Manila Standard - 2023 March 20 - Monday

Teves defies House deadline

Solon ready to face sanctions but won’t risk safety in returning back now

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey Requejo

NEGROS Oriental

3rd District Rep.

Arnolfo Teves Jr. is not likely to return to the country today as he would rather face administrative sanctions by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges over his continued absence instead of facing what he claimed to be grave security threats to his life, his legal counsel said.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez earlier gave Teves until March 20 to surface after denying his request for a twomonth leave of absence.

Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla said based on the reports received by the DOJ, Teves is no longer in the United States and is currently “in Southeast Asia.”

Oil spill impact on livelihood, prices worsens

By Macon RamosAraneta and Rio N. Araja

SENATOR Bong Revilla urged the government over the weekend to investigate the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities in many towns of Oriental Mindoro, following the oil spill caused by the MT Prince Empress, which sank off the Naujan coast with 800,000 liters of industrial fuel on Feb. 28.

This as Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer Cruz appealed for an alternative livelihood program for her constituents as the impact of the oil slick worsens.

“Right now, it's getting harder

THE government will continue unfinished projects of past administrations under the Philippines’ ongoing infrastructure push, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday on his video blog.

The Marcos administration recently approved 194 "high-impact" infrastructure projects worth P9 trillion,

around 70 of which were proposed under the Duterte administration, the President said on YouTube.

The government wants to improve the country’s digital connectivity, flood control, irrigation, water supply, health, power and energy infrastructure, Mr. Marcos said.

SENATE President Juan Miguel Zubiri has assured the House leadership he will “keep an open mind” on efforts to amend the Constitution to bring about economic reforms.

“Senate President Migz personally assured me that he will keep an open mind on the move by the House of Representatives to institute economic reforms through constitutional amendments,” said

By Rio N. Araja, Macon RamosAraneta and Rey E. Requejo

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin

Romualdez on Sunday warned resource persons they could be set to jail for lying to the House committee on agriculture and foods as it resumes its hearings on the spikes in the prices of onions and

House Speaker Martin Romualdez after his phone conversation with Zubiri.

“He informed me that the Senate is waiting for the report of their Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes chaired by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, for appropriate plenary action,” Romualdez added.

Romualdez, however, said he was

other agricultural goods.

Romualdez said the panel is determined to unmask the unscrupulous financiers and traders behind the onion and vegetable cartel responsible for the high prices.

He said they have demonstrated their resolve by citing in contempt and detaining three officials of Argo International Forwarders Inc. for refusing to cooperate

Alena

ALL. House Speaker Martin Romualdez (standing, center in white shirt) leads Manila

his left (in black uniform) is Minxie Romualdez, whose Black team scored five goals to beat the Orange team. (

) Manny Palmero

US advance party to Balikatan war games arrive in PH today

AN advanced party from the US Armed Forces that will be joining the 2023 "Balikatan" exercises next month is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines today (March 20).

Col. Medel Aguilar, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), on Saturday said the guests would be working on various humanitarian civic assistance programs before the annual military exercises formally begin April 11.

“These would involve construction of facilities and cooperative health engagements as well as community relations programs that would be undertaken by the AFP and US Armed Forces across the Philippines,” Aguilar said in Filipino at a media forum over the weekend.

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“I doubt he would appear. I doubt it very much,” Teves’ legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio told Teleradyo in an interview. Teves has been charged for three murders in the province in 2019 and is also being linked to the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said Teves is “one of the suspected masterminds” in the assassination of Degamo.

Oil...

From A1 and harder. We encounter more problems now,” she said.

“At first, we were only concerned about food and how we would sue and find the shipowner. But right now, our growing problem seems to be its domino effect,” Cruz said.

Revilla said Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito Dolor told him about the unabated rise in the prices of food and basic commodities, including rice, meat, poultry and vegetables, since the oil spill two week ago.

“The continuing increase of basic commodities in affected municipalities in Oriental Mindoro is alarming,” Revilla said, noting that many of the residents have already lost their livelihood because of a ban on fishing.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should act on this to ensure nobody takes advantage of the situation.

Also, he said, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has committed to tapping the Tulong Panghanap-

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The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has also “adjusted the guidelines” for joint venture programs to make the Philippines “more attractive” to investors, he said.

"Last week, we approved 194 high impact projects worth 9 trillionpesos, this was a part of the ‘Build Better More’ program which aimsto create a more comfortable and progressive livelihood to every sector of the society, through the most needed modern and quality infrastructure, this was the path that we take for a New Philippines," the President said.

Mr. Marcos added that 123 projects “were initiatives of our administration, but some projects were started during near the end of the term of PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte)."

The President laid down the benefits of the infrastructure projects under his administration.

He first discussed Jobs that brought almost 1.4 million jobs during the pandemic, then discussed the benefits of the infrastructure projects in combatting traffic. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) offered the President help on mass transport due to the huge losses of the Philippine government amounting to P3.5 billion every day because of the time spent in traffic across the country.

Food security also featured in the infrastructure programs of the administration, according to the President, thanks to irrigation and farm-to-market roads created to ensure water supply to farms and opportunities for the farmers.

These changes would create a “fast lane” to deliver farm goods, which may affect the prices of basic commodities in local markets, he said.

Mr. Marcos also acknowledged the

More than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines and the US will be joining this year’s Balikatan, the largest iteration of the annual joint military drills.

The exercises will be held from April 11 to 28 in various parts of the country, including Palawan, Batanes, and Zambales.

Both the AFP and the Australian Embassy earlier confirmed that around 100 members of the Australian Defense Force would be active participants.

"Australia is proud to return as an

“I will always advise that he should face the charges if there are charges already. In view of all the reckless accusations making it appear that he is guilty when the probe will only start next week… He’s not hiding from the law because he is not yet being hunted by the law,” Topacio added. Degamo’s widow, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, on Sunday appealed to Congress to have Teves dismissed as a member of the House of Representatives.

“I have already signed a petition to expel him from Congress,” she said. “I hope Congress will support our request that he

buhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Project in the affected areas to help the people.

In the meantime, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will immediately roll out a cash-for-work scheme for 19,000 affected residents for three more months.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed alarm over a possible fish shortage and the loss of livelihood for residents of Oriental Mindoro, where fishing is a primary source of income.

Already, some 13,000 fishermen and their families in Mindoro alone have been affected by the oil spill.

He noted that production is expected to decline in the coming months as the oil spill has now reached Antique and Palawan, and may reach Romblon and Aklan, where the country’s premier tourist destination of Boracay is located.

Several tourism activities in the whole Mimaropa region will likely be affected, as well, depriving stakeholders of their livelihood.

Gatchalian, who has visited the affected towns, said the government must extend whatever assistance it can to alleviate the

effects of climate change in thecountry. He stressed that modern infrastructure projects must be given importance in accordance with the present climate in the country.

Various discontinued spillways and other flood-control projects that mitigate heavy downpour were also discussed by the President that he said are needed to be finished under his administration.

Digitalization was also discussed by the President, saying it is important in today's timeline as it connects markets and involves people in the digital economy.

"In today's time, the internet is an important part of everyday life and it further gives opportunities to our country that is an island country," Mr. Marcos said.

On cheap electricity supply, the President said: "On the creation ofnew various energy infrastructure such as power plants, we could have more supply of energy where we can harness it."

On tourism, Mr. Marcos said various airports were in the ticket of the administration’s infrastructure program, as well as ports where cargo ships can drop and deliver imported goods from partner countries that may create a huge number of jobs and investments in the country.

The President said that readily available and quality infrastructure projects can create huge investments from foreign businesses and will lead to better welfare and a path for the “New Philippines."

The Philippines’ post-pandemic infrastructure program—as well as several other government initiatives— has left the country with a P13-trillion sovereign debt by the end of 2022, the Bureau of Treasury said earlier this year.

Out of the total outstanding debt, P9.21 trillion are domestic borrowings while P4.21 trillion were external debt, data showed. Vince Lopez

active participant in Exercise Balikatan 2023. This is a significant activity that offers the opportunity for the Australian Defense Force to continue to work closely with our partners, particularly the Philippines and the US,” the Australian Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

“In 2023, Australian participation will be our strongest yet -- with approximately 100 personnel from conventional and special forces participating in multiple scenarios throughout the Philippines, this includes field training and live fire activities."

Japan, meanwhile, will deploy observers. Tokyo and Manila are still in talks over the proposed establishment of a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) or a Status of Forces Agreement which would pave the way for more enhanced training

be expelled.”

Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, for his part, said he will conduct a hearing on the brazen murder of Degamo once the DOJ files charges against the mastermind.

“We will ask for updates from the DOJ if they have already filed cases against the mastermind. Then we can conduct a hearing Wednesday before Congress goes on (Lenten) break,” said Dela Rosa, chairperson of the committee on public order and illegal drugs.

He said they can hold hearings even after Congress adjourns if issues are urgent.

plight of those affected by the oil spill.

A professor from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI), meanwhile, said the oil slick may reach Puerto Galera and Batangas.

In an interview on radio dzBB, Irene Rodriguez, UP-MSI associate professor, said that their recent projections based on the water currents and wind flow, the Northeast Monsoon or Amihan has slowed down and is going north along the Verde Island Passage. This, she said, could carry the oil slick north and could affect the municipalities or coastal communities of Calapan, Puerto Galera and areas in Batangas.

Dolor confirmed on Friday that the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress has already reached Calapan City.

Rodriguez suggested the placement of fireproof spill booms while a portion of the oil itself is burned.

She said she agreed that large vessels be prohibited from passing the Verde Island, as it is considered a center of marine biodiversity.

In other developments:

• Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel on Sunday asserted that coastal communi-

DOE...

From A1 10, 2023, invalidated as unconstitutional the tripartite agreement for JMSU in the South China Sea by and among China National Offshore Oil Corp. and Vietnam Oil and Gas Corp. and Philippine National Oil Co..

"The DOE will work closely with the Office of the Solicitor General and the Department of Justice in determining the next steps to be taken on the matter," DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said.

The JMSU was signed on March 14, 2005, before incumbent Secretary of Energy Raphael P.M. Lotilla assumed office in his first tenure as Energy Secretary.

The Philippine Energy Independence Council earlier expressed hope data gathered from JMSU can be used to identify new oil and gas exploration areas.

"I see the recent decision by the SC more positive than negative as it provided more clarity on our country’s position on exploration in the West Philippine Sea," PEIC president Don Paulino said.

PEIC is the first formal association in the country committed mainly to achieving the Philippines’ energy independence.

"I am also hopeful that with this

Zubiri...

From A1 informed by Zubiri that his colleagues are contemplating on re-scheduling the Senate committee hearing scheduled today.

“I trust that other senators will continue to join Senate President Migz in keeping their mind open on amending restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution,” he said.

Padilla’s committee held its third and final public hearing on Charter change in Cebu last week, after holding similar dialogues in Baguio City and Davao City. Despite lack of support for

and exercises between the two nations.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino led a Philippine delegation to the Defense and Security Equipment International in Tokyo, Japan on March 14 to 17. He had an opportunity to discuss the RAA with Gen. Koji Yamazaki, chief of the Japan Self Defense Forces, as well as issues of mutual concern on maritime cooperation and defense, and capability development.

Col. Jorry Baclor, AFP public affairs chief, said in a statement that Yamazaki guaranteed Japan’s “friendship and assistance on common security issues together with other like-minded countries" for a rules-based international order in the West Philippines Sea and a "free and open" Indo-Pacific. Rey E. Requejo, PNA (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Over the weekend, the DOJ said it is looking at placing the suspects in the killing of Degamo, including Teves, under Interpol lookout. Clavano said there are still five suspects at large and 12 John Does in the case.

“We have taken concrete steps to come up with an international lookout bulletin. We are also discussing putting them under Interpol's Blue Notice,” Clavano said.

A Blue Notice under Interpol allows Philippine authorities to place the suspects under monitoring and collect information on their whereabouts and activities when they travel abroad.

ties adversely affected by the massive oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro are entitled to compensation from the tanker’s owner. “The law imposes strict liability for pollution damage resulting from spills of persistent oil from tankers, and ensures compensation for those who suffer economic losses or incur costs due to the toxic discharges,” he said.

“We expect the oil tanker’s owner to be swamped with compensation claims from individuals and entities harmed by the spill, including those forced to conduct their own cleanup activities.”

• Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee on Sunday batted for the allocation of more funds for booms and other equipment for oil spill containment to avoid the dire consequences of maritime disasters in the future. "The disaster caused by the MT Princess Empress oil spill has exposed how ill-equipped we are in responding to threats to our aquatic resources due to oil spills. This is why I will be asking for a bigger fund for oil spill containment equipment in the next budget hearing," he said, noting that the Philippine Coast Guard has admitted it does not have enough equipment to handle the disaster.

decision, the seismic data gathered from the JMSU can now be used by PNOC EC [PNOC Exploration Corp.] to further identify potential areas of exploration in WPS [West Philippine Sea]," he said.

The SC resolved to declare JMSU as unconstitutional “for allowing wholly-owned foreign corporations to participate in the exploration of the country’s natural resources without observing the safeguards provided in Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution.”

The SC decision raised questions about whether the Philippines can continue talks with China for a possible joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea.

"I think we can continue to explore with countries like China as long as the service contract is signed under PD 87," Paulino said.

However, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier said the SC ruling meant that any exploration should be under the full control and supervision of the state.

"Our government should be the one revising and it should be under our local laws and constitution. So this sets the parameter for any joint exploration that will be undertaken by, whether it's China or other countries, but it's just a parameter and it will now guide the potential joint exploration that is being discussed between the Philippines and China," Gatchalian, co-chair of the Senate Committee on Energy said.

constitutional amendments among his colleagues, Padilla said he will continue to advocate the amendment of seven provisions of the 1987 Constitution which he believes will spur economic development.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro, who chairs the House constitutional amendments committee, earlier assured the public that only restrictive economic provisions will be amended.

“In the bill, we are giving the constitutional convention seven months to finish its job. The deadline is the best proof that we want this effort to be limited to the economic provisions. Rewriting the other parts of the Charter would entail a

Romualdez...

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with the congressional investigation.

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, the committee chairperson, said the citation for contempt was lifted after the three assured the panel that they would cooperate and submit documents to help establish the price manipulation of onion and provide leads to the identity of the cartel’s leaders.

"I cannot stress enough for these resource persons the importance of cooperating with the committee: lie to lawmakers and you will all find yourselves in jail,” Romualdez said, adding the committee’s mission is to reduce the prices of onions and dismantle the vegetable cartel.

“We need to lower the prices of onions and decimate the cartel at the soonest possible time. And I guarantee the imprisonment of those exploitative and abusive individuals and business owners behind the cartel. Our constituents need an immediate reprieve from the high prices of agricultural goods,” he said.

He also issued a stern warning against government officials and other personnel who are in connivance with the onion cartel.

“The committee will not spare anyone who helped these unscrupulous individuals, even those from the government. You are equally guilty of causing the suffering of the Filipino people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Cynthia Villar said price manipulators of agricultural products will be sent to jail.

In a report by the Senate committee on agriculture which she chairs, Villar cited the need for a watchdog in the agricultural sector to ensure that whoever manipulates the price of agricultural commodities to the detriment of the small farmers and consumers will be brought to justice.

“Gone are the days when we are always at the mercy of these cartels,” she said.

To address this concern, she has pushed for the creation of an AntiAgricultural Smuggling Task Force and an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Court. Villar said the task force will run after violators while a special court will specifically try and hear economic sabotage cases with a special team of prosecutors.

A special court, she said, will give the task force the muscle to bring smugglers, profiteers and hoarders to justice and ensure preferential attention to cases of economic sabotage.

As for importation, Villar said they proposed to approve importation permits “logically scheduled” so as not to impede and compete with local production and harvest.

“The import volume must be correctly established and such must be only for purposes of providing the needed supply in the market, she added. “We no longer want to see onions being thrown due to their low price.”

She filed Senate Bill No. 1962 to amend Republic Act 10845 and Senate Bill No. 1963 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Courts Act of 2023. She then presented to the Senate plenary the committee report after hearings on the rising market prices of onions.

“The amendment should be explicit and will leave no room for the implementers to interpret the intent and spirit of the law otherwise through implementing rules and regulations,” Villar said.

Once enacted, this will protect not only the onion industry but also the entire agricultural sector, she said.

In a separate development, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it has seized P120 million worth of suspected smuggled poultry and seafood products following a series of raids of seven warehouses or cold storage facilities on Friday.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio gave credit to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CISS-MICP) led by its chief, Alvin Enciso, for the seizures.

“This is outstanding work by our law enforcement officers and our bureau personnel. I understand how much effort and commitment it takes to inspect all of these warehouses in just one day. It also goes to show how important proper coordination is among government agencies because these operations won’t be possible without it,” Rubio said.

longer, perhaps an open-ended period,” he said.

Under HB 7352, convention delegates would receive no salary but would be entitled to a P10,000 allowance for every day of attendance in the assembly or any of its committees.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Charter change is not a priority for his administration.

"It is not a priority for me because there are so many other things that we need to do first, that we can still do, we can achieve, but within the present constitution, the way the constitution is written," Mr. Marcos said in an interview in February.

IN BRIEF

DILG urges villages to back anti-drug plan

OFFICIALS of the country’s 42,046 villages must use assemblies to garner support for the government’s anti-drug campaign, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos on Sunday.

Abalos was referring to “Buhay Ingatan, Droga Ayawan” (BIDA) program, a nationwide anti-narcotics drive that aims to combat illegal drugs by focusing more on demand reduction and rehabilitation of communities.

He said officials should take advantage of barangay assemblies set this month to comprehensively explain the program to their constituents and make them advocates of BIDA.

Joy says women can benefit from digitalization

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte believes that women stand to benefit greatly from digitalization, especially when it comes to education, work, business, and access to healthcare.

During her recent keynote speech at the SPARK Philippines’ “Women Forging the Digital Future” event, Belmonte urged Filipino women to take advantage of the benefits that digitalization provides in terms of their careers and sources of livelihood.

“Digitalization has indeed made education more accessible to women around the world. We now have access to a wider range of courses and educational materials regardless of our location. We can learn new skills to help us advance in our careers,” she said. Rio N. Araja

Bicol ‘Kadiwa’ hits P1.2m in sales

By Vince Lopez

MALACAÑANG Palace on Sunday morning announced that the very first “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” outlet in the Bicol region has so far generated around P1.21 million in sales.

In a press release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that the Kadiwa stalls inaugurated in Pili, Camarines Sur generated sales of P431,162 on the first day and P780,912 on the second day.

“More Filipino sellers and consumers are enjoying the benefits of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration as the

outlet launched in Pili, Camarines Sur has generated around P1.2 million in sales,” the PCO said. The Marcos administration has so far launched more than 500 Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets nationwide. The PCO likewise announced that the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Cebu City posted a total sale of P931,329. Earlier this month, Mr. Marcos led the

launch of a special Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlet dubbed “KNP Para sa Manggagawa” at the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines head office in Quezon City.

The program is part of the continuing expansion of the Kadiwa centers nationwide aimed at giving a platform for Filipino farmers, fisherfolk and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to generate more income through direct farm-to-consumer trade.

President Marcos has repeatedly vowed to prioritize providing consumers with cheap basic goods amid the rising inflation in the country. He said the current government thrust

is to assist MSMEs to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, consumers can buy rice at P25 per kg as well as other agricultural products.

Launched in November last year, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo pop-up stores remove middlemen in the movement of agricultural products from farms to consumers, allowing food and agricultural products to be sold at cheaper prices.

This project is an initiative of the Office of the President and led by the Department of Agriculture (DA), which is headed by President Marcos as its concurrent Secretary.

COVID positivity rate slows down to 3.3%

By Willie Casas

THE Philippines’ COVID-19 positivity rate slightly decreased to 3.3 percent on Saturday, independent monitoring OCTA Research Group said. OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said their data showed that the Philippines’ positivity rate — or the percentage of people found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested — dipped from 3.4 percent on March 17, to 3.3 percent on March 18.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 169 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, which brought the active caseload down to 9,270.

The National Capital Region (NCR) remains the region with the most cases in the last 14 days with 548.

The Davao Region followed with 283, Calabarzon with 227, Soccsksargen with 182, and Northern Mindanao with 158.

With this trend, OCTA projected that 150 to 200 new COVID-19 infections would be recorded nationwide on Sunday.

BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP. The early morning sun serves as a dramatic backdrop as passengers disembark from a motorboat that brought them from Ipil town to Buluan Island in Zamboanga Sibugay. This pristine island is host to the second leg of the Zamboanga Peninsula Open Water Swim Circuit organized by the Department of Tourism Region 9. Randy Caluag

PARAW REGATTA. A stretch of the beach in Arevalo district bay area in Iloilo City is awash with colors and gaiety as sailboats taking part in the 2023 Iloilo-Guimaras 50th Paraw Regatta race to the finish line. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

Go airs concern over rising HIV/AIDS cases

SEN. Committee on Health chairperson Christopher “Bong” Go, sounded alarm over the alarming increase in Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/ AIDS) cases in the country.

SENATOR Christopher Go has sounded the alarm over an increase in human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases in the country.

Go, chairman of the Committee on Health, noted that there was sufficient funding to raise public awareness and combat the spread of HIV and AIDS,

Go emphasized the need for more interventions to better address possible gaps in the implementation of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act.

Win eyes P1/kwh subsidy for the poor

By Alena Mae S. Flores and Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has proposed an additional government subsidy of P1 per kilowatt hour (kwh) for lowincome consumers or a total of P418 million to be sourced from the general appropriations fund to cushion the impact of rising commodity prices.

With the effectivity of the Lifeline Rate Extension Act authored mainly by Gatchalian, the state subsidy in Metro Manila saved an average of P194.36 in February 2022, and P223.34 in February this year, an increase of 14.91 percent due to high inflation rates.

Gatchalian said savings incurred by beneficiaries last month would have afforded them to buy 5.6 kilos of rice

Chinese group clears CIDGNCR of graft

THE Chinese nationals who were arrested by the police for alleged illegal gambling have cleared the arresting officers of corruption charges.

The foreigners reportedly issued a formal statement giving the operatives of the criminal investigation and detection group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) a clean bill of health.

The accusations hurled against the CIDG-NCR prompted the unit’s chief, Col. Hansel Marantan, to tender his resignation “in the interest of transparency and to give way to an impartial investigation.”

The 13 Chinese, in their sworn affidavit, belied reports that the CIDGNCR personnel extorted money from them following their arrest during a raid in Paranaque City.

“Aside from the pieces of evidence they have recovered during their operation, the CIDG-NCR never took money or any personal belongings from the undersigned”, the affidavit stated.

The foreigners, identified as Lin Andan, Yi Aile, Li Meiyi, Xiao Yan, Nian Xian, Zhang Fui, Jimmy Jutang, Wu Wei Long, Niu Howy, Lei Wen, A Shui, Peng Jun, and Ki Kin further stated that they were immediately released from detention.

based on the average retail price of regular-milled cereal costing of P39.195 per kilo based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Gatchalian said the additional P1 per kwh subsidy from the government, if approve, can save lifeline consumers an average of P296.67 per month equivalent to about 7.5 kilos of rice.

The senator said the Lifeline Rate

law help many Filipino consumers, but “we can help them more if we have help them save and use this savings to pay for other necessities amid the high inflation rate in our country.”

The lifeline rate subsidy has provided relief for 4.181 million households identified as beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program across the country.

Beneficiaries need to consume not more than 100 kwh of electricity per month to avail themselves of the subsidy.

Of the total number of beneficiaries, 209,210 households are in the National Capital Region.

The subsidy is provided under Republic Act 11552, or an Act Extending and Enhancing the Implementation of the

Lifeline Rate, amending for the purpose Section 73 of RA 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

Meanwhile, the country’s inflation rate in February 2023 slightly eased to 8.6 percent from 8.7 percent in January but is still the highest in Southeast Asia.

Energy remained one of the top contributors to inflation, accounting for 1.0 percentage point.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said “the lifeline rate program in the Philippines is one of the best-designed lifeline rate programs in the world; ours is better targeted.”

The Department of Energy was tasked to formulate and promulgate the policy guidelines of RA 11552, ensuring the law and its IRR are lawfully implemented.

“My appeal as chairperson of the Committee on Health, and ex-officio member of Philippine National AIDS Council – to come up with a strategic plan to address the gaps in the implementation of the HIV law,” he said. Macon Ramos-Araneta House probe eyed on E. Samar’s power woes

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan seeks a congressional inquiry into Eastern Samar’s power crisis and Esamelco’s deteriorating service.

Libanan filed House Resolution No. 846 calling for the inquiry.

“Eastern Samar is now reeling not only from excessive electricity rates, but also from recurring power outages and persistent low voltage power supply,” Libanan said.

“We want Congress to get to the bottom of Esamelco’s bad and costly service so that we can fix the problem,” he added.

Esamelco is the lone electricity distributor in Eastern Samar’s 22 municipalities and the provincial capital of Borongan City – a service area with a population of almost 500,000.

“We must stress that all electric cooperatives are duty-bound to provide dependable and adequate supply of electricity in their service areas,” Libanan said.

BI steps up drive vs. illegal aliens in PH

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has called on the public, including the netizens, to help the agency in tracking down foreigners illegally staying in the country.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco made the call as he ordered Immigration intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. to intensify the search for unregistered foreign nationals hiding in the provinces.

“Social media is a powerful tool, and it can be used to receive valuable information and help us rid the country of foreign nationals abusing our hospitality,” said Tansingco.

The BI chief stepped up the search campaign following the arrest of an Indian national and five Chinese in separate operations conducted by BI intelligence operatives last month.

Rey E. Requejo

House spearheads one-day seminar on gender orientation, equality

THE House Legislative Information Resources Management Department (LIRMD) headed by deputy secretary general Dr. Edgardo Pangilinan on Thursday hosted a seminar on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) and gender stereotyping in the workplace.

The resource speaker for the seminar entitled “LIRMD it! SOGIESC towards GENDER EQUALITY” was Michael Pastor, a university lecturer, policy consultant and a gender specialist. Pastor shared his expertise and knowledge on topics like SOGIESC and gender, stereotypes in the workplace,

PH gets $26.3-m grant from Green Climate Fund

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippines has secured a $26.3 million grant for its climate change initiative from the United Nation’s Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The grant was specifically meant for the “Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) project, designed to boost the resilience of rural agriculture men and women in climate vulnerable

areas and transform the country’s agriculture sector towards climate resilience.

The APA project was a submission by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the Department of Agriculture - Philippines and the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration as executing agencies.

“We welcome the decision of the GCF Board to approve the APA Project, which will be instrumental in building the capacity of our farming communities, as well as of the government and private sector, to understand and manage climate risks and adopt climate resilient agriculture practices,” said Climate Change Commission PH vice chairman and executive director Robert E.A. Borje.

Senate bills boost protection for freelance workers

SENATOR Lito Lapld has filed a bill mandating stronger state protection for freelance workers.

In filing Senate Bill (SB) No. 1998 provides protection and incentives to freelance workers, Lapid said there were about 1.7 million to two million

freelance workers in the country.

“Many Filipino freelance workers take jobs from both local and overseas clients. They prefer not being tied to just one particular company. This is not only due to the job flexibility, freedom from a fixed employer, and workload control they en-

joy, but also due to the greater earning potential from multiple income streams,” the measure’s explanatory note read.

The bill also provides protection against non-payment, lack of benefits, and the frequent practice of a party departing without notice at the expense of the freelancer.

SOGIESC and the Philippine context, gender and language, gender and Philippine popular culture, as well as international initiatives on SOGIESC, among others.

LIRMD executive director Divina

Sawit-Medina underscored the topics of the seminar such as the principles of

gender equality, gender equity, gender sensitivity, non-discrimination and human rights from the seminar. Knowledge management system bureau executive director Roentgen Bronce synthesized the points of the resource speaker and the discussions that followed.

GENDER EQUALITY SEMINAR. Participants and resource speakers in a seminar on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) and gender stereotyping in the workplace immerse hosted by the House Legislative Information Resources Management Department (LIRMD) under deputy secretary general Dr. Edgardo Pangilinan pose for posterity to cap the event. FUN RUN FOR A CAUSE. A Pomeranian snuggles between the feet of its owner during a lull in the fun run in Santa Rosa, Laguna meant to raise funds for rescued dogs. Jam Sta. Rosa/AFP

Cha-cha and the need for a comprehensive approach EVERYMAN

By Gian Paolo S. Ines

THE discussions about the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) and House Bill 7352 (HB 7352) as well as the opinions shared by experts from different fields, in favor or against charter change (“cha-cha”), make it appear that the Philippines is heading towards another political anecdoche.

John Koenig defines the word as “a conversation in which everyone is talking but nobody is listening—instead merely overlaying words… until we reach a point when we all run out of things to say.”

There are a lot of sentiments that have been repeatedly said by some personalities and sectors against cha-cha since the time of former President Fidel V. Ramos.

Enhanced security partnerships

structure and our dysfunctional and weak political party system. And third, there’s the claim that cha-cha will not cure our country’s problems and that we must address corruption, political dynasty, poverty, security of tenure, agrarian reform, and other similar issues instead of changing the Constitution.

However, the advocates of this claim seem to ignore the importance of the Constitution, being the country’s fundamental charter, in establishing or at least inspiring the establishment of the right institutions that could address our country’s manifold problems.

The Constitution is fundamental because it serves as the “fundamentum” or foundation of all our laws, and to a great extent, it sets in motion the direction of our nation’s social, economic, and political life. These sentiments, however, should not be dismissed lightly. Instead, they must be considered as pieces of advice that are intended to guide our decision-makers, particularly the proponents of cha-cha. For all we know, these sentiments could turn out to be as meritorious as the advice of French general Ney to Napoleon during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Had Napoleon listened to the advice, European and world history would have taken a different trajectory.

Or these sentiments could also turn out to be mere expressions to derail real change, like an Artabanus cautioning his nephew Xerxes not to cross the Hellespont.

The current cha-cha move suggests Constitutional Convention as the mode to amend or revise our Constitution.

But what does having a credible defense posture entail?

This means having a military big enough to match or even surpass the manpower, firepower, facilities and equipment of other countries.

In our case, we should have an army, navy, air force, coast guard and marines, not to mention a police force and reservists, capable of defending our shores from any foreign invader.

The problem, however, is that a credible defense posture requires a gargantuan capital outlay from the national budget drawn from people’s taxes.

Not just in the hundreds of billions of pesos but even in trillions over a certain period of time.

Spending billions, even trillions for sophisticated missile systems, jet fighters, advanced naval vessels while millions of Filipinos still wallow in abject poverty is untenable and perhaps even morally objectionable. What we need at this point is to create more jobs, build adequate economic

more than passing interest

and social infrastructure and strengthen political institutions to reduce poverty, propel sustained economic growth, and ensure social harmony.

But it’s really a matter of priorities that the national leadership should be able to determine.

The next best thing at this point to enhance our defense capabilities is to forge closer ties with friendly countries through bilateral and multilateral security pacts that will allow us to train our military in warfare in the modern setting

using the latest technology.

We already have the Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. that Washington says is an “ironclad” guarantee that they will come to our defense if we’re attacked by another country.

But we cannot completely rely on the U.S. for our own defense; we should be able to harness the resources of other countries in the region to deter any foreign invasion.

One such defense collaboration is the annual joint military exercises with the U.S. called “Balikatan” or “shoulder-toshoulder” that will run from April 11 to 28 and involve 12,000 US soldiers and 5,000 Filipino troops.

Australia will send about a hundred soldiers, while allied countries will join as observers. The activities will be held across northern Luzon, Palawan and Antique provinces.

What’s significant about this year’s largest joint military exercise is that the participants will sink with state-of-the art artillery systems a target of an old fishing vessel near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

This is a symbolic act that no doubt our closest neighbor to the west will be watching with more than passing interest.

First, there’s the claim that it is not the right time to have cha-cha without providing a logical explanation as to when will the time be ripe to change our 36-year-old Constitution.

In relation to this is the obscure claim that cha-cha is not a priority of the current administration, even if during the 2022 campaign then Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr acknowledged that a federal system of government “fits” the Philippines.

In an interview, he said: “Sa aking palagay, pag-usapang mabuti. Kung sakali mang sumang-ayon ang taumbayan na dapat lumipat tayo sa pederalismo at ‘yan ang ninanais ng madla, yun ang ating gagawin.”

Second, there’s also the claim that cha-cha should only be limited to economic provisions without explaining how such deliberate limitation separates it from the realm of politics.

This is reportedly the aim of RBH 6 and HB 7352, which is to rewrite the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution to attract more foreign investments.

This tends to ignore the fact that politics is all about collective choices, which inherently includes the choice of economic provisions that need to be changed.

To be sustainable and enduring, economic provisions also need the support of sound political, social, and other related provisions.

Moreover, with the estimated PHP 10 billion of taxpayers’ money that will likely be spent if cha-cha pushes through, it may not be practical to focus only on economic provisions.

There are other areas that deserve to be revisited such as our country’s government

By Ramon S. Ang

FELICITATIONS, everyone, especially my friends in the MWSS headed by chairman Elpidio Vega and MTFI officials Reynaldo Velasco and Melandrew Velasco.

Thank you for this opportunity to participate in the commemoration of the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. anniversary.

I believe any worthwhile organization is defined by a strong sense of purpose.

I am glad that for MTFI, this purpose is to take on the ambitious but arduous task of planting millions of trees in critical watershed areas, including the La Mesa Watershed.

The importance of this endeavor in this day and age of climate change cannot be overemphasized.

With more and more forest areas threatened by degradation, hands-on and direct action such as what MTFI and others responsible organizations are doing, is critical in ensuring we can at least mitigate some of the impacts of climate change.

The role of trees and forests in our lives is basic but commonly overlooked--or worse, ignored.

Apart from providing us valuable resources such as food and building materials, trees also protect us against land erosion and flooding.

In the case of watersheds, they help ensure that there will be water for human survival.

Fortunately for many of us, the MWSS and MTFI have not let their guard down in this area, and have been successful in reforesting target watersheds these last couple of years.

With the help of institutional partners and volunteers, they were able to surpass the five million trees target and have set another ambitious goal.

And that is to plant 10 million more trees by the year 2030. Let me take this opportunity to assure you, you are not alone in this advocacy. For our part, San Miguel, through our power arm, San Miguel Global Power, have also surpassed the five-million tree mark in our own reforestation program, Project 747.

This initiative targets to plant seven million upland trees and mangroves on some 4,000 hectares of land in at least seven provinces, nationwide.

These provinces include Albay, Bataan, Bulacan, Davao Occidental, Negros Occidental, Pangasinan, Quezon province, and Zambales.

The convention is proposed to take a hybrid form with around 300 elected and appointed delegates. Twenty percent of the delegates will be composed of sectoral representatives who will be appointed by the House Speaker and the Senate President.

Based on reports, the delegates will be elected on 30 October 2023 simultaneously with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls, will convene on 20 November 2023, and will submit their report on 30 July 2024.

There will be a plebiscite within 60 to 90 days after the submission of the report. It seems that there’s really nothing wrong with the cha-cha plan, except that it has to consider going beyond the economic restrictions in the Constitution to let real change emerge from a new and improved charter.

In other words, there is a need for a more comprehensive approach in changing the charter.

We cannot take account of everything that lies ahead in the process of and even after we have improved our charter.

No matter where we are in the political spectrum, the horizon we will see in the distance will always be limited.

But this limitation should not discourage us from pursuing genuine change. With this, I would like to part with you, reader, with these thoughts from Xerxes in 480 B.C.E.: “if you were to take account of everything . . ., you would never do anything.” It is time to chart the change we deserve.

(The author is a professor from San Beda University and a former chair of the Department of Political Science.)

NOTHING could be more silly than this rigmarole our leaders are playing insofar as revising the 1987 Constitution is concerned.

Everybody and his mother knows that what the president wants, he gets from the House of Representatives. Conversely, what the president does not want, the HoR will not deliver.

Especially so when the Speaker is a first cousin. More so when a Deputy Majority Leader happens to be the president’s son.

By a vote of 301 to 7, HB 7352 calling for a Constitutional Convention was approved early last week, in a vote that could only be described as overwhelming.

Rep. Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte was one of the principal authors of the bill and preceding resolution.

Yet, the Senate President does not see the obvious signs, preferring to hold on to an earlier disclaimer from the president that charter change is not a priority.

Of course the president will not expose his hand publicly in a measure that is assuredly contentious, given the holders of the “sacred grail of 1987” will always find excuses to defer change, and anchor their objections not to the economic provisions contained therein (except the Left) but to the possibility of changing the political system, and supposedly with the insidious purpose of removing term limits.

That has always been the cry of those opposing charter change -- “No” to term extension.

ment even prides itself in the population being in a demographic “sweet spot” where many of our young brawns escape life in the farming countryside, and our young brains depleting our medical, engineering and technical talent pool.

Yet we give in to the simplistic rationale of cha-cha proponents that what ails the economy are the restrictions imposed by the 1987 Constitution.

China and Vietnam have restrictive provisions as well. Land for commercial use can be leased to foreigners for the same number of years that we allow.

Condominium units can be purchased by foreigners in Danang, just as in BGC.

Neither China nor Vietnam are democracies in form such as ours, but then again, as Cory Aquino famously said, “democracy pays no dividends.”

Yet these countries reap multiples in foreign investments compared to the little that we attract.

our people the ugly truth -- that we need to change the way we practice our politics. But that requires systemic change through a revised Constitution.

And together with giving the green light to a Constitutional Convention, our president must dispel any suspicion that he is out to prolong his stay in power, by stating that he was elected under the 1987 Constitution and will abide by the term it provided, just as Cory in her time dashed the whispers of family and bootlickers who wanted her to run again under a new charter framed by her appointees.

The Cory constitution of 1987 was a reaction to the 1973 Marcos Constitution. Both were forged under non-democratic periods: Marcos’ under martial rule; Cory’s during her revolutionary government.

Marcos railroaded the 1973 charter by decimating the political fortunes of the opposition; Cory appointed the framers of her Constitution.

In previous articles I have offered my thoughts on a better political system that would promote efficiency in governance at less public expense.

We do not only aim to plant trees. Through our partner communities and organizations, we make sure these grow to adulthood so they can provide benefits to present and future generations.

In terms of rehabilitating our vital bodies of water, San Miguel is also committed to cleaning up our river systems.

In August 2022, we completed the rehabilitation of the Tullahan River, where we extracted more than one million metric tons of silt and waste.

Today, this program extends to the Pasig River, San Juan River and the Meycauayan River in Bulacan province.

Our goal is to improve flood mitigation, improve water quality, and hopefully, in the long run, these tributaries will teem with healthy marine life again.

Then again, we must remember that a Constitution is not written for today; it is written for a long period in the nation’s life.

But seriously, pray tell, what is so great about the current political system?

Aside from its social justice provisions which must be retained, there is not much the political system provided for in the 1987 Constitution that has succeeded in alleviating the age-old poverty of numerous Filipinos. The same holds true for the 1973 Marcos Constitution.

It was perhaps better when the fundamental law was written during the Commonwealth period, with the best minds of the country led by the “Seven Wise Men,” the likes of Recto and Laurel, who led the convention.

In all of the 36 years running towards 37, what the present political system has promoted is the complete control of our politics by family dynasties and economic oligarchs. Even our party list system which was meant to give greater voice to the marginalized has been bastardized.

Add to this the capture of party-list seats in the HoR by wealthy contractors, wheelerdealers, vested interest groups and the usual progeny of established dynasties.

Do we expect mere legislation to correct these ailments?

The other lame reason given by those against charter change is that we should first pass laws that will address the current economic ills we are tormented with -- inflation, low job creation, food insecurity.

To which I say: these problems can be addressed not by more laws but by the proper implementation of existing laws.

These problems are not caused by bad systems, but by bad practices of the people assigned to implement laws.

It is not economics, but bad politics that ails this country.

The culture of impunity is the result of bad governance and the rule of the entitled.

Corruption so gross, and the inefficiency in public service it brings is the result of bad politics.

A justice system that is flawed, favoring the rich and privileged and unfairly treating poor nobodies is also the result of patronage politics brought about by a failed political system.

And despite trillions of pesos in the budget where before billions sufficed, we have a woeful lack of infrastructure compared to many of our ASEAN neighbors, where priorities are skewed to favor the entitled.

The balderdash that lifting economic restrictions will cure our backwardness sucks.

But we cannot just catch a few crooks under this system.

Our proposals may be too radical to the holders of power, but they will benefit our people and promote better government.

For starters, we should at least ask our people some basic questions:

Do they prefer to retain the presidential system instead of a parliamentary form?

Do they prefer this multiplicity of political parties, or would they prefer a two-party presidential system where conventions to choose candidates promote healthy competition that in turn curtails the proliferation of dynasties?

Do they prefer to elect senators by nationwide vote, or by regional vote, where every region is equally represented?

Do they prefer to elect executives from president to mayor separately, or as a tandem?

These could be the starting points of a debate on our decrepit politics, and not confine the debate to economics.

Properly explained to them, I am confident our people will appreciate the need to change the charter and cure its malfunctioning political provisions.

But the president, who I believe has no plans of extending his term, should formally so declare, even as he endorses the crying need for political reforms.

After all, without sound politics, we will never have a good economy.

Having said that, I think we all understand that it will take more than the efforts of a few well-meaning organizations to effect the kind of change that will truly matter to our environment for the long term, including our watersheds.

Every effort counts.

That is why I am grateful to MTFI not just marshaling support for this huge endeavor, but more importantly, for keeping everyone focused on its urgency and importance, year in and year out.

Congratulations on your anniversary.

Maraming salamat po sa pakikinig and mabuhay tayong lahat!

(Speech at the first anniversary celebration of the Million Trees Foundation. Inc. Nursery and Eco Learning Center on M arch 16, 2023 at the La Mesa Watershed read by Bulacan Bulk Water Manager Edgar Dona for RSA, President and CEO of San Miguel Corporation).

We have a chimera of growth, not development, and a little reprieve from the recessionary headwinds swirling all over the world only because we have the children and parents of the poor and middle class working their asses off in foreign countries to support extended families in the Philippines.

Absent that and our currently low per capita income levels compared to even Vietnam and Indonesia shall plunge to abysmal depths.

Truth is, we are able to import our food requirements on the back of perennial domestic shortages because the dollars our OFWs send back to their families fuel our consumption-driven economy.

Taking advantage of the demographic winter in many rich countries, our govern-

Even when the evil they do are exposed by media, the justice system tarries and tarries and finally gets bought, and worse, the corrupt are re-elected by a terribly mis-educated electorate.

For as long as ours is a land where the leaders are chosen in easy to manipulate elections and government is of, by and for the rulers and the billionaire puppeteers who control them, we will continue to be hounded by mass poverty and gross inequality.

Let me add this: even if we lift economic restrictions, even if we launch Maharlika after Maharlika, for as long as our politics promotes and protects vested interests and fosters a rent economy, we will be where we are.

And as time goes on, things will get worse.

Which is why, especially in a time of worldwide economic storms that will impact negatively on our economy, our president should spend his political will on telling

ONE often-cited requirement for the country to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity is for us to achieve a credible defense posture.

This is a symbolic act that no doubt our closest neighbor to the west will be watching with

A strong sense of purpose defines a noble organization

In terms of rehabilitating our vital bodies of water, San Miguel is also committed to cleaning up our river systems

We cannot take account of everything that lies ahead in the process of and even after we have improved our charter

It’s not economics; it’s our politics

It is not economics, but bad politics that ails this country

Fed aims to balance banking woes and in ation in decision

WASHINGTON—US central bankers face an unenviable task when they gather in Washington next week: tackling persistent inflation without adding to financial sector turmoil after Silicon Valley Bank’s rapid collapse.

The Federal Reserve has raised rates eight times since last year in the face of decades-high inflation as it looks to cool the economy without tipping it into a recession.

While Fed Chair Jerome Powell earlier signaled willingness to speed up interest rate hikes if needed, most analysts and traders see a small rise of 25 basis points as the most likely outcome on Wednesday at the end of the Fed’s twoday meeting.

A quarter-percentage-point hike would match the magnitude of the Fed’s last increase in February.

With fears of contagion after the rapid failures of three midsized lenders earlier this month, a minority of observers also believe the Fed could halt its rate increases.

A catalyst for the demise of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was the Fed’s quick shift from near-zero interest rates to steep hikes, a reversal that swiftly lowered the value of SVB’s holdings linked to longterm US Treasury bonds.

Given the market turbulence, a bigger, 50 basis-point hike is now “off the table,” Citigroup global chief economist Nathan Sheets said in an interview with AFP.

“My expectation is, it’s going to be 25 but it’s going to be a debate—and where markets are next Tuesday and Wednesday is going to be critical,” he said.

From 50 basis points to zero SVB’s dramatic implosion this month was the largest banking failure since the 2008 financial crisis.

The failure of the California high-tech lender on March 10, and the collapse of New York’s Signature Bank a few days later, sparked a rout in regional banking stocks and led many analysts to conclude that the Fed will abandon an anticipated increase in the pace of hikes.

Powell told senators earlier this month that it may be necessary to increase the benchmark lending rate to tame the “widespread” inflationary pressures keeping price rises elevated above the bank’s longrun target of two percent. AFP

Sideways trading seen ahead of US Federal Reserve meeting

By Jenni er B. Austria

THE local stock market is expected to continue its sideways trading this week as developments overseas, particularly the US Federal Reserve’s meeting on March 22, will likely be the main focus of investors.

Analysts said market investors would await the outcome of the meeting of the Fed which is expected to raise interest rate by 25 basis points.

Analysts said, however, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank that sent shock waves across financial markets last week could also affect the Fed’s policy action.

“It’s never easy to predict what the Fed might do next, particularly in a time of duress; however, we think the

Fed has now lost the luxury of framing its actions and decisions solely around inflation. The central bank must now reassess the potential costs and benefits of each incremental rate hike,” Manulife Investment Management said in a market commentary. Manulife said the possibility of the recent developments “evolving into a broader systemic risk is low” given the recent efforts of US government to prevent the spread of the banking crisis. This development, Manulife said, indicates that the odds of a US economy headed for hard landing and higher unemployment rate are still high.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla said last week the Fed might hike interest rate by just 25 basis points in its next policy meeting amid the contagion fears following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index dropped 1.8 percent last week to 6.469.72 on Friday.

BDO Unibank Inc said while the market rout on fears of international banking crisis had eased, “the risk of renewed banking stress remains”. It said the US Fed’s upcoming

meeting would also continue to affect market sentiments. Overseas, stocks markets tumbled on Friday as fears of a banking crisis resurfaced despite massive financial lifelines thrown at embattled lenders to prevent contagion across the sector.

Markets had rallied on Thursday after Wall Street titans including JP Morgan, Bank of America and Citigroup pledged to inject $30 billion into First Republic Bank.

Credit Suisse had also rebounded after it said it would borrow up to $54 billion from the Swiss central bank.

But shares of First Republic Bank and Credit Suisse dove back deep in the red on Friday, with the US lender slumping 33 percent and Switzerland’s second biggest bank dropping eight percent. With AFP

How AI could upend the world even more than electricity or the internet

By Julie Jammot

SAN FRANCISCO, United States—The rise of artificial general intelligence—now seen as inevitable in Silicon Valley—will bring change that is “orders of magnitude” greater than anything the world has yet seen, observers say. But are we ready?

AGI—defined as artificial intelligence with human cognitive abilities, as opposed to more narrow artificial intelligence, such as the headline-grabbing ChatGPT—could free people from menial tasks and usher in a new era of creativity.

But such a historic paradigm shift could also threaten jobs and raise insurmountable social issues, experts warn.

Previous technological advances from electricity to the internet ignited powerful social change, says Siqi Chen, chief executive of San Francisco startup Runway.

“But what we’re looking at now is intelligence itself... This is the first time we’re able to create intelligence itself and increase its amount in the universe,” he told AFP.

Change, as a result, will be “orders of magnitude greater than every other technological change we’ve ever had in history.”

And such an exciting, frightening shift is a “double-edged sword,” Chen said, envisioning using AGI to tackle climate change, for example, but also warning that it is a tool that we want to be as “steerable as possible.”

It was the release of ChatGPT late last year that brought the long dreamt of idea of AGI one giant leap closer to reality.

OpenAI, the company behind the generative software that churns out essays, poems and computing code on command, this week released an even more powerful version of the tech that operates it -- GPT-4.

It says the technology will not only be able to process text but also images, and produce more complex content such as legal complaints or video games.

As such it “exhibits human-level performance” on some benchmarks, the company said.

Goodbye to ‘drudgery’

The success of OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has ignited an arms race of sorts in Silicon Valley as tech

Choosing to serve (Part 2)

THERE is an ongoing transportation strike. While we are celebrating, there are thousands of laborers outside fighting for their jobs and rights. I saw stories about how the current plan of action of the government toward the jeepney phaseout would affect individuals and families. Nakakalungkot. Nakakadurog ng puso.

In our Lasallian Formation and Action Framework, we are called to act. Commitment-Action (Taya-Kilos). But before that, it highlights the importance of SeeExperience (Masid-Danas) and Analysis-Reflection (Suri-Nilay). Being a Lasallian leader teaches us to be compassionate—to see things beyond our comfort zone and to reflect and empathize with our community.

I hope that situations like this inspire us. We are the future leaders of our country. Relating to the

Lasallian Formation and Action

Framework, I would like to share a phrase that struck me from New Amsterdam—a series about a doctor with cancer who always puts his patients before himself. It is “How can I help? Burden me.”

As we continue to find our mission in life and serve the community in the university and even outside as we graduate, I hope we carry this question with us, “How can I help?”

And I hope that as we ask this question, we also think of our Lasallian prayer as a support to our service. I will continue o my God to do all my actions for the love of you. Ipagpapatuloy ko, o Diyos, ang lahat ng aking gawain upang ikaw ay lalong pakaibigin. All actions, whether big or small, can change someone’s life and inspire them to help and empower someone else’s. All actions, whether big or small, are a testament to God’s love for

giants seek to push their generative AI tools to the next level—though they remain wary of chatbots going off the rails.

Already, AI-infused digital assistants from Microsoft and Google can summarize meetings, draft emails, create websites, craft ad campaigns and more—giving us a glimpse of what AGI will be capable of in the future.

“We spend too much time consumed by the drudgery,” said Jared Spataro, Microsoft corporate vice president.

With artificial intelligence Spataro wants to “rediscover the soul of work,” he said during a Microsoft presentation on Thursday.

Artificial intelligence can also cut costs, some suggest.

British landscape architect Joe Perkins tweeted that he used GPT-4 for a coding project, which a “very good” developer had told him would cost 5,000 pounds ($6,000) and take two weeks.

“GPT-4 delivered the same in 3 hours, for $0.11,” he tweeted. “Genuinely mind boggling.”

But that raises the question of the threat to human jobs, with entrepreneur Chen acknowledging that the technology could one day build a startup like his -- or an even better version.

“How am I going to make a living and not be homeless?” he asked, adding that he was counting on solutions to emerge.

Existential questions

Ubiquitous artificial intelligence also puts a question mark over creative authenticity as songs, images, art and more are cranked out by software instead of people.

Will humans shun education, relying instead on software to do the thinking for them? AFP

us. God has been good in helping us face our challenges, and our mission is to pass this love unto others.

I want to thank the student leaders I have worked with under the USG, Office of the Vice President for Internal Affairs, Arts College Government, and FAST2019 for showing me love and inspiring me to pass the service and love around. To the Office of Student Affairs, SLIFE, and DLSU offices I have served with, including the Office of the Provost, University Registrar, Career and Counseling Services, ITS, SDFO, and others, thank you for being my mentors. To my parents, thank you for showing me unconditional love that fueled my heart for service.

I offer this award to God to honor Your name and pass Your unconditional love around. Maraming salamat muli sa lahat. At wag nating kakalimutan na puso lagi ang puhunan pag dating sa

serbisyo. Think about what breaks your heart, then do something about it. Not alone, but always with others.

Soli deo Gloria. Animo La Salle!

The author is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Economic Studies graduate from De La Salle University. She was the Francisco V. Ortigas, Jr. Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader awardee during the Gawad Lasalyano Awards 2022. This column was her speech during the awarding ceremonies on March 8, 2022. She can be reached at britney_paderes@dlsu.edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

HIGH RISE. Window cleaners rappel down a building in Seoul, early on March 19, 2023. AFP

This photo illustration shows the ChatGPT logo at an o ce in Washington, DC, on March 15, 2023. The company behind the ChatGPT app that churns out essays, poems or computing code on command released on March 14, 2023, a long-awaited update of its arti cial intelligence technology that it said would be safer and more accurate than its predecessor. AFP

BRITNEY MAE PADERES

GREEN

Anti-trust body closely watches PLDT’s full acquisition of Sky Cable for P6.75b

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Competition Commission is closely watching the planned takeover of Sky Cable Corp. by telecommunications firm PLDT Inc. to make sure that fair competition is observed.

PCC noted that the previous acquisition plans involving PLDT and Sky Cable were rescinded in 2020 and 2022 for various reasons, including PLDT’s own assessment of possible overlaps with Sky Cable in their products and services.

The competition body said that it is open for notification consultations with involved parties to ensure proper review of the transaction, and that market conditions and the modality of transaction might have differed over the past twoand-a-half years.

The PCC reiterated its mandate, which is to evaluate the effect of acquisitions in relevant markets and its effects on con-

sumers, whether the transaction will result in fewer choices and lesser competition.

PLDT said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it intended to move on with the stalled acquisition of Sky Cable for P6.75 billion to further its share in the local telecommunications space.

PLDT plans to acquire 100 percent of Sky Cable’s total issued and outstanding capital stock consisting of 1.3 billion common shares for P4.90 apiece.

It said that specific to the buy-out, all cable operations of Sky Cable including the paid TV segment would cease to operate. ABS-CBN is the majority shareholder of Sky Cable.

ABS-CBN assured subscribers to the cable network that operations would continue until all regulatory approvals were finalized.

The TV network said it would strengthen content creation after the sale of its cable business.

PARTNERS FOR EFFICIENCY. Department of Interior and Local Government-Bureau of Local Government Development director Anna Liza Bonagua (left) joins Anti-Red Tape Authority director-general Ernesto Perez (center) and Manila Electric Co. senior vice president and chief legal counsel Atty. William Pamintuan (right) for the ceremonial turnover of 500 desktop computers as part of the ‘Paspas Pilipinas Paspas’ project which seeks to streamline and digitalize the business permit and licensing services of local government units. The computers will be distributed to 166 local government units to help automate their business permit and licensing systems, promote ease of doing business and contribute to developing the country’s competitiveness project.

MPIC wants to buy gov’t stake in NLEX

By Jenniffer B. Austria

INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. expressed interest in acquiring the government’s 3.46-percent stake in NLEX Corp., the operator of two major expressways in Central Luzon.

NLEX is a subsidiary of MPIC-led Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

MPTC president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said in a recent interview the company and the SM Group, which also has a minority stake in NLEX, have the right of first refusal on the government’s

Foreign debt rose by $4.84b to reach record $111b in 2022

By Julito G. Rada

FOREIGN debt climbed by $4.84 billion to hit a record $111.268 billion as of end2022 from $106.428 billion a year earlier, as the government continued to borrow funds to finance its recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that on a quarterly basis, foreign debt also went up from $107.9 billion as of end-September 2022.

External debt refers to all types of borrowings by Philippine residents from non-residents, following the residency criterion for international statistics.

External debt, expressed as a percentage of the gross domestic product, was recorded at 27.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase from 26.8 percent in the third quarter and 27.0 percent in end-2021.

This resulted from public and private sector spending for pandemic recovery measures and sustaining enhanced business and commercial activity.

“The EDT to GDP ratio of 27.5 percent signals manageable debt levels as well as the sustained capability of the country to service foreign borrowings in the medium- and longterm,” the BSP said in a statement.

It said other key external debt indicators remained at prudent levels. Gross international reserves stood at $96.1 billion as of end-2022 and represented 5.8 times cover for short-term debt based on the original maturity concept.

The debt service ratio also improved to 6.3 percent in 2022 from 7.5 percent in 2021 on higher receipts and lower repayments from January 2022 to December 2022.

The debt service ratio, which relates principal and interest payments (debt service burden) to exports of goods and receipts from services and primary income, is a measure of adequacy of the country’s foreign exchange earnings to meet maturing obligations.

stake in the toll road operator.

“We are still waiting for the terms and for the government’s asking price,”

Franco said.

Franco said the company could set aside funds if the planned sale would push through.

The Privatization Management

Office said in February it was rebidding a P2-million contract for consulting services for the valuation of the 649,198 shares in NLEX owned by the national government.

The government’s move to sell its stake in NLEX is part of its strategy to sell state assets to fund the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund.

This was not the first time the government expressed interest in selling its stake in NLEX Corp. In 2019, the PMO also tried to sell its interest in the toll road company. NLEX is a company engaged in the development, design, construction, fi nance, operation and management of toll road projects. It is the builder-

concessionaire and operator of North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) as well as Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

NLEX Corp. said the first five kilometers of the Connector Road project would open within the first quarter of 2023. The eight-kilometer NLEX Connector is divided into two sections: the España and Sta. Mesa sections.

The fi ve-kilometer España section runs from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road to España Blvd., while the three-kilometer Sta. Mesa section runs from España Blvd. to R. Magsaysay Blvd. and to Sta. Mesa, Manila.

NLEX is 70.78-percent owned by MPTC and 11.7-percent by BDO Unibank Inc. French fi rm EGIS Invest-

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Friday,

ment Partners Philippines Inc. also holds 10.16 percent and Global Fund Holdings, 3.9 percent.

MPTC, the largest toll road developer and operator in the Philippines, plans to raise $500 million from a planned initial public offering, according to a report by Reuters last week.

Parent fi rm Metro Pacifi c reported that MPTC’s core net income jumped 46 percent in 2022 to P5.7 billion as toll revenues grew 31 percent to a record P22.9 billion. Metro Pacific earmarked P80 billion for 2023 capital expenditures primarily to fund the expansion projects of its power generation, toll road and water distribution businesses.

PAL set to o er new cargo

service for SMEs

PHILIPPINE Airlines said it will offer a new cargo service, targeting small and medium enterprises as part of its strategy to boost its revenues in the coming years.

“We continue to strengthen our cargo business, which helped keep us afloat during the pandemic. We will soon roll out a new feature called Port-to-Door Service, where cargo customers can have their shipments delivered to them, hassle free,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng. “We are proud of this innovation, because it will be very useful for SMEs. This will make shipment and last mile delivery seamless and convenient,” he said.

FILIPINA ARTISTS. BDO Private Bank teams up with Zonta Club of Makati & Environs and Galerie Joaquin, in celebration of International Women’s Month, to present ‘Women Rise,’ a special art exhibit featuring the talent of female artists. The exhibit was professionally curated by the renowned Galerie Joaquin and ran from March 9 to 12 at the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell Center, Makati. Leading the ribboncutting ceremony are US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (sixth from left), House ways and means committee and ZCME past president Maritess Pineda (seventh from left) SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. president and chairperson Elizabeth Sy (third from left) and BDO Private Bank president Albert Yeo (5th from left), together with artists and members of ZCME and Galerie Joaquin.

Alternergy Holdings plans to o er P2.5b worth of green bonds

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. plans to offer green bonds amounting to P2.5 billion in the next few months to finance the aggressive expansion of its renewable energy portfolio.

“We’re looking at P2 billion to P2.5 billion for green bonds, after the IPO [initial public offering],” Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua said.

He said the green bonds would be used to partly fund Alternergy’s P20-billion capital expenditure program in the next three to five years to build 350 megawatts of RE projects.

Magbanua said a portion of the IPO proceeds would be channeled towards

the company’s equity participation in two projects. “For the other projects, we expect to also do capital raising from the capital market in the next few months. One of those initiatives is green bonds,” he said. He said the timing of the green bond launch would coincide with the implementation of Alternergy’s projects.

“So we are ready when we implement the projects, and we have that source of equity to fund our participation,” Magbanua said.

He said of the P20-billion capex, 70 percent would be funded by debt and 30 percent by equity.

Alternergy’s target equity share in the projects is P6 billion, as it plans to take in

partners while retaining a majority stake of at least 51 percent or 50 percent plus one share.

“Our mantra is not to own 100 percent of these projects. We’ll be inviting partners to participate in the equity structure of these projects. Portion of that P6 billion maybe, P3 billion to P3.5 billion, is what Alternegy expects to fund for itself,” Magbanua said.

The company plans to develop 220 MW of onshore wind, 50 MW of run-ofriver hydro and 33 MW of solar projects.

Alternergy said it would sell its generation output through bilateral agreements and retail electricity supplier offtakers while participating in the Green Energy Auction Program.

Tampakan mine operator breaks silence to deny accusation of tax fraud

COPPER and gold miner Sagittarius Mines Inc. denied over the weekend what it called “unfounded insinuations” of tax fraud.

The miner said it is ready to take legal actions to protect its integrity, particularly on accusations hurled by the municipal government of Tampakan regarding municipal tax.

SMI said the tax collection case stemmed from the local government’s wrongful assessment of almost P400 million in local permits and levies on the company even if it

is not yet operating the mine. The firm said it filed the case before the courts to ferret out the truth in a fair manner and in the most appropriate forum. It said while the tax case is still pending before the Court of Tax Appeals, there is no temporary restraining order on the company.

SMI said mining players and the mining industry, in general, quietly suffered while brandished as destroyer of the environment and communities, “and yet, for more

than a century, the global mining industry has provided society the goods and services it needs and the modern amenities it enjoys.”

“Mining will become even more important as we move towards the path to a greener and more sustainable earth. For our well-endowed country, mining could help provide for our prosperity and propel our country up to its rightful high place in the world economic standing,” said SMI president Roy Deveraturda.

SMI said it decided to break its silence, not only to protect itself but also to help the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in educating the public.

It also called on the public to recognize the advances made in mining science and technology and acknowledge the critical role of DENR and MGB in balancing environmental protection and regulation of the mining industry.

Othel V. Campos

Data from the Civil Aeronautics Board showed that PAL carried 22.96 million kilograms of domestic cargo and 55.46 million kg. of international cargo last year. PAL director Lucio Tan III said the airline would also open a new Mabuhay Lounge later this year for international passengers at Terminal 1. “The Lounge will also have a younger, trendier vibe that echoes our new look,” Tan said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Adventenergy, meat firm sign power supply deal

ABOITIZ Power Corp. subsidiary Adventenergy Inc. secured a retail electricity supply deal with Pampanga’s Best Inc., one of the country’s leading producers of processed meat.

Aboitiz Power said that under the agreement, retail electricity supplier Advent would provide 1,700 kilowatts to the four-hectare production facility of Pampanga’s Best in San Fernando, Pampanga. The facility handles and operates the processing and production of Pampanga’s bestselling meat products.

“We would like to thank Pampanga’s Best Inc. for this collaboration as it helps us remain ontrack with our vision to have a positive impact on more customers,” said Aboitiz Power retail head James Byron Yu.

“The food industry is of national importance and we are honored to be in a position to serve this market with our energy products,” Yu said.

“With Aboitiz Power, we are able to continue our promise to manufacture excellent food products for every Filipino home to enjoy,” Pampanga’s Best president Angelo Hizon Jr. said. Alena Mae S. Flores

DMW declares highest cash dividend since IPO

THE board of directors of D.M. Wenceslao & Associates Inc. in a regular meeting on March 15, 2023 declared cash dividends amounting to P0.07 per share, or a total of P254.6 million, representing an increase of 23 percent from a year ago.

DMW said it would pay the cash dividends on April 5, 2023 to all stockholders on record as of March 30, 2023.

This is the company’s fifth consecutive annual cash dividend and its highest since it publicly listed in June 2018. DMW said its continuously growing earnings and robust financial standing enabled it to sustain cash dividend growth while simultaneously being in a hyper-growth stage.

“Since our IPO, we have notched a long list of milestones including, among others, the completion of 8912 Asean Ave, our largest office development yet; our successful diversification to Makati City with 58 Jupiter; the successful turnover of our fully sold Pixel Residences, the signing of major land-lease locators, and the substantial progress in the construction of our flagship commercial development Parqal and our second residential project MidPark Towers,” said DMW chief executive Delfin Angelo Wenceslao.

Lady Spikers near 1st round sweep in UAAP volley

DE LA SALLE University slipped in the first set, but bounced back, sweeping the next three to beat Adamson University, 22-25, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, and move closer to a first round sweep in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Sunday.

Angel Canino tried to will De La Salle to a comeback in the opening frame with back-to-back crosscourt kills, 22-23, but Trisha Tubu and Lucille Almonte came up clutch for the Adamson early lead, 25-22.

But the Lady Spikers’ answer was furious, leaving the Lady Falcons in the second and third periods by wide margins.

Ahead by just a point in the fourth salvo, 12-11, De La Salle broke away with a 7-1 blitz built on its solid blocking and Canino’s attacks en route to finishing the match in one hour and 49 minutes.

From equestrian to polo, Minxie shows prowess in Standard Cup

By Peter Atencio

FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Minxie Romualdez

scored four goals to lead Team Black to a 5-2 championship triumph over Team Orange on Sunday in the Standard Cup Polo meet at the Enrique Zobel field of the Manila Polo Club in Makati.

Romualdez, who shifted from the sport of equestrian to polo recently, struck twice in the first chukker with two goals aboard her favorite pony Holiday in a low-goal match.

Rushing from the left side in the first three minutes of action, Romualdez pulled through with the first goal as she drove past the far goal posts of

the eastern end of the field

In the 3:40 mark, Romualdez once again pushed through from the left side with the help of team skipper and Argentine pro Gregorio Gelosi.

“I’m supposed to score. And I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates,” said Romualdez, who is taking a break from classes in the

United States at the Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachussets.

It was the second tournament that Minxie has played in, following her debut in another meet last Saturday.

Cheered on by members of her family, led by her father House Speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez of Tacloban (first district), the young Minxie used another energetic mount in Daphne, as she scored her third marker at 4:25 of the second chukker, giving Team Black a 3-0 edge.

Jose Constantino scored the 4th goal in the third chukker for Team Black. They later took a 5-1 edge in the fourth minute, courtesy of Minxie, who was aboard Tiki this time around.

In other matches, Team Red turned back Team Green, 4-1, with film pro-

ducer Jun Juban scoring two spectacular goals in the first chukker.

Team Blue, led by Anthony Filamor, won over Team White, 2-1, in a High Goal match.

Enthusisasts are looking at the emergence of a young generation of polo players, who are loving and excelling in the sport.

“There are a bunch of young players coming up. And there’s a good circle of people who are helping them become better players,” said Filamor, the chairman of the polo committee of the MPC. Organizers said the tournament was a unity meet, considering that the matches were held with polo players of the Manila Polo Club, joining up with members of the North Polo Club of Pulilan Bulacan.

Gayoso, Amita star for Kaya

FORMER collegiate stars Jarvey Gayoso and Arnel Amita scored for the second straight game as Kaya FC Iloilo continued its amazing run by rallying past Azkals Development Team, 3-1, last Saturday night in the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Gayoso struck the go ahead goal in the second half before Amita sealed the victory with another late strike as Kaya made it four straight wins to hike its record to 42 points, 11 clear of Dynamic Herb Cebu.

Warming up for the Southeast Asian Games, ADT got off to a dream start when Andres Aldeguer, son of former basketball star Dino Aldeguer, scored in the 10th min-

ute off an assist from Pocholo Bugas.

But it was all Kaya from there with Audie Menzi equalizing in the 29th minute just moments after Dennis Chung almost doubled the lead for ADT only to be denied by Kaya goalkeeper Zach Banzon.

ADT remained in fourth spot with 21 points after coach Stephan Schrock’s side lost its second straight match. The core of the ADT side will banner the Under-23 squad for the SEA Games in Cambodia in May.

Japanese midfielder Horikoshi who also set up Menzi’s goal also provided the second for Gayoso, who burst into space and fired past Quincy Kammeraad from close range.

Confident Alido targets back-to-back PGT win in Iloilo

IT took Ira Alido nearly three years before he could nail a second career victory. But three days into the next Visayan stop of the Philippine Golf Tour, the young star feels so good about his chances of completing a back-to-back title run.

“I’m going in there with a lot of confidence, aiming to get my third win,” said Alido, who rallied from five strokes down and toppled one big gun after another to snare the ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Classic over the weekend.

Not only will the 22-year-old Alido bring momentum to the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge beginning Wednesday (March 22) but also the drive and inspiration to hoist another PGT trophy with Chanelle Avaricio also all primed up for another title crack in the women’s side of the event presented by MORE Power.

The couple matched stirring comefrom-behind victories at the tough Marapara course with Alido fighting

back from five down to beat the likes of Tony Lascuña, Rupert Zaragosa, Frankie Miñoza, Zanieboy Gialon and Guido van der Valk, and Avaricio overcoming a huge 8-stroke deficit to edge Sarah Ababa.

But while the duo will face the same field they upstaged in Bacolod, they will be as much tested as the rest when they tackle the Iloilo Golf and Country Club course, the oldest in Southeast Asia, which requires accuracy off the tee and sound iron play and short game to buck the challenges quietly lying in the trees, tall hills and rolling terrains.

But after scoring a follow-up to his breakaway title run at Riviera-Langer in 2020, Alido said he’s more than ready to take up the challenge from his peers and a slew of veterans as well as from the water-laced course.

“It was a big confidence-boost,” said Alido of his Marapara win that likewise underscored his readiness to

resume his campaign elsewhere. “I’ve been working really hard the past year and definitely now, it’s helping me to prepare to play more events abroad.”

The rest of the locals, however, are also more than ready to stir their respective title drive and foil Alido’s bid for a second straight championship in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“Bawi na lang (sa Iloilo). Confident pa din ako pero kailangan mag-click ang putting,” said Lascuña, who missed forcing a playoff at Marapara with a shaky approach on the closing par-5 hole and a flubbed birdie try from 25 feet.

Also out to redeem themselves from their failed title bid in Bacolod are Gialon, Miñoza and van der Valk, who all figured in the tight final round battle, along with Clyde Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa, Zaragosa, Jay Bayron, Albin Engino, Boni Salahog, Reymon Jaraula and 2018 champion Jobim Carlos.

“’Yung first set medyo sobrang shaky nu’ng start namin siguro dahil medyo nangangapa si Angel, ilang days din siya hindi nakapag-training dahil under the weather. Yesterday lang siya naka-training so nangangapa pa nga,” said interim head coach Noel Orcullo on their first set downer.

“Pinaalalahanan ko lang naman after ng first set na bumalik dahil kailangan so ayun nagising siguro.”

De La Salle remained unscathed in six games heading into their Finals rematch with reigning champion National University on Wednesday, 2 p.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Spikers are enjoying their best start since Season 77 (2014-15) where they also went 6-0.

Canino starred again for De La Salle with 21 points and 17 excellent receptions, while Jolina Dela Cruz added 10 points of her own.

Thea Gagate and Fifi Sharma were responsible for 11 of the Lady Spikers’ 14 blocks as the former had 16 points on five rejections while the latter ended with 12 points, half off blocks.

Trisha Tubu made 13 points for Adamson while Kate Santiago tallied a triple-double of 12 points, 15 digs, and 10 receptions.

The Lady Falcons, on the other hand, fell to 4-2 in the fourth spot. They will wrap up the first round against University of the Philippines on Wednesday as well.

Japan camp slated for PH men’s volley team

A TRAINING camp in Japan is slated next month for the Philippine national men’s volleyball team.

As the the camp is being organized, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation named a new head coach and added three Filipino-American spikers to the roster.

Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso, who arrived in the country last Thursday, is taking over from interim coach Odjie Mamon in the coming days as soon as he gets the 14-member national pool together.

“Next month, we will have a camp in Japan. I need to get everyone together,” said Veloso, following a presentation at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Macapagal Ave., Pasay City.

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara expressed gladness that Veloso is coming in to coach the national squad, with two months left before the Southeast Asian Games begin.

The 57-year-old Veloso arrived in the Philippines last Thursday and was introduced to three new additions.

The acquisition of the three FilAmerican spikers Steven Rotter, Michael Vicente, and Cyrus de Guzman was made possible with the help of FilNation Select founded by Cris Gopez.

A 6’6” opposite spiker from La Palma, California, Rotter has been playing with the AMC-Cotabato Spikers in the Spikers’ Turf.

Vicente is a 6’3” San Jose, California wing spiker, who played in the NCAA Division I, and was taken in following tryouts held in the US, along with De Guzman, a 6’6” middle blocker from New York.

Minxie Romualdez whips the ball for a goal during the Standard Cup at the Enrique Zobel Field in Makati City Sunday afternoon. Ver Noveno

Kaya FC talisman Daizo Horikoshi tries to get past ADT’s Yrick Gallantes.

Ira Alido displays his ICTSI Negros Occidental Golf Classic trophy . Manny Marcelo

Full-packed golf cast in Highlands Ladies Cup

TWO days after heralding the return of the Highlands Ladies Cup, tickets have been sold out with a maximum of 200 players set to vie for top honors in various divisions when the milestone 15th staging of event is held on April 29.

In fact, the Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Chapter said it will make full use of the Tagaytay Midlands’ three courses, including the Lucky 9 – to accommodate the big number of entries that further underscored the popularity the fiesta-like fun but competitive tournament has generated before the pandemic.

“It will be one big ‘par-tee’ in Tagaytay on April 29,” said THLC president Rosalind Wee of the upcoming event that will also mark the Tagaytay Ladies team’s 18th founding anniversary.

Backed by Diamond sponsors W Group, Inc. and Willie Ocier, the Highlands Ladies Cup will feature players of all genders with various titles to be disputed in different divisions under the System 36 scoring format.

The tournament, supported by Platinum sponsors CLC Marketing Ventures, Corp., Parola Maritime Agency, Inc., Powerball Gaming and CWC International, Regent Travel (gold) and ComWorks and Kaiser Int’l. Health Group (silver), will have a shotgun start at 8 a.m.

Making up the bronze sponsors’ list are WeeCom Developers, Olive Tree Corp., GM Eloah Agrocrops Co., RCW Construction & Dev’t Corp., ELTX Logistics Corp., H&E Multimix Mfg., Prime Star Distributors Inc., RGO Lab & Industrial Diagnostic Center. Concrete Masters, Manila Bankers Life Insurance Corp., Morning Glory Co. Inc., Omniversal Assurance Agency Corp.; Wilcon, Asia Cargo Container Line Inc., Landlite, Omni, Filhome Builders, Koten Phils., Davies Paint Ayala Premiere, Dae Jang Gum Shabu Shabu, Anika Island Resorts, Orocan, Champion, KLIO products, Caraderme Clinic, Wilcon Home Depot, Boysen, Kawsek, Inc., URC and Marie France.

P7M worth of gymnastics’ equipment donated to GAP

By Peter Atencio

Equipment and mats similar to what was used in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were handed recently to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines’ training center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila.

The Japanese government turned over the facilities to the GAP in simple ceremonies, after a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Japanese Ambassador to

the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko and GAP chief Cynthia Carrion. The mats, balance beams, bars and other gear used by gymnasts were worth around P7 million.

“This is for our grassroots program. We had this project last year,” said Carrion.

The new facilities were proposed by Carlos Yulo’s coach, Munehiro Kugimiya, to the Japanese government last March.

This was after the Manny V. Pangilinan Gymnastics Training Center got finished in Intramuros, Manila to cater to needs of the national team.

The subsidy for the purchase of the equipment was awarded through

70.3 Davao girds for hot, exacting race

A INTREPID field of endurance athletes, including 18 pros and a slew of age-group bidders from record 46 countries, braces for a fast, grueling race when the Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Philippines will be fired off Sunday at Azuela Cove.

Organizers of the event powered by Petron have guaranteed the best racing experience for the huge field all geared up for a test of power, speed and stamina in the highly popular race to be disputed over the 1.9k swim-90k bike-21k run distance.

Following Davao’s successful staging of the IRONMAN 70.3 in 2018 and 2019 ruled by Mexico’s Mauricio Mendez and Germany’s Markus Rolli, respectively, the racecourse has been spruced up to championship condition one week before the blue-ribbon event is held.

“We have set a fantastic race at the same racecourse they have enjoyed while making improvements along the way. We have maintained a fast but challenging swim, a single loop flat bike layout, and a hot and punishing run course,” said race director Neville Manaois.

the Japanese government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Development Projects.

The agreement was signed at the Japanese Ambassador’s official residence in Makati.

Yulo and Kugimiya were at the inauguration, along with Isabela Rep. Faustino Michael Dy, the chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports, along with Kazuhiko and Philippine Olympic Committee deputy secretary general Carl Sambrano.

Former Philippine president and Deputy House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was also around with MVP Sports Foundation Executive Director Jude Turcuato.

Alcaraz sets desert duel with Medvedev with No. 1 at stake

INDIAN WELLS—Former world number ones Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev will battle for a first Indian Wells ATP Masters 1000 title after straight sets semi-final victories on Saturday.

Spain’s second-ranked Alcaraz, the top seed who can return to the summit with a third Masters 1000 title on Sunday, defeated 13thranked Italian Jannik Sinner 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 to reach his third final of 2023.

After a season start delayed by injury, Alcaraz has won the title in Buenos Aires and reached the final in Rio de Janeiro last month.

Meanwhile, Medvedev is riding a 19-match ATP win streak and seeking his fourth title in as many tournaments after victories in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai.

The sixth-ranked Russian—who had never made it past the fourth round at Indian Wells— survived a late surge from Frances Tiafoe for a 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) victory over the 16th-ranked American.

In control for most of the match, Medvedev needed eight match points to finally put it away with an ace on his final opportunity.

“I’m just really happy that I managed not to lose this match and not to have regrets, nightmares, whatever,” Medvedev said.

Alcaraz, who beat Sinner in an epic fivesetter on the way to the US Open title last year, had gained the upper hand on the Italian with an early first-set break, but he gave it

back with a sloppy game that featured four unforced errors and allowed Sinner to level the set at 4-4.

With Alcaraz suddenly struggling, Sinner held for 5-4 and piled on the pressure with a set point at 6-5 that Alcaraz saved with a with a drop shot followed by a textbook volley winner.

A reinvigorated Alcaraz powered through the tiebreaker, sealing the set with a backhand cross court winner, and broke Sinner in the second game of the second set—sealing the break with a dazzling lob.

Up 4-2, Alcaraz got out of a 0-30 jam with the aid of three straight unreturnable serves, and he closed it out with a confident game that he opened with an ace and finished with a thundering forehand winner.

“Playing against Jannik is never easy,” Alcaraz said. “I knew that I had to increase my level. It was really close the first set.

“On the second I calm down the nerves, played more relaxed and (that) was the key of everything.”

Alcaraz was looking forward to taking on redhot Medvedev.

“I am an ambitious guy,” he said. “I want to play against the best players in the world and I would say that Daniil is the best player right now.

“Amazing winning streak—it’s going to be a difficult challenge but I am prepared for that.” AFP

Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Quezon share OKBet-MPBL top spot

BATAAAN and Nueva Ecija cruised past their rivals while newcomer Quezon Province survived a war on Saturday as they shared the top spot in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Bataan Peoples Center in Balanga.

The Bataan Risers-Camaya Coast pounded the Bicol Volcanoes into submission, 101-58, while the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards turned hot in the fourth quarter and routed the Bacolod City of Smiles, 90-72, for their second straight win in the 29-team league.

The Quezon Huskers played catchup most of the way before subduing the Mindoro Disiplinados, 85-80, in the opener and notching the same card.

Powered by the prolific duo of Yves Sazon and James Castro, the Risers sealed the outcome, 92-46, early in the fourth quarter

before Bataan coach Ricky Dandan let his second stringers finish the demolition job.

Sazon, an acknowledged gunner since his stint with the Marikina Shoemasters, fired 20 points, including four triples, grabbed 3 rebounds, issued 2 assists and had 1 steal to earn best player honors.

Castro, Bataan’s perennial go-to-guy, added 14 points and 2 steals as the Risers bettered their performance in a 70-61 victory over Rizal Province in the MPBL inaugurals on March 11.

Other major contributors for Bataan were homegrown Reginald Bilugan and Robbi Darang with 10 points each, Jethro Sombero with 9 and big man Arvie Bringas with 8.

Bicol got 20 points from Kenz Rei Diokno but only Peejay Barua provided support with 11.

Bacolod stayed within sight of Nueva Ecija, 60-67, after three quarters only to crumble in the fourth as the Rice Vanguards turned on the heat and pulled away at 90-65 before relaxing their defense.

Nueva Ecija’s Renz Palma went 7 of 8 on his field goal attempts, including 2 triples, and was named best player at the expense of Will McAloney, who posted 17 points and 7 rebounds for the defending champion which also drew 13 points from Mike Juico.

James Mangahas and Mac Montilla scored 11 each for Bacolod, which slipped to 0-2 like Mindoro and Bicol.

The MPBL goes to the Bacoor City Strikers Gymnasium on Monday with Batangas tackling Valenzuela at 4 p.m., Zamboanga battling Pasay at 6 p.m. and Marikina tangling with Bacoor at 8 p.m.

That should put emphasis on sound preparations and proper conditioning with the organizing The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc., the sponsoring Alveo Land Corp. and host Davao City ensuring everything is in place for the duration of the keenly awaited event to be spiced by the Girls Fun Run on March 24 and the IronKids on March 25.

“We are excited to witness the third conduct of this international sporting event here. The committee has assured that all necessary preparations are being taken care for the safety of everyone and for the smooth undertaking of the event,” said Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

He also cited the all-out support of the neighboring cities, the private sector and respective volunteers who have contributed to the overall success of the first and second IRONMAN 70.3.

“It’s been too long since we last raced here in Davao. Now that we are back, we are very excited to welcome all the participants,” added Manaois. “We have enhanced our operations and support to give the participants the best race experience as possible.”

For its part, Alveo Land Corp. said it has extended full support to one of the most sought-after and renowned sporting events in the world and that it is proud to continuously help promote the city of Davao and the country to both local and foreign enthusiasts alike.

“Alveo Land has championed overall wellness and dynamic urban living. These remain at the core of our developments across the country. It is always a privilege to work closely with the local government as we join the local sports community in championing world-class Filipino athletes,” said Alveo Land Corp. president Joseph Jugo.

Heading the cast in the centerpiece division, the only pro race slated this year, are Portugal’s Filipe Azevedo, Tuan Chun Chang of Taiwan and Aussies Matthew Tonge and Nick Carling, while the seasoned DimityLee Duke and fellow Aussie Sarah Crowley and United Arab Emirates’ Lottie Lucas of United Arab Emirates are tipped to dispute the

IRONMAN

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is greeted by Olympian gymnast Carlos Yulo during the turnover of P7 million worth of gymnastics equipment by the Japanese government to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines’ training center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Friday. Danny Pata

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain makes a forehand return in his semi nal match against Jannik Sinner of Italy during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. AFP

Papa P’s favorite role to play

By Angelica Villanueva

PIOLO Pascual might be wearing many different hats but being an actor is still his favorite.

During Sun Life Philippines’ recent event to launch its newest health campaign, the 46-year-old heartthrob shared that this year, fans will be hearing a lot about him and they will be seeing him not only on the television but also on the big screen and the theatre stage.

Recently, his production house, Spring Films, released the poster for Walang KaParis, which is a reunion project of Alessandra de Rossi, Empoy Marquez, and director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo. The project is a follow-up to the 2017 box-office hit Kita Kita

As for his acting job, Piolo is currently doing another film and had just wrapped up My Amanda with Alessandra de Rossi. The eight-part series will be

aired on Netflix.

Meanwhile, he will have a special participation in the movie GomBurZa as Pedro Pelaez which will hit the cinema in December.

For the first time, Piolo will also be taking the challenge of becoming a theatre actor as he becomes Crisostomo Ibarra.

On top of those projects, Papa P maintains the role of being the ‘walking billboard’ of Sun Life.

The seasoned actor has been the main ambassador of the insurance company for the past 15 years.

“They tapped me to become their first endorser. My sister (Chiqui PascualGonzales) also became a financial advisor and my son (Iñigo Pascual) became an ambassador as well. It changed my life for the good. Every year, there’s always a new campaign and now, I’m a game show host,” shared Piolo.

He also emphasized the importance

Piolo Pascual tells fans to expect him on small and big screens and the theater stage

Exploring life's ‘what ifs’ in Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali starrer ‘The Write One’

WHAT if one day, you are given a chance to change your past? What if your ‘what ifs’ come to life?

Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali headline their much-awaited romantic drama series together in The Write One – the first collaboration between broadcast giant GMA Network and leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service Viu.

Streaming on Viu Philippines starting tomorrow, March 18, and premiering on March 20 on GMA, GTV, Pinoy Hits, and I Heart Movies, The Write One follows the story

magically making real – the revised story of his life.

In the new timeline, Liam is a creative manager of a film production company while Joyce is the most-sought actress of her generation.

of preparing yourself financially now for you and your family’s future.

“You have to set aside a certain part of your income, not just for yourself but your family and your family’s future. And it’s really important for us to give extra care to ourselves, our needs, our wellbeing so as to be able to enjoy the fruits of our hard work,” he stated.

“Just give importance to life. Enjoy your life. When you can, with your loved ones, be practical about things – eating healthy, living right, having the right mindset, and giving importance to your mental health. Don’t splurge on things you don’t really need. Be wise with your earnings. Always set aside some things for yourself and your family for the future. So, these are the things that I live by,” added Piolo. The actor is also more than happy now that Donny Pangilinan is now part of the Sun Life family. As the newest ambassador, the rising star encourages younger generations to give more attention to their health goals by having the right insurance.

“I’m really excited about what we’ll do with Donny, especially with our onground events. He is an ambassador. So that’s a good reminder to us not to think about waiting to get old to start planning for our future…I’m happy that he’s part of our family now,” said Piolo.

“Young Filipinos needing a role model in pursuing their health goals will

surely relate to Donny, who has always been active in sports and outspoken in this advocacy,” Sun Life Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer Carla Gonzalez-Chong added.

Both Kapamilya actors also invited Filipinos to join them at the Sun Life Cycle PH and the Wheel of Life Pop-up Fair.

Sun Life Cycle PH is happening on April 23 at the Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite. The event is open for all ages, fitness, and skill levels. To give younger participants the confidence to join, the Kids’ Bike Camp will also be held on April 16 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Participants will learn bike safety, etiquette, and skills, among others, from Camp Director Coach Julian Valencia

As for the Wheels of Life Pop-up Fair 2023, it will feature various health activities including free consultations, health risk assessments, nutrition counseling, and mental health check-in courtesy of the Philippine Mental Health Association, as well as diabetes testing courtesy of Sun Life’s healthcare partners Dr. Anywhere and Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc.

The fair will make stops in various locations: April 1 at Greenfield District, Mandaluyong; April 15 at Festival Mall, Alabang; April 16 at Quirino Grandstand, Manila; April 23 at Vermosa Sports Hub, Cavite; and April 29 at D'Mall, Boracay.

First impressions

lovely Thia Thomalla, youthful Ysabel Ortega, and award-winning actor Edgar Allan Guzman

During the press conference’s question and answer segment, the maternal side of Tan was highlighted. As she fondly called all the Sparkle artists her “anak” plus her honest sharing of stories on why these artists are special to her, it was also a celebration of gratitude as all the Sparkle artists declared how much they value the trust and voted confidence bestowed to them by the female CEO.

Apart from the Sparkle talents, Tan was most vocal about her gratitude to her team, distributors, franchisees, resellers, and everyone who put their faith in Beautederm.

FIRST impressions matter. Nothing beats a firm handshake that means authority and confidence. Looking straight into each other’s eyes is equal to courage and interest in the person he or she faces. The welcoming smile that signals engrossment and warmth, and the timbre of the voice, that sounds gracious and from the heart, who would not want to get to know this person better?

Beautéderm Chief Executive Officer and Founder Rhea Anicoche-Tan knows the art of first impression and employs it to the hilt. While seated at the assigned table during the press conference that celebrates the five years of partnership between Tan’s successful beauty company and Sparkle, the talent center arm of GMA 7, she was behind this columnist as she uttered the sweetest “Hello.”

First impressions of the products, packagingwise, all are light on the eyes. The fonts are easy to read, and the color combinations used are not clashing and dizzying. Everything about the products' aesthetics screamed first world and worth your hard-earned pesos.

Of late, I’ve been slathering my body after every bath, with the A’Peler Body Lotion. It quenches the skin immediately. The light fragrance of the lotion does not overpower it. Aside from the smoothening effect, supple, and softer-to-touch skin is what you get.

The Eye Balm D’Oris is now part of my nightly routine. The next day, eyelids are not that puffy with great effect on eye bags. Definitely, this will further delay the arrival of under-the-eyes crow’s feet.

L’Eau Soleil UV Block has become a day-today regimen since the heat is on and the summer sun scorches. Impressed that this sunblock does not make your face look cakey. Even if you reapply it, does not leave that heavy feeling on your face.

of Liam (Ruru), a frustrated writer who is given a chance to rewrite his love and life story with the help of a mysterious typewriter.

Joining Ruru and Bianca are fellow Sparkle artists Mikee Quintos and Paul Salas

In the story, Liam’s priority is to produce his dream TV series. Joyce (Bianca), on the other hand, gives up her budding showbiz career to be a wife to Liam and mother to their son Dex.

With the love between Liam and Joyce dimmed by the years that have passed, both wonder what could have been had they not given up their individual dreams.

Until Liam stumbles upon an antique typewriter and finds himself writing – and

The cast of ‘The Write One’

Liam soon finds himself wondering: Does destiny put people in the right place to make the right choice? Or does an individual have full control of what he thinks and does, for him to meet the one written in the stars for him to love?

The Write One is produced by GMA Public Affairs – the same team that created the Philippines’ Most Watched TV show for 2022, Lolong , and the hit mystery-romance miniseries Love You Stranger

It is the latest primetime show bannered by Ruru following the success of Lolong and Bianca, who received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Farrah in the 2020 breakthrough family drama series Legal Wives

The series likewise sees the TV reunion of veteran actors Lotlot De Leon and Ramon Christopher who play Liam’s parents. Further giving life to the story are Mon Confiado , Alma Concepcion , and Art Acuna

Sparkle stars Kokoy De Santos , Royce Cabrera Kaloy Tingcungco Analyn Barro , Yvette Sanchez , and Euwenn Mikaell Aleta complete the cast. Viewers can also look forward to various special guests gracing the series.

Directed by King Marc Baco The

Clad in a designer pullover top, denim, and stilettos, Tan had me with her initial greeting. Her look was refreshing, and radiant, plus a congenial smile. Thus, it was no longer a bafflement when we acquiesced to her request to do the heart and hug signs upon her lead and cue. Short, sweet, and sincere, that is how one sums up her speech that expressed the most important reason for the shindig – the premium and value she gives to her partnership with GMA 7 and the Sparkle artists. She gave credit to the contribution of these artists – how well they represent the brand and their dedication to promoting it as well as making them everyday essentials. She did not scrimp on the praise that had no lip service quality to it. These talents, whom she called her children are instrumental in why her company and products sparkle and continue to dominate the market. Cassy Legaspi, Ruru Madrid Rayver Cruz, and Sanya Lopez were all present as they renewed their contracts. Adding allure and magic to Beautederm were the latest addition of brand ambassadors from Sparkle namely the comely Patricia Tumulak, ace comedian Buboy Villar

Parts of her speech, Tan said: “I can proudly say, Beautéderm sparkles because of the success stories of our resellers, franchisees, distributors, loyal staff, and consumers. Our commitment to serve, through our advocacies and charity works, is also the reason why we’re here. Beautéderm continues its mission – a beauté with a purpose. As they say, every one of us is born with a purpose. Fulfilling your purpose needs love, joy, beauté, and sparkle.”

Culture of appreciation and gratitude, commitment to world-class standards and products, and genuine love for people and what makes everyone beautiful, are not just first impressions but lasting conclusions I gathered from Rhea Anicoche-Tan, the woman who knows and values what true beauty is all about.

Beautéderm

Chief Executive Officer and Founder Rhea Anico-

‘Jurassic Park’ actor Sam Neill reveals blood cancer diagnosis

ACTOR Sam Neill has revealed he is being treated for stage-three blood cancer, writing in a memoir that he was "possibly dying" from the illness diagnosed a year ago.

The New Zealander, who burst to fame after starring as Dr. Alan Grant in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, said he began treatment last March for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Neill, 75, makes the revelation in his book Did I Ever Tell You This?, which is being released next week. In the opening chapter, written while undergoing chemotherapy, Neill said: "The thing is, I'm crook. Possibly dying. I may have to speed this up." The actor told The Guardian he is

now in remission but will continue to undergo chemotherapy for the remainder of his life.

"I can't pretend that the last year hasn't had its dark moments," he said. "But those dark moments throw the light into sharp relief, you know, and have made me grateful for every day and immensely grateful for all my friends. Just pleased to be alive."

Neill's vast acting career began in the 1970s and has spanned dozens of roles in TV and film, including Peaky Blinders, The Hunt for Red October, and The Piano

He is currently preparing for a role in a television adaptation of Liane Moriarty's bestselling novel Apples Never Fall, which will be filmed in Australia. AFP

Reel and real-life sweethearts Bianca Umali (left) and Ruru Madrid

che-Tan

aerial

rising

Realizing a bold green vision for Panglao

beautiful nature and we want to preserve that. We always look for national experts but unfortunately, we lack sustainability experts within the Philippines. The good thing about our partners, is they do have Filipino staff,” Uy went alluding to their partners in building the green resort community.

According to Uy, Panglao Shores marks sustainability, community, and local culture as its guiding principles. The storied project was born from humble beginnings. The pandemic created many challenges for businesses and led to hardship and layoffs. Alturas retained all staff, however, repurposing them into sometimes unfamiliar roles as they built South Farm to support local communities.

master-planning

project is located on the southern coast of Panglao, just off the coast of Bohol, and is a flagship project under the Tourism Infrastructure & Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), which are designed to deliver outstanding economic and social benefits to their destinations.

The pool will become an ideal location for relaxation as guests can also catch a glimpse of the beachside

Early this month, a small group of local press flew to Singapore to meet Hope Uy, the charming and amiable CEO of Panglao Shores. In an intimate event, she introduced us to the London-based sustainability experts behind XCO2, and the people she called “master planners” from SCSY whose head office is

Over time it became a sustainability incubator, a place to meet, practice, experiment and cultivate resources, plant trees, and store materials such as recycled woods, and it evolved into a place that simply and most meaningfully represented the essence of the inclusive culture and community ethos of Alturas. South Farm was to become the inspiration for

located in the Lion City.

“This development costs P25 billion and will be constructed in three phases. Full construction might take up to 10 years,” Uy, of the Alturas Group, told Manila Standard Life

“We wanted to show the public that sustainable concepts work in this industry. We are a tropical country and we have such

the entire Panglao Shores development.

“The existing property is 10 years old now, and the vision started from there – making it a comfortable destination with an intention of preserving it so we can share it with other people and make them appreciate it,” Uy enthusiastically shared. The success and spirit engendered at South Farm left a deep impression on Alturas Group,

STB Executive Director for Southeast Asia John Conceicao (leftmost) and Cebu Pacific Director for Marketing Michelle De Guzman (rightmost) join Juliana Kua and Candice Iyog for the media Q&A

CEBU Pacific has strengthened its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to help travelers reimagine the Lion City and visit Singapore.

CEB and STB previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in April 2022 to mark the reopening of Singapore’s borders. With the successes of the past year, both parties today renewed the MOU to intensify their collaboration to promote travel to Singapore, which is one of the top-of-mind destinations for visitors from the Philippines.

Key projects in this 2023 MOU will include joint marketing and promotions, and joint business development in the areas

of fly-cruise and meetings and incentive corporate groups.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with Cebu Pacific, which contributed greatly to Singapore’s strong tourism numbers for 2022,” said Juliana

Kua, Assistant Chief Executive for International Group, Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The Philippines is a key market for Singapore, and the attractive promotions from Cebu Pacific will be complemented by STB’s ‘SingapoRewards’ program, which offers a free experience for every eligible tourist to Singapore. SingapoRewards is a new program that

“It was an epiphany for us, a real moment of awakening,” said Uy. “The realization was that here was an opportunity to create a generational product, inspired by Bohol, on a scale that would enable a fullyintegrated community to flourish with sustainability at its core.” The result is a lowdensity, mixed-use development infused with the nature of Bohol, created for domestic and international buyers, integrating six hotels and resorts, 37,000sqm. of retail and commercial space, over 1,000 residential units, and an international medical facility, while seamlessly weaving sustainability and social responsibility into the fabric of the project and the wider destination.

Conceived by Panglao Bay Premiere Parks & Resorts Corp. (PBPPRC), a subsidiary of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), the

At the heart of the project is the Town Square Retail Mall & Night Market, a vibrant indooroutdoor hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment with live performance areas, garden walkways, and courtyards. This will be surrounded by facilities and amenities, including commercial and retail, residential villages, a convention center, co-working spaces, international hotels and resorts, and a beach club, all entwined with lush greenery and natural walkways. International eco-building standards and materials have been incorporated throughout, such as high-performance glass, natural ventilation, and solar harvesting, along with smart technologies, electric transport, water treatment, waste reduction, and the removal of all single-use plastics. Local vendors are

Guests can available different types of rooms when Panglao Shores arises soon

The arrival area at Panglao Shores will soon welcome eager travelers and residents founded in Bohol by the Uy family, and from this seed, a wider vision for the future was developed with the help of XCO2 and SCSY.

supported to sell crafts, native farmers and fishing communities have been built into the supply chain, children’s education is supported and coral reefs are protected.

Construction of the 188-room South Palms Resort is currently underway in Phase 1 with completion scheduled for 2024. Bohol is one of the most exciting destinations for investment and tourism in the Philippines. The island is served by the Panglao Bohol International Airport.

For more information about Panglao Shores, please visit https://www.panglaoshores.com

Cebu Pacific, Singapore Tourism Board renew partnership to cater to more travelers

will provide international visitors with an opportunity to try one of nearly 40 new or “off-the-beaten-path” experiences in Singapore for free, across the whole of 2023.

CEB provides strong connectivity to Singapore as it currently flies from Manila, Cebu, Davao, and starting in April, from Clark, Pampanga. “We value this partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. With recovery in place and our growth plans set in motion, our main goal now is to fly every Juan to an exciting destination such as Singapore and enjoy all the offering in this beautiful destination that we missed doing during the pandemic,” said Candice Iyog, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of Cebu Pacific.

CEB currently flies thrice daily between Manila and Singapore, providing passengers easy access to the Lion City, to experience its famous culinary scene, see its scenic spots, engage in thrill-seeking activities, or go shopping.

Passengers from the Visayas may also conveniently reach Singapore through Cebu Pacific’s daily flights from Mactan Cebu International Airport.

CEB will also increase its Singapore flights from Davao up to 4x weekly starting on March 26.

Travelers from Northern Luzon will also have a new gateway as CEB starts its daily

An

shot of the

community to soon grace Panglao, Bohol

Local press members with the team behind Panglao Shores

Hope Uy (seated, third from left) with select members of the local press

Panglao Shores CEO Hope Uy

Hope Uy (seated, center) explains the vision for Panglao Shores

Leading conglomerate invests P25-b in once-in-a-generation mixed-use community development conceptualized by global leaders in sustainability and

From left: Juliana Kua and Candice Iyog formally sign the MOU between the Singapore Tourism Board and Cebu Pacific