Manila Standard - 2023 March 2 - Thursday

Medevac chopper with 5 on board goes missing in Palawan—CAAP

PBBM defers

By Vince Lopez, Rio N. Araja, Darwin Amojelar and Angelica Villanueva

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government will review the timetable for its modernization program for public utility vehicles, but a move by regulators to push the phaseout of traditional jeepneys from June 30 to Dec. 31 failed to scuttle plans by one transport group to hold a week-long strike beginning March 6.

“We’ll talk about it,” Mr. Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Rizal Park in the City of Manila, when asked if the scheduled phaseout of traditional jeepneys on June 30 would push through as part of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

He said he would study the appropriate timetable for introducing electric jeepneys, but said it was “still not urgent” to mandate the use of modern vehicles.

“We have to review the timetable. It’s not that simple. Car manufacturers are saying that we are encouraging electric vehicles but we still need to fix our source of power,” Marcos added.

While Marcos acknowledged that it is necessary to implement the PUV modernization program, he noted that there are several issues that need to be addressed, including the country’s apparent lack of capability to depend on electric vehicles.

Marcos said he would also consider the condition of the traditional jeepneys, with passenger safety in mind.

“Perhaps, we could inspect the old vehicles and check if we could still use those,” Marcos said in Filipino. “So, these are the issues that we need to study.”

On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously adopted the resolution filed by Senator Grace Poe urging the Land

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PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday he does not need special powers to deal with rising inflation, noting that several measures are already in place to manage the prices of basic commodities.

Marcos made the remark a day after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s headline inflation could surpass 9 percent in February because of high prices of cooking gas and key food items.

“I do not think that it is necessary to ask for special powers,” he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of an event at the Rizal Park, when asked if he is considering asking Congress to grant him special powers to curb inflation.

“I already have the power to declare an emergency and to control the prices of commodities. So, I don’t think there’s any need for more than that,” he said.

On Tuesday, the BSP said the inflation rate in February may fall within the range of 8.5 to 9.3 percent, citing the upside risks from higher prices of cooking gas and food items such as pork, fish, egg, and sugar.

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PH, Malaysia to adopt new tack to resolve WPS issue amicably

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippines and Malaysia have agreed to use “a new level of approach” on the West Philippine Sea issue through

to push urban agriculture, promote biofertilizers in farming

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipinos to support his administration’s urban farming initiatives that would address threats to food security.

Mr. Marcos also said the government will soon introduce the use of biofertilizers to local farmers to cut their dependence on expensive, imported, petroleum-based fertilizers.

In a related development, the President said that the Mega Manufacturing Plant in Batangas serves as an example

of what he wants to achieve in the country’s agriculture sector, pointing out the importance of upscaling agricultural operations to benefit small farmers and fisherfolk (see the full story on Business, page B4 – Editors).

Mr. Marcos lauded the collaborative efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in launching the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay/Kadiwa Ay Yaman/ Plants for Bountiful Barangays Movement (Hapag Kay PBBM) at the Rizal

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the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to achieve an amicable resolution, both countries’ leaders said in a joint statement Wednesday. This means taking a position “at a

multilateral level between ASEAN” that would “lead to an amicable resolution to this outstanding problem,” visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following his bilateral

meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang.

Both the Philippines and Malaysia are claimants to contested territories

Speaker offers P500k for arrest of hazing suspects

BI to use Tiktok platform to stamp

human trafficking

BILATERAL TALKS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pose for a photo opportunity after delivering their respective opening statements at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Rey Baniquet

OUTPOURING OF GRIEF. Students and teachers of Adamson University in Manila offer a mass for 24-year-old student John Matthew Salilig who died after suffering at least 70 blows in a fraternity initiation. Norman Cruz

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

By Rey E. Requejo, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vince Lopez

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has been ordered to conduct a parallel probe into the death of a 24-yearold Adamson University chemical engineering student as

Speaker Martin Romualdez offered a P500,000 reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest of those responsible, saying that “brothers do not kill brothers.” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who is in Geneva, Switzerland on official business, ordered the NBI

A MEDICAL evacuation chopper with 5 persons on board was reported missing Wednesday morning while on its way to a hospital in Palawan province, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said. CAAP said the Alouette helicopter, with registry no. N45VX and operated

by Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services, left Mangsee Island for the Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital in Brooke’s Point. The helicopter, which picked up a female patient, who complained

Comelec junks DQ case vs. Tulfo

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc affirmed Wednesday its junking of the disqualification case against Senator Raffy Tulfo, who won his seat in the 2022 national elections.

The case was filed by Juliet Pearson, who Tulfo admitted he fathered a child with. She is the same person who filed a bigamy case against the former broadcast journalist in 2019.

“In its resolution promulgated on

Speaker...

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to conduct its own investigation into the death of John Matthew T. Salilig, even as seven persons of interest were in police custody.

Salilig was dumped in shallow grave in a field in Imus, Cavite after he suffered at least 70 blows in a fraternity initiation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended his condolences to the Salilig family as he called for an end to violence in schools.

“I extend my sympathies to John Matthew Salilig’s family during this extremely difficult time and assure them that justice will be served. John was a child, a brother, a friend, a classmate and a son of this nation, with a bright future ahead of him,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement.

“It is not through violence that we can measure the strength of our brotherhood. There should be no room for violence in our student organizations which our children consider family, and in our schools which they consider their second home,” the President added.

Salilig’s decomposing body was found buried in a shallow grave in Barangay Malagasang I-G in Imus, Cavite on Feb. 28, 10 days after his family reported him missing.

He was believed to have died due to injuries he sustained during initiation rites conducted by alleged members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity.

The victim’s father said seven persons of interest were no in police custody.

Provincial police said they have identified 18 suspects in the case and aimed to file charges against them within the week.

Salilig had told his family on Feb. 17 that he would attend the welcoming rites of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity group in Laguna, his brother said. He was reported missing the next day.

Senators expressed frustration over the fatal hazing, a crime that is already punishable by life imprisonment.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called on law enforcers to hunt down and arrest the suspects in the hazing.

“Hazing should not be tolerated by any society and we have the laws in place to make sure that it should never happen to hapless young men and women only longing for friendship and camaraderie,” Zubiri said.

He said the barbaric perpetrators should all rot in jail for the rest of their lives.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said that the Anti-Hazing Law should be reviewed.

“In the midst of this new case of hazing, we need to be more proactive and revisit the law to ensure that it is being implemented properly,” he said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said the hazing is a matter of law enforcement.

“The penalties are already very stiff. Hence if there are people still bold enough to violate the Anti-Hazing Law then that means these people do not believe that the law will be applied to them. It is therefore a matter of law enforcement,” Pimentel said.

“Our law enforcers should crack this case and solve it and then file airtight cases against those they have evidence against,” he added.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said hazing “has no place in our society” and that the full extent of the law should be brought down on all those who participated in Salilig’s killing, including those who had knowledge of the crime.

Senator JV Ejercito said fraternities have their benefits, but those conducting hazing must be blacklisted.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief, said fraternities should “police their ranks.”

“I am not for banning fraternities but maybe, fraternities themselves should police their ranks and the school administration is very crucial,” he said. “The police cannot be around everywhere.”

28 February 2023, the Commission en banc found no valid reason to reverse the Assailed Order of the Comelec First Division, which dismissed the petition seeking to disqualify Tulfo,” Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said.

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Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to postpone the planned phaseout of old jeepneys.

Various transport groups have announced their plan to stage a weeklong strike starting March 6 to contest the impending phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

Marcos hoped that the public transport groups would reconsider their planned strike.

At the same time, he said, the government would offer free rides to commuters if the seven-day transport strike pushes through.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday extended the deadline for public utility jeepney franchise consolidation from June 30 to Dec. 31.

Assistant Secretary Teofilo Guadiz III, who heads the LTFRB, said the extension was in response to the appeal of transport groups, and said it would give them enough time to consolidate.

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Park Open Air Auditorium in Manila.

“As this initiative consolidates the programs of these two agencies on urban agriculture, I am confident that we will further increase our capacity to take part in our goal to address poverty, ensure food security, and protect the environment even at the barangay level,” the President, who serves concurrently as DA secretary, said.

“I am thankful for the preparations that you have made not only in setting up this activity, but also in committing to sustain the success of the whole program, not only for now but in the coming years,” he added.

The HAPAG KAY PBBM is an urban agriculture program that merges the DILG’s HAPAG sa Barangay Project and the DA’s Green Revolution 2.0: Plants for Bountiful Barangays Movement (Luntiang Ani ng Mamamayan).

It aims to increase the villages’ capacity for sustainable agriculture, encourage local government units (LGUs) to recognize the importance of urban agriculture, boost the production of fruits and vegetables in homes and communities, and promote urban agriculture

Medevac...

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of abdominal pain, went missing at around 9 a.m., the CAAP said.

Those on board the helicopter were the pilot, a nurse, the female patient,

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in the South China Sea, which is being claimed in its entirety by China.

Aside from discussing the disputed waterway, Anwar said he and Mr. Marcos also tackled the two countries’ defense and security ties, which he said remain strong and growing.

The President and Malaysian premier agreed to boost security, trade, and investment exchanges in a historic bilateral meeting, as PM Anwar was the first foreign head of government to visit Manila under the Marcos administration.

“Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and I had a cordial and productive discussion on Philippines-Malaysia bilateral cooperation, reaffirming our two countries’ desire to revitalize relations as we traverse past the pandemic then through the years towards a new normal,” the President said in a statement.

“Your visit is a testament to our en-

The motion for reconsideration “neither argues that the evidence on record is insufficient to justify the Assailed Order nor that the ruling arrived upon by the Comelec (First Division) is contrary to law,” he said.

Section 1, Rule 19 of the Comelec Rules of Procedure states that a motion for reconsideration may be filed on the grounds that the evidence is insufficient to justify the decision, order, or ruling, or that the said decision, order, or ruling is contrary to law.

The Comelec en banc pointed out that

He denied being pressured to extend the deadline because of the strike threat.

Guadiz said over 90 percent of the transport sector backed the modernization program.

But Mar Valbuena, chairman of the Manibela transport group, said the strike would continue as planned.

On the other hand, the National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC) announced the cancellation of the mass transport strike scheduled for next week to protest the modernization program.

NPTC chairman Ariel Lim said the transport strike was postponed to give way to the Senate’s ongoing probe of the PUV modernization program.

“This is to show our sincerity to the government on their request to temporarily postpone the mass transport strike and out of respect to the President, but still we will push through with our demands and for the House to also pass a law with regards to the PUV modernization program,” Lim also said. A group of Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers said they will not participate in the one week

technologies nationwide.

Mr. Marcos emphasized the importance of public cooperation to enable the country to overcome “present and future challenges” in attaining food security.

“I would also like to ask the Filipino people to support this program so that we can help our communities recover from rising prices, the impact of calamities, and the other threats to food security,” he said.

“As your President and the Secretary of Agriculture, I assure you that your government will continue to provide support to local government units to enforce this program. Rest assured that this government remains committed to providing our people with access to fresh, nutritious food at an affordable cost.”

Mr. Marcos Jr said he would use all government programs to help small business owners, which mostly comprise the Kadiwa program throughout the country. Because of their importance to the country’s economy, he said his government is focusing on assisting micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) to recoup from the pandemic.

This will help small businesses and producers recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and provide the public with cheaper basic goods, the President said

and her spouse and sibling, said Balabac disaster official Alsendre Hassan.

The Philippine Coast Guard has already joined the search efforts and deployed BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402).

The chopper is the third aircraft in as many months reported missing this year in the country.

during friendship as ASEAN brothers, who share the same vision of prosperity and of peace,” he added.

Mr. Marcos congratulated Anwar, who then was newly sworn in as PM, in a telephone call last November and expressed hopes to work with the Malaysian leader, particularly as ASEAN tackles various challenges.

Anwar for his part said: “We did discuss the South China Sea issue and I shared President Marcos Jr.’s concern that due to the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, we should try and engage and take the position at a multilateral level between ASEAN so that we have a comprehensive approach and achieve an amicable resolution to this outstanding problem.”

With the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and geopolitical upheavals challenging both their countries’ economies and the prospects of a global recovery, the two leaders agreed to “reinvigorate trade and investment exchanges, with a special focus on the halal industry,

under Article VI, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution, it no longer has jurisdiction over the disqualification case against Tulfo, since he had already been proclaimed as senator on May 18, 2022, and took his oath of office on June 22, 2022.

The same law provides that the Senate Electoral Tribunal is in charge of all election contests relating to members of Congress, comprised of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

All petitions junked by the Comelec en banc can be appealed before the Supreme Court, Laudiangco said

transport strike.

“The TNVS Community jointly made a strong commitment and shall not join any call for Tigil Pasada,” the group said in its Facebook post.

“We, the TNVS Community shall continue to reliably and safely serve our riding public,” it added.

Valbuena, earlier said more than 100,000 jeepney and UV Express drivers in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and Cagayan De Oro are expected to participate in the strike to protest the government’s PUV modernization program.

Pasig City Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski Jr. said that their local government unit is aiming to provide a ‘Libreng Sakay’ program to its constituents if the strike pushes through.

“The national government has come out with directives. We, in the local government unit of Pasig City, needed to follow those directives. But we are going to discuss what possible intervention we can provide. Maybe we will try to provide some ‘Libreng Sakay’ for those who will be affected by the strike,” Jaworski said.

during the launch of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Batangas Wednesday.

“With unity among all the government agencies, our producers, and our farmers, this program will succeed,” he said.

Meanwhile, on imported, petroleumbased fertilizers, Mr. Marcos said: “We are totally dependent on petroleumbased fertilizer – now, we are going to introduce biofertilizer to our farmers and teach them how to use it.”

“Hopefully, this will ease our concerns when it comes to the supply of fertilizer, and we can fully control the availability of biofertilizer,” the President said after a briefing with agriculture and other officials from different agencies.

“Now, there will still be a mix. Not only - the urea will not disappear, those will not disappear the non-organic. But we will lessen our dependence on importation when it comes to fertilizer supply,” Mr. Marcos said.

The use of biofertilizer was brought to the fore not only because of the high price of fertilizer but also concerns with availability and supply, the President said.

The country, Mr. Marcos said, has been dependent on non-organic and petroleum-based fertilizers essentially urea, and that’s the reason why the DA conducted trials on biofertilizer, which can be produced in the Philippines.

A Cessna 340 plane was reported missing on Feb. 18, after taking off from Bicol International Airport in Albay. The wreckage was found along the slope of Mayon Volcano.

Another Cessna plane, which had gone missing after taking off from Isabela on Jan. 24, has yet to be found.

agriculture, and food security, and the digital economy.”

Mr. Marcos said the two countries, as immediate neighbors, recognize the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region.

“As such, we agreed to continue our cooperation on political and security matters, rekindling the Joint Commission Meetings and joint initiatives to combat transnational crime and terrorism,” the President said.

With the porous common borders they share, PM Anwar said strong collaboration is needed, which must be enhanced further.

Mr. Marcos said the Philippines and Malaysia, as founding members of the ASEAN and the Brunei-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), have ASEAN Centrality embedded in their regional outlook.

“We have thus resolved to support the development and peace-building initiatives within this group, including

Despite the BSP’s latest forecast, Marcos remained bullish that consumer prices would go down, saying his administration is exhausting all efforts to boost the supply of agricultural products.

Several lawmakers, including House Speaker Martin Romualdez, have expressed openness to granting Marcos special powers to curtail inflation, which is at a 14-year high. In January, inflation accelerated further to 8.7 percent from 8.1 percent posted in December 2022.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan earlier said the Marcos administration is focused on helping the poor and vulnerable who are bearing the brunt of increasing prices of basic commodities.

The BSP said it would continue to raise interest rates to keep inflation in check, and said it would continue to closely monitor price developments.

Over the weekend, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said they were ready to act accordingly if inflation in February remained higher compared to a month ago.

In an interview at the sidelines of the 2023 annual reception for the banking community Friday night, Medalla said there would be no reason to raise the policy rate if inflation slowed down in February. But he added: “We are still hawkish. If the February inflation is bad, we will act… but we are hawkish for a reason. It is the data.”

out to the younger audiences to remind them not to fall victim to these scams,” he added.

The BI earlier reported that the landscape of human trafficking victims has changed drastically, as recruiters are now targeting young urban professionals to work in shady jobs abroad. Tansingco reminded aspiring OFWs to seek jobs only though legal means, through the assistance of the Department of Migrant Workers.

He added that human trafficking is a big societal problem that must be addressed in all aspects.

“Trafficking is a multi-faceted issue and must be addressed from its roots. Government agencies must intensify their campaign against trafficking, starting with a massive information campaign to warn victims,” he added. The BI’s official account on TikTok is immigph.

The move comes after Western governments continued to ban the popular app, believing it is controlled by the government of China, where it originated.

On Monday, the White House gave federal agencies 30 days to purge Chinese-owned video-snippet sharing app TikTok from all government-issued devices, setting a deadline to comply with a ban ordered by the US Congress.

The Canadian government on Monday banned TikTok from all its phones and other devices, citing fears about how much access Beijing has to user data.

Effective Tuesday, “the TikTok application will be removed from government-issued mobile devices. Users of these devices will also be blocked from downloading the application in the future,” the government said in a statement.

The European Commission banned the app from its equipment too. Vito Barcelo with AFP

the importance of achieving a resolution to the situation in Myanmar,” the President said.

The Malaysian leader also mentioned the plight of Filipinos facing legal woes in Malaysia, saying he asked the Philippine side during the meeting with the President to collaborate with Kuala Lumpur for their repatriation.

“I have asked the Philippines’ assistance and cooperation to expedite the commutation of nationals so that they can be repatriated to the Philippines in a timely manner. And I am pleased that -- their willingness to facilitate this arrangement in a mutually agreed fashion,” PM Anwar said.

He also reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to BIMP-EAGA, including hosting the Brunei-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines Facilitation Center.

The President mentioned in his statement that the two countries shared deep, historic roots and that the Philippines and Malaysia’s cultures enjoy natural affinity.

DOJ implements policy on recall of weak cases

By Rey. E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has started implementing its new guidelines mandating prosecutors to withdraw criminal cases filed before first level courts or trial courts but have “no reasonable certainty of conviction.”

The first level courts have jurisdiction over criminal cases with a penalty of imprisonment of less than six years.

The DOJ emphasized that there is reasonable certainty of conviction “when a prima facie case exists based on the evidence-at-hand, including but not limited to witnesses, documentary evidence, real evidence, and the like, and such evidence, on its own and if left uncontroverted by accused, shall be sufficient to establish all elements of the crime or offense charged, and consequently warrant a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.”

In many decisions, the DOJ said the SC has defined prima facie “as the existence of such facts and circumstances as would excite the belief, in a reasonable mind, acting on the facts within the knowledge of the prosecution, that the person charged was guilty of the crime for which he was prosecuted.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issued the guidelines even as he ordered the enforcement of DOJ Circular Nos. 008 and 008-A on the withdrawal of cases.

The DOJ said that since probable cause has for a long time been the requirement for the filing of cases in court, the department lamented that “this low burden of proof has brought about a deluge of criminal cases filed in court.”

IN BRIEF

DOH cites medical team’s mission in quake-hit Turkey

THE deployment to Turkey of a Philippine medical team would help the Philippines get verified under the World Health Organization’s Emergency Medical Team’s (WHO-EMT) initiative.

Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday issued this observation during the welcome rites for the returning 30-man Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) which was part of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) sent to Turkey.

Vergeire said the team’s deployment to Turkey served as a step towards the country’s goal to be verified based on the standards set by the WHO-EMT initiative.

DOT, DOLE set up 2-day job fair in CDO

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are putting together a two-day job fair in Cagayan de Oro City, targeting skilled workers in the tourism sector.

The event, set on March 30-31, is being organized in anticipation of a revitalized tourism industry in Region 10.

DOLE Region 10 director Albert Gutib said the tourism sector was severely affected by the COVID pandemic, and is now slowly recovering.

“For 2022, data showed that there are 16 tourism establishments and 379 workers affected due to the implementation of the flexible work scheme. This is the reduced number of work days in a week or the reduced number of work hours in a day. Some workers will just work for 3 days,” Gutib said. Bobby Lagsa

BOC, PDEA agents nab ‘shabu importer’

JOINT operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have arrested in Masantol, Pampanga the claimant of a shipment containing 47 grams of shabu worth P324,000.

The BOC agents discovered the illegal drugs during a routine examination conducted on February 21 of the shipment from California, United States declared to contain photographs.

The bureau subjected the shipment to K9 sniffing, X-ray scanning, and physical examination procedures. The tests showed three envelopes containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu.

Vito Barcelo

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME. Hundreds of Calumpit municipal government employees dressed in orange shirts form a large orange ribbon signifying their solidarity in the fight against kidney diseases. The exercise also marks their celebration of the signing of an accord of cooperation between the local government unit and the pharmaceutical and medical equipment distributor Steritex that provided the town’s first ever dialysis center, made possible through the collaborative efforts of Mayor Glorime Faustino, Steritex manager Ti Challoy, Vice Mayor Zar Candelaria, and Rural Health Unit chief Dr. Rizalie Lucas. Norman Cruz

Remulla: PH addressing jail congestion with non-traditional means

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Philippine government is seriously addressing the problem of jail congestion with what he described as “outside-thebox-solutions” to congestion.

Remulla made the statement during a panel discussion on “Justice and Prison Reforms: Fixing the Process” as a side event of the 52nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland last Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The panel discussion was organized by

the Philippines, Norway, and Thailand and other international organizations.

“Outside-of-the-box solution” to a problem is described as “exploration of ideas that are creative and unusual, and are not limited or controlled by rules or tradition,” Remulla explained.

“There are a lot challenges in our mission to reform our jail and prison system in the Philippines, and our unique situation drives us to find new ways and outside-the-box solutions to hurdle them,”

Remulla said.

The Justice Secretary pointed out that “we are not deterred by these challenges.”

“Instead, they inspire us to do more, much more, for the benefit of our children and the future Filipinos,” he said.

He cited a study commissioned by the Philippines’ Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) showing that at the end of 2021, “there was a total of almost 200,000 PDLs (persons deprived of liberty in the country).”

The Supreme Court, the DOJ, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) consisted JSCC. The study also showed that 70 percent of facilities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) have been overcrowded with an average congestion rate of 386 percent, while the Bureau of Corrections’ (BuCor) facilities with about 50,000 PDLs as of Jan. 31, 2023 have a congestion rate of 310 percent, he said. Rey E. Requejo

NAIA employee gets arrested for stealing watch

OPERATIVES of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, and airport police have arrested an airport screening officer at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 accused of stealing a wrist watch owned by a foreign passenger on Wednesday.

the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent to earthquake-devastated Turkey during the group’s arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday night. Other welcoming dignitaries were Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair Romando Artes, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino, and Turkish Ambassador to Manila

Niyazi Evren Akyol.

Oil companies roll back LPG prices by P3.50 per kilo

By Alena Mae S. Flores

MORE oil companies rolled back the price of their liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P3.50 per kilo or P38.50 for every 11-kilo tank starting March 1.

Petroleum Philippines and Isla LPG which markets the Solane brand also cut their LPG prices to reflect the lower contract price of LPG in the world market

“Please be informed that Phoenix LPG Phils., Inc. will decrease the prices of Phoenix Super LPG by P3.50 per kilogram and Auto LPG by P1.95 per liter effective 1201AM of 01 March 2023,” Phoenix said.

Prior to the LPG rollback, household LPG in Metro Manila was estimated to range from P934 to P1,118 per 11-kilo cylinder, according to data from the De-

Agents seize P10-b fake items in Binondo

By Vito Barcelo

A COMPOSITE group led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated at least P10 billion worth of counterfeit branded bags, shoes and other products when they swooped down on a storage facility in Binondo, Manila.

Agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Task Force Aduana of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raided the storage facility after receiving information about the Binondo warehouse.

Authorities found imported clothing

apparel, shoes, general merchandise, kitchenwares, electronics, and beauty products upon the inspection of the warehouse.

The BOC said these items counterfeited such trademarks as Nike, Coach, Adidas, Guess, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Gucci, among others.

“Our BOC officials used all available resources and tools to thwart this attempt to enter such a huge amount of counterfeit items into our market. Imagine what this could do to our local producers and the foreign brands that invest in us,” Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy said.

Customs examiners will undertake an inventory of the commodities, which will be observed by CIIS and Enforcement and Security Service personnel.

partment of Energy.

DOE, with support from different LPG associations, was leading a series of information and education campaigns through the conduct of LPG Summits to ensure consumer protection against industry malpractices, including the illegal refilling and underfilling as well as the sale of counterfeit LPG products.

SEA-BORNE RESCUE OPERATIONS. The roll-on roll-off passenger ferry Starlite Saturn which got stuck at the Danajon Bank in Talibon, Bohol receives full assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Malamawi, supported by two Philippine Navy vessels. The rescuers also transferred 86 passengers and 55 crew members of Starlite Saturn to St. Camael, a sister-vessel of Starlite.

OTS chief Undersecretary Ma-o Aplasca said the arrest came following the complaint of a Chinese national who claimed that he lost his wrist watch while undergoing screening at the NAIA Terminal 1 last Wednesday afternoon.

He identified the arrested screening officer as Valeriano Diaz Ricaplaza, 31. Ricaplaza at first denied that he took the watch, but a review of the closed circuit television (CCTV) revealed otherwise. Ricapalaza is now under the custody of the police’s Aviation Security Group. Rey E.

Requejo

Another measure filed to support Charter change

By Maricel V. Cruz

THERE’S no stopping lawmakers’ efforts to review the 1987 Constitution in the House of Representatives.

Cagayan de Oro City Rufus Rodriguez on Tuesday sponsored House Bill (HB) 7352, or the proposed Act implementing Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 which provides for the creation of a hybridconstitutional convention (con-con) to effect the Charter Change.

HB 7352 is the accompanying bill to Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6 which calls for the convening of Congress into a Constitutional Convention to rewrite just the economic provisions of the Constitution that were approved on the second reading on Tuesday night.

In his sponsorship speech, Rodriguez, chair of the House committee on constitutional amendments, presented the committee report of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments on HB 7352.

Rodriguez maintained that Charter Change efforts at the lower house is merely focused on amending the restrictive economic provisions of the existing Charter.

He also thanked his fellow legislators for supporting his committee’s mandate to get the people’s pulse on proposed Charter change that had been pushed in the past Congresses.

“I thank you for all your resolve and steadfastness in taking the position of not only fulfilling the mandate of Congress but of being patriotic citizens on doing our part towards economic development,”

Rodriguez told the plenary, referring to RBH No.6’s adoption on second reading.

He also defended the con-con route to effect the constitutional amendments, calling it “the most trusted mode.”

He said the con-con is “highly favored being the most democratic, transparent, and inclusive of all modes.”

House approves video blogger’s Pinoy citizenship

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Martin G. Romualdez approved on third and final reading a bill granting Filipino citizenship to Canadian video blogger Kyle Douglas Jennermann.

The lower chamber passed House Bill 7185, which granted Jennermann Filipino citizenship by a 244-0-1 vote.

The bill’s author, Laguna Rep. Marlyn Alonte said Jennerman, nicknamed Kulas, lived with the purpose of introducing the Philippines to the rest of the world through his Youtube channel called “Becoming Filipino.”

“Through time, effort, and his love for the country (Philippines), he has become an internet sensation with close to a million subscribers. Through his vlogs, he has created and published thousands of video content showcasing his reallife interactions and connections with the Filipino people and their culture all throughout his eight years of immersive travel across 80 of the country’s 81 provinces,” Alonte said in her explanatory note.

“In view of Kyle Jennermann’s contributions to the promotion of Filipino culture and identity to the rest of the world, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought,” Alonte added.

HB 7185 will be transmitted to the Senate, and later on to be signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Solo parents to get 10% off, no VAT on products for kids

By Maricel V. Cruz

SOLO parents may soon avail of the 10-percent discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption on their purchases of essentials such as baby’s milk, diapers, and doctorprescribed medicines for their children six years of age and below, as provided under a new law on financial aid for single dads and moms.

Camarines Sur Rep. and National Unity Party (NUP) president Luis Raymund Villafuerte made the statement as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently issued Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 1-2023 on the implementation of the tax privileges to be accorded establishments that are to grant the 10%-discount and VAT-exemption to qualified single parents

on their purchases of goods for their babies, toddlers and preschoolers that are listed under the law.

Villafuerte is one of the lead authors of Republic At (RA) 11861 or “The Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act.” However, Villafuerte pointed out that this hefty price discount under the law can be availed of only by solo parents earning

IN BRIEF

Risa: Sugar import is ‘smoking

gun’

P250,000 each or below per year—the same income bracket as those who are exempted from paying income taxes under RA 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

“We are looking forward to the full compliance by the concerned establishments with this financial relief under RA 11869 for low-income single parents who have single-handedly been raising their babies, toddlers and/or preschoolers,” Villafuerte said.

“The BIR’s release of the guidelines on tax breaks for establishments that will comply with this provision of the social protection program for single dads and moms under RA 11869 will certainly provide relief to this sector’s members, many of whom have been hit badly by Covid-19 and are probably taking a while to get back on their feet after the pandemic,” he added.

Defense chief says no final location of EDCA sites

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

DEPARTMENT of National Defense

(DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

said there is no final agreement yet on the exact locations of the additional four Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites.

Galvez made the statement while answering a query from Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chairperson Sen. Imee Marcos.

During the query, Marcos asked Galvez if the brewing tension in the Taiwan Strait was the reason for additional EDCA sites, a majority of which are found in Northern Luzon.

Marcos said the local government units (LGUs) of Cagayan, Zambales, and Isabela--the supposed EDCA sites--have expressed concerns about the additional sites.

The said LGUs sounded the alarm the provinces might be caught in the

skirmishes or tensions in the northern part of the country.

Galvez however debunked reports that military bases and facilities will be erected in the said provinces. He also said that the information on additional EDCA sites did not come from the defense department.

Galvez emphasized that what was agreed by upon the Philippine military and the US government was the number of additional EDCA sites, but not the venues.

Sara: Support PBBM socio-econ agenda

By Angelica Villanueva VICE President

and Department of

Education Secretary

Sara Duterte-

Carpio encouraged Filipinos to support the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s eight-point social-economic agenda.

“We take this opportunity to remind our women artists, the artists’ community of the country as a whole, and all the participants and viewers of this exhibit to support the Marcos administration’s eight-point social economic agenda,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Duterte-Carpio spoke during the opening of Gahum sa Buwak: Flower Power, a month-long art exhibit featuring

women artists and fashion designers from Davao as part of the celebration of International Women’s Month.

She also expressed her optimism for a better Philippines after the Marcos administration.

“In the next six years, the government when required and will include securing transportation, health, education, and social services while reducing energy costs, practicing sound fiscal management, and enhancing bureaucratic efficiency,” she added.

“By enabling robust economic growth, we aim to increase the number of middle-income Filipinos, reduce poverty incidence to 9%, and elevate the Philippines as an upper middleincome economy,” she continued.

SEN. Risa Hontiveros yesterday branded as “smoking gun” proof that high-ranking officials are behind the country’s latest sugar import fiasco with the release in the Batangas port of sugar from Thailand even without permits.

Hontiveros noted that Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Usec. Domingo Panganiban issued memorandum dated Feb. 27, 2023, clearing the release of smuggled sugar.

Panganiban’s memo included the 240,000 metric tons of sugar consigned to All Asian Countertrade Inc. Hontiveros said the stocks of imported sugar entered the country with no proper permits and before a corresponding Sugar Order was issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in violation of existing laws.

Hontiveros stressed that the DA memo spilled out the truth—the high officials behind the being created cartel and smuggling ring which supply the country’s sugar.

“We should not ignore this ‘smoking gun’ proof of governmentsponsored sugar smuggling being coordinated at the highest levels of bureaucracy,” Hontiveros said.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Tulfo airs concern over unpaid OFW back wages

SEN. Raffy Tulfo aired concern over the unpaid back wages and separation pay of around 10,000 Saudi Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 505 to inquire into the reported failure of former Saudi OFWs to get back pay despite earlier commitment by the Saudi government to settle their claims.

He mentioned reports on unsuccessful attempts of our OFWs to claim from their employers who declared bankruptcy due to the pandemic.

These companies include Saudi OGer, MMG, the Bin Laden group, and other construction firms.

Last Nov. 18, 2022, the Philippine government through the Department of Migrant Workers, announced that the Saudi government vowed to pay our former OFWs.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Panel okays human rights protection act

THE House of Representatives committee on human rights has approved the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act (HRDPA), a measure that seeks to protect the rights of Human Rights defenders.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr of Manila, the panel’s chairperson, said the objective of the measure “is to ensure that human rights defenders are able to undertake their activities freely and without fear.”

“For them to be effective, HR defenders need to work in a safe and enabling environment, and that is what we want to cultivate with the passage of this measure.”

The bill defines human rights defenfers as any person who, individually or in association with others, acts or seeks to act to protect, promote, or strive for the protection and realization of human rights. Maricel V.

Cruz

NLEX CONNECTOR. NLEX Corporation president and GM Luigi Bautista, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) president and CEO Rodrigo Franco, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan during the inspection of the first five-kilometer section of NLEX Connector between Caloocan and España interchanges. Manny Palmero

WOMEN’S RIGHTS. Women’s group Gabriela and the Commission on Human Rights held a “Purple Action Day” to register women’s demands for social justice during the opening of Women’s Month on Wednesday at the CHR Headquarters in Quezon City. QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, a staunch women’s rights advocate, spoke and signed the covenant supporting women’s rights. Manny Palmero

HOUSE VISITORS. Provincial officials of Lanao Del Norte led by Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo (2nd left seated) and accompanied by former Rep. Abdullah “Bobby”

Dimaporo (left seated) pay a courtesy call on Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (center seated) at the social hall of the Speaker’s office in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Ver Noveno

Eggs and everything else

The economy of San Jose boomed, thanks to eggs and senator, now back to being congressman, Ralph Recto.

***

IF IT’S any consolation, hindi tayo nagiisa.

We complain about the price of eggs, which used to be cheap source of protein for many Filipinos, especially children going to school in the morning.

Well, in Taiwan, as in the US of A, the price of eggs has also gone through the roof.

In fact, in Taiwan, it has become a political issue.

Foxconn chairman, Terry Gou, whose firm manufactures Apple products, and who is a possible 2024 presidential contender, reminded the present DPP government of Tsai Ing-wen that “the people want a government that solves problems, not a government that explains them”.

This, after Council of Agriculture chief Chen Chi-Chung of the ruling party apologized to the public for shortages in the food staple, explaining because eggs are a “biological problem, it is impossible to ramp up production the way it can be done in manufacturing”.

The retail price of eggs is now NT$6 per piece, which is around PhP10, just a bit higher than in Metro Manila. But minimum wage in Taiwan is about 40,000 pesos per month.

Deputy Speaker Ralph wonders why if Customs personnel can spot and apprehend high-priced onions in the bag of airline crew, the Bureau of Customs cannot detect smuggled sugar or vegetable carrying ships when the volume occupies space “as big as malls.”

Oo nga naman. The reason, as everyone and his mother knows, is obvious. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil is the motto of most BOC personnel.

Why not use tracking technology, Recto asks?

At present, the BOC employs an Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo or e-TRACC System in which a container is armed with a GPS tracker to monitor its movement from ship discharge to its intended destination.

The objective is to prevent the container’s diversion during transit to other customs territories and facilities.

Maybe it is an offshoot of the time when PNoy’s BOC diverted hundreds of containers from the Port of Manila to Batangas, where the contraband was unloaded.

“Kung papabili ka ng rice meal sa GrabFood o Food Panda, nasusundan mo takbo ng courier sa phone, ito pa kayang barko na may kargang 50,000 sako na bigas,” Recto said.

When I headed the NFA, I wanted to tag all our rice sacks with RFIDs, the movement of which can be tracked by central office computers.

But the cost was uneconomical because the technology was premised on huge volumes of rice, such as those the GMA government imported, which was in the vicinity of 2 million tons (that’s 40 million bags) per year.

I reduced government imports to 200,000 tons, or a tenth of the NFA’s previous import volume, and allowed the private sector to bid for their import permits up to the tune of 600,000 tons.

Keeping watch over our EEZ

recognized no less by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS.

regional superpower, Tarriela observed. But when the harassment and bullying by the China Coast Guard are made public, Beijing makes it a point “to explain and justify their actions.”

Ours is much, much lower than that.

“In Taiwan, egg-laying hens are procured from feedlots where they are raised for two to three months,” Minister Chen explained, and “feedlots get their chickens from breeding farms, which in turn import chickens from the US to replenish their flocks.”

Now there is also an egg supply problem in the US, which is a vital part of the supply chain in Taiwan, thus the domestic egg shortage.

Avian flu has struck poultries from the US to Europe, Japan and South Korea plus of course, our agriculturally challenged land.

But Taiwanese authorities are confident the shortage will ease come the second quarter of this year.

One solution Taiwan has done is to order the importation of 5 million eggs from Australia, to arrive by the end of March.

That’s going to be quite expensive, given the special handling eggs need when shipped, on top of higher logistics cost.

But the Taiwanese government can absorb the added costs, so long as people are fed their daily egg nutrients. I doubt if we can.

I wonder how much my favorite radish omelet now costs at my favorite Shin-yeh restaurant in Taipei. It is comfort food my mother used to prepare here for us, but Shin-yeh’s omelet is, as the French would say, non pareil.

***

There was a time when San Isidro in Nueva Ecija was the top supplier of eggs in Metro Manila, just as Cebu province has Bantayan island as its egg purveyor.

Now it is the town of San Jose in Batangas which has become the egg capital of NCR.

The poultry growers there used to suffer a lot of breakages transporting eggs from barrios to the main highway that leads to the metropolis.

A simple solution was done by Sen. Ralph Recto of neighboring Lipa City. He had every road in San Jose leading to the poultry farms cemented. No “lubak,” no “bugok.”

By Ambassador Albert del Rosario

COMPARED to his predecessor’s shameless policy of appeasement towards China in exchange for monetary benefits, we believe President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is taking proper steps in defending the rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

In particular, we welcome that President Marcos Jr.’s administration is allowing joint patrols with like-minded nations in the West Philippine Sea and establishing additional locations under the US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. If successfully done, these are steps

These days of course, we import from 3.2 to 3.4 million tons per year, and it’s not only because there are so many more mouths to feed, but because our farmers are producing less domestic supply.

***

Despite the monetary tools employed by the Bangko Sentral, inflation persists.

In the next few days, February inflation reports will come up, and the betting is it would be more than 9 percent, a new high, and the culprit is mostly food products.

DOF Sec. Ben Diokno has said agencies and LGUs other than the BSP should do their part in taming inflation. But of course, because it is a supply situation that bedevils us.

Everything is going up, and it’s not only in the Philippines, but all over the world.

Blame COVID, blame Putin, blame everybody, but the problem is likely to hound us for all of 2023, and unless the Russians stop shooting at Ukrainians, and weather patterns do not cause droughts or floods, expect economies all over to suffer from negative impacts.

More on these in future columns.

***

For now, our Sen. Robinhood wants to fast-track the lifting of economic restrictions in the Constitution, by having a constituent assembly rather than a constitutional convention.

He thinks his fellow senators will want to sit down in single conclave and vote along with 300 HoR counterparts in a Con-Ass.

How many senators would agree with the flag-waving senator? Maybe a few.

Truth to tell, it’s not just the economic provisions that disincentivizes foreigners from investing in this capital-deficient country.

It’s the system, which makes good governance difficult to implement, and a dearth of skilled labor, rules that keep changing and legal contentiousness that never end, along with too much politics at the expense of sound economics.

The House is correct in calling for a convention to revise the Constitution.

But the details of the Con-Con law have to be scrutinized very well. A major overhaul of the political system has become imperative.

In fact, the Philippine Coast Guard is always on its toes and even intensifying patrols in the West Philippine Sea despite huge limitations in terms of vessels, equipment and personnel.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, said as much when he appeared before a media forum in Quezon City recently.

According to the Coast Guard official, they have taken a new approach in addressing the maritime dispute in the WPS: making public the acts of harassment and bullying by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia in our EEZ.

The PCG is carrying out constant patrols in the area not only to protect our fishermen who have been plying their trade in their traditional fishing grounds for generations, but also to serve notice to Beijing that we are asserting our sovereignty over our EEZ

The PCG fully supports joint patrols with the United States Coast Guard as both share the same functions, such as upholding maritime safety, protecting the marine environment and conducting maritime law enforcement

China is a signatory to UNCLOS, but claims ownership of practically the whole of the South China Sea on the basis of a so-called “nine-dash line” that is nothing a figment of its own imagination.

While our Department of Foreign Affairs has diligently sent hundreds of notes verbale to their counterpart in Beijing protesting China’s aggressive actions in the vital sea lane over the years, these have been haughtily dismissed by the emerging

Freeway driving in the Philippines

OUR first freeway was the 27-kilometer North Diversion Road, now part of the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX.

It was constructed in 1968 during the first term of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The length of our freeways has, of course, increased many fold since then that Filipino motorists should have learned the proper way of driving in our freeways.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

We still have a significant number of drivers who do not know how to drive properly in our freeways or simply refuse to follow simple freeway driving rules.

The most common violations or offenses are not knowing the proper speeds when using the lanes and not observing speed limits.

For instance, while going down to Manila one time, one driver who was driving a lot faster than the speed limit passed our vehicle and abruptly tried to cut our vehicle forcing us to take evasive action to avoid hitting the vehicle.

Freeways as we know are divided highways that allow for faster driving free of some traffic constraints like traffic lights and intersections that would slow driving.

This is where we would hear the term continuous intersections because of the clover leaf design of freeway intersections that allows motorists to simply continue driving when they reach an intersection.

The length of our freeways, however, is still miniscule compared to more advanced countries like Germany.

The German autobahn alone is already almost 13,000 kilometers compared to ours which is only about 626 kilometers.

This, however, is not be an excuse for many of our motorists not to know how to drive properly under freeway conditions.

And contrary to what some motorists are thinking that there are no speed limits in our freeways like the NLEX, SCTEX, and TPLEX, there is actually a speed limit. The maximum speed is 100 kilometers while the minimum speed is 60 kilometers.

There are traffic signs on the right side of the road that clearly indicate the minimum and maximum speeds.

Trouble is, many motorists are not complying.

Those motorists who are driving close or at the maximum speed are supposed to stay at the left most lane while those driving slower should stay in the middle lane.

The slowest should always stay at the right most lane.

But we often see drivers who do not follow this simple freeway rule.

We

Many still drive very fast regardless whether they are in the middle or right most lane.

There is, however, a peculiar traffic sign in our freeways regarding overtaking which is technically wrong.

Since freeways have two or more lanes, the correct term is passing.

In a regular highway like the old MacArthur highway, a vehicle overtakes a vehicle in front if both vehicles are using the same lane.

But in freeways, one passes a vehicle in front that is using another lane.

The reasons why the freeway operator feels the need for such instructions is perhaps because some vehicles are swerving from lane to lane due to vehicles not following speed requirements by moving too slow or too fast in the lanes they are using.

Freeway driving in other countries differs from the way we do it here.

Driving in the German autobahn for example could be quite an experience for

The Philippine Coast Guard wants to modernize its fleet as it has only three offshore patrol vessels and 10 multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) deployed in the WPS.

This is not enough as recent reports indicate that the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia disguised as ordinary fishing boats numbering 20 to 30 at any given time have employed a “swarming” strategy to keep foreign vessels from intruding into its claimed territory.

“That’s why we have been pressing our legislators to support Coast Guard modernization for us to acquire more assets,” Tarriela said.

Apart from vessels, he said, the PCG needs aircraft and maritime domain awareness capabilities such as radar areas and lighthouses, as well as additional port facilities for their ships.

The PCG fully supports joint patrols with the United States Coast Guard as both share the same functions, such as upholding maritime safety, protecting the marine environment and conducting maritime law enforcement.

The talks, however, are still at an “infancy stage.”

Until then, the PCG is committed “to comply with the directive of our President that no square inch of our territory will be surrendered to any foreign power.”

Filipino drivers. This is because there are about eight autobahns wherein there are no speed limits.

One can drive to his or her heart’s content in the eight autobahns.

Almost all countries that I know, however, impose some kind of speed limit and a minimum speed so as not to disrupt traffic flow along the freeway.

The minimum speed is generally pegged at 60km/hr. in most countries.

If some are wondering why 60km, this was perhaps due to the fact that when the autobahn was first constructed in 1934, the German Traffic Act of 1934 mandated that the minimum speed was to be 60km/ hr.

As we continue to build more freeways, however, we should not forget to update our Land Transportation and Traffic Code like RA 4136 and other related laws to keep up with the fast changing times.

Traffic is a very dynamic process that is changing all the time and we have to keep pace with all these changes.

There are now for example driverless vehicles.

In like manner, it is about time the DPWH also start coming up with our own road design and safety standards instead of using the Australian design standards which seems to be the case.

There is really nothing wrong with this but it would be better if we have our own road design and safety standards.

Many of the traffic problems that we sometimes encounter when driving are due to the fact that many traffic situations are not covered by our current outdated traffic code.

What we need now is a comprehensive amendment to our traffic code instead of a piece mill introduction of specific law covering a particular situation like seat belts.

We have a lot of catching up to do in this area to keep our roads safer and make driving more enjoyable.

that have the effect of deterring Chinese aggressions against the Philippines.

Having said this, defending the West Philippine Sea against Chinese aggression and upholding international law and the global commons in the South China Sea remain to be a formidable task and so much needs to be done.

President Marcos Jr. has a very challenging task ahead as Chinese counterpart continues to press on its illegal nine-dash line claim despite the 2016 Arbitral Award, while bullying Filipino fishermen, coast guard and navy personnel in their own waters, as well as our neighbors in the South China Sea. While the US is pursuing its Indo

Pacific strategy, all nations of the world, including the US and the Philippines, have an important stake in preserving the rulesbased international order against the unlawful policies of aggression being pursued by the leaders of China and Russia. Dismantling the rules-based international order would be catastrophic for humanity as the world would revert to a pre-World War II order where disputes were settled by force and where countless lives were meaninglessly lost through wars and invasions.

We should not forget the lesson of the past world wars that a policy of appeasement towards aggressors resulted in disasters. Given what is at stake, we should no longer

think twice at firmly pushing back against aggression, like what is being displayed by China and Russia.

We fully encourage President Marcos, Jr., as well as the leaders of the international community, to uphold the Rule of Law, where sovereign equality of states is observed in the sense that small nations like the Philippines are protected in their rights against the aggressions of bigger nations.

Where Right is Might remains the global norm, not Might is Right.

(The author is Chairman, Stratbase ADR Institute; former Philippine Ambassador to the US; and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs)

DO NOT for a moment even think that we’ve practically given up defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the disputed part of the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea where we have our Exclusive Economic Zone.

‘Right is might’

Exquadra Tower, Ortigas Center Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT BETWEEN MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND GNPOWER DINGININ LTD. CO., WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

ERC CASE NO. _______ RC MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND GNPOWER DINGININ LTD. CO., Applicants.

x -------------------------------------------------------- x JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION)

Applicants MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY (“MERALCO”) and GNPOWER DINGININ LTD. CO. (“GNPD”; together with MERALCO, the “Applicants”), by undersigned counsels, and to this Honorable Commission, most respectfully state: I. The APPLICANTS

A. MERALCO

1. Applicant MERALCO is a private corporation existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office located at Lopez Building, Ortigas Avenue, Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City. It may be served with notices and other processes of this Honorable Commission through its counsel at the address indicated herein.

2. MERALCO has a legislative franchise to operate and maintain a distribution system in the cities/municipalities of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal and certain cities/municipalities/barangays in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Pampanga, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9209, and is authorized to charge all its customers for their electric consumption at the rates approved by the Honorable Commission.

B. GNPD

3. Applicant GNPD is a partnership duly organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with principal place of business at GNPower Energy Complex, Sitio Dinginin, Brgy. Alasasin, Mariveles 2105, Bataan, Republic of the Philippines. It may be served with notices and other processes of this Honorable Commission through its counsel at the address indicated herein.

4. GNPD owns and operates a 1,366 MW coal-fired power plant (the “Plant”) at Sitio Dinginin, Barangay Alasasin, Municipality of Mariveles, Province of Bataan.

II. STATEMENT OF FACTS

A. MERALCO’s Power Situation Outlook for 2023

5. Based on its power situation outlook for 2023, MERALCO foresees a capacity deficit in its portfolio. In addition, MERALCO intends to mitigate the impact of scheduled and maintenance outages (and possible occurrence of forced outages) of power plants as some of MERALCO’s contracted plants are scheduled for maintenance outage.

6. In view thereof, and in order to mitigate exposure to the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (“WESM”) and source capacity for the year 2023 that could contribute to the availability and affordability of the supply of electricity to MERALCO’s customers, the Applicants respectfully submit that there is a need for them to execute an Emergency

Section 10.1.(b), Power Supplier shall refund all Refundable Amounts to Meralco or Meralco’s customers in the manner and within the period as required by the ERC or any other relevant Governmental Instrumentality (as applicable). In the Parties fail to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution within sixty (60) Days from the commencement of negotiations, the provision of Section 13.5.4. will apply. xxx

11.2. ERC Approval

11.2.1. Upon receipt of the ERC Final Approval, Meralco shall provide a copy of such ERC Final Approval to Power Supplier. Power Supplier shall have ten (10) Days from its receipt from ERC or from Meralco of such ERC Final Approval, whichever is earlier, to notify Meralco in writing that: (i) it accepts such ERC Final Approval or (ii) it does not accept the ERC Final Approval, stating the grounds for non-acceptance; provided, that if the ERC Final Approval does not contain any adjustment or modification, the ERC Final Approval shall be (i) deemed accepted by Power Supplier and (ii) implemented by the Parties immediately. For clarity, ERC Final Approval may be promulgated subsequent to the Operations Effective Date.

11.2.2. In case of Power Supplier’s non-acceptance, Power Supplier shall be free to file a motion for reconsideration with the ERC. In case Power Supplier decides to file a motion for reconsideration, and pending resolution thereof by the ERC, the Parties shall implement the ERC Final Approval subject to any adjustment or amendment that the ERC may direct. Any order on a motion for reconsideration shall be treated as an ERC Final Approval for purposes of the processes under this Section 11.2. If the ERC Final Approval requires any amendment to or modification of any provision of this Agreement that is not acceptable to either Party, acting reasonably, then the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to resolve the required amendment, including seeking a reconsideration by the ERC. If the Parties are unable to agree on the required amendment within thirty (30) Days from receipt of the ERC Final Approval resolving the motion for reconsideration, or if the motion for reconsideration is not resolved by the ERC within one hundred twenty (120) days after its filing, or the amendment is disapproved by the ERC, or approved by the ERC but still contains any material term or condition that is not acceptable to either Party, acting reasonably, then either Party may terminate this Agreement. For clarity, if, following the ERC Final Approval, Power Supplier does not file a motion for reconsideration with the ERC and/or notifies Meralco that it intends to terminate this Agreement, the ERC Final Approval shall be deemed accepted by Power Supplier and this Agreement shall continue to be implemented in accordance with the ERC Final Approval.

11.2.3. If the ERC Final Approval requires any portion of the sum that has been paid by Meralco to Power Supplier to be adjusted, Power Supplier shall make the necessary adjustments in accordance with the direction of the ERC. In the event of any disallowance in the Contract Price, the same shall be for the account of Power Supplier.

delivered

GNPD respectfully highlights that its own documentary evidence, Annexes “U” and series,” “V”, “W” and “Z” contain numbers, methodology, and calculations such as debt or equity ratio, capital costs, weighted average cost of capital, and fuel cost that provide valuable information and insight on how GNPD arrives at its power generation rate and/or on GNPD’s trading in the WESM.

18. GNPD therefore submit respectfully submits that Annexes “U” and series,” “V”, “W” and “Z” falls within the bounds of proprietary “trade secrets”, which are entitled to protection under the Constitution, statutes, and rules and regulations of this Honorable Commission.

19. Under Rule 4 of the Revised ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure (the “Revised ERC Rules”), the Honorable Commission may, upon request of a party and determination of the existence of conditions, which would warrant such remedy, treat certain information submitted to it as confidential. Pursuant to such provision, GNPD respectfully prays for the issuance of a protective order declaring Annexes “U” and series,” “V”, “W” and “Z” as confidential information, since GNPD intends to present them as evidence in the instant Application.

20. The data contained in Annexes “U” and series,” “V”, “W” and “Z” constitute “trade secrets” of GNPD; thus, GNPD has actual and valuable proprietary interest to protect with respect to such information. If the information contained in these documents are unduly disclosed, it will seriously prejudice the competitiveness of GNPD.

21. The Supreme Court, in the case of Air Philippines Corporationvs. Pennswell, Inc. (540 SCRA 215 [2007]), had the opportunity to discussthe definition of “trade secrets” and the great extent to which the same are protected under our laws. In other instances, the Supreme Court has held that the confidential nature of trade secrets protects such from disclosure even in the face of the right of inspection given to stockholders or the constitutional right to information. (Philpotts vs. Philippine Manufacturing Company, 40 Phil. 471 [1919]; Garcia vs. Board of Investments, G.R. 88637 [1989]).

22. In the Decision in ERC Case No. 2015-111 RC dated 30 May 2017 entitled

In the Matter of the Application for Approval of the Power Supply Agreement Between Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc.- Area 2 (NEECO II – Area 2) and PNOC Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC), the Honorable Commission categorically stated that formulas and pricing structures of a generation company must be treated as confidential and may not be publicly disclosed, to wit:

In the case of PNOC RC, the documents sought to be protected from disclosure contains formula and pricing structures used in arriving at their proposed tariff. In fact, all three (3) documents were used by the Commission in evaluating the reasonableness of the proposed rate. In the electric power industry w(h)ere prices is[sic] a major consideration in selecting one’s supplier, it is apparent that the assumptions used in arriving at one’s proposed tariff is considered a competitive leverage by one player against its competitors.

Thus, the Commission resolves to treat the said documents confidential and may not be publicly disclosed. [Emphasis supplied].

23. Thus, the Honorable Commission has recognized the importance of maintaining pricing structures as confidential in order to ensure the competitiveness of the generation sector. Information, which falls within the definition of a trade secret as defined by jurisprudence, is clearly information that merits the confidential treatment provided for under Rule 4 of the Revised ERC Rules. Annexes “U” and series,” “V”, “W” and “Z” should therefore be entitled to the protection of confidential information provided under Rule 4 of the Revised ERC Rules.

24. Accordingly, one (1) copy of each of the foregoing confidential documents is placed in a sealed envelope, with the envelope and each page of the document stamped with the word “Confidential.”

PRAYER

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that the Honorable

Commission:

a) Issue an Order TREATING Annexes “U” and series,” “V”, “W” and “Z” and all other information contained therein as CONFIDENTIAL, directing their nondisclosure to persons other than officers and staff of this Honorable Commission, continuously protecting the said information from public disclosure by maintaining the same separate and apart from the records of the case, and ensuring that these are not divulged to unauthorized persons, and that the same will be returned to Applicant GNPD, as applicable, pursuant to Rule 4 of the Revised ERC Rules; and

b) After hearing on the merits, render a Decision APPROVING the MERALCOGNPD EPSA and the terms and conditions thereunder, including the price. Other reliefs, just and equitable under the circumstances, are likewise prayed for. Pasig City and Makati City for Pasig City, 18 January 2023.

MANILA ELECTRIC COMPANY Co-Applicant Lopez Building, Ortigas Avenue Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City

FORMER US president

Donald Trump and his one-time ally Nikki Haley are to give dueling addresses this week as thousands of conservatives gather outside Washington to vet Republican hopefuls weighing bids for the White House.

A national showcase for established big hitters and rising stars alike, the four-day Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) starting Wednesday bills itself as the “largest and most influential gathering of conservatives in the world.”

An array of right-wing A-listers – including Brazil’s recently defeated leader Jair Bolsonaro – are expected to address the convention, although many potential 2024 candidates are staying away.

Group: Foreign media in China restricted, tracked

FOREIGN media in China endured strict COVID controls, widespread harassment and constant surveillance in 2022, a press group said Wednesday.

Nearly half of foreign journalists in the country were ordered to leave a place or denied access on health and safety grounds last year despite presenting “no health risk by China’s own standards,” the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of China (FCCC) said in its annual report.

A similar proportion said problems with smartphone “health codes” rendered them unable to travel at some point last year.

Almost 40 percent said at least one of their sources had been harassed, detained, questioned or suffered other negative consequences from speaking to foreign media, while 45 percent reported similar official pressure on Chinese colleagues.

China maintained some of the world’s tightest COVID restrictions for most of last year, curbing travel into and around the country while imposing lengthy quarantines and mass testing regimes.

Beijing abruptly dismantled the policy in December.

“A bevy of state restrictions, ongoing digital surveillance, and the continued harassment of Chinese colleagues and sources means existing challenges to true freedom of the press in China remain,” the report said.

The findings were based on a survey of 102 of the FCCC’s 166 members, representing news organisations from 30 countries and regions.

Local regulations mean that independent Chinese media is practically non-existent, while state-backed outlets are heavily censored.

China ranked 175th out of 180 countries in Reporters

Trump’s keynote speech on Saturday is likely to reprise the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda that swept him to power in 2016, taking in border security, gun rights, “woke” indoctrination and other “red meat” conservative issues.

Haley, Trump’s former UN ambassador, is expected to make the case that the “Grand Old Party” (GOP) needs a new generation of leaders, unencumbered by the taint of recent election failure and able to inspire new voters as well as turning out the base.

“Nikki Haley has to negotiate the very thin line between differentiating herself from Donald Trump and still appealing to – or not alienating herself from – his supporters, who still constitute the vast majority of CPAC activists and GOP primary participants,” said Margaret Susan Thompson, a politics and history professor at Syracuse University.

“This is a challenging balancing act, indeed. So far, she seems to be focusing on age but, given the older-skewing GOP/MAGA base, she needs to be very careful here.”

Trump, Haley to duel at Republican forum IN

Trump declared his candidacy three months before Haley’s mid-February launch but his campaign has been criticized for inertia, lack of a clear political vision and the constant drip-drip of scandal.

The maelstrom of controversy encircling the former president – from poor performances of major Trump-backed candidates to multiple investigations closing in on him – has raised questions over his viability as a Republican totem.

“So far, most of his rallies and speeches have looked backward, focusing on the ‘stolen election’ and so on, rather than on what he intends to do in the future,” said Thompson.

“In my view, it is not a way to expand his base of support.”

Nevertheless Trump’s persistent polling strength has confounded his critics and he remains the comfortable frontrunner, towering over rivals like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former vice president Mike Pence. AFP

Linda Kasabian, part of ‘Manson’ cult, dies at 73

LINDA Kasabian, a member of the notorious cult led by Charles Manson that murdered film star Sharon Tate in 1969, has died at the age of 73, US media reported Tuesday. Kasabian played the role of lookout as the so-called “Manson family” carried out the murder of Tate, the eight-month pregnant wife of film director Roman Polanski, and three others in a rented house in an exclusive neighborhood of Los Angeles in August 1969.

During the trial of the cult members, Kasabian became a witness for the prosecution and received an immunity deal. Manson and four of his followers were jailed after the trial, and Manson died in detention in 2017.

Kasabian died in hospital in January in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 73, according to the media site TMZ, citing her death certificate.

According to the death certificate, Kasabian had changed her name to “Chiochios” to protect her identity after testifying against the murderous cult. AFP

FBI chief: COVID ‘most likely’ from Wuhan lab accident

FBI Director Christopher Wray said Tuesday his agency believes the COVID-19 pandemic was “most likely” caused by an incident in a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

“The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan,” Wray said in an interview with Fox News.

The comments come after a report earlier this week said the US Department of Energy had determined that a leak from a Chinese lab was the most likely cause of the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, other agencies within the American intelligence community believe the virus emerged naturally in the world.

In the interview, Wray also accused the Chinese government of trying to stall US efforts to investigate the causes of the pandemic.

“The Chinese government... has been doing its best to try to thwart and obfuscate the work here, the work that we’re doing, the work that our US government and close foreign partners are doing,” Wray said. “And that’s unfortunate for everybody.”

Chinese officials have angrily denied the claim, calling it a smear campaign against Beijing.

The scientific community sees it as crucial to determine the origins of the pandemic in order to better fight or even prevent the next one. AFP

Mega Prime Foods opens P1-b manufacturing plant in Batangas

MEGA Prime Foods Inc. on Wednesday opened a P1-billion manufacturing plant in Batangas province in line with the company’s goal to provide Filipinos with highquality products.

“Once operations of this plant commences, Mega Prime Foods Inc. continues to uphold highest food safety standards in its products with tireless passion for innovation, thus contributing to the consequent growth of the Filipinos at the household, community, and national-levels, making the company a partner of the Filipino in growth and recovery post-pandemic,” said MPFI chief growth and development officer Marvin Tiu Lim.

MPFI, the largest subsidiary of Mega Global Corp., is the company behind Mega Sardines, Mega Tuna, Mega Prime and Primo Sparkling Juice.

Once fully operational, the facility is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs and livelihood opportunities that would reinvigorate the local community and boost the economy of Batangas, while ensuring food security in the country, according to the company.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual attended the inauguration of the facility.

Mega Prime Foods said it invested P1 billion for the construction and development of the plant to ensure food products are in accordance with global specifications.

The company said it is committed to strictly complying with internationally-recognized certifications and standards such as FSSC: 22000, HACCP, EU and HALAL.

MPFI said it would employ the best practices and innovations in the manufacturing and business processes, ensuring that only top-quality products reach the homes of millions of Filipinos who depend on them.

Mega’s newly-built plant features stateof-the-art equipment and facilities and incorporates green features, including a warehouse, a fishmeal plant with a zerowaste system and cold storage facilities that are environment-friendly.

The facility will have an open-plant system that also includes educational and interactive spaces aimed at offering learning opportunities to Filipinos and support local tourism.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (third from left) witnesses the inauguration of Mega Prime Foods Inc.’s manufacturing plant in Santo Tomas, Batangas on March 1, 2023. With the president are (from left) Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual,

2022 budget deficit declined 3.3% to P1.6t

By Julito G. Rada

THE government incurred a budget deficit of P1.6 trillion in 2022, down 3.35 percent from the P1.7trillion shortfall in 2021 as revenue collection outpaced expenditures.

The Bureau of the Treasury said Wednesday the 2022 budget shortfall was within the P1.7-trillion full-year program.

“The fiscal outturn was driven by revenue growth of 17.97 percent, outpacing the 10.35-percent expansion in government spending,” the Treasury said in a statement.

The 2022 figure was equivalent to 7.33 percent of the gross domestic product, down from 8.60 percent in 2021 and below the 7.58 percent program.

Data showed the budget gap in December 2022 reached P378.4 billion, 11.94 percent or P40.4 billion higher than the P338.0 billion recorded a year ago, as the increase in public expenditures (P77.2

billion) outweighed the increase in government receipts (P36.9 billion).

Revenue collection in 2022 reached P3.5 trillion, up 17.97 percent or P540 billion from the 2021 outcome and was 7.31 percent or P241.4 billion better than the P3.3 trillion programmed for the year.

“Ninety-one percent or P3.2 trillion of the total was derived from tax revenues, exceeding the target by 2.57 percent and growing by 17.41 percent year-on-year. Non-tax collections comprised the balance of 9 percent while also registering a 23.74 percent yearon-year growth and surpassing the 2022 program by almost 98 percent or P160.7 billion,” the Treasury said.

The December collection of P268.2 billion was also higher than the previous year’s tally by 15.95 percent or P36.9 billion.

Revenue effort in 2022 improved to 16.10 percent from 15.48 percent in 2021 and better than the 15.17 percent program. Tax effort also grew to 14.62 percent from 14.13 percent a year ago and was above the 14.42 percent target.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue improved its overall collection by 12.39 percent or P257.5 billion to P2.3 trillion last year. The P179.3 billion raised by the agency in December went up by P16.9 billion or 10.42 percent from the December 2021 level.

The 2022 collection was short by 2.38 percent or P56.9 billion of the P2.4 trillion full-year program.

Collections by the Bureau of Customs climbed to P862.4 billion (net of P4.8 billion tax refund) in 2022, outperforming the P643.6 billion raised in 2021 by 34.01 percent or P218.9 billion, and 19.53 percent or P140.9 billion above the P721.5 billion 2022 target.

“BOC’s robust revenue performance was supported by efforts to ensure the recovery of deficient duties and taxes, improve tax compliance, tariffs on rice imports, and public auctions of overstaying cargo. The Bureau’s December 2022 revenue of P73.2 billion was also up by 21.40 percent or P12.9 billion over the previous year’s comparable figure,” it said. Income collected and generated by the Bureau of the Treasury for the year reached P154.8 billion, exceeding the P63.4 billion full-year program by P91.3 billion and was 23.48 percent or P29.4 billion more than the 2021 revenue performance.

“BTR’s robust collection was largely driven by higher remittances of dividends on shares of stocks, income from Bond Sinking Fund investments, and interest on NG [national government] deposits. The P6.6-billion income for December similarly indicates a 38.31 percent or P1.8 billion year-on-year expansion,” the Treasury said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX Corp. said Wednesday the first five-kilometer section of NLEX Connector between Caloocan and España interchanges is set to open on March 27 this year.

2022, exceeding the company’s target of P110 billion. Residential projects in Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island; Paragua Coastown in San Vicente, Palawan; The Mactan Newtown in Cebu; The Upper East in Bacolod; Capital Town in San Fernando, Pampanga; and Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite comprised the biggest chunk of pre-sales performance last year. The company launched two townships in 2022– the three-hectare Winford Resort Estate in Manila and the 340-hectare Sherwood Hills in Trece Martires, Cavite— bringing the company’s townships to 30 by the end of the year covering more than 5,100 hectares across the country.

AIA PH completes MediCard acquisition

AIA Philippines completed the acquisition of MediCard Philippine, Inc., one of the leading health maintenance organizations in the country.

It said it completed the acquisition after receiving all necessary regulatory approvals from the Insurance Commission and the Philippine Competition Commission.

“With AIA Philippines and MediCard coming together, we will be in the best position to capture opportunities that will help us remain the leading brand that addresses the protection, long-term savings, and healthcare needs of Filipinos. This will go a long way towards the fulfillment of our Purpose of helping more people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives,” AIA Philippines chief executive Kelvin Ang said.

MediCard president and chief executive Dr. Nicky Montoya said they are excited at the work ahead as part of AIA Philippines, “where we will be able to further expand our propositions, allowing us to address the ever-growing needs of our customers.”

“Filipinos can expect MediCard to provide broader, more efficient, and more effective health coverage and care services in the future,” Montoya said.

Shell secures P9-b loan from BPI, Metrobank

OIL player Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said Wednesday it secured a five-year loan worth P9 billion, evenly split between the Bank of the Philippines Islands and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., following a competitive tender process.

“This also renews an existing 5-year loan with BPI maturing on March 8, 2023,” PSPC, the country’s second-biggest oil company, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“The loan will reduce SHLPH’s exposure to short-term volatilities in the market as it benefits from the low-interest rate for its cash requirements,” the company said.

PSPC remains committed to expanding its retail network from over 1,100 stations at present.

“We will continue to grow that 40 to 60 sites year-on-year until 2025,” PSPC president and chief executive Lorelie Quiambao Osial said earlier.

PSPC is also putting up another oil import terminal by 2025, which will bring its network of import terminals to five to serve the growing fuel needs of its consumers nationwide. “We’ve committed to have five mediumrange capable import terminals. We broke ground on the fourth one last year, and we are looking at announcing a fifth one as well. By 2025 we will have five [terminals,” Osial said. Alena Mae S. Flores

SUPPORT FOR FARMERS. The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, a multi-sectoral research and development body under the Department of Science and Technology, reaches an understanding with First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group to jointly explore and support agribusiness technologies and projects that will improve the livelihood of small farmers and fishermen. Signing the memorandum of understanding are DOST-PCAARRD executive director Reynaldo Ebora

Now 98-percent complete, the NLEX Connector España Section is expected to reduce traffic congestion in Manila especially along España Boulevard, Abad Santos Ave., Rizal Ave. and Lacson Ave. as it will divert trucks and other vehicles from the capital’s major roads.

The elevated expressway will provide greater access to several areas in Manila including the University Belt, it said.

THE interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee warned that the 2023 gross domestic product growth forecast of 6 percent to 7 percent may not be achieved if the elevated inflation is not addressed.

Members of the DBCC briefed the House Committee on Appropriations on Feb. 28 on the country’s macroeconomic situation and growth prospects in light of the persistent battle with high inflation.

The DBCC—-composed of the heads of the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management and National Economic and Development Authority—-discussed the impact and implications of rising inflation on the fiscal and external position, growth targets, priority measures and budgetary

THE Philippines and Indonesia, through their respective ASEAN- Business Advisory Councils, started aligning initiatives to help the region’s micro-, small- and medium enterprises.

Among these initiatives is the Philippines’ own legacy project from its chairmanship of the ASEAN—the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network. Go Negosyo founder and ASEANBAC Philippines chair Joey Concepcion said the recently concluded bilat-

allocation for targeted assistance projects and policy thrusts of the national government.

It reaffirmed that the full-year 2023 GDP growth target of 6 percent to 7 percent for growth rate remained attainable “so long as domestic risks, especially, are addressed.”

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the implementation of short- and medium-term measures should be aligned with the strategies outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 20232028 and enacted in a timely manner.

Balisacan said that by augmenting insufficient domestic food production, importation aimed to curb the adverse effects of high food prices and protect consumer welfare especially for

eral meeting between the two groups affirmed the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving progress for the region.

Public-private partnerships define the legacy projects that each country should implement following their chairmanship of the ASEAN-BAC.

The bilateral meeting is part of the ASEAN BAC Indonesia chair’s series of meetings held in the Philippines from Feb. 16 to 18 and is part of the roadshow

the poor and most vulnerable sectors, whose consumption baskets are largely constituted by food.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said there was a need to intensify the timely implementation of non-monetary measures to curb persistent inflation and mitigate its impact on the most vulnerable sectors.

Diokno told lawmakers that a short- to medium-term framework was being constructed with the help of the Presidential Management Staff and other relevant government agencies to mitigate inflation.

The DOF proposed short-term interventions from production to importation, post-harvest, storage, distribution and transport of goods to improve every stage of the supply chain.

Julito G. Rada

Elevated inflation may affect 2023 GDP growth target—DBCC PH,

Indonesia is conducting across the ten ASEAN member states.

The roadshow is in support of its chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2023 and aims to discuss with the ASEAN-BAC from each country the five key priorities and seven legacy projects of Indonesia’s ASEAN BAC chairmanship.

Among the ASEAN-BAC Indonesia’s legacy projects which present possible synergy with the Philippines include the Wiki Entrepreneur One-Stop Digital

“We are on our final stretch of construction for this first segment of the NLEX Connector and we are looking forward to opening it before the end of March,” Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said.

“The next phase of this project is the three-kilometer section from España to Sta. Mesa, which the DPWH and NLEX are accelerating so we can finish by the second quarter of this year,” he said.

Designed to cater to all vehicle classes including trucks, the four-lane NLEX Connector intends to stimulate economic growth by significantly improving the mobility of motorists thus boost overall productivity.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the NLEX Connector “augurs well for the agency’s mandate of providing convenient access for road users as it will address traffic congestion.”

Platform, the ASEAN Cross-Border QR Code, the ASEAN Net Zero Hub, the Carbon Center for Excellence and the Inclusive Loop for Agriculture Products. Concepcion underscored the importance of MSMEs in the ASEAN region’s development. “Moving forward toward progress centers on MSMEs. If we don’t develop them, we will have difficulty reducing the level of poverty. We have to scale them up and generate more jobs for the region,” he said.

Mega Prime Foods president and chief executive William Tiu Lim, chief operating officer Michelle Tiu Lim Chan and chief growth and development officer Marvin Tiu Lim.

(second from left) and First Gen vice president Shirley Cruz (third from left). With them are PCAARRD deputy executive director Melvin Carlos (left) and First Gen Senior Manager Janice Ortañez-Dugan.

GAB to investigate violent acts in ‘Battle of Youtubers’

By Randy Caluag

THE Games and Amusement Board will look closely into the activities of a boxing series called “Battle of Youtubers,” whose video clips on social media show people in violent acts, while shouting expletives.

“Of course, we will have this checked. Having this investigated now,” GAB chairman Richard Clarin said when sought to comment on the matter.

The GAB was also furnished by netizens’ comments about a post that show participants trading blows and cursing each other,

UCI

head

By Peter Atencio

EXPECT the Philippine national women’s football team to fight with a lot heart.

Philippine Football Federation secretary general Edwin Gastanes said this Wednesday as the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour made a stop in the Philippines, with late afternoon festivities at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

“This is what is expected of them (Filipinas). And it’s something that we have seen in their recent fights,” said Gastanes during the rites attended by Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu and New Zealand’s Peter Kell.

The trophy tour seeks to ramp up support for the participating member countries, with the Filipinas continuously preparing for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 that will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

Activities in the trophy tour will include numerous minigames such as freestyle football, penalty shootouts, skills and header challenges.

Fans also had the opportunity to have a photo with the actual trophy as background.

Yu took note that the World Cup trophy came at a time when the country is celebrating National Women’s Month.

“How wonderful it is to celebrate Women’s Month with the Trophy Tour. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate women in sports,” said Yu.

SMBeermen battle Tamayo, Golden Kings in EASL debut

SAN Miguel Beer finds its hands full on Thursday when it battles Ryukyu Golden Kings in the East Asia Super League Champions Week at the Brex Arena Utsunomiya.

The showdown between the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion and the Golden Kings is set at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time), just after the curtain raiser between S eoul SK Knights and recent Manila visitor Bay Area Dragons.

Two very familiar faces will be at the Golden Kings’ side in Gilas Pilipinas pool member Carl Tamayo and PBA three-time Best Import Allen Durham.

The match serves as the debut of the 6-foot-7 Tamayo with Ryukyu, which recently signed him to a lucrative three-year contract after playing two seasons with University of the Philippines.

“It’s my first pro debut in the EASL and I’m very excited,” said the 22-yearold Filipino when the Golden Kings presented him during a media presser.

with a lady host shouting in obscene language.

“Dapat ‘yang mga ‘yan, i-ban sa lahat ng social media. Dapat tutukan ng gobyerno ‘yan, ‘di sila magandang halimbawa sa mga kabataan,” said Niccolo Dela Cruz at the comment section in one of the the videos.

Battle of the Youtubers is a boxing event that features popular social media vloggers.

In promoting the fight, however, scripted videos show the protagonists exchanging hash words which become worse during their faceoff and weigh-in ceremony, usually held a day before the fight.

Some professional boxers, who acquire professional licenses from the GAB, have suspected that the events do not have government permits and therefore, are not regulated and are deemed illegal.

“Hindi magandang ehemplo ang mga ito sa kabataan,” said pro boxing coach Glenn Mondol.

Whether scripted or not, the (youtubers) antics denigrate the sport of boxing and martial arts sport and put to shame the honorable men and women of professional prizefighting, according to netizens.

“Dapat kasi mag-vlog na lang kayo, pati ba naman boxing papasukin niyo pa? Akala niyo madali ang boxing,” one netizen commented. The GAB’s investigation on the matter was confirmed by GAB’s Boxing and Combat Sports Division chief Jackie Cacho Ornido.

Clarin has been making rounds in various boxing promotions, pushing for more professionalism in the sport, with a prime focus on improving the boxers’ health and safety, prize purses, and opportunities abroad.

GAB is also persistent in its effort to avoid mismatches and other illegal practices by careful screening and evaluation of fight cards.

“I really prepared myself for this moment. I’m very happy to play with my teammates and represent the Kings.” Durham, who previously played for the Meralco Bolts, is one of three imports officially in the lineup of the Golden Kings along with Josh Duncan and Jack Cooley.

The 34-year-old, do-it-all Durham was in the country a week ago to visit his former teammates and watch a game of Meralco against TNT in the Governors’ Cup.

San Miguel meanwhile, will be reinforced by Cameron Clark and Jessie Govan.

Six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, fresh from their stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, banner the local side of the Beermen, who also lined up high-scoring guard Terrence Romeo.

The three-time PBA scoring king has not suited up for San Miguel in the ongoing conference due to a back injury, but will finally break in by coach Jorge Gallent.

The debut game of TNT against Japan B. League champion Utsunomiya Brex is being played as off press time.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Board Chairman Ricky Vargas, and Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua meanwhile arrive in Utsunomiya late Wednesday for the EASL games.

Lappartient vows to support PhilCycling

INTERNATIONAL Cycling Union president David Lappartient on Wednesday expressed support to the Philippine program as he and Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino discussed “anything and everything about cycling” during the Asian Cycling Confederation Congress on Wednesday at The Stones Hotel in Bali, Indonesia.

“We talked, discussed and expounded on anything and everything about cycling that he [Lappartient] highlighted by vowing to support our program,” said Tolentino, who’s attending the first in-person ACC Congress in three years.

Tolentino said Lappartient has fond memories of the Philippines for having been a part of the panel of commissaires during the country’s hosting of the Asian road and track championships at the Amoranto Velodrome and

Subic in 1995.

For started, Lappartient agreed to Tolentino’s proposal to send one athlete each in road, BMX and mountain bike to qualifying races for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“The support will cascade to a UCI program through the World Cycling Center Asia headquarters in South Korea,” said Tolentino, the PhilCycling president since 2008.

Tolentino presented in the ACC Congress the country’s first-time hosting of the Asian BMX (Racing and Freestyle) Championships at the UCI-standard Tagaytay City BMX track on July 15 and 16.

The BMX track in Tagaytay City is the sole UCI-standard track in the country and the first in Asia to have a roof. It hosted the BMX competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

Tolentino said Lappartient was in

his comfort zone talking about the Philippines.

“It’s something about someone from the UCI or Europe or elsewhere who’s worked with Pat McQuaid, who has adequate knowledge about our country, our hospitality and our people,” Tolentino said.

McQauid was the former UCI president who, as then head of the UCI Road Commission, spent months in the Philippines in each of the years from 1994 to 1998 setting up the Marlboro Tour as one of the biggest UCI multi-stage races in Asia.

The 1998 Marlboro Tour, however, was to be the fabled race’s last after global restrictions on tobacco products sponsorship of sports events were imposed.

Southwoods sets early pace

CEBU CITY—Junjun Plana and Coby Rolida produced sub-par rounds to lift Manila Southwoods to the early lead in the 74th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub golf team championships at the Cebu Country Club on Wednesday.

Plana, the only senior in the youthladen squad, birdied the ninth, his final hole, to secure 38 points while Rolida also closed with a birdie to turn in 37.

Southwoods drew a pair of 33s from Gabriel Manotoc and Josh Jorge to launch its title-retention bid with 141 points.

“We went into the round with a target of 140 points, so I think we did a good job,” said Southwoods non-playing captain Thirdy Escano. Plana was 3-under when he hit his tee

shot out of bounds on the penultimate hole, leading to a pickup.

“I teed the ball a little higher,” rued Plana who nevertheless bounced back on the next hole.

Rolida, a Nomura Cup veteran, fired an eagle and four birdies against three bogeys and a pickup. He set up the eagle putt from under the trees on the par-5 11th, using a five-iron from 197 yards.

“It helped that we were allowed to lift, clean, and replace the ball,” Rolida said.

Eastridge Golf Club moved into second place with 127 points behind Alexander Bisera’s 38 points.

Loyd Labrador and Joachim Alonso Yu each carded 30 points while Antonio

Asistio chipped in 29.

Host CCC took the third spot with 126, drawing 34 from Eric Deen and a pair of 31s from Mark Dy and Vincent Osmena.

The 30s of either Jon Joseph Alvarez or Kyu Ok On counted.

Rounding out the standings in the championship division were Tagaytay Highlands 119, Valley 116, Sta. Elena 114, Del Monte 113, Pueblo de Oro 111.

In the Founders division, Alabang took a four-point lead over Negros Occidental after scoring 120 points at CCC. Riviera was running third with 114. The annual event, held with the theme “Back to Ignite,” is supported by platinum sponsors ABS-CBN Global, Asian Journal, Airbus, and NUSTAR Resort and Casino.

PFF expects Filipinas to fight with lot of heart

Shown here are (from left) Kue-Yu Chou (Taipei Fubon Braves), Hee-Jong Yang (Anyang KGC), Yuta Tabuse Utsunomiya Brex), Kelly Williams (TNT) Matt Bayer (CEO of EASL), Bukyung Choi (Seoul SK Knights), Duncan Reid (Bay Area Dragons), Naoki Tashiro (Ryukyu Golden Kings) and Chris Ross (SMB).

POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol”

Tolentino with International Cycling Union president David Lappartient in Bali.

LA aims to find a way despite James injury

LOS ANGELES—

The Los Angeles Lakers offered no fi rm timeline on Tuesday for LeBron James’s return from a right foot injury, but coach Darvin Ham said their “mission is still the same” with their superstar sidelined.

The Lakers, 12th in the Western Conference, are trying to claw their way into the post-season, with the 10th placed team in each conference gaining a spot in the play-in tournament.

Ham said he’d met with players on Tuesday morning and emphasized three things: “We’ve got to continue to play the right way, we’ve got to continue to be together, and we’ve also got to continue on with the mission.

“The mission hasn’t changed for us. The goal of securing a playoff spot is still very much alive,” Ham said as the Lakers prepared to take on the Grizzlies in Memphis.

Their chances of turning things around in the closing stretch of the season took a big hit on Sunday, when James went down hard in the third quarter but stayed in the game as the Lakers completed a remark-

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A.

able rally from 27 points down to beat the Dallas Mavericks.

James limped out of the American Airlines Center in Dallas that night, and the Lakers had already confirmed that the NBA’s all-time leading scorer wouldn’t play on Tuesday, listing him as out due to “right foot soreness.”

While several US media outlets reported the Lakers feared James would be sidelined multiple weeks, Ham said only that diagnostic tests were ongoing.

ESPN reported Tuesday that he would likely be re-evaluated in two weeks.

“It’s unfortunate that Bron went down, but injuries are a real part of our sport,” Ham said. “We’ve got to step up and hold down the fort until he returns.”

James’s injury came less than three weeks after he eclipsed Kareem AbdulJabbar as the most prolific scorer in NBA history, breaking a 39-year-old record that many thought would never fall.

The four-time NBA champion said prior to a record-equalling 19th All-Star Game appearance that the final stretch of the regular season was “23 of the most important games of my career for a regular season,” and he hoped he could find a way to be available every night.

Instead the Lakers will be scrambling to find a way to win without him. They are 5-9 in games he has missed this season. AFP

the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are Rochelle L. Ongchap and Alan L. Tan both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at Quezon City and Quezon City respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

PH faces Women’s AsPac uphill battle

RIANNE Malixi and three other Filipinas vying in the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific Championship face a task so daunting they would need to outdo themselves to at least contend in the region’s premier women’s amateur championship when it gets under way on March 9 at the Singapore Island Country Club.

For three of the world’s Top 10, all from Japan, banner the elite 85-player field, and South Korea and Thailand are returning with strong teams while Qa-

tar and Lebanon seek to stir up play in their first foray in the blue-ribbon event spread over 72 holes at the well-kept, challenging layout.

Avani Prashanth of India is also in the hunt, coming off an imposing 10-stroke triumph in last week’s Queen Sirikit Cup at Manila Southwoods, while New Zealand is also fielding in a crack six-player crew, led by world No. 22 Fiona Xu, along with a slew of aces from Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Chinese-Taipei and host Singapore.

But the Pinays, including reigning national stroke play champion Junia Gabasa, Mafy Singson and Lois Kaye Go, are ready to take up the challenge, particularly Malixi, who barely missed a podium finish in the Sirikit Cup after losing to Korean Hyunjo Yoo in the countback for the bronze. The ICTSI-backed shotmaker also tied for third in the WAAP in Thailand last November, putting herself into contention early on but losing steam in the final round.

Diaz, Bona seek PPS meet twin win in Biñan

JANA Diaz and Kendrick Bona go allout to double their feats in San Pablo, Laguna last week, eyeing to dominate the top two age categories in the PPSPEPP Rep. Len Naguiat National Junior Tennis Championships beginning Thursday at the South City Homes Recreational courts in Biñan.

The duo nailed the 16-U titles and the MVP honors in the Escudero Cup with Diaz and Bona focused on adding the 18-U trophy but against a field ready and eager to foil their respective bids in the Group 1 tournament presented by Dunlop. Diaz, from Bacoor, Cavite, actually shared the 18-U diadem with Chloe Mercado in San Pablo after rains washed out their final duel with the former facing a tough set of challengers this week, including Beatrice Panganiban, Joy Ansay, Anika Manalo, Sandra Bautista and Selina Go, among others.

The six also banner the 16-U roster that includes young Maristella Torrecampo, Ave Policarpio and Ronielle Oliveros, while Ansay and Torrecampo loom as the top contenders for the 14-U crown in the tournament serving as part of country’s longest talent-search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Torrecampo, meanwhile, is fancied to run away with the 12-U plum for the second straight week.

Bona, from Puerto Princesa, is also bracing for a big fightback from top seed Reign Maravilla, who lost to Lexious Cruz in the Escudero Cup, along with Frank and France Dilao in what promises to be a fierce battle for the boys’ 16-U championship.

desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to Hong Kong of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in

Maravilla, Cruz and the Dilao siblings are also expected to crowd Bona in 18-U play headlined by Vince Serna with Kurt Balena and Antonio Ng, Jr. also hoping to pull off a surprise in the week-long event supported by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating).

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers puts up a shot and scores against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at American Airlines Center on February 26, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. The Lakers won 111-108.

Mayor Honey revives search for Manila’s most beautiful

By Nickie Wang

MANILA City Mayor Sheilah “Honey”

Lacuña-Pangan has announced the revival of Miss Manila. The pageant, to be hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, will have its coronation night on June 24 at the Metropolitan Theater, coinciding with the city’s foundation day.

The announcement was made by Mayor Honey during a press conference held at the Mayor’s Office in Manila City Hall on Tuesday. The event was attended by Vice Mayor John Marvin Cruz Nieto, popularly known by his stage name Yul Servo, Kate Valenzuela, CEO of KreativDen (producer of the pageant), Dorothy Laxamana, VP for sales and marketing for Miss Manila 2023, and Charlie Dungo, of the Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Manila.

“Pageantry started in the City of Manila in 1908 with Manila Carnival. It was held in Luneta. The winner was Purificacion ‘Pura’ Villanueva Kalaw. She’s from Iloilo. She’s an activist and a writer. She worked for the bill of suffrage, giving all women the chance to vote. After so many years, the third Carnival Queen, hailed from Manila, happens to be the daughter

Yhuan ‘Gold’

THERE is sure promise in an 18-year-old boy with commendable talent and good looks, and whose single makes it to Spotify’s

Fresh Finds Philippines playlist

The artist is named Yhuan. His song is called “Gold,” not the classic from Spandau Ballet, but something indestructible on its own.

The track, dropped on digital stores last Friday (February 24) is one he himself composed and recorded in, well, just two days.

Widescope Entertainment may have struck gold when it signed Yhuan, a music producer who is also a commercial model and dancer. Upon quick digging, it appears that the young man with a bright future ahead of him had appeared in a Shopee advertisement with the iconic Jose Mari Chan. He also won second place in the Weaver Beats Remix contest.

A music technology major from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Yhuan counts on momentum when he’s crafting a song. On “Gold” he chose not to let go until it was finished.

“I started piecing together a story about someone feeling down, yet thrilled when he suddenly sees this person who ends up giving him great luck,” expressed the discovery from the province of Bulacan.

Yhuan is heard singing and playing synths on the recording executive produced by Widescope’s Vic de Vera and supervised by the label’s entertainment director Neil Gregorio. Widescope A&R

senator. She was the only female senator during her time,” Mayor Honey said during her opening remarks.

“It just goes to show that pageantry is not just all about beauty, it’s also about the worth of women,” she went on.

Last held in 2018, Miss Manila is looking for 25 candidates who will compete for the title. A project of the City of Manila to look for a Manileña that embodies the values of empowerment and leadership to deliver a meaningful contribution to her life and to her fellow Manilans.

The pageant is open to all single females, between 18 and 30 years old, and must be a resident of the city. She must have a good moral character and can either be a student or an employed professional.

“Miss Manila should be true to herself, she has to love herself first before she can love others. She should embody the traits of a true Manileña. And she should be a strong advocate of women’s rights. In other words, she should have a ‘wow’ factor – woman of worth. She should be a true leader, a nurturer, and a changemaker,” Mayor Honey underscored.

the title, Miss Manila will be the ambassador of the city and will work closely with her office for their numerous projects.

Mayor Honey underscored.

Standard Entertainment the City Mayor said that after winning and mix

manager and A-list singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel mix and master specialist Dante Tanedo were also on board.

“Gold’s,” described as groovy, and swingy with a touch of hip-hop, banks on a chorus that says, “Who on Earth gives a damn about gold?/ Oh if love’s much brighter than diamond and it never gets old/ Girl you’re worth everything that I own/ I don’t mind it if I bet it all and lose/Cus Darling I got you.”

The baby-faced Yhuan pointed out that the song’s protagonists “realized that even if they lose it all, they (are) enjoying the company of each other more than anything.”

For his musical influences, he namedropped Ed Sheeran, Porter Robinson, and Jon Bellion Yhuan said that he wrote “Gold” by way of a songwriting exercise “we had with my friends from the Philpop Digicamp.” The given theme is gold and dance-related. He added, “I also looked for gambling terms to fit the theme of gold and related it to money, possessions, and love.”

This boy, who also has another song out in the digital realm called “Pabalik Sa’yo,” is born-ready. At 18 he believes that now is

Lovi Poe surprised Panagbenga spectators with new endorsement

ACTRESS Lovi Poe signed another endorsement deal, this time, with Eevor Skin Care Depot simply known in the market as SCD.

As an ambassador of beauty products maker, the actress and singer surprised the crowd at the recently concluded Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio when she joined SCD family aboard its float.

“I’m so excited to join the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City for the first time. And I am very happy na sasakay ako sa float ng SCD family ko,” she said.

Eevor Skin Care Depot or SCD was established in 2016 at Olongapo City, where it currently holds its office and production facility. It has a wide array of skin care products developed and crafted with high-quality and environment-friendly ingredients. SCD has various distributors and resellers across the Philippines and is set to reach the international market.

The company is the brainchild of Grace Mangulabnan-Angeles, a full-time wife and mother of three, and a devoted businesswoman who started venturing into the herbal soap business in 2006 under Grace Herbal Garden. After a long break from business, she then opened SCD’sdoors with her own formulated soaps and her breakthrough product, The Peeling Skin Lotion. SCD’s vision is to be one of the front runners and one of the top choices for skin

care products in the country and globally.

“The vast competition among local and international brands is limitless, and this inspires and motivates us to do more great and top-quality products worthy of competition. At SCD, we are responsible to give you our honest and transparent professional advice toward your specific skincare needs. We have the responsibility and duty to be ethical in all aspects, especially towards our professional relationship with our customers. We aim to educate customers to help them make the right choices in our product line,” said Mangulabnan-Angeles.

the time and he doesn’t have to wait until he reaches a certain age. Simply put he’s young, dynamic, and daring. “Above the highest building while we touch the clouds and high we went,” he stated in the lyrics of “Gold.”

Right in the track’s opening verse, he already makes himself clear by singing, “Cards shown, and I’m betting it all, there’s no way I’m going back right now.” On a Facebook post early last month he thanked his supportive mother and promised, “More commercials to come and music to produce.” https://orcd.co/yhuan_gold

“Her biggest responsibility as the winner is to showcase what Manila has to offer as a city. She will help promote and boost the tourism of the city, including the economy. She will participate in our programs connected with women,” she said.

“I have started a program for solo parents. We will launch that this year. Around 90 percent of solo parents in the city are women and this program aims to give equal opportunity to them. Miss Manila winner will have a big participation in this project,” Mayor Honey added. Application is open until April 30, visit www.missmanila.ph.

‘Wholesome’ South Korean reality TV proves a global hit

THE challenge is straight from Greek mythology: hold a boulder aloft as long as possible. Korean car dealer Jo Jin-hyeong lasted over two hours, captivating global audiences in a reality show that could signal a new K-culture export success.

After films such as Oscar-winning Parasite and TV series including Golden Globe-bedecked Squid Game helped popularise K-content overseas, industry figures have said South Korea’s high-quality reality shows may be next in line for domination.

Physical: 100, the new Netflix show that gym buff Jo competed in, featured 100 men and women in prime physical condition, including South Korea’s ex-Olympians and former special forces soldiers, performing absurdly difficult challenges.

It is the first unscripted series to top the streaming giant’s non-English chart, building on the popularity of Singles Inferno, a Korean dating show that became a sleeper hit worldwide last year.

Part of the charm of such shows is the contestants: Jo, who started hitting the gym as a weedy teenager and has never been a professional athlete, found he could hold his own against some of South Korea’s strongest people.

The 41-year-old won one of the show’s most brutal contests, the Greek mythinspired “Punishment of Atlas” challenge, where contestants had to lift and hold a boulder that bodybuilder contestant Kim Kang-min estimated was at least 50 kilograms (110 pounds).

Jo managed two hours and 14 minutes.

“When I lifted it I thought it was going to end in about 30 minutes,” he told AFP saying he kept telling himself: “hang in there for just 10 more minutes, then 10 more minutes...” He came fourth overall in the show – an achievement he said was once unthinkable.

“I started exercising in middle school

‘Physical: 100’ features 100 men and women in prime physical condition performing absurdly difficult challenges

because I was too puny. I wanted to be stronger,” he said, getting emotional when he thought of his younger self, who he thanked “for not giving up”. Wholesome and authentic Over the last few years, South Korean content has taken the world by storm, with over 60 percent of Netflix viewers watching a show from the East Asian country in 2022, company data showed.

Netflix, which spent more than 1 trillion won ($759 million) developing Korean content from 2015 to 2021, said it was expanding its South Korean reality show output this year.

“Korean nonfiction shows didn’t travel before Netflix started taking them global,” said Don Kang, the company’s vice president of Korean content. There are some things we did to make shows more easily understandable to the global audience,” he said, such as simplifying subtitles.

Car dealer Jo said he thought the show was proving a hit abroad due to the genuine sense of camaraderie in South Korea’s sports community.

Physical: 100 caused some controversy by pitting contestants of different genders against each other, prompting ques tions about whether it was fair. Ultimately, the top five contestants were men. AFP

BUKO Channel’s well-loved cooking show, Kusina ni Mamang, makes summer even more gastronomically fun.

This year is going to be deliciously different, promising to bring viewers on a culinary journey with featured dishes that are heavily inspired by authentic Filipino cuisine. With hosts “Mamang” Pokwang and DJ Jhai Ho adding a dash of comedy and sprinkles of entertainment to the show’s unique format, Kusina ni Mamang’s muchawaited return will first air on March 4, Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Follow the fascinating duo of Mamang Pokwang and DJ Jhai Ho as they navigate the country’s rich culture and explore the Filipino’s traditional yet remarkable way of cooking.

“Natutuwa kami sa pagbabalik ng Kusina ni Mamang dahil napakarami pa kaming mas masasarap pa na lulutuin. At syempre, excited din kami sa mga special guests na makakasama naming magluto. Kakaiba din ang bagong segment namin na sasagutin namin ang requests ng mga letter senders, kaya talagang kaabangabang ang mga bonggang

of Pura – Maria Kalaw Katigbak. She was born in Sampaloc and then became a

Yhuan is a music producer who goes all the way when making songs

Pokwang (right) and DJ Jai Ho add a dash of comedy as the show’s hosts

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna

From left: Department of Tourism, Culture and the Arts of Manila Director Charlie Dungo, Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, Honey Lacuna, Vice President for Sales and Marketing for Miss Manila 2023, and KreativeDen CEO Kate Valenzuela

The actress is the newest ambassador of SCD

Views from a sand dune race being held for the first time

By Lito Cinco

Images by JM Cinco

AN out-of-town

staycation for senior citizens will definitely be different from younger travelers. Seniors will go for relaxed tours, looking and appreciating natural attractions, and just enjoy a trip without stress. Younger ones, on the other hand, will go for adventure trips, the more thrills, the better.

As a pair of seniors in their late 60s with a 39-year-old son as a traveling companion, we got to enjoy both sides, combining both relaxing moments and adventure in our five-day visit to Laoag City and beyond as we went around to visit the known and the less known attractions in Ilocos Norte, made easier by the fact the legacy of a good road system left by the late President Ferdinand Marcos to his provincemates.

And being hosted by City Mayor Mike Keon was a big advantage, starting with our lodging at the Amici Resort Hotel. Just 20 minutes away from the airport, Amici is a two-hectare 40-room place, actually stand-alone casitas amidst trees that give

A travel adventure in Laoag and beyond

guests a feeling of privacy, rooms are nice and spacious with complete amenities inside. Best of all, the resort owners are very friendly and hospitable.

We met the GM Marlyn Sy and shared her hotel’s history. You cannot go wrong with its restaurant that offers native dishes like crispy Dinardaraan, Ilocos Igado, Pinakbet with Bagnet, Dinoydoy, Poque-Poque, homemade native longganisa in different flavors, and a calamansi tart for dessert.

Actually, one can do food tripping in Laoag with a wide choice of native restaurants, we tried Kabakiran for grilled seafood, Ekhikaia with its seafood buffet, and Macy’s for Western-type food, it also features a nonworking jukebox as decor. And Smoke, beside Paoay Church, known for its steak dishes is a favorite of even President Bongbong Marcos and his cousin Keon. We were also personal guests of Keon at his house for lunch and dinner.

The next few days saw us moving around as the good mayor provided a vehicle with a driver-guide. Now since we talked of adventure, the highlight of our trip, accord-

ing to my wife and son, was our 4x4 challenge in the sand dunes of La Paz outside the city proper. It is an 85 square kilometer hilly and beach area with a ride that goes up and down like a rollercoaster over loose sand, the downhills are the best plus very Instagrammable shots at the beachside with beautiful cloud formations as backdrop.

We rode a small 4x4, there are more than 20 vehicles and even my reluctant wife enjoyed the ride, saying it was the most enjoyable part of our trip. Actually, Paoay also has smaller sand dunes but they are flatter, we prefer this more exciting 7-kilometer ride in La Paz.

We dropped by the famous Fort Ilocandia, the place remains impressive in its grandeur but we were disappointed that there were hardly any guests to be seen. The place practically looked deserted, I believe ever since the casino that used to attract Chinese gamblers straight from Taiwan and mainland China was taken out.

Now, if you want to play in a casino, there is a small one beside Robinson’s in San Nicolas near the downtown area. We

did go there but lost a few thousand centavos playing pai gao and the slot machines.

A visit to Ilocos Norte will not be complete without dropping by the Malacanang of the North overlooking beautiful Paoay Lake. The place had a lot of visitors that morning when we proceeded to Paoay Church, one of the most recognizable old churches in the country. A stone’s throw away was Nazarene’s where the province’s more popular pasalubongs like sukang iloko (not allowed in the plane though), soft and hard biscocho, kornik, and bagnet, among others were available.

On the other side of Laoag, we went all the way to Pagudpud, a beautiful beach but not swimmable from November to March. We just had lunch at the Saud Beach Resort and Hotel.

At the Bojeador Light House in Burgos, where one gets a panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea, the white rock of Kapurporawan, also in Burgos where a lot of windmills, could be seen close up, the white rock actually is the effect of the continuous strong waves hitting the rocks on

the beach creating a seemingly permanent white area along the beach line. It has very strong winds too in the mornings.

The last town before reaching Laoag from Pagudpud is Bacarra where we saw picnic huts strung along the river bed, a popular destination during summer.

Sports tourism may also become a big thing in the province as the Ferdinand Marcos Memorial Stadium was inaugurated when we were there with the President himself and other members of the Marcos family present at the renovated stadium that can seat 20,000 people. That night, it was almost full as the Tan-ok Festival was held.

We also had the opportunity to meet the Tourism Officer of Laoag City, Angela Lao who shared her vision for tourism in Laoag using Shine Laoag as the theme.

Laoag is one of the remaining cities that still have native calesas -- a part of the city’s attraction at night.

“We are positioned more as a gateway to the North but we believe we can convince visitors to stay a bit longer and enjoy what we can offer them in terms of sights and activities. We are finalizing our year-long program of activities that begins with our Pamulinawen Festival, next major celebration here is our charter day in June,” said Lao.

For Mayor Keon, now in his second term, tourism will be a major component of his program for Laoag and one can also expect sports tourism to emerge considering the politician’s background in sports. The bottom line, Ilocos Norte will go beyond being a gateway in the near future.

Vital Dome expands local network with BGC chiropractic clinic

VITAL Dome Philippines recently expanded its local network to include the Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center among the facilities that already offer its revivifying technology to the workweary public.

On its 51st founding anniversary, the APO La Salle chapter celebrates its legacy by further strengthening its present foothold in the society and forging the future

APO La Salle celebrates 51 years of servant leadership

THERE are few things in the world more powerful than friendship. Truly, the bond among like-minded men and women lasts a lifetime, but even more so when the brotherhood and sisterhood are forged by a collective spirit of selfless service.

Such are the ties that bind Alpha Phi Omega – one of the largest premier service-oriented organizations in the world. Founded on December 16, 1925 in the United States, and with over half a million alumni members across the globe, APO seeks “to develop leadership, promote friendship, and provide service to humanity.”

In the Philippines, APO La Salle was founded on February 27, 1972. It has taken pride—over the years—in nurturing well-rounded and successful members of the organization that belong not only in the business community but in other sectors and industries such as the academe, military, and the government.

On its 51st founding anniversary, the APO La Salle chapter celebrates its legacy not only by looking back on half a century of molding exemplary men and women out of Green Archers, but also by further strengthening its present foothold in society and forging the future through its cardinal principles of leadership, friendship, and service.

More than its individual members, APO La Salle revels in its collective achievements. Its ubiquitous presence representing all strata of life has been dedicated to the development and uplifting of impoverished communities here and abroad. Services conducted by the organization include community development and rehabilitation, calamity drives, medical-dental missions, and tutoring, among others.

For its 50+1 Anniversary, APO La Sal-

APO La Salle undertakes a Pawikan conservation project, which will protect and boost the dwindling population of the endangered sea turtles

le spearheaded a slew of humanitarian projects in February that were aimed at effecting positive changes in communities in Morong, Bataan. Over a hundred of its members graced the event, coming home from different parts of the globe such as the US, Canada, the Middle East, and Australia.

First on the lineup was an Artesian Wells Project, which was primed to provide a sustainable water supply system for communities in Morong, Bataan. This was done in conjunction with a feeding program and a slipper donation drive.

They also undertook a Pawikan conservation project, which will protect and boost the dwindling population of the endangered sea turtles – majestic creatures that keep seagrass beds healthy

and thriving for the entire local marine biome. As members took part in freeing bales of hatchlings, the chapter recognized the support needed in this kind of initiative to help save our ecosystem. These ventures are only a handful of the ways APO La Salle has offered its kindness and generosity to the community. The organization is consistently driven towards philanthropic work in order to serve and give back to communities. To empower its members in this endeavor, APO La Salle positively influences their growth, wellness, and development. On such a commemorative event as its founding anniversary, the organization hopes to continue sharing the APO way of life and La Sallian altruism throughout the country for decades to come.

Co-founded by Aireen Navarro Khauv and former US Navy chiropractor Dr. Kim Khauv, the Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center offers a variety of services that not only bring relief to those in severe or chronic pain but also improve their overall quality of life.

Dr. Kim has over 20 years of experience, 5-1/2 years of which were spent as a chiropractor for the US Navy. He has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from UCLA, with a special interest in Toxicology. He has also published chiropractic and public health research in several scientific journals.

“Detoxification is very important in lowering our body’s burden of toxins to keep us all healthy.

In addition, current research shows that infrared therapy provides wound healing, speeding up recovery from athletic activities and improving the quality of life of our patients is very exciting” Dr. Kim stated, citing how the Vital Dome could make a great difference in the well-being of his patients at the center.

Their partnership was launched recently at the Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center with noted speakers. Dr. Kim spoke on the benefits of chiropractic care and healing and recovery using far infrared therapy; Dr. Finesse Evangelista, dermatologist, talked about toxins and diagnosis; Nenette Umali, dietitian/nutritionist, expounded on proper nutrition, and Katherine Alejar, chief executive officer and innovator of Vital Dome’s exclusive Philippine distributor i3, who had a segment with Dr. Joel Lopez of JLopezMD Medi Spa and Wellness Center for Vital Test.

The addition of the Vital Dome to the center’s roster of services provides more than just comfort and relaxation. The regenerative action of the far infrared rays generated by the carbon panels within the device reduces internal inflammation which, in turn, helps in long-term pain management. This ensures that users can do more physically without debilitating pain and discomfort.

Likewise, the Vital Dome is also instrumental in

healthy weight management and body shaping, and also has proven use in the field of dermatology as skin regeneration is triggered at the cellular level to give skin a fresher, more youthful appearance.

But more than anything, holistic health is the primary benefit that the Vital Dome offers users. The deep-penetrating action of the FIRs essentially raises the body’s core temperature in a safe and regulated manner, enabling it to sweat out toxins and other impurities as a way to stay healthy and keep infections at bay.

When used in tandem with the Vital Test, a noninvasive diagnostic device that determines the level of exposure one has had too heavy metals and other environmental toxins, as well as the alignment and corrective therapies offered at the center, the Vital Dome delivers a greater sense of well-being on the part of clients, enabling them to live and enjoy life to its fullest.

For her part, Alejar takes pride in the way her company is helping the Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center achieve its goal of improving clients’ lives through improved health and overall well-being.

“We are honored to be a part of the center’s commitment to total health and wellness,” Alejar says. “I hope that other clinics and wellness facilities will follow suit and bring the Vital Dome to their own clients.”

Aside from its recent installation at Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center, Vital Dome can also be found at an aesthetic clinic, physiotherapy center, and at a high-end wellness resort i3 is also the exclusive distributor of Vital Dome in Singapore, Maldives, and South Korea. “We are honored to have been given the opportunity and privilege of making Vital Dome present in more countries in order to help people have healthier and happier lives,” Alejar says. Patented and manufactured in France, the Vital Dome uses Far Infrared Rays (FIRs) generated by carbon panels within the device to give users the ultimate detoxification experience to deliver a sense of relaxation, renewed well-being, and a general improvement in one’s quality of life.

For more information on the Vital Dome, visit vitaldomeglobal.com

From left: Doctor Finesse Evangelista, Katherine Alejar, Doctor Kim Khauv, and Nenette Umali during the launch

Vital Dome is now at the Well-Balanced Chiropractic Wellness Center

Casitas at Amici Resort Hotel

The Saud Beach in Pagudpud

Visitors can get a panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea at the Bojeador Light House in Burgos