Manila Standard - 2023 March 25-Saturday

Group behind Negros slays

DOJ: 7 to 10 people did Degamo, other killings; Abalos rips Teves 'script'

By Rey E. Requejo

JUSTICE Secretary

Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday tagged a group of seven to 10 people being behind a string of killings in Negros Oriental, the latest of which was the assassination of the provincial governor, Roel Degamo.

"We are looking at a group of people, an organization within Negros Oriental that is possibly involved in this," Remulla said. "Maybe a group of seven to ten people may be involved here in the murders that we are talking about.”

The government is investigating the killings following the March 4 assassination of Degamo, who was slain in a hail of bullets along with eight other people at his home in Pamplona town.

Authorities are closing in on the mastermind and have strong evidence against the person, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Friday.

Asked for his reaction to Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.'s remark that Degamo's slaying was part of "a script" to pin him down, Abalos said it was up to the congressman what to think.

Next page

DOJ eyes divers to rate oil spill, PCG says too risky

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

pouring out of the tanker. And we asked the OCD to mobilize some of the divers to the Armed Forces,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

However, in a television interview, the Philippine Coast Guard said diving 400 meters below sea level, where the

sunken tanker is off the coast of Oriental Mindoro, is very dangerous for any diver and may result in their death.

“It’s highly not recommended. That’s why we have an ROV (remotely operated vehicle to look for the ship). In the very

PH tells China sea issues remain ‘serious concerns’ for Filipinos

THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday acknowledged that maritime issues, especially in the West Philippine Sea, “continue to remain a serious concern for the Filipino people."

This was what Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro told Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong during the second round of the Philippines-China consultative meetings in Manila on Friday.

Lazaro raised this concern as Manila

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE country's oil firms will likely cut pump prices by as much as P1.50 per liter effective Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

An industry source told the Standard that based on the first four daysof trading using the Mean of Platts Singapore, the benchmark used by oil refiners and the foreign exchange movement, diesel prices may go down by P1.30 to P1.50 per liter, and gasoline by P1.20 to P1.40 per liter.

112 pupils hospitalized in fire drills

and Beijing are also "in agreement that maritime issues do not comprise the totality of bilateral relations between our two countries."

Nonetheless, the DFA official believes such issues "should be addressed through diplomacy and dialogue and never through coercion and intimidation," as agreed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Xi Jinping.

"The meeting today is an attempt to follow through on that decision.

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE government has asked local officials to join the Earth Hour celebration and encourage their constituents to switch off lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tonight (Saturday) to send a strong and urgent message on the need for collective

By Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta, and Othel V. Campos

THE House of Representatives is abiding by its bills seeking a constituent convention (Con-con) to amend the Constitution, but Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said Friday lawmakers are open to discussing with the Senate their preferred mode of amending the 1987 Charter if that will break an impasse and lead to an agreement between the two chambers of Congress.

"We are open to considering any proposal of the Senate and will submit

action to address climate change.

This developed as the Department of Energy assured the public on Friday there would be no "red alert" warnings on the country’s power supply for the entire year.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said only “yellow alerts” are expected to be raised in different parts of the country.

This will be the third consecutive week of price rollbacks for diesel and kerosene, and the second straight week gasoline prices would be cut.

The Department of Energy confirmed the price rollback, although the computation may still change depending on the movement of prices on Friday.

"For the four-day trading, there will be an expected rollback for the prices of

INQUIRY is being conducted into

least P1 oil price rollback up next week

TWO

SIDES OF SCS. In these handout photos, French navy officers aboard the frigate FS Prairial (F731) salute the Philippine Coast Guard multi-role vessel BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) during a passing exercise off Agno, Pangasinan province, while Theresa Lazaro, DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations, speaks as China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong listens on Friday. AFP

President frets over Masbate Reds

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he is "deeply concerned" over the increasing activities of communist terrorist groups in Masbate which have instilled fear in the locals and resulted in the disruption of classes.

"We are deeply concerned over the incidents of violence in Masbate which had traumatized the affected civilians who were generally school children and their teachers," the President said in a social media post.

According to Mr. Marcos, although the military and police continue to gain ground in their fight against insurgency, the government "must be continuously

Group...

From A1

“Now, Mr. Teves, we are looking for the mastermind. That's all I can say. What you think and what you say about you, it's up to you, as long as we can find the mastermind. The way things are, our evidence is strong,” he said at the sidelines of an event.

Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, the widow of the slain governor, said almost 30 people have been allegedly killed by the camp of the recently-suspended congressman, who is being linked to the assassination after arrested suspects pointed to a “Cong Teves” as the one who ordered the hit.

Teves has denied involvement in the assassination while his lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said he will not dignify the "atrocious allegations" of Mayor Degamo.

"I refuse to dignify such atrocious allegations. Baka puyat lang si mayor (Maybe the mayor lacks sleep). Why bring that up only now? Why not file cases in court?" Topacio said in an interview.

Regarding the “wish list” Teves supposedly gave as a condition forreturning home and facing the charges against him, Topacio said its contents will be revealed, “at a proper time.”

Also on Friday, police said they seized high-powered firearms and ammunition at the property of former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves, brother of the congressman.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided Teves'

DOJ...

From A1 beginning, if it could be dived by a person, we would have done it already. But this depth is really different,” Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, Incident Commander of Oil Spill Response Mindoro, told ABSCBN News. Most technical or expert divers can dive safely down to 100 meters (328 feet) but would still need special equipment to do so, the ABS-CBN report added.

Still, Remulla said the government has also hired a consultant to calculate how much oil, if any, is still left from the 900,000 liters of industrial fuel the tanker carried before sinking.

The Department of Justice chief said this was discussed with Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. during the meeting Thursday of the Oil Spill Inter-Agency Committee.

A group of fishermen in Oriental

112...

From A1

Mayor Dennis Hain said a total of 112 students of Gulod National High School Mamatid Extension were rushed to different hospitals due to dizziness and fainting after attending the fire drill in their school.

"Some had comorbidities. I was scared because some were shaking, some had eyes rolling," he said in a TeleRadyo interview.

According to the City School Division of Cabuyao City (SDO), twostudents remain confined at the Cabuyao City Hospital, and 79 students were already discharged and are now in stable condition.

"Our primary concern right now would be the condition of the learners affected," added Poa.

Classes were also suspended on Friday to ensure all learners hadenough time to rest and recover.

DepEd is also coordinating with the local government to provide financial assistance to those who fell ill during the fire drill.

Around 3,000 students of the school were already gathered around noon and were told to proceed to an open evacuation area at around 2:30 pm.

Power...

From A1

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources urged Filipinos to observe “Earth Hour” on March 25 in support of the global efforts to protect the planet and fight climate change. The DENR also enjoined its regional and field offices, bureaus, and attached agencies

vigilant so that such murderous abuses are avoided in the future."

The Department of Education (DepEd) has deplored “these acts of terrorism perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA)" which caused distraught to learners and school personnel for experiencing "senseless violence."

DepEd Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio was in touch with the

business compound in Sta. Catalina town.

The search yielded several highpowered firearms, short firearms, and rounds of ammunition, but the inventory is still ongoing, Fajardo said.

Remulla said there was a pattern of impunity in the province.

On Friday, he said it is possible that the suspects behind the killings may “intersect at some point” or “may have a lot in common” with the suspects involved in the Degamo assassination.

At present, 10 suspects in the killing of Degamo are under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Remulla earlier said authorities were also looking into five to six “direct conspirators” in the Degamo killing.

Remulla said he and Mayor Degamo discussed the alleged murders in the province during a meeting at the Department of Justice on Wednesday.

He said their initial information revealed 17 victims.

“But there are more names coming up. But as I said we have to build up cases, we have to get the data, we have to investigate them systematically to get the necessary data,” Remulla said.

“Because many of the preliminary investigations for these cases never materialized, so we need to build them up from scratch,” he later added.

Remulla said they aim to file the cases over the Negros Oriental killings by the end of March, but he said he does not know yet if Teves will be among the respondents.

Asked to confirm rumors that Teves was now in Cambodia, Remulla said he received the same information a few days ago.

Mindoro, the Samahang Mandaragat ng Banilad, want to sue the owner of the MT Princess Empress for the damage the tanker caused to their livelihood, their president Bernie Senorin said in a TV interview.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government has dispatched its coast guard to help in the cleanup of the oil spill off Naujan town.

“This is the first time Korea has provided assistance for the prevention of marine pollution, and Korea highly values the importance of restoring areas affected by environmental disasters and accidents,” the Korean Embassy in Manila said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The Korean government would also give 20 tons of sorbet pads and snares, 1,000 meters of solid flotation curtain boom, and 2,000 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Philippines.

The PCG said the Korean government would also provide technical experts.

The heat index in the city was around 39 to 42 degrees Celsius from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. according to a disaster official.

The Cabuyao mayor ordered the temporary suspension of all school fire drills in the city, which was organized based on a DepEd memo.

Hain said that based on their investigation, the drill started at 12 noon, when the students were crammed into classrooms despite the hot weather.

The students reportedly stayed inside the classroom on orders of the teachers, with help from so-called "scouts", for over three hours, while in cramped conditions. Some had not eaten, while others were parched, the mayor said.

The students were eventually let out but they were sent to an open field, where they stayed for 30 minutes under the scorching heat, allegedly without water, the mayor continued. This reportedly resulted in dizziness and seizures among students, while others also fainted.

A total of 104 students were sent to Cabuyao General Hospital, Hain said. Others were also medically treated in Ospital ng Cabuyao.

The teachers did not coordinate the drill with Brgy. Mamatid or Cabuyao disaster management officials, according to the mayor.

nationwide to switch off the lights for this year’s event, which carries the theme “The Biggest Hour for the Earth.”

The Department of Health also encouraged Filipinos to join the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour on Saturday.

Started in Australia in 2007, the annual Earth Hour has become the world’s biggest grassroots environmental movement spanning over 7,000 cities and

Philippine Army division in the province to discuss the peace and order situation there following the March 20 clash between soldiers and communist rebels near a school in Barangay Cawayan. Mr. Marcos, meanwhile, recently directed the military, particularly the Army, to "be vigilant against elements that will undermine our hard-earned peace, our hard-earned stability" and "ensure that these areas will not fall onto the hands of those who intend to sow fear, discontent, and terror."

The Philippine Army, on the other hand, expressed regret that the students and teachers inside the school "experienced the horror" of being in

"That was the statement given to us a few days ago, maybe 10 days ago.

But we’ll see. We will know very soon where he is," he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has been asked to prosecute six more suspects in the March 4 killings of Degamo and eight other persons for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder.

In a complaint, the NBI identified the respondents as Rogelio C Antipolo Jr., also known as Jun Jun; Rommel A. Pattaguan, Winrich B. Isturis, alias Gwen; John Louie L. Gonyon, alias JL; Dahniel P. Lora, alias Buboy; and Eulogio L. Gonyon Jr., alias Master Black. Remulla earlier said that most of the six suspects are discharged soldiers, with one of them a former military trainee.

With the filing of the complaints against the six suspects, a total of 10 suspects in the killings of Degamo and eight other persons in Pamplona town in Negros Oriental have been charged. Seventeen persons were also injured during the incident.

Earlier charged with multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder before the regional trial court (RTC) were Joric Garido Labrador, Joven Calibojo Javier, Benjie Buladola Rodriguez, and Osmundo Rojas Rivero.

All of those charged are in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.

Upon the request of Remulla, the Supreme Court has ordered the transfer of all cases related to the Degamo killing to the regional trial court in Manila.

Some of the suspects earlier charged in court had linked Teves to the killing, a charge the congressman has repeatedly denied.

MT Princess Empress was carrying about 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil when it sank due to strong waves on Feb. 28. All 20 people on board were rescued.

As of Thursday, a total of 163,498 people or 34,553 families in Mimaropa and Western Visayas have been 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, it added.

At least 192 people fell ill due to the oil spill.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reached out to communities affected by the massive oil spill.

In cooperation with the local government of Oriental Mindoro, Legarda’s office and the DSWD provided P2,000 worth of aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program to 500 fishermen and distributed

PH...

From A1

The BCM (Bilateral Consultations Mechanism), established and first convened in 2017, has served as the primary platform for confidence building and promoting maritime cooperation between our two countries," Lazaro said at the opening of the session.

This developed as maritime forces from France and the Philippines conducted joint maneuvers in the South China Sea, apparently to develop interoperability between their forces.

In a statement, the French Embassy in Manila said that the French Navy frigate FS Prairial (F731) and the Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the highlycontested waters last March 20.

The embassy stressed that the exercise was "an excellent way to develop interallied interoperability as part of France’s multilateral approach in this region."

Meanwhile, Sun stressed that Manila and Beijing must commit to "good neighborliness."

The Chinese official also pushed to deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation and enhance mutual understanding and trust as "this is the

180 countries and territories.

This year’s Earth Hour activities in the country will be held at Quezon City Circle, Quezon City. The DOH, together with the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines), said the annual event takes the initiative of generating awareness to help address the climate crisis and promote measures that help reduce energy consumption through the

the proximity of the encounter between communist rebels and government soldiers.

Southern Luzon Command Public Information Office (SOLCOM-PIO) chief Army Colonel. Dennis Caña explained that soldiers of the Army's 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) were responding to information about an armed group in the area and that their purpose was to authenticate the veracity of the information and to secure the civilians from any threat.

“Unfortunately, they were fired upon, wounding two soldiers. The ensuing incidents were heard by the students and school personnel," the Army official said.

Vince Lopez

Teves had also been charged with multiple murder before the DOJ in connection with the deaths of three persons in Negros Oriental in 2019.

He is also facing criminal charges for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Teves, who traveled to the United States for “medical reasons” has not returned to the Philippines since March 9, the last day of his authorized travel.

The House of Representatives has unanimously ordered him suspended for 60 days.

It has not yet responded to the governor’s widow’s request that he be expelled.

The PNP said it is now focusing its investigation on the “main players” in Degamo’s assassination.

“We are looking at their possible accomplices, intermediaries, and possibly the alleged brain behind this case," PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in an interview on Thursday.

Fajardo also said their investigations have already moved out of Negros Oriental and their investigators are now sifting leads in adjoining provinces based on information provided by the arrested suspects.

Aside from these testimonies, she added that the police force is now in possession of "forensic evidence" that will help fully resolve the case.

She declined to give more details, however.

As this developed, Department of National Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. assured the public that the government is making every effort to apprehend the culprits behind the attack.

2,000 food packs to the affected families in the municipality of Pola.

Aside from Pola, the municipalities of Naujan, Bongabong, Pinamalayan, Roxas, Gloria, Bansud, Mansalay, Bulalacao, and Calapan are also affected by the oil spill as identified by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Oriental Mindoro.

Legarda also met with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to discuss the other assistance needed.

On March 10, Legarda called on the concerned Senate committee, with the cooperation of all government agencies, to immediately conduct an inquiry on the environmental, health, and tourism impact of the oil spil.

The PCG, meanwhile, has sought the assistance of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPCF) to boost the country’s efforts in cleaning up the oil spill off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

only right path for us to develop the bilateral relations."

"Maritime issues are an important part of China-Philippines relations that should not be ignored," Sun said.

"In the past years, through friendly dialogue and consultations, our two countries have generally managed and effectively dealt with our differences on maritime issues and we have also advanced our practical cooperation and mutual trust."

On Thursday, diplomats from both sides convened for a two-dayconsultative meeting that aimed at discussing the Philippine-China bilateral relations as well as the countries' dispute over the South China Sea.

China and the Philippines continue to fight for territorial sovereignty over the waters, with Manila consistently protesting the Chinese incursion into the internationally-recognized Philippine waters.

Lazaro stressed that the Philippines believes strengthening the countries' diplomatic relations, amid differences, "can be achieved through the exhaustion of all diplomatic means and through recently established communications mechanisms."

"We need to properly deal with these issues through friendly consultations," Sun said, reiterating China's oft-repeated positions. Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

one-hour switch-off.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, as the Vice-chair for Disaster Preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, encouraged all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and village leaders to embark on Earth Hour activities that are aligned with the new global action plan for nature for the coming decade. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

PBBM confirms Catapang vice BuCor’s Bantag

GREGORIO Catapang Jr. was formally appointed Director-General of the Bureau of Corrections by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on March 23, the Department of Justice said Friday.

“The Department would like to express its full support to the new director general in his endeavors. Together, we will pursue the planned projects and programs for the betterment of the bureau and thewelfare of our PDL (persons deprived of liberty),” said DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano in a statement.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the appointment paper on Thursday, March 23.

“By virtue hereof, you may qualify and perform the duties of the office,” the appointment paper read.

Catapang replaced suspended BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag, who has been tagged in the murder of journalist Percival Mabasa, popularly known as Percy Lapid. Vince Lopez (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Gov’t gears up to secure nation for Holy Week

By Joel E. Zurbano, Vito Barcelo, and Charles Dantes

THE government will set up a Multi-Agency Command Center (MACC) at the Metrobase office of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on April 3 to ensure a peaceful and meaningful observance of the coming Holy Week or Semana Santa. MACC will be composed of personnel from the MMDA, Department ofTransportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, and local government units.

The number-coding scheme in the National Capital Region will also be suspended from April 6 to 10, which are declared holidays, the MMDA said on Friday. April 6 and 7 are Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, respectively. April10, meanwhile, has been declared as the Day of Valor, a regular holiday. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Speaker:...

From A1 such a proposal to members of the House," Romualdez said.

“This was what I relayed to Rep. Richard Gomez when he informed me that senators are amenable to economic amendments but through a constituent assembly (Con-Ass).”

Romualdez commended the efforts of Gomez and Senator Robinhood Padilla in trying to forge an agreement between the House and the Senate on this issue.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian admitted that the ultimate reason some senators have misgivings about Charter change is the fear that the Senate may be abolished.

Gatchalian also said there were concerns over a possible change from the current form of government to a federal system, which could cost the government P300 billion.

He added that a change in the form of government would also disrupt economic activity as businesses would have to adjust to the new system.

He said while he doesn’t know if there is an attempt to abolish the Senate, this could happen. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

At least...

From A1

gasoline, diesel, and kerosene by next week," Rodela Romero, DOE director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau, said.

She said the price rollback was "primarily due to the concerns that risks in the global banking sector and the potential increase in the US interest rates could spark recession thereby cutting fuel demand."

"Another one is the build-up in US crude inventories and the slide of dollar," Romero said.

On March 21, the oil companies also cut pump prices of P1.20 per liter for gasoline, P1.85 per liter for diesel, and P2 per liter for kerosene. These resulted in a year-to-date net decrease for diesel at P2.85 per liter and kerosene at P3.65 per liter. Gasoline, on the other hand, has a net increase of P5.50 per liter.

MINDORO

OIL SPILL

UPDATE. A Greenpeace satellite photo indicating an update of the massive oil spill in Oriental Mindoro shows the day-to-day movement of the oil slick that endangers the province’s coastal ecosystem, including the biodiversityrich Verde Island between Mindoro and Batangas provinces.

SRA chief Alba resigns—Palace

By Rio N. Araja

MALACAÑANG on Friday confirmed the resignation of Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief David Thaddeus Alba.

Meanwhile, SRA board member Paolo Luis Azcona said the board passed a resolution allowing the three deputy administrators to assume the duties and functions left by Alba.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Alba informed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin about his resignation last Wednesday.

“E.S. Lucas Bersamin tried to persuade Alba not to resign, but he (Alba) reasoned out his worsening health condition,” the PCO said in a statement.

“Upon the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Alba’s resignation will take effect on April 15 to prepare the appointment of his replacement,” the statement read.

In an interview with GMA network, SRA director Pablo Luis Azcona said Alba’s resignation was announced during their regular board meeting last Monday.

“We were informed last Monday during our regular board meeting that he submitted his resignation due to health reasons,” Azcona said.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. appointed Alba in August last year in line with the reorganization of SRA.

Alba was initially appointed as acting SRA chief on August 20, 2022 vice former administrator Hermenegildo Serafica who stepped down amid his involvement in the sugar importation mess.

Serafica was one of four signatories of Sugar Order No. 4 on the alleged unauthorized importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.

Alba’s resignation came after a fresh controversy on the most recent importation of 440,000 metric tons of sugar, which was supposedly allocated to three “handpicked” importers.

Asked if the resignation is connected to the controversial importation of 400,000 metric tons of sugar, Azcona, who represents planters on the board, evaded the question, insisting that Alba was having problems with his blood pressure.

Daza flags CHED’s alleged misuse of P10b

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

NORTHERN Samar Rep. has fl agged the alleged misuse of P10-billion of scholarship fund by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

But CHED chairman Prospero De Vera denied Daza’s allegations.

Speaking to ANC on Friday, Daza said the fund which was part of the Higher Education Development Fund, could have helped hundreds of thousands of university and college students yearly.

“In our last committee hearing, it came out that essentially CHED has not utilized as of 2021 report P10 billion,” Daza said.

The HEDF, which comes from travel taxes and shares from the Philippine

IN BRIEF

NBI nabs 3 for forged commercial documents

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the arrest of three persons in Quezon City for alleged falsification of commercial documents

The suspects, identified as Gabrielle Samantha Marie Chua, John Lim Chua, and Jose Aoaquin Limjap, will be charged for violation of Article 172 in relation to Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

An intelligence information was received by the by the NBI-National Capital Region indicated that shell companies were created primarily for the purpose of issuing official receipts and sales invoices without active business operation, physical office or tangible assets.

It was also alleged that these receipts and invoices were being issued in exchange for 7 percent of the amount collected to evade payment of correct taxes to the government.

Acting on the information, the NBINCR conducted the raid on the company identified as “Smart Ideas Marketing,” resulting in the arrest of its owner. Willie Casas

Expert lauds President’s imprimatur on CDC bil

AN infectious diseases expert cites President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to certify as urgent a bill that would establish a center for disease control and prevention in the country.

Dr. Edsel Salvana, in an ANC interview, said it is important for both houses of Congress to act on this bill right away.

“And I think now, as we start to get out of the pandemic, it’s important to institutionalize the lessons that we learned about the pandemic so when the next pandemic—it’s not an if--when the next pandemic arrives, then we already have the lessons that we learned

Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Professional Regulation Commission, could have been used for students’ financial assistance, Daza said. He noted that the dropout rate among college students was between 25 percent and 30 percent.

“The law said free tuition and dapat may living allowance para nga makagraduate lahat. Delayed pa ang mga releases,” Daza said. “We need to really shake up CHED,” the lawmaker stressed.

Citing available records, Daza said about P2 billion in HEDF was used in 2016 for students’ financial assistance.

But when De Vera came in, only about P200 million was spent, Daza asserted.

“They’re using funds for all sorts of different programs,” Daza noted.

“It’s a combination of all. Underspending, misspending and a lot of issues raised by COA,” he added.

Daza said De Vera has to appear at the next hearing of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education.

Daza hinted that De Vera has a lot of explaining to do, including the Commission on Audit report, the under-utilization of the funds, need to reduce dropout rates, and subsidy for poor students.

“If he can’t answer those questions well, I

will be the first member to consider asking the President to maybe revamp the Commission on Higher Education,” Daza said,. De Vera maintained, however, that the HEDF was meant to strengthen higher education, not as a scholarship fund.

“I don’t know where the idea came from that there’s a P10 billion scholarship fund,” he said in a statement.

“Based on these two laws, the CHED law and the Tourism Act of 2009, the CHED has been using the HEDF to provide grants to higher education institutions,” De Vera explained.

De Vera asserted that the HEDF is meant to strengthen higher education and it is not a scholarship fund.

Meanwhile, the Senate on approved on third and final reading Sen. Francis Es-

cudero’s twin education measures meant to benefit hundreds of Filipino students, especially those who are facing financial challenges.

The senators unanimously voted on Senate Bill Nos. 1359 also known as the “No Permit, No Exam’ Prohibition Act,” and SB No. 1864 or the “Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act.”

Escudero, chairman of the Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, thanked his colleagues for approving his two bills.

“With the approval, the bills are now a step closer to their enactment into laws for the President’s signature,” he added as the proposed legislation are now headed to the Bicameral Conference Committee.

Gov’t agents seize P3.4m shabu parcel in Pasay

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo

GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have seized a parcel allegedly containing shabu worth more than P3.4 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.

The operation conducted by elements of the X-Ray Inspection Project, the Port of NAIA, and the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, also resulted in the arrest of the shipment’s consignee last Thursday.

The package arrived on March 20 from New Delhi, India and was declared as “Universal Engine.”

However, Customs X-ray inspectors detected suspicious images inside the shipment.

Import documents stated that the parcel came from Dewajani Pal of Dawarka Sec-7 Ramphal Chowls Palamer, New Delhi and consigned to a certain Ashley C. Alonzo of Krus na Ligas, Quezon City.

“Throughout the examination, the subject shipment was found to contain four packs of white crystalline substances (wrapped using blue carbon paper and tape), concealed

inside the cylindrical aluminum receptacle labelled as “Universal Engine”, the Port of NAIA stated in its report. It added that the “seized substances weighed more or less 514 grams with an estimated street value of P3,495,200.”

PDEA personnel conducted a field test and confirmed the shipment contained methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu. The consignee was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Drug Act, and RA 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

from the COVID pandemic in place so that it will have a much lesser impact,” he said.

Salvana said he hopes the center for disease control (CDC) in the Philippines won’t be a replica of the one in the United States.

“The United States Center for Disease Control is a very, very big organization and it includes infectious and non-communicable diseases .I think that a lot of that is already being done by the Department of Health. I think I want it really focused more on infectious diseases, especially those with pandemic potential,” he said.

Salvana said he hopes the policy-makers would listen to the Philippine center for disease control experts.

“We have to make sure that these policymakers listen to those who are on the CDC because they are the scientists, they are the public health experts,” he said.

Willie Casas

Zambales to celebrate mango festival in April

ZAMBALES is set to celebrate next month its Dinamulag Mango Festival deemed the “biggest, liveliest, and most exciting” celebration in the province.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane said the provincial government and various community organizations have been busy preparing for the occasion which is expected to be a “revenge event” after the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic in the past three years.

“We expect more visitors coming to the festival this year because we have activities that would appeal to a wide range of audience. And Zambales is more than ready for them. That’s what we have been doing for the past two months—planning and preparing for this big event,” Ebdane said.

The Dinamulag Festival, which gets its name from the succulent and popular carabao mango variety found in Zambales, will kick off with the 1st Gov. Jun Ebdane Cup Fun Shoot, with participants coming from all over the country for a three-day shooting competition, April 21-23 at Camp Conrado Yap in Iba.

This will bring in the first wave of visitors to the province, Ebdane said. Butch Gunio

GSIS renovates Tacloban City branch

THE state pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has renovated its office building in Tacloban City in line with its objective of providing total customer experience to 63,000 members and pensioners in Leyte, Biliran, and Eastern Samar provinces within the outlet’s area of responsibility.

“The renovation of the Tacloban Branch Office forms part of the continuous effort of GSIS to make our services not only more convenient and accessible to our members, but most importantly to ensure their safety,” GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said during the inauguration of the branch office on Friday, March 24. The renovation was also undertaken to protect the structure from typhoons, earthquake and other calamities, the GSIS said in a statement.

“To strengthen the structure of the four-storey building, especially during earthquakes, we used chevron bracing

QC LGU climate agency named ‘Water Warrior’

THE Quezon City government’s Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) has been named as one of the country’s leading water and environment champions during the World Water Day Philippines Award 2023.

CCESD chief Andrea Villaroman received the Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership during a ceremony organized by the Maynilad Water Services Inc., National Water Resources Board, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources to mark the observance of World Water Day last March 22,

imported from Singapore, that will provide stability to the foundation of the edifice,” Veloso pointed out.

The GSIS also improved the traffic flow within the premises, cleared the entrance and exit gates of obstructions and made the transacting areas comfortable and client-friendly, aside from giving it an aesthetic finish. For added security, GSIS has enclosed the parking space.

GSIS Tacloban is classified as a big branch serving an average of 400 clients daily, with 228 remitting agencies under its jurisdiction.

The 2,317-square meter lot occupied by the building is located in Fatima Village, Marasbaras and sits within an area that has since developed into a commercial hub with a host of retail and dining establishments.

“Our clients will definitely find it more convenient to visit the branch for their GSIS transactions,” Veloso added.

“This recognition is a testament that the city’s initiatives in water conservation have positively impacted the lives of our residents. We are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to develop more programs to ensure water sufficiency for QCitizens in the future,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Belmonte herself was also a recipient of the award in 2021.

According to Villaroman, as early as 2019, the city has already launched its responsible water use campaign which involved all stakeholders in water conservation measures.

Belmonte said she has strengthened the department’s cause by issuing a memorandum to all city departments, and barangays to use water responsibly and promote responsible water management.

Various efforts to deliberately attain water sufficiency are also in the pipeline as they are included in the Quezon City Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan, - the city’s strategic framework and roadmap in climate action. Rio N. Araja

BINONDO FIRE. Fire ghters train their hoses on a burning building along Muelle De Binondo in Manila. Norman Cruz

UNVEILING. State pension fund Government Service Insurance System president and general manager Wick Veloso (left), with Tacloban City administrator Anacleto Rei Lacanilao, unveils a marker of the newly renovated GSIS Tacloban Branch. GSIS photo

Fil-Chinese firms asked to create jobs

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin G.

Romualdez on Friday urged Filipino-Chinese businessmen to help the government and Congress in creating more jobs so Filipinos would not have to go abroad for employment opportunities.

He told the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry 33rd biennial convention at the Manila Hotel that the House of Representatives has been passing measures to improve the business and investment climate in the country.

NEW

presents credentials to H.E.

from the

Marcos sees stronger ties with Chile and Qatar

By Vito Barcelo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expects stronger partnerships with Chile and Qatar in various areas of cooperation as he welcomed the two countries’ new ambassadors to the Philippines.

The Philippines and Chile could work together on disaster response, climate change, energy security as well as enhanced government-to-government collaboration and public-private partnerships, Mr. Marcos told Chilean Ambassador Alvaro Domingo Jara Bucarey.

The Chief Executive also welcomed Qatar Ambassador Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Hamidi, expressing hope that

the Philippines and the Gulf country could work closely. He said the two countries could work together on disaster response, climate change, energy security as well as enhanced government-to-government collaboration and public private partnerships (PPPs).

The Philippines, considered one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, is looking at new technologies and best practices around the world to transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables, the President said.

Mr. Marcos cited the use of geothermal energy, noting that although the Philippines is one of the top producers of geothermal power, the country has to explore other

PBBM, Congress leaders get high approval ratings

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong”

Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senators, and current Cabinet officials received “high” ratings for approval and trust in a nationwide survey conducted by RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

The national “Boses ng Bayan” survey released on March 23 revealed that 88 percent of Filipinos are happy with the job performance of President Marcos, while 86 percent are satisfied with Vice President Duterte. President Marcos and Vice President Duterte received 90 percent and 92 percent trust ratings, respectively.

The independent and noncommissioned survey also covered the trust and performance ratings of other top government officials, namely Senate

IN BRIEF

JV urges Senate probe on BI departure protocols

SENATOR Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito urged the Senate to investigate reports of unprofessionalism and inefficiency in the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) departure protocols and procedures for passengers bound abroad.

Earlier, he filed Senate Resolution No. 560 in response to recent incidents of Filipino travelers missing their flights due to “tedious and unreasonable” departure protocols and procedures.

“The power of the Bureau has been a subject of abuse over the years where there have been previous incidents of its officers subjecting travelers to a tedious and unreasonable departure procedure, causing travelers to miss their flights or their departure deferred by the officer altogether,” he said.

“There is an urgent need to review the processes and departure protocols being implemented by the Bureau for internationalbound passengers to avert similar incidents and to ultimately protect every Filipino citizen’s guaranteed constitutional right to travel,” he added.

Estrada cited a Filipino passenger who recently missed her Israel-bound flight after dealing with lengthy, irrelevant, and unreasonable inquiries from an immigration officer. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Daza to PRC: review your policies on license exams

NORTHERN Samar Rep. Paul Ruiz Daza urged his fellow lawmakers and concerned government departments, specifically the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC), to review its policies on licensure examinations and procedures.

Daza revealed data from the PRC stating that the average passing rate in 36 professions from 2017 to 2022 is only 40.81 percent.

Daza in a privilege speech said he particularly lamented how Certified Public Accountants (CPA), fishery technologists, and agriculturists only have ‘staggeringly low’ 24.36 percent, 33.18 percent and 36.92

President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, with 60 percent approval and 65 percent trust ratings; House Speaker Martin Romualdez, with 60 percent approval and 63 percent trust ratings.

The approval ratings of President Marcos and Vice President Duterte have substantially increased by +5 percentage points since the December 2022 survey. The approval ratings of Zubiri and Romualdez also increased significantly by +4 and +7 percentage points, respectively.

Dr. Paul Martinez, Executive Director of the RPMD, stated that Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ranked first among Cabinet officials with an outstanding approval rating of 85 percent and a trust rating of 90 percent. The approval and trust ratings for Abalos has increased by +7 percentage points since December 2022.

percent passing rates, respectively.

Accordingly, he clarified that students themselves are not to be blamed. “These board exams are anti-student, anti-poor, and arbitrary.

The students should not be solely blamed for this,” he exclaimed.

Kasalanan po yan ng CHED, PRC, or maybe our society in general. And we need to find solutions.”

Daza explained that there is a need to consider implementing alternative “licensing routes” wherein a professional may acquire a license without taking the exams.

“While it does not stop those who want, and have the privilege, to take such exams, it also provides accessibility to professionals who are hampered from taking exams due to personal, practical, or economic reasons,” Daza said.

The congressman also urged that his fellow legislators and the regulators to recognize the need for such alternatives due to the current living situation of the average Filipino.

Daza asked. “Many of these graduates are from poor and disadvantaged groups and it is truly disheartening that they could not pursue their much-sought profession because they could not pass the board exams.”

One of the alternative licensure paths suggested is through an apprenticeship program.

“Aspiring professionals in a field may instead be allowed to practice their profession under a licensed professional for a significant period, and then be qualified to be licensed pending performance requirements and related training certificates,” Daza stressed. Maricel V. Cruz

Poe bats for Freedom of Information law for PH

Sen, Grace Poe said the government’s overarching goal should be to institutionalize Freedom of Information (FOI), through the creation of an FOI law.

Poe was reacting to a memorandum issued by Malacanang which seeks to add more exceptions to what could be accessed under former President Duterte’s previous executive order on FOI.

“We will continue to push for an FOI law — one that gives more access to information than restrictions,” she said.

She noted that transparency is crucial to accountability. “Without transparency, our people cannot access the information needed to participate in effective governance.”

She also said every Filipino has a right to information of public concern. “This is a sacred element in empowerment and democracy,” Poe said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

areas as old geothermal sources start to run out.

President Marcos meanwhile appointed Henry Bensurto Jr. as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkiye, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced on Friday.

The PCO said Bensurto’s appointment has concurrent jurisdiction over Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The President also named key officials for the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development; Department of Labor and Employment; and National Security Council.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW.

Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidates strut the runway in line with Women's Month and Earth Hour celebrations at a sustainable fashion show at Farmers Plaza in Quezon City. The candidates showcased the creations of 12 local artisans who specialize in unique sustainable designs.

Danny Pata

“We hope we can count on the support of the federation in our efforts to open up the Philippine economy and create more jobs here so that there would be fewer and fewer of our countrymen who will grow up without their father or mother,” he said. Aware of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses, he said the first bill filed in the House aimed “to provide assistance to distressed businesses.”

The Speaker was referring to House Bill (HB) 1, or GUIDE (Government Financial Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery), which has been passed on third and final reading and sent to the Senate. He is the principal author of GUIDE.

Last Tuesday, the House also approved on third and final reading Bill 7363, or the “Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso Act,” which seeks to provide sustainable and collateral-free financing to micro and small enterprises.

“We are also pushing for the creation of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF). In the House version transmitted

to the Senate, businesses can invest in the MIF along with government in viable instruments, with guaranteed dividends, and part of the profits plowed back to strategic government projects,” the Speaker said.

The House is also working for the digitalization of government processes, to make it easier for people and businesses to transact with government, he said.

“We are currently pushing for the amendment of key economic provisions of the Constitution, which we view as restrictive, to make it easier for more businesses to set up shop in the country,” he said.

“These are just some of the initiatives we are undertaking at the House of Representatives.

Make no mistake about it: we are committed to bringing about a brighter future for Filipinos, and provide real, pragmatic solutions to many of the development problems that we face,” the House leader stressed.

He cited the importance of unity in attaining government’s goals and aspirations for the country.

“Indeed, through unity, we can achieve development and prosperity that much faster. This is the same principle that we applied at the House of Representatives to facilitate the passage of landmark measures to hasten economic recovery. Be assured that your representatives know and understand the important role businesses play in sustaining national development,” he said.

He thanked the federation for its barrio schools program.

“The school buildings that you have helped build go a long way toward ensuring that the country can look forward to an educated citizenry. On behalf of the beneficiaries, please accept our gratitude for your commitment and support to Philippine basic education,” he said.

Lawmakers

approve measure on National Literacy Council

By Marice V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez has expressed optimism that the proposed National Literacy Council will fulfill its purpose of equipping every Filipino with fundamental literacy competency.

Romualdez was referring to House Bill (HB) 7414 which was approved on third and final reading last Wednesday by an overwhelming 282 votes.

The bill renames the Literacy Coordinating Council, created under Republic Act N7165, to National Literacy Council, strengthens its powers and functions, and expands its membership and support mechanisms.

“Many of us, especially the poor in rural and remote communities, lack the means to acquire formal education. We have to reach out to these sectors of our population so that at least, they will learn how to read and write,” he said.

“They should be provided with basic communication skills, even in their own native languages, through informal learning programs. No one should be left behind in

improving their lives,” said.

Under the measure, with the short title of “National Literacy Council Act,” the council shall serve as the lead inter-agency coordinating and advisory body to concerned national agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector in the formulation of policies and measures for the universalization of literacy. The body shall be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd).

It shall be composed of the education secretary as chairperson, the secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Economic and Development Authority director general, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general, Commission on Higher Education chairperson, Philippine Information Agency chief, Philippine Normal University president, head of the Philippine Statistics Authority, and Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) director as members. Representatives from relevant nongovernment groups and associations of private educational institutions shall also sit on the council.

HAZARD MAPPING

ACT. Quezon City

1st District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo”

Atayde thanked his colleagues in the House Committee on Climate Change for the approval of  House Bill No. 7278 or the National Hazard Mapping Act. Atayde said that the measure would prevent the loss of lives and property as a result of natural calamities.

SC’s Gesmundo hails women of the judiciary

By Rey E. Requejo

AS PART of the celebration of “Women’s Month” this March, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo extolled women justices and judges who exhibited “efficiency and resilience under uncertain circumstances and challenging conditions” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Judiciary would do well to support and recognize your accomplishments for both women and men to emulate,” Gesmundo said during the convention of the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) last March 21 in Pasay City.

“The SC is committed to give all the support it can to our magistrates, women and men, so they may develop coping mechanisms, improve personal development skills, and realize their full potential, as the Court moves toward greater speed, efficiency, and innovation in its operations and processes,” Gesmundo assured.

As of Feb. 28, 2023, there are 1,105 lady judges compared to 938 male magistrates in the country’s trial courts – from the regional trial court (RTC) to the municipal trial court (MTC).

The 15-member SC is still male-dominated – 13 male justices and 2 lady jurists. SC Justice Amy C. Lazaro Javier is the president while Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh is the executive vice president of PWJA, respectively.

The 66-member Court of Appeals as of March 23, 2023 is headed by Presiding Justice Remedios Salazar A. Fernando with 28 other lady magistrates.

The anti-gaft court – Sandiganbayan –Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje Tang. There are seven other lady magistrates in the anti-graft court.

The nine-member Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) is dominated by lady jurists. The only male magistrate is Presiding Justice Roman G. Del Rosario.

The SC’s public information office (PIO) said that in his message, Gesmundo also stressed the importance in looking after the mental health of judges and court personnel.

“Cognizant of the important role that mental health plays in our lives, whether at home, school, or workplace, the Supreme Court, as part of its reform agenda, the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 or SPJI, will institutionalize a health insurance system for officials and employees,” he said.

AMBASSADOR. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Megawati Dato Paduka Haji Manan, ambassador of Brunei Darussalam. The President also handed credentials to new ambassadors

Republic of Chile, the State of Qatar, and Malaysia. Rey Baniquet

Misplaced optimism of BBM’s finance secretary

PEOPLE truly wonder what the president’s finance secretary is up to when it predicted a robust 6.5 percent economic growth for 2023.

Secretary Ben Diokno made his optimistic assessment of the nation’s economy barring unforeseen forces that could hamper growth.

Otherwise, he said, the country could easily jump a 7.5 percent growth rate taking into account the bustling manufacturing sector, the low record of unemployment, the stable and resilient banking system which are indicative of the country’s ability to buffer external headwinds, all indicating a resilient economy.

The desire of the President to make use of the country’s sovereign wealth fund, as usual, opened the door to new opportunities, all hoping to bring capital and wealth by squeezing additional interest rate to an already tight market economy, this time risking the nations’ hard-earned savings called Maharlika or sovereign wealth fund.

In both instances, despite the fanfare of BBM’s last visit to Beijing dubbed as “both historic and a reaffirmation of the friendship between the two countries,” many political observers rather see things quite differently.

Some interpret his visit to Davos as sort of a cover to delude the Asian public from being identified as pro-US.

Some say Marcos junior wants to be identified with EU to dispel the suspicion that US has made a beachhead after BBM won against Duterte.

BBM’s appearance was most important and relevant, and, like his father, he made sure his presence would have an impact on the audience.

Marcos wanted to make sure his speech will not end up as run in the mill but will stand out to be remembered by history.

At the Davos meeting of the World Economic Forum, Marcos calculated he would stand out as the most productive guest.

Many analyze his presence as one Asian leader identified as much closer to the European Union.

if not substitute the US, as the leading antiChinese villain in the region.

On its existing relations with China, its patience is somewhat being tested.

There seems to be an inexhaustible patience by China on how we treat that country.

For instance, the delay in our ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Program or RCEP.

Of course, China is watching every move we take.

It will always be a win-win situation for them.

As our agricultural export continues to suffer, we always find excuses to blame others for us like our inability to lower our export products.

We always blame why we have an inefficient irrigation system and woefully do not have a modern fertilizer plant to sustain our agricultural production to a competitive level.

Another is the cancellation of joint oil exploration agreement between China and the Philippines.

The country could not proceed to implement the project considering the area is within the disputed waters.

In the meantime, other countries have proceeded to carry out their joint exploration with China while the Philippine project remains in the drawing board, to our detriment.

The same can be said of the modernization of the Philippine railway.

It seems that Japan wanted to have a slice of the 36-kilometer subway construction project.

Many are wondering what the 36 kms will be traveling only for about 22 minutes.

The project is expected to cost ₱355.6 billion (equivalent to US$7.06 billion in 2017 dollars).

Much of it is covered by loan provided by Japan. This explains why up to now, the company that will operate the subway has not given an estimated cost per kilometer to be charged to the commuters.

Remember, it is predicted that commuters will be going to and returning from work at least five days a week.

***

The World Economic Forum was the most tempting venue for BBM to express his plans in the coming five years in office.

BBM chose the occasion for the moneyed class to announce his awaited economic blueprint, hoping it would help alleviate the country from a state of lethargic development.

Exclusive lanes for riders

THE Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has conducted a dry-run for the implementation of a dedicated lane for motorcycle riders along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

The aim is to familiarize the riders with the exclusive lane at the third lane from the sidewalk of that long stretch.

The measure could help reduce the number of fatal road crashes involving motorcycles and improve the traffic flow on what used to be known as the ‘killer road” in Metro Manila. In the dry-run thaw as supposed to have ended on March 20, violators were stopped for reminders but no ticket violations were issued. After the dry run, riders who violate will be fined P500. Under MMDA Resolution 22-15, the right outermost lane of Commonwealth Avenue shall be designated as an exclusive bicycle lane. The second lane and third lane of the same avenue will be designated as exclusive Public Utility Vehicles (for jeeps, UV Express, buses) and motorcycle lanes, respectively. The remaining lanes of Commonwealth

Stakeholders in the transport sector should not stop finding ways to protect all road users – and not just put the blame on the small numbers of ‘kamote’

Avenue shall be utilized by all other motor vehicles.

Riders groups appreciated the measure as a good start for riders to have exclusive

lanes. Some photos however have shown some four-wheel vehicles making incursions into the riders’ exclusive lane.

The MMDA should also include penalties for four-wheel drivers that intrude on the riders’ lanes.

In Japan and China, and probably in other parts of the world, two and threewheel vehicles of all kinds (electric or gas) are allotted to share some portion of the pedestrian lanes.

In a country where there are fewer and fewer roads to be shared, the Philippines allotted a small piece for bicycle riders on inner roads.

This was especially done at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when public commute was not permitted.

As the situation slowly goes back to normal, the special bike lane remains but bike users are slowly decreasing in numbers.

It should be a smart decision to allow that lane for motorcycle and bike riders to share.

An exclusive lane where four-wheel should not be allowed, except in designated stop signs for public utility vehicles.

Stakeholders in the transport sector should not stop finding ways to protect all road users—and not just put the blame on the small numbers of “kamote” riders.

The raising of Lazarus

THE gospel reading of John 11:1-45 tells the story of Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.

The passage begins by introducing Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, and his sisters Martha and Mary. Lazarus falls ill and his sisters send a message to Jesus to come and heal him. Upon receiving the message, Jesus does not immediately go to see Lazarus.

Instead, he tells his disciples that Lazarus’ illness will not end in death, but that it is for God’s glory.

After waiting two days, Jesus and his disciples finally arrive at Bethany, where Lazarus had died and was already buried for four days.

Clearly this is one of the most powerful examples of the Savior’s love -- the raising of Lazarus from the grave after four days.

The event took place just before the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Jesus and his disciples were traveling to Jerusalem for the last time when a messenger was sent to them with word that Lazarus was sick.

Jesus, however, tarried for several days, instead of rushing to heal Lazarus.

When Jesus and the disciples arrived, Lazarus had been dead and in the tomb for four days.

EAGLE EYES

The shortest verse in scripture simply states “Jesus wept.”

Volumes could be written about these simple, yet powerful two words.

Jesus knew that he could raise Lazarus, he also knew that in only moments the two sisters, Mary and Martha would again be embracing their brother.

Second, to make his presence dramatic, his administration offered incentive to compensate their presence in that super-select annual elitist gathering.

For all his flamboyance that the Philippines would pursue a neutral course in the conduct of its foreign policy, many remain uneasy since the US already made a pronouncement of its intention to secure five more military bases in addition to the six miliary bases granted to it under EDCA.

According to the statement by Lt. Gen. James Bierman, Commanding General of the Third Marine Expeditionary Force, he said the five miliary bases is in addition to the existing six bases under EDCA.

This is an attempt to pre-empt Constitutional provision much that the pronouncement already precludes us from rejecting such agreement although it is the Constitution that will have a final say whether to allow an expansion of those US military bases in the country.

A closer identification of the Philippines with EU could lessen an attempt by the country and the US to artificially preclude Europe as spearheading the crusade to isolate China and to preposition themselves to any future invasion of Taiwan.

That way, the Philippines will not appear,

By Thor Cuatro

STRANGE things have occurred in the Philippine National Police, supposedly our first line of defense against criminals.

The police have the sworn duty to “serve and protect” the civilians and the general public, but not a few of them have veered away from their noble calling.

In other words, they “swerve and serve” whoever dangles the gold before their very eyes. Gold could be in the form of drugs, cold cash or any other precious commodity.

Take for instance, the “ninja cops” whose stealthy, lightning-quick moves earned them the unsavory moniker with a lot of chutzpah.

With the tacit approval of their equally unscrupulous superiors, the “ninja cops” usually stage drug buy-busts.

This is how they make their modus of operation legitimate. Then, they seize the drug hoard and keep a small sample as evidence, while pocketing the lion’s share for them to recycle and peddle through their own network of drug pushers.

This has become a vicious cycle. The drug lords meanwhile are lapping it up in luxury. Now, we know why drug abuse is a neverending, pernicious social problem.

The “ninja cops” have also spawned a new breed of “rats.”

With such high-profile capitalization for gargantuan projects with some saying could surpass the cost undertaken by his farther, surely is now in the eyes of leading investors.

Many would flock and hear what he was going to say.

It’s not his novel idea they wanted to hear but the opportunity to be invited and participate in the new venture. Finance Secretary Ben Diokno already gave his eye-opener on what’s to come.

Every prospective investor always looks forward to an increased dividend in their investment, and every investor would always seek to increase their participation which is necessary to finance gargantuan projects.

One, it is an easy route to obtain this huge amount using the contribution of members from either the SSS, GSIS, or Pag-Ibig Mutual Development Funds.

All these, like the Makarlika Wealth Fund, is by nature a form of trust fund.

This means that these funds are contributed by the workers from the private sector, from the government employees, and other contribution to such private insurance like the PagIbig Home Development Mutual Fund and private insurance entity where members contribute some kind of monthly amortization as savings. Full text at www.manilastandard.net

Upon arrival, Martha and Mary express their disappointment that Jesus had not come sooner. Jesus is deeply moved by their grief and the grief of the people around them, and he weeps. He then proceeds to the tomb and commands that the stone be rolled away. He prays to God and then calls out to Lazarus, commanding him to come out of the tomb. To the amazement of everyone present, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, alive and well.

The story of Lazarus demonstrates Jesus’ power over death and his divine nature as the Son of God.

It also highlights his compassion and love for his friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, and his desire to bring glory to God through his miraculous works. Life is sweet. But Death stinks.

Jesus is the eternal Son of God, and he is fully a human person. We see him weeping, hungry, rejoicing, and even angry. He experiences the full range of human emotions.

In Sunday’s Gospel, Martha meets Jesus just after the death of Lazarus, her brother. Jesus becomes “perturbed.” In the original Greek, it says, “he snorted” or groaned. Lazarus is a close friend of Jesus. Jesus is sad and upset. And then Jesus weeps. Jesus tells them to, “Take away the stone.” Martha reminds him, “Lord, he has been dead for four days.”

But, Jesus is not afraid of our human condition. He plunges into our lives, into our weakness, even our death. He promises to raise each of us, from death to new life.

Often the first question that is asked is why Jesus waited to come heal Lazarus.

Why would he prolong his coming when he knew that the hearts of Mary and Martha would both be broken?

First, by raising Lazarus from the dead after four days, Jesus demonstrated his true power over even the worst enemy, death. Up to this point Jesus had raised several from the dead, however, in each case, they had only been dead for a few hours.

Dissenters could easily claim that those who had been raised, had only been sleeping. Yet in the case of Lazarus, there was no question as to the magnitude of Jesus’ power.

Second, it taught of Jesus’ pure love for others, despite his omniscience.

Jesus empathized with the pain of those around him, even though he knew what the future held.

Another significant reason why Jesus performed the miracle of resurrecting Lazarus was to prepare his followers for his own tragic death.

Jesus wept, in part, because he foresaw the sorrow that his disciples would experience when he was crucified.

While Jesus knew that he would be resurrected, his followers would need time to process and understand the significance of his death.

By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus gave his disciples hope for the impossible and instilled in them an unshakable belief in the power of the Lord.

Even though Jesus could have healed Lazarus immediately, he chose to perform the miracle to demonstrate the limitless power of God and to show his followers the depth of his love for them.

Throughout our lives, even when the Lord knows how things will ultimately turn out, he continues to provide us with comfort and hope, instilling in us faith and reminding us that nothing is impossible with Him.

Those of us afflicted with a serious illness, as I am with stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized, are like Lazarus, our families like Martha and Mary.

We seek comfort, embrace hope. And we will not be disappointed.

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

We are not talking of mice but of men.

These are people whose business is ratting on suspected drug users or pushers.

These “rats”have been glorified as police “assets” or witnesses when, in truth and in fact, they and the “ninja cops” belong to the same gutter-low category in the animal kingdom.

For their efforts, the “ninja assets” gain reward and, if the ninja cops feel generous, get to have a share or percentage of the loot after the buy-bust is wrapped up and concluded.

Stranger still, the controversial case between a bemedalled police officer and the number two man in the PNP hierarchy is one for the books.

The controversy can be traced to a police raid in a house owned by Negros Oriental Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., a suspect in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

On the strength of a search warrant, the police raiders seized assorted high-powered firearms and ammunitions from Teves’ home, enough to maintain a well-equipped army of goons.

The police raid was spearheaded by Col. Hansel Marantan, chief of the CIDG-NCR, for which he received the PNP Medal of Valor from no less than Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

This is one more “pogi point”or a feather in Marantan’s cap. Days after the Negros raid, Marantan’s men set off on another mission, this time targeting a gambling den in Paranaque City. Thirteen Chinese nationals found in the gambling den were arrested and detained but eventually freed. Someone however blew the whistle leading to allegations the raiding team stole money and personal belongings from the Chinese nationals. Out of delicadeza and in the interest of transparency, Marantan tendered his resignation ”to give way to an impartial investigation.”

The 13 Chinese, for their part, issued a formal affidavit giving the arresting policemen a clean bill and cleared the CIDG-NCR of any irregular conduct during the gambling raid.

The Chinese wrote in their affidavit: “Aside from pieces of evidence they have recovered during their operation, the CIDG-NCR never took money or any personal belongings from the undersigned.” They also refused to pursue anymore charges against the CIDG-NCR.

So where’s the connection between the Teves house raid the Paranaque foray? Enter Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, PNP deputy chief for administration who was once implicated by then Senator Panfilo Lacson in a multi-million-budget misuse sometime in 2019.

Sermonia eventually got off the hook.

It was Sermonia who prodded the 13 Chinese to file a complaint against the Paranaque raiders despite the fact that the Chinese nationals had already cleared the arresting cops. The Chinese refused to be cowed and declined the DCA’s suggestion.

Acording to Marantan, it was also Sermonia who called a media conference to malign the CIDG-NCR chief. “By calling for a press conference, making baseless accusations, Gen Sermonia maligned my person, character my honor and that of the whole CIDG.” Marantan went on: “The accusations, as disproved by the sworn statements of arrested Chinese nationals, show that these were clearly prompted by personal ill-will, spite and/

or malice with the object of destroying my reputation and the CIDG and ridiculing our image before the bar of public opinion.”

Marantan said he was willing to be punished if the charges were to stick, but bringing the premature allegations to the media pending a formal investigation was totally uncalled for, particularly coming from a father of the organization.

In fairness to Sermonia, his avowed goal to purge the scalawags in uniform is meritorious and laudable. There is an “internal cleansing” campaign of the PNP and Sermonia has hit the nail right on the head but his approach should not be selective. Moreover, he should see to it that he does not overstep the bounds of his functions and powers lest he would be accused of being overeager.

Already, Marantan has questioned Sermonia’s actions: Isn’t “internal cleansing the function of Internal Affairs? And why did he single me out?”

“Who is protecting who?”, Marantan asked. It’s quite obvious by now that the Negros raid and the Paranaque episode are intertwined after all. So, what gives? As they say in Alice in Wonderland, things are getting “curioser and curioser.”

(The author is a freelance journalist whose varied interests range from crime stories, environment, trade to food and farming.)

riders

Those of us afflicted with a serious illness, as I am with stage 4 prostate cancer that has metastasized, are like Lazarus, our families like Martha and Mary

EvEryman

BBM’s appearance was most important and relevant, and, like his father, he made sure his presence would have an impact on the audience

KYIV—Ukraine

President Volodymyr

Zelensky on Thursday told European leaders that “delays” sending fighter jets and long-range missiles could extend the war, after he paid a visit to the frontline southern region of Kherson.

On the train home from the war-ravaged areas, Zelensky gave an emotional account of what he had seen as he addressed a summit of his EU counterparts

France-Germany row overshadows leaders’ summit

BRUSSELS—Tensions between France and Germany driven by differences over nuclear energy and combustion engines cast a shadow over a meeting of the 27 European Union leaders Thursday.

Existing strains deepened between the European Union’s two biggest players after Berlin upset some of its partners by blocking -- at the last minute -- a landmark deal to prohibit new sales of fossil fuel cars from 2035.

The ban is key to Brussels’ ambitious plan to become a “climate neutral” economy by 2050, with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

In an unprecedented move this month, Germany intervened after the car ban had already been approved under the EU legislative process.

It demanded that Brussels provide assurances the law would allow the sales of new cars with combustion engines that run on synthetic fuels.

While the last-minute block frustrated many EU capitals, Paris had in turn already irked Berlin by insisting on giving nuclear energy a starring role in European plans to produce more green technology in Europe.

Paris and Berlin have traditionally worked together to push forward the EU agenda.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, has been holding talks with Germany’s transport ministry to resolve the dispute over cars.

After the summit ended late Thursday, commission chief Ursula von der Leyen sounded an optimistic note about the negotiations that were “progressing”, but added the issue was not raised during the leaders’ talks.

“There is the will on both sides to resolve this topic, and to resolve it within the scope of the provisional agreement,” von der Leyen told a press conference.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters before the summit that talks were “on the right track”.

“It is now really only a matter of finding the right way to implement this promise,” Scholz said.

- Pressure on Germany -

Some leaders criticised Germany’s 11th-hour move to slam the brakes on a proposal that had already cleared all the hurdles in the traditional EU legislative process.

“The entire architecture of decisionmaking would fall apart if we all did that,” Latvian Prime Minister Arturs Krisjanis Karins said.

“We cannot go back on deals because this is ultimately about trust between co-legislators and the credibility of the legislative process,” said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. AFP

gathered in Brussels via video link, an EU official said.

But, while he welcomed a recent EU plan aimed at sending Kyiv one million artillery shells, he kept up his demand for modern warplanes and missiles he believes will be more effective at pushing back Russian forces.

His demands came after Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, said he planned to take advantage of the fact that Russian troops were “exhausted” near Bakhmut, the scene of the longest and bloodiest battle since the Russian invasion last year.

Bakhmut—an eastern town which once had an estimated population of around 70,000 people—has virtually emptied of civilians over months of

fierce fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

“The aggressor has not given up hope of taking Bakhmut at all costs despite losses in manpower and equipment,” said Syrsky.

“Sparing nothing, they are losing significant strength and becoming exhausted.

“Very soon we will take advantage of this opportunity, like we did near Kyiv, Kharkiv, Balakliya and Kupiansk,” he added, referring to successful Ukrainian counteroffensives last year.

Kyiv considers Bakhmut key to holding back Russian forces along the entire eastern front.

Both sides have invested heavily in the fight, even though analysts say the city has little strategic value.

The head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group said this week that his forces were in control of around 70 percent of the city. A Russian aide in the wider Donetsk region has said the city was “practically surrounded”. ‘Returning’ to Kherson

On Thursday, Zelensky said he was on a “working trip to Kherson region” -- the southern region still partly controlled by the Russians, who are dug in on the eastern bank of the Dnipro river and routinely shell Kherson city, killing civilians.

Ukrainian forces recaptured Kherson city, the administrative centre of the southern region, last November following a strategic withdrawal of Russian forces.

Zelensky said his visit included one village where “houses and civilian infra-

structural facilities were damaged” as a result of Russia’s invasion. He said local authorities were restoring essential services such as electricity and water in the village and rebuilding a medical centre.

“People are returning,” he said in the post on social media Thursday. “I talked to the locals about their problems and needs,” he added.

Kherson, a gateway to the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, was captured easily and early by Russian forces in the early days of their February 2022 invasion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed to have annexed Kherson and three other regions in Ukraine last September, despite not having full military control over any of them. AFP

Zelensky pleads with EU for jets, missiles IN

US firm: 5 Chinese staff in Beijing jailed

BEIJING -- Five Chinese employees at the Beijing office of US due diligence firm Mintz Group have been detained by authorities, the company said Friday.

“Chinese authorities have detained the five staff in Mintz Group’s Beijing office, all of them Chinese nationals, and have closed our operations there,” a company statement emailed to AFP said.

The firm has “retained legal counsel to engage with the authorities and support our people and their families”, it continued.

Mintz has not “received any official legal notice regarding a case against the company and has requested that the authorities release its employees”, the company said.

“Mintz Group is licensed to conduct legitimate business in China, where we have always operated transparently, ethically and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations,” it added, saying it would work with authorities to “resolve any misunderstanding that may have led to these events”. AFP

EMERGENCY AID. A wounded Ukrainian serviceman is being carried away from the front line near Bakhmut, on March 23 amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

King Charles III in first state visit to protest-hit

LONDON—Charles III arrives in France on Sunday for his first state visit as king, but the planned celebrations of historic cross-Channel relations face potential disruption from protests over unpopular pension reforms.

Officials on both sides are keeping a close eye on the waves of strikes and disruption across France that could cause last-minute changes to the carefully crafted three-day programme.

One concern is that protesters will use the occasion to publicise their fight against President Emmanuel Macron’s bid to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Striking trade unionists have even threatened to withhold red carpets for the visit but the body responsible insist-

STANDING FIRM. A French gendarme stands next to smoke during a demonstration as part of a national ‘day of strikes and protests,’ a week after the French government pushed a pensions reform through parliament without a vote, using Article 49.3 of the Constitution, in Nantes, western France, on March 23. AFP

ed they would be rolled out as planned.

Charles, 74, and Queen Consort Camilla, 75, are due to tour Paris and Bordeaux before heading to Germany.

Buckingham Palace has said the visits “will celebrate Britain’s relationship with France and Germany, marking our shared histories, culture and values”.

“It will also provide an opportunity to look forwards and demonstrate the many ways the UK is working in partnership with France and Germany”, including tackling climate change and in Ukraine.

Entente

The king’s visit to France follows that of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and a “difficult period” in bilateral relations, said London’s former ambassador to Paris, Peter Ricketts.

France

“The king can play his part in that, quite rightly, without any political overtones,” he told AFP.

“I feel very optimistic that we have turned a page in the UK-French relationship.

“It got very bad in the years after Brexit, not helped by the fact that there was no trust in Paris, in Boris Johnson, who people didn’t believe would keep his word.”

Johnson’s short-lived successor, Liz Truss, then failed to mend fences since the UK’s European Union departure, saying the “jury’s out” on whether Macron was a “friend or foe” of the UK.

But Ricketts added: “The arrival of... Rishi Sunak, who is much more compatible with President Macron, has really changed the picture.” AFP

Spanish gov’t hit over police tactics

BARCELONA—The Spanish government is under fire over allegations police officers infiltrated far-left and green groups and had sex with activists to win their trust and gain information.

The scandal broke when Catalan media La Directa reported in January that a police officer going by the name of Daniel Hernandez had sexual relations with various members of a Barcelona squat and far-left movements since 2020.

The intimate relations in one case lasted nearly a year, according to the alternative publication based in the Catalan capital.

Six women have filed a complaint against the officer, accusing him of sexual abuse. They argue their sexual consent was obtained on the basis of lies.

One of the women’s lawyers, Mireia Salazar, told AFP the goal of the complaint was “to know how far these practices go, which in our opinion, have no legal justification.”

The scandal deepened after the Madrid branch of climate activist group Extinction Rebellion said last week it had been infiltrated by a female police officer who “had sexual relations with at least one of its members”. AFP

North Korea tested new underwater nuke attack ‘drone’

SEOUL—North Korea claimed Friday it had tested an underwater nuclear attack drone able to unleash a “radioactive tsunami”, as it blamed recent US-South Korea exercises for a deteriorating regional security situation.

Biden arrives in Canada to discuss trade, migration, border challenges

OTTAWA—US President Joe Biden arrived Thursday in Canada where he will meet Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and address parliament, with reports that a deal has been struck on managing undocumented migration across the neighbors’ long border.

Trade, Canada’s anemic defense spending, and a potential international force to stabilize troubled Haiti are expected to be on the agenda in the events set largely for Friday.

relationship had been resolved through a deal to clamp down on undocumented migration by asylum seekers passing through the United States into Canada.

meeting, taking into consideration the requirements of the law and its implementing rules. Please be guided accordingly.

According to The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, Canada will be able to stop illegal migrants at the Roxham Road crossing point on the frontier between New York state and Quebec.

Pyongyang carried out drills in response this week, the official Korean Central News Agency said, including testing of the new underwater nuclear delivery system.

“This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation,” the report said.

The weapon’s mission is to “stealthily infiltrate into operational waters and make a super-scale radioactive tsunami ... to destroy naval striker groups and major operational ports of the enemy,” it added.

As Biden flew north, there were reports that another hot button issue in the otherwise smooth

The flow of migrants there has been a source of irritation in domestic Canadian politics, much as it is in Washington concerning illegal entries across the US-Mexico border. AFP

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the tests, KCNA reported, and images released by Pyongyang’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed a smiling Kim and what appeared to be an underwater explosion.

The agency also said Pyongyang had fired strategic cruise missiles “tipped with a test warhead simulating a nuclear warhead” on Wednesday. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Market climbs; Alternergy closes flat

By Jenniffer B. Austria

TOP GAINERS

STOCKS rose Friday, concluding a broadly healthy week on hopes that central banks around the world could be nearing the end of their interest rate hiking cycle.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark, rose 65 points, or 1.01 percent, to close at 6,602.17, as five of the six subsectors advanced.

The broader all-share index also went up by 23 points, or 0.69 percent, to settle

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

at 3,516.72, on a value turnover of P4.68 billion. Gainers led losers, 102 to 82, while 43 issues were unchanged. Seven of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by International Container Terminal Services Inc. which climbed 6.07 percent to P213.20 and Ayala Corp. which rose 5.05 percent to P666.00. Universal Rbina Corp. added 4.11 percent to finish at P146.80. Alternergy Holdings Corp., which held the first initial public offering this year, ended flat on its first trading day. Alternergy hit a high of P1.30 per share from its IPO price of P1.28, before turning flat at mid-day until the close of the market.

Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua

said in a news briefing he is confident about the prospects of the company given its pipeline of projects and the positive impact of renewable energy.

“Our listing at the PSE is part of the continuing growth story of Alternergy. We are listing at the PSE against a backdrop of ongoing global uncertainties. But we believe these challenges are blurred by the lasting impact of building clean and sustainable energy projects for the next generation,” he said.

Alternergy raised P1.47 billion in proceeds from the sale of 1.15 billion primary shares and 115 million in overallotment shares. Post-IPO, Alternergy had a public float of 32.16 percent and market capitalization of P5 billion.

Consulting firm Accenture to cut 19,000 jobs in 18 months

NEW YORK, United States—Tech consultancy Accenture announced Thursday it will be cutting around 19,000 jobs, or 2.5 percent of its workforce, spread over the next 18 months, as part of a cost-cutting effort. In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Dublin-headquartered company said it expects to incur $1.5 billion in costs as a result of the downsizing, including $1.2 billion directly related to the layoffs.

About half of the jobs lost are in administrative or support functions, not in

areas that lead to billing of customers, the company said.

“While we continue to hire, especially to support our strategic growth priorities... we initiated actions to streamline our operations,” the company said in a release.

Accenture’s most recent annual report said it had 721,000 employees in 2022. The tech consulting and optimization company hired about 100,000 people in its 2022 fiscal year, which ended in August last year.

“We’re going after structural costs, right, to ensure that we’re in a better po-

sition,” chief executive Julie Sweet said on an earnings call Thursday.

“We’ve been dealing with the difficult challenges of compounding wage inflation and we’ve been doing that with pricing but we’ve also been doing that with cost efficiencies and digitizing,” Sweet said.

According to Sweet, the move is part of a context in which “everyone does want to be optimizing costs,” especially in the technology sector, a major consumer of Accenture’s services, given the uncertainty associated with the economic situation.AFP

UBS, Credit Suisse marriage may not lead to Swiss bliss

By Robin Millard GENEVA, Switzerland—The

mar-

riage of UBS and Credit Suisse was hastily arranged to prevent a global financial meltdown—but the size of the resulting megabank could cause domestic problems in Switzerland, the central bank admitted Thursday. The Swiss National Bank, which played matchmaker in Sunday’s takeover of Credit Suisse, said the formation of one giant bank in Switzerland would create competition issues that would need addressing carefully.

UBS was already the biggest bank in the country—and will now become even larger after swallowing up the second-most important bank in the wealthy Alpine nation, where a vibrant banking scene is central to Swiss culture.

With Credit Suisse shares in freefall last week, the Swiss government, the SNB central bank and the FINMA financial regulators strongarmed UBS into buying its stricken rival before the markets reopened on Monday.

SNB chairman Thomas Jordan said this avoided triggering a wider banking crisis around the world— though he accepted that domestic banking choice in Switzerland had taken a hit.

Future competition

“UBS will be a very big bank and competition issues will be relevant,” Jordan told reporters at the SNB headquarters in Zurich.

“We have to make sure that in the future in Switzerland there will be enough competition for providing banking services. I think this is in the interests of everybody— including UBS.”

He said FINMA and the Swiss

finance ministry would have to look at dealing with the situation.

“But at this moment, I think the focus has to be ensuring that we can maintain financial stability under all circumstances.”

Behind UBS and Credit Suisse in Switzerland, only Raiffeisen and PostFinance—the financial services unit of Swiss Post—rank as domestic systemically important banks, along with the cantonal banks of the Zurich and Vaud, which have limited reach beyond those regions. Jordan insisted that Switzerland’s emblematic banking industry was in good health.

“The Swiss banking system is very resilient and robust,” he said. UBS and Credit Suisse were both among the 30 banks around the world deemed ‘too big to fail’ and therefore considered Global Systemically

Important Banks. Such banks are ranked according to their importance to the global financial system and must comply with more stringent requirements, including the level of capital they must set aside to weather a crisis.

The strictest rules apply to the US bank JPMorgan Chase, but UBS is likely to jump up in the rankings.

The Swiss authorities will have to learn to manage a bigger bank presenting greater systemic risks. Jeopardy risk

The implosion of Credit Suisse came after the collapse of two tech-lending US banks triggered fears of international contagion. Analysts considered whether Credit Suisse could have sold to a foreign bank, broken up or wound down in an orderly bankruptcy.

Alternergy said it planned to spend 35 percent of the IPO proceeds to start the construction of new projects in the next few months, including the Solana Solar Power Project in Hermosa, Bataan and the Lamut Run-of-River Hydro Project in Lamut, Ifugao.

The company will also embark on more aggressive pre-development activities for the pipeline of projects using IPO proceeds. These projects include the Ibulao Run-of-River Hydro Project, Tanay and Alabat Wind Projects and offshore wind projects.

A third of the IPO proceeds will be used to pay off liabilities in acquiring a controlling stake in the Kirahon Solar Power Project, it said. With AFP

Japan’s inflation eased in February from 4-decade high

TOKYO—Japan’s consumer prices rose 3.1 percent in February from a year earlier, slowing from the four-decade highs seen in previous months, government data showed Friday. The figure, which excludes volatile fresh food, met market expectations and comes after the government introduced relief measures for soaring energy bills.

It is the first deceleration in over a year, marking a fall from January, when prices jumped 4.2 percent onyear—the highest level since September 1981, fueled in part by higher energy bills.

UBS economist Masamichi Adachi had said ahead of the data release that he expected lower inflation in February “due to a discount on energy price with the government’s subsidies”, which were announced in October and came into effect this year.

The drop is also due in part to the comparison with data from February 2022, when prices began to rise in Japan following decades of sluggish inflation or deflation.

The 3.1 percent rise is above the Bank of Japan’s longstanding twopercent target, which has been surpassed every month since April last year.

But it remains lower than the skyhigh inflation seen in the United States and elsewhere, with central banks worldwide hiking interest rates to tackle rising prices. AFP

Toshiba to support $15-b takeover bid by investment fund

A photograph shows a logo of Swiss banking giant UBS in Zurich, on March 23, 2023.

The marriage of UBS and Credit Suisse was hastily arranged to prevent a global financial meltdown -- but the resulting megabank could cause domestic problems in Switzerland, the central bank admitted on March 23, 2023. AFP

“We were in an extremely fragile environment where we had this banking crisis in the United States and enormous nervousness in financial markets in general,” Jordan said.

He said any outcome other than the UBS takeover would not have stabilized the situation. Instead it would have created “enormous uncertainty and would then also put the Swiss financial system, including the Swiss economy, in jeopardy but not only Switzerland. It could also be then the trigger of a bigger, larger global financial crisis.”

Swissmem, the national association representing the engineering industry, voiced concern about the risks of having only one major Swiss bank with the skillset for exports, and about the repercussions on costs without an alternative to UBS. AFP

TOKYO, Japan—Troubled Japanese conglomerate Toshiba said Thursday it will “support” a $15-billion takeover bid by a consortium led by investment fund Japan Industrial Partners.

The long-awaited move follows years of turmoil for the company, which once symbolized Japan’s tech prowess but has more recently faced scandals, financial trouble and high-level resignations.

The engineering giant remained cautious in a statement issued after a board meeting, however, saying it would ask a special committee to review the deal, before recommending how its shareholders proceed.

“At this point, the board... expresses our support for the tender offer if it is commenced,” it said.

“However, the board has also passed a resolution to not go as far as to recommend it at this point.”

Toshiba, which produces everything from rice cookers to medical equipment and nuclear plants, said it would likely take four months before the takeover bid gets underway.

The JIP-led consortium includes 17 Japanese businesses and six Japanese financial institutions which are investing in or issuing loans for the deal.

When approved under global competition laws, the acquisition -- worth nearly two trillion yen ($15 billion) -- is expected to take the engineering giant private.

Nearly two years ago, a bombshell buyout offer from private equity fund CVC Capital Partners put a question mark over the future for Toshiba.

The ensuing saga has been closely watched in business circles for clues on what could become of other huge, diversified conglomerates in Japan and elsewhere.

After the CVC offer was dropped, plans were floated to split the company up and spin off its device segment -- meeting stiff opposition from some investors.

Several shareholders argued that a spin-off would only add to Toshiba’s woes by creating more managerial posts at smaller units, rather than improving the firm’s governance.

But that plan was rejected last year at an extraordinary shareholder meeting, dealing a blow to management as deadlock reigned over the next steps for the company. AFP

TIKTOK IN CONGRESS. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew leaves after testifying before the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on ‘TikTok: How Congress Can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms,’ on Capitol Hill, March 23, 2023, in Washington, DC. AFP

BUSINESS

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas may raise the overnight borrowing rate to 6.5 percent or even higher this year if core inflation does not show signs of cooling down, according to Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp.

“We argued previously that the crux for monetary policy moving forward will be core CPI [consumer price index]. And we think core CPI can still be punchy in March and April given that its momentum hasn’t shown any signs of letting up,” HSBC said in a comment

Grab PH expands services in Iloilo

GRAB Philippines said Friday it expanded its services in Iloilo as part of its commitment to the government to provide 500,000 new livelihood opportunities within the transport sector across the country.

“The launch of GrabCar in Iloilo is a very exciting time as this marks the beginning of our journey towards delivering hundreds of thousands of meaningful livelihoods to our kababayans,” Grab Philippines country head Grace Vera Cruz said.

“We aim to delight our Ilonggo locals and tourists, and deliver the very best service to our consumers as well as our driver and merchant partners. We also hope to be a catalyst of digitalization for many of our Ilonggo institutions and become part of everyday life,” she said.

Grab is present in Iloilo with GrabTaxi, GrabFood and GrabExpress. Since launching its deliveries business last 2020, GrabFood became Iloilo’s most beloved food delivery platform.

Grab is a major source of livelihood in the Philippines, and through the launch of its GrabCar service, Grab is looking to make a positive contribution to the local economy— both as a provider of transport services, and as a livelihood partner.

G. Amojelar

Darwin

BOI encourages Taiwan firms to invest in PH

THE Board of Investments encouraged Taiwanese companies to expand their business portfolio by investing in the Philippines.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the Philippines has much to offer to Taiwanese companies.

“The Philippine economy has shown strong growth momentum, evident in our improved economic performance in 2022. Moreover, we are home to a highly skilled and innovation-ready workforce who can successfully and efficiently drive company’s operations. The Philippine government also continues to improve its business climate through game-changing laws, such as CREATE Act, to make it easier to do business in the country,” he said.

Rodolfo said strong investment sentiments are coming from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. As the world shifts to green solutions and finding more sustainable sources of energy, these economies see the Philippines as the best location to host their renewable energy projects, he said.

“We are near the equator which is ideal for solar projects; our many islands are the perfect destination for offshore wind and tidal energy projects. We also have an abundance of green minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper, which are key to going into cleaner energy applications such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and battery technologies,” he said. Othel V. Campos

Basic launches electric vehicle charging station

BASIC Energy Corp. said Friday it launched an electric vehicle charging station at the EcoOil Station along EDSA Southbound.

BEC said wholly-owned subsidiary Basic Energy Renewables Corp. teamed up with Ecology Energy Corp., owner of the EcoOil fuel stations for the “Basic Recharge Station.”

The EV charging station will service EV motorists who now own or are considering to acquire EVs “to benefit from the growing shift to a transport landscape that is both environmentally impactful and economical.”

BEC, in partnership with several oil companies that operate a network of service stations across the archipelago, committed to expanding the reach of “Basic Recharge Station.”

The EV station offers rapid and fast EV chargers, a 60-kW charger with CCS2 connectors and a 20-kW GBT charger to answer the varying standards of EV charging systems for most makes and models being introduced to the Philippines. Alena Mae S. Flores

after the BSP raised the key policy rate by 25 bps [basis points] to 6.25 percent on Thursday.

London-based Oxford Economics also said that while inflation edged down to 8.6 percent in February from 8.7 percent in January, it remained

above the 4-percent upper ceiling of the target, which led the BSP to raise rates.

“We expect the BSP to raise the policy rate again by 25 bps at its May meeting, before holding the rate at that level throughout the year. We look for inflation to trend down barring another supply shock, which will make the BSP comfortable staying put. However, risk of further/bigger hikes cannot be ruled out if the peso depreciates a lot given ongoing external pressures,” Oxford Economics said.

The think tank said while inflation was expected to come down as food and energy prices eased due to resolving supply-side pressures, the pace of decline would be gradual. “We think

average inflation for the year will settle at 5.8 percent, unchanged from last year. But what is important is that the sequential momentum will moderate, which will ease pressures on the BSP to continue hiking,” it said.

HSBC agreed that the BSP would keep hiking interest rate as core inflation continued to be elevated. “Thus, we expect the BSP to increase its policy rate by 25 bps in May to 6.50 percent which we think will be the last rate hike before pausing,” the bank said.

“However, if core CPI rises further than expected, there is a risk that the BSP will push interest rates higher than 6.50 percent,” it said. Economists said core inflation better

represents the underlying trend of inflation. In the Philippines, it accelerated to 7.8 percent year-on-year in February from 7.4 percent in January, which was the highest level since 1999.

Core inflation is the change in prices of goods and services, excluding those from the food and energy sectors.

Medalla said in an interview with CNBC Asia monetary authorities started to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they were not alone in fighting the elevated inflation that blew past the target range of 2 to 4 percent last year.

Medalla said inflation in the country was largely due to—aside from oil— “very protectionist agricultural policies.”

PSE INDEX CLOSING

More interest rate hikes likely this year IN BRIEF

Friday, March 24, 2023 65.81 PTS. 6,602.17

director Andrew Romualdez, Rep. Jay-jay Suarez and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Al Tengco.

chairman Wilson Chua welcomed guests and wellwishers to the opening ceremony, highlighting Armstrong’s commitment to professional service anchored on fairness, justice and integrity.

GT Capital’s income climbed 67% to P18.4b in 2022

By Jenniffer B. Austria

GT Capital Holdings Inc. said Friday consolidated net income grew 67 percent in 2022 to P18.4 billion from P11 billion in 2021 on the back of positive performance from banking and property subsidiaries.

Core net income also went up by 45 percent year-on-year to P15.9 billion.

GT Capital president Carmelo Maria Luza Bautista said the group managed to accelerate its recovery momentum in 2022 on strong economic growth, normalized mobility and resurgent consumption spending.

“Despite certain headwinds, namely higher inflation, elevated interest rates and foreign exchange volatility, the GT Capital group of companies delivered

strong results across all sectors,” Bautista said.

“We remain optimistic with the outlook for the coming year and are confident in our strong market position in the key sectors we represent,” he said.

Banking unit Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company posted net income of P32.8 billion in 2022, up 48 percent from a year ago on better corporate and consumer lending businesses, healthy fee income, subdued operating expense growth and lower provisions amid stable asset quality.

Toyota Motor Philippines Inc. registered a P5.7-billion net income last year, slightly lower than P6 billion in 2021 following the deprecation of the peso against the US dollar.

Automotive sales improved 34 per-

cent year-on-year to 174,106 units, with the launching of new and refreshed products and strong supply of both locally-produced and completely-builtup units from Thailand, Indonesia and Japan.

“The outlook for 2023 remains positive with the expected stabilization of exchange rates, the regularization of supply chains and the robust economic growth forecasted by the government,” GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings Inc. chairman Vince Socco said.

GT Capital’s wholly-owned property subsidiary Federal Land Inc. recorded a 363-percent increase in consolidated net income to P4.5 billion from P1 billion in 2021, driven by stronger reservation sales and a gain on its investment in Federal Land NRE Global Inc.

SM Prime expects to raise up to P35b from bond offering

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said Friday it is raising up to P35 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds. SMPH said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would offer up to P25 billion in fixed-rate bonds with an over-allotment option for another P10 billion. The bonds will have maturities of 2.5 years, 4 years and 6 years.

The bonds will be the fifth tranche from the company’s P100-billion three-year bond shelf registration program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2020.

Philippine Ratings Services Corp. has assigned a rating of PRS Aaa to SMPH’s proposed bond offering.

PRS Aaa is the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings and denotes that such obligations are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. It also indicates that the issuing company capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligations is extremely strong.

SMPH earlier reported plans to spend P80 billion in capital expenditures in 2023 primarily to roll out more residential and shopping malls.

SMPH plans to open three new malls and expand five existing ones this year, which will add 200,000 square meters of gross floor area.

SMPH had 9 million sq. m. of GFA across 82 shopping malls as of end2022.

SMPH also operates seven malls in China with total GFA of 1.4 million sq. m.

AGROSOLAR INITIATIVE. Employees of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. lead the ceremonial harvest of pechay or local napa cabbage as part of the company’s pioneering agrosolar initiative at the Citicore Solar Tarlac 2 in Barangay Dalayap, Tarlac. The pechay crops, which were planted and grown alongside the solar panels, will be harvested in two cycles. CREC president and chief executive Oliver Tan says Citicore’s AgroSolar remains an essential complement to the company’s operations as it integrates solar power generation and farming.

First Gen’s reported 5% increase in recurring income to P265m in 2022

By Alena Mae S. Flores

FIRST Gen Corp., the Lopez Group‘s clean and renewable energy provider, said Friday its recurring net income went up 5 percent in 2022 to $265 million (P14.3 billion) from $252 million (P12.4 billion) in 2021.

First Gen said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its renewable platforms—geothermal and hydro—delivered higher earnings as a result of better operating income and lower interest expense.

Revenues also increased 23 percent in 2022 to $2.667 billion (P144.1 billion) from $2.167 billion (P106.3 billion) in the previous year.

The company derived higher revenues from increased volume of electricity sales and elevated fuel and Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices.

“First Gen managed to produce better earnings for 2022, despite lower earnings in the first nine months. We saw EDC [Energy Development Corp.] make a strong recovery from the better performance of its geothermal plants, while the hydro platform delivered stable income,” First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno said.

“The natural gas platform was able to contain its fuel supply curtailment issues from Malampaya, and was able to sell more power in 2022. This led to a

minimal decline in net income in the gas portfolio,” Puno said.

The natural gas portfolio accounted for 66 percent of First Gen’s total consolidated revenues, while 31 percent came from EDC’s geothermal, wind and solar plants. The remaining 3 percent came from the company’s hydro plants.

First Gen said its natural gas platform reported a 4-percent decrease in recurring earnings in 2022 to $190 million (P10.3 billion) from $198 million (P9.7 billion) in 2021.

The 97-MW Avion power plant’s Unit 1 experienced unscheduled outages due to turbine damage in December 2021 and was brought back to operations by February 2022.

SMPH has 328 hectares of property in its land bank that could be developed over the next five to seven years.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Alsons Consolidated earns P1.88b on strong power sales in Mindanao

ALSONS Consolidated Resources Inc. of the Alcantara Group said Friday net income went up by 42 percent in 2022 to P1.88 billion from P1.32 billion in 2021 on increasing power demand in Mindanao.

Alsons said net earnings attributable to the parent company also climbed 52 percent to P617 million from P405 million as revenues rose 19 percent to P11.99 billion from P10.05 billion.

“As expected, power demand in Mindanao continued to grow in 2022, as dayto-day activities in the island continued to normalize in the aftermath of the pandemic,” said Alsons deputy chief finan-

cial officer Philip Edward Sagun.

The 210-megawatt Sarangani Energy Corp. baseload power plant continued to be the key revenue and income driver for the company. SEC provides power to key areas in Mindanao including Sarangani province, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Dipolog City, Dapitan City, Pagadian City, Samal Island, Tagum, Kidapawan and Butuan City.

The company’s 100-MW Western Mindanao Power Corp. diesel plant in Zamboanga City is another key revenue contributor. Alena Mae S. Flores

SPORTS

Malixi sizzles in the heat, reigns in Iloilo with solid 66

ILOILO—Rianne Malixi put up a flawless closeout and pounced on Daniella Uy’s flawed finish as the country’s top amateur nailed another pro victory in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge presented by MORE Power with a solid 66 to beat Chihiro Ikeda by four here yesterday.

It took Malixi just nine holes to overcome Uy’s overnight six-stroke lead at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club as the former rattled off three birdies inside 6 feet for a 33 and the latter crumbled with an uncharacteristic 41 marred by a disastrous triple-bogey on the first hole.

That set the tone for the rout as Malixi, 16, stayed focused and kept her poise in the last nine holes, birdying the 16th for good measure to complete a four-under card and a 209 total after 70 and 73 in the first two rounds of the P875,000 championship.

The victory thus snapped Malixi’s run of fruitless campaigns here and abroad that saw her miss a podium finish in the recent Queen Sirikit Cup at Manila Southwoods after yielding the bronze to Korean Hyunjo Yoo in the countback, and ending up tied at 13th in the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific Championship in Singapore.

She also struggled in the first of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour’s two-leg Visayan swing where she wound up a distant joint third at Marapara and appeared headed for another unsuccessful

Richardson, pals survive world-class challengers

By Peter Atencio

ILAGAN, Isabela—Southeast Asian Games veteran Kayla Richardson, newcomers Lauren Hoffman and Umajesty Williams and local bet Sara Dequinan took on world-class challengers, who tested their resolve in the ongoing the ICSTI Philippine Athletics Championships at the Ilagan Sports Complex here on Friday.

Richardson held her ground against Malaysian Olympic veteran Zaidatul Husniah Zulkifli and snared the gold medal in 24.1 seconds in the women’s 200-meter finals.

Williams bagged his second medal, this time a silver after he pulled a hamstring halfway in the men’s 200-meter run in his joust with Tokyo Olympic veteran, Iraq’s Taha Hussein Yaseen, who claimed the gold in 21.20 seconds. Williams trailed in 21.4 seconds, while another Iraqi, Mohammed AlTameemi, was third (21.67) in the men’s 200-meter finals.

On the other hand, Hoffman moved closer to a second podium finish after dealing with another strong rival from Vietnam on Day 3.

This time, the 23-year-old Hoffman quickly took the lead and left behind Vietnamese national champion Nguyen Thi Ngoc in the women’s 400-meter hurdles heats and clocked 59.40 seconds for her effort.

Dequinan, who is recovering from a back injury, claimed the long-jump victory for her second gold after earlier topping the women’s heptathlon with 3046 points and outpacing Malaysian national champion Winnie Eng May Xin (2625).

The 24-year old Richardson said her training kicked in as she kept Zulkifli at bay from start to finish.

Richardson was close to her personal best she established last month at 24.01 seconds, which was a second off the national record that Kristina Knott set in 2019.

stint this week after trailing Uy by six with 18 holes left to play in the P875,000 championship.

But after watching Uy fumble with a triple-bogey mishap on the first hole, she knew she had a chance.

“I wasn’t really thinking about what the others were doing but heading to the last round, I knew I had a chance,” said Malixi. “I just had to play my shot the best way I know how and I think that was the key.”

Ikeda likewise waged her own battle from 12 strokes down in an earlier flight, producing a tournament-best 64, also in bogey-free fashion, but the reigning LPGT Order of Merit champion could only finish second at 213.

But Ikeda’s final round rally netted her the top P105,000 prize as Malixi, who swept all her three events in last year’s LPGT, took home the championship trophy.

“This win is huge because my mom is here, so then my coach-caddie (Rick Gibson), who was with me the past two weeks,” said Malixi “But the key was being consistent and trying to be patient all the way through.”

Sarah Ababa also fought back with a 69 to snare third place at 217 and pocketed P74,375 for the second straight week, while Pamela Mariano also closed out with a one-under card to tie Uy at 218. They split the combined P114,625 prize.

Clarkson reaffirms commitment to PH, looks forward to World Cup

By Randy Caluag

EVEN THOUGH Gilas Pilipinas mentor Chot

Reyes has not assured a slot for Jordan Clarkson, the National Basketball Association star from the Utah Jazz has reaffirmed his commitment to the FIBA World Cup the country is hosting in August.

In an article published on FIBA’s official website, Clarkson is looking forward to sold-out games, ready to feel his countrymen’s love once again.

“Just being able to represent it, go out there and compete ... just to see the love. In the Philippines, basketball is like the number one thing,” Clarkson was quoted as saying.

“Just being able to have all those teams, countries come,” he said. “I’ll be in the host city. Hosts in the World Cup.

It’s going to be an amazing experience, people seeing the country, being able to experience that.”

While most Filipino basketball fans welcome Clarkson’s return with open arms, his World Cup stint in Gilas uniforms still hangs in the air as Reyes said no one is assured of a slot yet, including for the NBA star player’s slot.

Ginebra’s resident import Justin Brownlee recently became a naturalized import and saw action for

Gilas in the final window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifier, where he left quite an impression.

Clarkson also played in two Asian Qualifiers, where he averaged 25 points 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists. His stature as a legitimate global basketball star makes him the biggest attraction in the Gilas squad.

As it is, Clarkson wouldn’t hold back his excitement to play again for the country where his mother came from.

“Seeing the love people have for basketball there,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if every game is sold out. It’s going to be really loud there and everybody is going to feel that love and support when you walk around the city while playing games,” Clarkson said.

Zaragosa blows field with record 63, pulls away by 8

ILOILO—Rupert Zaragosa shook off a couple of frontside putting woes with a blistering backside charge, posting a new course-record seven-under 63 to all but leave behind a stunned field with a whopping eight-stroke lead and wrap up a first championship in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge presented by MORE Power here yesterday.

While Zaragosa remained one round away from ending a four-year search for a pro win, second-running and recent The Country Club Invitational winner Guido van der Valk had hinted at the improbability of overhauling such a huge deficit in the last 18 holes of the P2.25 million championship at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club.

“I don’t know if I have to shoot 8- or 9-under tomorrow to have a chance,” said the hottest player on the Philippine Golf Tour, who also notched two victories last year. “Even then, the way Rupert is playing,

it might not be enough. So I’ll just try to hit every shot as solid as I can and hope to hole some putts and see what happens.”

Zaragosa made things happen when things seemed to fall apart in moving day. Up by two over rookie Elee Bisera halfway through, he dropped shots after every birdie feat at the front for a 35, enabling at least seven rivals to stay in the hunt in hot conditions.

“Sa umpisa, medyo shaky putting, nagthree-putts ako sa Nos. 3 at 5,” said Zaragosa, who birdied all the even-numbered holes but bogeyed three of the five odd-numbered ones. “Pero naging okay na sa backnine.”

His backside run actually proved to be more than good as he birdied the first three holes then hit three more in the last five holes to spike a six-under 28 windup for a seven-under card and a 54-hole total of 14-under 196.

“Hindi naman madali ang course,

suwerte lang at napupunta ang bola ko sa magagandang posisyon, lalo na sa green. Mas dumadali ang allowance kaya pumapasok ang mga putts,” he said in downplaying his brilliant backside finish.

But he does look forward to a completing a wire-to-wire triumphant campaign in the last of the two-leg Visayan swing of the circuit put up by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, inc.

“Naisip ko lang na four years na akong pro, grabe ang sacrifices at hard work na ginugol ko, sana makuha ko na tomorrow,” said the former national champion, who lost in a five-man playoff in PGT Asia Pradera Verde leg won by Clyde Mondilla in 2020.

Van der Valk actually tied Zaragosa at the turn with a solid four-under 32, but while the latter sizzled in the last nine holes, the Manila-based Dutchman floundered, falling behind again with double bogeys on Nos. 11 and 13.

Youngsters take spotlight as IRONKIDS unfolds

DAVAO—The future of local triathlon takes center stage ahead of the cream of endurance racing crop as they clash for top honors in four individual categories set over new distances in the IRONKIDS Philippines today (March 25, Saturday) at the Azuela Cove here.

Titles to be disputed in a competitive but fun racing are the 6-8 years old (100m swim and 1km run), 9-10 (150m swim and 1.5km run), 11-12 (200m and 1.5km run) and the 13-15 (250m and 2km run).

Also up for grabs in the event ushering in the much-awaited Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 Davao on Sunday are the mixed team relay trophies in the 6-10 (100m swim and 1km run) and 11-15 (200m swim and 1.5km run) categories.

The novel swim-run event drew a huge cast of participants after the organizing The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events,

Inc. introduced new distances and added an extra year in the premier side to enable the 15-year-old campaigners to still join the event as part of their preparations for bigger competitions ahead.

The IRONKIDS has provided the steady flow of triathlon talents while contributing to the growth of the sport. It has also helped develop values like discipline, sportsmanship and respect for others and at the same time preventing gadget addiction among them and encouraging the children to live an active lifestyle.

Peter del Rosario and Celinda Raagas led the roster of winners when the event marked its return at Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite last October after the pandemic.

After the 5:50 a.m. briefing, the 13-15 bidders fight it out in the swim leg to be followed by relay 11-15 at 6:05 a.m., 1112 swim and relay 11-15 at 6:15 a.m., 9-10

swim at 6:30 a.m., relay 6-10 at 6:35 a.m., 6-8 swim and relay 6-10 at 6:45 a.m. Meanwhile, the 18 pros, including 11 in the men’s side, are all primed for a grueling battle in the 1.9km-swim, 90km-bike and 21k-run race powered by Petron, marking the return of the pro category in the IRONMAN series after the pandemic. It is also the lone pro race scheduled this year with the winners in the men’s and women’s sides to pocket $30,000 each.

Keen competition is also expected in various age-group divisions, including 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64 and 65-69 in both categories of the event sponsored by Alveo, Petron, Lungsod ng Dabaw, Azuela Cove, Aboitiz, Aboitiz Power, Apo Agua, Davao Light, Lightwater, Prudential Guarantee, One Sport, Cignal and Philstar.

Rianne Malixi is doused with water by Harmie Constantino after winning the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge. Manny Marcelo

Jordan Clarkson

O cials of the organizing The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. and the sponsoring Alveo Land Corp., along with supporters whoop it up during Friday’s medal presentation for the Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 Davao set Sunday at the Azuela Cove.

Diminutive Rupert Zaragosa stands tall over a stellar eld with an imposing 8-stroke lead. Manny Marcelo

SIGNS OF LIFE IN 2022

Demand for MM condos picks up

Metro Manila condo demand picked up in 2022 with interest peaking during the third quarter of last year. This was the highest quarter on record since 2019. While still not at pre-pandemic levels, the return to work kickstarted the sector’s recovery and saw more people in the market for condominiums near their office.

According to data collected through the Dot Property Group network of websites, the number of inquiries made for Metro Manila condo units rose by 54.7 percent year-on-year during the fourth quarter of 2022.

Taguig, Makati lead the way Taguig and Makati continue to lead the way when it comes to Metro Manila condo demand. The two areas,

WIDENING ACCESS TO EDUCATION. Gabay Guro through Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, Inc. (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of leading Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), recently committed to support 50 deserving high school students under the Department of Education (DepEd) Rizal’s Direct Financial Assistance Program. Gabay Guro is an education advocacy for teachers and students, in support of DepEd.

The Alay sa Batang Rizal scholarship program was founded in honor of Benito Pangilinan, former DepEd Director of Public Schools and grandfather of MPIC Chairman, President, & CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. It is funded by the Gabay Guro program and the Pangilinan family, and will focus on mentoring for college-entry level readiness of the students. The qualified Grade 12 learners, referred to as the “grantees”, are students from Laiban Integrated School, Sto. Niño Integrated School, Rizal Sports Academy, Talim Point National High School, Janosa National High School, and Daraetan National High School.

which are home to several key business districts, accounted for 46.5 percent of all National Capital Region (NCR) condominium inquiries last year. Quezon City, City of Manila and Pasig round out the top five locations for condos in the NCR.

The majority of Metro Manila condo demand continues to be for studio and one-bedroom units but a shift over 2022 saw interest in two-bedroom condominiums rise steadily. A need for larger spaces was among the most noticeable trends to emerge during the pandemic and doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

Beware interest rate hikes

Looking ahead to 2023, pent up

Beat inflation with a Ridgewood investment

THE Philippine real estate industry is now on the road to full recovery, with many developers resuming their construction activities and some even launching new projects.

Last year, local housing market prices increased by an average of 6.4%. When it comes to beating inflation via property investment, perhaps nothing beats getting a unit at Ridgewood Premier Hotel located along CP Garcia Avenue, Taguig City.

With Ridgewood utilizing your unit as part of its condotel services, you will receive a guaranteed 6% return per annum. This alone can make up for your investment value loss due to inflation.

If the hotel occupancy rate stays healthy throughout the year, unit owners will enjoy an additional return of up to

demand will likely see interest continue to rise, although there a few things to monitor. Firstly, Metro Manila condo prices began to surge upwards which could make things too expensive for some.

According to research from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, prices for condo units in Metro Manila rose by 12 percent in the third quarter of 2022 when compared to the second quarter and 26.7 percent year-on-year.

Additionally, some experts have warned that interest rate hikes from the BSP may hinder the property market’s recovery in 2023 with the Metro Manila condo sector among the most likely residential segments to be affected.

6%. Taken together, that’s up to 12% return per annum — way above the inflation rate.

The hotel’s grand opening is scheduled for later this year. Learn more about how Ridgewood Premier Hotel can trump high inflation in 2023. Call 8882-7995 or (0917) 8084905.

MINI expands anew—this time in Cebu!

MINI Philippines continues to strengthen its presence in the country— this time in Central Visayas with the opening of MINI Cebu, the sole MINI dealership in the region. Operated by AutoStudio Philippines Corporation (AutoStudio), the facility offers a full suite of services such as new car displays, three after sales service bays, and retailing of vehicle and lifestyle accessories.

Gracing the launch event were Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Asia; Willy Tee Ten, president of MINI Philippines and of the Autohub Group; Alfonso Luzuriaga Jr., president of AutoStudio, and esteemed board members of AutoStudio - Gabriel Alonzo, Edmundo Samson, and Wilson Tan.

Measuring 419.57 sqm, the new showroom displays the MINI Cooper S 3-Door, a compact urban icon fit for the streets, and the MINI John Cooper Works 3-Door, which embodies the very essence

Explore off-grid destinations with innovative sport features of Honda CRF150L

Toyota ends March with friendly summer deals

SUMMER is upon us, meaning it’s the perfect time to start planning for your next getaway with the fam! As another month ends, Toyota Motor Philippines is offering payment options and perks that are sure to bring in the fun to your next family road trip.

More fun with Toyota’s flexible options

Make new memories with the fam with a brand-new Innova. Get the 2.8 J Dsl M/T variant for only P178,650 down payment under the Pay Low option. This option allows customers to purchase a new vehicle for as low as 15% down payment with free insurance for the first year, free LTO registration for three years, and no chattel mortgage at 60 months to pay via all-in cash out.

Other models available under the Pay Low option are the Wigo 1.0 G AT at PHP101,100 down payment, the Rush 1.5 GR-S A/T at P176,400, the Fortuner 4x2 G A/T at P274,200 and more! With Toyota, there’s sure to be a model that fits your fam.

With the Avanza, everyone can join in the fun! You can get the 1.3 J M/T variant for a monthly payment of PHP9,147 under the Pay Light option. Through this option, customers can enjoy low monthly plans with 50% down payment at 60 months to pay.

For the families who find fun in adventure, the Hilux 4x2 J M/T is available for P10,662 per month under the Pay Light option, while those running a business may find the Hiace Commuter Deluxe M/T or

Enjoy discounts on tires with new Caltex-Goodyear partnership

CHEVRON Philippines Inc. (CPI) has opened the new year with a new partner. Chevron recently signed a partnership with Goodyear Philippines Inc. to add a new benefit to the Caltex StarCard -- a discount on Goodyear consumer tires.

The Caltex StarCard is a fully adaptable card payment service. It allows holders to have complete control and convenience when it comes to fleet management.

Customers can avail discounts and promos on Caltex lubricant products using their Starcard at all Caltex stations across the country.

As Goodyear partners with Chevron, StarCard users can now use their fleet card as a showcard to enjoy a minimum of 5 percent discount when they purchase any of Goodyear’s consumer tires that are included in the program. The partnership will also give StarCard holders access to exclusive and additional offers by Goodyear.

“We know that fuel and tires are costly for a vehicle owner, and we want to provide our customers with more access to their fleet needs by easing up on costs. Through this partnership, we further

Lite Ace 1.5 Pickup M/T the fun choice for their venture. These vehicles are available under the Pay Light option for P18,930 and PHP6,865 monthly, respectively.

Those who pay in cash also get a discount for every purchase of a brandnew Toyota! Save P50,000 for the Corolla Altis V HV and V variants under the Cash Savings option, up to P30,000 for the Vios, depending on the variant, and P20,000 for the Veloz G CVT.

Keep safe and drive on!

Ensure safe drives by regularly bringing in your vehicle for maintenance! Every purchase of a brand-new Corolla Altis, Raize, Veloz, Rush, Fortuner, and selected variants of the Vios, Avanza, Innova and Hilux are entitled to a FREE Basic Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) during the promo period, given that they are purchased from an authorized Toyota Dealer nationwide.

Customers may avail of the free PMS package up to the 20,000KM check-up within 18 months from the release date of the vehicle. New owners of the Lite Ace are also in for a fun treat! All variants of the Lite Ace sold and released within the promo period quality for a fixed 1,000KM to 40,00KM PMS. Customers will only need to pay P1,999 (VAT inclusive) per PMS until the 40,000KM check-up. This fixed PMS promo can be availed within 24 months from the release of the vehicle.

YOU love being independent and always finding ways to be in touch with yourself. Being ordinary is never your signature style and a high sense of self-awareness makes you stand out. Considered ahead of the pack, you’re a rider who’s ready to explore new things and take the experience up a notch. Together with the country’s no. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) here are other signs to look out for that might inspire you to explore off-grid destinations with the CRF150L!

1. YOU’RE ALWAYS IN COMMAND. Uphills, downhills, step up, table-top, and whoops are what energize you, it could be a sign that you crave experiencing what others usually don’t. CRF150L’s compact and lightweight configuration makes it well-suited for your highly adventurous self. It measures 2,119mm x 793mm x 1,153mm, along with a curb weight of 122kg and a seat height of 863mm. This makes it easy for anyone to mount and maneuver the dirt bike on any terrain, even off-road beginners. With the CRF150L, no one will notice if it’s your first time going off-road.

2. YOU’RE OFTEN UNPREDICTABLE. You often surprise people with your next steps and you love challenging the status quo. Known for your easy going spirit, your passions keep you recharge and inspired. This is where the importance of having a reliable engine is a universal must in motocross riding, whether for city driving or otherwise.

Designed for Off-Road riding, the 5-speed constant mesh Honda CRF150L comes with a

Getting your ‘dream car’

OUR good friend Dennis Fronda, the senior vice president for Retail Lending Group of Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI), gave a detailed interview with our colleague Ron de los Reyes recently on the bank requirement needed in financing a new or used car through their bank. It was aired on Ron’s Auto Review being telecast every Saturday on PTV-4. Dennis said one can have his “dream car” in just one day if he/she submits all the needed documents that can show he/she has the capability to pay

advance Goodyear’s mission of ensuring that our clients always have a good driving experience. Caltex has been in the industry for almost a century. This is a testament to their passion and commitment to serve the community. We can think of no one better to do this partnership with, and we are very grateful to Caltex for their trust” said Mary Mel Balazo, Market Lead at Goodyear Philippines, Inc.

In its more than 100 years in the industry, Goodyear Philippines has worked hard to provide Filipinos with a better driving experience through high-quality tires. Similarly, Chevron also strives to serve the communities where it operates with quality products. CPI also collaborates with companies and organizations that share the same mission of improving the lives of Filipinos.

For complete mechanics and list of participating Goodyear branches, visit https:// www.caltex.com/ph/StarCardGoodyear For more information about Chevron’s products, StarCard offers or discounts, visit its website at www.caltex.com or follow Caltex’s official Facebook page for news and updates.

NLEX Corporation is elevating its sustainability initiatives by installing solar power in 36 more toll plazas of NLEX-SCTEX.

Currently, the company is equipping 21 NLEX toll plazas and 15 SCTEX toll plazas with monocrystalline solar panels, which will collect sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells or solar cells. Areas include Mindanao, Karuhatan, Paso de Blas, Marilao, Ciudad

91.13kW @ 8,000rpm maximum power and 11.94Nm @ 6,500rpm maximum torque. Couple these with a hydraulic disc brake system and solid chassis, then you’re all set to go smoothly anywhere with The Honda CRF150L.

3. YOU LIKE TO EXPERIMENT. Experimenting with different perspectives is another thing that draws your interest. Inspired by people and ideas, you constantly strive to reinvent and learn new things. Its full-size dirt profile wheels are in the standard motocross with wheels that are 21 inches in front and 18 inches at the rear.

With CRF150L’s steel-tube cradle-frame lighter in character but equipped with the strength to deal with unpredictable trail situations, it performs well both on streets and trails. It is lighter in character but provides enough strength to take you on a full day of offroad adventure.

4. YOU’RE A DAYDREAMER. Your powerful

buying, especially through bank financing, was brought about by the influx of many international call centers and, later on, POGO centers. Those locals that were employed by these centers whose salaries were bigger than those employed locally in private or government agencies started the craze to get their own brand-new cars.

Local car dealers, sensing a bigger client base on these “call-center guys,” started to outdo each other with various marketing strategies.

Low down payment on brand-new cars attracted those guys with their new-found sources of income. That’s why banks were overwhelmed with car-financing applicants that came in droves.

Approval was so easy and you can easily get the car that you reserved as soon as bank approval comes overnight.

But it didn’t take too long before the so-called “bubble” burst. Many of those who availed of the easy car financing suddenly found a problem in having to meet their monthly payments or obligations after only 3 months of enjoying driving their “dream cars.”

Then, the pandemic struck and many were forced to cede their “dream cars” to the “repossession army” of the banks. Almost brandnew cars started streaming into the various “car barracks” of different banks as they were either re-possessed or simply handed back by their respective owners who could no longer afford to pay the monthly amortization.

The banks learned their lessons well. Approval of car financing went back to old, hard times as banks started strictly scrutinizing the applicants.

imagination makes your world rich with color. Since you’re not content with just theoretically exploring new concepts, a powerful machine like the CRF150L is ideal to match your passion. Thankfully, it’s built for climbing rocks but still sturdy enough not to be damaged by scraps or the occasional fall.

5. YOU’VE GOT THAT DRIVE AND COMPETITIVENESS. As a vibrant and vain friend, you want to look your best without overdoing it. A hobby like motorsports using CRF150L is your best choice. Bring back the thrill of being outdoors and performing at your best whether in nature or kicking up some dirt on a dusty land. If you’re the type who loves to hit the road with a nonstop, full body high rate adventure, motorsports might be your ticket that will provide the experience you’re after The Honda CRF150L comes in three color variants, namely, Black, Extreme Red, and the new Ross White with a suggested retail price of P147,900.00. This Off-Road motorcycle gives an excellent fuel efficiency up to 45.5 Km/L. So you’re sure to go further than your daily ride.

Start to Unlimit your World now!

For more information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram (@hondaph_mc), or contact (02)-85816700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.

But not that very strict as they need to do business with their client car dealers who need to sell their products (which came in trickle during and after the pandemic) and recover whatever losses they encountered earlier. But there is also a need for the prospective buyers to learn, just what Dennis had told Ron during that same interview. Applicants need to learn of their capability to pay their monthly obligations and, yes, to also submit all the required documents as well.

As an added tip from this corner, first-time brand new car buyers must also know how to compute things before splurging on car financing. One should always know the various bank rates on car financing and compute how you can save.

Next is to look for the best insurance company that you can rely on since you would be the one shouldering the next year’s insurance payment after your chosen dealer had given you the first insurance payment for free. Many car dealers usually ask their clients to come up with postdated checks for the next succeeding two years under their chosen insurance company. But just before the first year would end, try asking the insurance company how much it would cost to insure your car if you go straight to them. If it’s much less, you have the right to withdraw your post-dated checks from your car dealer and go straight to that insurance company.

There are various other things where you can cut corners, so to speak, but we shall discuss them later. You need not splurge in order to get your “dream car” anyway.

From left: Wilson Tan, director of AutoStudio; Edsa Samson; director of AutoStudio; Pancho Luzzuriaga, managing director of AutoStudio; Kidd Yam, head of MINI Asia; Willy Tee Ten, president of MINI Philippines’ Jefferson Lizardo, general manager of MINI Philippines; and Owee Cruz, communications vice president of the Autohub Group.

STUDIO IN YOUR POCKET

Reels, vlogging, pictorials made easy with all new vivo V27 series

By Jasper Valdez and Angelica Villanueva

NOWADAYS, everyone seems to like recording memories and turning them into reels, creating ‘a day in my life’ vlogs, and getting involved with trending dance challenges. Blame it on the pandemic since everybody had more time learning the basics of vlogging, photography, or video editing using their smartphones.

Since we’re already talking about smartphones, let’s be honest. To be able to produce a great photo or vlog, you need a smartphone that can do everything for you—from taking photos to video editing.

Well, vivo is introducing its latest addition to the V series family to help aspiring and existing content creators in achieving high-quality photos and videos—the vivo V27 series.

Superstar celebrity and avid gamer, Alden Richards shared during the launching of the vivo v27 series that it had matched his standards in finding the perfect phone for him and his busy lifestyle.

As one of the most sought-after actors of today’s generation, Alden explained that it is important to have a phone that can provide him and his demands everything, in terms of promoting his brands and updating his fans with his everyday events. His search for such a device he found in the vivo 27 series.

If you’re interested in what Alden is talking about and why he couldn’t get enough of this new vivo offering, worry no more! The Manila Standard Tech team got its hands on the vivo V27e and we listed the things that you’ll love on this amazing phone. Studio in your pocket We know how a ring light and a professional camera can never go wrong when it comes to taking photos, may it be a product or even a portrait of yourself.

Alden shared how he loved the Aura Light Portrait feature of the newest vivo phone.

“Now, I just have to hold my vivo V27 series and I already feel as if I am in a real studio. It really is a studio in your pocket,” Alden validated. The Aura Light Portrait lets users have more realistic photos and videos. It’s like a built-in ring light on your phone, especially made for people, who have grown accustomed to bringing their full equipment in a photoshoot or video shoot, but are in a hurry for a quick pictorial or video event, like Alden, who has a lot of endorsements under his belt.

Matched 0with the Sony IMX7667 Sensor with OIS and Portrait mode, the Aura Light Portrait can give clear and natural night portraits.

Colorways that match your aura

When the host asked Alden what color he thinks his aura looks like, he answered “black” since he felt that black looks good on him.

“It’s my favorite color. Most of my things and stuff are in black. You’ll never go wrong with black. It’s always classic and chill,” explained Alden.

In that case, it’s a good thing that the V27 series comes in three colors—Glory Black, Lavender Purple and Emerald Green.

Glory Black is perfect for people who are bold and strong, and ready to conquer challenges without losing composure.

Lavender Purple adds a more stylish look

to those who are into fashion.

Emerald Green depicts sophisticated and classy showing elegance and the love to travel the world.

The vivo V27e is available in Glory Black and Lavender Purple, while the V27 5G comes in Emerald Green.

Vlog Movie Creator feature for your daily vids

Editing videos becomes easier with vivo V27’s Vlog Movie Creator. Start living the dream of becoming a professional vlogger with this feature that includes a lot of easy-to-use and easy-to-understand techniques in

A NEW global survey, conducted by Kaspersky, explores the key digital habits, obstacles and usage of smart home devices.

A recent survey conducted by Kaspersky reveals there is a gap regarding those typically in charge of maintaining and buying smart devices at home. In particular, 72 percent of men are the ones who set up smart devices in their home, while just under half (47%) of women do so.

According to digital market research, the number of homes with active smart home devices is expected to amount to 573.7m users by 2026. Household penetration is expected to hit 25.0 percent by that year.

Kaspersky survey results reflect that men are the ones who take care of their families’ smart devices more often. This is also the case when the Wi-Fi settings need changing on the home router or new devices are added to the network. Most men (75%) usually do this, while only 50 percent of women carry out this task.

The situation is almost the same when it comes to installing software and apps on computers—72 percent of men are responsible for this, compared to 47 percent of women.

The trend changes regarding kids’ digital habits. Research data shows both parents are equally willing to control their children’s time on devices. In particular, 67 percent of men and 54 percent of women monitor the time little ones spend on gadgets.

GLOBE Business continues to demonstrate their dedication to empowering enterprises with solutions that help them reach their business objectives.

By collaborating with HPE Aruba Networking–a Hewlett Packard Enterprise subsidiary that is the global leader in wired, wireless, and SD-WAN solutions, Globe Business has solidified its commitment to delivering innovative so-

video editing. Say goodbye to third-party apps with V27’s builtin video editing feature because you can already choose from various filters and effects that you want your video to look like. Video editing can now be done at your fingertips.

Globe Group’s Yondu Inc. bags

SEATH MSP Partner of Year ‘22 Award

lutions that cater to the changing needs of its clients.

Recently, Yondu Inc., Globe’s managed ICT services partner, was honored with the SEATH MSP Partner of the Year for 2022 award at the annual HPE Channel Partner award for the South-East Asia Taiwan and Hong Kong/Macau (SEATH) region. This award recognizes Globe Business’ pursuit of developing new and innovative products or services that have made a significant difference for businesses.

By leveraging the Aruba Central platform and Aruba’s EdgeConnect Branch solution, Globe Business played a key role in enabling businesses in the region to achieve improved network performance, increased security, and cost savings through the implementation of SD-WAN.

Globe Business’ expertise in Managed WiFi and SDWAN services positions the company as a leader in the industry. Their impeccable drive to deliver reliable and secure connectivity solutions, along with their ability to simplify the IT management process, makes Globe Business a valuable partner for enterprises looking to optimize their IT infrastructure.

“We are delighted with being awarded as the SEATH MSP Partner of the Year for HPE Aruba Networking. This

strengthens our position as one of the top managed service providers not only in the Philippines but also across Southeast Asia,” said Chris Cheng, Vice President for Connectivity and Digital Products of Globe Business, Enterprise Group. “This highlights the strong partnership between Globe Telecom and HPE Aruba, and our steadfast commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.”

Globe Business Managed Services ensures the continued availability and performance of customers’ SD-WAN networks through 24/7 proactive network monitoring and expert technical support, through Globe’s award-winning Managed Services Network Operations Center manned by Arubacertified engineers. This allows companies to focus on their core business and elevate their enterprise by driving strategic decisions, while Globe runs the back-end, support, and maintenance 24/7. With their continued focus on delivering exceptional services, Globe Business and Aruba are poised to continue their growth and success in the managed services industry.

“Smart home devices and solutions can significantly improve and facilitate people’s daily tasks. Each family decides for itself which version of the distribution of roles is most convenient for them. At the same time, the key point is that modern smart devices and security solutions must be accessible to everyone, regardless of sex and age,” commented Marina Titova, Vice-President, Consumer Product Marketing at Kaspersky.

To keep all smart devices, secure and protected, Kaspersky experts compiled the following tips:

Buying second-hand smart home devices is not a safe practice. Their firmware could have been modified by previous owners to give a remote attacker full control over users’ smart home ecosystems.

It is also important not to forget to change the default password. Instead, use a strict and complex one and update it regularly.

Maintain your network secure by keeping serial numbers, IP addresses, and other sensitive information private. Don’t share users’ smart devices on social networks

A reliable security solution would also be very helpful in securing and protecting the entire smart home ecosystem.

Having decided on a particular app or device, be sure to stay in the loop about updates and the discovery of vulnerabilities. Install all updates released by the developers in a timely fashion.

Mariwasa, SCG feature innovative home solutions at WORLDBEX

AFTER two long years of working around the online space due to the pandemic, Mariwasa, the pioneer in the Philippine ceramic tile industry, returned on Thursday to a face-to-face setup for the 26th edition of WORLDBEX at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, where they featured their latest innovative home solutions.

Jakkrit Suwansilp, president at Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc., couldn’t contain his excitement at the brand’s momentous comeback to the much-awaited event of the building and construction industry.

“During the pandemic, we launched a lot of new products and activities. But this time, it’s face-to-face. This year, Mariwasa will transform itself from [a] tiles [manufacturer and producer] to [offering] DSB (decorative surface and bathroom) sets. We can now complete

your dream home,” Suwansilp said.

He added that despite Mariwasa’s eagerness to return to physical events, they still faced the challenge of making the booth more enticing to encourage guests to view the products they curated for Filipino buyers.

The brand presents itself as Mariwasa Home to show Filipinos they’re the brand to turn to for quality products that are worth every centavo. Mariwasa produces new designs annually to cater to its clients’ ever-evolving tastes. It hopes to create a meaningful connection with customers and homeowners from different generations because the home should be a place of happiness for every Filipino.

Suwansilp shared that their exhibition at WORLDBEX will feature products with new effects and functions suited

for every room in a household. Upon entering the booth, guests can experience firsthand Mariwasa’s anti-slip tiles, which Suwansilp advises to use in areas with heavy foot traffic. Compared to other tiles, Mariwasa’s antislip product gives people a sense of safety because they don’t have to worry about accidents due to the surface area.

“Our dedication lies in uncompromising quality. Every product we launch, we make sure it follows Philippine standards or more,” Suwansilp said. Mariwasa’s booth also features bathroom fixtures like sinks and toilets, along with Mariwasa’s other popular products, including its tile grout. Their handy and trusty mascot Tyler is also present to keep guests entertained and delighted as they see what the company offers.

Men, women di er over control, monitor of smart devices

The V27 series comes in three colors—Glory Black, Lavender Purple and Emerald Green.

Superstar Alden Richards professes his love for the vivo V27, the industry’s 1st-ever Pocket Studio Device.

Shown here are (from left) Jakkrit Suwanslip, President of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc.; Bancha Chaiprom, President of SCG Marketing Philippines Inc., Yvette Coseteng, Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. Director; Tull Traisorat, Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines; Regina Coseteng, Chairman of the Board of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc.; and Architect Rina Soriano, VP of Architectural and Interior Design of DMCI Homes