Manila Standard - 2023 March 9 - Thursday

MARCOS DIRECTS PHILHEALTH TO EXPAND BENEFITS

US SPEAKER SAYS TO MEET TAIWAN PRESIDENT SOON

Brains in Degamo slay known

DOJ mum on identity but says video call with hired killers tags suspect

By Rey E. Requejo, Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz

THE KILLERS of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo had a video call with the mastermind behind the March 4 assassination, Justice Secretary Jesus Crisin Remulla said Wednesday, adding that the case would be “wrapped up soon.”

Two of the suspects -- Joven Javier and Osmundo Rivero -- tagged a “prominent person” as having ordered the hit through a middleman identified as “Marvin,” GMA News reported, quoting a source who asked not to be identified.

The source said four plans were drafted on how to kill Degamo -- by an ambush, by a sniper attack, by intercepting him in public, and by attacking his residence.

As this developed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the families of Degamo and the eight other victims killed during the attack that the government will seek justice for their slain loved ones.

“I just came here to condole with the family of Gov. Roel. we asked them what else needs to be done, how can

PBBM looks at faster cleanup of oil spill, Japan sends expert help

By Vince

up the oil spill from a sunken tanker in Oriental Mindoro waters in less than four months. Japan has also committed to send experts to help stop the further spread of oil from the sunken tanker MT Princess

Empress, President Marcos said.

“This is a big help so that we can contain the oil and prevent it from reaching land. The oil reached some coastal areas before we found the vessel,” he said. The target is based on how the gov-

ernment cleaned up the 2006 Guimaras oil spill in four months, Mr. Marcos said in an interview on the sidelines of an event in Quezon City.

“If it’s not possible in one month,

CONTAINMENT MEASURE. Coast Guard personnel deploy an oil spill boom off Naujan in Oriental Mindoro to contain the leaking industrial fuel from a sunken tanker. Inset photo shows Coast Guard personnel and volunteers collecting debris covered in oil in neighboring municipality Pola.

President: No one to lose job in PUV upgrade

THE government must carefully study its public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program so that no transport workers will lose their jobs amid its implementation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

Mr. Marcos said the transport workers – mostly jeepney and UV Express drivers and operators – fear they might not be able to secure a loan to buy a new vehicle that meets the government’s prescribed modernization guidelines as it tries to phase out PUVs 15 years and older in favor of less-polluting electric vehicles.

The President made the remarks after the leaders of transport groups Manibela and PISTON met with Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil and Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Roy Cervantes in Malacanang on Tuesday night, leading to the end of

PCG, experts bat for int’l pressure on China’s ‘gray zone activities’

By Rey Requejo and Charles Dantes

AMID escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said

By Alena Mae S. Flores and Maricel V. Cruz

CONSUMERS will face higher electricity rates for March, by about P0.62 per kilowatt-hour, even after Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) deferred the collection of P1.1 billion of generation charges to mitigate the impact of the higher rates on them, the power firm revealed Wednesday.

Meralco estimated a total increase of about P1.11 per kWh for residential customers this month, including value-added tax and system loss, prompting it to ask the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to defer the collection of a portion of the increase equivalent to P0.40 per kWh.

Given the significant increase in

exposing China’s “gray zone operations” will allow international bodies to criticize the “activities” of Beijing in the Indo-Pacific. Gray zone operations are intended

to assert territorial claims through non-military means such as the deployment of Coast Guard vessels, maritime militias, and the fortification of islands and elevations.

“The Philippine Coast Guard’s persistent presence in patrolling the contested waters while at the same time documenting China’s activities allowed

UN twits PH inaction over ‘comfort women’

THE Philippines violated the rights of victims of sexual slavery perpetrated by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War, the United Nations women’s rights committee said in a decision Wednesday.

In a statement from Geneva, the UN panel said the country failed “to provide reparation, social support, and recognition commensurate with the harm suffered.”

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) issued its decision Wednesday after examining a complaint filed by 24 Filipinas -- members of the Malaya Lolas, a non-profit organisation established to provide

to sexual slavery survivors.

Meralco clients

Lopez, Vito Barcelo, Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government is

looking to clean

JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assures Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, that justice will be served as he visited the wake in Dunaguete on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

BREAKING GLASS CEILINGS AND CODES. (From left) SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan joins Philippine Commission on Women Executive Director Kristine Yuzon-Chaves, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez, and UN Women Philippines Country Program Manager Lenlen Mesina during an event marking International Women’s Day event at the SM Aura Premier Samsung Hall on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. They are joined by NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillion and Rep. Geraldine Roman, chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality during the whole day event titled ‘Breaking the Code: Equality for All Through Technology

Innovation,’ which puts the spotlight on bridging the digital gender gap and promoting

for girls and women

sectors.

support

Brains...

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we help the victims, including those who are still confined at the hospital,” the commander-in-chief said during his visit to the wake of the late governor.

“The relatives and spouses of the fatalities are here so we were able to talk to them. I assured them they can count on it that there will be justice here in your province that has become too chaotic. So that’s all that I’d like to say,” Mr. Marcos added.

Remulla, for his part, did not say who was on the video call or what was said, but added that it had “probative value” in the investigation.

“There was no mention of motive but the person they had a conversation with was on video. A live conversation happened on video with the person that is supposedly the mastermind,” Remulla said. “There’s a probative value.”

Remulla expressed confidence that the “end is near” for the investigation of the Degamo case, noting the preliminary statements given by the arrested suspects.

“I only have read the preliminary statements that were done and I can say that the end is near,” he said.

“This can be wrapped up soon, except that not all the perpetrators have been rounded up,” he added.

Four suspects are already in police custody while about five others are still at large, police earlier said. One suspect

PCG,...

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the international community to criticize their (China’s) actions that violate international law and violate international rules based order,” Tarriela said in a forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Philippines on Wednesday.

Experts likewise urged the government to stand up against Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea and engage in collective deterrence with like-minded allies.

Maritime law expert Professor Jay Batongbacal said Chinese operations in the West Philippine Sea are now becoming “more and more clearly hostile and aggressive.”

Last month, the Chinese Coast Guard beamed a military-grade laser light on a PCG ship in Ayungin Shoal. Several days ago, the PCG reported the presence of a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel, a China Coast Guard vessel, and 42 suspected Chinese Maritime Militia vessels within the surrounding waters of Pag-asa island.

Batongbacal urged the government to carefully consider how to prepare reasonable and proportionate responses to threats and activities undertaken by China against Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.

“We should not be afraid to consider proportional and reasonable responses. We should not shy away every time they make threatening moves and then we retreat for fear of provocation… There should be no gray area anymore. We need to begin erasing the grey zone. We need to begin acting and standing up for our lawful maritime rights. This is the only way we can move that forward. Otherwise, we might as well retreat and give up everything,” he said.

“We should not be doing everything on our own only. We should also consider talking closely with and coordinating with allies and friends so we can engage in collective deterrence. We should be together engaging in contingency planning and coordinating our policies, our activities, our responses, so that we may all be acting under a kind of united front. We should demonstrate to China that its grey zone activities and various other shenanigans will no longer be effective because there will be a united and collective response from all fronts wherever they may be,” he added.

Stratbase President Dindo Manhit also urged the current administration to cooperate with like-minded states through joint patrols and maritime domain awareness.

“The Philippines and other IndoPacific states must engage in strategies that will ultimately change China’s behavior to be symbiotic with the internationally established rules-based order.

Instead of coercion, states must strengthen cooperation in bilateral, multilateral, and minilateral means,” Manhit said.

“China’s activities within Philippine territory, driven by its expansionist ambitions and militarization, cannot be allowed,” he added.

International Studies Professor Renato De Castro said theexpected response to an emerging threat is to attempt to balance against it.

was killed in a shootout with police.

Government prosecutors have filed murder and frustrated murder charges against the four arrested suspects in the killing.

Gunmen killed Degamo and five others on Saturday, March 4, while he was distributing aid to his constituents at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. The death toll climbed to nine the following day as some of those critically wounded in the attack died.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) previously said it is eyeing placing two of the suspects under the witness protection program.

Remulla said he read the statement made by one of the suspects.

“There’s a statement already to the effect that there was a mastermind, but we have to evaluate it properly,” he said, without elaborating. “I cannot confirm any details as of now.”

Lawyers would be appointed to represent the suspects, he said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has already ordered the replacement of all police personnel in Negros Oriental following Degamo’s assassination.

Meanwhile, the governor’s wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, said she believed the person behind his killing was the same one who had threatened him in the past.

“There is only one person,” she said in Filipino on Dobol B TV.

“If you will go back, there was a time

President:...

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what would have been a weeklong PUV strike in just two days.

Mr. Marcos thanked members of Manibela and PISTON, headed by Mar Valbuena and Mody Floranda, respectively, for heeding the government’s call to sit down and discuss their concerns regarding the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday also said it will review the 2017 Omnibus Franchising Guidelines amid issues raised by the transportation sector.

“That’s why I was saying dialogue is important, because we can talk this over,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum.

“I am very thankful to them that they felt the situation, they have made their point… very clearly that it needs to be studied,” the President said.

“This is what I mentioned before, to review the system of changing the jeepneys, buses, and other forms of transport (for public) areas,” he added.

Leaders from both houses of Congress and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) praised the decision of the transport groups to end their “tigil pasada,” which they claimed paralyzed up to 90 percent of PUV operations in Metro Manila and several provinces.

The President said the government has been thoroughly studying and tweaking its systems in inspecting PUVs during the extension period of consolidation of transport groups under the PUVMP.

Under the modernization scheme, jeepney operators are enjoined to join

UN...

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These victims, commonly known as “comfort women,” had repeatedly raised their demands in the Philippines, asking their Government to support their claims against Japan for reparations for their suffering from the sexual slavery system during World War II, the UN panel said.

The panel observed that the Philippine Commission on Women had not addressed the institutionalized system of wartime sexual slavery, its consequences for victims and survivors, or their protection needs.

In contrast, Philippine war veterans,

Meralco...

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generation charge, Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said the company coordinated with its suppliers and the ERC for the deferral of a portion of the generation costs for the February supply month.

“This will help us bring down the generation charge increase in the March billing period, to the benefit of our customers,” he said.

“The total deferred generation costs of

in Kalibo, an X-Trail was intercepted, loaded with guns and ammunition. Someone tipped the governor that that vehicle was on its way to Negros Oriental for him,” she said.

The mayor said Degamo had received more threats, including one just before he took his oath.

She said he brought these concerns to the responsible officials and agencies.

“In the history of this province, there’s no record of a mayor, congressman or governor being shot by a rival, but this group is different,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

She said she supported placing two of the suspects under the witness protection program to unmask the mastermind.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that two of the suspects were taken by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), to talk about the mastermind.

In an interview on radio dzRH, PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said the information the suspects offered was “significant and material.”

Meanwhile, the PNP said it has relieved 75 officers in the Bayawan City police force after the March 4 assassination. Police Lt. Col. Stephen Amamaguid, former PPSMU, NOPPO from Cebu took over as the new chief of police of Bayawan City Police Station.

“The PNP is taking swift action to address the recent tragic event in Negros Oriental. We will do everything within our authority to bring the perpetrators

cooperatives or corporations, which will borrow money from banks to buy modern jeepneys or mini-buses.

The LTFRB earlier announced that traditional jeepneys and UV express units only had until June 30 to join cooperatives or corporations to modernize, a deadline that has since been extended to Dec. 31.

Mr. Marcos said the deadline set by the LTRFB “is enough to do all the work needed for the modernization program.”

Bautista noted that the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines implemented by the LTFRB – an agency under the Department of Transportation – is already six years old, “so there’s really a need to review it.”

“We’re asking for the stakeholders to get in touch with us so we can discuss all its related issues,” he added.

Bautista also stressed that the DoTr never recommended the immediate phaseout of traditional jeepneys in the country.

“There are many components in the PUV Modernization Program. The phaseout is one of the last. What we meant by phaseout is we will not allow the use of not road-worthy (PUVs). As long as the units are roadworthy and comply with the Philippine National Standards, we will allow the use of these units,” he added.

Bautista added that Manibela and Piston agreed to support the modernization program but in phases.

“The deadline that was set by the LTFRB was for operators to consolidate as a cooperative or as a corporation,” he added.

Sen. Grace Poe, the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, acknowledged the immediate response of the Executive branch to the sentiments of the transport sector on the PUV Modernization Plan, which jeepney drivers and operators considered burdensome.

who are mostly men, are entitled to special and esteemed treatment from the Government, such as educational benefits, health-care benefits, old age, disability, and death pensions.

The grandmothers’ group asserted that the Philippines’ failure to fight for their cause “had essentially resulted in ongoing discrimination against them that continues to this day.”

“This is a symbolic moment of victory for these victims who were previously silenced, ignored, written off, and erased from history in the Philippines,” said UN committee member Marion Bethel.

“The Committee’s Views pave the way for restoring their dignity, integrity, reputation, and honor,” she added.

P1.1 billion, equivalent to P0.40 per kWh, will be collected on a staggered basis in the April and May billing periods as cleared by the regulator,” the Meralco executive said. Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor with more than seven million customers in its franchise area, is set to make a final rate adjustment for March on Friday.

The company informed the ERC of its plan to defer collection of the generation charges over a two-month period to cushion the impact of increases in generation charges for February.

“We have no objections to initiatives of

of this heinous crime to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Gov. Roel Degamo and other victims of this senseless act of violence”, Lt Gen. Rhodel Sermonia said. Reports said gunmen had fled to Bayawan City, where the firearms used in the attack were recovered.

Lawmakers expressed dismay over the apparent inability of the PNP to stop political killings such as Degamo’s assassination.

Misamis Occidental Rep. Ando Oaminal raised this concern at an unannounced inquiry before the House committee on public order and security.

“There were only four victims during the last hearing. But this time, Governor Degamo has been added to the list,” Santa Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez, the panel’s chairperson, said.

Fernandez echoed the President’s concern that the series of killings involving politicians “is really alarming.”

“It’s high time for us…to find out what measures you are using to prevent situations like this,”

Fernandez said, addressing the PNP officials who attended the hearing as resource persons.

Oaminal, for his part, asked why the PNP was not able to prevent the Degamo killing when the governor himself declared then that there was as a validated threat.

“What assurance can the organization or the institution give us? Because these threats have already been confirmed and validated,” he said.

“We hope that an extensive consultation will result in a productive dialogue from the side of the government, drivers, and the commuting public,” she said.

Poe pointed out that the Palace action “only shows that is ready to talk and help our drivers and operators in this transition.”

“We are hoping that the DoTr and LTRFB will make this an opportunity to improve the program now that the transport groups are ready to join discussions,” she said. “Like what we promised when they went to the Senate, we guarantee a humane transition to PUV modernization.”

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Claudine Diana Bautista-Lim of DUMPER PTDA party-list group said: “We welcome their decision not to push through with the weeklong nationwide transport strike. We believe that this government is committed to the welfare of the transport sector.”

Lim, the vice chairperson of the House Committee on Transportation, echoed the commitment of the President to the transport sector that there will be no phaseout of traditional jeepneys. She said the statements of Valbuena and Floranda affirm the Marcos administration’s commitment to be sensitive to the plight of the transport sector.

“We are after the welfare not only of operators and drivers of PUVs but the riding public as well. Contrary to misinformation, ‘consolidation’ does not equate to phasing out traditional jeepneys,” Lim stressed.

DUMPER PTDA (Drivers United for Mass Progress and Equal RightsPhilippine Taxi Drivers Association) has worked for the extension of the consolidation deadline five times since 2020, according to Lim. Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez, Darwin Amojelar, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta, and Rio N. Araja

The UN said that on November 23, 1944, complainants of the case -- Natalia Alonzo and 23 other victims -- were forcibly taken to the Bahay na Pula (Red House), the Japanese headquarters in San Ildefonso, Pampanga.

They were detained in the Red House for one day to three weeks, where they were repeatedly subjected to rape, other forms of sexual violence, torture, and inhumane detention conditions, it said.

“They have since then endured longterm physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences, including physical injuries, post-traumatic stress, permanent damage to their reproductive capacity and harm to their social relationships in their community, marriage, and work,” the UN panel added.

DUs (distribution utilities) to mitigate the impact of rate increases on consumers.

From our end, we will proceed with our validation of the costs passed on,” ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

This developed as a congressional leader urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to relaunch a better version of his father’s 1970s “enercon” (energy conservation) campaign given the government’s P91billion annual utilities and fuel bill.

“The program must be comprehensive.

A national framework of which a four-day work-week, as proposed by the Finance secretary, is but one component,” House

hopefully it will be less than the four months it took to clean up the Guimaras oil spill. If we can’t do it in a month, perhaps it will not take four months.” he said.

In 2006, some 2 million liters of bunker fuel from sunken Motor tanker Solar I off the coast of Guimaras island created widespread devastation to marine and ecological life in the Panay Gulf and it took the government years to completely address the damage.

The Oriental Mindoro oil spill, which happened in late February, involved a tanker carrying some 800,000 liters of industrial fuel. Spillage from the vessel has affected 10 municipalities in Oriental Mindoro and could possibly reach other coastal islands including Palawan, Antique and Romblon.

Fishers who were temporarily banned from sailing into affected waters were tapped to help the government in cleanup efforts, Marcos said.

“Fishermen cannot sail off the affected waters so they have no livelihood. We tapped them to clean up under the cash for work program. We will create a cleanup program for all areas, especially fishing sanctuaries and tourist areas, so that residents can get work,” he said.

The Philippine Coast Guard has installed an oil spill boom around the suspected wreckage of the sunken MT Princess Empire tanker to contain the oil spill.

The PCG posted a video of its team installing the boom in the waters off Naujan in its official Facebook page.

Pola town Mayor Jennifer Cruz, meanwhile, estimated that it would take six months to a year to clean up the oil spill in her area.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Naujan, Gloria, Pinamalayan, Pola, Bansud, Roxas, Mansalay, Bongabong, and Bulalacao have officially declared a state of calamity due to the oil spill.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it has pinpointed the possible spot where the sunken tanker is located.

“That site is about 1,200 feet approximately 400 meters below sea level. It is located about Northeast of Pola, Oriental Mindoro but it is believed to have moved southeast from its last known position where it completely submerged,” it said.

The local government of Malay town in Aklan—home to the popular tourist island of Boracay--is already preparing for the possibility of the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro will reach its shores, Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores.

He said the local government is in close coordination with the PCG, which has given them spill booms that can be deployed.

Senator Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, demanded from maritime authorities a report on the seaworthiness of the four ships that figured in accidents since February.

On Feb. 22, the state weather bureau advised fishing boats and small sea vessels not to venture out to sea, and larger sea vessels were alerted against big waves.

Due to this, he asked why MT Princess Empress was allowed to sail.

“Now that it can no longer be prevented, the oil spill caused by the sinking of MT Princess Empress will devastate our marine ecosystem,” Tolentino said.

He also said there were enough laws to deal with the threat of oil spills, but the implementation has been spotty.

In the House, Negros Occidental Rep. Kiko Benitez filed a bill that will strengthen regulation of ships to prevent prevent oil spills.

House Bill 7515 provides for the strict enforcement of the regulations under the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and its 1978 Protocol, or MARPOL 73/78, which the country signed in 2001.

“We signed MARPOL 73/78 in 2001. An implementing legislation is long overdue. We must keep our commitment to international law, and perform our responsibility to protect the environment,” Benitez said.

Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto said.

Recto made the statement as the country is reeling from the surging inflation.

It also comes a day after Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno revealed government agencies may soon adjust their office hours to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays with work-fromhome setups on Fridays.

Diokno said in a Palace press conference that the Department of Energy (DOE) plans to implement daylight saving time first among other government agencies to save electricity and promote energy efficiency.

IN BRIEF

Two crypto scam victims back home from Bangkok

TWO victims of a crypto scam syndicate who were recruited to work as call centers abroad have arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The duo, a male and a female, were both former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They returned home via a Philippine airlines flight from Bangkok.

The two were reportedly recruited in the UAE, then flew to Thailand as tourists in October 2022 with another Filipino they met during the flight.

MMDA holds dry run for motorcycle lanes

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will conduct a dry run for the implementation of the exclusive motorcycle lanes along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

The exclusive motorcycle lane is located at the third lane from the sidewalk of Commonwealth Avenue, from Elliptical Road to Doña Carmen Street and vice versa.

“The dry run is meant to familiarize motorcycle riders traversing Commonwealth Avenue on the said policy. We will have a full deployment of MMDA traffic enforcers and we will be assisted by the local government of Quezon City,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes at the formal launching held at the UP-Ayala Technohub on Wednesday.

Joel E. Zurbano

CEB doubles IloiloPalawan flights

THE Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) on Wednesday announced the resumption of its two-flight operation services in iloilo as part of an expanded inter-island connectivity between the central and southern parts of the country.

Beginning June 23, the CEB will fly directly from Iloilo to Puerto Princesa four times weekly, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Flight 5J 262 will depart Puerto Princesa International Airport at 7:25 a.m. and will arrive in Iloilo at 8:25 a.m. Its return flight, 5J 261 will leave Iloilo International Airport at 8:55 a.m. and will arrive in Puerto Princesa at 10:05 a.m. Joel E. Zurbano

NBI seizes P2-m fake printer’s ink in Quiapo raid

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has seized some P2 million worth of counterfeit computer printer’s ink during a raid on two condominium units in Quiapo, Manila.

The NBI did not identify the owner or occupants of the condo units, located at the BMK E-Commerce Park in Quiapo where 1,518 allegedly fake Epson ink bottles were confiscated.

The operatives conducted the raid last Feb. 21 following a complaint by the Singapore-based Seiko Epson Corp. filed through React, a global non-profit organization that has been battling counterfeit trade for more than 30 years now. The seized items were believed to be distributed and sold through online markets.

“The raid, which resulted in the confiscation of the biggest volume of counterfeit Epson ink bottles so far, clearly demonstrates the commitment of Philippine law enforcement agencies, particularly the NBI, to combat the trade in fake goods,” Jonathan Selvasegaram, head of the Asia-Pacific division of React, said.

“The online trade in counterfeit products is a problem, not only in the Philippines, but around the world,” he added.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to provide more benefits for its members.

In a meeting with the President at Malacañang, PhilHealth officials led by its acting president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., enunciated their short-term plan and long-term plans for the agency. For the short-term program which basically covers the first six months of 2023, PhilHealth looks forward to increasing the hemodialysis coverage from 90 to 156 sessions, in effect doing away with the whichever-is-lower policy in settling claims and increasing the case

rate of the top four packages covering 25 percent of filed claims. The broadened dialysis coverage involves increased dialysis support to three times a week for outpatients, equivalent to full weekly coverage on yearly basis. PhilHealth’s short-term plan also calls for the introduction of mobile app and short message service (SMS) confirmations, as well as implementation of new benefit packages. Under its new packages, PhilHealth

considers unwrapping outpatient mental health benefit package, outpatient package for severe acute malnutrition for children below five years, old and strengthen its Konsulta program.

PhilHealth also plans to streamline its COVID-19 in-patient benefits, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and rapid antigen tests, as well as isolation schemes.

For its mid-term plan to be introduced in 2024, PhilHealth will carry out general amnesty for employers and government agencies with missed premium payments, which will cover businesses, employers and individuals, especially small and medium enterprises that cannot afford to pay the 3 percent interest on missed

premium payments. The health insurer also plans to impose penalties on erring doctors and hospitals instead of revoking their accreditation, amend the Universal Healthcare Law (UHC) and increase the case rates of top 10 packages with the highest claims filed. An anti-fraud system will also be introduced and a reorganization of PhilHealth will also be implemented to ensure proper manpower complement, especially for claims processing and frontline services.

For its long-term plans, PhilHealth will be pursuing digitalization and the construction of PhilHealth-owned buildings and facilities.

PBBM orders PhilHealth to broaden services and benefits to its members BAI: 58 ASF cases detected from swine blood samples in Cebu

By Othel V. Campos and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Wednesday reported that it has detected 58 positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Cebu province.

Meanwhile, a party-list lawmaker urged the government to prioritize the vaccination of local hogs against the ASF which he said continued to decrease the local supply of pork since the disease’s

resurgence in 2018.

The BAI said it tested 149 blood samples from Carcar City in Cebu last March 1, 58 of which turned out to be positive.

The samples, collected through surveillance activities by the City Veterinary Office of Carcar, were subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR).

Following the release of the results, the City Veterinary Office of Carcar and

Provincial Veterinary Office of Cebu immediately deployed response teams for further disease surveillance in the city to identify the extent of infection. Both agencies have issued movement control measures and active coordination with the local government units.

The BAI is in close coordination with theDA-Regional Field Office VII, Provincial Veterinary Office of Cebu and other relevant agencies for the implementation of ASF protocols and

Magalang farmers to get 310-ha. land

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is set to distribute 310 hectares of government-owned lands to farmers in Pampanga.

In a recent dialogue with the farmers of Barangay San Agustin in Magalang town, DAR officials discussed seamless distribution of idle government owned-lands (GOLs), and identify the potential beneficiaries.

The land set for subdivision and distribution is the unused 310-hectareproperty of Pampanga State Agricultural University in Magalang.

The project was in line with a directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

through Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III to provide farmers with agricultural lands to boost their economic lives.

Arsenio James Ponce, DAR Central Luzon regional director, said the DAR would begin surveying the properties of PSAU so that they could immediately issue individual land titles to qualified farmer-beneficiaries.

“We ask the agrarian reform beneficiaries’ full cooperation and want their opinions on how we can survey the land faster. We will assess the result of this meeting and apply the best measures to implement this process quickly,” he added.

will be providing necessary technical and logistical support for the immediate containment of the infected area. All swine raisers and stakeholders were encouraged to report any unusual pig mortalities and sickness to their respective agriculture/veterinary offices, intensify the biosecurity measures and stop the use of swill. The public is advised not to panic and to cooperate with the authorities on the implementation of ASF control protocols in the province.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on civil servants to “remain honest and efficient” to reciprocate public trust and confidence bestowed upon them.

The President made the call in remarks at the awarding ceremonies held in Malacañang for the 2022 Outstanding Government Workers.

Let this occasion be a reminder to all government workers that a service rooted in compassion and love for country and its people is indeed possible,” the Chief Executive said.

“May the examples of our awardees inspire everyone, not only in government, everyone in the Philippines, to actively participate in our efforts to attain the national development agenda,” Mr. Marcos added.

He said he expected the celebration to be a “resounding call for all to embrace their role in uplifting the lives of every Filipino, noting government workers are privileged to be freely given the trust of the nation, for a public office is a public trust.”

“So, let us repay that confidence by serving them with utmost responsibility, efficiency, and honesty,” the President stressed.

He pointed out that being a public servant means accepting great responsibility and accountability and whatever one’s rank or employment status may be.

Being in government also entails espousing patriotism, integrity, and excellence in every single task and a deep and passionate love of country, he said.

PROTEST DANCE. Some 1,000 members of organizations under the Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development stage a protest rally with a Zumba twist along Mendiola Street, Manila in connection with the observance of International Women’s Day. Jimmy A Domingo

PBBM urges state workers to remain honest, efficient

OUSTANDING STATE WORKERS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in remarks at the awarding for

5 women make Top 10 of PNPA Batch ‘23 grads

FIVE women are in the Top 10 of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Masidtalak” Class 2023 composed of 208 cadets who are set to graduate on Friday.

These are Jail Cadet Mary Louise Moyano (Rank 3); Police Cadet Claire Gean Pambid (Rank 5); Police Cadet Gezelle Sadian (Rank 6); Fire Cadet Gillian Torlao (Rank 7) and Police Cadet Kimberly Cruz (Rank 10).

Moyano, who will join the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), will receive the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Kampilan Award and the BJMP Kampilan Award. She will also be the recipient of the Servant Leadership Kampilan Award.

Meanwhile, Torlao will receive the Best in Forensic Science and Best in Laws and Jurisprudence awards.

This year’s class valedictorian is 25-year-old Police Cadet Francis Geneta of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Geneta said poverty inspired him to give all his best despite graduating magna cum laude in his Bachelor of Science in Education Major in Mathematics at the Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology-Main Campus.

“He was raised by a single parent. His mother, Sanny de Leon Geneta, is a seamstress by profession,” PNPA spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Gonzaga said in an interview.

Geneta will receive the Presidential Kampilan Award and the Chief, PNP Kampilan Award.

Other cadets in the Top 10 are Police Cadet John Rafael Desiderio from Cubao, Quezon City (Rank 2); Fire Cadet Eden Jhun Santos from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (Rank 4); Police Cadet Jefferson Mamauag from Cauayan City, Isabela (Rank 8); and Police Cadet Patrick John Alabado from (Rank 9).

Zubiri denies news that he’s being replaced

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE President Migz Zubiri on Thursday debunked reports that he is on his way out apparently due to his “poor performance.”

He branded as “a figment of someone’s boredom and in their between lucid intervals” a report about him being replaced as Senate President.

Zubiri said there were no talk of leadership changes as well as any warnings from anyone on the supposed “low output” of the Senate.

First of all, he said the Senate carefully studies each measure and senators debate on this thoroughly to improve every draft legislation. “With due respect, we are not a rubber stamp institution. So this talk is nothing but tabloid gossip rubbish,” he stressed.

Commenting on the “delay” in the passage of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), Zubiri said this was due to the lack of support from the main sponsor herself who is the chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations.

He was apparently referring to Sen. Imee Marcos who has repeatedly opposed RCEP, claiming it will prejudice farmers and the country’s agricultural sector.

“So I took it upon myself to take over and sponsor the measure on the floor,” Zubiri said.

“That has never been done before where the Senate President himself will be subject to sponsorship and interpellation, after which we approved and ratified it in three days with the highest-ever vote count for a treaty at 20 affirmative votes and only one against with one abstention,” Zubiri said.

At the end of the day, Zubiri said he serves at the pleasure of his colleagues.

VP Sara pushing for more opportunities for women

By Bobby Lagsa

VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio is pushing for more protection mechanisms for women to narrow the gender gap in digital accessibility the country and provide more opportunities to women.

Duterte-Carpio also said that all Filipinos should advocate for inclusive digital education for women and girls for them to overcome any inequality affecting their development and involvement in the community.

“Meanwhile, as we narrow the gender gap to digital accessibility, let us not forget to strengthen our protection mechanisms for Filipinas, including girls, from all kinds of violence committed against

them at home, in their workplaces, and in online communities,” Duterte-Carpio said.

The non-profit organization “Save the Children” defines gender inequality as discrimination on the basis of sex or gender causing one sex or gender to be routinely privileged or prioritized over another. Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and that right is violated by gender-based discrimination,

the group said.

Duterte-Carpio added that It is her earnest desire that the nationwide rollout of protection mechanism will help stimulate entrepreneurial activities, create employment, and contribute to the Philippines’ post-pandemic recovery.

Duterte-Carpio said that the pursuit of gender equality is not solely a women’s issue. “Filipino men are encouraged and have been advocating for gender equality, too,” Duterte-Carpio added.

Education non-profit organization Human Rights Careers (HRC) listed these factors in the Philippines’ gender gap: Uneven access to education, Lack of employment equality, Job segregation, Lack of legal protections, Lack of bodily autonomy, Poor medical care, Poor medical care, Lack of political representation, Racism, and Societal mindsets.

Gatchalian measure seeks national SK federation

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

WHILE preparations are ongoing for the 2023 barangay elections in October, Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for his proposal to create a national federation for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

Senate Bill No. 1058, which Gatchalian filed last year, seeks to amend the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015

(Republic Act No. 10742) to create at the national level the Nasyonal na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan. This national federation will be composed of the elected presidents of the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan.

Under Republic Act No. 10742, the Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan is composed of the convenors of the Pederasyon ng

Villar files bill

By Maricel V. Cruz

Sangguniang Kabataan, which could either be the Pambayan or Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan. The Pambayang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan is composed of SK chairpersons of barangays in a municipality, while the Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan is composed of SK chairpersons of barangays in the city.

on maternal, newborn care

DEPUTY Speaker and Las Pinas Rep.

Camille Villar on Wednesday pushed for the passage of a measure that seeks to improve maternal and newborn care and provide maximum safeguards to Filipino mothers at the time of their childbirth.

Villar was referring to House Bill 5684 or An Act Safeguarding the Health of Filipino Mothers at the Time of Their Childbirth. The bill aims to reduce maternal deaths by providing birthing facilities for every barangay in the country.

“It is only imperative that the government give priority to pregnant mothers and their newborn, especially the underprivileged women, to help reduce their risk and somewhat ease the difficulty of their childbirth,” Villar said.

Villar added reducing maternal deaths forms part of the sustainable development goals, but available data indicated that the number of women dying from childbirth is actually increasing.

Records from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that maternal deaths increased to 1,616 in 2018 compared with 1,484 in 2017.

Region IV-A or those provinces grouping Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon recorded the highest number of maternal deaths with 245 cases or a 10.36% increase from 222 cases in 2017. Region VII or Central Visayas (Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces) registered 230 maternal deaths while Metro Manila had 195 deaths for the same period.

TEARFUL

PLEA. One of eight women farmers cries after fainting while waiting to be allowed to enter the building of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Padre Faura in Manila on Wednesday to meet with DOJ Secretary Crispin Remulla. The women farmers from Barangay Sumalo, Hermosa in Bataan were accused of syndicated estafa and are seeking the help of the DOJ.

IN BRIEF

BOC, DOJ meet on task force vs. smugglers

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio met with Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and discussed plans for the agencies’ task force and enhance measures in the prosecution of cases against smugglers.

The two agencies revisited several policies and circulars to resolve bottlenecks and streamline communications and procedures for case processing.

The bureau proposed to conduct a Legal Summit to renew commitments and boost their understanding and capabilities in areas of prosecution in Customs processes, which prove to be indispensable to the successful prosecution of cases.

Remulla committed full cooperation and support to the bureau in upholding transparency and accountability and assured efficient administration of the criminal justice system.

“We convey our sincere gratitude to Secretary Remulla for his support in ensuring a more aggressive prosecution of cases to serve justice and punish those found guilty of violating national laws,” Rubio said.

Joel E. Zurbano

Duterte HB seeks more protection for seniors

DAVAO City Rep. Paolo Duterte on Wednesday warned to throw in jail persons found guilty of exploiting, neglecting, or abusing the elderly.

Duterte, in filing House Bill (HB) 4696, also sought the establishment of senior citizen help desks in every barangay to provide immediate assistanceto victim-survivors of elder abuse.

HB 4696 or the proposed AntiElder Abuse Act also directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to set up special prosecution units to exclusively handle cases of violence against senior citizens.

“Elderly citizens, like our lolos and lolas, should be honored, cared for and respected. Unfortunately, many of our senior citizens still suffer abuse and most of the time, even from the very people who are supposed to care for them, as shown by news reports and reliable posts in social media. Worse, many cases of elder abuse go unreported and unpunished. Our bill aims to prevent these,” Duterte said.

Maricel V. Cruz

24 Pinoys on their way home after Turkey quake

TWENTY-FOUR Filipinos repatriated from Turkey following the big earthquake last month will arrive in the Philippines on Wednesday, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

“These 24 comprise the second batch of those we repatriated. Last time, last week, there were 25 who arrived. This [second] batch are mothers and kids. The DFA shouldered all the expenses for their return,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said, in an interview with GMA news.

De Vega is accompanying the group on their way home. Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Maria Elena Algabre and Consul General Shirlene Mananquil met the group in Istanbul during their stopover. Rey E. Requejo

PATH. The National Parks Development Committee has erected a violated-colored heart-shaped path walk for visitors of Luneta Park in Manila. The pathway is part of National Women’s Month celebrations in March. Danny Pata

Danny Pata

Less elections + less officials = better governance

NOW that the House, by an overwhelming 93 percent vote of all its members, has passed on third reading the bill calling for a “hybrid” Constitutional Convention, I shall briefly explain in this column what I would propose to that Convention for their serious consideration.

First: let us go back to the two-party, presidential system of government.

I know that many of our congressmen prefer a parliamentary system where executive and legislative powers reside in them, with the president of their choice performing merely ceremonial functions.

That will not be acceptable to the common man, who look at their right to vote for a president every six years, about the only power they hold in their hands.

Neither will that be acceptable to the supporters of Vice-President Sara, and the millions of Duterte loyalists without whose support, our current president would probably not have made it to the top last May 10, 2022. Going parliamentary now courts political disaster. This is not to put finis to a parliamentary system.

We have far too many elected officials who parade themselves as ‘honorables’ even if their work for the people are neither cost-effective nor service-efficient, dishonorable even

In time, we could evolve into a system closer to the French government model, where a popularly elected president has ample powers, and who appoints, with the consent of parliament, a prime minister whose powers are similar to a COO in a corporate set-up.

That would require time for the electorate to develop into a mature polity, and for political parties to differentiate each other by standing up for certain principles, if not ideology.

In the Third Republic after the Pacific War, which adopted the 1936 Constitution written during the Commonwealth period by the greatest minds of the 20th century, we had a two-party presidential system with the Nacionalistas and Liberals battling it out every four years.

These days, under the 1987 Constitution, we have a hybrid: a presidency with full powers and a legislature with a multiplicity of parties owned by oligarchs and a bastardized party-list where the rich pretend to be marginalized. Elections should be preceded by conventions, where the party through its duly qualified electors choose who should be its official candidates.

Party conventions in choosing “who ought to lead” rather than “who can win,” shall winnow the chaff from the grain.

Convention delegates, possessed with their own local mandates, are not likely to choose among themselves matinee idols or charlatans to lord it over them in high positions.

Second: a vote for an executive post—that is, president, governor, city and municipal mayors—should automatically be a vote for their vice-president, governor and mayor.

Third: I proposed in earlier articles that we should elect senators by administrative regions instead of by national vote. Only the president and automatically his vicepresident, should require a national vote.

This is to ensure equal representation, where the less densely populated ethnolinguistic tribes will have a chance to become senators of the realm, instead of a concentration of senators coming from the NCR, Calabarzon and Central Luzon.

THE intended week-long jeepney strike has fizzled out and failed to achieve its main objectives. Every time the government comes out with a program perceived to threaten the corporate survival of these associations, a transport strike is always their trump card.

It looks, however, that the LTFRB is standing firm with the new December 31 deadline for the phasing out of the traditional jeepneys.

As the various transport operators know very well, going on transport strike is illegal because it violates the conditions to operate public transportation. Their permits or franchises could, therefore, be cancelled. I suspect, however, the LTFRB will not take such a drastic action.

Besides, this will entail consequences which at the moment, the government is not prepared or does not have to take.

But for as long as the government will continue to rely on the private sector to provide the bulk of urban road mass transportation, the threat of a strike will always be there.

The government therefore must find a solution to this perennial problem.

The repeated reason given by those opposing the government’s jeepney modernization program is the cost.

But there are other hidden reasons for their objections.

Hazing causes 3 more deaths

IF THERE’S

for questioning.

But the death of Salilig from hazing also led to the reported suicide days later of a person of interest, said to be an alumnus of the fraternity, who had taken part in the initiation.

That would promote the federalist aspiration without adopting the system.

At two senators each, we will have 34 senators, where there is certainty that a Muslim, an Igorot, a Zamboangueno, a Waray, etc., will be in the upper chamber.

This would also promote a more equitable distribution of financial resources in the budget allowing the less developed regions to prosper faster.

Congressmen shall still be elected by legislative district, at present numbering 243.

There would be a provincial governor, or a city mayor of a highly urbanized or chartered city, whose vice-gubernatorial candidate automatically wins with him.

The municipal mayor and his vice-mayor are also elected every six years.

Thus the term of office will be six years, instead of the present three. We hold elections too often, and this has been shown to promote corruption and family dynastic rule.

All told, the voter will every six years write in his ballot just a few choices -- for president, for two senators, one congressman, one governor or city mayor, and a municipal mayor.

Five names in highly urbanized cities; six for component cities and municipalities under the provincial governor, all of which which could be easily handwritten in ballots even, rather than automated.

Fourth: I likewise propose that we abolish elective positions for party-list representatives; the provincial board members; and the city or municipal councilors.

Legitimate marginalized sectors can vie for the Senate in their respective regions.

They can concentrate their political strength in these parts. As for the contractors, the wheeler-dealers, the siblings, spouses and offspring of the dynasts, good riddance. Run for other positions if you must.

In lieu of local legislators to a board or council, all the municipal mayors will comprise the provincial legislature.

Acting like a board of directors, they could be divided into two groups, each serving three years, in the case of huge provinces with many towns, like Cebu, Pangasinan, Bohol, etc.

The number of barangays per city or municipality should be proportionately rationalized to population and land area.

An anomaly is seen right here in NCR, where Manila, with six legislative districts, has 897 barangays, while Quezon City, with a larger population, has only 142.

There are barangays in Manila so small that they only have 300 voters, and comprise only three or four short streets.

In any case, most municipalities have only a dozen to 15 barangays on the average, so their elected barangay captains can sit in the council.

In large cities or municipalities, they can take turns at three or even two years each in the council.

Barangay elections should be held every six years as well, in the middle of the terms of the national and local officials.

While these proposals may seem contrary to the tripartite separation of executive, legislative and judicial powers, they make for greater efficiency, less personnel and maintenance expenses, with the direct stakeholders making policies that will benefit all.

Pre-Hispanic tribes had similar templates of government, where heads of villages, now known as barangays, comprised the council of policy advisers of the datu or rajah. We have far too many elected officials who parade themselves as “honorables” even if their work for the people are neither costeffective nor service-efficient, dishonorable even. Full text at www.manilastandard.net

One that was already admitted by one of the ring leaders is they are against the formation of cooperatives.

And why is this?

Because with cooperatives, there would be no need for transport associations anymore and this is clearly a threat to the corporate survival of these opposing associations.

As more and more operators will switch to modern jeepneys, the threat of strikes for instance from the more militant operators will continue to diminish.

It is doubtful, therefore, whether the LTFRB will agree to this demand and let the opposing operators have their cake and eat it too.

Perhaps, now is the time for the government to start thinking of adopting some practices we find in many of the big metropolitan areas around the world. This is about operating a Bus transit system in the National Capital Region.

We are one of the few countries if not the only one that relies on the private sector to provide road mass transportation for its population. The general practice is the government whether national or local that takes care of mass transportation.

Late last month, media reported the death from hazing of John Matthew Salilig, 24, a student of Adamson University. His battered body was found in Imus, Cavite days after he attended the “welcoming rites” of Tau Gamma Phi, the fraternity now at the center of the police investigation into the fatal hazing. His body bore signs of severe beating, investigators said, after he was whacked with a paddle at least 70 times, quoting the statements of witnesses.

On March 1, police said they were preparing to file criminal charges against 17 Tau Gamma members based on witness testimonies, including Salilig’s fellow recruit in the fraternity. At least four witnesses from the fraternity have admitted that Salilig underwent initiation rites with Tau Gamma on Feb. 18. Seven people who allegedly took part in the initiation have been detained by the police

In the wake of fatal hazing of Salilig in February, the Public Attorney’s Office revealed that the same fraternity had figured in another hazing incident in December 2022 that led to the death of Ronnel Baguio, a 20-year-old Marine Engineering student of the University of Cebu.

All in all, therefore, fraternity hazing led to a total of three deaths in the span of three months.

This should prompt authorities to investigate Tau Gamma Phi, one of the country’s largest fraternities, that has publicly declared it has a “no-hazing” policy, but has been implicated in at least 14 hazing incidents since 2006, including that of a Grade 12 student who died after undergoing initiation rites in Laguna in March 2022.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has condemned Salilig’s killing and assured the family that justice would be served: “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 country’s anti-hazing law was amended to impose tougher penalties with the passage of RA 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018, following the death of a firstyear law student of the University of Santo Tomas during a hazing activity of the Aegis Juris fraternity in 2017.

It is time to implement the tougher antihazing law to keep young people from dying in violent initiation rites.

Our schools are supposed to be safe spaces for the youth, but law enforcement agencies should really crack down on organizations that continue with traditional initiation rites leading to too many senseless deaths.

Wanted: A just transition for the jeepney sector (2)

By Tony La Viña, Kaloi Zarate and Jayvy Gamboa

(Editor’s Note: This is adapted from an article co-written by Tony La Viña with Kaloi Zarate and Jayvy Gamboa.)

RECOGNIZING that climate action must indeed be shared by all and carried by all, although differently, everyone – from governments, business enterprises, to private citizens – has to make a sacrifice to realize a sustainable society.

However, that burden must not only be shared. It must be equitably shared.

Just transition and the equitable sharing tied to the former are viewed differently as well.

For instance, the Just Transition Research Collaborative, a global consortium of researchers studying the concept of just transition and how it can be better developed for climate change policy, recognizes that just transition may have different meanings. For some, just transition is satisfied by merely transitioning to a green(er) economy while retaining affected workers, but without institutional changes that address local and global inequities.

As applied to the proposed PUVMP, this may refer to the mere change or transition of traditional jeepneys to electric jeepneys, without addressing the wider and more complex issues of the transport and urban planning sectors. For others, just transition is met only when distributive and procedural justice are considered in the shift to a sustainable society, which means that existing inequities, discrimination, and lack of access to opportunities across stakeholders are simultaneously targeted, and, addressed, as well, not only the “greening” per se. Consequently, as applied to the proposed PUVMP, it begs the question of whether the program has mechanisms to safeguard the interests of jeepney operators – the small and medium ones, especially – and the drivers, and, of whether the program is partnered with a public transportation reform that increases its accessibility to commuters. This is how we should assess and influence the PUVMP. All of these are to

ensure that just transition is ensured, and further, that such just transition is what can truly equitably share the costs among stakeholders.

A sneak peek on climate action

The global community is on the same page that climate action must be done at the soonest possible time.

Although there are differences on the desired timeline on when fossil fuel energy sources and technologies must be phased out, there is a common understanding that at one point, we must all shift to a sustainable society.

believed —definitely not by June 2023, but by December 2023, or if postponed again, at an indefinite later time.

Indeed, the matter of just transition should not be a reason to delay the PUVMP. On the contrary, just transition should be at the core of the PUVMP.

Just transition ensures not only that that we, as a country, is taking the first step correctly toward a sustainable future, but also, in the long term ensure a public transport program that is socially just, democratic and public service-oriented. We must hold the line and ensure that there is accountability from the government in designing and implementing the modernization program.

The problem, however, is we cannot consume all the time that we need, because irreversible global warming has a tight deadline.

The matter of just transition, when viewed incorrectly, may be perceived as delaying any positive action that governments and non-state actors are doing.

Some may think that the matter of equitable sharing of costs among stakeholders is not at all essential in shifting away from fossil fuels.

However, just transition must not be viewed as something optional or merely supplementary. Instead, it must be considered as part and parcel of whatever kind of shift to a sustainable society the world wants to achieve.

While we recognize that global climate action must be done immediately, it should not be railroaded at the expense--again--of the marginalized and most vulnerable of society. In the context of the PUVMP, although the government has announced last March 1 the extension for the phaseout of traditional jeepneys, the program apparently is still bound to happen, if the present bureaucrats running the transport sector are to be

Had the MTC and the 10 bus cooperatives been maintained we would not be having the kind of problems that we are encountering today especially with these transport strikes and the proliferation of hundreds of bus operators in the NCR.

The government as a matter of practice does not like to manage transport operations much less own them.

This is because this will entail government subsidies which it does not like to do.

That is why there is the mass transit system in New York City or the Bus transit system in Rome and other Metropolitan Cities. We normally do not see swarms of privately operated jeepney like vehicles and tricycles moving people except the taxi and now grab. It is only in our country where we see a seemingly chaotic road mass transport system. One of the worst mistakes of the first Aquino administration in public transportation was the dismantling of what was put in place by the first Marcos administration. This was the establishment of the Metro Transit Corporation in the late 1970s and the formation of 10 bus cooperatives with specific lines. Only the MTC was allowed to determine its routes as it saw fit.

But mass transportation is a government responsibility especially in the National Capital Region and perhaps the other highly urbanized cities in the country like Baguio, Davao and Cebu.

The requirement to form cooperatives could be construed as a hybrid attempt by the government short of owning the entire operation.

LTFRB may be thinking it can supervise the cooperatives much easier than the current system which is admittedly chaotic and often times uncontrollable.

But it is not the same as having a Bus transit system fully controlled by the government. If the cooperatives is the best the government can do, the DOTr and LTFRB must put in place a more efficient system and a bureaucracy more engineer- and science-based rather than legal to

It might not yet occur to us at this point, but whatever outcome this program has shall set the precedent for future government efforts “in the name of sustainability and climate action.”

If we let injustice prevail in the name of sustainability, then have we really taken a step toward a sustainable future?

The authors are all strong advocates of addressing climate change. We are also champions of climate justice.

Just transition must be placed at the core of any sustainability effort. If disregarded, we are in danger of rebuilding a “new society” that, although “green,” is not any less inequitable for our people.

(Tony La Viña teaches law and is Associate Director for climate policy in the Manila Observatory; Kaloi Zarate, a public transport sector policy reform advocate, is a former three-term member of the House of Representatives, and Deputy Minority Leader, of the 18thCongress; while Jayvy Gamboa is a policy and legal research associate at the Manila Observatory with a research interest on just transition, particularly on labor law and regulation).

supervise public road transport.

After all, the PUV modernization program is not only about new transport units but also developing a new transportation culture.

We are always hearing about the drivers not being able to afford the cost of the modern jeepneys which is about P2.8M.

But as I understand the program, it was not primarily intended for the drivers to be the ones to buy the new transport units unless they also own the units they are driving but for operators or prospective operators.

It is also to provide safe, comfortable, efficient and clean ride to paying passengers.

For the drivers, the issue has always been about wages which the modernization program can address.

And after so many of the new PUVs on the road and the way the riding public has embraced it, there is no stopping its continued success. It is about time to retire the veritable 78-yearold jeepney.

a scourge that should be expunged to prevent more needless deaths, it’s hazing.

‘CALIFORNIA DIALOG DOES NOT PRECLUDE TRIP TO TAIPEI’

US Speaker says to meet Taiwan president

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he will meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in California, but did not rule out a possible visit to the self-governed island.

Tsai’s government had provided McCarthy’s staff with intelligence that a high-profile US visit could provoke a Chinese threat, the Financial Times reported earlier on Tuesday, citing an unidentified senior Taiwanese official.

The FT added that the speaker would scrap a potential trip to Taiwan, and the meeting would instead take place in California.

McCarthy confirmed plans to meet Tsai in the US, but told reporters in Washington the meeting does not preclude a trip to Taiwan.

“That has nothing to do with my travel, if I would go to Taiwan,” McCarthy was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

“China can’t tell me where and when I can go.”

A trip in August by McCarthy’s predecessor Nancy Pelosi sparked condemnation from China, which responded with massive military drills around the island.

Taiwan lives under constant threat of an invasion by China, which views the democratically ruled island as part of its territory

to be seized one day, by force if necessary.

The United States is one of Taiwan’s closest allies and biggest arms suppliers but also adopts a “One China” policy, recognizing Beijing diplomatically and opposing any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.

Taiwan’s defense minister said on Monday a sharp increase in Chinese defense spending announced at the weekend was potentially aimed at the island.

“I think they are waiting for a good reason to send troops, such as high-level visits from other countries to Taiwan or too-frequent activities between our military and other countries,” Chiu Kuo-cheng said.

Tsai’s offi ce offered no confirmation about travelling to the US when approached by AFP on Wednesday, saying the president’s schedule was still being finalized.

She was last in the United States in 2019, stopping over while making official visits to diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. AFP

EU meets to forge plan to rush ammo to Ukraine

EU defense ministers on Wednesday discussed plans to raid their stockpiles to rush one billion euros’ worth of ammunition to Ukraine and place joint orders for more to ensure supplies keep flowing.

Ukraine’s Western backers warn that Kyiv is facing a critical shortage of 155-millimetre howitzer shells as it fires thousands each day in its fight against a grinding Russian offensive.

Ministers meeting with their Ukrainian counterpart Oleksiy Reznikov in Stockholm were debating a three-pronged push to meet Kyiv’s immediate needs and bolster Europe’s defence industry for the longer term.

“Our priority number one is air defense sys-

LATE OR EARLY FOR X’MAS?

A snowman is seen at the Parc du Cinquantenaire during a snowfall in Brussels on March 8, 2023. AFP

tems, and also ammunition, ammunition and again ammunition,” Reznikov said as he arrived for the meeting.

The first part of the plan, as laid out by the EU’s foreign policy service, envisions using a billion euros ($1.06 billion) from the bloc’s joint European Peace Facility to get member states to send shells in their stocks to Kyiv within weeks.

Ukraine’s European allies have already depleted their shelves, committing some 12 billion euros of military support, with 3.6 billion euros coming from the joint fund.

There are questions over how many shells Europe can spare without leaving itself too vulnerable, and defence ministers were due to

provide details.

“I don’t know which is the level of stockpiles, that is why we are here together,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

The second part of the plan is to pool EU and Ukraine demands to place massive joint orders that would incentivise ammunition producers to ramp up their capacity.

The move represents an important shift for the 27-nation bloc as Russia’s war has sped up the push to coordinate more on defence.

Baltic state Estonia initially proposed spending four billion euros on a million shells for Ukraine and wants more new funds committed. AFP

IN BRIEF

Myanmar junta slams UN rights chief’s comments

MYANMAR’S junta has slammed the UN’s human rights chief for making “irrelevant” remarks after he said the military may have committed war crimes as it struggles to crush resistance to its rule.

Two years after the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, the human rights situation in Myanmar is a “festering catastrophe,” the global body’s rights office said last week in a report.

Stretched thin on the ground, the military was relying increasingly on air power and artillery to fight widespread opposition, with more than 300 air strikes in the last year, the UN said, including on schools and hospitals.

The junta’s foreign ministry said the report was based on “sweeping allegations against the Government and its security forces,” in a statement on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

“Myanmar, therefore, asserts its firm objection against the irrelevant recommendations made by the High Commissioner.”

The junta acknowledged that the UN report recognized the violence committed by some of the groups arrayed against it, but only “slightly.” AFP

AFGHANISTAN under the Taliban government is the “most repressive country in the world” for women’s rights, with authorities effectively trapping women and girls in their homes, the United Nations said Wednesday.

About 20 women held a rare demonstration in a Kabul street on Wednesday, calling on the international community to protect Afghans, AFP journalists witnessed.

The Taliban government adheres to an austere interpretation of Islam and has imposed a slew of restrictions on girls and women since seizing power in August 2021.

“It has been distressing to witness their methodical, deliberate, and systematic efforts to push Afghan women and girls out of the public sphere,” Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN mission in Afghanistan, said in a statement marking International Women’s Day.

The UN mission said the crackdown was a “colossal act of national selfharm” at a time Afghanistan faces some of the world’s largest humanitarian and economic crises.

Taliban authorities have removed women from all but essential government jobs, or are paying them a fraction of their former salary to stay at home.

Women are also barred from going to parks, funfairs, gyms, and public baths, and ordered to cover up in public—ideally with a burqa.

But the biggest crackdown has been on teenage girls and university students, with the authorities banning them from secondary schools and higher educational institutions.

Some women have staged sporadic protests against the bans—risking arrest, violence and social stigma for taking part—but authorities usually disperse them swiftly. AFP

China: 53 ‘missing or dead’ from Feb. mine site collapse

THE collapse of a coal mine in northern China last month left a total of 53 people “missing or dead,” a top official has said, as search and rescue work appeared to come to an end.

Dozens of people and vehicles were buried when a 180-meter-high (590-foot) slope gave way at an open-pit mine in the Inner Mongolia region’s Alxa Left Banner on February 22.

Rescue workers initially recovered six people alive, while another six were found dead, as Beijing’s ministry of emergency management urged “all-out efforts” to save 47 workers left unaccounted for.

But the head of the ministry confirmed on Tuesday that no more people had been found two weeks after the incident, adding that the focus was now on ensuring such a disaster would not happen again.

The collapse “left 53 people missing or dead, which has made us extremely sad,” Wang Xiangxi said on the sidelines of annual political meetings in Beijing, according to the state-run China Youth Daily newspaper. AFP

UN team: Afghan women

‘most repressed’ globally

PUSH BACK. Female anti-government demonstrators scu e with police during a protest organized by the ‘Women for Rights’ group on the occasion of International Women’s Day against the proposed tax reforms and the country’s economic crisis, near the parliament building in Colombo, Sri Lanka on March 8, 2023. AFP

Trading yields mixed results; ICTSI and BPI lead advancers

STOCKS had mixed results Wednesday, with the benchmark index rising for a sixth day while the rest of the bourse ending in the red after US Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell opened the door to a quicker pace of interest rate hikes as officials battle to tame inflation.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark, went up 6 points, or 0.10 percent, to close at 6,711.49, as three of the six subsectors advanced, with financials leading the way.

The broader all-share index went down 4 points, or 0.13 percent, to settle at 3,585.66, on a value turnover of P5.46 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 120 to 72, while 46 issues were unchanged.

China to

revamp

data, tech staff for self-reliance

BEIJING—China will set up a national data authority, downsize staff at central state institutions, and strengthen its science ministry in a sweeping revamp as Beijing pushes for tech sector self-reliance.

Beijing is pouring resources into its manufacturing and research capabilities in the face of tightened restrictions on homegrown tech companies by the United States and its Western allies.

And a broad restructuring document announced by China’s cabinet on Tuesday will focus the Ministry of Science and Technology’s resources on coordinating “scientific and technological achievements.”

Beijing will also set up a national data administration responsible for overseeing the digital economy, as well as slash staffing at the country’s central state institutions by five percent.

The freed-up headcount will be reallocated toward “key areas and important work”, according to the plan.

China’s rubber-stamp parliament is expected to approve the plan at its annual national meeting -- known as the “lianghui” or “Two Sessions”— which wraps up on Monday.

Under the plan, the science ministry will delegate its existing responsibilities for rural and social development to other ministries, and instead “optimize its management of the whole chain of science and technology innovation.” AFP

Justice Department sues to block $3.8-b JetBlue-Spirit merger

NEW YORK—The US Justice Department on Tuesday sued to block a $3.8-billion JetBlue-Spirit airline merger, saying that the combination would harm consumers and violate antitrust law.

The suit puts in jeopardy a transaction that JetBlue has characterized as consumer-friendly because it would create a stronger competitor to the “Big Four” carriers that dominate the United States market.

“This merger will limit choices and drive-up ticket prices for passengers across the country,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference, adding that the deal “will be particularly harmful for travelers who rely on what are known as ultralow-cost carriers in order to fly.”

The companies defended the tie-up, saying in a joint statement Tuesday that they would “continue to advance” their effort to extend the “JetBlue Effect,” which has historically pressured bigger airlines to price more affordably.

“We believe the DOJ has got it wrong on the law here and misses the point that this merger will create a national low-fare, high-quality competitor to the Big Four carriers which -– thanks to their own DOJ-approved mergers –- control about 80 percent of the US market,” said JetBlue Chief Executive Robin Hayes.

The joint press release said JetBlue would retrofit Spirit aircraft to allow more legroom, adding that the lost seats on aircraft would be offset by a greater number of flights.

“Together, we intend to democratize flying for travelers across the country—a goal we believe is worthy of the government’s support,” said Spirit Chief Executive Ted Christie. AFP

Data showed that three of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by International Container Terminal Services Inc. which rose 1.44 percent to P211.00 and Bank of the Philippine Islands which added 0.46 percent to P109.00. BDO Unibank Inc. finished 0.39 percent higher at P128.00.

Most Asian markets also traded lower. In much-anticipated testimony to US lawmakers, Powell dealt a

hammer blow to traders who had held faint hopes that the central bank could pause its tightening campaign soon and give a much-needed boost to equities.

A string of data in recent weeks has indicated the world’s top economy remained in rude health, including strong employment, consumer spending, factory activity and inflation figures.

“The latest economic data have come in stronger than expected, which suggests that the ultimate level of interest rates is likely to be higher than previously anticipated,” Powell told the Senate Banking Committee.

“If the totality of the data were to indicate that faster tightening is warranted, we would be prepared to increase the pace of rate hikes.”

He said officials would “stay the course until the job is done.”

Inflation is currently running above six percent and while that is down from multi-decade peaks seen last year, it is still well above the bank’s target of two percent. Investors are now betting on the Fed to lift rates 50 basis points at its next meeting later this month, twice as much as its last meeting. It hiked by half a point in December following four straight 75-point increases.

Powell’s comments were more hawkish than expected, and Neil Wilson at Markets.com said: “For now the market is hearing the ‘higher-for-longer’ message loud and clear and doesn’t see the Fed being dissuaded.” With AFP

MOST ACTIVE

Payback time for Singaporean investors of Alliance Select Foods

IT may have taken them some eight years to get a favorable ruling on their soured investments in publicly-listed Alliance Select Foods International Inc. But for this bunch of Singaporean investors, it was worth the while.

The Dec. 15, 2022 ruling of the Securities and Exchange en banc voided the 2014 private placement and 2015 stock rights offering of Alliance Select that eased out the Singaporean investors and allowed Strongoak Inc. to take control of 55.32 percent of Alliance Select.

The SEC decision was a clear victory for the Singaporean investors and other minority shareholders of the company, whose shares were subsequently diluted by the twin corporate maneuvers.

The 2014 and 2015 transactions drew international attention and deterred foreign investments in the Philippines. Foreign investors became worried that money placed in local companies could be easily diluted through various schemes.

Strongoak, a local company associated with Alliance Select founders, managed to take control of Alliance Select through the private placement and SRO without conducting a tender offer. A group of Singaporean minority investors led by Hedy S.C. Yap-Chua, Harvest All Investment Limited, Victory Fund Limited and BondEast Private Limited filed a complaint letter on October 5, 2018 and a verified complaint with the SEC on Nov. 16, 2020.

The scales of justice, however, did not initially tilt toward the side of the minority investors. The SEC’s Markets Securities Regulation Department (MSRD) on May 19, 2022 dismissed the complaint of the Singaporean investors for alleged forum shopping and prescription of action, without looking into the substantive portion of their complaint.

The aggrieved parties appealed the decision to the SEC en banc, which looked closer into the case. SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino this time favored Chua and other minority shareholders.

The SEC declared the subscriptions of Strongoak to the Alliance Select shares under the 2014 private placement and 2015 SRO void and ordered them canceled from the stock and transfer book of the company. The ruling further stated that the questioned shares “shall be considered as unsubscribed, and ... be allocated for subscription by any person who intends to buy the same …”

The decision added that “once the subscription is fully paid, ASFII shall pay Strongoak the price it paid for the subscriptions that were nullified.”

The Singaporean investors after their seven-year quest for justice now want the SEC en banc to issue a writ of execution to enforce its December 15, 2022 decision declaring the AFFII subscriptions made by Strongoak void.

Capital-raising

Alliance Select has a long history of beefing up its capital since its commercial operations in 2003 to fund its tuna processing, canning and the export of canned tuna products.

From an authorized capital stock of P1.6 million. ASFII amended its articles of incorporation several times to increase its capital base to P300 million in 2004 and P700 million in 2005.

In October 2006, the company held an initial public offering of P134 million worth of common shares, representing 25.04 percent of issued and outstanding capital stock.

The four Singaporean investors 2009 subscribed to the shares of ASFII. Two years later in 2011, ASFI conducted a stock rights offering totaling 272,267,965 shares from the company’s unissued capital stock to fund its expansion and operational requirements.

The minority shareholders participated in the 2011 SRO that resulted in the increase of their combined shareholdings in ASFII to 34.4 percent.

ASFII further raised its authorized capital stock to P1.5 billion in December 2013. And on May 5, 2014, it issued 430,286,226 shares to Strongoak, an unheralded company, through a public placement that resulted in Strongoak owning 28.69 percent of its total issued capital stock.

The board of ASFII in 2015 approved the doubling of its authorized capital stock from P1.5 billion to P3 billion to fund planned expansions and operational requirements and the conduct of an SRO of up to P1 billion in common shares.

Strongoak acquired 952,479,638 common shares from the P1-billion common shares of ASFII that were offered under the 2015 SRO. The transaction resulted in Strongoak owning 1,382,765,864 common shares, representing 55.32 percent of the total issued and

outstanding common shares of ASFII. No tender offer was conducted in relation to the acquisition. The series of transactions did not escape the prying eyes of the SEC en banc. It noted that MSRD failed to check the question relating to the possible violation of Section 19 of the Securities Regulation Code and its implementing rules and regulations.

It also found that Alliance Select violated Section 19 of the Securities and Regulation Code, which provides that “if any acquisition of even less than 35 percent would result in ownership of

over 51 percent of the total outstanding equity securities of a public company, the acquirer shall be required to make a tender offer.”

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

ENERGY CONFERENCE. Haitham Al Ghais (right), secretary general of OPEC, speaks with Carlos Pascual during CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Texas on March 7, 2023. AFP

By Julito G. Rada

HONGKONG and Shanghai Banking

Corp. is not ruling out the possibility of higher inflation in the coming months despite the slight slowdown to 8.6 percent in February from 8.7 percent in January.

HSBC said in a report Thursday that food inflation remained “problematic” because of non-tariff barriers.

“Despite the emergency importation of onions and sugar, the year-on-year rises in vegetables and tubers [33.1 percent] and sugar, confectionery and desserts [37.0 percent] were still above 30 percent. As argued in a previous note, the imposition of non-tariff barriers to these goods does not put a ceiling on how high prices can rise,” HSBC said.

“Indeed, the momentum of inflation eased significantly in February, but it’s difficult to determine the peak with confidence given the extent to which

By Jenniffer B. Austria

inflation was spreading to other goods and services,” it said.

The foreign bank said the slower 8.6 percent inflation in February was due mainly to favorable base effects. It said that across all sub-commodity baskets, only transport CPI eased on a year-onyear basis because of lower fuel prices.

It said of the 13 CPI sub-commodity baskets, 10 saw their inflation rates accelerate. Inflation generally remained high for both goods and services. Core inflation also picked up despite the headline figure finally easing.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla earlier said monetary authorities remained hawkish and were ready to act accordingly if inflation in February continued to accelerate.

He said the most likely scenario could be one more rate hike, which could change depending on the trajectory of inflation.

ALI injecting P22.5-b assets into REIT unit

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. is injecting its flagship office developments and shopping malls into real estate investment trust company AREIT Inc. via a P22.5-billion property-for-share swap deal.

The transaction will make AREIT one of the largest and the most diversified commercial REITs in the Philippines.

ALI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday its executive committee approved the deal where the company and subsidiaries AyalaLand Malls Inc. and Northbeacon Commercial Corp. would subscribe to 607.559 million primary common shares of AREIT Inc.

IN BRIEF

a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated revenues went up 16 percent year-on-year to P358.9 billion, driven by higher volume growth across its beer, spirits and food divisions.

The company said it also optimized pricing strategy across its portfolio to manage the impact of rising raw material costs. Income from operations rose 10 percent to P29.5 billion.

“SMFB’s results prove the resilience of our business model as we navigated a very difficult environment in 2022. Looking to 2023, we expect to continue to deliver operational excellence and invest in growth to drive long-term value for our shareholders. At the same time, we will continue to ensure that our products are within reach of every Filipino,” said SMFB president and chief executive Ramon Ang.

The beer business reported consolidated revenues of P136.2 billion, up 17 percent yearon-year as domestic operations saw volumes grow amid a favorable market environment, continued easing of COVID- 19 restrictions, a buoyant economy and robust consumer spending. Jenniffer B. Austria

GIR declined to $99.3b as of end-February—BSP

THE gross international reserves declined to $99.3 billion as of end-February from $100.7 billion in January after the government settled some of its foreign debt and lower value of gold holdings of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The BSP said in a statement Thursday the February GIR level represented a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 7.5 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. It was also about 6.1 times the country’s shortterm external debt based on original maturity and 4.1 times based on residual maturity.

“The month-on-month decrease in the GIR level reflected mainly the national government’s net foreign currency withdrawals from its deposits with the BSP to settle its foreign currency debt obligations and pay for its various expenditures, and downward adjustments in the value of the BSP’s gold holdings due to the decrease in the price of gold in the international market,” the BSP said. Net international reserves, which refer to the difference between the BSP’s reserve assets and reserve liabilities, also fell by $1.3 billion to $99.3 billion as of end-February from $100.6 billion a month earlier. Julito G. Rada

ACEN’s board approves P32-b fund-raising plan

ACEN Corp. said Wednesday its board approved the procurement of additional credit facilities of up to P32 billion to finance its expansion program.

ACEN said its was arranging loan facilities with various lenders with no specific timing for use. The company plans to reach 20,000 megawatts of attributable renewables capacity by 2030, up from 4,000 MW at present.

ACEN owns power generation facilities in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Australia, with a 98-percent renewable energy share.

The ACEN board also approved the increase in revolving development funds for its Philippine business and the increase in land acquisition budget and expansion to include Australia and Indonesia.

It also approved the issuance of credit support for the Laos-Vietnam wind project of wholly-owned subsidiary ACEN Renewables International Pte. Ltd. Alena Mae S. Flores

AREIT, in exchange, will acquire ALI assets that include shopping malls Glorietta 1 and 2 mall wings and MarQuee mall in Angeles, Pampanga as well as office developments One Ayala Avenue East and West BPO Towers at the corner of Ayala Ave. and EDSA and BPO buildings at Ayala Center.

These assets have a total value of P22.5 billion as validated by a third-party fairness opinion, the two

companies said.

The properties have a combined gross leasable area of 190,000 square meters with an overall occupancy rate of 99 percent and a weighted average lease expiry of 14.5 years.

“The rebound of commercial businesses is an opportunity for AREIT to widely diversify its assets with more retail buildings. The infusion of Glorietta 1 and 2 mall and BPO buildings as well as the brand new One Ayala Avenue BPO towers is testament to AREIT as Ayala Land’s flagship REIT,” said AREIT president and chief executive Carol Mills.

AREIT has more than doubled its portfolio to 673,000 sq. m. equivalent to P64 billion assets under management from 153,000 sq. m. equivalent to P30

billion AUM at the time of its initial public offering in 2020. This resulted in a 52-percent total shareholder return.

It said that with the new infusion, AREIT would nearly triple the company’s AUM to P87 billion and boost its GLA more than five-fold to 863,000 sq. m. from the IPO.

“As we did in the last two years, we are committed to continually grow and diversify our assets to increase shareholder value for AREIT, while ALI maximizes capital recycling and reinvests further in Philippine real estate,” Mills said.

The proposed property-for-share swap is subject to approval of AREIT shareholders at their annual meeting slated next month and pertinent regulatory bodies.

MOST CHOSEN RETAILER.

Food inflation in PH remains problematic, says UK lender MPIC

Data agency Kantar named Puregold the ‘#1 Most Chosen Retailer for Fast Moving Consumer Goods in 2022’ based on the consumer reach points method. Attending the award ceremony at the head office of Puregold in Manila are (from left) Nick RossGower, CCO of Kantar Worldpanel; Laurica Obana, Shopper Insights Director of the Philippines; Guillaume Bacuvier, CEO of Kantar Worldpanel; Vincent Co, president of Puregold Price Club Inc.; and Mieke Bartholomeus, Strategic Insights Director of the Philippines.

INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. said Wednesday it earmarked P80 billion for 2023 capital expenditures primarily to fund the expansion projects of power generation, toll road and water distribution businesses.

MPIC chief finance officer Chaye Revilla-Cabal said in a news briefing that while the bulk of this year’s capital spending would be for core businesses, the conglomerate was also prepared to deepen its foothold in the agriculture sector where it allotted P8 billion to fund acquisitions.

Cabal said the agribusiness group was looking at two more acquisitions this year as the group continued to build up its portfolio.

A FORMER top official of the Judiciary cautioned the government against proposal to merge the country’s top financial institutions, saying it might compromise its ability to render public service to their respective entities under a unified set-up. Retired Supreme Court Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban Jr. said the proposed merger of Development Bank of the Philippines and Landbank of the Philippines is “ill-advised” as the two state institutions have varying corporate objectives and mandate, making them distinct operationally.

“The proposed merger of DBP and LBP is ill-advised because the two government banks have different visions and missions, unlike private banks that have identical aims and activities,” Panganiban said. “I think this rule [merger] does not apply to the two government

CEBU-BASED Plantation Bay Holdings Corp. filed a criminal complaint against Standard Insurance, after the latter allegedly ignored the former’s insurance claim amounting to P550 million about 14 months after its resort sustained extensive damage from the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in December 2021.

PBHC, which owns and operates the 280-room Plantation Bay resort in Cebu, filed a revised criminal complaint

banks.” The planned merger, which was shelved in 2016 by the Governance Commission on GOCCs after a botched attempt by former President Aquino through the issuance of Executive Order No. 198, is being revived by the Department of Finance to create a “bigger and stronger” bank that eliminates “redundancy and inefficiency” in its operations.

DBP and LBP have separate distinct mandates, with the former focusing on four key sectors: infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development, while the latter is geared towards small farmers and fisherfolk, agrarian reform beneficiaries and aqua-related businesses.

Panganiban, who was the coun -

at the Office of the City Prosecutor in Makati City on Jan. 19, 2023 against Standard Insurance for alleged 12 counts of estafa; Philpacific Insurance Brokers & Managers Inc., the insurance broker of Standard Insurance as a co-conspirator to estafa; and the Philippine office of US-based claims adjuster Crawford & Company as an accessory and co-conspirator. PBHC said in its complaint the re-

try’s 21st Chief Justice, said mergers would be best applied to the private sector, and not for the public sector, as it would lead to more stable banks that would be beneficial to the economy.

He said at present, private local banks, even the major ones, remain small compared to their counterparts in the region, making consolidation a more viable option in the private sector to achieve stability.

“Mergers for the private sector will lead to more stable banks which would be good for the economy and the country” Panganiban said.

Panganiban, who served as the top magistrate from 2005 to 2006 remains active in the business community serving as independent director in some of the leading conglomerates and firms in the country.

Retired chief justice calls proposed DBP-LBP merger ill-advised Cebu resort sues Standard Insurance, Crawford for failing to settle

spondents allegedly tried to apply depreciated or sound value, instead of replacement value of the insured properties.

Standard Insurance, Philinsure and Crawford & Company, which were contacted by email and social media for this story, had yet to issue their statements, but an earlier report in another newspaper quoted Standard Insurance chief executive Patty Echauz-Chilip as

“The vision is to make agriculture a core pillar of MPIC group over time and make it big as Maynilad or hospital group,” Cabal said.

MPIC, through Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc., has four projects in the areas of vegetables, dairy and coconut processing.

MPIC reported a net income of P10.4 billion in 2022, up 4 percent from P10.1 billion in 2021, boosted by the strong performance of power and toll road units.

Cabal said core net income, which excludes one-time items, grew at a faster rate of 15 percent to P14.2 billion.

MPIC booked P5.7 billion one-time gain from the sale of Global Business Power and Don Muang Tollways in 2021.

Power accounted for P12.4 billion or 65 percent of net operating income, followed by toll roads which contributed P5.7 billion or 30 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

saying that based on their assessment, Plantation Bay was “underinsured” for the damaged facilities, and it failed to update its insurance values for the properties.

Typhoon Odette brought catastrophic devastation to some parts of Visayas and Mindanao on Dec. 16, 2021, leaving PBHC’s five-star resort property in Mactan—Plantation Bay Resort and Spa—damaged.

WOMEN’S DAY. Charmaine Angeles becomes one of the first female line crew to join Manila Electric Co.’s workforce when the power distributor pioneered the training and hiring of female line crew in Southeast Asia back in 2013. Through its gender diversity and inclusion program #Mbrace, Meralco implements initiatives to increase women representation in the organization to 40 percent by 2030. Meralco joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2023 and in championing gender equity in line with this year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity.

3 UP athletes, SEAG bronze medalist make PH squad

THREE University of the Philippines standouts and a Southeast Asian Games bronze medallist hit the qualifying standards and were recommended for inclusion to the national team that will see action in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

Edwin Giron and Mariano Masano came up with impressive times in the men’s 800-meters, while schoolmate and sprinter Alrhyan Labita made heads turn in the men’s 100-meter sprints during the three-day final tryouts last week at the Philsports oval in Pasig.

They joined women’s javelin thrower Evalyn Palabrica, a twotime bronze medal winner in SEA Games, who made it to the list of recommendees as well.

The 21-year-old Giron and Masano finished with clockings of 1:52.50 and 1:53.50, which were below the 2022 SEA Games gold medal time of Singaporean Joshua Atkinson, who grabbed first place in one minute and 55.75 seconds.

Labita finished the men’s 100-meter sprint in 10.98 seconds, a time near the 10.58-second bronze medal time of Singapore bronze medallist John Louis.

Palabrica, who settled for third place last year in the 2022 SEA Games with a 49.07 meter heave, impressed the coaches with her 50.26-meter effort.

“They will be considered after the coaching staff deliberates at the end of the National Open in Ilagan, Isabela,” said national head coach Jojo Posadas.

Posadas said Palabrica wasn’t being considered at first, but the coaches changed their minds.

“Inalis na siya sa roster. Pero ibabalik na ulit siya,” said national head coach Jojo Posadas

Giron caught the eye of the national coaching staff when he bagged his second straight title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines trackfest last December with his time of 1:53.56.

In the UAAP meet, Giron fended off Adamson University’s Edgar Carado and National University’s Erwin Mancao. Peter Atencio

World Aquatics okays electoral committee for swim association

WORLD Aquatics confirmed the composition of an Electoral Committee that will conduct and supervise elections for the national sports association for aquatics.

The world governing body for the sport made the confirmation in a letter dated March 7 and emailed to the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Asian Swimming Federation.

World Aquatics Executive Director

Brent Nowicki signed the confirmatory letter.

The Electoral Committee is composed of the POC’s legal team and

is chaired by POC secretary general Atty. Edwin Gastanes.

The members are POC legal chief Atty. Wharton Chan, Atty. Avelino Sumagui and Atty. Marcus Antonius Andaya.

“We would kindly request that you provide us with the contacts details for these individuals as soon as possible,” World Aquatics said in the letter.

“Upon receipt of such contact infor-

mation, our office will make contact with the Committee and provide them with proposed electoral rules and a plan for holding elections.”

Gastanes was in Singapore on Wednesday attending a FIFA function and said the Electoral Committee will buckle down to work upon his return.

“We will peruse the documents and study all pertinent documents so that we can convene as soon as possible,”

Gastanes said.

World Aquatics suspended the Philippine Swimming Inc. and ordered elections for the national federation’s board of directors through the POC last February 22.

Diaz, Sarno to dispute lone PH Olympiad slot

By Peter Atencio

HIDILYN Diaz won’t be alone in competing for a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with numerous qualifying competitions already under way.

The 32-year-old Diaz will seek out a slot in a higher weight category with Cebuana Olympian Elreen Ando, while two other female lifters and group of newcomers in the men’s division, will vie for slots in a series of qualifiers for the Olympics later this year.

Diaz, who won the country’s first Olympic gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, won’t be seeing action in the 55-kg category, which has been scrapped by organizers.

Instead, she and Ando will dispute the lone Olympic seat for the Philippines in the 59-kg class of the Asian qualifiers in Jeju, South Korea, from May 3 to 13.

“You’ll never know. But we will fight for the slots. And only one will represent the country, between Hidilyn

and Ando,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas chief Monico Puentevella after the SWP recently earned the National Sports Association of the Year honors during the PSA Awards Night at the Diamond Hotel.

“We can’t have two of them in the same division. So, we will just see what happens in Korea,” added Puentevella.

In Paris, the 55-kg class has been removed after the International Weightlifting Federation made changes to the calendar, with the women’s side now having the 49kg, 59kg, 71kg, 81kg and over-81kg categories.

In the men’s division, competitions will be in the 61kg, 73kg, 89kg, 102kg and over-102kg.

Last month, Ando topped the women’s 59-kilogram category of the SWP’s 2023 Southeast Asian Games qualifying tournament.

The University of Cebu standout posted a record-setting 125-kilogram lift in the clean and jerk to eclipse the national record of 123kg in her debut

in the 59kg women’s division.

Ando earlier competed in the Tokyo Olympics, finishing seventh in the 64-kg division.

Earlier last year, Ando came home with a silver medal in the Hanoi SEA Games.

In total, 120 athletes will compete in the Paris 2024 weightlifting competition, which is a drop from 196 in Tokyo and a further drop from the 260, who competed in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games.

To be eligible for Paris, all athletes must compete in the 2023 IWF World Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September 2 to 17, and the 2024 IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand from April 2 to 11, with Diaz and Sando expected to be in both.

Other qualifiers slated late this year are in Tunis, Tunisia, the Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands from November 20 to 24, the 2023 IWF Grand Prix I in Havana, Cuba from June 2 to 12, and the 2023 IWF Grand Prix II in Doha, Qatar in early December.

Muros-Posadas pays tribute to old pal, rival ‘Diay’

By Randy Caluag

ON Monday night when she received her Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association, former long jump queen Elma Muros-Posadas couldn’t help but relive the times she shared with an old friend and rival, the late Lydia De Vega Mercado.

“Magkasama pa kaming mag-training noon at naging inpirasyon namin ang bawat isa. Iyong legacy niya sating lahat, marami siyang naiwang alaala,” said Muros-Posadas, who trained together with the former Sprint Queen of Asia under the Gintong Alay of then project Director Michael Keon, who is now mayor of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

“We miss you (Diay) Lydia De Vega, habang nabubuhay ako ‘di ka makakalimutan dahil palagi tayong magkasama at kahit wala

ka na at ako na ang kaharap na Elma Muros Posadas, palagi akong napapag kamalang Lydia kaya maraming salamat sa sakripisyo na ibinigay mo sa pamilya mo at sa ating bansang Pilipinas,” added Muros in a social media post the next morning.

“Nag-iwan ka ng magandang legacy sa sports, sa buong Asia, at sa mga kabataan, IDOL Kita. Maraming maraming salamat, we love you,” she added.

De Vega-Mercado, who passed away due to cancer in August last year, was honored by the country’s oldest organization of sports scribes with a Hall of Fame award, which was received by her daughter Stephanie. She was the toast of Philippine athletics in the 1980s, having won the 100m and 200m gold medals in the Asian Athletics Championship in 1983 and 1987 and the 100m gold medal in the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games.

A product of Project Gintong Alay dur-

ing the time of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Mercado competed and won multiple medals in the Southeast Asian Games from 1981 to 1993.

De-Vega Mercado bloomed ahead of Muros-Posadas. In their early years, they even got to compete on the track, until Muros-Posadas found her niche in the jumping event, where she reigned for the longest time as the best in the country and the Southeast Asian region.

She won a total of 15 gold medals in the SEA Games, which also included stints in sprints, hurdles, and later on in heptathlon. But the native of Magdiwang, Romblon was a force to reckon with in the long jump, an event she dominated in the SEA Games for a decade by winning the gold six straight times from 1989 to 1999. She won her first gold in the biennial meet in 1983 in Singapore.

The suspension stemmed from the PSI’s persistence against the World Aquatics’ instructions and resolutions.

“World Aquatics has tried to resolve the many issues with PSI, but PSI and in particular, certain members of its Executive [the President and Members of the Board of Trustees] have ever since vigorously resisted to any assistance and help for the necessary reforms, showing no interest and no willingness to act in accordance with World Aquatics Constitution nor with the principles enshrined in such Constitution,” the international federation said in an earlier letter.

PH Golf Tour swings back into action in Visayas

THE Philippine Golf Tour ushers in the new season with a two-leg swing in the Visayas beginning with the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic presented by MORE Power on March 15 to 18 with the cream of the country’s pro crop bannering the cast beefed up by a number of aces who hurdled the recent PGT Q-School.

They include former amateur hotshots and national team mainstays who are bursting with enthusiasm about taking their respective games to the next level although focus will be on the top guns headed by the top finishers in The Country Club Invitational last month, the flagship tournament of each PGT season.

The Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit last made stops in Visayas and Mindanao in 2019 but was forced to hold “bubble” tournaments in the next two years before staging seven events last year following the easing up of health restrictions.

And with the success of the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup and the staging of the PGT Q-School, the PGTI and the sponsoring ICTSI are looking forward to a busy season with a full calendar of events. The PGT, which offers a total purse of P2.25 million, will also be held simultaneously with the Ladies PGT.

Meanwhile, after the Negros Occidental Classic at the Marapara Golf and Country Club, the Tour will hold the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge on March 22-25 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club before action moves to Laguna for the second ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship on April 18-21 at the Caliraya Golf and Country Club in Cavinti.

BEST PLAYER. Christian Standhardinger (left) churned out near triple-double averages in Ginebra’s last three games, including wins against playo -bound teams Meralco and Converge. Standhardinger normed 29 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in a three-game winning run that paved the way for the champions to catch up with San Miguel Beer at second place with a 7-2 record, thus earning the Ginebra big man the unanimous choice as the Cignal Play-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period March 1-5.

Hidilyn Diaz

Elma Muros-Posadas at the PSA Awards Night ceremonies

PGA players benefiting from LIV revolution: McIlroy, Rahm M

IAMI—Rory McIlroy admitted on Tuesday that the PGA Tour’s top golfers were reaping the benefits of the emergence of the Saudi Arabiabacked LIV Golf circuit.

McIlroy, one of the staunchest defenders of the PGA Tour in its bitter feud with LIV over the past year, said the launch of the upstart tour had forced the US-based circuit to innovate.

The Northern Ireland star was speaking ahead of this week’s Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, which will tee off on Thursday without its reigning champion Cam Smith -- who has since defected to LIV.

The PGA Tour has responded to emergence of the lucrative LIV circuit by introducing its own money-spinning no-cut events starting in 2024.

McIlroy acknowledged on Tuesday that those changes would probably not have happened had it not been for the rise of LIV Golf.

“I’m not going to sit here and lie; I think the emergence of LIV or the emergence of a competitor to the PGA Tour has benefited everyone that plays elite professional golf,” McIlroy told a press conference.

“I think when you’ve been the biggest golf league in the biggest market in the world for the last 60 years, there’s not a lot of incentive to innovate.

“This has caused a ton of innovation at the PGA Tour. What was quite, I would say, an antiquated system is being revamped to try to mirror where we’re at in the world in the 21st century with the media landscape.

“The PGA Tour isn’t just competing with LIV Golf or other sports. It’s competing with Instagram and TikTok and everything else that’s trying to take eyeballs away from the PGA Tour as a product.

Monahan defends ‘no-cut’

“LIV coming along, it’s definitely had a massive impact on the game, but I think everyone who’s a professional golfer is going to benefit from it going forward.”

McIlroy’s remarks were mirrored by world number one Jon Rahm, who agreed that the momentum for change on the PGA Tour had been driven by LIV

Golf’s emergence.

“Without a doubt,” Rahm said. “Without LIV Golf, this wouldn’t have happened.

“So to an extent, we should be thankful this threat has made the PGA Tour want to change things. I wish it didn’t come to the PGA Tour being under fire from somebody else to make those changes and make things better for the players, but I guess it is what we needed.

“So, yeah, it is because of LIV Golf. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have seen any of this.”

PGA Tour commissioner

Jay Monahan meanwhile defended the introduction of no-cut events from 2024, noting that the PGA Tour had held similar format tournaments in the past.

“The players that are competing in our events in this new format next year will have earned the right to compete in them and they will have earned it through top50 position in the FedExCup this year,” Monahan said.

“The PGA Tour has always had limited-field, no-cut 72-hole stroke play events. In fact, Jack Nicklaus won 17 times in that format. Arnold Palmer won 23. Tiger Woods won 26.

“To me, those wins, the format did not diminish those accomplishments as we sit here today. I think as we look out to 2024, 2025, 2026, the same will hold true.”

LIV Golf held its inaugural season in 2022, luring a slew of PGA Tour players and major winners with huge signing bonuses and 54-hole tournaments offering purses which dwarf the richest events on the PGA Tour.

The tour faced stinging criticism f rom human rights groups however who say the circuit is “sports washing” by Saudi Arabia in an attempt to improve the kingdom’s international image. AFP

Brodeth resumes title hunt in PPS Maasin BEST Center holds 2 QC clinics

KIMI Brodeth hopes to start out strong coming off a break, seeking no less than a sweep of the top two divisions in the girls’ side of the Mayor Nacional “Nikko” V. Mercado National Juniors Tennis Championships unfolding Thursday at the Maasin City Tennis Club in Leyte.

Brodeth kicked off the season with a victory in the Masters Top 8 in Negros Occidental then posted a two-title romp in the PPS-PEPP Iloilo leg, both last January, making the Ormoc City find the marked player in the 16- and 18-under categories of the Group 2 tournament serving as the first of the three-leg Visayan swing.

Out to foil her bid are Corazon Lambonao, Krissna Lim and Davanee Velasco in the premier class while Molly Tan, Marie Gojoco, Antonette Araneta, Mae Paulo, Lim and Velasco beef up the 16-U cast of the event sponsored by Mayor Mercado as part of the city’s youth sports program to discover, tap and develop talents like Maasin native and former Davis Cupper and PCA Open champion Ringo Navarrosa.

The battle for the boys’ titles is also expected to be wide open with Gio

Manito, Nicholas Ocat, El Zylter Tagalog and Kyle Villaruel all primed up for the 18-U chase with Manito also bannering the 16-U cast that also features Kenzo Brodeth, Kevin Tabura, and Andre Namocatcat.

Kenzo Brodeth also headlines the 14-U field that includes Urcisino Villa, Claudwin Toñacao and Fritz Cayunda with Molly Tan, Julienne Celeste, Dorothy Araneta and Princess Paulo leading the hunt in the girls’ division of the tournament put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Toñacao, siblings Pete and Gil Niere and Cayunda are tipped to slug it out in the 12-U category with Ma. Caroliean Fiel and Julienne Celeste gearing up for a title clash in their side of the battle.

Fiel, Mae Cia and the Niere brothers banner the cast in the 10-unisex category.

Meanwhile, the circuit, presented by Dunlop and backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating), heads to Baybay City on March 16-20 with Ormoc City hosting the third Visayan swing stop on March 23-27. For listup, contact tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

SPORTS hopefuls as young as five years old can start building their hoop and volleyball dreams starting March 18 when the award-winning BEST Center fires off its clinics in two venues in Quezon City.

The Ateneo covered courts in Katipunan will be the site of Saturday clinics from March 18 to May 13 with Preparatory Level for students 5 to 8 years old, and Levels 1, 2, and 3 for nine years old and above.

The classes run from 8 to 11 a.m. Volleyball clinics are also offered in Levels 1, 2, and 3 on the same dates.

Also from March 18 to May 13, the 3rd Fitness Lab at 12 Scout Lazcano will offer Saturday-only basketball classes for students in Preparatory Level (5 to 8 years old), and in Levels 1 and 2 for 9 years and above.

For inquiries, call 8371-9724 and 3411-6260, or send an Email to bestcenter.inquiry@gmail.com.

The Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center is a recipient of the Philippine Olympic Committee Olympism Award and is a member of the prestigious Philippine Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

PhilCycling women’s team makes podium in Vietnam

THE national women’s road team earned a podium finish behind two Vietnamese squads in Stage 1 on Wednesday of the 13th Biwase Cup in Vietnam, where the nationals’ modest goal was to warm their legs and gain international exposure for the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games in May.

The team—composed of Kate Yasmin Velasco, Marianne Dacumos, Mathilda Krog, Avegail Rombaon and Mhay Ann Linda—wound up behind Vietnamese squads Cong Ty Cp Tap Doan Loc Troi and Tuyep TP. Hcm Vinama after the 66-km criterium around Binh Duong New City.

All three teams had identical accumulated clocking of 10 hours, four minutes and 48 seconds (total time of the five riders) with the team classification determined by the order of finish of the individual riders Velasco finished eighth and Dacumos 10th in the provisional individual

Manila Chooks! eyes big start in Amsterdam

START the year with a bang.

That’s the mindset that the Manila Chooks! 3x3 squad has when it tries to prove its worth in the FIBA 3X3 Pro League Netherlands 2023 Winter Edition Stop 1 from March 9 to 20 in Amsterdam.

Manila Chooks!, which arrived in Amsterdam on Wednesday, will be bannered by the country’s No. 1 3x3 player Mac Tallo, No. 2 Brandon Ramirez, and No. 3 Dennis Santos.

Determined to bolster its roster, Manila Chooks! has also tapped former University of the East standout CJ Payawal and former National University forward Matt Salem as new additions.

For the first stop, Manila Chooks! is bracketed in Pool D and will clash with Amstelveen of Netherlands at 2:55 a.m.

Friday before taking on world No. 15 Utrecht at 4:35 a.m.

Chooks-to-Go President and team

owner Ronald Mascariñas stood firm on his vision of sending a Philippine squad to the Paris Olympics next year— that explains why head trainer Chico Lanete and his charges are working doubly hard.

“I am excited about what this team can achieve, especially with our new reinforcements. The more games they play, the better they become as a team,” Mascariñas said.

“We will always be here to support them and keep our dream of seeing a Philippine 3x3 team in the 2024 Paris Olympics alive. The team has been preparing hard for their first FIBA 3x3 tournament of the year,” added the amiable godfather of Philippine 3x3.

Other ranked teams in the meet include world No. 5 Amsterdam of the Netherlands, world No. 20 Warsaw of Poland, and world No. 21 Düsseldorf of Germany.

The tilt will be made up of three stops and a final, with the winner after three stops will take home $15,000 and a ticket to Manila Masters, while the second and third placers will bag $10,000 and $5,000.

results and later wound up 10th and 12th, respectively, after the time and sprint bonuses were applied for the general classification.

Rombaon, Krog and Linda were in 17th, 24th and 26th in the field of 90 cyclists spread out over 18 teams from the host country, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiawan, Thailand and Kazakhstan.

They all finished in a bunch 12 seconds behind 1-2-3 individual finishers Maneephan Julatip (one hour, 40 minutes and 36 seconds) (four seconds behind) and Nguyen Thi

Thu Mai of Vietnam and Nur Aisyah Binti Mohd Zubir (five seconds behind) of Malaysia.

Velasco, Dacumos, Rombaon and Krog are regular riders of the Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance team, while Linda, who’s racing abroad for the first time, made the national team from Team Excellent.

Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling president Rep. Abra-

ham fielded the team—coached by Marita Lucas, Alfie Catalan and Joey de los Reyes and supported by the POC, Philippine Sports Commission, Tagaytay City, MVP Sports Foundation, Standard Insurance, Excellent Noodles and 7-Eleven—to Vietnam for exposure ahead of the Cambodia SEA Games from may 5 to 17.

Two other Filipino riders— Maura de los Reyes and Jelsie Sabado— rode for the Kazakhstan Women Junior Team with three Kazakhs and were caught deep in the peloton to wind up up 63rd and 66th, respectively, but also 12 seconds behind the leader.

Vietnam annually hosts the 10-stage Biwase Cup to celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday.

The race is livestreamed on https:// www.facebook.com/vcfchannel/ posts/pfbid0JWL3EfCcczQdEMuN7aZTHTpnDKxn8QG2dB7Y8Ur9VwC7NLw8yYkS8zKTxEWA54bcl.

COMBAT SAMBO CHAMPS. Female winners of the “1st Mayor Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino Cup-4th Pilipinas Combat Sambo National Championship” in Geli Bulaong (gold) and Drew Soriano (silver) in the 59-kg category are shown with (from left) Cavite Vice Gov. Athena Tolentino, Tagaytay City Mayor and Philippine Olympic Committee president Tolentino and Paolo Tancontian, president of Pilipinas Sambo Federation during the awards rites held at the Fora Mall Tagaytay City on Sunday. Dennis Abrina

Rory McIlroy AFP

The Manila Chooks! team

The PhilCycling national women’s team shareS the podium with two Vietnamese squads.

HOW much are you willing to pay for the worldly satisfaction you want? What risks will you take to achieve the goal you are aiming for?

Watch how people would stop at nothing so they could get everything in Vivamax’s newest sexy-thriller film, Domme, streaming on March 17.

Domme is Vivamax Original Movie starring Ava Mendez, Ali Asistio, and Mark Anthony Fernandez Here, Ava takes on another daring and challenging role as a professional dominatrix, a woman paid to be the dominant role in BDSM (which refers to a range of sexual preferences that generally relate to the enjoyment of physical control, psychological control, and/or pain) activities.

Domme follows the story of Cholo (Ali Asistio), a customer service agent who moves to Manila for better opportunities. Every night in his new condo, he would hear loud noises and screams, as if a couple was fighting from a nearby unit. Out of curiosity, Cholo spies on his neighbors and discovers their secret. The noises he hears are not because of a couple’s quarrel but from the extreme pleasure and wild erotic practices performed by a dominatrix named Estelle (Ava Mendez) to Raymond (Mark Anthony Fernandez), Cholo’s neighbor.

‘BDSM’ Roman Perez tackles

in new erotic film

As Cholo interferes with Estelle and Raymond’s business, the more he gets involved in their lives, and more so, into their mess. How much will Estelle and Raymond change Cholo’s life? Will they influence him with a new perspective?

Or will it be Cholo who makes an impact and change their lives?

Domme is directed by Roman Perez, Jr. Also joining the cast are Marco Gomez and Ada Hermosa.

BingoPlus marks anniversary with star-studded gala

By Angelica Villanueva

MARKING its first anniversary, BingoPlus held its first annual night at the Grand Hyatt Manila attended by celebrities, social media personalities, and the executives of the e-game portal. The event started with the red carpet that streamed live on the official Facebook page of BingoPlus and Viva.

Celebrity brand endorser, Luis Manzano hosted the evening alongside Viva artists Wilbert Ross, McCoy De Leon, Sam Concepcion, and Bela Padilla.

The anniversary celebration couldn’t be complete without live performances from today’s top music acts. SB19’s Josh Cullen opened the night with his performance of his latest single “Wild Tonight.” The attendees were then entertained by no less than, Asia’s Songbird Regine

Velasquez

P-pop groups Alamat and P-Pop Gen also gave astounding performances. To make the event more special, TV host and comedian Vice Ganda and OPM artists Kim Molina and Katrina Velarde also entertained the guests with their respective special numbers. On top of this brimming lineup, BingoPlus also gave away one million pesos worth of raffle to all its supporters. Making it a more extravagant celebration of the BingoPlus milestone, two winners split the 50 million pesos mega jackpot.

Lastly, BingoPlus donated more than 10 million pesos to a charity as a sign of giving back and gratitude to all its loyal supporters since its launch. BingoPlus is the first live-streaming bingo in the Philippines. For updates about BingoPuls, visit www. bingoplus.com.

Reuben Laurente: singer, painter, patriot

EVERY once in a while you must be hearing Reuben Laurente’s voice as lead singer behind “Pakisabi Na Lang,” a classic credited to the country’s premier group The CompanY. The multiawarded balladeer himself recalled being involved in 14 of the group’s numerous albums, as his storied past helped keep him afloat as a solo act.

BingoPlus ambassador Luis Manzano hosting the starstudded event

‘Siglo ng Kalinga’ producer expresses dismay over Summer MMFF snub

“IT is quite disheartening that there seems to be no room for tribute and gratitude from the film industry for the heroes of the pandemic, our nurses,” said Dr. Carl Balita, the executive producer and CEO of Dr. Carl Balita Productions (DCBP) after their film Siglo ng Kalinga was excluded in the inaugural Summer MMFF.

“The recent exclusion of our film from the Magic 8 of the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival is indeed attesting to that value,” he went on. Archie Del Mundo, the writer-producer of the film added. “Only movies shot during the pandemic were included, however, the film about the pandemic heroes were left out. Is it about the commercial appeal? 900,000 nursing students are already waiting for us to screen the film. What could be more relevant than a film that exposes and shows the lives of individuals who gave their lives so that we might all live and survive?”

Earlier, Dr. Carl Balita Productions and the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) and Philippine Nurses Association of American Foundation (PNAAF) have set their grand plan to distribute the film Siglo ng Kalinga to the Filipino American communities, hospitals, and screening venues in the United States right after their international festival premieres.

The idea came during a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed between Dr. Balita and PNAAF, headed by their president Nancy Nolasco-Hoff, at the PNAAF 6th International Collaborative Conference on January 21 and 22, Vigan Convention Center.

As agreed, part of the proceeds of the US screenings will go to PNAAF to assist with their welfare programs and projects for Filipino nurses abroad.

Dr. Carl Balita Productions’ Siglo ng Kalinga (A Century of Care) is a groundbreaking film with an all-nurse cast that is aimed at celebrating 100 years of the PNA. Produced by Dr. Carl E.

Balita, an educator, licensed nurse, midwife, and entrepreneur (and directed by the awardwinning filmmaker Lemuel Lorca) said his life and career are devoted to nursing. His dream is to elevate the profession to a higher level of appreciation through this film.

“We wish to inspire the entire nursing communities, in the Philippines and internationally, to see and appreciate the film with the highest pride and gratitude. We created this film to educate everyone about the significance of nurses in national healthcare. We are adhered to promoting the nursing profession to incoming college freshmen and inspire and honor the practicing nurses in the country,“ Dr. Balita expressed during the interview.

Siglo ng Kalinga, the first film with an all-nurses cast, included Joy Ras, Tads Obach, Bambi Rojas, Ellener Cruz, Joel

Rey Carcasona, Aldrin Samson, Irma Bustamante, Jewell Alano, Abbey Romero, Anna Illescas, Lorrich Del Castilo, Denmark Mismanos, Aya Sarmiento, Jam Sandiego, Val Ramilo, Jerico Roque, and VJ Mendoza Nursing leaders and luminaries, mostly deans and presidents of nursing schools and PNA officers, also played vital historical roles, such as Dr. Cora Anonuevo, Mila Llanes, Betty Merritt, Remedios Fernandez, Rita Tamse, Clare Curato, Frances Cuevas, Nerissa Gerial, and PNA National President Melvin Miranda Dr. Balita revealed the film has a world premiere in the third week of April. Apart from premiering in festivals abroad. DCBP takes pride in the films it has produced, like Nars (2007), Maestra (2017), Rebyu (2017), and A Father’s Love (2021).

Not new to embarking on new challenges, Reuben, after reigniting his passion for painting - his other love, will stage his first solo exhibit. He is backed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The solo exhibition, to run from April 6 to 30, is called Pilipino Ako, Ito Ang Aking Lahi ( I Am A Filipino, This Is My Race ). It will be held at the NCCA Gallery on the ground floor of the NCCA located at 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Reuben Laurente, former member of The CompanY-turned-solo act, will have his art exhibit this April 6 to 30, backed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts

is neatly divided into four sections: Kwentong Bayan, Pagdiriwang, Ang Babaeng Pilipino, and Muebles. Pilipino Ako, Ito Ang Aking Lahi is a triumph of Reuben’s laudable talent as a painter and a reflection of his patriotism.

The recently named “Ulirang Mandaleño Sa Larangan ng Sining at Kultura” (Most Outstanding Citizen of Mandaluyong in the fields of Arts and Culture) is the son of graphic artist Dominador Laurente. As a grader, he won an on-the-spot painting contest, while in 1981 excelled in an NCR-wide Ati-Atihan painting contest at the Folk Arts Theater. He was voted vice president of the art club Color Freaks while at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Laboratory High School.

Reuben graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at the University of the Philippines, and then worked as a visual merchandiser for the clothing company Giordano.

‘Pilipino Ako, Ito Ang Aking Lahi’ (I Am A Filipino, This Is My Race) will be held on the ground floor of the NCCA located at 633 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila

An Artist Reception, the ribbon-cutting event, is scheduled on April 12, featuring cellist Kiko Llorin and his violinistwife Corinna, with the artist himself expected to sing for the attendees. Far East Broadcasting Company’s Dan Andrew Cura will deliver a speech about Reuben’s exhibit.

“I am an advocate of our rich cultural heritage and this is my own little way of showcasing how proud I am of where we come from,” said Reuben. Gallery hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

I was given the privilege to write the text, both about the exhibit and the artist, that will be seen on display.

All 44 masterpieces to be publicly showcased are the result of Reuben’s creative outburst while battling health crises - personal and global. He did paintings while recovering from a vocal condition a decade back. He did it aboard a cruise ship where he entertained passengers. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he painted at home.

“I was channeling the negative into positive,” he noted, referring to how he addressed the lockdowns productively, and creatively. For art enthusiasts, Reuben’s exhibit

His early works were featured in two coffee table books, namely, Kayumanggi ( Biographies of Philippine Visual Artist ) and Folk Influence on Modern Philippine Art , both authored by Jane Stangle Apostol-Alvero and published by Piso Book Foundation.

Reuben’s works, mirroring his fascination for the rich culture and history of the Philippines, led him to the doors of the NCCA that awarded him a muchdeserved exhibit grant. The curatorial team is composed of Carla Gamalinda, Mara Logarta, Bryan Llapitan, and Mario Vista. Photographer Dr. Raul Ceralde Supnet and graphic artist Manuel Roma Jr. also contributed their skills.

This April, Reuben Laurente, the singerartist with three solo albums under his name, and a total of 11 digital singles released since the summer of 2020, got good company.

‘Domme’ director Roman Perez

Marco Gomez also joins the cast of ‘Domme’

Ali Asistio plays Cholo, a customer service agent who moves to Manila for better opportunities

Mark Fernandez plays Raymond, Cholo’s neighbor and Estelle’s partner

Ava Mendez brings life to the dominatrix Estelle

Karilagan Homage to the nation’s Dean of Fashion Illustration Danilo Franco

TV host and comedian Vice Ganda

SB19’s Josh Cullen

P-pop group Alamat

Doctor Carl E. Balita (second from right), the executive producer and CEO of Dr. Carl Balita Productions

Preventing hair loss caused by biotin deficiency

head of hair is commonly associated with feminine allure or masculine appeal. No matter how it’s cut or styled, thick, smooth, and shiny tresses enhance a pretty face or lend a kind of charm to plain and homey ones. In fact, nothing gives the average man or woman a better confidence boost than a lush, well-styled mane. Thus, it can be quite distressing for anyone to note signs of early hair loss, such as regular shedding of hair in the shower or waking up to find significant amounts of hair strands on one’s pillow.

Providentially, before all these lead to the more visually upsetting stage such as a “receding hairline,” there is a product that’s formulated to help restore the thickness of your hair and prevent serious hair loss: Biotin (Wolvit). Biotin is a key part of the body’s protein synthesis, especially in keratin production. Keratin is the most important protein that the body needs to produce and maintain healthy hair and skin – plus better nail growth.

Let’s talk about a holistic approach to menopausal health

importance of reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. With its focus on holistic health and wellness, it offers a range of programs that help women maintain optimal health and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

Programs and services offered at The Farm

THE Farm at San Benito is the first holistic medical wellness resort to launch a comprehensive menopause retreat that addresses women’s health issues.

This month, the spotlight shines on women as we celebrate the achievements of all women while also raising awareness about many forms of violence and other hardships that women face daily. As we honor women’s empowerment this Women’s Month, there is one aspect of femininity that we don’t always get to talk about – menopause.

Menopause is a natural phenomenon that every woman experiences as she ages. It is a time of significant hormonal and social changes that affect not just the physical health, but also the emotional and mental well-being of a woman. During this phase, women experience a decline in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. The changes in hormone levels can also increase the risk of developing health conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke.

As the number of women experiencing menopause increases each year, it has become crucial to address the unique health needs of this population. The Farm at San Benito, a world-renowned health and wellness resort in the Philippines, has taken a holistic approach to menopausal health. The Farm offers a range of programs and services that cater to the specific needs of peri/menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women.

Demographic characteristics of menopausal and post-menopausal women

According to recent studies, around 25 million women pass through menopause each year. In 1990, it was estimated that there were 467 million post-menopausal women in the world, with an average age of about 60 years.

By 2030, the world population of menopausal and post-menopausal women is projected to reach 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year.

The Farm at San Benito recognizes the growing need for menopausal health services and has designed specialized programs that cater to the specific needs of this population. With a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, it offers personalized care and attention to each guest, ensuring that each one receives the best possible treatment and care.

The implication of menopause for mortality risks

Studies also reveal that the mortality implications of menopause are substantial. Around the time of menopause, ratios of femaleto-male mortality risks from all causes (except cancer) decline to low levels and then rise again to unity. This pattern shows evidence that the female reproductive period is broadly protective of health, but that this protection disappears after menopause. The main protective effect is through reduced risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, partially offset by increased risks of cancer mortality, particularly of the breast and endometrium. The Farm at San Benito understands the

The Farm at San Benito offers a range of programs and services that cater to the specific needs of peri-menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. The program is designed to help women achieve optimal health and well-being by addressing the underlying causes of health issues, and is conducted by internationally-trained integrative doctors supported by licensed health professionals.

The program includes vegan meals and nutritional juices. The meals are low glycemic yet high in nutrients, helping to boost the body’s natural defenses. The consultation with the nutritionist aims to assess the individual’s food intake and lifestyle history in order to formulate a sustainable meal plan that suits her individual

blood as seen live under a dark field microscope to give a glimpse of what’s happening inside the body. It can show manifestations of oxidative stress and internal organ imbalance, providing valuable insights into possible nutritional deficiencies and toxicities. The retreat also includes several colon hydrotherapy treatments, which help to detoxify the body and improve digestive health. The Farm’s diagnostics is supported by certified fitness coaches with a complimentary Fitness Consultation & Assessment.

Treatments include a vital test for heavy metals, minerals, and vitamins, a 60-minute Personalized Kidney Cleansing, a 30-minute Liver Compress, a 45-minute Empress Facial, a 60-minute Acupuncture Session, and a 30-minute Dolphin Neurostim. The retreat also includes a 90-minute personalized Hilot Lakambini, which is a traditional Filipino massage that helps to restore balance and harmony to the body.

Aside from these, the retreat also offers several activities and workshops, including yoga, meditation, nature walks, organic farm tours, sound healing, interactive wellness workshops, and functional fitness activities. This provides guests with an opportunity to connect with their bodies and minds, and to learn new skills that will help them cope with the changes that come with menopause.

A good diet, regular exercise, and taking Wolvit will help against

In a study published in the Skin Appendage Disorders journal, it was found that common afflictions resulting from biotin deficiency include alopecia, eczematous skin rashes, seborrheic dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and more. This often manifests as excessive hair loss, brittle nails, or dry skin. These are conditions that may produce an emotional toll on the afflicted, as well. After all, excessive hair loss can cause your self-confidence and self-esteem to plunge, and feelings of insecurity to set in.

Marco Elmer Manus

Group Product Manager at Kusum Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Brand Office, spoke on how Biotin (Wolvit) helps those suffering from biotin deficiency.

“The signs of biotin deficiency can be difficult to deal with,” said Manus. “One starts to worry about their health and confidence in their looks. it’s disquieting! That’s we want to tell everyone, ‘Hey, relax! There are things you can do. A good diet, regular exercise, and taking Biotin (Wolvit) will help.’”

Manus asserts that there’s no need to be alarmed when hair loss starts setting in. A healthy lifestyle combined with Biotin (Wolvit) provides the body with the biotin it needs to produce healthy hair, skin, and nails.

A study conducted by the Institute of Dermatology and Venereology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine found that the use of Biotin (Wolvit) “has positive effect on the structure of the skin and its appendages (hair, nails).”

In a review of 18 cases – published in Skin Appendage Disorders –where biotin was used in response to hair loss, it was found that all showed evidence of clinical improvement.”

A healthy lifestyle with Wolvit provides the body the biotin it needs to produce healthy hair

Biotin (Wolvit) is available in all leading drugstores nationwide.

Excessive hair loss can cause your self-confidence and self-esteem to plunge

Celebrating International Women’s Day with handpicked selection of women-focused experiences

needs.

In addition to nutrition, the retreat includes a holistic health consultation, which explores the individual’s state of well-being. Understanding the disharmony between the individual’s physical, psycho-emotional, and spiritual aspects helps their doctors to create a treatment plan to address any issues that may be present.

A series of psycho-emotional clearing sessions are integral to achieving our guest’s treatment goals.

Cellular health screening is integrated into the program to foster a deeper appreciation of the working of the body at a cellular level. This is an educational experience that uses one’s

The Farm at San Benito has a range of accommodation options that cater to the needs of different guests. It has received 90 international awards and accolades including “Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World” for its exceptional services and facilities. In 2021, the resort was awarded the Best Wellness Resort in the Philippines by the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards. The resort has also been featured in top international publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes. Menopause can be challenging for women, and it often involves physical and emotional symptoms that may disrupt their daily lives. A holistic program such as what The Farm offers helps women navigate this phase of their lives and embrace the changes their bodies are going through.

For more details, visit www. thefarmatsanbenito.com. For feedback, I’m at joba.botana@gmail.com

Conrad Spa is offering discounts on special wellness treatments for guests’ pampering and rejuvenation

CONRAD Manila, the premier haven for smart luxury by Manila Bay, along with Hilton Hotels and Resorts across the Philippines, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka announces its worldwide theme, “The Bold, Brave and Beautiful,” a celebration of women everywhere with their unwavering spirit and strength.

The celebration, running until March 31, features various activities that honor and uplift women, including power lunches, special cocktails, and spa packages.

“Here at Conrad Manila, we believe that a woman’s touch has the ability to transform anything into something magical, significant, and impactful. We are honored to have this platform to honor our female colleagues, guests, friends, and family in a meaningful and beautiful celebration. Through this campaign, we aim to show our appreciation and gratitude to all women for their thoughtful contributions to society, and most importantly, to empower and uplift women everywhere,” shared Fabio Berto, hotel general manager.

This year’s theme is a tribute to the countless women who continue to inspire, push boundaries, and make their mark in the world.

The award-winning Conrad Spa is offering discounts on special wellness treatments for

guests’ pampering and rejuvenation. Every spa purchase during the promo period comes with a complimentary one-hour personal training voucher from our Fitness Center worth P1,500.

Ladies are invited to unwind at the end of the day with a stunning sunset view and exclusive concoctions specially curated for women by the resident mixologist at C Lounge. With prices starting at P650++, guests can choose from two blends, “Be My Candy” made with Aperol, Prosecco, and Cotton Candy, and “Darna” made with Coconut Jelly, Coconut Water, Mango, Hibiscus Syrup, Vodka, and Rosemary Infusion. All ladies are treated to a complimentary welcome shot.

These experiences are designed to provide women with a moment of relaxation and reflection, as they continue to blaze new trails and make their mark in the world.

Hilton Honors Base and Silver members enjoy a 10 percent discount on all promotions while Gold and Diamond members enjoy a 25 percent discount.

For reservations and inquiries, please call +63 2 8833 9999 or email conradmanila@ conradhotels.com. To learn more about Conrad Manila’s promotions and offers, visit EatDrinkHilton.com.

The Farm at San Benito recognizes

Biotin Keratin

biotin deficiency

The Mandala Flower Meditation is among the holistic treatments available at The Farm