space and ease pressures in financing public infrastructure projects. Currently, the national budget, public-private partnership arrangements, and official development assistance serve as the Philippines’ main finance mechanisms for infrastructure projects.

“The fund is an additional vehicle that would allow the government to tap surpluses that cannot be utilized under current legal frameworks. It will also be open to co-financing with foreign investors and multilateral institutions to facilitate financing of capitalintensive, big-ticket infrastructure,” Diokno said.

on the side of peace in Ukraine.

“We support any effort towards peace — anything. As long as the killing and the war will stop,” he said in January.

Early this month, President Marcos and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke over the phone to discuss deepening the relationship between the Philippines and Ukraine.

Zelenskyy said he thanked Marcos for standing by Ukraine.

“Had the first phone call in the history of bilateral relations with President of the Philippines [Bongbong Marcos],” the Ukrainian leader wrote in a Twitter post.

“Thanked him for supporting [the] sovereignty [and] territorial integrity of [Ukraine]. We discussed further deepening of cooperation, in particular on international platforms,” the Ukraine leader said.

Friday marked the first year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

French Ambassador to the Philippines

ever if we go on like this. ICC’s support will ensure that the 6,000 cases will be investigated properly."

"Asking the ICC to come is the perfect way to do it," Neumann added.

Earlier, President Marcos said the Philippines will not cooperate with the ICC because it has a “good” and working justice system.

“My position has not changed. I have stated it often, even before I took office as President, that there are many questions about (ICC’s) jurisdiction, and what we in

PBBM...

From A1 permit/s and/or license/s’) covering strategic investments.

The said green lane shall not duplicate the existing one-stop shops or onestop action centers established through existing laws, the order said.

Town...

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Montawal’s driver Ronald Caumbo, 43, told investigators they were traveling on board a Toyota Hi-Ace Van along the service road of Roxas Boulevard at about 6:30 p.m. when two men on board a motorcycle appeared.

One of the men pulled out a gun and shot the mayor, who was in the backseat of the van. The attackers then fled toward the direction of Gil Puyat Avenue.

Responding policemen recovered two fired cartridge cases of a gun and are now reviewing close-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage taken at the crime scene.

In a television interview, Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Kirby Kraft said Montawal came from a meeting at the Manila Hotel when he was attacked at the boundary of Pasay and Manila.

“He is in the hospital, his injury was not that critical and he has recovered," he said.

The attack followed the Feb. 17 ambush on Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto Jr., who was wounded, and the Feb. 19 attack on Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda, who was killed. Alameda and five of his companions were killed in the ambush. Adiong survived but four police escorts died.

The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines condemned the recent spate of attacks on elected public officials and called for the speedy administration of justice for the victims.

"It is deeply concerning and reprehensible that an individual or a group would attempt to harm an elected representative of the people who has a duty to serve and protect the community. Such an act goes against democracy, the rule of law, and basic human decency," ULAP said in a statement.

"Violence and intimidation have no place in a civilized society and any attempt to use force to silence or harm public officials is a threat to the safety

Michèle Boccoz said rules-based international order was "at stake" in the UN vote.

“We are grateful to the Philippines for their vote at the UN General Assembly to support this rules-based international order,” Boccoz said.

German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel said Russian aggression was “against democracies worldwide” and a “threat to all countries.”

“Russia has violated the most elementary rule of the international order, that by making its war against Ukraine, it overall attacked the international rules-based order [that] all, including the Philippines, depend on for peace and stability,” Reiffenstuel said.

“Russia’s war is not just an aggression against Ukraine but an aggression against democracies worldwide. This is a threat to all countries because what is at stake is our countries’ independence and sovereignty.”

the Philippines regard as an intrusion into our internal matters and a threat to our sovereignty,” the President said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also assailed the ICC, asking why it was investigating the government’s war on drugs and not the drug cartels.

“If the ICC really wants to investigate, why don’t they investigate the drug cartels destroying our country? That’s why we had a drug war,” Remulla said.

Under EO 18, strategic investments include those which are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan or any similar national development plan and can be characterized by the significant capital or investment to the country; consequential economic impact; positive impact on the environment; significant contribution to the country’s balance of payments; with complex technical processes and engineering designs; and will improve the country’s infrastructure capabilities.

Strategic investments will also include highly desirable projects, foreign direct investments and projects or activities under the Strategic Investment Priority Plan.

The latest directive also tasked Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) to establish a One-Stop-Action-Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI) to serve as the single point of entry for all projects qualified as strategic investments within six months from the issuance of the EO.

Mr. Marcos likewise directed the DTIBOI, within three months from the issuance of the order, to produce and regularly update, an investor manual or guidebook or its equivalent, containing the list of government requirements for the establishment of strategic investmentsper sector, as well as the concerned NGAs, LGUs or quasi-judicial bodies issuing relevant permits and licenses.

“The DTI-BOI will be supported with additional manpower, including the designation of Account Officers for Strategic Investments, as well as equipment necessary to operationalize the OSAC-SI, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management,” the President said in the EO.

A technical working group (TWG) which would be headed by the DTI-BOI will be formed to ensure the implementation of the EO. Member-agenciesof the TWG include the DTI, DILG, Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority and the Anti-Red Tape Authority.

Diesel...

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Reuters reported on Thursday that oil prices went up due to expectations of Russian production cuts beginning next month but higher US inventories also affected the movement of prices.

Despite optimism over China's economic reopening which boosted oilprices, US inflation fears which could affect demand also tempered the upward movement of oil prices, reports said.

and security of all citizens," it added.

ULAP president and Quirino Gov. Dax Cua urged the government to swiftly act to apprehend the perpetrators.

“These acts of impunity have no place in a democracy. Immediate action from the government is needed to assure our countrymen that the rule of law still prevails in our society,” Cua said.

In the wake of the latest attack, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ordered all heads of the country's 17 police regional offices to assess security threats against local officials in their areas of jurisdiction.

"Are these officials getting active threats or is there an intense rivalry in their areas or these have lied low? We should determine so we can make the necessary security adjustments,” Azurin said in Filipino.

He also said they were studying if there was a pattern to the latest attacks, or if they were separate incidents, since they occurred in different places.

Under the PNP's rules, elected officials are only allowed to have two security escorts from the PNP-Police Security and Protection Group.

However, Azurin said officials can be secured by the local police even if they leave their areas of jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed Metro Manila police chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo ordered the region's five district directors to do the same.

Okubo also vowed to address peace and order concerns in Metro Manila to ensure the unhampered delivery of the organization’s mandate for the safety and protection of the citizens.

The National Capital Region Police Office chief said that he will implement revitalized police operations in every barangay like the PNP did in 2011.

Okubo said he will form a core group of cops who would be stationed in each barangay where they will undergo training to study the basic government services offered to strengthen the partnership between police and the community.

On February 21, oil firms raised the price of diesel by P1.05 per liter and P0.90 per liter for gasoline but cut the price of kerosene by P0.25 per liter.

World prices have see-sawed in recent weeks due to market volatilitiesarising from the US-Ukraine war and demand forecasts from the US and China, the world's biggest oil consumers.

Thick...

From A1 they were moving the bodies, rocks fell down so it would be dangerous for our rescuers,” Baldo said.

“The plan is to put in place an anchor bolt or expanded bolt which we will drill into the rocks, if there are stable rocks in the area, so that if something happens, our rescuers have something to hold on to,” the mayor added.

He said the retrieval teams were able to take photos and videos of the area as well as some of the passengers’ belongings.

The fatalities were identified as pilot Captain Rufino James Crisostomo Jr. and co-pilot Joel G. Martin, and passengers Simon Chipperfield and Karthi Santhanam.

Meanwhile, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) appealed to the public not to share images of the fatalities on social media.

"Now that the search and rescue has shifted to retrieval and we expect photos and video shots of the plane wreckage and the passengers to be taken by government for documentation purposes, we kindly appeal to all to refrain from publicly sharing on social media and otherplatforms all related images, especially of the passengers, out of respect for their bereaved families and friends who are grieving for the loss of their loved ones," the EDC said

"We express our deepest gratitude to all the government and civilian volunteer search and rescue teams and special forces teams that have tirelessly helped work in the search, rescue, and retrieval of our four dear kapamilya.”

NEWS mst.daydesk@gmail.com A2 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023
FESTIVAL. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the festivities of the 'Tan-ok ni Ilocano 2023: The Festival of Festivals’ at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Memorial Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Friday February 24, 2023.

SPRUCING UP THE PEOPLE POWER MONUMENT. Department of Public Works and Highways workers give the People’s Power Monument on the historic E. de los Santos Avenue in Quezon City a dapper look by changing the old Philippine flag with a new one in preparation for the 37th anniversary observance of the ostensibly bloodless 1986 revolution, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared February 24 a special nonworking holiday to commemorate the phenomenal event.

LTFRB: 61% of PUJs have merged

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday reported that at least 61 percent of the targeted 158,000 public utility jeepneys (PUUs) commonly called jeepneys across the country have joined a consolidated entity in compliance with the government’s jeepney modernization program.

In the UV (Express units) subsector, some 72 percent have also formed cooperatives,” LTFRB Technical Division chief Joel Bolano said during a public briefing.

The franchise of most traditional jeepneys will expire on June 30, the LTFRB said.

After extending the deadline four times for the operators to form cooperatives for the purchase of modern jeepneys, the LTFRB said there will be no more extensions.

Bolano said joining a consolidated entity which could either be a cooperative or corporation is a requirement in

securing loans to acquire new units.

“Isa sa basic purpose talaga bakit kailangan nila magkaroon ng consolidated entity or operation ng under consolidated entity dahil magiging sustainable at viable ang kanilang operation sa kanilang mga route kasi magkakaroon sila ng fleet management para sa deployment ng kanilang mga units,” Bolano said.

“Yung salary ng ating jeepney drivers ay hindi na siya based on boundary kundi magiging fixed salary based na sila aside from other benefits under the consolidated entity,” he added.

Bolano also said traditional jeepneys can still be used as long as it has joined a cooperative.

IN BRIEF

P100m set for study on N. Mindanao rail project

THE Public-Private Partnership Center Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) Committee has approved a P100-million fund for a feasibility study on the Northern Mindanao Railway (Cagayan de Oro) project.

The research will determine the alignment of railways, including the light rail/elevated railway from Barangays Bugo to Iponan and from Paseo Rotonda (Macasandig) to Macalaban port, passing through A. Velez St. to Pacana St. to barangay Puntod.

The project is also in line with a directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “Build Better More” and the approved Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 which highlights the importance of mass transit systems around the country.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in its social media page, said President Marcos’ envisions having railways beyond the National Capital Region. Bobby Lagsa

ISU vets to get training goat embryo transfer

The LTFRB earlier said only the operators of traditional jeeps who are in the process of transitioning into a cooperative or corporation will be exempted from the June 30 deadline.

“So kung sakali po after June 30 mababa ‘yung compliance, nakahanda naman po ang LTFRB. In fact, may mga kinacraft na rin pong policy guidance kaya lang po ang tinitignan ni LTFRB ‘yung compliance this time until June para isa rin sa basehan ng mga guidelines na ilalabas po before June 30,” he said.

Bolano said discussions were still ongoing on the opening of 100,000 transportnetwork-vehicle-service (TNVS) slots meant to meet the commuters’ demand.

THE country will venture into a precedent-setting embryo transfer technology for the production of the Cagayan Valley signature goat breed through the expertise of Dr. Miguel Marvin Pajate, a renowned Filipino veterinarian based in Dubbo,New South Wales, Australia.

Through the project “Innovative Systems in Advancing Technology -based Goat Production, funded by PCAARRD, Pajate was invited as a short term “Balik Scientist” to train Isabela State University (ISU) veterinarians and researchers on the embryo transfer technique including cocyte collection, grading transfer, and preparation for freezing.

Led by Dr. Jonathan N. Nayga of ISU, part of the project goals is to upgrade the ISU Embryo Transfer and enable the use of such techniques, particularly to support the production of the Cagayan Valley Signature Goat, a meaty type goat breed proven adoptable to the conditions of the region. Butch Gunio

Release or grant bail, De Lima asks RTC

A PULSE Asia survey shows that 83 percent of Filipinos prefer to patronize branded products and services that are environment-friendly.

Pulse Asia president Ronald Holmes presented the survey results during a forum on sustainable and strategic waste management on Thursday, organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute and the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST).

The survey, conducted on November 27 – December 1, 2022, was commissioned by Stratbase.

“The message is clear: a sizable majority of Filipinos will support enterprises that have environment-friendly operations and products… Filipinos know that there are certain things that are happening in the country that require us to be more socially conscious. The question now is whether industries or firms will be able to cater to this preference,” Holmes said. Reports showed that Philippineswas the world’s third largest contributor to plastic waste, generating an estimated 2.7 million tons of plastic waste per year.

Last month, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga signed the implementing rules and regulations for the Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR law of 2022.

LAWYERS of detained former Senator Leila De Lima asked anew a Muntinlupa court to either dismiss the drug charges against her and her aide Ronnie Dayan, or allow bail for their temporary liberty.

In a 33-page motion, De Lima and Dayan, through defense lawyer Teddy Esteban Rigoroso, asked the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 to dismiss the charges and order their release following the retraction of testimony of a key witness, Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos. Ragos retracted his testimony that P10 million from drug lords had been sent to De Lima when she was still Justice Secretary.

Ragos claimed that he had been intimidated and threatened with prosecution to testify against De Lima.

SC disbars lawyer for violations of code of professional ethics

THE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the disbarment of a lawyer for multiple violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR), including receiving more than P13 million from his client purportedly to secure a “favorable resolution on a criminal case.”

Unfortunately, counsel lost the case at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.

In an en banc decision, the SC also ordered that lawyer Carlo Marco Bautista be immediately stricken off the Roll of Attorneys after finding him guilty of violating several provisions of the CPR.

“The latest action of the Court is a

DOJ eyes no settlement in incestuous rape cases

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday revealed that they are looking at guidelines intended to prevent settlement in cases of incestuous rape and child abuse.

“We will consult with the Court Administrator and maybe write to the Chief Justice so that there would be guidelines for our courts not to agree with negotia-

tions regarding those cases,” Remulla said, adding that the attitude of the government in such cases must be “non-negotiable.”

Remulla made the statement after meeting with officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Information and Com-

clear indication that the Judiciary is committed to purging the legal profession of erring members,” the SC Public Information Office (PIO) said in a statement. The SC ruled that “Bautista’s blatant violations of the CPR and his sacrosanct duties as a lawyer warrant the imposition of the extreme

munication Technology, and the Child Protection Network Foundation (CPN) regarding incestuous rape.

“There is this practice of entering into a settlement, but with these cases, we should not agree because it will happen again if we allowed (the suspects) to go scot-free,” the Justice Secretary said. Rey E. Requejo

Angkas wants riders to act as NCR tour guides

FILIPINO firm Angkas wants tourists and locals alike to experience Metro Manila’s “vibrant and culture-rich cities” on board a Vespa motorcycle a la ‘Emily in Paris’ style.

In partnership with the Department of Tourism - National Capital Region (DOT-NCR) the leading motorcycle

taxi hailing app is pushing for a rolling tour that would showcase the best local hotspots in the metropolis with Angkas bikers as tour guides.

Angkas CEO George Royeca said motorcycle city tours would allow people to see, experience, and appreciate a city in a different light.

“We’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. Touring on a motorcycle for me is very enriching. It’s like becoming one with your surroundings. You lose yourself in the sights and sounds. You get to feel the wind and smell the air. It’s one of those unforgettable experiences.”

penalty of disbarment.”

The complaint against Bautista was filed before the Integrated Bar of the Philippines by Anthony Lim who engaged the services of the lawyer in the criminal case filed by Lim’s father before the Makati City prosecutor’s office. The SC PIO did not identify the nature of the criminal case.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 A3 NEWS mst.daydesk@gmail.com
‘Pinoys prefer eco-friendly products’
Manny Palmero TURTLE HATCHLINGS. Local and foreign guests of the Anvaya Cove Golf and Sports Club in Morong, Bataan witness the release of exactly 58 baby turtles at the shore of the disputed West Philippine Sea over the weekend. Manny Marcelo CORPORATE ACCORD. TESLA Technologies chief executive officer Peter Matejcek (left) and his counterpart at Smart Citi Teknologi Mario Marcos shows their memorandum of agreement (MOA) during the ceremonial contract signing held at Manila hotel on Thursday night. Norman Cruz

‘PH can withdraw from RCEP deal’

THE country can withdraw from the Regional Comprehensive Partnership (RCEP) agreement if local industries are overwhelmed by imported products, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Friday.

In a press conference, Zubiri said the Senate resolution ratifying the trade deal also provides that the Senate president may recommend to the President that the country withdraw from the agreement.

“So, [it’s] guaranteed. If it looks like we’ll be disadvantaged and there’s an influx of goods from all over that swamp

DA: Gov’t seized P27m smuggled sugar this month

THE Department of Agriculture on Friday said its intensified campaign gainst smuggled agricultural products, confiscating a total of P27.3 million worth of smuggled refined sugar this month.

“The shipments consigned to Kanluran Consumer Goods Trading that originated from China were seized after a series of operations led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for DA Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP),” the DA said in a statement.

It said the DA-IE worked with the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Customs, the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for the anti-smuggling operations. Their operations led to the seizure of smuggled refined sugar which was found in 11 container vans.

A series of anti-smuggling operations were conducted on Feb. 15 to 16, seizing a total P19.84 million worth of refined white sugar from eight container vans.

Some shipments were also misdeclared in an attempt to secure entry into the country.

“They (also) inspected three container vans on February 6 and discovered P7.44 million worth of refined white sugar instead of the declared motorcycle spare parts,” the DA said.

Meanwhile, the DA will be filing criminal cases against the shipment’s consignee for violation of Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013 due to alleged misdeclaration and misclassification of the shipment.

Charges for violation of the Republic Act No. 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 shall also be filed, it said.

DA Assistant Secretary James Layug said there are still containers that will undergo physical inspection.

our manufacturing, swamp our garments, swamp our agriculture, then definitely a review will be in place and will be in order, and we can recommend to the President [that we withdraw from the RCEP] if need be,” Zubiri said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Zubiri added, however, that the public should not focus on the worst

that may happen after the RCEP is ratified.

“But let’s look forward. Why are we looking at the worst [that can happne]?

Let’s look at the best,” he said.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, who was present in the press conference, said the RCEP agreement should be effective in 90 days.

Pascual said the government is bullish that the RCEP will hasten the country’s economic growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Surely the way to recover is to stimulate investments, strengthen our MSMEs (micro-, small-, and medium-

enterprises) and suppliers,” Pascual said.

He said the benefits of being part of the trade pact would begin “the moment we open our country for investors and companies who will take advantage of the provisions of the RCEP.”

Zubiri said the export industries of Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia became more vibrant after they joined RCEP.

If the country were not part of the trade pact, it would be ignored when it came to foreign investments, Zubiri added.

“I brought to the office last week, EVT, the biggest producer of electric vehicles for public utilities... They are

Marcos vows to boost domestic tourism

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday assured government aid to the tourism sector as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I assure you the government’s commitment to strengthen the domestic tourism industry remains a top priority and Ilocos Norte will play a very large part,” Mr. Marcos said in his speech during the celebration of Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano: The Festival of Festivals at the newly renovated Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Memorial Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Though the past three years had sidelined

the celebration of festivals and other crowddrawing events in the country due to the global health crisis, Mr. Marcos said the time has come to reclaim lost opportunities.

“The darkest hours of the pandemic we pray are over, and now, we are ready to reclaim the time and opportunities we have lost for the last few years as we now emerge stronger than ever,” the President said.

“Beyond today’s revelry, this event is expected to stimulate economic activity and support Ilocano families by driving tourism industries, sustaining local livelihoods,” the President said, adding that the number of tourist arrivals is steadily increasing and would hopefully reach pre-pandemic levels.

SEARCH FOR GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT.

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Manila, in partnership with Department of Labor and EmploymenT, holds a Mega Job Fair at THE Delpan Sports Complex on Feb. 24, 2023. According to PESO, over 12,570 job vacancies are open for high school, tech/voc and college graduates.

volume nears pre-pandemic level’

THE Manila International Airport Authority said travel volume is returning to the prepandemic level as it recorded 22,815 flights and 3,766,546 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in January.

MIAA General Manager Cesar Chiong attributed the significant increase to people’s renewed confidence to travel.

“In comparison to January 2019, which saw 22,165 flights and 4,058,236 passengers, January

2023 recorded 22,815 flights and 3,766,546 passengers. With NAIA recovering 65 percent of its pre-pandemic passenger volume and 82 percent of its pre-pandemic flight movements, MIAA foresees a busier 2023,” Chiong said.

He said MIAA hopes to sustain this momentum as more nations open their borders and more restrictions are lifted.

Chiong said in 2022, despite a slow start to the year due to the Omicron variant and other global concerns, air travel rebounded strongly, with NAIA receiving nearly 30.9

million passengers, an increase of more than 300 percent from the 7.67 million passengers it had in 2021.

The year ended on a strong note, with NAIA posting its highest monthly passenger volume—1,485,968 in December 2022—since the start of the pandemic. Even though the numbers were still well below the agency’s 2019 recorded volume of 47.69 million passengers, MIAA remains optimistic that 2023 would be a busier year for NAIA.

SC cites court employees’ ‘most crucial work’ in judiciary

THE Supreme Court extolled the judiciary’s clerks of courts and other personnel for the “most crucial work” they do as the “first contacts of the public” in the administration of justice.

In his keynote address during the 13th National Convention of the Judicial Court Clerks Association of the Philippines Inc. (JCCAP), Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said “those people working in the trial courts are the most crucial in the administration of justice.” “You are the first contact of people

transacting in the courts regarding their cases, such that trial court employees of whatever rank or position must be able to reflect the kind of judicial service that we want to give our people,” Gesmundo said. The top magistrate stressed that “if the people are dissatisfied in their first contact with the trial court, it reflects on us.”

The JCCAP, formerly known as the Judiciary Association of Clerks of the Philippines or JACOPHIL, is the association of 3,966 judiciary clerks from all judicial regions nationwide.

Gesmundo also highlighted the importance of the SC’s five-year Strategic Plan for Judicial

The President also urged the next generation of Ilocano artists “to be proud of your identity and integrate our rich customs and traditions into the art that you showcase.”

“Let us share with our fellow Filipinos, and the rest of the world, the story of our roots in the upland indigenous communities, the vibrant communities of Ilocos, many of which have been crucial in molding us into what we are as a people today,” he said.

Mr. Marcos also thanked the people behind the renovation of the stadium where the celebration of the festival was being held.

“Named after my father, this stadium speaks well of the strength, the brilliance, the resilience of every Ilocano,” he added.

looking at relocating to the Philippines. They called me and asked if we are part of RCEP,” Zubiri said. “Because if we are part of RCE, he said, it will be easy for us to sell in 15 countries.”

The senator said the immediate effect would be an increase in foreign investments.

Senate Majority Leader Loren Legarda added: “If we didn’t enter RCEP, how are we going to compete with other countries?”

Pascual also emphasized the government can revive industries which shut down operations due to the absence of raw materials.

President OKs Carmona as component city

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. signed into law a measure converting the Municipality of Carmona into a component city of Cavite province.

The President signed Republic Act No. 119381, otherwise known as “An Act Converting the Municipality of Carmona in the Province of Cavite into a component city to be known as the City of Carmona.”

RA 119381 will require the Municipality of Carmona to hold a plebiscite within 60 days from the approval of the law.

“Present elective officials of the Municipality of Carmona shall continue to exercise their powers and functions until such time that a new election is held and the duly-elected officials shall have already qualified and assumed their offices,” the law said.

“Appointive officials and employees of the Municipality of Carmona shall, likewise, continue exercising their functions and duties and they shall automatically be absorbed by the City Government of the City of Carmona.”

It further pointed out that there will be no increase in the rates of local taxes within five years from acquiring Carmona’s cityhood. Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Carmona shall continue to be part of the fifth legislative district of Cavite.

IC asked to junk disaster premium rate hike order

THE Insurance Commission was urged Friday to scrap the implementation of its IC Circular Letter No. 2022-34 which seeks to increase the minimum catastrophe (earthquake, typhoon and flood) insurance premium rates, especially because the country’s inflation hit a 14-year high of 8.7 percent this January.

The hike was supposed to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2023 but was suspended after AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee questioned it.

Lee renewed his appeal in the wake of his recent exposes on the adjustments which he claimed were decided without prior consultation with stakeholders

and consumers.

The lawmaker also reacted to the statement of IC Commissioner Dennis Fua that there is a need for the adjustment because the “current premium rates are too low” as they were last set in 2006, and that “nonlife insurers are effectively penalized for writing catastrophe risks by making them operate at a loss to write such risk.”

“If they are operating at a loss, then we have to scrutinize their data. They have to show us their financial statements,” Lee said.

Lee also noted that Funa, whose term as IC Commissioner ended in Dec. 2022 and is now only acting in a holdover capacity, should not be on top of the matter anymore as he no longer has authority pending his successor.

Innovations (SPJI) with reforms to dispense justice “efficiently, effectively, and timely.”

“We cannot overemphasize that the SPJI is necessary to reinvigorate and retool the judicial system. The Court must consistently be proactive and continuously innovate especially at this time of greater uncertainties and challenges,” he said.

He assured the JCCAP members the institution of reforms in courts means ensuring everyone’s progress.

“These innovations are not meant to supplant us, but to support us, to empower us to unleash our potential for more effective and more meaningful work,” he said.

NEWS mst.daydesk@gmail.com A4 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023
‘Passenger
HIGH-TECH AYUDA. Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Rep. Alvin Sandoval and other Malabon local government officials lead the roll out of the ayuda electronic card or the so-called Malabon Blue card to 4,000 residents at the city's sports gymnasium. Danny Pata SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED. Senator Loren Legarda, Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and and Department of Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual show a signed copy of the ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that will be submitted to Malacañang on Friday, February 24, 2023. Danny Pata Norman Cruz

Sickness as human condition

THE World Day of the Sick is an annual event observed by the Catholic Church to raise awareness and encourage various activities such as prayer, sharing, and offering personal suffering for the betterment of the Church.

Its purpose is to encourage prayer, sharing, and the offering of one’s own suffering for the good of the Church.

It also serves as a reminder to view sick individuals as the face of Christ.

The Day was established on May 13, 1992 by Pope John Paul II and is celebrated on February 11, which coincides with the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.

However, it is not considered a liturgical celebration.

It is noteworthy that Pope John Paul II created this Day just one year after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that was not confirmed until 2001.

The pope had written extensively about the value of suffering and believed it could be a redemptive and salvific process through Christ, as he expressed in his apostolic letter, Salvfiici Dolores.

In 2005, the World Day of the Sick had a special significance since the ailing pope later died on April 2 of that year. Many people had gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome to pray for him as he lay dying.

Since 1992, The World Day of the Sick has been commemorated which continues to this day.

Violence on social media shows

pride to deny our sickness and the human condition.

Indeed, as I write this I am waiting for the results of a thyroid biopsy that could show that cancer has spread to this organ in my body. I am hopeful for the results but expect the worst.

In our own moments of weakness, we may feel it necessary to isolate ourselves to avoid being a burden to others. This leads to loneliness, which can breed bitterness and a sense of abandonment by God.

It is difficult to maintain a peaceful relationship with God when we are at odds with ourselves and others. Therefore, it is essential that the Church, even in times of illness, models itself after the Good Samaritan in the Gospel, serving as a “field hospital” that cares for others in their time of need.

We are all vulnerable and fragile, requiring compassion that is patient, healing, and uplifting. The plight of the sick should be a wake-up call to those who are indifferent and encourage them to slow down and care for their brothers and sisters.

The World Day of the Sick calls for prayer and closeness toward those who suffer. Yet it also aims to raise the awareness of God’s people, healthcare institutions, and civil society with regard to a new way of moving forward together.

One of the most powerful examples of God’s care for the sick and suffering is the story of Jesus and his healing ministry.

In the Gospels, we read about Jesus healing people of all kinds of afflictions, from blindness and paralysis to leprosy and mental illness. Jesus saw the pain and suffering of these individuals and was moved with compassion to help them.

He didn’t just heal their physical bodies, but he also brought them peace and hope for a better future.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to continue this healing ministry in our own lives.

WHAT’S wrong with these vloggers-turnedpseudo fighters?

The most recent trending videos showing the so-called YouTube sensations cursing against one another, exchanging blows, and unleashing appropriate words in face-off rites before their supposed showdown sets a bad example of how sports should be played.

Whether scripted or not, their antics denigrate the sport of boxing and martial arts sport and put to shame the honorable men and women of professional prizefighting.

Worse, with millions of viewers and most of them probably minors, the videos showed the regularity of violence and disrespect to what is supposed to be a sports battle among gentlemen.

The time is now to put a stop to these kinds of videos that smack of violence and indecency

In this age of open era of information where social media can be accessed by as young as a toddler enough to hold and watch on a smartphone, these kinds of shows—or whatever kind of trash these might be called—are setting off a decaying generation.

The government should start flexing its muscle and stomping its feet on these lowlifers on social media.

Oneyear of war vs. Ukraine

EBRUARY 24, 2022 will forever be recalled as the day when Russia started its brutal, unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine.

This was and remains a case of pure aggression and a clear-cut breach of the UN Charter.

This war is neither ‘just a European issue,’ nor is it about the ‘West versus the rest.’

It is about the kind of world we all want to live in: no one is safe in a world where the illegal use of force – by a nuclear power and permanent member of the Security Council – would somehow be ‘normalised.’

That is why international law must be enforced everywhere to protect everyone from power politics, blackmail and military attack.

The EU is counting on all its partners, to act in a spirit of joint responsibility and solidarity: to ensure that aggression fails and international law prevails

the energy revenues the Kremlin gets to finance its aggression.

If mainstream media like TV and movies have the MTRCB, should the Department of Information and Technology be given the power to take action on social media platforms that abuse their freedom or go beyond the standard?

Or the Games and Amusement Board should step in and check the activities of the organizers and promoters if these supposed sporting activities have acquired the necessary permits from the government.

If it’s a combat sports activity done to earn money either through online viewing or gate attendance, the fighters and officials must have mandatory licenses to be allowed to proceed and perform.

Otherwise, it can be considered an underground fight that can be stopped or raided by the authorities.

The time is now to put a stop to these kinds of videos that smack of violence and indecency.

Above all, we want peace in Ukraine, a comprehensive and lasting peace that is in line with the UN Charter and international law.

Supporting Ukraine and working for peace go hand in hand

If Russia’s illegal aggression were to succeed, the repercussions would spread globally. The risk of regional hot spots in Asia, such as the South and East China Seas, the Taiwan Strait and others, to turn into open conflicts would increase.

That is why Europe and its partners in the Asia Pacific have to take a joint stand.

The support of many Asian countries at the UN and elsewhere for the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty and international law has been crucial.

On this year’s occasion, we highlight salient portions of Pope Francis’ message entitled “Take care of him - Compassion as a synodal exercise of healing.”

The Holy Father starts off his homily by emphasizing that illness is part of the human condition.

Yet, according to him, if illness is experienced in isolation and abandonment, unaccompanied by care and compassion, it can become inhumane.

He invites all of us to reflect on the fact that it is especially through the experience of vulnerability and illness that we can learn to walk together according to the style of God, which is closeness, compassion, and tenderness.

Indeed, as Francis points out, we are rarely prepared for illness. Oftentimes, we fail even to admit that we are getting older.

Our fear of being vulnerable is overwhelming, and our societal obsession with efficiency compels us to ignore it altogether, denying our humanity. When we are struck by evil, we are often shocked and left without support from others.

Like Jesus in the desert, as narrated in tomorrow’s gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, we are tempted by bread, power, and

We can do this by visiting the sick, comforting the afflicted, and advocating for those who are suffering. We can also pray for those who are in pain, asking God to bring them comfort and healing.

Of course, we know that not everyone who is sick or suffering will be healed in this life.

We live in a fallen world, where sickness and death are a part of the human experience. However, we can still trust in the love and care of God, knowing that he is with us even in our darkest moments.

We can find hope in the promise of eternal life, where there will be no more pain or suffering.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has motivated Christians to offer aid and comfort to the sick and dying, and to recognize the presence of God in their suffering.

He offers a message of hope and comfort to those who are struggling with death and sickness, urging us to approach these difficult situations with courage and empathy.

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

One year on, there is a risk that people become inured to the images of war crimes and atrocities that they see – because there are so many; that the words we use start to lose their significance – because we have to repeat them so often; that we get tired and weaken our resolve – because time is passing and the task at hand is hard.

This we cannot do.

Because every day, Russia keeps violating the UN charter, creating a dangerous precedent for the whole world with its imperialist policy. Every day, Russia keeps killing innocent Ukrainian women, men and children, raining down its missiles on cities and civilian infrastructure.

Every day, Russia keeps spreading lies and fabrications.

For the European Union and our partners, there is no alternative to staying the course of our ‘triple strategy’: supporting Ukraine, putting pressure on Russia to stop its illegal aggression and helping the rest of the world cope with the fallout.

This is what we have been doing for one year now -- and successfully so.

We have adopted unprecedented sanctions; cut our dependency on Russian fossil fuels; and in close collaboration with key partners reduced by 50 percent

Working together, we have also mitigated the global ripple effects with food and energy prices declining, partly thanks to our Solidarity Lanes and to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

It is not enough to say we want Ukraine to be able to defend itself – it needs the means to do so.

So, for the first time ever, the EU has supplied weapons to a country under attack. Indeed, the EU is now the leading provider of military training for Ukrainian personnel so they can defend their country.

We are also offering significant macrofinancial and humanitarian aid to support the Ukrainian people.

And we have decided to respond positively to Ukraine’s request to join the EU.

Finally, we are working to ensure accountability for the war crimes that Russia has committed.

Ukraine has shown its remarkable resilience, partly thanks to this support.

And Russia has grown more isolated, thanks to global sanctions and the international condemnation by the overwhelming majority of states in the UN General Assembly. Our collective goal is and remains a democratic Ukraine that prevails; pushing out the invader, restoring its full sovereignty and, with that, restoring international legality.

But the reverse is also true: the EU is fully committed to uphold international law everywhere, not just in Ukraine.

We work for peace and security around the world including in the Asia Pacific. We need to be clear that Russia’s actions are responsible for the economic shock waves in terms of food, energy and fertilizers.

We have always exempted food and fertilizers from EU sanctions and we are monitoring any possible unintended effects.

More broadly, the Russian invasion has underlined the need for both Europe and Asia to avoid excessive dependencies. We must reinforce our collaboration to build more resilient and inclusive economies, protect our democracies and strengthen social cohesion. History and justice are on the side of Ukraine.

But to accelerate history and achieve justice, we need to amplify our ‘triple strategy’. We know this is a collective task.

That is why the EU is counting on all its partners, to act in a spirit of joint responsibility and solidarity: to ensure that aggression fails and international law prevails.

(The author is the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission)

THE lame excuse often said by the United States is that its presence in the South China Sea is to protect the territorial integrity of the countries against China’s aggression. Such assertion is rather misplaced and reckless.

Putting the allegation ahead of actual aggression presupposes violation of the country’s territorial integrity; that no state can be accused of violating international law unless such has actually been committed.

It is the fact that aggression has been committed.

There is no such thing as anticipatory aggression, and must be specific.

Besides, the countries affected must have experienced actual threat for which US policy makers are now making much rankle to justify its presence in the South China Sea. By then the world is deceived that its presence in the South China Sea is not to protect the territorial boundaries of countries in the region.

It gives justification that its exercise of hegemony characterized by unilateralism to influence the policy of other countries.

Countries littoral to the South China Sea are conditioned to accept its insistence based on what it calls “rule-based” principle which the US itself unilaterally laid down.

Consequently, all questions about its presence is automatically overshadowed by its pre-eminent presence in the South China Sea.

Neither can it be said there are other interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine which the US unilaterally declared to prevent the European powers from further colonizing South America.

Neither can the US presence in the Philippines or in the region shape its sphere of influence to compel other countries to abide by what the US wants.

In fact, the US has no claim whatsoever to any of the territories in the SCS to legitimately protect its interest.

The only right it has is its right of freedom of navigation which is limited to the exercise of the right itself.

For instance, to allow the US to have military bases here does not include the collateral transfer of right to countries which the Philippines did not sign an agreement with.

The US can never transfer its right under the freedom of navigation like allowing its allies to freely navigate in areas not designated as international waters, nor have those bases rented in a treaty or agreement to secure their own defense or much more to allow the re-export of weapons purchased

from the US or any of its allies.

The US continues to patrol the SCS which it calls “rule-based” principle floating on the plethora of pure imagination.

Our military agreement with the US is personal to us.

The agreement has to be made into a treaty, not an executive agreement, and ratified by the Senate. All treaties have to observe some rules, regulations and limitations specific to the issue of jurisdiction to servicemen stationed inside those bases.

The grant of independence by the US to the Philippines in 1946 and the termination of the US military bases in the country in

1991 formally ended our supposed US Bases agreement.

That indicated US has no territorial claim or interest in this country except to promote a possible proxy war with China.

It was Spain that demarcated the boundary of the Philippines facing the whole of SCS to indicate limitations of our border.

In fact, many of the islands in the SCS are much closer and proximate to the Philippine archipelago than to mainland China.

None of the islands closer and proximate to the Philippine archipelago was uncannily contested by the US as successor-in-interest of these territories like questioning why the boundary was not located in the middle of the SCS to make the division more or less equitable and fair.

It is from this stand point why the US issued a disclaimer to any claim by the Philippines, China and other countries like Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

This means that the US has no territorial interest in the SCS except those areas that overlapped 200-mile limit provision made by UNCLOS which was ratified only in 1984. The Treaty of Paris has been in existence for more than 100 years, and the US has not raised any question to invalidate the treaty. The Treaty of Paris is now questioned

when the Philippines is not even a signatory to that Treaty.

As said, the US never made a protest against the treaty because it acknowledges it has no claim in the area.

This also explains why the US insists in reviving the Philippine-US military bases agreement despite the fact that the Philippines issued a terminal date for ending the stay of the US bases in our country.

The renewal of the US military bases in the Philippines is the only lifeline of the US to justify its presence in the South China Sea.

Otherwise, it has no basis to regularly patrol the Strait of Taiwan

Our Constitution states the bases agreement should be made in the form of a treaty and not an executive agreement, and should be ratified by the Philippine Senate. It should not even be called “visiting forces or enhanced defense cooperation agreement.”

In fact, we continue to violate our Constitution just to accommodate the entry of nuclear weapons by the US. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

EDITORIAL
Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers PPI can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board ManilaStandard ONLINE Chin Wong Associate Editor Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle News Editor Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
The US got more from what it wanted (Part 1) EvEryman OPINION Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com B1 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 EAGLE EYES We continue to violate our Constitution just to accommodate the entry of nuclear weapons by the US
Pope Francis offers a message of hope and comfort to those who are struggling with death and sickness, urging us to approach these difficult situations with courage and empathy

Nokor fires more missiles after US-Sokor nuclear drill

NORTH Korea said Friday it had fired cruise missiles and claimed that rampedup US-South Korean military drills “can be regarded as a declaration of war.”

It came after the two allies conducted a tabletop exercise at the Pentagon focused on responses to a nuclear attack by Pyongyang.

North Korean forces held a “strategic cruise missile launching drill” in the early hours of Thursday, firing four Hwasal-2s, the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday.

The exercise demonstrated North Korea’s “deadly nuclear counterattack capability against the hostile forces,” it said.

The defence ministry in Seoul questioned that description of the test, saying there was a difference between what was announced and what US and South Korean surveillance detected. It added that analysis was ongoing.

North Korea is not banned from firing cruise missiles under current UN sanctions, but the Thursday drill followed multiple weapons tests this week – including an intercontinental ballistic missile – which was condemned as “provocative” by the UN chief.

Pyongyang said that criticism was “unfair and unbalanced”, and on Friday called on the global body – which met this week to discuss the North Korean launches -- to “bitterly condemn” Seoul and Washington over their joint military exercises.

Following a year in which Pyongyang declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power and fired a recordbreaking number of missiles, Seoul and Washington have moved to ramp up joint exercises and redeploy US strategic assets to the region. AFP

Zelensky vows victory one year after invasion

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky promised victory against Russia on Friday on the one-year anniversary of Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, as commemorations were held by Kyiv’s Western allies.

“We endured. We were not defeated. And we will do everything to gain victory this year,” Zelensky said in a statement released on social media.

“Ukraine has inspired the world. Ukraine has united the world,” Zelensky said.

Hailing cities that have become bywords for alleged Russian war crimes like Bucha, Irpin and Mariupol as “capitals of invincibility,” he said “we will never rest until the Russian murderers face deserved punishment.”

A year ago to the day, Russian

President Vladimir Putin stunned the world by sending troops across the border, in a move seen as punishment for Kyiv’s pivot to the West.

The year-long war has devastated swathes of Ukraine, displaced millions, turned Russia into a pariah in the West and, according to Western sources, has caused more than 150,000 casualties on each side.

The West has imposed increasingly stringent sanctions on Russia and ramped up humanitarian aid and arms supplies for Russia, leading to warnings from Mos-

NATO says ‘resolute’ in Kyiv support

NATO on Friday declared itself “resolute” in its support of Ukraine and said “Russia’s efforts to break the resolve of the brave people of Ukraine are failing.”

In a statement issued one year after Russia’s invasion, NATO also said that Russia must “immediately” end its “illegal war” which was impacting global food and energy supplies, and demanded Moscow answer for its “war crimes.”

The Western military alliance said: “We are further stepping up political and practical support to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion, and will maintain our support for as long as necessary to help Ukraine prevail.”

Russia, it said, “bears full responsibility for this war,” which it said was in violation of the UN Charter and Moscow’s international commitments.

“Russia has not shown any genuine openness to a just and lasting peace,” the statement said.

“We remain determined to maintain coordinated international pressure on Russia. We also condemn all those, including Belarus, who are actively facilitating Russia’s war.”

That last point also pointed to Iran, which has supplied Russia with strike drones.

It could also encompass China, after US concerns were echoed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg this week that Beijing could be planning to provide weapons to Russia for its war.

The NATO statement warned that “there can be no impunity for Russian war crimes and other atrocities”.

cow of a dangerous escalation.

The United States and its G7 allies on Friday planned to unveil a fresh package of sanctions, while US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington would send Ukraine a new military aid package worth $2 billion.

This week, US President Joe Biden surprised the world by visiting Kyiv to pledge new arms deliveries.

“One year later, Kyiv stands. Ukraine stands,” he tweeted. “Democracy stands. America – and the world – stands with Ukraine.”

On Thursday, the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to demand Russia “immediately” and “unconditionally” withdraw its troops from Ukraine. AFP

UP IN THE AIR.

Participants fly their kites during the 25th Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival at Bukit LayangLayang in Malaysia’s Johor state on February 24, 2023. The festival resumes after a 3-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

AFP

Australian defense chief to reassure Thailand over nuclear subs

AUSTRALIA’S defense minister aimed to reassure Thailand on Friday that plans to acquire a new fleet of nuclear submarines would enhance “collective security” in the region after neighboring countries voiced concerns.

The submarine issue came up during a visit to Manila earlier this week, Defense Minister Richard Marles told AFP in an interview, and was also on

the agenda for Friday’s talks with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who is responsible for defense.

“The point I’ll be making to the prime minister is about contributing to the collective security of the region,” Marles said ahead of the meeting.

“It’s about building balance, and through that contributing to peace and stability of the region.”

Australia has been weighing whether it wants the United States or Britain to supply the new nuclear subs, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expected to announce a decision in Washington next month at a meeting with both countries’ leaders. Malaysia and Indonesia have expressed concerns about the acquisition, warning against an arms race.

Warhol, flamboyant art icon, pops up in Saudi

ANDY WARHOL’S iconic portraits of stars such as Marlon Brando and Dolly Parton are on display in the Saudi desert, at a show intended to reframe the kingdom’s forbidding reputation.

The first exhibition in Saudi Arabia for the Pop Art giant is a tribute to the late artist’s obsession with celebrity, and his seeming ability to predict the rise of contemporary influencer culture.

At the same time, organisers have tried to draw a connection between the world Warhol embodied – New York City half a century ago – and Saudi Arabia today.

“Warhol grew up through a time of radical change in America in the

1950s and 1960s, a time of a completely new vibrant youth culture, and he recorded that and reflected that,” said Sumantro Ghose, arts programming director in AlUla, the Saudi town hosting the exhibition.

“Right now in Saudi Arabia, we’re in a time of great change, great transformation,” he added.

It would be hard to imagine a more unlikely ambassador for the new Saudi Arabia, where a burgeoning arts and music scene exists alongside harsh repression of political speech and the criminalization of homosexuality.

For one thing, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, which collaborated on the exhibition, describes him as a “gay icon.”

He also had little connection to the Middle East, save for quick trips in the 1970s to Iran and Kuwait, where he complained in his diary about the “strange coffee” and concluded that “there’s no history to this place.” AFP

But Marles said Australia wanted to build a “sense of confidence” about the plan.

The previous Australian government tore up a contract to buy French dieselpowered subs in favour of US or British nuclear ones – a move that angered Paris.

The submarine deal emerged out of a new security pact between Australia, Britain and the United States – dubbed AUKUS – aimed at countering a rising China. AFP

It also stressed that its commitment to NATO’s founding treaty – which includes an Article 5 mutual defence clause valid for all NATO member countries – “is stronger and more united than ever”.

“We remain ready to defend every inch of Allied territory... against all threats and challenges,” it said. AFP

THE father of an 11-year-old Cambodian girl who died this week from bird flu has tested positive for the virus, health officials said on Friday.

The girl fell ill on February 16 with a fever, cough and sore throat, and died on Wednesday from bird flu virus H5N1, the Cambodian health ministry said in the statement.

Authorities collected samples from 12 people on Thursday who were in contact with the girl.

Her 49-year-old father was the only person among them to test positive, though he is asymptomatic, they added. Health officials are searching for the source of the outbreak.

Wild birds were found dead at a lake near the girl’s remote village.

The disease typically spreads from birds to humans through direct contact.

The World Health Organization called for vigilance after the detection of bird flu in mammals earlier this month, but has stressed that the risk to humans is low.

The latest infection is the 58th recorded instance of bird flu in Cambodia since the country’s first human case was discovered nearly two decades ago.

Europe has been gripped by its worst-ever outbreak of bird flu since late 2021, with North and South America also experiencing severe outbreaks. AFP

Father of girl who died from bird flu positive now for virus
mst.daydesk@gmail.com B2 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023
NOTICE OF SELF ADJUDICATION Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late LUZVISMINDA T. DELIMA, who passed away on July 28, 2012 in the City of Manila, has been the subject of Affidavit of Self Adjudication in favor of her only heir, ZENAIDA T. DELIMAWATSON over a certain real property covered by TCT No. 57927, situated in Angeles City, Pampanga, with an area of 240 sq. meters; the heir hereby ADJUDICATE unto herself one half (1/2) share and interest on the abovementioned real property described above, as per instrument dated February 9, 2023, recorded as Doc. No. 04; Page No. 02; Book No. I; Series of 2023 under Notary Public Atty. Berlin SM Berba, for and in the City of Mandaluyong. (MS-FEB. 18/25/MAR. 4, 2023)
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK ONE YEAR ON. A symbolic illumination called ‘ray of memory’ is seen over the graves of Ukrainian soldiers who died in the war with Russia at Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. AFP EXHIBIT. A man visits an outdoor art show in the old town in the historical Saudi city of Al-Ula, coinciding with an exhibition of works by the late US artist Andy Warhol. The first exhibition in Saudi Arabia for the Pop Art giant is a tribute to the late artist’s obsession with celebrity, and his seeming ability to predict the rise of contemporary influencer culture. AFP
WORLD

Interest rate worries hound Asian markets

PSEi February 23, 2023

TOP GAINERS

EQUITY markets were mixed Friday, with traders still occupied by long-running interest rate worries, though Tokyo rallied after Japan’s incoming central bank head made the case for keeping its ultra-loose policy.

Analysts said the realization that the Federal Reserve will further hike borrowing costs and hold them there appears to have sunk in among investors, who were betting on a cut by year’s end

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

inflation hit

TOKYO—Japan’s consumer prices rose 4.2 percent in January from a year earlier, a level not seen since September 1981, fueled in part by higher energy bills, government data showed Friday.

The reading comes with traders awaiting an appearance in parliament by Bank of Japan chief nominee Kazuo Ueda later in the day.

The 4.2 percent rise, which excludes volatile fresh food, is well below the still sky-high levels that have sparked concern in the United States, Britain and elsewhere, but far exceeds the Bank of Japan’s longstanding inflation goal of two percent.

Boeing halts 787 jet deliveries anew on fuselage issue

NEW YORK, United States—Boeing has suspended deliveries of the 787 Dreamliner again following new issues with a fuselage component, US aviation regulators said Thursday.

The latest pause is a disappointment for the aerospace giant after it resumed deliveries of the jet in August following a halt of more than a year.

Boeing is “conducting additional analysis on a fuselage component,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.

“Deliveries will not resume until the FAA is satisfied that the issue has been addressed. The FAA is working with Boeing to determine any actions that might be required for recently delivered airplanes,” the statement added.

Boeing said it “discovered an analysis error” by its supplier related to the 787 forward pressure bulkhead during a review, adding that the pause comes as the company completes the required analysis and documentation.

“There is no immediate safety of flight concern for the in-service fleet,” the Boeing spokesperson said, noting that production continues. Boeing does not expect a shift to its production and delivery outlook for the year.

The 787’s travails date to late summer 2020, when the company uncovered manufacturing flaws with some jets and subsequently identified additional issues, including with the horizontal stabilizer.

The difficulties curtailed deliveries between November 2020 and March 2021. Boeing suspended deliveries later in spring 2021 after more problems surfaced.

But the company ramped deliveries back to 22 in the fourth quarter last year. While that was a decisive improvement, it marked a much lower level than its peak-pandemic cadence. AFP

as 2023 began.

That has seen equities across the globe tumble this month after rallying throughout January, and observers warn this could be another bumpy year after the turmoil of 2022.

Focus now is on the release of the personal consumption expenditures price index, the US central bank’s preferred gauge of inflation. That comes after a forecast-busting jobs report and data showing still-sticky consumer and wholesale inflation.

The “core PCE inflation data will set the stage for Fed officials’ forecast updates at the March 22 meeting”, said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes. “We now doubt the revisions to the Summary of Economic Projections will

be in a dovish direction.”

Thursday saw the release of figures showing fewer jobless claims than expected last week, which added to the view that the labor market remains robust, further complicating the Fed’s task of bringing inflation down without hurting the economy.

All three main indexes on Wall Street ended on a positive note—with the S&P 500 snapping a four-day losing run— having swung back in the afternoon following a morning slump.

Asia struggled again after Thursday’s troubles. Hong Kong lost more than one percent and Shanghai was also down alongside Seoul, Taipei, Mumbai and Bangkok.

But Sydney, Wellington, Singapore

and Jakarta rose. London, Paris and Frankfurt opened higher. Tokyo was the standout, returning from a long weekend and piling on more than one percent as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s nominee to head the Bank of Japan said its longstanding monetary easing policies were “appropriate.”

In a statement to lawmakers, Kazuo Ueda added: “It is necessary to keep monetary easing to support the economy and create an environment where companies can raise wages.”

His comments came just after news that Japanese inflation hit a four-decade high of 4.2 percent last month, though officials insist the spike is linked to temporary distortions including the war in Ukraine. With AFP

energy bills

ary is 3.2 percent.

Increases in electricity and gas bills, as well as telecommunication fees and price hikes for a range of processed foods, contributed to the January acceleration, the government data showed.

However, analysts expect that government measures to address fuel costs will help curb inflation in February.

The figures have added to the pressure on Japan’s central bank to consider tightening its longstanding super-loose monetary policy. But the central bank has so far bucked the trend set by peers abroad who have hiked rates to tackle rising prices.

The market had expected a 4.3 percent increase in January prices.

The latest data comes after a 4.0 percent jump in December that was the highest since December 1981.

When both fresh food and energy prices are excluded, the figure for Janu-

Outgoing Governor Haruhiko Kuroda argues the current price rises are linked to temporary distortions like the war in Ukraine, and that the bank should stay the course until sustained rises linked to factors like wage hikes are seen.

In December, the central bank said it expected inflation to hit 3.0 percent for fiscal 2022, up from the 2.9 percent it predicted in October.

But it forecast inflation of only 1.6 percent for the following year, rising to 1.8 percent for fiscal 2024.

In November, officials shocked the markets by widening the band in which they allow rates for 10-year government bonds to move.

They said the decision would “improve market functioning”, though the new level was immediately tested.

The persistent differences between the Japanese central bank and the US Federal Reserve, which aggressively hiked rates last year, have helped weaken the yen against the dollar.

News of the government’s decision to nominate economics professor Ueda as Bank of Japan chief sent the yen briefly rallying against the dollar. AFP

SYDNEY, Australia—Facebook and Instagram began a week-long rollout of their first paid verification service on Friday, testing users’ willingness to pay for social media features that until now have been free.

Facing a drop in advertising revenues, parent company Meta is piloting a subscription in Australia and New Zealand before it appears in larger markets. The service will cost US$11.99 on the web and US$14.99 on the iOS and Android mobile platforms.

From Friday, subscribers Down Under who provide governmentissued IDs can start applying for a verified badge, offering protection against impersonation, direct access to customer support, and more visibility, according to the company.

“We’ll be gradually rolling out access to Meta Verified on Facebook and Instagram and expect to reach 100 percent availability within the first 7 days of the rollout,” a Meta spokesperson told AFP.

Some attempts to join Meta Verified from Sydney found the service was not available on the first day of the rollout.

“This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a statement posted on Facebook and Instagram. Crucially, the move also provides Meta with a way of mining more revenue from its two billion users.

The swelling army of creators, influencers, and pseudo-celebrities who make a living online could be obvious users of verification, according to experts.

Many of them complain that it can be difficult to smooth technical and administrative problems, causing delays and lost revenue. AFP

Calls for ban mount for TikTok even as users reach 1 billion

PARIS, France—TikTok’s breakneck rise from niche video-sharing app to global social media behemoth has brought plenty of scrutiny, particularly over its links to China.

The European Commission is the latest organization to ban the app from its equipment, following similar moves in the United States.

So is TikTok a spying tool for Beijing, a fun app, or both?

Under pressure

Global action against TikTok, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, kicked off in earnest in India in 2020.

It was among the Chinese apps barred after deadly clashes on the border between the two countries, with New Delhi saying it was defending its sovereignty.

The same year, US President Donald Trump threatened a ban and accused TikTok of spying for China —an idea that has gained ground in Washington.

TikTok was forced to admit ByteDance employees in China had accessed Americans’ data but it has always denied turning over data to the Chinese authorities.

The company has moved to soothe US fears, announcing in June 2022 that it would store all data on American users on US-based servers.

However, in January US federal employees were banned from downloading the app, with the European Commission following suit on Thursday to “protect the institution’s data”, it said.

One billion users

Bans have not halted TikTok’s growth.

With more than one billion active users it is the sixth most used social platform in the world, according to the We Are Social marketing agency.

Although it lags behind the likes of Meta’s longdominant trio of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, its growth among young people far outstrips its competitors. Almost a third of TikTok users are between 10 and 19 years old, according to the Wallaroo agency. Its rapid rise saw it grab more than $11 billion in advertising revenue last year, a threefold increase in a single year.

TikTok’s competitors quickly copied its short video format and continuous scrolling, but to little avail. Creator appeal Tiktok’s editing features and powerful algorithm have kept it ahead of the game, attracting an army of creators and influencers as well as creating many of its own.

But the algorithm is opaque and often accused of leading users into digital content silos.

TikTok and ByteDance employees also manually increase the number of views on certain content, according to a recent report in Forbes.

TikTok has said manual promotion only affects a tiny fraction of recommended videos.

Disinformation

The app is regularly accused of spreading disinformation, putting users in danger with hazardous “challenge” videos, and allowing pornography, even though it is supposed to prohibit nudity.

French news site Numerama reported a TikTok “trend” recently that involved publishing photographs of penises.

Several children have also reportedly died while trying to replicate the so-called blackout challenge, which involves users holding their breath until they pass out.

And around one-fifth of videos on topical issues such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine were found to be fake or misleading in a study by misinformation group NewsGuard. AFP, along with more than a dozen fact-checking organizations, is paid by TikTok in several countries in Asia and Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, and Spanish-speaking Latin America to verify for internal moderation videos that potentially contain false information. The videos are removed by TikTok if the information is shown to be false by AFP teams. AFP

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 B3 BUSINESS extrastory2000@gmail.com
Meta rolls out paid services in Australia, NZ
Japan
4.2% in January on high
VOLUME VALUE (PHP) 1 GLO 194,145 372,871,270 2 ALI 11,448,300 321,804,475 3 MBT 5,339,710 318,233,503 4 ACEN 38,379,200 253,774,000 5 BDO 1,953,090 241,802,282 6 BPI 2,098,790 216,823,123 7 SMPH 5,574,500 202,566,020 8 AC 274,430 179,680,645 9 MPI 42,792,000 175,788,580 10 MER 447,140 138,311,210
LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 1 ECP 4.24 0.96 29.27% 2 T 0.62 0.1 19.23% 3 MRC 0.255 0.035 15.91% 4 DITO 3.57 0.21 6.25% 5 TBGI 0.265 0.015 6.00% 6 GMAP 12.66 0.66 5.50% 7 ALLDY 0.29 0.015 5.45% 8 CAT 11.3 0.5 4.63% 9 STI 0.37 0.015 4.23% 10 PERC 4.69 0.19 4.22%
LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 1 BCOR 6.4 -0.57 -8.18% 2 ALCO 0.52 -0.04 -7.14% 3 HLCM 4.1 -0.31 -7.03% 4 X 0.3 -0.02 -6.25% 5 RLT 0.214 -0.014 -6.14% 6 PXP 5.42 -0.35 -6.07% 7 LCB 0.117 -0.007 -5.65% 8 IPO 7 -0.4 -5.41% 9 TCB2D 50 -2.4 -4.58% 10 FERRO 2.85 -0.13 -4.36%
G20 MEETING. Governor of Bank of Japan, Haruhiko Kuroda (right), along with Japan’s Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki (center) and Vice Minister of Finance, International Affairs Masato Kanda, addresses a presser on G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, on the sidelines of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting under India’s G20 presidency in Bengaluru on Feb. 23, 2023. AFP In this file photo taken on Jan. 21, 2021, in Nantes, western France, a man shows a smartphone with the logo of Chinese social network Tik Tok. AFP

BUSINESS

POWER transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines on Friday warned consumers about thin power reserves in the dry months starting April.

“Thin operating margins [power in excess of demand] from where ancillary services [power used to manage and balance the grid] are taken are forecasted for this year. For the Luzon grid, these are forecasted from April to June due to the historically-high demand during the summer months,” NGCP said in a statement.

NGCP said that based on the Department of Energy’s forecast, Luzon would

Maynilad aims to cut water losses by 162 MLD

WEST zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. said Friday it is rolling out a water recovery program to reduce water losses by 162 million liters per day this year, enough to supply the water needs of some 162,000 people.

The company said it aimed to recover the target volume by repairing 36,000 pipe leaks across its service area and replacing 180 kilometers of old pipes in parts of Caloocan, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Malabon, Manila, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Imus and Kawit.

“These network upgrades are necessary so we can continue to reduce water losses and increase water pressure in the distribution system, thus increasing available supply for distribution to our customers,” said Maynilad chief operations officer Randolph Estrellado. Maynilad allotted P4 billion for its nonrevenue water management program in 2023 to curb physical and commercial water losses. Since its re-privatization in 2007, Maynilad has repaired 458,000 pipe leaks and replaced 3,083 kilometers of old pipelines, enabling it to renew 66 percent of the pipe network it inherited from the government.

Othel V. Campos and Rio N. Araja

SEC revokes registration of Immensity and SCET

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday it revoked the business registration of Immensity Technology Inc. and Cebubased SCET Colleens Corp. for allegedly soliciting investments from the public illegally.

It said in separate orders posted on its website the illegal activities of the two firms could do serious damage to the public, which is a ground for revocation of their certificates of registration under Presidential Decree 902-A.

The SEC said that based on its investigation, SCET Colleens was found offering unregistered securities to the public in the form of investment packages with a promise return of investment of 5 percent to 8 percent a month.

“Undoubtedly the scheme of SCET involves offering and sale of securities, in the form of investment contracts, to the public because its investors are deemed investing in its enterprise and are led to expect profits therefrom even without doing anything,” the SEC said.

The SEC said it also revoked the license of Immensity Technology, a company that is supposed to engage in computer software and internet technology, but was found soliciting investments from the public.

Jenniffer B. Austria

PCC increases M&A notification thresholds

THE Philippine Competition Commission said Friday it raised the thresholds for compulsory notifications of mergers and acquisitions to reflect changes in the economy facing high inflation and reeling from the effects induced by the pandemic. It said that beginning March 1, 2023, mergers and acquisitions that breach a size of party of P7 billion and a size of transaction of P2.9 billion should be notified to the PCC for mandatory merger review.

The commission’s merger review thresholds are adjusted to keep pace with the changes in the markets and reflect the businesses’ real value over time and relative to the size of the economy. It said the revised thresholds would not apply to mergers and acquisitions pending review, notifiable transactions consummated before March 1 and transactions already subject of a decision. Both thresholds should be satisfied to trigger compulsory notification to PCC of a merger or acquisition. SoP refers to the value of assets or revenues of the ultimate parent entity of either transacting entity, while SoT refers to the value of assets or revenues of the acquired party and the entities it controls. Othel V. Campos

experience a peak demand of 13,125 megawatts towards the end of May, up by 8.35 percent from the actual peak load of 12,113 MW on May 22, 2022.

The DOE predicted that demand in the Visays would peak in September while power consumption Mindanao would be highest in June. It expects a 16.19-percent increase in Visayas demand to 2,691 MW, and a 10.52-per-

cent growth in Mindanao requirements to 2,395 MW.

NGCP said the base case projections show no occurrence of yellow or red alerts, but several weeks between March and April would see operating margins below the required levels on higher demand and the unavailability of some power plants.

It said it coordinates the preparation and submission to the DOE of an annual Grid Operating and Maintenance Program—a consolidated preventive maintenance schedule of power plants, with consideration for the needed supply to meet the projected demand.

“NGCP coordinates with the generation and distribution sectors to optimize and rationalize maintenance schedules

to ensure sufficiency, at least on paper, of power supply throughout the year,” the company said.

The DOE approved the 2023 GOMP on Dec. 27, 2022. It asked power generation companies not to schedule any maintenance shutdown during the summer months.

NGCP said, however, it has no control over the power plants’ unplanned shutdowns.

“Unplanned shutdowns, which are outside of the GOMP, may still have a significant impact on the supply-demand profile if, as in the past years, several power plants simultaneously shut down outside of its schedule,” NGCP said.

NGCP issues a yellow alert when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s regulating and contingency requirement, which is at

668 MW each.

It issues the red alert status when supplies are insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement.

“While the GOMP is formulated to ensure adequacy of supply, especially during the critical months, there are instances of forced or unplanned outages of plants which may disrupt the normal operations of the grid and warrant the issuance of yellow or red alerts. As transmission service provider, NGCP can only give an overview of the current supply and demand situation, and endeavor to dispatch any and all available grid resources. It cannot intervene on matters concerning power generation,”said NGCP.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Thin power reserves looming in April IN BRIEF

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Controlled Corporations sign and seal the GSIS Performance Scorecard for 2023. The GPSC contains all the commitments of GSIS for the year. Signing the agreement are (from left) GCG chairman Alex Quiroz and GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso at the GCG office in Makati City. Prior to the signing of the agreement, GCG accepted GSIS’s proposed measures and targets in the scorecard.

Economist sees sustained PH growth in 10 years Starlink’s entry

THE Philippine economy may grow between 5.5 percent and 6.5 percent in the next decade because of the strong macroeconomic fundamentals and reforms put in place by the previous and present administrations, an economist said Friday.

“Philippine economic growth estimate could normalize to around 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent in 2023 and beyond [next 5-10 years amid the country’s favorable demographics],” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said in his latest economic outlook report.

He said the majority of the population of more than 110 million had been at working age since 2015. The absence of lockdowns—-as what the government

did in the past two years to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic—would result in more economic and business activities, he said.

Ricafort noted the growth upside coming from the lower individual income tax rates starting January 2023 for most income brackets as part of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law.

“This could lead to increased consumer spending, which accounts for at least 75 percent of the economy, and, in turn, lead to faster economic/GDP growth,” he said, adding this could also help ease the adverse effects of higher prices/inflation recently.

Ricafort said the measures to reopen the economy towards greater normalcy that led to increased sales, more jobs and other economic activities somewhat overshadowed the risks of higher inflation, higher

interest rates and weaker peso.

Inflation surged past the target range last year and accelerated further to a 14year high of 8.7 percent in January.

“Thus, on the balance, the Philippine economy has already been back to prepandemic levels in peso terms at both current prices and constant 2018 prices… but offsetting challenges remain such as higher inflation in January 2023 at 8.7 percent, local policy rate at new 15-month high of 6 percent, debt-to-GDP ratio at 60.9 percent as of end-2022,” he said.

He underscored the need to bring the debt-to-GDP below the 60-percent threshold to help sustain the country’s relatively favorable credit ratings at 1 to 3 notches above the minimum investment grade that help support confidence in the country by international investors and creditors.

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology said Friday the entry of Elon Musk’s Starlink in the Philippines will speed up the rollout of the government’s free Wi-Fi program in unserved and underserved areas nationwide.

Starlink Internet Services Philippines Inc., the Philippine unit of SpaceX, earlier secured the approval of the National Telecommunications Commission as a value-added service provider.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to enjoy Starlink’s services that offer download speeds of up to 200 megabits per second.

Uy said Starlink’s entry would be a game-changer as it would augment and complement existing broadband capacities, enabling faster broadband speed and better connectivity, particularly in areas where connectivity is difficult or impossible.

“In welcoming this new technology that is Starlink, our BroadBand ng Masa can now provide free high-speed internet access to our geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines, ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind,” Uy said.

Big-brother companies in agriculture meet to discuss Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program. Seated from left are Yovel East Agriventures chief executive James Amparo, Go Negosyo KALAP senior adviser William Dar, Agriculture Undersecretary for rice development Leo Sebastian, Go Negosyo founder and Private Sector Advisory Council lead for jobs Joey Concepcion, SL Agritech chief executive Henry Lim Bon Liong and Rice Board president Recher Ondap. Standing from left are Go Negosyo executive director Mina Akram, Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement president Rowena Sadicon and member Dr. Robert Acosta and SL Agritech senior consultant Dr. Frisco Malabanan.

Concepcion asks agriculture firms to help farmers compete in RCEP

GO NEGOSYO founder Joey Concepcion said that with looming competition as a result of the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, big agriculture companies should integrate the micro-, small- and medium enterprises into their value chain “This is what we are trying to push with Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program. KALAP aims to integrate small agripreneurs into the value chain of big companies in order for them to benefit from shared technologies and access to markets and mentoring,” he said.

Concepcion said in a recently-concluded meeting with some of the country’s biggest agricultural companies that

it became clear that MSMEs needed the assistance of “big brother” companies to raise productivity and become competitive.

He said the RCEP could be a good thing as it might spur meaningful changes in the agriculture industry. “I have always adhered to competitiveness in price and quality in how I run RFM.

When we compete in the marketplace in price branding and innovation, this benefits the consumers and this is what marketplaces are supposed to be,” he said.

Concepcion is the president and chief executive of RFM Corp., one of the country’s largest food manufacturers.

“With RCEP, what we want to see is that, hopefully, consumers can buy

food at the lowest possible prices, but at the same time we have to protect micro farmers. We support RCEP, but the overall objective is for Philippine products to become competitive in price and in quality,” he said.

RCEP is expected to have a significant impact on ASEAN member states, as it would further integrate their economies with those of the other RCEP members. With the RCEP, ASEAN countries would gain greater access to the markets of China, Japan, and South Korea which are some of the world’s largest economies. This will provide new opportunities for ASEAN businesses to expand their reach and increase their competitiveness.

CZECH electronic appliances manufac-

turer Tesla Technology and local partner Smart Citi Teknologi signed Thursday an agreement for the internet-based platform and production of electronics products in the Philippines. The agreement will enable the transfer of technology and, eventually, production of different Tesla electronic products in the country Smart Citi president and chief executive Mario Marcos, a second cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said the partnership would leverage on the 80-year track record of Tesla as an innovator and producer of

The national government’s free Wi-Fi program BroadBand ng Masa, through DICT, established 4,385 operational live sites in 601 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila and 73 provinces.

Starlink, with its Low Earth Orbit satellite network constellation, can improve internet access in unserved and underserved areas in the country.

sensors, cameras, lighting and LEDS used in consumer electronics.

“We’ll try to set-up an assembly point either in Subic or Cavite. We’re yet to finalize the terms of the agreement, but we have agreed on certain parameters,” he said. Smart Citi will invest $5 million for the transfer of technology and another $3 million for the production of small electronics products.

The partnership will also launch a health platform to help provide urgent palliative measures to prevent, for instance, a cardiac arrest or stroke.

“This is like bringing the hospital to your home,” said Tesla president Peter Matejcheck, who came to the Philippines for the agreement signing.

to boost free Wi-Fi program
Czech electronics maker, local partner sign deal to set up assembly hub in PH
Roderick T. dela Cruz Editor Alena Mae S. Flores Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net
B4 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023
extrastory2000@gmail.com
-13.33 PTS.
F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 Currency Unit US Dollar Peso United States Dollar 1.000000 55.1330 Japan Yen 0.007413 0.4087 UK Pound 1.204800 66.4242 Hong Kong Dollar 0.127450 7.0267 Switzerland Franc 1.073883 59.2064 Canada Dollar 0.738062 40.6916 Singapore Dollar 0.746102 41.1348 Australia Dollar 0.680300 37.5070 Bahrain Dinar 2.652872 146.2608 Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266581 14.6974 Brunei Dollar 0.743329 40.9820 Indonesia Rupiah 0.000066 0.0036 Thailand Baht 0.028885 1.5925 UAE Dirham 0.272279 15.0116 Euro Euro 1.060500 58.4685 Korea Won 0.000768 0.0423 China Yuan 0.145138 8.0019 India Rupee 0.012073 0.6656 Malaysia Ringgit 0.225276 12.4201 New Zealand Dollar 0.621700 34.2762 Taiwan Dollar 0.032769 1.8067 Source: BSP TOTAL VOLUME 932,400,942 TOTAL TRADES 64,861 TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) 4,346,676,931.21 ADVANCES 85 DECLINES 90 UNCHANGED 39 GSIS SCORECARD. State pension fund Government Service Insurance System and the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and
6,685.90

War of words: Donaire calls Nonito Jr. an ‘ungrateful son’

a new low.

In a social media post, Donaire Sr. called his junior an “ungrateful son” and shared how he nurtured the younger Donaire to become a three-division world champion.

“I can’t believe that you raised a kid and now that he has more money than his parents, can afford to raise his voice toward his father, who molded him (into) what he is right now. I was talking about Nonito Jr. The UNGRATEFUL SON,” said Donaire Sr.

“He was a jobless man until he became a world champion. For 24 years I fed him, but when he became a world champion…he left me, not even telling me that he hired another trainer. Now that his career is slowing down, blamed me for what happened to him,” Donaire Sr. continued.

The elder Donaire also revealed that “when he (Junior) was on top of his boxing career, not even a single time that he invited me to his victory party, NEEEEVER.”

Earlier, Donaire Sr. explained in a previous social media post, that he accepted to help train Filipino fighter Reymart Gaballo just recently, but “we are not preparing against Donaire Jr.”

“Nonito Donaire Jr. was talking of moving down to 115. After a week of training, Naoya Inoue moved up to super bantamweight. We thought that we are going to fight Butler for the WBO eliminator,” he said.

When asked if Gaballo gets to fight Donaire Jr., the father said “nothing is personal. I still have a family to feed. Nonito Jr. is trained by his wife, not me.”

In an article on pep.ph, Donaire Jr. was asking (his father) for respect.

“He didn’t give me that respect! If he had given me the respect, he should postpone his surgery so that he can be with me and train me,” Donaire Jr. was quoted in an interview.

“If he had respect, he would never do what he did to my mom. If he had respect, he will never do what he had done and not talk to me for about five, or seven years

because he didn’t approve of my wife,” he continued. Donaire Jr., though, said he will always be grateful for what his father had thought him.

De La Salle-Lipa stuns Parañaque in PNVF U18 debut

A THREE-HOUR land travel from Batangas didn’t prevent De La Salle-Lipa from debuting with a bang—scoring a 25-17, 25-12 victory over the Parañaque Green Berets—in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-18 Championships at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“We’re used to travelling two to three hours each time we go to a competition,” said Aric Uzzaiah Aguila, assistant coach of De La Salle-Lipa which is fresh off a championship run in the Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association.

“I think our [SLCUAA] championship run last week in gave us a big boost in our first game here,” Aguila said.

“The players remained ag-

Pagdanganan romps to 6-shot win at Anvaya Cove Ladies golf

MORONG, Bataan—With a huge lead and a brimful of confidence, Bianca Pagdanganan turned the final round of the rich Anvaya Cove Ladies Invitational into a victory walk, beating Thais PK Kongkraphan and Pakit Kawinpakorn by six on a closing 71 here yesterday.

A muffed birdie putt from six feet on the 54th hole would’ve highlighted a triumphant campaign in her first tournament as a pro in the country but the slip proved just a trivial as the kind of fight her rivals had put up in hot, breezy conditions.

For she was in firm control from start to finish of the final round and didn’t lose grip of the big lead—six shots over Taiwanese No. 1 and former Univ. of Arizona teammate Ya-Chun Chang and Thai Pakin Kawinpakorn—she had built after a stirring eagle-aided 67 Thursday.

But more than the romp worth $18,000, the former LPGA Tour campaigner somewhat considered her victory as a big first step for the long trek back to the world’s premier ladies circuit.

“This victory is a big confidenceboost, makes me really excited over how the rest of the year would go,” said Pagdanganan, who dominated the $100,000 kickoff leg of this year’s Ladies Philippine Golf Tour and second leg of the LPGA of Taiwan Tour, emerging as the lone player to have put under-par rounds in all three days for a nine-under 207 total, including a first round 69, at one of the country’s demanding courses.

“It was a tough course, especially with all the challenges. I just stayed steady throughout my whole round and focused on the smaller details of my game. I don’t know, but it took a lot of patience out there with all the best players of each country in the field, They’re all just great golfers,” said Pagdanganan, who heads back to the US today (Saturday) to prime up for the Epson Tour start on March 3 for the Florida’s Natural Charity Classic in Winter Haven. Kongkraphan, the eight-year LPGA veteran who seized control in the first round with a 68 but failed to match Pagdanganan’s second round charge and faltered with 75, bounced back with an eagle-spiked 70 but could only tie Kawinpakorn at second at 213. The latter birdied the last hole to match the champion’s one-under round.

gressive and steady.”

Outside spiker Danielle Kyle Marie Aldovino was aggressive for the Lipa City team, which also drew top performances from middle spiker Vida Dominique Caringal and setter Alayna Rocafort. .

“The game was fine, but I think we have yet to play our best here,” Aldovino, 15, said. Parañaque dropped to 1-1 won-lost in the tournament organized by the PNVF headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara and supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Rebisco and Akari.

Technical director Yul Benosa noted the top condition the young athletes have been showing thus far in the fourweekend championships.

“The physical conditioning of the young boys and girls, not to mention their skills at their age, shows that their schools and clubs have a sound volleyball program,” Benosa said.

Besides De La Salle-Lipa, Maryhill College’s players also travel to and from Lucena City for their matches. The Quezon girls are 2-0 in the tournament.

Santa Rosa City scored a 25-15, 25-14 win over La Salle Greenhills (0-1) to improve to 2-1 won-lost in a boys’ Pool A match.

In the other girls results, Parañaque Thunderbolts Volleyball Club (1-1) beat Queen Anne School (0-2), 25-13, 25-15, and Santo Niño de Praga(1-0) beat Team Hiraya (0-2), 25-12, 25-15, in Pool D.

Durable Arcilla whips Pague, captures Escudero Cup

JOHNNY Arcilla overwhelmed Jose Maria Pague with a stellar play that has anchored his long reign in local tennis, coming away with a 6-2, 6-0 victory to capture the Escudero Cup National Tennis Open Championship in San Pablo City yesterday.

He broke his young rival in the fourth game of the opening frame, then repeated the feat in the eighth before turning their second set duel into a virtual workout, limiting Pague to just one point in the latter’s three turns on serve.

Arcilla, 43, actually needed an extra set to subdue Vicente Anasta, 6-2, 1-6, 6-2, in the semis but the veteran Davis Cupper and 10-time PCA champion got his second win in the final and clobbered the second-ranked Pague, who also struggled past Charles Kinaadman, 6-1, 0-6, 6-4, in their side of the Final Four in the Group A tournament that marked return of the Don Arsenio Escudero Sr. Cup after a long absence on

the PPS-PEPP calendar.

Arcilla has stayed in top form through the years, winning five Open titles in the Palawan Pawnshopsponsored circuit last year, including the seasonending Naga Open in Cebu last December.

His partnership with Bryan Saarenas also produced a victory as they held off Anasta and Pague, 6-3, 7-5, to clinch the doubles diadem in the event backed by Rep. Loreto Amante, Rep. Edwin Olivarez, Rep. Sonny Lagon, Arman Santos, Converge, Mitsubishi Motors, Dunlop and Slazenger.

Meanwhile, action in the Escudero Cup juniors tournament got under way yesterday (Friday) with five age-group category titles up for grabs, including the premier 18-U division headed by Vince Serna and Ivan Manila (boys) and Chloe Mercado and Jana Diaz (girls), according to tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay, For details and listup, call 0915-4046464.

Malixi loses by countback, finishes 4th in Queen Sirikit

CARMONA—Rianne Malixi lost out on countback in the individual race, while the Philippines ended at ninth in the team competition at the close of the 43rd Queen Sirikit Cup at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club. Malixi and Yoo Hyun-jo Korea finishe d at five-under 283, but the latter won second runnerup honors after she turned in a 71 as against the Filipina’s 74 in the last round of the four-day tournament organized by the Women’s Golf Association of the Philippines.

India’s Avani Prashanth submitted a four-under 68 at the Masters’ course to capture the individual trophy and complete a wireto-wire with a 272 total.

New Zealand’s Fiona Xu rediscovered her short game and went to bag the runner-up ho nors at 282 after a three-under-par 69.

It was a sorry loss for Malixi, who got to within three strokes off the leader at the outward nine. She struggled to a bogey on the 11th and a triple bogey 7 on the 13th that doomed her chances. She birdied that 18th though for solo fourth.

“If not for the countback, Rianne (Malixi) would have taken a podium ending,” said captain Katherine Anne Granada.

Kim Min-sol scored 68 and Yoo had a 71 for 139 as South Korea took home the centerpiece prize overall team championship with a 564 tally. India, thanks to the excellent week of Prashanth, was second with 142-569. Japan failed to defend the crown, but still wound up third with 140-573 in a tie with Indonesia.

SPORTS
THE love-hate relationship between boxing’s famous father-son tandem Nonito Donaire Sr., and his son, Nonito Jr., has reached
Bianca Pagdanganan is doused with water by her rivals Pakin Kawinpakorn and Ya-Chun Chang after her victory in the Anvaya Cove Ladies Invitational. Inset shows Pagdanganan holding her trophy. Manny Marcelo World boxing’s famous father-son tandem, Nonito Donaire Jr. and Sr., in happier times. (Nonito Donaire Jr. FB Rianne Malixi De La Salle-Lipa’s girls don’t show signs of fatigue despite a three-hour land travel from Batangas. Johnny Arcilla (left) clinches another Open trophy over Jose Maria Pague

HOME/DESIGN

Iconic living by the river

Haraya Residences re-imagines a retreat for a new era

SHANG Robinsons Properties, Inc., a joint venture between Shang Properties, Inc. and Robinsons Land Corporation, recently launched its latest project: Haraya Residences.

The project, located in Bridgetowne Estate in Pasig, is a two-tower development featuring 558 homes in the first-to-rise South Tower, and more units in the next phase as the North Tower follows. The development features indoor and outdoor amenities spanning 2,270 sqm. and 2,500 sqm. respectively.

“A new era requires new thinking,” explained Jose Juan Jugo, executive vice president of Shang Properties. “It demands a new understanding of the home; how we live, interact, unwind, and be productive.”

“Haraya in Filipino means ‘imagination’ so we held our mission sacred, to envision new possibilities for homeowners, introduce meaningful innovation, and develop inventive spatial configurations that provide comfort, freedom, and inspiration,” he said.

Safe, cocooned in luxury Shang Properties collaborated with design firms—P&T Group, FM Architettura, and P Landscape—to realize the vision of Haraya Residences.

“At Haraya Residences, the shape of the buildings gave us a lot of unique opportunities to create deep spaces that allow residents to feel safe and cocooned in their homes but at the same time enjoy a sense of freedom through the generous outdoor living space,” said P&T group architect and director Edgar Cozzio. “We wanted to broaden the outdoor space to bring in that connection with nature – to feel fresh air and feel the outside world while inside.”

“The idea of traditional living is gone,” declared Francesca Muzio, founder and CEO at FM Architettura. “The way we use the spaces in our homes nowadays is very different. There is a new awareness

on the importance of domestic comfort and a desire for more tactile homes—this has been all the more evident—along with having al fresco spaces and opportunities to be closer to nature”

Muzio noted that in Italy, “we have a concept called loggia. It’s an extension of your home, but also a part of the exterior; a space that can take on many personalities—an intimate garden for example, or an outdoor living room.

The idea is to create a flexible layout, discovering new relationships and interactions between spaces that allow for a more contemporary lifestyle. Our design firm calls this concept a “pixelated layout”— a reimagining of the modern home.”

Heart of the home

Haraya Residences presents one-, two, and three-bedroom suites designed to create more fluidity between interior and exterior living.

The One-Bedroom Unit re-imagines the traditional one-bedroom layout with additional flexible space and a loggia that expands the airy living room. A curvilinear glass partition provides privacy and flexibility when needed, and unifies the living room into a home that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining alike.

The Signature One-Bedroom offers an expansive living room configuration that integrates a curvilinear den and more loggia space, along with a master bedroom and en suite bathroom, ideal for those seeking additional flexibility and comfort.

The Two-Bedroom Unit has expansive windows that extend from the lofty living room to the guest and master bedrooms, opening the home to sweeping panoramic

views. Complete with a spacious en suite bathroom and a walk-in closet, the master bedroom also provides functionality and comfort; while the voluminous loggia nestled between the dining and living areas bridges the interior and exterior to create an airy space full of natural light.

Three-Bedroom Unit represents the full expression of Haraya Residences’ unique

al fresco design vision, where interior spaces merge seamlessly with the outdoors through loggias. Designed for families and those seeking the luxury of space, the Three-Bedroom Unit is an balance of private and entertainment areas, offering sweeping views from the residence.

Sense of vibrancy Residences’ indoor amenities span up

to 2,270 sqm. Designed as extensions of their very own homes, residents can freely catch a movie with family and friends at The Viewing Room; bookworms can curl up with a novel at The Library; and couples can dine in exquisitely furnished function rooms. Celebrants can host private parties at the Chef’s Kitchen; students and employees can work collaboratively with colleagues at the Studio; families can enjoy activities at the game room and children’s playroom; fitness enthusiasts can get active at the gym; executives can gather for meetings at the Tea Room; and guests can marvel at panoramic views of the skyline while dining at the Lobby Lounge. Community on tap

“From the entrance, the amenities, to the units, there has to be a sense of place,” said Muzio. “Also, for us, the experience of a private community is the new amenities component. What we mean by this is that common areas are not only spaces that residents can use, but are natural extensions of their homes, places where residents can cultivate their passions, recharge, rejuvenate, and maybe most importantly, connect with neighbors, friends and family.”

Chroma to focus on joy of travel in 2023

CLOSING THE HOUSING GAP. P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (P.A. Properties), a developer of low to medium cost housing communities in Southern Luzon, recently threw its support behind the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). It committed to take part in offering solutions to close the housing gap in the Philippines, which is now standing at 6.5 million units. The DHSUD said this figure could snowball into 10 million units by the end of the Marcos administration. To address this, the agency bared its plan of building one million housing units annually until 2028. P.A. Properties has built more than 20,000 housing units across Laguna, Cavite, Pampanga, Batangas, and Bulacan. that feature peaceful ambience, and family and pet-friendly facilities, which In 2017, the company partnered with Japanese property firm Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. for a joint venture that marries the ingenuity of Filipinos and the eye for aesthetics and functional design of the Japanese with the launch of Idesia City in Dasmariñas, Cavite, which has since expanded in key cities in Southern Luzon, namely in Lipa, Batangas, and Cabuyao, Laguna. The company is looking forward to building 20 more housing communities in the next five years starting with Saint Joseph Ridgeview Phase II in Dasmariñas, Cavite, which had a groundbreaking ceremony last January. The project will soon be home to 253 families. For more information on P.A. Properties, visit their website at www.paproperties.com.ph.

Water partnership

DAMOSA Land Inc. (DLI) recently signed a 25-year partnership with Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Inc. (MWPV) to develop and manage additional water facilities for Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE). MWPV will be investing at least P150 million for the development, financing, construction, operation, and management of the water system of AIE.

Anflo Industrial Estate (AIE) is a 63-hectare property located in Panabo, Davao del Norte. “Damosa Land recognizes the importance of having a reliable water supply system for our locators to ensure efficient day-to-day business operations over a long period of time,” said Damosa Land president Ricardo ‘Cary’ Lagdameo. MWPV, a business unit under Manila Water Company, explores potential projects in both water and environmental services with focus on geographic expansion.

At the ground-breaking ceremonies

CHROMA Hospitality, the management company of Crimson Hotels and Resorts in Mactan, Boracay (Shown in photo), Filinvest City Manila, Quest Hotels in Tagaytay, Clark, and Cebu, and Timberland Highlands Resort, recently launched its 2023 campaign, “The Time is Now”.

“We are delighted to launch our latest campaign which focuses on the joy of travel and the importance of cherishing the moments with loved ones,” said Carmela Bocanegra, vice president, sales and marketing of Chroma Hospitality.

“We know that travel is back, and we want to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones, plan meaningful events, get back to business, get married, or even start a family.”

The campaign is aimed at inspiring travelers to plan their next adventure, explore new destinations, and support local communities. Resort credits galore

The Time is Now packages will be announced in the coming weeks, with Crimson Boracay leading the group as they give clients Php9,000 worth of resort credits for those that will book their travels at least 30 days in advance.

Chroma Hospitality also announced the latest updates for its first property, Crimson Mactan. After undergoing a refurbishment, the property is ready to welcome guests with renewed concepts and sustainability efforts.

One of the highlights of the reopening is the introduction of the first Kaiseki concept in Cebu, Aka. Guests can experience Chef Ogata’s delectable cooking through the Nibitashi and Wagyu course. Additionally, the property will re-launch Azure and Saffron, with the latter featuring action stations for ultimate freshness of food, and the former defining cool, exuding sexy, and

City-meets-nature experience

ONE Lancaster Park (OLP) combines the convenience of metro living and the open-air feel of suburban living.

Nestled in a 10-hectare area in Lancaster New City, Imus, Cavite, OLP aims to bring green living closer to Metro Manila with its promise of “metro living with nature.”

“Nowadays, customers not only want a safe space to live in, they also prefer a

cleaner and greener environment that is still accessible to the metro,” pointed out Famtech Properties, Inc. president Ma. Gigi Alcantara.

“One Lancaster Park is the all-in-one development for these discerning homebuyers. ”

OLP is a 15-tower mid-rise condominium project with almost 200 premium units per tower. It is developed by Famtech Properties, Inc., a joint

embodying fun.

Crimson Mactan will also highlight its sustainability efforts, including the establishment of new coral nurseries and continued partnership with local government units to increase livelihood opportunities for the local community.

New, renewed concepts

“We are excited to reintroduce Crimson Mactan to our guests with our new and renewed concepts,” said James Montenegro, Chroma Hospitality’s country manager. “We want to offer our guests a unique and memorable experience, and at the same time, we want to do our part in promoting sustainability, and supporting the local community.”

Crimson Mactan will open along with the refreshed Azure and Saffron outlets, as well as Aka later this year. Guests are invited to visit and experience the property’s exciting new offerings.

The group also announced its plans to expand its services in various sectors, including the development of sustainable hotels, the expansion of its homegrown food and beverage brands, and third-party management services for independent hotels.

Setting up shop in Baguio city

“We are committed to sustainable

venture between property innovator PH1 World Developers, Inc. and housing developer Property Company of Friends, Inc. (ProFriends).

Famtech aims to be at the forefront of innovative, family-centric developments by using advanced engineering and technology. It will be built by Filipino engineering and infrastructure innovator Megawide Construction Corporation.

developments and we have commenced foundation activity for our Grafik Baguio and Quest Sheridan projects, both scheduled to be completed by the 4th quarter of 2024”, Montenegro said.

The full-service hotel, Grafik Baguio, will feature 256 rooms, meeting facilities, a spa, and three outlets. Designed with green building strategies, Grafik Baguio aims to reduce its environmental impact, protect and restore water resources, enhance biodiversity, and improve its community’s quality of life.

Chroma Hospitality’s homegrown food and beverage brands, Firehouse (Inset photo) and Baker J, are also expanding beyond Filinvest City to BGC, Makati, and Cebu this year. With three full-service Baker J Café’s located in Entrata Filinvest City, Mimosa+ Clark, and Tagaytay, along with two boutique kiosks situated in Festival Mall and Molito Lifestyle Center, Chroma Hospitality offers customers an outstanding dining experience. Firehouse, which has a branch in Entrata, will open another branch in Makati this year. These expansions will further the company’s reach in Metro Manila.

To learn more about Chroma Hospitality, Inc.’s hotels, please visit crimsonhotels.com, questhotelsandresorts.com and timberlandresort. com or email marcomm@chromahospitality.com.

C2 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com
A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF THE HOME. Jose Juan Jugo, executive vice president of Shang Properties, and Francesca Muzio, founder and CEO at FM Architettura, explore the unique opportunities posed by Haraya Residences. were (left to right): Damosa Land president Ricardo ‘Cary’ Lagdameo; Rannel Flores, project hjead of Anflo Industrial Estate; Roberto Jose Locsin, chief administrative officer of Manila Water and chief operating officer of Manila Water International Business; Melvin John Tan, chief operating officer of Manila Water Philippine Ventures; and Maidy Lynne Quinto, group director, Manila Water Subsidiary Operations.

MOTORING

Honda PCX160: Taking ‘self love’ to whole new level

THE wide open space, the benefit of being present, an opportunity to reconnect with your soul— riding a motorcycle is not just about taking you places, but a possession that directly impacts your well-being.

Top of which is boosting your psychological and physical health, especially with The PCX160. A scooter that is built to last, it also instantly turns heads when on the road with a promise of taking your experience to the next level.

It’s pure joy to be cruising the streets with the PCX160, with its All-New Premium and Elegant design. From the makers of Honda Philippines, Inc., (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, this well-loved scooter not only allows you to engage your core in long rides but also to mentally escape the rigors of the daily grind.

Here, we break down some of the reasons why The PCX160’s featurepacked ride makes it more than a mode of transportation.

Psychological benefits:

Stress relief: Imagine going on a ride where you can feel the wind on your face and the engine roaring at your

Kuya’s heritage

IF there is one man who saw the evolution of the motoring industry in the country starting in the 60s, he is no other than Wellington Soong.

The affable Willy not only saw the transformation of the local car industry but also became a part of it. We’re not talking here of an ordinary car, but those sporty and expensive ones that are “toys for the big boys.”

The Ferrari logo has almost been synonymous with him here in the country, until one such stroke of a pen suddenly loosened his hold on his precious commodity one day. He had already recovered somehow from that traumatic experience, but still vividly remembers the things that transpired to the fateful event.

I first got a glimpse of Kuya, as I fondly called him, when I visited his car showroom at the Enzo Bldg sometime in 2008. That showroom became bigger when it transferred to BGC in 2011 and became Autostrada Motore.

One thing that fascinated me in his showroom was not the cars that were on display but one painting of horses done by a former close friend, Robert Balajadia. The painting was inside his room but I immediately recognized it although the style and color used by Balajadia during that time were not the same as his recent works.

Sensing that I really want to get closer to the said painting, Kuya invited me inside his room. Without mentioning anything, Willy started to reminisce and enumerated to me the story why he got hold of that Balajadia painting. It has a fascinating story indeed, especially to me whose two-thirds of my life had revolved around the horses and the horseracing industry.

And that Balajadia painting has a very memorable story on his life which

palms. It gives a sensation of freedom and liberation where you leave your worries behind. It doesn’t also hurt that a healthy dose of sunshine helps to increase the body’s Vitamin D levels, which will encourage anyone to get out of bed in the morning for a better mood and to ward off depression. One of the most significant Psychological benefits of motorcycle riding is relaxation and stress relief. With the 157cc, 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Valve, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC), eSP+ Engine of the PCX160. Just be sure to wear your helmet and make safety a top priority!

Improved focus: Riding a motorcycle requires full attention. By concentrating on the experience, anxious thoughts cannot bother you as you live in the moment. Besides, with the superior Disc Brake with AntiLock Braking System of The PCX160, along with its smooth suspension that

features Telescopic Fork up front and Twin Shock in the back for both variant ABS and CBS, you won’t have to worry about anything else. You can simply remain focused on the bliss of the ride as you clear your head for a while. It makes you happy and helps you to destress!

Increased confidence: Owning and driving a motorcycle can boost your confidence and keeps you on your toes. This is especially true with the elegant look of The PCX160, which features a new headlight design, positioned horizontally for both low and high beams, as well as a new

Slimmer x-shaped tail light design that gives a unique effect. There’s a new sports muffler as well that goes nicely with the ample-sized step floor matting.

Physical benefits:

Boosted cardiovascular fitness: Not many realize that motorcycle riding can also be an excellent cardiovascular workout. The physical exertion involved in withstanding wind and consistently doing low speed maneuvers allows you to stay active. With the added features of The PCX160, including a 30- Liter U- Box Capacity as well as a secured USB-type socket for electronic device charging, you’ll surely want to hit the road more often, which means more movement and active living

Improved balance and coordination: Motorcycle riders are agile and nimble thanks to the

Women’s World Car of Year names Ford Ranger as ‘Best 4x4 and Pick-up’

he can retell over and over again. And it has to do with his former best friend and former Amb. Danding Cojuangco Jr., who invited him one day to tinker on the movie camera that he had just bought and used to cover the winning moment of his wife, Grechen’s, horse named Fiorella in one major stakes race. Willy wasn’t able to fix why the colored movie camera is showing only black and white film on screen, to the disappointment, of course, of Grechen.

In order to appease the couple, Willy got hold of the Balajadia painting and tried to offer it as a gift to Amb. Danding and his wife. But the former did not accept it and instead asked him to keep it instead. Which he did up to this day. Then another Balajadia painting came, and it was a head painting of Fiorella, which he tried to give to Grechen, to no avail.

These two paintings are there inside his Wellington Heritage Bldg. when I visited him once again recently. Being under the sign of the horse, his office has always pictures or statues of horses here and there.

But what will astound you are the number of Ferraris and Maseratis that he ordered taken off with their respective covers when I was there. He proudly showed his collections that he had gathered through the long years of his romance with these two expensive cars.

Soon, Kuya said his place would soon be transformed into a place for gathering of friends he had not seen for a while. “I want this place to be the living witness to what I’ve experienced in my life. I can come up with a small gathering of friends when we have the time to do so.”

THE Ford Ranger is the most versatile, capable Ranger ever—and now, it is also officially the “Best 4x4 and Pick-up” according to the Women’s World Car of the Year judges.

Women’s World Car of the Year is voted for by a jury comprising 63 women motoring journalists from 45 countries across five continents, who make up the automotive industry’s only all-female jury. Vehicles across six categories are assessed for safety, driving, comfort, technology, design, efficiency, impact on the environment, and value for money. The judges were impressed by Ranger’s breadth of abilities, stating: “This is a

reliable, stylish, and charismatic pickup. It moves with ease over any terrain. It’s as efficient as an off roader, but more practical thanks to its cargo box.”

Natasha Milner, platform program manager, Ranger and Everest said: “Having worked on the new Ranger right from the beginning, I know how much customer feedback was poured into the truck to ensure it was fit for work, family, and play. And, as a mother, I can fully appreciate the truck’s practicality and versatility. Thank you to the Women’s World Car of the Year jury for this award, which recognizes Ranger’s global appeal and ultimate capability.”

balancing act required in riding a bike. The PCX160 makes maneuvering a breeze with its overall dimension of 1,936mm x 742mm x 1,108mm and a seat height of 764mm.

Improved Core Strength: Aside from maintaining balance, motorcycle riding also involves core engagement, helping develop stronger abdominal and back muscles for improved overall physical health. You’ll certainly get the chance to engage your core better as The PCX160’s fuel efficiency of 45.1 Km/L, based on World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) Test Method, allows you to ride longer.

All told, The PCX160 not only takes motorcycle riding to the next level. You’ll also discover that it brings you tremendous mental and physical benefits, along with having memorable adventures on the road.

The next-gen Ranger was designed and engineered off the back of realworld customer feedback, with the team conducting more than 5,000 interviews across multiple countries. Ranger underwent millions of kilometers of testing across 10 different countries to ensure it meets, or exceeds customer standards for capability, quality, reliability, and durability.

SAFC joins TSD Sampaguita rally to showcase fun, safe motorsports

Present are from left: Paul Mendoza, SAFC chief sales and marketing officer; Mike Potenciano, veteran race and rally champion; Rolen Paulino Sr., SBMA Chairman; Joel Cruz, SAFC president and managing director; lawyer Victor Ngo, SAFC chief legal counsel, and Joel Golaw, Wisefund Finance Corporation president

THE Subic TSD Sampaguita Rally is an exciting and unique event that combines precision driving and navigating the beauty of the Philippine countryside. This year, the event was held in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on February 19, 2022, and was organized by MP Turbo founder Mike Potenciano.

TSD (Time-Speed-Distance) rallies are all about precision driving, where participants travel a specific route with the distance indicated at a given average speed at a predefined time. The rally is more about maintaining the right speed than going fast. The key to winning the rally is not getting lost and being on time at

J&T Express expands fleet network with Hino

HINO Motors Philippines Corporation (HMP) teams up with logistics giant J&T Express as the latter expands its fleet operations this year.

Keeping pace with the country’s robust e-commerce market and the growing demand for last-mile delivery services, the two companies formally sign a strategic partnership deal covering more than a hundred units of Hino trucks. These comprise the Hino 300 Series 916 (XZU730L) and 616 models (XZU710L) as well as Hino 500 Series 1625 Long (FG8JP7A) and 2629 6x2 (FL8J). This transaction increases J&T Express’ fleet size to almost 500 units of Hino trucks since the partnership started in 2020.

The signing ceremony held at the Hino headquarters in Calamba, Laguna on February 16 was attended by J&T Express chief executive officer Dean Ding, HMP chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr., HMP president Shingo Sakai, J&T Express director of procurement Arron Wang, director of operations John Yi and

Hino Parañaque president Edward Tan.

“We have been a witness to J&T Express’ growth from being a new player in the logistics arena and now a giant in the industry. Truly, J&T Express has become a part of the Hino family, and we look forward to continuing this relationship with them. We understand the demands for such a big company, and that’s why we are willing to offer customizable plans for their maintenance and repair needs to sustain everyday use of the trucks,” shares Mills.

Through almost 50 years of its operations, Hino remains consistent with its commitment to create trucks and buses that do more and provide Total Support to its customers from manufacturing, customization to aftersales services.

The ceremony also highlighted Hino’s latest offering—the Hino 200 series—the lightest commercial vehicle in their lineup that is poised to be the perfect partner for logistics companies for their last-mile deliveries.

each checkpoint. The rally format is known as “On Time, All the Time,” and it is a safe, legal driving event on public roads. There is a misconception that joining a TSD Rally requires a full race or rally car. However, you can actually join with any of your everyday vehicles. In fact, the average speeds are set at a level that is within the legal speed limit, ensuring that the event is safe and accessible for non-professional racers and enthusiasts. SAFC, one of the leading non-bank financial institutions in the Philippines, is one of the partners for this year’s staging. SAFC president and managing director Joel C. Cruz

expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the TSD Sampaguita Rally, highlighting how the event is open to anyone who loves cars, driving, and the great outdoors. TSD Rally does not require the same level of physical fitness as other motorsports, nor does it need expensive racing equipment or modifications to vehicles. This makes it a fun and accessible activity for individuals or families who enjoy driving and exploring new places. As long as you have a roadworthy car, a good sense of direction, and a willingness to learn, participating in the sport can be a great way to bond with friends or family as you work together to navigate the course and complete challenges. Overall, TSD rallies provide a thrilling and family-friendly way to experience the world of motorsports. SAFC offers second-hand auto financing, which allows customers to purchase a used car that is road-legal and fits their needs and budget. They offer a wide range of cars to choose from, including sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, which are suitable for motorsports like the TSD Rally.

MPTC chief notes amazing response to Download, Drive, and Win! promo

THE Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC; operator of CCLEX, CAVITEX, CALAX, NLEX, NLEX Connector, and SCTEX) and MPT Mobility have concluded their Download, Drive, and Win! promo as of the end of January 2023. A massive uptick in downloads as a result of the promo has expanded their user base past targets, allowing the MPT DriveHub app to integrate seamlessly into the driving experience of the Philippine metropolitan.

“We’re very pleased that people responded well to our promo,” says Rodrigo E. Franco, president and chief executive of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation. “The point of Download, Drive, and Win was to show our appreciation for our customers, and to reward them in a manner befitting the season, and I personally think we got our message across, especially given the hesitation we initially anticipated.”

On February 14, two lucky winners each took home a brand-new MG ZS crossover SUV from the Morris Garages showroom in Greenhills, while ten other winners will get to claim a cash prize of Php 100,000 each later this month. In addition to making the features of MPT DriveHub instantly available, the car prizes have

been installed with Easytrip RFIDs. MPT DriveHub was launched on March 1, 2022, coinciding with the opening of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). The app presents itself as the ultimate driving partner for planning, managing, and ultimately, learning to enjoy the journey again. Its features accommodate both short and long drives, such as quick runs between cities or road trips provinces apart. With its real-time RFID balance check and reloading, toll fee computation, traffic advisory and emergency roadside assistance features, the app sets up each user for the smoothest possible drive every time.

Puregold 1st PH retailer to open TikTok Shop

IN a bid to make grocery shopping easier and more fun for digital natives, Philippine retailer Puregold is proud to announce that customers and TikTokers can now ‘add to cart’ household essentials via Puregold’s TikTok Shop.

Puregold opened a shop in the wildly popular video-sharing platform TikTok, becoming the first Filipino retailer to use the popular platform’s e-commerce feature. It initially offered curated groceries to consumers, which include exclusive and affordable product bundles that range from snack packs and personal care kits to pantry essentials.

Vincent Co, President of Puregold Price Club Inc., explains the company’s latest incursion into the digital space. “Every business needs to adapt to the times in order to better serve its customers,” he says, referring to Puregold’s increasing mobile-phonewielding customers who have become increasingly active in social media.

All netizens have to do is go to the official @puregoldph TikTok account and click to the shopping tab.

“Most of these netizens are followers and contributors of TikTok, source of legions of fun videos. Thus, we go where they are and give them access to what they need,”

Vincent affirms.

To avail of the offerings in Puregold’s TikTok Shop, netizens may follow the official @puregoldph TikTok account and click on the shopping tab. From there, customers can browse through the available items and do their shopping right on the TikTok app.

“TikTok’s suite of commerce solutions are designed to help brands maximize market engagement, reach more customers, and drive brand growth and sales directly on TikTok,” said Paolo David, TikTok Philippines Head of Brand Partnership. “Building engaging consumer experiences that make shopping exciting and entertaining has become increasingly important in building authentic connections, and we are excited to see Puregold grow their community on TikTok.”

Vincent Co expressed great optimism for this newest digital initiative. “We have used our TikTok account to share stories, to entertain, and to inspire,” he says. “Now, we are bolstering it as another vital customer touchpoint for selling.

ZTE excites with latest Blade Series; Formally introduces RedMagic 8PRO

ZTE, a global leader in technology innovation, is poised to do exactly the latter as they are diving headfirst into the competitive smartphone industry in the Philippines. In a recent event graced by members of the media, ZTE Philippines unveiled two game-changing lines of mobile devices for the Filipinos—the Blade Series, which promises premium quality and high performance at an attractive price point, and the RedMagic 8PRO–the latest addition to the power gaming series.

ZTE Corporation Regional Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Frank Chen is confident that the new Blade smartphone series will be able to find a home in the local market. “The Philippine smartphone market is as competitive as it gets. Plenty of brands are all vying for a bigger piece of the market share. We at ZTE are ready to dive in because we are confident that we have something amazing to offer for all segments.”

Justin Li, ZTE Corporation’s CEO of Mobile Devices in South and East Asia shared ZTE’s initiatives in the Philippines. ZTE Mobile Devices is adhering to strengthen “InnovAction” and is continuing to promote the application and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies, persist in creating features in fields of display and imaging recently.

In the future, he mentioned that ZTE

will continue to give full play to our advantages in R&D accumulation and innovation, and continue to drive consumer services based on user requirements, bringing full-scenario seamless digital

Department,

customers.

Gavin Lian, General Manager for Devices of ZTE Philippines excites everyone with the latest technology of the products unveiled - the ZTE Blade V40 Design, Blade V40S, Blade V41 Vita 5G and RedMagic 8Pro.

ZTE’s Hero Series: The Blade Series

The ZTE Blade series comes in three different variants, the Blade V41 Vita, the Blade V40 Design, and the Blade V40S.

The Blade V41 Vita is the marquee product of the lineup, boasting of exquisite design and unlimited vitality.

It has a powerful 50MP triple camera that provides crystal clear high definition images. The heart of the Blade V41 Vita is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G Processor. It provides high performance with its blazing fast with its Octa-core 2.4GHz processor but still offers low power consumption to help with long lasting battery life.

The next model, the Blade V40 Design,

HONOR X7a with industry-setting

3-day battery life is here

GLOBAL technology brand HONOR today announced the launch of the HONOR X7a. Featuring a longlasting 6,000mAh battery, a 50MP Ultra-clear Quad Camera system, 128GB storage, and a stunning 6.74inch HONOR FullView Display, the new HONOR X Series smartphone comes with extraordinary battery life and powerful hardware to offer a well-rounded use experience throughout the day, and more—all at an affordable price.

“After the massive hit of HONOR X9a 5G, we want to introduce to you the new HONOR X7a. With a 3-day battery life, people can do more and be more using this new smartphone. At a very affordable price, HONOR X7a offers quality and premium experience,” said Stephen Cheng, HONOR Philippines Vice President.

Slim Body, Large Battery

Embedded in HONOR X7a’s slim and chic body, the 6,000mAh battery delivers the extraordinary battery life among all HONOR X Series smartphones to date.

Featuring HONOR Smart Power Saving Technology to optimize power consumption, the latest HONOR X7a can support up to 42 hours of social media browsing, 42 hours of phone calling or 29 hours of music streaming on a full charge, making it a reliable companion for users who are constantly on the go. Packed with 22.5W HONOR SuperCharge, HONOR X7a can be charged vastly to allow users to enjoay over 10 hours of music streaming with just 30 minutes of charging.

With industry-level innovative battery technologies, the

cell of the HONOR X7a comes with a higher energy density and a reduced thickness, contributing to the long battery life and the slim form factor of device. The battery also demonstrates exceptional longevity, capable of maintaining above 80% health even after three years of use.

The HONOR X7a has also entered the DXOMARK smartphone battery rankings, earning the DXOMARK Gold Battery Label in recognition of its outstanding battery performance.

A Superb Display for an Immersive

Viewing Experience

Featuring a 6.74-inch HONOR FullView Display with a 90.07% screen-to-body ratio, the HONOR X7a delivers an immersive viewing experience, no matter when the user is working, streaming videos or gaming. Supporting HD resolution and a color depth of 16.7 million colors, the HONOR X7a displays visuals in stunning clarity and vibrancy, perfect for viewing photos, videos and movies.

Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light emissions, the display on the HONOR X7a can be used for extended periods of time without stressing the eye. The Eye Comfort Mode, eBook Mode and Dark Mode on the HONOR X7a provide additional display personalization options for further reducing eye fatigue.

Smooth User Experience Enabled by Superior Camera Capabilities and Large Storage

The HONOR X7a features an impressive 50MP Ultraclear Quad Camera system comprising a 50MP Main Camera, a 5MP Wide Camera, 2MP Macro Camera and a 2MP

is premium, elegant, and stylish. It offers the same 50 MP triple camera like the V41 Vita, which gives the model access to amazing photography with its high definition output. You also get the full suite of key photography tools such as the bokeh camera and the macro camera. Whether you’re shooting food, landscapes, stunning night photos, or beautiful portraits, you’ll always get crystal clear shots. Performance wise, the Blade V40 Design uses 4GB+3GB Dynamic RAM for a smoother operation experience. It supports memory fusion technology which can expand the RAM by up to 7GB using the built-in storage. The third model and the most affordable option is the Blade V40S. The Blade series is all about impeccable picture quality and the V40S is no different. The main camera boasts of 50MP resolution with a large f/1.8 aperture for low light photography. The bokeh depth camera is at 2MP at a 2.4 aperture, while the macro camera is 5MP with the same wide open 2.4 opening. It also has an anti-shake feature to help you get sharp photos even during low light situations.

All-day battery life, powerful camera, massive storage and an expansive display come together in this NEW HONOR X7a, perfect for those who strive to maximize their day. For only P7,990, you can get a FREE HONOR Earbuds worth P1,590.

Depth Camera, allowing users to capture their memorable life moments in vivid detail, all day and all night long. On the front, the 8MP Front Camera makes taking high-quality portraits easy, ideal for selfie lovers who enjoy snapping photos with their loved ones.

SM Tech-Voc Scholarship: Steering life in a new direction

Filipino youth choosing to move forward in life by pursuing Tech-Voc education. For those coming from low-income households, the diploma course increases their employment opportunities after finishing tertiary education. The specialized learning experience enables them to spend significantly more time practicing tangible skills that they will need and can apply to the workplace.

This opportunity to graduate with practical experience in their chosen field helps them hit the ground running once they begin their full-time job - laying the foundation for a successful career.

THE global arena continues to see high demand for skilled manpower, particularly those with trainings and a solid background in technical and vocational (TechVoc) courses.

At the center of this, the Philippines is deemed to be a key player in the labor market for having a large young population with innate talent, curiosity, and desire for a brighter tomorrow. This is coupled with millions of

Two of these many aspiring youths are Mark Tesoro and Jake dela Cruz. They were able to steer their life in a new direction through their SM Technical-Vocational scholarships. Fueled for more

Mark has always been fascinated by auto mechanics and has always wanted to pursue

a career related to this. But, as the eldest, he felt the need to pause his dreams and work right after grade 12. He knew that he had to support his mother, who works two part-time jobs as a manicurist and laundry woman, to sustain the needs of a family of five.

“Mahilig po akong obserbahan ang mga jeepney driver na nag aayos ng mga sasakyan dito sa amin. Parang na a-amaze ako kung ano ang ginagawa nila at kung paano nila naa-ayos ‘yun,” Mark shared.

“After ko po mag-graduate ng Grade 12, hindi na po talaga ako mag-aaral kasi iniisip ko, magta-trabaho na lang po ako para makatulong,” he added.

But Mark always had his mind set on his dreams. So upon learning from one of his teachers that SM Prime, through SM Foundation, offers Tech-Voc scholarships to deserving students from poverty-hit families, he took his shot and got in.

He persevered in his classes and was persistent during his internship at a motor

company. “Natutuwa ako na nakapasok ako bilang scholar. Bayad na po ‘yung tuition ko, tapos may allowance pa ako. Ang sobra ay naipon ko pambili ng service kong bike,” he said.

“At noong OJT time po namin, nagapply po ako sa iba’t ibang casa dahil pursigido po talaga ako maabot ang pangarap ko para sa magulang ko–na nasa bahay na lang sila at hindi na sila nahihirapan at hindi na nila iisipin ang kakainin namin sa araw-araw,” he added.

After earning his diploma and getting specialized automotive education from SM Foundation’s partner school Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, he was ready to put his dreams into action. He was hired by the company where he interned, and little by little, he was able to help his mother with their family’s daily needs. And from saving for a bike through his SM scholarship, Mark is fueled for more and is now saving up for his dream repair shop.

C4 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023
Anew year always signals new beginnings and limitless possibilities. It’s the perfect time to take stock of where you are and focus on seizing new opportunities for growth.
It can be something as simple as pursuing greener initiatives to big, complex goals such as taking on an entire industry.
rumallari@thestandard.com.ph rieramallari@yahoo.com Riera U. Mallari, Editor
TECH
Shown here are (from left) Perry Ji, Deputy Director of Mobile Device Marketing ZTE Corporation; Justin Li, CEO of Devices, South and East Asia, ZTE Corporation; Eric “Eruption” Tai, ZTE PH Mobile Phones Ambassador, Mr. Frank Chen, ZTE Regional Chief Marketing O cer, ZTE Corporation and Mr. Gavin Lian, General Manager for Devices, ZTE Philippines life to the ZTE Blade V40 Design Young dreamers Mark Tesoro (left) and Jake Dela Cruz (right) in Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati

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