Manila Standard - 2023 March 24 - Friday

MARCOS SAYS PH FACES WORSENING WATER CRISIS

Watch for the March 27, 2023 launch of Manila Standard’s new weekly section:

Damage claims on oil spill set

Processing of pay demands of affected sectors starts on Monday

By Charles Dantes and Willie Casas

PEOPLE affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro may begin applying for compensation on Monday, March 27, the insurer of the sunken MT Princess Empress said Thursday.

In a press briefing, Valeriano del Rosario, a lawyer with the insurer, P&I Club, said local claims offices will be set up in affected areas.

“On the week of 27 March 2023, the first claim offices, also known as claims caravan, will open in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro and it will act as the collecting point for the claimants to submit their completed claim forms,” he said. “Subsequently, we will also see the opening of local claims offices in the

Pinoys‘ positive outlook slightly declines–survey

FILIPINO'S positive perception on the current direction of the country, including national economic and household financial prospects, remained high even as it slightly declined this year, according to a survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia.

"There is a steady gradual decline in positive outlook of our country’s current direction and household financial prospects as uncertainty slightly grows," PUBLiCUS Asia said based on the results of its PAHAYAG 2023 firstquarter survey conducted among 1,500 respondents from March 2 to 6, 2023.

By Rey E. Requejo

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has allowed victims of the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs to comment on a government bid to stop its investigation into the anti-crime campaign that took thousands of lives.

In an 11-page decision dated March 21, the ICC’s Appeals Chamber ordered the Victims Participation and Reparations Section “to collect and transmit to the Appeals Chamber representations from any interested victims and victim groups and prepare and submit a report thereon by

Solon says Speaker agrees to Cha-cha through Con-ass

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

LEYTE Rep. Richard Gomez on Thursday said Speaker Martin Ro mualdez would support a Senate move

to amend the Constitution through a constituent assembly, even though the House has called for a constitutional

I reported to our Speaker, he said yes,”

Gomez said at a PDP-Laban press briefing, when asked if Romualdez would support a constituent assembly instead.

"In the bicam, they will come out with a resolution and the Speaker said

that if the Senate will come out with the version that [calls for a constituent assembly], they will go for it.”

He said the Speaker agreed on conditions that the Senate has laid down in pursuing Charter Change.

22 May 2023.”

“The Office of Public Counsel for Victims may submit written observations, not exceeding 40 pages, on the Republic of the Philippines’ appeal brief in relation to the general interest of victims by 18 April 2023,” the decision stated.

The Appeals Chamber said it deems it appropriate to include the victims of the “war on drugs” as it resolves the Philippine government’s appeal.

The Philippine government through the Office of the Solicitor General has asked the ICC’s Appeals Chamber to reverse the authorization granted to

Teves to return if granted ‘wish list’

By Maricel V. Cruz

NEGROS Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has submitted a "wish list" to Speaker Martin Romualdez which, if granted, would allow him to "return to the country immediately," his legal counsel said yesterday. Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said

Romualdez has expressed willingness to grant "about half" of the list. He said the items deal mostly with security concerns as Teves maintained there is a "grave threat" to his life once he comes home.

Topacio said while his client was thankful for the offer of President

By Charles Dantes

HUMAN rights abuses of state and paramilitary forces and police impunity continue to hound the Philippines, the US State Department said in its 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

The report noted that the country's biggest issue when it comes to human rights abuses were extrajudicial killings, forced disappearance, and tortures disguised as part of the government's anti-drug war operations.

“The government investigated some

SEEKING SHADE. Residents walk under colorful umbrellas on display along Cristobal St. in Sampaloc, Manila. Norman Cruz

police rights abuses still hound

El Niño likely to start in 2nd half of ‘23

By Rio N. Araja and Vito Barcelo

AN El Niño episode characterized by below-normal rainfall may persist until 2024

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said El Niño can lead to dry spells and even drought.

El Niño will begin by the third quarter of 2023 or between July and September, and will last until next year but its effects will not be felt immediately.

Ana Liza Solis, PAGASA's climate

Damage...

From A1 other affected barangays as well.”

Ahead of the insurance claims, more than P38.1 million in humanitarian assistance has been given to families affected by the oil spill.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Rommel Lopez said aid has been given to families in Oriental Mindoro, in Agutaya town in Palawan, and in Caluya in Antique.

He said the amount covered at least 47,000 family food packs as well as cash aid for some 5,961 beneficiaries. A food pack consists of 6 kilos of rice, 4 cans of corned beef, 4 cans of tuna flakes, 4 cans of sardines, 5 sachets of coffee and 5 sachets of cereal malt.

Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito

Dolor said P&I Club had confirmed in a meeting on Thursday morning that they will begin accepting applications for compensation.

Del Rosario said claimants include individuals, corporations, and local government units affected by the oil spill.

Solon...

From A1

These were 1) that the amendments would be done through a constituent assembly; 2) that they would tackle economic provisions; and 3) the two chambers would vote separately.

“That is the stand of the House. So we agree on all conditions that the Senate wants with regards to constitutional amendments,” Gomez said.

The House of Representatives earlier passed Resolution of Both Houses (RHB) 6 and House Bill (HB) 7325, which both seek to initiate the process of liberalizing the economic provisions of the 1987 Charter.

RHB 6 calls for a hybrid Constitutional Convention (Con-Con)—comprising elected and appointed delegates—to do a makeover of the Charter’s restrictive economic provisions, while HB 7325 is meant to be the implementing law for RBH 6.

ICC...

From A1 its prosecutors to resume their investigation into the “war on drugs” of the Duterte administration.

In its appeal, Manila also sought the suspension of the investigation.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan has already asked the ICC’s Appeals Chamber to reject Manila’s request.

Khan said the Philippine government “has not provided any argument substantiating its request.”

The Appeals Chamber said that 90 victims’ sought to present their views and concerns on the Philippine government’s appeal. The chamber’s decision stated that “war on drugs” victims indicated that questions of whether investigations will be conducted or deferred “has immediate and direct effect on their personal interest.”

“They have not been able to obtain justice and remedies for the crimes committed against their family members,” it said.

The victims group also told the Appeals Chamber that investigations are the premise of prosecution and potential reparations, which they need to “see justice done and obtain remedies for the harm suffered.”

The Pre-Trial Chamber, in allowing

‘Military...

From A1 reported human rights abuses, including abuses by its forces and paramilitary forces. Concerns about police impunity remained given reports of continued extrajudicial killings by police,” the report said.

“Significant concerns also persisted about impunity for other security forces, civilian national and local government

monitoring and prediction section head, said the El Niño Watch is meant to lead early preparations.

Meanwhile, a Social Weather Survey (SWS) revealed that 93 percent of adult Filipinos have personally experienced the impacts of climate change in the past three years. The survey showed that 17 percent have experienced severe impact of cli-

The categories of claims are the cost of cleanup and preventive measures, economic loss in fisheries and marine culture, economic loss in the tourism sector and related businesses, as well as property damage.

Claimants are advised to send accomplished claim forms to the designated offices with supporting documents and proof of their loss, which will be reviewed, Del Rosario said.

He added that the computation of claims will vary depending on the claimants and the categories of their claims.

He said, for example, if a fisherman earns P450 a day and stopped fishing for 23 days due to the oil spill, the amount of financial loss will be multiplied by the number of days of his interrupted livelihood. Based on this computation, the fisherman may get about P10,000.

The MT Princess Empress sank near Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, with its cargo of about 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, causing a massive oil spill that has reached the provincial capital city of Calapan and that has threatened nearby provinces.

As of Wednesday, a total of 163,508

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund

Villafuerte has proposed that a meeting between constitutional reform proponents in the Senate and the House of Representatives be held during the congressional break “to keep the ball rolling” on Charter Change."

Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party (NUP), said the ongoing meeting will help lawmakers decide soon enough on whether to go ahead on amending the 36-year-old Constitution before the year is over.

NUP is the biggest power bloc in the House next to the ruling LakasCMD led by Romualdez, and all 45 of its members had voted for RHB 6 and HB 7325, which had consolidated four bills, including HB 4926, which was authored by Villafuerte.

Villafuerte suggested that the senators led by Sen. Robinhood Padilla and House members led by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez meet in an open session in the interest of full transparency, and not behind closed doors

resumption of probe into Philippines, said that domestic proceedings in the Philippines "do not sufficiently mirror the expected scope of the Court’s investigation, since they only address the physical, low-ranking perpetrators and at present do not extend to any highranking officials.”

In its response, the Philippine government asserted that it is precluded from “scrutinizing the submissions” of other participants. It added that it had not been notified of any filings concerning victim representation.

However, the Appeals Chamber has said that it is not persuaded “that all filings concerning victims should be notified to the Philippines,” and that “there is a need for the Philippines to ‘scrutinize the submissions of victims.”

Nonetheless, the Chamber directed the Registry to notify Manila of all public and confidential filings in the present proceedings.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said the ICC should allow the Philippine government to reply to any pleading that may be filed by victims of the war on drugs.

“For as long as the state will be given a fair opportunity to respond to the victims' submissions during the appeals stage, the Office of the Solicitor General will not make any further comment on their involvement,” Guevarra said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

officials, and powerful business and commercial figures. Officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity.”

Citing government data, the report noted that approximately 15,000 drug war operations were conducted by law enforcement authorities from January to May 2022.

It said “arbitrary or unlawful killings by police” happened during some of the operations.

“Human rights groups continued to express concern about the contribution

mate change in the past three years, 52 percent felt moderate impact, and 24 percent felt little impact. Six percent did not experience any impact.

The SWS survey results also showed that most Filipinos maintained an optimistic attitude toward combating climate change.

“The survey also found 88% agreeing (51% strongly agree, 37% somewhat agree) with the statement ‘People like me can do something to reduce climate risk or risks resulting from climate change,’ 10% undecided, and 3% disagreeing (2% somewhat disagree, 1% strongly disagree, cor-

people or 34,555 families in Mimaropa and Western Visayas were affected by the oil spill, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

A state of calamity was declared in 10 cities and municipalities, the agency added. At least 192 people fell ill due to the oil spill.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday said the tanker, which was spotted by a Japanese remotely operated vessel (ROV) this week, suffered extensive structural damage after sinking, and oil was seen leaking from eight compartments. It said the remaining oil inside the capsized vessel was as yet undetermined.

The wreckage of the MT Princes Empress was found 7.7 nautical miles away from Balingawan Point in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro by the Japanese vessel Shin Nichi Maru, which deployed an ROV to find it.

Insurance representatives were doing the rounds in searching for a service provider to conduct oil patching, bagging, and removal.

as preferred by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. Padilla heads the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, who earlier invited House members led by Rodriguez, who chairs the House constitutional amendments committee, to attend the March 20 meeting of his panel to discuss Charter Change—but the meeting was called off at the last minute.

Former Senate president Franklin Drilon said the lack of trust is a major hurdle in the push for Charter Change.

“There is no trust in members of Congress. That is the first issue that you have to hurdle – the trust of the people in Congress,” he said.

“There’s a mistrust of politicians. The public feels it’s just a show. However the end is to remove term limits and prolong the term of members of Congress,” he said.

He said there is also mistrust between the two chambers of Congress.

“One of the issues in a (constituent

Teves...

From A1 Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to allow Teves' private jet to land at the Basa Air Base in Pampanga where it would be surrounded by the military, the measure is not enough to secure the lawmaker. "Between landing and the proceedings, a lot will happen. That's what we're trying to negotiate," Topacio said Teves flew to the United States on Feb. 28 for medical treatment, but his travel authority issued by the House expired on March 9.

As this developed, House lawyers are now studying a formal request for the expulsion of Teves.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the wife of the assassinated Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo submitted a letter-request to the House of Representatives asking for Teves' expulsion.

“Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo said that Congressman Teves is involved in the violent incidents in Negros. But that is just an allegation at this time because the incidents are still being investigated by the authorities.

The House leadership will still study the matter to determine the action that the chamber would take,” Velasco said.

Velasco declined to provide the media with a copy of Degamo's letter

of corruption to abuses committed by the PNP and other security forces and noted little progress in implementing and enforcing reforms aimed at improving investigations and prosecutions of suspected human rights violations. The national police’s institutional deficiencies and the public perception that police corruption was endemic continued,” the report said.

The report likewise said the “practice of red-tagging continued under the new administration.” “Government officials or their allies

rectly rounded),” the SWS added. The SWS also said 76 percent or three out of four think that humanity could do something to stop or slow down climate change if they really tried. The Fourth Quarter 2022 Social Weather Survey was conducted from December 10-14, 2022, using faceto-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Face-to-face is the standard interviewing method for Social Weather Stations.

Dolor said that the Japanese salvage vessel should be asked to stay while they awaited the arrival of new equipment. Fishermen from affected communities along the Verde Island Passage called on the government to serve justice and ensure that the livelihood and welfare of affected communities get priority in its disaster response efforts.

The call was made as fishing community leaders from Calapan, Pola, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Mandalay, Roxas, Bansud, and Gloria in Oriental Mindoro joined together to launch the Koalisyon ng Mangingisdang Apektado ng Oil Spill (KMAOS).

A spokesperson for the group, Dindo Melaya, said each fisherman affected by the oil spill should be compensated at a rate no lower than P500 a day.

The calls were backed by the Bukluran ng Mangingisda sa Batangas (BMB), who expressed solidarity with fishermen in the oil spill’s ground zero in Mindoro and raised the alarm over the trajectories of the slick moving west and northwards to Batangas due to shifts in the wind pattern.

assembly) is, do we vote separately or jointly? Obviously, when you vote jointly, the Senate becomes irrelevant. That is why the Senate has been resisting such a situation because the Senate can become irrelevant,” Drilon said.

But Drilon said he believes the Constitution needs to be amended.

“It is one of the longest constitutions that we have in the world,” he said.

He added that the 1987 Constitution was heavily influenced by the country’s experiences during the Martial Law years. “Hence, all the restrictions on government found their way into the Constitution because of fear that Martial Law can again be imposed,” he said.

“The difficulty of our Constitution today is it really gives our policy makers no leeway,” he added.

He said Charter Change, however, is not the answer to all the country’s problems, noting that other issues such as corruption and red tape can affect the country’s investment climate.

but said it could be eventually referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges which recommended slapping Teves with a 60-day suspension by an overwhelming 292 votes with zero abstention.

"Her request is grave – expulsion. But expulsion is also covered by a process. Her letter may eventually be sent to the Committee on Ethics.

We will have to await the decision of the panel on what to do with this new development," he added.

Velasco said Teves' suspension is counted in terms of calendar days,during which the lawmaker would not get his salary and other emoluments.

However, Velasco said the House still has to decide on what to do with the lawmaker's office and his office budget and office staff, noting the unprecedented nature of the lawmaker's suspension.

President Marcos earlier played down supposed threats to Teves' life.

“He is saying there is a threat to his life. On our part, the best intelligence we have is that we don’t know of any threat. Where will the threat come from?” Mr. Marcos told reporters covering the 126th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army in Taguig. He urged Teves to return to the country as soon as possible and face the charges filed against him. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

often used red-tagging to label human rights advocates, unions, religious groups, academics, and media organizations as fronts for or clandestine members of insurgent and other opposition groups.”

The Country Reports yearly cover 198 countries and territories giving factual reports on the real happenings and events in each country.

The report is meticulously built with the help of different groups such as embassies, NGOs, academics, activists, and journalists, among others.

As Muslims mark Ramadan, PBBM calls for solidarity

By Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez and Nash Maulana

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged all Filipinos, especially the Muslim community, to unite in celebrating the start of Ramadan.

In his message, the President called on the Filipinos to embody the values of discipline, reverence, and humility.

“The spiritual belief that the gate of Heaven is open during this sacred month calls upon our brothers and sisters to purify their souls against the perils of worldly pleasures as well as seek for forgiveness and peace,” Mr. Marcos said in a message.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer reflection and community.

The President also asked Muslims to include in their prayers those who are “in deep distress caused by hunger, natural calamities and unfavorable circumstances.”

“The rituals and services during Ramadan remind us of our shared moral obligation– regardless of faith– to compassionately take care of each other, uphold our human dignity and stand in solidarity,” he said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Presidential help desk to be set up for medical aid

By Vince Lopez

The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will establish a Presidential Help Desk to address the financial and medical requests for assistance being submitted by the public to the Office of the President (OP).

Based on Executive Order No. 20, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on March 21, the Presidential Help Desk will complement the existing health services and projects of the government by providing accessible and direct financial and medical assistance to qualified beneficiaries.

“The Presidential Help Desk shall be administered by the PACe (Presidential Action Center). For this purpose, there shall be a Project Coordinator, directly reporting to the PACe, tasked to ensure that the day-to-day implementation of the project is managed effectively, efficiently and economically, and oversee the operational activities of the project, including the performance by all employees and personnel of their respective functions,” the EO read.

EO No. 20 also provides that the PACe will also submit to the President, via the Office of the Executive Secretary, an annual report on the operations of the Presidential Help Desk.

Pinoys’...

From A1

Results of the survey showed that 50 percent of the respondents believe the current state of the country is strong, similar to the results of the fourth-quarter survey, but down from 57 percent in the first quarter of 2022.

"The strong perception of current state is pulled up by 25 to 29 [years old], private and government workers, while the 18 to 24s, low-income and non-working pulled it down. Positive outlook of where the country is heading and future prospects are still shared by the bigger majority of Filipinos across segments," PUBLiCUS Asia said.

Sixty-seven percent believe that the country is heading in the right direction, compared to 68 percent in the fourth quarter and 72 percent a year earlier.

About 68 percent of the respondents believe that economic prospects heading to the next quarter will improve, down from 70 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 70 percent a year ago.

Sixty-nine percent believe that household financial prospects heading into the next quarter will improve, down from 71 percent in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, the top macro-economic and micro issues remained the same for the Marcos administration, which are to focus on the economy (18 percent), prices/inflation (16 percent), corruption (13 percent), poverty (11 percent) and jobs (10 percent). (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Kin...

From A1

"Last week pa yan, ang bad ng nagkakalat," the senator said. Mrs. Marcos was trending on Twitter yesterday, taking the third spot with over 4,000 tweets as of Thursday evening

SM Scholars dream big, determined to succeed

MOTIVATION is crucial in achieving our goals. But is that all there is when it comes to pursuing our dreams? Where do passion and purpose come into the picture?

Thousands of SM scholars have proven for decades that opportunities and stepping stones provide a boost of motivation. But it is their deep sense of purpose–one that arises from the heart–that has enabled them to keep moving forward even in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Below are the stories of two scholars, who are utilizing the power of purpose to achieve a better life.

COURAGE OF MARK CHRISTIAN

Mark Christian Balod is no stranger to hardships. As the eldest of three siblings, he had to toughen up when his father died a day before his high school graduation.

“He was excited when he learned that I graduated as the valedictorian. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to witness it. He died the day before my graduation due to liver cirrhosis. Masakit po para sa akin marinig ‘yung mga salitang ‘condolence’ after they congratulated me knowing na he was so excited to see my photo as I graduated at the top of my batch,” he recalled.

“A lot of things changed when he died,” he shared. “ Lalo na tuwing nakikita ko ‘yung Mama ko na umiiyak gabi-gabi longing for my father. I felt the desire to take the responsibility he left, especially in helping my mother go to the field. I was determined and felt more courageous, knowing that she is a teacher and at the same time, works at the cornfield too, just to sustain us financially. So, I promised my father nung namatay siya that I would do everything to uplift our family’s situation someday.”

“I felt the desire to take the responsibility he left, especially in helping my mother go to the field. I was determined and felt more courageous, knowing that she is a teacher and at the same time, works at the cornfield too, just to sustain us financially.”

— Mark Christian Balod

College Scholarship Program.

When he was applying and taking the scholarship’s qualifying exam, he recalled that he had to run as fast as he could in the middle of the cornfield just to find a good internet connection. But after hurdling the exam, the same problem of poor connectivity had him in the field again, with him holding a flashlight as he fielded questions from the interviewer. But the difficulty he underwent was worth it as he is now among the current crop of SM scholars. Through his scholarship, he is pursuing his dream of becoming an engineer at the University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao. For the academic year 2021-2022, he made it to the University President’s list.

“SM Foundation gave me the opportunity to study at the school of my choice. Now, I can focus on my studies without thinking of financial challenges. And with this, I want to show the world that nothing is impossible as long as you persevere in life. Fortunately, SM Foundation is beside me to support my academic endeavors. I believe that with my scholarship, I will be able to achieve my dreams and motivate my siblings to do the same.”

and her siblings.

This situation forced her to ardently navigate through life, utilize education as their ticket out of poverty, and a way for her to give back to her grandmother.

“For me, education is my ticket out of the cycle of poverty. It’s a way for me to break free from the limitations that have held us back. It will create a better future for myself and my loved ones. I’ll be able to secure a stable job and open up many doors of opportunity. I’m very determined to use my education to uplift my family and inspire others,” she said.

True to her words, she finished high school with high honors. She also defied the odds and applied for an SM Scholarship so she could one day become a Certified Public Accountant. With passion fueling her heart and the SM scholarship allowing her to make the most out of her education, she was on the President’s List last school year and was also qualified for the Dean’s List last semester. As a bright future awaits Alyssa, she hopes to get there with her loved ones, especially her grandmother.

“I wholeheartedly offer my current and future success to everyone who has supported me, especially my grandmother. She has been an unwavering source of encouragement and guidance. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope to make her proud and show her that her support has made all the difference,” she capped.

He is now working towards fulfilling his promise. While he once dreamed of becoming a teacher like his mother, he decided to take up civil engineering to pursue his late father’s unrealized dream of becoming a civil engineer. However, while her mother works two jobs to fill the family’s financial needs, her income isn’t enough to send Mark Christian to college and his two siblings to school. But thankfully, he saw a Facebook post about the SM

Looking into the future, Mark Christian also aims to work with the SM group after graduation. He shared: “I plan to work at SM not only because I want to return the support they gave me in my academic endeavors but because I believe that through SM, I will be able to further my career someday.”

ARDENCE OF ALYSSA KATE

Like Mark Christian, fellow scholar Alyssa Kate Abuyuan draws passion from the heart as she grew up in a broken family. Her mother works as a house helper and, at times, as a vendor. Her father, meanwhile, is an employee in a telecommunications company. But it was her grandmother, who stood as a parent figure to Alyssa

SM SCHOLARSHIP CONTINUES TO FUEL DREAMS

The SM Scholarship continues to fuel the deeply rooted passions of deserving young students from low-income households, like Alyssa Kate and Mark Christian. This follows the belief of its founder, Henry “Tatang” Sy Sr., that education is one of the strongest weapons against poverty.

As the foundation continues to spread social good through education, the SM College Scholarship application will run until March 31, 2023. To apply or learn more about the program, visit: https://www.smfoundation.org/what_we_do/ college-scholarship-program/

SM Scholar Mark Christian takes Civil Engineering at the University of St. Louis-Tuguegarao.

Mark Christian (third from left) with his family. He now strives to achieve the dream of his departed father (fourth from left) by taking up engineering.

Alyssa Kate proudly stands in front of her dream school.

“For me, education is my ticket out of the cycle of poverty. It’s a way for me to break free from the limitations that have held us back. ” — Alyssa Kate Abuyuan

Mark Christian (left) and Alyssa Kate bond during an SM scholar assembly at SM City Tuguegarao.

SM scholars from the schools in Tuguegarao City

SIMULATION EXERCISE. Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine Army and the Department of Health conduct a simulation exercise against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attack to mark the 10th year anniversary of the European Union CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia. The drill takes place at the BFP headquarters in Quezon City.

PBBM creates water mgmt. office

By Vito Barcelo, Vince Lopez

and

Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order (EO) creating the Office of Water Management, tasked to manage the country’s water resources.

Senator Grace Poe said the creation of a water management office was most welcome even as pertinent bills in Congress were still being threshed out.

“I just signed an executive order wherein we have created the Office of Water Management. There are many agencies that are involved in water supply and water management and it has

Palace excludes docs on terror probe from right to information

MALACANANG has updated the inventory of exceptions to the right to information, which now includes documents on the surveillance of suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Memorandum Circular No. 15 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that among the latest exceptions to the right to information were the records of surveillance on suspects and interception and recording of communications acquired by a law enforcement agent or military personnel pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

The anti-terrorism bill was signed into law in July 2020 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Also on the list of exceptions were records or information in connection with any investigation conducted by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) when such disclosure will deprive the respondent of the right to a fair and impartial investigation.

The PACC, however, was abolished under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 1 and its powers and functions were transferred to the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs. Vince Lopez

IN BRIEF

PBBM names ex-CA justice to CHR panel

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa as commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin administered on Thursday the oath of office to Arevalo-Zenarosa, a retired justice of the Court of Appeals.

The Presidential Communications Office expressed confidence that, given Zenarosa’s expertise in the fields of law and human rights, she will ensure that the rights of citizens are upheld, especially those in the marginalized sector.

“Thanks to her extensive legal experience and championing human rights, CHR Commissioner Zenarosa will be responsible for ensuring that Filipinos, particularly marginalized ones, will enjoy their rights,” Bersamin said.

Zenarosa worked in the Quezon City regional trial court in the ‘90s before she was appointed to the CA during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Romualdez pays tribute

to BBM-Sara youth leader

just evolved that way,” Mr. Marcos Jr. said in his speech during the opening of the 6th Edition of the Water Philippines Conference and Exposition at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The President said he wants to employ modern technology and strategies in the management of water resources in the country to ensure adequate water supply

that meets the needs of the people.

The President said there are technologies available to efficiently manage the water resources in an area to provide the people with clean and affordable water.

“I happened to – have been given the opportunity to walk around a little bit and see some of the exhibitors. And it is very gratifying to note that in fact the technologies that are being used, that are being employed in terms of water treatment, in terms of water management are wellknown technologies,” he said

“And so I am very optimistic that the solutions that we need to formulate are

out there, the technologies are out there. What has continued to change in the light of climate change is the management, the stratagems on how we manage our water,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also said the flood control projects have evolved through the years along with the changing times.

“When we used to talk a few years ago, when I was still governor, when you said water management, it generally meant flood control. And we would put dikes, we would put dams so as to be able to control the flooding,” Marcos said.

HOUSE Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos and Agimat party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla spent the first day of their congressional Lenten break condoling with the family of John Paul “JP” Espiritu Pabalan, a former youth leader of the BBM-Sara campaign, who died March 17 after a bout with chronic illnesses.

Marcos and Revilla visited Pabalan’s wake at Governor’s Drive in Bancal, Carmona, Cavite Thursday and handed over to the youth leader’s parents, Melchor and Mayumi Pabalan a financial aid from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“Nakikiramay po tayo sa pamilya ni John Paul Pabalan, a 25-year-old leader ng BBM-Sara Campaign sa Cavite, na namayapa kamakailan matapos ang pakikipagbuno sa matagal nang karamdaman,” Speaker Romualdez said in a message to the grieving parents.

P48.9m counterfeit goods seized in CDO

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized smuggled counterfeit goods worth P48.9 million at the Mindanao Container Terminal Port (MCTP) in Cagayan de Oro.

District collector Alexandra YapLumontad said the seized contraband was declared as “garments,trousers” from Bangladesh with an appraised value of P 48.9 million .

Subsequent examinations showed that the shipment contained 288 cartons of pants bearing the brand “Zara” and 342 cartons of shirts branded as “Guess.”

A warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) was issued against the subject shipment for violation of R.A. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

“These counterfeit products do not have the required documentation, and they endanger the safety of those who use them,” according to Commissioner Beinvenido Rubio.

DOH defends 9 officials suspended relative to Pharmally scandal

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday vouched for the integrity of nine of its officials ordered suspended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged involvement in the

anomalous procurement of COVID-19 supplies in 2020 and 2021.

Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed elation over the preventive suspensions ordered by the Ombudsman on 33 government officials implicated in the socalled Pharmally anomaly. Suspended were Nestor Santiago, Jr.,

Makati allots P235m for school feeding program

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Makati City government will spend P235 million for a new program dubbed Project FEED (Food for Excellent Education and Development) aiming to provide free nutritious snacks to the city’s public elementary

school students. Mayor Abigail Binay led the launching of the project on Thursday, saying it seeks to alleviate hunger and promote healthy eating habits among the students, while easing the burden of parents who are struggling to make ends meet.

“As a mother myself, I understand the demands of raising children and sending them to school. Through Project FEED, we are hitting two birds with one stone by helping parents with their children’s proper nourishment and enabling them to save for other basic needs,” she said.

Foundation marks 1st year with call to plant trees

HE WHO plants a tree, plants a hope.”

This is the battle cry adopted by Million Trees Foundation Incorporated (MTFI) on its first anniversary celebration urging Filipinos to plant trees to sustain the supply of water across the country, particularly in Metro Manila and adjoining provinces for the next 30 years and beyond. MTFI celebrated its first anniversary

at the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center at the La Mesa Dam compound in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The calls to plant trees were echoed by Elpidio Vega, chairman of the Metropolitan Waterworks System (MWSS), MWSS Adminsitrator Bobby Cleofas, Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan Ceso III of the Department of Envi-

ronment and Natural Resources (DENR), Ramon Ang, president and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), J.V. Emmanuel de Dios,, president and CEO of Manila Water, Ramoncito Fernandez, president and CEO of Maynilad Water, Gen. Rey Velasco (Ret.), MTFI chairman emeritus, and Mel Velasco, MTFI president/executive director.

Crispinita Valdez, Amado Tandoc, Lei Lanna Dancel, Dave Tangcalagan, Jhobert Bernal, Kenneth Aristotle Punzalan, Rose Marasigan, and Maria Carmela Reyes.

Also suspended were 24 other officials of the Department of Budget and Management - Procurement Service (PS-DBM), including overall deputy

Ombudsman Warren Rex Liong and former DBM Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao.

“The Department of Health respects the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman to order the preventive suspension of several officials of the department,” the DOH said in a statement.

Manny Palmero

KINDNESS FOR A FAMILY IN GRIEF. Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos and Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla spend the first day of their congressional Lenten break condoling with the family of John Paul Espiritu Pabalan, a 25-year old youth leader of Bongbong-Sara campaign, who died March 17 after a bout with chronic illnesses.

FRUIT OF THE SEASON. Fruit vendors at the public market in Bankerohan, Davao City make sure they don’t run out of watermelons which are in great demand during the hot summer months.

Have we hurdled COVID-19

IS IT true, as President Marcos Jr. stated, that “we have hurdled the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, it is true—in a sense that there are no more lockdowns, no more strict quarantine of incoming travelers from abroad, no more strict observance of health protocols and no more strict observance of the social distancing protocol.

But, the COVID-19 sickness is still very much with us, with afflicted persons still being hospitalized and with some still dying, especially the elderly and the immunocompromised and those with comorbidities.

Yes, COVID-19 pandemic is still with us, Santa Banana, just like tuberculosis, cholera, HIV and the flu.

I guess that in some way or another COVID-19 has become part of our daily lives, and all we can do is to be wary of it, and to make sure, my gulay, that we don’t get contaminated by it.

As health experts put it, there will never be an end to the dreaded invisible health enemy or threat of the virus.

The experts, however, make a distinction, Santa Banana, about what is meant by ending the pandemic as a health threat and living with the virus as the pandemic ending “medically” and the pandemic ending “socially.”

What they mean by the pandemic ending “socially” is when people go about their lives under what is called the “new normal.”

And it’s what BBM meant when he said “we have hurdled the COVID-19 pandemic,” with the Filipinos living under the “new normal,” partying, enjoying family and social reunions, traveling to resorts and cities abroad, going to restaurants, shopping malls and to the movies, but still with masks for the elderly and those with comorbidities.

That we have hurdled the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly good news

The return to the new normal is often called “revenge spending” which BBM meant when he stated Filipinos have hurdled the pandemic.

That we have hurdled the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly good news.

Thank heaven for that, since three years under strict health protocols was debilitating in many ways. My wife and I, being elderly, thank GOD for that good news, while many of our friends and relatives did not survive.

Being elderly, my wife at 91, and myself at 96, we cannot risk our lives with an enemy we cannot see. We still wear masks and observe the health protocols.

Another piece of good news following the unabated bad one is that the total number of vaccination doses as of March 15 has risen to 179,044,847 with the first doses given amounting to 79,165,853 in all.

The complete booster doses is 24,176,344.

About 77 percent of the country’s eligible people, according to records, are deemed as

fully vaccinated, out of the estimated 110 million total population of the country.

Based on records BBM believes we, Filipinos, have hurdled the COVID-19 pandemic.

*** *** ***

The killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo has gone global.

Santa Banana, indeed it has, with the Philippine National Police seeking the assistance of the Lyon, France-based Interpol to trace the whereabouts of accused Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. after he was declared AWOL or absent without leave from the House of Representatives after Speaker Martin Romualdez denied his petition from the United States to be given a two-month leave of absence.

In effect, Santa Banana, Teves is now in flight, the best proof of guilt.

It has been said that Teves may run, but he cannot hide with the Interpol now on alert on his whereabouts.

With the Philippines having an extradition treaty with the United States, Teves could be extradited.

However, if Teves flees to a country like Canada, which has no extradition treaty with the Philippines or to any other country without an extradition treaty with the Philippines, his whereabouts could be easily traced by the Interpol.

That’s why I say, the Degamo killing has gone global. *** *** ***

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a G.I. (Genuine Ilocano) like me, Honor Blanco Cabie, the Manila Standard Opinion Editor.

He is a Pedro Bucaneg awardee for writing the fully-researched and truly Ilocano book “Pinili, Metamorphoses into Motion” (Chosen, about a small town in Ilocandia and how it all began).

I have read it, and I must admit the Manila Standard Opinion Editor is truly a writer and deserving of the award.

When I say, he is a writer, which I am not , I am only a lawyer-journalist, it’s because HBC is a true and genuine writer, which I repeat I am not, although I may have written my memoirs (“The Road Never Ends”) of my over seven decades as a journalist, having walked the corridors of power and seen history in the making.

HBC, an award winning journalist and litterateur, holds a master’s degree in journalism and another in media management from the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication where he is President of the Alumni Association.

He was also an Editorial Consultant of the PAENCOR Publications in Metro Manila, an associate professor and professional lecturer, and teaches journalism, mass communication, advertising, public relations, Asian civilization and literature on the side.

In 2011, GUMIL Filipinas, the national association of Ilocano writers in the Philippines and abroad, conferred on him its highest gift for male writers, the Pedro Bucaneg Award, three years after he won in San Fernando City, La Union the Saribitniw (fiction-public speech-poetry) Championship, 21 years after he received the Tawid Special recognition Award in Journalism, also in La Union.

He won 1st Prize in the 16th World Congress of Poets in 2000.

A speech writer for senior government officials and leaders in the private sector, HBC is a prize-winning orator, debater, musician and singer.

He was Coach of the San Beda College of Arts and Sciences Debating Team and the FEU Oratorical and Debate Club and was named Outstanding Alumnus by San Beda and AIJC in 1992 and 2000 respectively.

He is married to the former Maria Rosa A. Atencio of Tarlac and Ilocos Norte . They have three children.

SENATOR Mark Villar recently filed Senate

Bill 1959 which, if enacted into law, will require the installation of digital countdown timers in vehicular and pedestrian traffic lights throughout the Philippines.

The countdown timers will give motorists approaching a busy roadway intersection a realistic estimate of how much time is available for him to cross the intersection, or how much time he has to wait until the traffic light turns green.

The same principle applies to pedestrians crossing at those intersections.

Villar’s bill seeks to promote road safety and a more efficient flow of vehicular traffic, particularly in Metro Manila where the traffic problem is a daily ordeal for motorists. The digital countdown timers proposal of Villar is not a new idea.

Prior to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, major intersections in Metro Manila were equipped with such timers.

The measure was welcomed by countless motorists and pedestrians, and brought some safety and order to the streets of the National Capital Region. Those countdown timers virtually eliminated the old racket of corrupt MMDA traffic rules enforcers who, prior to installation of the timers,

Expanding EDCA’s reach

WITH four more sites due to be added to the five already established under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States, at least two questions have been raised.

One, will the communities where the EDCA sites will be put up approve of their presence there?

And two, won’t these facilities hosting troops and materiel US military bases incur China’s ire, given the increased tensions between the two superpowers in this part of the world over the Taiwan issue?

To the first question, it is now up to Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez to convince local government officials that EDCA presence in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales and Palawan will benefit them rather than give them cause for worry.

In fact, Galvez has reported that Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba has agreed to the establishment of an EDCA site in the province.

Mamba had earlier expressed misgivings about the plan to install an EDCA site in Cagayan, fearing that U.S. presence there could prove inimical to the interest of Cagayanons, and put them at risk in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan that could invite American intervention.

Ombudsman’s

THE office of the Ombudsman is an investigative body tasked to “investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient” (Tranquil G.S. Salvador III, Criminal Procedure citing Section 13 (1), Article XI, 1987 Constitution).

It has investigatory and disciplinary powers over “all kinds of malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance that have been committed by any officer or employee… during his tenure of office”. Its investigatory and prosecutorial powers are plenary and unqualified (Tranquil G.S. Salvador III Criminal Procedure citing Section 16, Ombudsman Act of 1989 and Castro v. Deloria).

For this particular issue, the author will discuss whether a dismissal of a criminal complaint by the Ombudsman is immutable.

The Supreme Court “has consistently adopted a policy of non-interference in the Ombudsman’s exercise of its constitutionally mandated powers” (De la Cruz v. Office of the Ombudsman, G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

“In line with the policy of non-interference, courts shall not interfere in the Ombudsman’s exercise of discretion in determining probable cause. The Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause, or lack of it, is entitled to great respect if there is no showing of grave abuse of discretion” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

“However, this Court (Supreme Court) may review the acts of the Ombudsman if a party invoking Rule 65 (Petition of Certiorari) of the Rules of Court substantiates, not merely alleges, that there was grave abuse of discretion in the exercise of the powers of the Ombudsman” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

In the case of De la Cruz v. Office of the Ombudsman, “Dela Cruz was assigned to conduct the inquest investigation of a Homicide case filed against the following children in conflict with the law (CICL): AAA, BBB, CCC, DDD, and EEE. The case involved the death of the 14-year-old son of Lilia M. Abequiebel (Abequiebel)…” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

Dela Cruz dismissed the case against AAA, CCC, DDD, and EEE because their guardians allegedly paid to Abequiebel their respective monetary obligations. Consequently, Abequiebel executed Affidavits of Desistance in their favor. The case against BBB, however, was dismissed because he was found to have “Acted Without Discernment” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

In a notarized Complaint, Abequiebel alleged that Dela Cruz received the amounts of P35,000.00 and P25,000.00 from the guardians of AAA and CCC, respectively, and also took P10,000.00 from each amount.

Thus, Abequiebel only received the amounts of P25,000.00 and P15,000.00 (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

Abequiebel also stated she went to the office

EDCA is part and parcel of the country’s commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by the Philippines and the United States in 1951

According to the Defense Secretary, the provincial governor had decided to support the decision of President Marcos Jr. to allow the additional EDCA sites, with all of the mayors in the province having agreed as well to support the

national government’s decision out of respect for the President.

The mayors had even signed a resolution that they agree to have EDCA sites in the province, only about 600 kilometers away from Taiwan.

To the second question, Secretary Galvez is correct in pointing out that the goal of EDCA and other security arrangements is to serve as a deterrent, and to develop defense capabilities against any eventuality and threats to national security.

The Defense chief pointed out that while he understands the reservations of some government officials over the additional EDCA sites, “we must consider the volatile situation in which we operate and not view our country in isolation.”

The reality is that the country occupies a crucial location in the Pacific, with seaboards to the north, south, east and west: “All of these must be monitored and protected. As a nation, we renounce war as a foreign policy. However, we are committed to exhaust all available means and the resources available to us to defend the national interest.” EDCA is part and parcel of the country’s commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by the Philippines and the United States in 1951.

The treaty binds the two countries to support each other in the event of an attack by an external party. It’s a mutual agreement that should give us comfort instead of distress.

dismissal of a criminal complaint

of Dela Cruz to inform him of the receipt of the amounts of P25,000.00 each from the guardians of EEE and DDD.

Dela Cruz allegedly asked for his share of such payments, but Abequiebel told Dela Cruz she only had P2,000.00 left.

However, Dela Cruz still insisted to be paid P1,500.00 (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

In a Resolution dated July 26, 2018, the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict Dela Cruz for three counts of violation of Sec. 7 (d), in relation to Sec. l l(a) last paragraph of RA 6713, also known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”

It was hinged on Dela Cruz’s alleged solicitation of the amount of P21,500.00 on three separate instances (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

On October 15, 2018, Dela Cruz filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the July 26, 2018 Resolution.

In an Order dated November 27, 2019, the Ombudsman granted the Motion for Reconsideration because there is “no single piece of evidence point[ing] to [Dela Cruz’s] solicitation” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

The Supreme Court declared that ‘[t]he determination of whether probable cause exists is a function that belongs to the Ombudsman’

However, in an Ombudsman’s Order dated February 13, 2020, two months thereafter, the July 26, 2018 Resolution was reinstated, finding probable cause to indict Dela Cruz for three counts of violation of Sec. 7(d), in relation to Sec. 11 (a) of RA 6713. The Ombudsman relied on the statement of AAA’s guardian “that Dela Cruz told him to leave the office upon payment of the settlement amount” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

“Dela Cruz claims that the Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion… in motu proprio reversing itself more than two months after it issued its previous Order dismissing the criminal complaint against [him].” Dela Cruz further claims the provisions on finality and execution of decision in administrative cases should also apply to criminal cases (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

“Dela Cruz [also] claims that the Order dated November 27, 2019 must take precedence over the

subsequent Order dated February 13, 2020 as the former had already reached [or lapsed to] finality by operation of law.”

He invoked the doctrine of finality of judgment or immutability of judgment (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

The Supreme Court declared “[t]he determination of whether probable cause exists is a function that belongs to the Ombudsman.”

“[T]his Court has held that the executive determination of probable cause is a highly factual matter… We shall defer to the findings of the Ombudsman absent any showing of grave abuse of discretion…” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023)

“… Sec. 7, Rule III of the Ombudsman Rules, particularly refers to procedures in administrative cases and provides when an administrative case shall be considered final and executory or unappealable… It is thus apparent… that the provision pertaining to the finality and execution of a decision of the Ombudsman and the appropriate remedies available to aggrieved parties in administrative charges do not apply to criminal cases” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

“In order to apply the doctrine of finality of judgment or immutability of judgment invoked by Dela Cruz, it is first necessary to determine if there is indeed a final judgment.”

In Imingan v. The Office of the Honorable Ombudsman, the Court emphasized the results of preliminary investigations cannot be considered as valid and final judgments (cited in G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

“[T]he [questioned] Orders pertain to the results of preliminary investigations and, as such, cannot be considered as valid and final judgment.”

Hence, the doctrine of finality of judgment or immutability of judgment cannot be applied to the De la Cruz case (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023).

“[T]he Ombudsman may motu proprio conduct a reinvestigation as the same is ‘consistent with its independence as protector of the people and as prosecutor to ensure accountability of public officers, the Ombudsman is not and should not be limited in its review by the action or inaction of complainants’.” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023)

“[T]he Court upholds the policy of noninterference in the Ombudsman’s exercise of its constitutionally mandated powers including its power to motu proprio initiate a reinvestigation or reconsideration of a case within its jurisdiction… as with all constitutionally mandated powers, [it] must be wielded cautiously as to not frustrate the ends of justice.” (G.R. 256337, February 13, 2023)

extorted money from unfortunate motorists who miscalculate how much time they have to cross an intersection.

In August 2022, Francisco Pesino Jr., a vehicular traffic operations official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, announced the MMDA will replace the existing countdown timers with expensive sensors which operate under an Adaptive Responsive Traffic Signal System (ARTSS).

According to Pesino, those sensors will determine when the traffic lights will change, depending on the volume of vehicular traffic at any given intersection. The existing countdown timers, Pesino said, will no longer be used because they are not compatible with the proposed ARTSS.

Carlos Dimayuga III, who assumed the post of Acting MMDA Chairman days after Pesino’s announcement, seems to have approved the ARTSS.

Dimayuga, however, has not bothered to explain why the countdown timers must be eliminated, even if they promote road safety.

He is also silent why the MMDA purchased a new road system (the ARTSS) which is incompatible with the existing countdown timers, and what the MMDA plans to do with the

discarded timers. Since those countdown timers and the ARTSS cost billions of pesos of taxpayers’ money, many people, myself included, want to know if MMDA officials made money on the purchases involved. Dimayuga should also reveal if the MMDA conducted a public bidding for the acquisition of the ARTSS.

In other words, the highly efficient countdown timers, purchased by the MMDA at the cost of billions of pesos of taxpayers’ money, will be thrown away, and Metro Manila

will go back to the impractical, unsafe times when motorists have to guess how much time he has to negotiate a roadway intersection, and were at the mercy of corrupt MMDA traffic rules enforcers.

I believe Villar filed Senate Bill 1959 to likewise rebuke Dimayuga and his ARTSS. It is a slap on the faces of MMDA officials for their gross incompetence and unmitigated wastage of taxpayers’ money.

If Dimayuga and company have any sense of decency left in them, they should resign their posts in the MMDA. Their inexcusable incompetence and their mismanagement of the MMDA have been finally exposed to the public by the senator.

Also, Villar should summon Dimayuga and his minions in the MMDA and require them to explain why the MMDA management allowed the wastage of billions of pesos of public funds.

The Department of Justice should also file graft charges against the MMDA officials involved in this racket for their violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Speaking of rackets, Dimayuga should also explain to Congress why the MMDA has outsourced the enforcement of traffic rules and the collection of motorists’ fines to a private company,

a certain QPax Traffic Systems, Inc.

It has been reported in the news that under the existing arrangement between the MMDA and QPax, the latter gets to keep 70% of the total fines it collects from motorists.

The enforcement of traffic rules is a matter of law enforcement.

Law enforcement, in turn, is a power that belongs exclusively to the government. Being an exclusive power of the government, law enforcement cannot be contracted away to a private entity. To do so will invite criminal prosecution also under Section 3(e) of the antigraft law.

That’s like contracting a private security agency to enforce warrants of arrest and search warrants. It’s patently unlawful.

Congress should require Dimayuga to explain why the MMDA contracted away the power of law enforcement to a private entity like QPax, with the latter keeping the bulk of all fines collected from violators of traffic rules. The gross mismanagement and corruption in the MMDA should be stopped once and for all.

IN BRIEF

Jinggoy pushes bill to protect caregivers

SEN. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada sponsored a bill seeking to institute policies to protect the rights and promote the welfare of caregivers.

In endorsing the approval of the proposed Caregivers’ Welfare Act, Estrada, who is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, laid down an array of benefits and policies to professionalize caregiving as a career.

The measure will cover all those who are in the actual practice of caregiving – professional health care providers who are license holders, graduates of caregiving courses or any allied healthcare course, and those who have been certified as competent by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Macon Ramos-Araneta

Zubiri: 14 measures ready for PBBM signing

FOURTEEN measures passed by the Senate are now ready for the approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with six more approved on third and final reading before the chamber adjourns for the Lenten break, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Thursday

In a press statement, Zubiri said included among the 14 are the Condonation of Unpaid Amortization and Interest on Loans of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Act, and the Act Further Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the AFP, which were both ratified on Wednesday.

“These two bills are part of the shared priority measures of the administration and the legislative, so we really endeavored to finalize them before adjournment,” he said.

US to conduct airport security training for PH

THE United States Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA) has invited airport security officials from Manila for a two-week training in Indianapolis as part of a partnership aimed at improving security at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Office for Transportation Security chief Undersecretary Ma.O Aplasca led the Philippine delegation which include Transport Security Accreditation and Training Management Service director Michael Africa, Accreditation and Certification Division Chief Josephine De Ocampo, National Capital Region - Deputy Regional Chief Fredelito Barcenas, NAIA Terminals 1 and 2 chiefs Monsour Oademis and Fatima Cajilog, and Shift Supervisor John Jeffrey Valdez. The training program, which started on Monday, aims at showcasing TSA Indiana’s successful operational model and be able to share best practices on threat detection, operational leadership, scheduling, crisis management, and screening, which can be implemented and replicated in Philippine airports. Joel E. Zurbano

WATER CASCADES. Local tourists enjoy the cascading water of the Infinity Farm in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, a popular summer destination. The weather bureau has declared the start of the country’s dry season. Danny Pata

PH, China meet on SCS concerns

By Rey E. Requejo

OFFICIALS of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) met on Thursday with their counterpart from China for the 23rd Philippine-China Foreign Ministry Consultation (FMC) and 7th Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea.

The DFA stressed that the FMC and BCM meetings in Manila sought to strengthen the goodwill between the Philippines and China amid tensions arising from the disputes over territorial waters in the South China Sea.

Among those present were Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs

Maria Theresa Lazaro and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. Also joining the meeting were Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian. Lazaro revealed that she had communicated with Sun weeks ago regarding “maritime issues.”

“I note that we have spoken already through our communication mechanism for, on maritime issues and I appreciate the brief and candid exchange we had some weeks ago,” Lazaro said, without elaborating.

It can be recalled that the Philippine government filed a diplomatic protest or note verbale against China in February after a Chinese coast guard vessel pointed a laser at the Philippine ship off Ayungin Shoal.

The DFA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have released statements of protest about the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea and within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Gatchalian says gov’t needs to close POGOs due to rising crimes

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Win Gatchalian is calling for the immediate closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country, saying this will help maintain peace and order and sustain economic growth. He made the call in a Chairman’s Re-

port released by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means which conducted public hearings on the socio-economic benefits of POGO operations in the country following numerous reports of crimes attributed to the industry.

Specifically, he urged for “the adoption of a resolution urging the executive department to immediately ban all POGO

operations in the country to uphold the safety of the Filipino people and to sustain the path to growth and development consistent with the administration’s economic reforms.

Gatchalian also urged Congress to pass legislation that would separate the functions of regulation from operation in Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corpora-

tion’s (PAGCOR) charter. He said a new entity should be created to perform solely regulatory functions, authorization, and licensing of games of chance and other forms of gambling, while PAGCOR will continue solely as a gambling operator. He also urged the labor department to look for alternative employment placements for Filipino nationals employed by POGOs.

During the meeting, Sun did not delve into details regarding the issues that the Philippines is currently raising in connection with the West Philippine Sea. But the Chinese official pointed out that China and the Philippines, despite their differences, should talk like friends in accordance with the consensus reached by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Xi during their meeting in Beijing last January.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meanwhile said that the Board of Investments (BOI) has been monitoring 90 active investment leads from Chinese companies across multiple sectors following his state visit to China back in January.

China ‘warns’ US vessel near Paracel Islands

THE Chinese military said it had tracked a US warship in the South China Sea on Thursday and “warned it to leave” waters claimed by Beijing.

The Southern Theater Command of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) said the USS Milius, a guided missile destroyer, on Thursday entered waters around the Paracel Islands, which are also claimed by Vietnam.

It further said the USS Milius illegally encroached into China’s territorial waters, without the consent of the government, undermining peace and stability in the area.

However, the US Navy described the report as false and debunked Chinese claims that the US destroyer was driven out from waters around the contested islands after it “illegally” entered the area.

China earlier intensified its “word war” with the US as Beijing warned the Philippines and other countries in the Indo-Pacific to be wary of what it considered as Washington’s coercive actions purportedly to advance its own interest in the region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin made the statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, where US troops would have access to, would spread across the Philippines. Rey E. Requejo

Solon seeking higher sin taxes to fund healthcare

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Ray Reyes of AnaKalusugan partylist group on Thursday stressed the need to further increase the tax imposed on the so-called sin products to fund Universal Health Care (UHC) and promote a healthier lifestyle, especially among the youth.

“Studies have shown that Sin Tax

is working lalo na sa ating mga kabataan. Through this measure, we help millions of Filipinos from acquiring preventable diseases - especially tobacco-related illnesses,” Reyes said.

Reyes cited a recent study from the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) which showed a decrease in alcohol, cigarette, and

vape consumption among teens due to the rising costs of sin products.

The recent Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS) showed that smoking among 15–24-year-olds went down from a high of 22 percent in 1994 to 12 percent in 2021, said Reyes, vice chair of the House committee on health.

Roman slams ‘slow’ progress of SOGIE measure

By Maricel V. Cruz

BATAAN Rep. Geraldine Roman, chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality on Thursday lamented the slow progress of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality (SOGIE) Bill in

the Senate.

Roman said Congress should not have missed the chance of enacting a piece of legislation aimed at protecting every person, regardless of their gender identity, from any form of discrimination, and it seems to not be a priority in the Senate.

“It is sad that there is still no certainty as to when the Senate version of the SOGIE bill will be passed,” Roman said. More than two decades ago, former Akbayan party-list Representative Etta Rosales and the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago pushed for the first version of the SOGIE bill.

‘ALAGANG TINGOG.’ Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo (center) and Tingog Party-List Rep. Jude Acidre (left) and other Tingog officials lead the ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the inauguration of the new Alagang Tingog Center in Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City. The center will facilitate constituent requests for social services, including medical and burial assistance. Manny Palmero

A Mangyan teacher at the Talipanan Mangyan Elementary School

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro uses

laptop as a tool for teaching. The Department of

teachers. Danny Pata

Taiwan recalls ambassador to Honduras over FM’s China visit

TAIWAN recalled on Thursday its ambassador to Honduras over a visit by Tegucigalpa's foreign minister to China, Taipei's government said in a statement.

"Honduras ignored more than 80 years of friendship between (Taiwan and Honduras) when they sent their foreign minister to China, which has seriously damaged the feelings of our government and people," said a foreign ministry statement.

"We have decided to immediately recall our ambassador in Honduras to express our strong dissatisfaction."

The announcement came as Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina was heading to China to hold talks on the establishment of diplomatic relations with Beijing, government officials said.

China considers self-ruled democratic Taiwan as a part of its territory, to be retaken one day – by force, if necessary.

Last week, Honduran President Xiomara Castro ordered Reina to establish diplomatic relations with China, a move that would sever its ties with Taiwan.

Under Beijing's "One China" principle, no country may maintain official diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan. Taipei maintains a similar policy, having cut ties in the past with countries that switched recognition to Beijing.

If Honduras does formally switch recognition, it would leave Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has formal diplomatic ties, having lost several Latin American allies in recent years.

Reina was being accompanied to China by lawmaker Xiomara Zelaya, the daughter of President Castro, three government and diplomatic officials told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The Honduran delegation will meet China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang, Minister of the Presidency Rodolfo Pastor told local daily El Heraldo.

China's foreign ministry has not confirmed the visit, but on Thursday spokesman Wang Wenbin said China was "ready" to establish ties with Honduras. AFP

PRO-TIKTOK. People gather for a press conference about their opposition to a TikTok ban on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The White House was reported to have told the app TikTok that it will be banned in the US if it continues to be owned by the Beijing-based tech firm Bytedance. AFP

‘Putin arrest bid a declaration of war’

RUSSIA'S ex-president Dmitry Medvedev has warned that attempts to arrest Vladimir Putin abroad after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant against him would be seen by Moscow as a "declaration of war."

Medvedev, who served as president between 2008 and 2012, has made increasingly hawkish speeches since Putin sent troops to Ukraine, repeatedly issuing nuclear threats.

Late on Wednesday, he said Russian weapons would hit a country if it arrested Putin.

The ICC, based in The Hague, last week announced an arrest warrant for the Russian leader, accused of deporting Ukrainian children.

"Let's imagine – it's clear that this is a situation that will never happen – but nevertheless let's imagine it does," the Putin ally said.

"The current head of a nuclear state arrives on the territory of, say, Germany, and is arrested. What is this?

A declaration of war against the Russian Federation."

Medvedev said that if this happened "all of our means, rockets and others, will fly on the Bundestag, in the Chancellor's Office and so on."

Medvedev – who is deputy chairman of Russia's security council – said the ICC's decision will make

dire relations with the West plunge further.

His comments came two days after Russia opened a criminal investigation into ICC prosecutor Karim Khan and several other ICC judges, saying their decision was "unlawful."

The Hague-based court had also issued a warrant against Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights.

On Wednesday, the ICC's legislative body said it regretted "threats" against the tribunal over its warrant.

"The presidency of the assembly regrets these attempts to hinder international efforts to ensure accountability for acts that are prohibited under general international law," it said in a statement. AFP

Smugglers use TikTok to promote services Thai court jails

A PHOTO posted to TikTok shows a group of people dressed in camouflage, hoping to blend into the shadowy vegetation dotting the nighttime landscape of the Mexican desert. The picture was not uploaded by social media influencers on an adventurous vacation – it's an advertisement by people smugglers.

Technology-savvy criminals using the popular video-sharing app are posing a growing challenge to Mexican and US authorities fighting a regional migration crisis.

"Departing this weekend. People from Mexico interested in crossing to the United States, leave your messages," the TikTok post said.

Another account offering to smuggle irregular migrants through the violence-

wracked Mexican border state of Tamaulipas shows a photo of minors in an inflatable boat on a river.

"We also make crossings with children and family," it said.

An AFP investigation found dozens of similar accounts around the region, including in Guatemala, Colombia and Ecuador.

And using the hashtag #pollero – a slang term for a people smuggler – one account offered "safe work" for drivers in the southwestern US state of Arizona for payment of up to $15,000.

"If you have a car and want to make easy money, write to me," said a message in English. The advertising violates TikTok's official rules, which prohibit the "promotion and facilitation of criminal activities."

"Maintaining the safety of our community is a responsibility we take very seriously," a spokesman for the app told AFP.

"We do not tolerate content that promotes human exploitation, including human trafficking," he added.

According to TikTok, in the third quarter of 2022 the firm removed 82 percent of the videos linked to criminal practices on its own initiative. Seeking to fend off calls for the app to be banned in the United States as long as it remains a

Chinese company, TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew was due to testify before US lawmakers on Thursday.

He would deny that the app has, or would ever, share data with the Chinese government, according to his prepared remarks made available by the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

In Mexico, authorities have formed specialized cells to counter the threat posed by people smugglers on social media.

In a room full of computers in Mexico City, dozens of experts from the government's Criminal Investigation Agency have been monitoring social media accounts since 2017.

A board lists people of interest and their online activities. The unit has been involved in around 300 human trafficking investigations, said Rolando Rosas, head of the communications center at the Federal Ministerial Police, part of the Attorney General's Office.

In Mexico, "digital service companies are obliged to hand over information when there's a crime," he said, welcoming the good cooperation with social media platforms. The unit's head, Benjamin Oviedo, said that his team intervenes, for example, when payment to a trafficker is agreed on or made through the internet.

But the advertisements are not always real.

"Many of the things that we find can sometimes be a fraud," said Rosas. AFP

IN BRIEF

New 'glass-like' orchid species discovered in Japan

A NEW species of orchid with delicate, glass-like blooms has been discovered by Japanese scientists, who found the pink and white plant hiding in plain sight.

Despite its presence in Japan's parks and gardens, it took researchers at Kobe University a decade to confirm that the plant – dubbed the "Spiranthes hachijoensis" –was a previously unknown species.

"It was a surprise to discover a new species of spiranthes, which is so common that you can see it in parks, gardens and among potted plants," lead researcher Kenji Suetsugu told AFP Thursday. Some of the samples were "from potted plants and gardens," including ones kept at a high school in Japan's central Gifu region, the phytology professor said.

"From its curious look and dainty blooms that resemble glasswork, this flower has long been loved by people," the university said in a press release.

The plant, with its spiralling blossoms, was even mentioned in Japan's oldest anthology of poems, the eighth-century "Manyoshu."

Australian senator accuses police of 'assault' at rally

AN Australian senator on Thursday claimed she was "assaulted" by police at a rally in Canberra, prompting an official review.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe was brought to the ground during an altercation with officers at a small antitrans event, where she was launching a counterprotest. Cell phone footage of the incident showed Thorpe

Aussie embassy ex-staffer over toilet spycams

A FORMER IT manager at the Australian embassy in Thailand was sentenced on Thursday to two years in jail for installing spy cameras in women's bathrooms at the mission.

Nayot Thamsongsana, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of committing an indecent act, under the kingdom's sexual and public nuisance laws.

The cameras were discovered after a memory card was found on the bathroom floor in 2021, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

It is not clear how long they had been installed for.

"The court found him guilty of two counts and sentenced him to two years on each, but with his confession, the penalty was reduced by half," a prosecutor told AFP.

Nayot was sacked and arrested in January 2022, when the embassy filed a formal complaint.

Sixty women had submitted statements to the police during the investigation, according to ABC. Digital sex crimes, including the sharing of intimate pictures or videos without permission, remain relatively unusual in Thailand. AFP

trying to burst past police officers toward the protest and being dragged back by a male officer.

As officers tried to help Thorpe to her feet she crawled away shouting "let me go," and then walked away.

The Australian Federal Police said it was aware of the matter, adding that it was under investigation.

"The interactions between the AFP and protesters will be reviewed, and an incident has been referred to the AFP's Professional Standards Command," police said in a statement.

Thorpe is known for attention-grabbing protest actions.

She recently blocked Sydney's Gay Pride Parade by lying in the road and was removed by officers.

Thorpe later said she had been protesting police participation in the event. AFP

1st 3D-printed rocket lifts off but fails to reach orbit

THE world's first 3D-printed rocket launched successfully on Wednesday, marking a step forward for the California company behind the innovative spacecraft, though it failed to reach orbit.

Billed as less costly to produce and fly, the unmanned Terran 1 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 11:25 pm (0325 GMT Thursday) but suffered an "anomaly" during second-stage separation as it streamed towards low Earth orbit, according to a livestream broadcast by aerospace startup Relativity Space.

The company did not immediately give further details.

While it failed to reach orbit, Wednesday's launch proved that the rocket – whose mass is 85 percent 3D-printed – could withstand the rigors of lift-off.

The successful launch came on the third attempt. It had originally been scheduled to launch on March 8 but was postponed at the last minute because of propellant temperature issues.

A second attempt on March 11 was scrubbed due to fuel pressure problems.

Had Terran 1 reached low Earth orbit, it would have been the first privately funded vehicle using methane fuel to do so on its first try, according to Relativity. AFP

Angels forge title tiff with Cool Smashers

PETRO Gazz forged a fourth title showdown with Creamline in the last seven Premier Volleyball League conferences, advancing to the finals with a smashing 25-17, 25-23, 25-15 victory over PLDT in their sudden death for the other championship berth at SM Mall of Asia Arena last night.

A fiery run midway in the opening frame, a courageous escape in a back-and-forth second set and a dominant closeout completed the Angels’ mastery of the High Speed Hitters, who succumbed to their rivals’ sustained firepower, baffling quick attacks and superb blocking.

They also reeled from the sidelining of top hitter Mean Mendrez, who accidentally landed on Petro Gazz’s Aiza Pontillas’ foot in the third set. She did return but only after the Angels have established control and were already gearing up for another shot at PVL glory.

“I just challenged them. We always challenge these players and they accepted it and acknowledged that they can do it,” said Petro Gazz coach Oliver Almadro. “I saw the fierceness in their eyes, I saw that they really wanted to bounce back.”

And bounce back from a Game 2 loss they did as the Angels set the tone for the rout after storming to a 16-11 lead in the first set and then rolling to an eight-point romp. Dragged into a tight, furious second-set skirmish, the two-time Reinforced Conference champions used their veteran smarts to pull through, going 2-0 set up on MJ Phillips’ stinging back-to-back quick plays.

Remy Palma then took over in the third, racking up three straight points to key Petro Gazz’s big 11-5 start before the Angels pulled away at 20-9 on their way to winning their best-ofthree semis matchup.

Paris considering AI-assisted Olympics Games’ surveillance

PARIS—French government plans to trial surveillance cameras upgraded with artificial intelligence at the 2024 Olympics have opponents fuming at what they say is unnecessary and dangerous security overreach.

While the government says such systems are needed to manage millionsstrong crowds and spot potential dangers, critics see the draft law as a gift to French industry at the cost of vital civil liberties.

Last week, around 40 mostly left-leaning members of the European Parliament warned in an open letter to French lawmakers that the plan “creates a surveillance precedent never before seen in Europe”, daily Le Monde reported.

Debates kicked off late Monday in the National Assembly, France’s lower parliamentary chamber, with discussions to continue Friday.

Even before the debates started, MPs had already filed 770 amendments to the government’s wide-ranging Olympics security

Daniella Uy moves in the threshold of scoring a followup to her fiveshot romp over Chihiro Ikeda in the 2021 Riviera Ladies Championship. Manny Marcelo

bill, many aimed at its Article Seven. That section provides for video recorded by existing surveillance systems or new ones -- including drone-mounted cameras -- to be “processed by algorithms”.

Artificial intelligence software would “detect in real time pre-determined events likely to pose or reveal a risk” of “terrorist acts or serious breaches of security”, such as unusual crowd movements or abandoned bags. Systems would then signal the events to police or other security services, who could decide on a response.

Biometric or not?

The government is at pains to reassure that the smart camera tests would

A drone flies over Saint-Cloud, as the Eiffel Tower is seen in Paris. An attack during the Paris Olympics using drones is a scenario that is being taken into account by the French authorities, who have promised an “unparalleled” defence system. In the past several years, the use of drones sold for civilian purposes has been diverted by armed or criminal groups to carry out attacks. AFP

not process biometric data and especially not resort to facial recognition, technologies the French public is wary of applying too broadly. AFP

ILOILO—Daniella Uy took a step closer to matching her runaway breakthrough win at Riviera two years ago as she closed out with a birdie-birdie feat for a 70 in steamy conditions and doubled her overnight three-stroke lead over Rianne Malixi after two rounds of the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge presented by MORE Power here yesterday.

Malixi actually matched Uy’s closing birdie but the country’s leading amateur could only save a 73, enabling the former Junior World champion to pull away by six on a 137 total and move in the threshold of scoring a follow-up to her five-shot romp over Chihiro Ikeda in the 2021 Riviera Ladies Championship at the hazard-laden Langer course in Cavite.

Malixi’s last-hole birdie also somewhat cushioned the impact of her double-bogey mishap on the par-3 16th but she dropped farther behind at 143 while erstwhile joint second-running Harmie Constantino also reeled back with a double bogey

on the par-5 14th for a 74 and a 144 heading to the final 18 holes of the P875,000 championship.

Florence Bisera carded a 72 for a 145, while amateur Laurea Duque fought back with a 73 to tie Sunshine Baraquiel, who made a 75, and Sarah Ababa, who shot a 76, at 148.

Chanelle Avaricio, who rallied from 8 strokes down to beat Ababa by one at Marapara last week, battled back with a 72 after a 77 but she stood way off at 149 with Chihiro Ikeda, who put in a 72, Pamela Mariano, who carded a 74, and amateur Mafy Singson, who made a 75.

Despite her huge lead, Uy has opted to tone down expectations, aware of the exacting playing conditions and Ababa’s final round meltdown in Bacolod.

“Same mindset, not to expect anything, don’t get too emotional and just try to be calm out there,” said Uy, who like the rest of the field, is putting premium on stamina and on how to cope with the debilitating summer heat.

Zaragosa pads lead to 2, but Bisera lurks

ILOILO—Rupert Zaragosa recovered his touch, kept his poise then produced clutch shots that checked an impending frontside skid, leading to a 68 and a two-stroke lead over an equally gutsy Elee Bisera midway through the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge presented by MORE Power here on Thursday.

A late birdie and a brave run of pars spiked Zaragosa’s closing 36, more than preserving his superb backside 32 marred by a bogey on No. 10 but marked by a three-birdie binge from No. 12 as the diminutive but talented former national champion moved 36 holes away from scoring a career breakthrough on the Philippine Golf Tour.

“I’m not going to pressure myself. I will just follow the game plan, my routine and hopefully, I’ll be able to produce good results (in the last two days),” said Zaragosa, who took charge by one over Ferdie Aunzo with a first round 65 and padded his lead to two on a 36hole aggregate of seven-under 133 at the Iloilo

Golf and Country Club.

Breathing down his neck are two unlikely contenders who both missed the cut at Marapara last week but are now in hot pursuit of a maiden victory with back-to-back under-par rounds in the P2.25 million event put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Bisera, a rookie pro, followed up his opening 67 with a 68 to grab second place at 135 while Paul Echavez, looking for a first win in 14 years, holed out with back-to-back birdies to fire a 67 and tied fancied Guido van der Valk, who shot a 65, at third at 136.

Zanieboy Gialon pulled within one off Zaragosa with a scorching four-birdie run in the first seven holes at the front but drove outof-bounds on the eighth and made a double-bogey then missed an eight-footer for par on the last to tumble to fifth at 137 after a 67.

After making the backside turn at 32, Zaragosa stepped up his assault on the chal-

lenging par-70 layout with a birdie on No. 1. But he lost his putting touch and bogeyed the next two on three putt miscues and scrambled with a birdie-bogey-birdie card in the next three before holding sway with three straight pars.

“After making those three-putt bogeys, I told myself that I needed to focus on the allowance and speed (of the greens). So I was able to birdie two of the next three,” said Zaragosa, who also led in the middle rounds in the PGT bubble tournament at Riviera-Couples in 2021 but lost to Lascuna by four. This time, he believes he would need a sixunder card in last two days to join the elite circle of Tour winners. But Bisera also continued to show flashes of brilliance and resiliency as he rebounded with birdies on Nos. 6 and 14 after blowing a twobirdie feat in the first three holes with back-toback bogeys from No. 4.

WHILE focus will be on the returning foreign pros, the locals look the steal the spotlight in pursuit of top honors in various age group divisions when the Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 Davao is unwrapped Sunday (March 26) at Azuela Cove in Lanang. For one, the men’s 25-29 category promises to be a slam-bang battle with a deep roster of talents all geared up for the 1.9 km-swim, 90km-bike and 21k-run course race tipped to be fast, challenging and searing.

Jonathan Pagaura of Filipino HomesGo for Less, Tri SNB Barracuda teammates Satar Salem and Jailani Lamama banner the stellar cast that also features homegrown bets Jan Capon of Tri Association of Davao, Eduardo Catoc of Tri Mati and Biboy Ballenas of Tri DavSur along with the likes of Rey Estrosos of Tribo, Tri Iloilo’s Nikko Eulatic, Rey Chan of Tri Amigos Phi, and U Can Tri’s CJ Custodio.

On top of the 30 berths offered in various age-group categories, the event is also staking 25 extra slots for women to the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship on Aug. 26-27 in Lahti, Finland, ensuring a spirited chase among the more than thousand bidders in the premier endurance race powered by Petron, the only pro-laced race this year under The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. banner.

Meanwhile, 18 pros have stepped up their preparations for the grueling race with Filipe Azevedo of Portugal and fellow IRONMAN 70.3 winner Tuan Chun Chang of Taiwan raring to dispute the men’s crown and the top $30,000 purse.

Slugging it out for the women’s title in the first triathlon race in the season in Asia are veteran campaigner Dimity-Lee Duke and fellow Aussie Sarah Crowley, United Arab Emirates’ Lottie Lucas, Ai Ueda of Japan, and Americans Amy Vantassel and Lauren Brandon.

Fierce duels up in IM 70.3 Davao age-group

Uy pulls away by 6 on birdie-birdie windup

Rupert Zaragosa is all okay after a pair of under-par cards. Manny Marcelo

Petro Gazz Angel Aiza Pontilla smashes one in against two PLDT High Speed Hitters.

PLDT’s income

By Julito G. Rada

THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, delivered another 25-basis-point increase in key interest rates on Thursday to stem one of the stickiest inflation rates in the region.

It raised the overnight borrowing rate to 6.25 percent and adjusted the overnight deposit and lending facilities to 5.75 percent and 6.75 percent, respectively.

BSP Governor and MB chairman Felipe Medalla said the rate hike would take effect March 24.

“The Monetary Board’s decision

ABS-CBN cut loss to P2.6b last year

ABS-CBN Corp. said Thursday net loss dropped 54 percent last year on higher advertising and consumer sales.

The country’s largest media and entertainment network said net loss amounted to P2.6 billion in 2022, down from P3 billion in 2021. Consolidated revenues reached P19.19 billion last year, up 8 percent from P17.82 billion in 2021.

Advertising revenues amounted to P6.39 billion, while consumer sales reached P12.80 billion. Costs and expenses rose 4 percent to P23.45 billion from P22.53 billion.

ABS-CBN said despite the non-renewal of its franchise, it continued to focus on creating compelling content and stories for domestic and overseas markets and platforms through partnerships and collaborations.

“With an emphasis on generating maximum value for its content and products, the company continues to monitor shifts in technology, audience behavior, and industry demand as it expands its digital and international businesses while continuing to invest in content and story generation capabilities,” ABS-CBN said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DBP opens loan window for coconut farmers

STATE-OWNED Development Bank of the Philippines launched a special credit facility focusing on coconut farmers in support of the government’s efforts to strengthen the development of the coconut industry, one of the major segments of the local agriculture sector, a top executive said Thursday.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Credit program aims to provide financing to support projects related to the coconut value chain focusing on capacity expansion, farm integration and enterprise diversification to increase farm production and income of coconut farmers.

“We believe that a robust agribusiness sector is one of the keys to achieving a foodsecure Philippines,” de Jesus said. “Through this new loan program, DBP aims to pave the way for coconut farmers and agri-preneurs to thrive in a highly competitive market.”

DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development.

The CFID complements the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to boost food production by addressing various challenges in the coconut industry ranging from low production to natural calamities and pest infestations.

Accountancy profession celebrates 100 years in PH

THE Board of Accountancy in collaboration with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants and other sectoral organizations celebrated the centenary of the accountancy profession in the country on March 17.

It is the culmination of the year-long celebration which was launched on March 17, 2022. Organizers adopted “Celebrating the Past, Transforming the Present, Shaping the Future” as theme of the centennial celebration. Accountancy was recognized as a profession on March 17, 1923 when the Philippine Legislature enacted Act No. 3105, also known as the Accountancy Act of 1923. With the passage of the law, Filipinos were empowered to practice accountancy in the country, a profession that was once limited to foreign accountants. In 1967, the Accountancy Act of 1967 was passed. Under this legislation, only Filipinos and citizens of countries offering the same privileges to Filipinos can become Certified Public Accountants in the Philippines.

The current Board of Accountancy is chaired by Dr. Noe Quiñanola. Other mem-

of the board are Samuel Padilla, Gloria Baysa, Thelma Ciudadano, Rosalinda Evangelista, Gervacio Piator and Maria Teresita Zuñiga-Dimaculangan.

was based on the sum of new information and its assessment of the effects of past policy actions, which warranted a continuation of monetary tightening to anchor inflation expectations,” Medalla said in a briefing.

“With core inflation rising in February despite a modest decline in headline inflation, further monetary policy

global growth outlook.

action was deemed necessary to address broadening price impulses emanating from robust domestic demand and lingering supply-side constraints,” he said.

The board slightly lowered the inflation forecast for 2023 to 6 percent from 6.1 percent made in the February meeting. The forecast for 2024 was also revised downward to 2.9 percent from 3.5 percent.

BSP Deputy Governor Francisco Dakila said the lower inflation forecasts for 2023 and 2024 took into account the easing of inflation in February to 8.6 percent from the 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January. Another factor considered was the more challenging

Bangko Sentral delivers another 25 bps rate hike to stem inflation IN BRIEF

“Moreover, inflation expectations have increased slightly for 2023, while those for 2024 and 2025 remain near the upper end of the target band. The Monetary Board supports the creation of the Inter-agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook,” Medalla said.

He said the balance of risks to the inflation outlook for 2023 and 2024 remained tilted heavily towards the upside. The effect of supply shortages on domestic food prices remained a concern, while the potential impact of higher transport fares, increasing electricity rates and above-average wage adjustments in 2023 pointed to the broader-based nature of price pressures.

Ovialand seeks SEC approval for P2.2-b initial public offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY

developer Ovialand Inc. plans

to raise up to P2.2 billion in proceeds from its planned initial public offering in June.

Ovialand said in a statement Thursday it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an application to list up to 360 million primary and secondary shares plus, with an over-allotment option for another 36 million secondary shares. The offer price could reach up to P5.60 per share.

Ovialand said that subject to market conditions and the receipt of regulatory approvals, the offer period could start in the week of June 19, 2023.

SB Capital Investment Corp. is the sole issue manager, lead underwriter and book runner for the IPO.

“Our public listing marks a new chapter in our history, as this is a launchpad for us to achieve greater milestones in providing the premier family living experience to our customers,” Ovialand president and chief executive Pammy Olivares-Vital said.

“As we aim to expand our presence beyond the core markets we operate in, this IPO will be key to us in meeting our clients’ ever-evolving needs,” she said.

Ovialand said it would use the proceeds from the fund-raising activity to finance banking initiatives in southern Luzon, particularly Laguna and north of Metro Manila, particularly Bulacan.

3 firms keen on investing in Tanay wind project

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said Thursday wholly-owned subsidiary Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp. received proposals from major international and local energy companies to co-develop the proposed 100-megawatt Tanay wind power project in Tanay, Rizal. Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua said one of the three interested companies is part of one of the world’s largest energy companies based in Europe.

He said the other is a regional renewable energy company with a portfolio of wind and solar projects across the Asia Pacific region. Another interested investor is a major domestic energy player which is a part of a

conglomerate.

“We have received strong interest from three major energy companies following the request for proposals due in March 2023. The official letters of intent have been received and we will proceed next to review their respective proposals to finalize the selection of our preferred equity partner,” Magbanua said. The Tanay wind power project is a shovelready project with major permits obtained, with available four-year wind data. The project completed several technical studies including the logistics, environmental and energy assessment. It also received height clearance approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

declined

60% to P10.48b in 2022

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. said Thursday net income declined by 60 percent in 2022 mostly because of accelerated network and technology upgrades.

The country’s largest telecom company said reported net income amounted to P10.48 billion last year, down from P26.36 billion in 2021.

Telco core profit, which excludes the impact of asset sales and Voyager Innovations, reached P33.1 billion last year, up from P30.23 billion in 2021.

“Our core business remains to be sound, and continues to show solid EBITDA numbers,” said PLDT and Smart president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio.

“We have an excellent network, strong brands and attractive products. Wireless is simplifying its portfolio, Home continues to expand beyond connectivity, and Enterprise is pursuing its digital transformation initiatives,” he said.

Consolidated service revenues went up to P205.24 billion from P193.25 billion in 2021. Total expenses amounted to P210.74 billion, up from P152.49 billion. Of the total, depreciation and amortization amounted to P98.71 billion, higher than P52.16 billion in 2021.

“2022 demanded practically everything that we had. Despite the adversities, I remain convinced that PLDT will not only survive but thrive; our core business is strong; and our people endured, inspired by our singular mission of safeguarding and enhancing shareholder value,” PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

“As we approach PLDT’s 100th year, we forge ahead in pursuit of the group’s North Star—enabling a digital life for every Filipino and improving lives,” he said.

PLDT said in a separate disclosure its forensic review of the elevated capital expenditures for 2019 to 2022 is “substantially complete”, and it found “no evidence of fraud, intentional concealment or bad faith conduct on the part of any employee of the company.”

Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should register via https://conveneagm.com/ph/MWCI2023ASM to create an account and register in the CONVENE AGM System and notify the Company by email to corporatesecretary@manilawater.com on or before March 31, 2023. By registering to participate in the virtual stockholders’ meeting, a stockholder or a proxy or an individual representative of the stockholder agrees for Manila Water and its service providers to process their sensitive personal information necessary to verify their identity and authority. A stockholder who fails to comply with the registration requirement will not be able to participate in the virtual stockholders’ meeting.

Duly accomplished proxies and sworn certifications, as applicable, shall be submitted on or before March 31, 2023 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the 2/F MWSS Administration Building, No. 489 Katipunan Road, Balara, Quezon City and by email to corporatesecretary@manilawater.com Please note that corporate shareholders are required to submit a proxy and a Secretary’s Certificate certifying the validity of the proxy. Validation of proxies is set for April 4, 2023 at 9:00 AM at the Office of the Corporate Secretary.

Stockholders may vote by remote communication or in absentia , subject to validation procedures. The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting votes

bers

DAMOSA TENANT. Damosa Land president Ricardo Lagdameo (left) ceremonially turns over the 1,600-square-meter office space at Damosa Diamond Tower within the Damosa IT Park in Davao City to Dennis Arandia, director of implementation for Nearsol Philippines Inc., the official contractor of the BPO company Full Potential Solutions. FPS plans to hire 1,000 more employees in the coming years as they believe in the talent and potential of Davao residents.

PSEi March 23,

TOP GAINERS

Stocks fall, peso hits 9-month high on BSP interest rate hike

By Julito G. Rada

STOCKS fell while the peso advanced to a nine-month high Thursday, ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ decision to raise the overnight borrowing rate by another 25 basis points.

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, shed 9 points, or 0.15 percent, to close at 6,536.36 as five of the six subsectors registered losses.

The broader all-share index also dropped 7 points, or 0.21 percent, to settle at 3,492.77 on a value turnover of P3.69 billion. Losers outnumbered

gainersk 98 to 56, while 62 issues were unchanged.

Four of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Globe Telecom Inc. which rose 0.54 percent to P1,848.00 and Ayala Land Inc. which gained 0.53 percent to P28.35.

The peso appreciated to a nine-month high against the greenback following the expected 25-bps hike in policy rate to 6.25 percent and the reduced inflation forecast for 2023 and 2024.

The peso closed at 54.27 against the US dollar, stronger than 54.5 on Wednesday. It was its strongest finish since it settled at 54.265 on June 21, 2022. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the latest move of the Monetary Board helped stabilize the peso. “The peso also became stronger after the latest reduction in the BSP inflation estimates to 6 percent for 2023 from the previous esti-

mate of 6.1 percent, and 2.9 percent for 2024 from 3.1 percent,” he said.

Ricafort said the peso also appreciated after global crude oil prices declined to linger among 15-month lows since Dec. 21, 2021 that could further help ease inflationary pressures and narrow the country’s trade deficit.

Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly rose Thursday and the dollar retreated, brushing off a Wall Street fall on hopes the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate hike would be one of its last.

The gains came even as the US central bank’s chief Jerome Powell dealt a blow to hopes it could cut borrowing costs later in the year to soothe banking sector fears.

Recent turmoil caused by the collapse of two US lenders and the takeover of Credit Suisse had fanned speculation central banks would pause their inflation-fighting monetary tightening campaign. With AFP

China holds ‘upper hand’ in Russian gas exports

BEIJING—A massive new gas pipeline to China could help reduce Russia’s reliance on European buyers, but analysts say the project reveals a growing imbalance between the longtime strategic allies.

Beijing emerged as an economic lifeline for Moscow last year, especially through energy purchases, after Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cut off crucial trade links.

Moscow is confident that the new pipeline—Power of Siberia 2—is going ahead, but Beijing has so far avoided an explicit commitment.

Analysts say the lagging response shows an imbalance favoring Beijing in energy deals between the two countries—as well as China’s wariness of over-reliance on Russia for fuel.

China is “in no rush to sign anything unless the proposal is favorable and is shaped on China’s terms,” researcher Marina Shagina at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin told AFP.

The project was discussed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow this week.

Putin said after talks with Xi that “all agreements have been reached” on the Power of Siberia 2 project.

But their joint statement only said the two sides will work on pushing forward “research and consultation” on the pipeline.

The Chinese foreign ministry did not respond to a request for more details.

Power of Siberia 2 could facilitate the transport of 50 billion cubic meters of gas to China annually, roughly on par with the total capacity of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany.

A senior Russian official suggested last year that it could strategically replace Nord Stream 2. AFP

US top court hears copyright case involving Jack Daniels and a dog toy

WASHINGTON—The phrase “dog poop”

was uttered several times on Wednesday in the hallowed chamber of the US Supreme Court as justices seemed baffled in a case concerning a squeaky chew toy for pets that closely resembles the famous black label on Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

The chew toy, named “Bad Spaniels,” has the distinctive shape of the distillery’s black-labeled square whiskey bottles, but with added toilet humor.

While the Tennessee whiskey has an alcohol content of 40 percent, Bad Spaniels is -- allegedly -- made of “43 percent poo” that may end up on “Tennessee carpets.”

Deploring an attack on its image, the iconic distillery sued Arizona-based VIP Products, marketer of the chew toy, and alleged harm to its trademark. After several twists and turns, the case has now ended up in front of the Supreme Court.

nine Cola,” says it is shielded behind the right to parody, which authorizes infringements of copyright in the cultural sphere.

“There are a lot of products that take themselves too seriously,” attorney Bennett Cooper told the court on behalf of VIP Products.

“Jack Daniels advertised itself in a serious way that Jack is everyone’s friend. And Bad Spaniels is a parody -- playful in comparing Jack to man’s other best friend.”

Justice Elena Kagan wasn’t immediately convinced.

“Maybe I just have no sense of humor, but what’s the parody?” she asked. “You use the mark of a large company (and say) well guys, they must take themselves too seriously, because they’re a big company.” ‘I had a dog’

an advance electronic copy of their duly accomplished proxy forms (which need not be notarized) during registration, and send the originals on or before 05 April 2023 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 10th Floor Six/NEO, 5th Avenue cor. 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, for validation pursuant to the Company’s By-laws. A sample format of the proxy form for individual and corporate stockholders are attached.

Please visit https://atlasmining.com.ph/investor-relations/annual-stockholdersmeeting for complete information on the meeting. Thank you. ELMER B. SERRANO Corporate Secretary ANNEX A: RATIONALE FOR AGENDA ITEMS

Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 26 April 2022

The Minutes of the annual stockholders’ meeting held on 26 April 2022 were posted on the Company’s website and appended to the Information Statement. These minutes are subject to stockholders’ approval during this meeting.

Approval of the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for 2022

The Company’s financial and operating results for the year 2022 have been summarized in the Annual Report

The dispute may have wider ramifications for how trademark law is applied in the United States, as the court’s nine judges weigh whether free speech trumps intellectual property rights.

The matter “does seem to me to present serious First Amendment issues” that protect freedom of expression, Justice Samuel Alito said.

VIP, which also sells fake cans of “Ca-

The spirits maker, which is owned by Kentucky-based Brown-Forman Corp., took legal action in 2014, when the dog toy appeared on the market. After an initial court victory, Jack Daniel’s lost on appeal.

As the case made its way to the Supreme Court, Jack Daniel’s was backed by other big American corporations, such as food giant Campbell, whose soup cans were featured in Andy Warhol’s famous paintings, and clothes makers Patagonia and Levi Strauss, who argued that such humor can hurt their reputations. AFP

FED BRIEFING. Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington, DC, on March 22, 2023. The Federal Reserve needs to ‘strengthen supervision and regulation’ of banks, Powell said during the briefing, following the swift collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the contagion fears it triggered. AFP

The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on March 22, 2023. The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments in a trademark dispute between Jack Daniel’s and a dog toy manufacturer whose toy resembles the whiskey bottle.  AFP

TODAY’S leading beauty and wellness super brand, Beautéderm Corporation, led by its president and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan, celebrates five years of partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

In a media conference, Beautéderm and Sparkle joined forces with GMA stars Cassy Legaspi, Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid, Rayver Cruz, and Sanya Lopez renewing their contracts last March 7 at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

“I value my partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center. Part of the reason why Beautéderm continues to sparkle is because of these artists—Ruru, Rayver, Cassy, Bianca, and Sanya—who put us on the map. They represent the brand well through their efforts, talents, and beauty inside and out,” Anicoche-Tan said. During the contract renewal, five fresh faces were added to the brand’s stellar lineup of endorsers. Introduced as Beautéderm’s newest endorsers were Patricia Tumulak, Buboy Villar, Thia Thomalla, Ysabel Ortega, and EA Guzman

“We are dedicated to reaching more people all over the world, making sure they have quality products to rely on – from beauty to wellness products. And by expanding more, we are able to help more people – from elderly people

…are talking about

Klea Pineda

Coming out about one’s sexuality is difficult in a conservative country like the Philippines, even though society is slowly progressing towards inclusivity and gender equality. Still, Kapuso actress Klea mustered the courage to tell the world about the person she loves. She’s finally speaking her truth and doing things that make her happy. Although Pride Month is still some weeks away, love wins every time.

Beautéderm president and CEO Rhea AnicocheTan continues to value her partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center

Beautéderm, Sparkle celebrate

five years of beautiful partnership

underprivileged students and providing quality assistance for elderly people.

to our scholars,” Anicoche-Tan shared. As Tan’s beauty empire expands and grows its reach, more lives are also touched and uplifted. Tan is dedicated to serving them – by giving scholarships to

“For me, beauty goes beyond the face. It is reflected in one’s soul. The intention of Beautéderm is not just to make people beautiful and glowing, but to extend hands to those in need –through the support and success of our resellers, distributors, and franchisees,” underscored the lady CEO.

“What you do to the communities makes you beautiful. Recently,

some of our scholars graduated with honors and that makes me extremely happy—that is the real measure of success—the number of hearts and lives you’ve touched,” Anicoche-Tan carried on.

Cassy, Bianca, Ruru, Rayver, and Sanya, together with Patricia, Buboy, Thia, Ysabel, and EA, who are all endorsing Blanc Set, an effective and proven skincare regimen that delivers visible results in as early as

one week, expressed their gratitude to Tan. Their group message goes, “Big thanks to the one and only, Ms. Rhea Tan, for giving us the opportunity to represent her brand Beautéderm. We have the highest respect for her and this opportunity will forever be treasured. Ms. Rhea is the epitome of achieving success not just for herself but also for others. We hope to help the brand continue to sparkle.”

Aspiring actress-entrepreneur wins pageant title in Malaysia

“It’s still a long way to go as I continue my reign as Elite Mrs. International and I would love to be with you all in this,” Encarnacion said in a message as she thanked Mrs. Philippines International, headed by national director Maan Aris and CEO Aries Concepcion, KF’s Gilbert Flores, who trained her for the contest and all her supporters.

Morena beauty named Miss Supermodel Philippines Brown is beautiful after Shyrla Nuñez bested 14 other candidates to bag the first Miss Supermodel Philippines 2023 title, during recent finals held at Manila Hotel.

LA Tenorio

After showing his skills on the hardcourt for decades under the Ginebra San Miguel banner, Tenorio, who also goes by the moniker “Tinyente,” recently shared his battle with stage three colon cancer. There’s no denying that Tenorio made significant contributions to the local basketball scene. But at this point, his fans are more willing to see him recover than push himself in the games.

…are not talking about

Issa Pressman

They say that “time is the ultimate truth teller,” and former JaDine (the love team for James Reid and Nadine Lustre) fans are not amused with how she and James soft-launched their relationship on Instagram. Former interviews and cryptic posts from Nadine and her circle of friends are resurfacing, greasing the wheels of the rumor mill. Maybe Issa and James did get together without hurting Nadine, or perhaps they didn’t. At least Nadine is happy and unbothered. Just “kween” things.

Gerald Anderson

In his interview with Korina Sanchez in Net25’s Korina Interviews, the actor said that his sweetheart Julia Barretto is the girl for him. If we looked back at Gerald’s past, we’d see a string of relationships that many of us thought at least one of them would be his last. But alas, the search went on for the actor. Then again, perhaps there’s truth in his words that Julia will finally make him settle down.

MICHELLE Vitug Encarnacion brought home the country’s first Elite Mrs. International crown after bagging the title during finals held recently at Thistle Hotel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

A successful businesswoman and aspiring actress, Encarnacion also won Best in Interview, Social Media, and International Costume (designed by Axel Que) special awards. Other winners named were Mrs. Mexico-Mrs. International 2023; Mrs. Singapore-Mrs. Asia Pacific 2023; Mrs. Thailand-International ASEAN 2023 and Mrs. Malaysia-Mrs. South East Asia 2023.

Michelle Encarnacion takes home the Elite

Mrs. International 2023 title

A graduate of Doctor of Dental Medicine, the 25-year-old native of Caloocan also won Best in Filipiniana. Her runners-up were Aileen Joyce Santiago (first), Querubin Gonzalez (second), Imogene Belles (third), and Floriane Lajara (fourth).

“Our first venture was never easy, but with God’s grace and hardworking production staff, we made it happen. I think that Shyrla is the best candidate who can win the Miss Supermodel Worldwide back-to-back after Alexandta Rosales, reigning Miss Supermodel Worldwide 2022,” said May Evelyn Maghirang, national director of Miss Supermodel Philippines.

‘Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin’ restored version screens at The Met

IN celebration of National Women’s Month, Sagip Pelikula brought one of its restored titles featuring premier actresses Maricel Soriano and Snooky Serna, with their 1995 family-drama classic Inagaw Mo ang Lahat sa Akin in the latest installment of Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino, co-organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP), at the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) last March 19.

The Reyna Films classic screened for free at the re-opened Metropolitan Theater, which also featured a talk-back session with its lead stars Maricel and Snooky alongside the film’s screenwriter Bibeth Orteza, director Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Central Digital Lab’s CEO Manet Dayrit, plus co-stars Jess Evardone, and FDCP chairperson Tirso Cruz III Its cast, writer, and director recounted the challenges of making the film and were overwhelmed with its overall restoration and the continuous massive audience reception years after its initial theatrical release.

Meanwhile, Central Digital Lab’s Manet Dayrit expressed gratitude for its partnership with Sagip Pelikula in its goal to preserve Filipino cinematic classics for many years to come.

“We first started with ABS-CBN Film Restoration, and we want to restore as many films as possible to preserve our heritage... Digital restoration locally was really started through ABSCBN. Since we started this project, there’s a new generation of filmgoers appreciating these titles, and we are happy to see these in theaters again, plus on various streaming platforms,” Manet addressed.

Inagaw Mo ang Lahat sa Akin recounts how the intense sibling rivalry between Jacinta (Maricel) and Clarita (Snooky) brewed following the latter’s return to their humble provincial home years after leaving for the city in search of a better life. After catching up with lost time alongside

their ailing mother, a rift suddenly separates them upon uncovering the secret behind Jacinta’s plan to sabotage her husband’s past relationship with her sister and a scandalous affair involving their deceased father.

The film’s restoration was made possible alongside Central Digital Lab and first made its digital premiere in 2020 via KTX.ph after its theatrical release in 1995.

Prior to its screening at the Metropolitan Theater, other restored titles from Sagip Pelikula were also featured in the Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino event, including Sana Maulit Muli and Himala Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino, co-organized by MET, FDCP, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Philippine Film Archives (PFA), and Sagip Pelikula, aims to bring back timeless Filipino classics to the big screen in its restored and remastered fashion.

Apart from supporting the event’s various iterations, Sagip Pelikula explores more collaborative efforts with FDCP to promote Filipino cinema to today’s audiences, most recently with the Sine Sinta festival last February. ABS-CBN Film Restoration continues to restore and remaster films from directors and writers of note for today’s viewers to appreciate through its Sagip Pelikula initiative. These efforts have earned multiple recognitions from award-giving bodies worldwide, including the prestigious Gold Quill Award given by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), Gawad Pedro Bucaneg from Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), and most recently the Gawad PASADO sa Pagsisinop ng mga De Kalibreng Pelikula distinction from the 23rd Gawad PASADO organized by Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro (PASADO).

Anicoche-Tan (fifth from left) with Sparkle artists

A scene from ‘Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin’ starring Maricel Soriano (right) and Snooky Serna

B4 FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

TO celebrate International Fragrance Week, SM Beauty kicks off with “Celebration of Scents” an event that features some of the best fragrance brands at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

During the launch on March 21, guests and customers had the opportunity to sample scents from different brands and listen to insights shared by experts like Nicole Limos of The Beauty Edit and Tin Conde of Luxasia Philippines.

The launch event hosted by Nicole Andersson provided guests and shoppers with tips on how to shop for authentic fragrances and choose their signature scents. Tin Conde also explained the different types of fragrances and the perfect occasion to use them, such as EDTs or “Eau de Toilette” for daytime use, “Eau de Parfum” or EDPs for romantic dates or dinner with friends, and perfumes or “parfums” for social events like weddings or parties.

“Scents have the ability to affect our energy and mood. Citrusy scents can perk up one’s energy, floral scents can uplift

senses and relieve

LIFE

Celebration of scents

stress, fruity scents are fun and youthful, woody fragrances are warm and earthy, aromatic fragrances provide a relaxing feel, oceanic or aquatic scents promote tranquility, amber or oriental fragrances are sensual, and

spicy fragrances have an alluring scent and can help boost brain power and attention spans,” said Conde, Senior Trading Manager of Luxasia Philippines.

“As we celebrate International Fragrance Week, we are thrilled to bring together some of the best fragrance brands available in SM Beauty in

a special pop-up execution. The ‹Celebration of Scents› area in MOA, is not just a shopping destination, but a sensory experience for fragrance enthusiasts and shoppers alike. We hope that this event will inspire our customers to discover new scents, find their signature fragrance, and ultimately, feel

confident and beautiful with the power of fragrance,” said Sharon Decapia, Marketing AVP of Watsons Philippines

The “Celebration of Scents” mall event is a feast for the senses at the floral garden and an array of fragrances to create a paradise of sights and scents, offering a unique and immersive experience. Customers will enjoy special deals, discounts up to 50 percent, and exclusive freebies. SMAC members can also enjoy free bottle engraving of their newly-purchased fragrances.

Participating brands include Jo Malone, Estee Lauder, Body Fantasies, Paco Rabanne, Calvin Klein, Coty, Giorgio Armani, Clinique, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Chloe, Prada, and Ralph Lauren. Go to your nearest SM Beauty Store or shop online at ShopSM from March 21-31 and enjoy big discounts on a wide variety of authentic fragrances. Visit “Celebration of Scents” at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium until March 31 and find your signature scent and discover new fragrances

Available fragrances from Jo Malone

IN HER early 20s, Melizza

Jimenez is coming out of her shell. She masters the art of multitasking as a university student, entrepreneur, actress, and singer. The fresh-faced multihyphenate excitedly shared that she’s back in Brisbane, Australia, and now in her third year at Queensland University of Technology.

Melizza is taking a double degree in International Business and Communication (major in Digital Media). She juggles school, business, and extracurricular work as her university’s social media ambassador.

“At QUT, I work as a social media ambassador. I create content for the university. Other than that, I have been studying and working. I’ve been working very, very hard on expanding Jaune Pearls here in Australia and finding its market,” Melizza shared.

Jaune Pearls, the family’s pearl business which spans more than two decades now was named after her. Jaune, Melizza’s second name, turned into the Tanpocos’ luxury business brand. Jaune also means yellow in French.

Melizza shared that her ongoing double degree program equips her to do her part in the family business. She is currently taking on

Melizza Jimenez

Philippines’ Pearl Princess

the task of expanding Jaune Pearls’ reach and elevating its marketing strategies. Her older sister, actress Maika Rivera, also takes part by dabbling in public relations and marketing the family brand abroad in key cities like New York and Los Angeles in the US.

Melizza’s pearl credentials are solid. This is backed by her years of exposure and training, and a six-month online course and earned

Melizza is currently expanding Jaune Pearls’ reach and elevating its marketing strategies

Oppo upgrades portfolio with ‘new standard for flip phones’

LEADING global smart device brand OPPO has officially launched Find N2 Flip, the style statement phone that the brand calls the “new standard for flip phones.”

“The OPPO Find N2 Flip smartphone boasts a stylish, pocket-sized design with powerful features and superior camera technology that is perfect for passionate purveyors who are inspired to express themselves with the best flip phone in the industry. We are very excited to empower those willing to push creative boundaries and embrace innovation with OPPO very soon” said Joanarc Sales, Head of CRM and PR of OPPO Philippines.

Launched in the Philippines on March 22, OPPO’s newest addition to its flagship Find Series is designed with the Tear Drop Shaped Hinge 2.0, offering users a Flexion Hinge Display.

The industry-leading waterdrop hinge is crafted using aircraft-grade, high-strength steel and polymer, making it incredibly strong and slim. The phone is built to allow for smooth folding and unfolding and an immersive viewing experience.

The OPPO Find N2 Flip can be used all day long with its 4300mAh large battery. Equipped with all-day staying power, this smartphone can be used for 20 hours of video streaming, 16 hours of social media, or 6 hours of video calls, perfect for people who want to live life to the fullest. This statement device allows users to literally see the bigger picture. It is designed with a gener-

The OPPO Find N2 Flip, in Moonlit Purple, boasts a stylish, pocket-sized design with powerful features

ous 3.26” cover screen, the largest of its kind, giving users more room to explore the phone’s outer display and functions. The vertical layout offers intuitive and seamless viewing, while the screen is customizable with plenty of time-saving shortcuts. With its proven quality and TÜV Rheinland Certification, the OPPO Find N2 Flip offers no compromises with better quality and performance. This smartphone lets users reimagine photography possibilities, all in a gorgeous and flawless design that you can pop into your pocket. The OPPO Find N2 Flip smartphone comes in two beautiful colors: Moonlit Purple and Astral Black.

OPPO Find N2 Flip retails at P49,999 in the Philippines.

her pearl diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and went to New York City to do hands-on work in a laboratory. The same diploma was earned by her mom in 2015.

Melizza’s mom is Jenni Tanpoco also known as the Philippines’ “Queen of Pearls.” The mother-and-daughter team took a 10-day trip to Tahiti last year and trained under Emperor of Tahitian Pearls, Robert Wan

During the ten days, Melizza worked closely with Robert and she is grateful to have had the chance to ask him questions.

“My training was very intimate and focused. We would have dinners and I immersed myself in our conversations. I asked questions and he gave me industry insights,” Melizza said, obviously thrilled. She continued, “I got to interview him. That was very insightful. I am both humbled and honored. Watch out for it on my Youtube channel.” What makes Melizza’s journey sweet is her warm working relationship with her parents. Her mom and dad, Jenni and Mark, have always been supportive of their daughters and are noticeably present in their career milestones.

“My parents are the best parents in the world! I can’t ask for better parents. They’re just very supportive!,” Melizza raved. She attributed her success-in-progress to her parents who lovingly pushed her to do what she is doing now. Melizza is focused on Jaune Pearls’ digitization, bringing in a new economy, updating trends, and maintaining sustainability.

“My favorite thing about pearls is their uniqueness, the rare manifestation of the product, and the collaboration between mankind and the environment, especially the ocean,” Melizza shared when asked about what drew her to pearls.

“As for my favorite piece of pearl jewelry, it is the strand that my mother made for me. It has sentimental value and it’s very beautiful because it’s pastel Tahitian pearl strand,” she shared with passion.

“If there’s one thing I wish more people knew about pearls, it would be the beautiful harvesting process,” Melizza said, sounding perfectly as the country’s “Pearl Princess.”

The multi-hyphenated and accomplished Melizza hopes to use her knowledge and expertise from her ongoing double-degree program to contribute to the family business

CSA Makati wins gold at Asean Science and Math Olympiad in Malaysia

COLEGIO San Agustin Makati’s team “The Golden Agila” was the overall champion (Secondary School category) in the recently-concluded Southeast Asian Science Olympiad (SEASO) that was held from March 6 to 9 in Penang, Malaysia. Among the countries that vied for the title this year were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. There were more than 20 groups, with only two groups coming from the Philippines: St. Louis University, Baguio City, and CSA Makati. Representing CSA Makati were Grade 10 students Rafael Gozon Viterbo (grandson of GMA CEO Felipe L. Gozon), and Eunyou Park, together with Grade 12 students, Jodi Mariano and Lakan Fuentez. They were accompanied by Nico Caunca (student activity coordinator), Darwin Closa (Math coach), and Jocelyn Siyang (Chemistry coach). Their coaches were Albert Gutierrez (Physical Science), Alexander Medrano (Physics), and Sharin Albacete (Biology). The students were chosen by the STEM and Science coordinators and they underwent a rigorous training schedule in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics that began in October 2022. The SEASO competition was composed of four levels. The first and second were individual Science and Math written exams. The third was a STEM Challenge, a group practical exam, the topic of which was introduced only on the day

CSA Makati tops SEAMO science, math Olympiad held at Penang, Malaysia. Representing CSA were Rafael Gozon Viterbo (third from left), Eunyou Park, Jodi Mariano, and Lakan Fuentez itself. On that particular day, all groups were given the task to create a tower that could hold a soda can.

The groups were judged with parameters of cost, stability, mobility, time of completion, and height. The final level was an oral presentation of the finished product, wherein each group had to market/sell their work to a panel of judges.

The proclamation of overall champion in the secondary school category was held on March 9. The winning Golden Agila team members were

given medals and a cash prize. They were also given the honor of displaying the Philippine flag during the awarding ceremony. SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization) has 11 member countries, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, East Timor, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The SEAMEO Science Olympiad is one of the most anticipated academic competitions in Southeast Asia (www.recsam.edu.my).

Watsons Marketing Executives at the SM Beauty’s Celebration of Scents (from left) JP Santiago, Marketing Supervisor, Anne Maligalig, Category Manager, and Retty Contreras, Marketing Manager Sharon Decapia, Marketing AVP of Watsons Philippines