Manila Standard - 2023 March 29 - Wednesday

PBBM cuts PH line with ICC

The last straw: Rejection of gov’t bid to suspend drug war probe

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

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will no longer get involved with the International Criminal Court after it rejected the government’s request to suspend its investigation into the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs that took the lives of thousands of suspects.

FALLING WATER LEVEL, RISING HEAT INDEX.

A worker updates the data of the water elevation of the La Mesa Dam, which dropped to 76.49 meters Tuesday morning, March 28, 2023.

Normal water level at La Mesa is usually between 78 and 80 meters. Water concessionaires have advised the public to conserve water during the dry season and brace for possible water interruptions due to the threat of El Niño, a weather phenomenon that could lead to a dry spell. State weather bureau PAGASA warned heat indexes between 41°C and 51°C carry impending danger, with the probability of a heat stroke with continued activity and the likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Tacloban City logged the highest heat index on Tuesday at 42 degrees Celsius, followed by Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte (40℃); NAIA, Pasay City (40℃); Virac, Catanduanes (40℃); and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (40℃). The highest heat index recorded this month was 47℃ in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on March 25. Manny Palmero

“We don’t have a next move. That’s the extent of our involvement with the ICC. That ends our involvement with the ICC,” Mr. Marcos said.

“The appeal has failed. In our view, there’s nothing more that we can do... At this point we are essentially disengaging from any contact.. (or) communication with the ICC.”

Marcos greets Digong, vows to continue ‘good work’

By Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

greeted former President Rodrigo Duterte on his 78th birthday on Tuesday and vowed to continue the projects of the previous administration.

“What a pleasure for me to wish a

happy birthday sa ating predecessor, PRRD. Happy birthday to you, Mr. President. Ngayon naiintindihan ko na kung bakit kung minsan ay noong president ka napapamura ka (Now I know why you cursed when you were still president). Now I know why,” Marcos said in the video greeting to

DOJ chief tags Teves as fugitive, solon’s camp calls it ‘demonizing’

By Rey E. Requejo

Charles Dantes

and

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday declared that Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. is already considered a fugitive, after the lawmaker refused to return to the country to face murder charges filed against him.

Remulla made the statement after Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said

the lawmaker is not a fugitive since the government has yet to issue a warrant of arrest against him.

“When one is suspected of having committed a crime, he is already considered a fugitive; he just did not show up,” Remulla said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Headstart.

“The actions would speak louder than words. It’s that he is not showing up,

his predecessor. “Don’t worry about the projects you started, as we will continue to work on it. We will continue to make sure that those projects that you started will be successful and I am glad that I am able to continue the good work that you

Gov’t eyes new pension rules of uniformed staff

THE Marcos Jr. administration is planning to implement reforms in the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) retirement and pension system to avoid a “fiscal collapse” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, the reforms would end automatic pensions for servicemen after 20 years in the service, and instead start their pension at 57 years old (a year after their mandatory retirement age), and pensioners would no longer receive payouts indexed to the salary of active personnel of single ranks.

The pension fund covers personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Corrections.

In a Palace press briefing, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also ex-

In its decision, the ICC Appeals Chamber said it saw no “persuasive reasons” to support a suspension. The ICC said this means the prosecutor may proceed with the investigation while the Appeals Chamber considers Manila’s main appeal against the probe.

CAAP: 2m Holy Week air travelers

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is anticipating two million air travelers going to and from various provinces starting this Sunday to observe the Holy Week in their hometowns, as most of the restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted.

The CAAP has reactivated its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa” program, placing all airports under its supervision under heightened alert from April 2 to April 10, “to ensure safe, secure, reliable, and convenient air travel for passengers, airport safety and security measures are in place.”

CAAP records showed that 231,479 passengers were served in April 2021 while there was a total of 1,715,720

last year.

Spokesperson Eric Apolonio said all 12 Area Managers handling all CAAPoperated airports with commercial flights nationwide shall ensure the observance of maximum deployment of service and security personnel.

“Therefore, a no leave policy will be implemented during the entire duration of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos,” he said.

Apolonio said CAAP, together with

PBBM... From A1

27 at 10 a.m.

The newest satellite image showed “relatively long oil slick” in Verde Island, contrary to the report by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that the area “no longer had oil spill traces.”

Another satellite image obtained from a private firm, Planet Labs, still needed to be processed and analyzed.

PhilSA said the satellite images are important tools that can help authorities in the cleanup and containment of the oil spill off Oriental Mindoro caused by the sinking of the MT Princess Empress with 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil.

The PCG and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are given copies of the satellite images and maps showing the progression and the scope of the areas affected by the oil spill.

The University of the PhilippinesMarine Science Institute is one of the recipients of PhilSA’s satellite images to help in developing oil spill trajectory models.

Greenpeace Philippines—on Tuesday alleged that insurers of MT Princess Empress has been discouraging claimants from exercising their legal right to seek justice over compensation money.

Jefferson Chua, Greenpeace campaigner, said there were reports that the insurers have been dissuading potential claimants from filing charges against RDC Reield Marine Services, the company that owns the MT Princess Empress.

“It is utterly unacceptable that an insurer would discourage claimants from exercising their legal right to seek justice while dangling compensation money over their heads. Communities have suffered enough in the past month and the last thing they need is more disenfranchisement from companies who continue to operate with impunity,” he said.

While the insurer has the responsibility of making sure claimants fully know their rights and the consequences of their choices, it has no business airing their suggestions about what claimants should or should not be doing,” he added. He called on the government to make polluters take responsibility for the oil spill and pay reparations due to the communities.

A month after the sinking of MT Princess Empress off the coast of Oriental Mindoro, the Protect Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) launched a coalition called SOS -- Stop the Oil Spill, Save Our Seas! to pool efforts in calling for immediate accountability and action on the oil spill.

“We, a collective of concerned and affected stakeholders, are very alarmed by the inadequate level of response afforded to this disaster. While government agencies have been taking action, it does not seem to be the prompt and coordinated response needed by this oil spill which is already a disaster of national and international proportions,” Protect VIP convener Fr. Edwin Gariguez said.

“A tragedy of this scale —one that directly affects an estimated 36,000 families whose lives and livelihoods are interwoven into the health of our seas -- must be met with the greatest possible action and highest standard for accountability of all involved actors,” he said.

local authorities including the PoliceAviation Security Unit (AVSEU), Office of Transportation Security (OTS), Department of Tourism (DOT), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and airlines, are coordinating the efficient processing of passengers, especially at checkin counters.

“CAAP has requested for the additional deployment of personnel from airline stakeholders in order to accommodate the increase in travelers. Malasakit Help Desks and hotlines manned by duty officers are also set up to accommodate passenger concerns,” he added.

The agency reminds all passengers to comply with minimum health protocols within enclosed areas of the airport.

“This year, the Authority is expect-

planation of the implications and scope of the investigation.

It also pointed out that the local investigation can proceed even with the ongoing ICC investigation.

Mr. Marcos maintained that the government will not cooperate with the international body’s investigation.

“We ended up in the same position that we started with and that is we cannot cooperate with the ICC considering the very serious questions about their jurisdiction and about what we consider to be interference and practically attacks on the sovereignty of the republic,” he said.

“So that’s pretty much it, we have no longer any recourse when it comes to the ICC.”

The ICC in January authorized the resumption of its investigation into the drug war and the Davao Death Squad killings in the Philippines.

In March 2019, under the leadership of then President Rodrigo Duterte, the architect of the bloody war on drugs, the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute that established the ICC.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, who was Duterte’s Justice secretary, said the rejection of the government’s appeal by the ICC was an “indictment” of the country’s judicial system.

He said the ruling will have “serious and far-reaching” consequences for the Philippines.

“It places us in the same class of rogue nations where the rule of law is not respected,” Guevarra said.

“It is an indictment against our entire legal and judicial system, and it encroaches on our sovereignty as an independent and law-abiding nation.”

In rejecting the Philippines’ appeal, the ICC Appeals Chamber said the government failed to explain the Court’s lack of jurisdiction or to provide an ex-

The Philippines sought a reversal of the ICC’s decision to resume the probe into the Duterte administration’s controversial war on drugs, which according to human rights organizations has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.

In February, Marcos said he would not cooperate with the ICC inquiry into the abuses during the previous administration’s war on drugs.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla declared that the ICC cannot enter the Philippines to conduct its investigation and impose a different rule of law.

“Right now, we’re telling them we can do it. Give us your complaint and we will do it,” Remulla said in an interview with ANC.

“But if they insist on doing it, well, good luck to them, because they cannot enter our country to impose a rule of law different from ours. And our rule of law here is run by Filipinos,” he said.

Remulla said the country’s appeal was a “part of diplomacy.”

“We have to exhaust all diplomatic means to get the message across… We had a discussion about it before he (referring to Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra) proceeded to file the final pleading,” he said.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, in March 2019.

Remulla, who has described the ICC probe as “an irritant,” denounced its decision to reopen the inquiry before the United Nations Human Rights Council, saying that an unjustified external interference rarely serves human rights.

Senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday

peatedly urged Teves to return to the Philippines and face the allegations against him.

ing the travel surge to reach over two million travelers,” said Apolonio. He added CAAP has projected that passenger air traffic recovery in the Philippines in the coming years would increase between 7 to 10% annually as travel restrictions continue to ease.

Meanwhile, Air Asia Philippines is set to launch today (Wednesday) a program at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 to assist thousands of Filipinos flying to the various provinces to observe Lent.

The airline will be putting up help desks and additional manpower at the terminal to assist their guests.

Air Asia chief executive officer Ricky Isla will be visiting Terminal 4 this morning to do an inspection and assess the needs of the guests.

said the appeal made by the Philippines was a courteous assertion of the country’s sovereignty.

However, he noted that its denial has no binding effect.

“It will not clothe the International Criminal Court (ICC) with jurisdiction, as there was none in the first place,” Tolentino said.

He said the ICC should recognize the fundamental pillar of the international legal order, which is sovereignty.

For her part, detained former senator Leila De Lima said President Marcos, who she described as Duterte’s defender, should realize that the ICC is determined to enforce the Rome Statute so long as the Philippine government does not undertake a serious, in-depth and comprehensive investigation and prosecution of the masterminds of Duterte’s drug war killings.

“No amount of simulated investigations or the token prosecution of small fry will fool the ICC into withdrawing its mandate insofar as taking jurisdiction over crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines is concerned,” she said.

She said the Philippine government should also stop spending government funds to counter the ICC process.

She said this only benefits those being investigated by the ICC, and not the Filipino people. The Solicitor General, further stated De Lima, should just refer the international lawyer he hired to Duterte and let the former President foot the bill for his own defense, instead of spending public funds for the personal and private interest of Duterte.

“Let Duterte and his co-conspirators in the drug war face the music before the ICC. Be on the side of humanity. Be on the right side of history,” she also said.

“I’ve seen it all before. First, they demonize the person,” he said, adding that they expect Teves to be charged with Degamo’s murder.

started,” he added.

Mr. Marcos’s running mate in the May 2022 national elections was Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, who won the country’s vice presidency and assumed the post of Secretary of the Department of Education.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also extended his well wishes – two, actually -- to the former Chief Executive.

“Happy 78th Birthday, Former President Rodrigo Duterte!” he said in a social media post.

“We wish that the Lord continuously grants you a healthy body and longlasting happiness together with your loved ones. Again, happy birthday to you!” Romualdez added.

The Leyte 1st district representative and president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), served as the House Majority Leader during the second half of the Duterte administration.

Apart from being an administration ally during Duterte’s presidency from 2016 to 2022, he also served as the campaign manager of then-UniTeam vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio, who was later named Lakas-CMD chairperson.

Mr. Marcos likewise encouraged Duterte to find time to “relax” since he had all the time to do so after retiring from politics.

“I don’t know kung makapag-relax ka (if you have time to relax) because after a lifetime of work, I don’t know if you still know how to take it easy but if you got the chance, please have a good celebration. Happy, Happy birthday PRRD!” he added.

Earlier this month, Mr. Marcos said well-studied infrastructure projects from previous administrations must continue for the benefit of the nation.

In his vlog released on Saturday, Marcos said his administration recently approved 194 high-impact infrastructure projects under the “Build Better More” infrastructure program amounting to more than P9 trillion.

Of the 194 projects, 123 are initiatives under the current administration while the remaining 71 were from the Duterte administration, all aiming to address digital connectivity, flood control, irrigation, water supply, health, and power and energy.

Duterte, a lawyer, was Davao City mayor and congressman before becoming the 16th president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.

Known as Tatay Digong to his fans and supporters, he is the country’s first president from Mindanao, and the oldest to assume office at the age of 71.

in the PNP in 2017 after his involvement with drugs.

that he is evading us, or trying to evade the law,” Remulla added.

Remulla earlier said that Teves, who was supposedly in the US for medical treatment, is “being considered” one of the masterminds in the March 4 killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others.

Several criminal complaints have also been filed against Teves, including multiple murder complaints over killings in 2019, and the illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Asked why an arrest warrant has yet to be issued against Teves, Remulla cited due process.

“We want to push the process, but we’re talking about human rights and due process, that is how the law works, we have to respect the due process of law, [no matter] how slow it is,” Remulla said.

He said the congressman was entitled to a preliminary investigation.

Several lawmakers, the Philippine National Police, and Remulla had re -

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pressed support for two other proposals:

-- The reform to apply to all active personnel and new entrants; and

-- Mandatory contributions will be required for active personnel and new entrants, similar to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pensioners.

Diokno cited issues in the current pension system, such as how it is noncontributory – meaning retirement pensions and benefits are fully funded by the national government through annual appropriations despite having no contri-

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez pointed out that Teves’ authority to travel to the United States was only valid from Feb. 28 to March 9.

But Teves asserted that he would only return to the country once the safety of his life and his family had been secured.

Topacio on Tuesday accused Remulla of demonizing his client.

“The secretary of justice himself is now making... innuendos as to the guilt of my client. To me, that is highly improper,” Topacio told CNN.

“If the head of the department keeps saying that this person or that person, in his belief, is guilty, how do you now expect the prosecutors who are all under him to make a contrary decision after preliminary investigation?”

Topacio said.

The lawyer explained that when a crime occurs, an investigation happens first before the masterminds are determined. However, in the Degamo slay, the alleged orchestrators were first named before an investigation occurred.

bution from the retirees.

Under the proposed new pension scheme, the Department of Finance chief said “all those who are in active service and the new recruits will have to pay.”

He said should these reforms take place, automatic indexation of pension to the salary of active personnel of similar ranks must be removed.

“The MUP pension is automatically indexed to the salary of the personnel of the same rank. In other words, if you are a retiree [and] if you are a general getting X amount of money, if the salary of the incumbent is doubled, you get your pension doubled also,” the Finance chief said.

Topacio said his client is ready to face the court.

“Anyone who has a modicum of perception will know that that is where this is leading,” he added.

Topacio said Remulla should have filed the case against Teves if he had the evidence.

“Stop the juridical striptease. They’re peeling off one partial clothing at a time.. File the case,” he said. “You’re prejudicing the minds of your prosecutors, you’re prejudicing the mind of your

Also on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police confirmed that they collected photos and map sketches of Degamo’s family residence from one of those arrested during the raid in the compound of former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves.

The arrested person was identified as Nigel Electrona, a former cop and the alleged licensee of the security agency that guards the sugar mill owned by Teves.

Electrona was dismissed from service

Diokno said he also found it “ridiculous” that when military and uniformed personnel who choose to retire as early as 40 years old get pensions up to age 90.

“We have to really address that issue. It’s not sustainable. I said, if this goes on, there will be a fiscal collapse,” he said, describing reforms in the MUP system as “the elephant in the room.”

To date, Diokno said both Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. have agreed with all four proposals.

Asked how much military and uniformed personnel will be contributing

Pryde Henry Teves said in an interview with radio dzBB that he is the president of the HDJ Corporation, which is the owner of the raided sugar mill compound, and he confirmed that Electrona has connections with them. When asked about the confiscated items in his compound, Teves said that he is still not commenting on the search on his land until it is over.

Teves also called on his brother, Rep. Arnolfo Teves to return and clear his name.

For the fourth consecutive day, the agents of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group conducted another raid on Monday night and seized an assault rifle and various ammunition in the sugar mill compound linked to the former governor.

A Steyr AUG bullpup assault rifle and more than 1,600 rounds of assorted ammunition were collected during the search operation.

In the past few days, police have scooped up improvised explosive devices (IEDs), various firearms, and live ammunition.

to the new MUP pension system, the DOF chief said it will be a “gradual” contribution.

“For the first three years, their contribution is 5 percent of the salary and then the contribution of the national government (NG) will be 16 percent,” he said.

“And then for the next three years, it will be increased to 7 percent and then the NG share will decline to 14 percent…Years thereafter, the MUP share will be increased to 9 percent and NG 12 percent,” he added.

Diokno likewise expressed confidence that the military and uniformed personnel would not have issues with the new MUP system.

Empowering Voices: A celebration of women’s month, women achievement

By Peter Paul Duran

THE “Empowering Voices”

special series featured

tenured female legislators from different regions of the Philippines, including the National Capital Region, Region 1, Region 2, Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 3, Region 4A, Region 5, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 9, Region 11, and Region 12. Each week, the series delved into the inspiring stories of these trailblazing women and highlighted how they have been helping their constituents.

Throughout the series, the featured congresswomen were asked a single question: How can they use their voices to empower and inspire other women to become successful leaders and advance women’s advocacies using their platform as congressional representatives? The responses were insightful and empowering, showcasing the unique and diverse ways in which these women are using their positions to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Through the “Empowering Voices” series, viewers gained a deeper appreciation for the important work of these female legislators and were inspired by their commitment to

creating change. It is a reminder of the power of women’s voices and the importance of having diverse perspectives represented in leadership positions. In line with this, we compiled some of the women-centric stories during the women’s month celebration in and around the House of Representatives.

• The House of Representatives, Quezon City local government, and Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide legal, psychological, and shelter assistance to victims of gender-based violence, particularly House employees and their children. This was lauded by TINGOG Party List Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez,

who expressed gratitude on behalf of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for the signing of the historic agreement.

• The House of Representatives has passed a bill that allows married women to keep their maiden name. The bill garnered 277 votes in favor, showing overwhelming support for the measure. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed his approval of the bill, stating that it promotes gender equality before the law. The passing of the bill aims to institutionalize women’s right to retain their maiden name and surname, not just provide them with an option.

• The House of Representatives approved a bill on the third and final reading to rename Agham Road

and BIR Road in Quezon City to Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago Avenue in honor of the late pillar of Philippine politics. House Bill No. 7413, received 283 affirmative votes during the plenary session. Santiago was a prominent Filipino politician, known for her intelligence, wit, and fearless personality. She served in all three branches of the Philippine government and recognized as one of the world’s most outstanding women in law and politics.

• And on March 13, the House of Representatives celebrated Women’s Month by having an all-women plenary session, led by female officers. Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez expressed her appreciation and recognition for the significant role of women in society. “It is an honor to be present today (Monday) with fellow women who work tirelessly to make the Philippines a better place for our countrymen. Women are powerful agents of change, and the advancement of women in the society, including increased leadership and decision-making roles, is a positive indicator of progress for all of us,” said Romualdez whom Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has designated together with Reps. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Florida “Rida” P. Robes, Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara, Lorna C. Silverio, Anna York P. Bondoc, Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D., Ruth Mariano-Hernandez, Midy N. Cua, Ysabel Maria J. Zamora, Margarita “Atty. Migs” B. Nograles as presiding officers during the groundbreaking session. As the series comes to a close, let us continue to be inspired by these remarkable women and the countless others who are working towards a more equitable and just society. May we all be encouraged to use our voices to uplift and empower others, especially those who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented.

Getting to know the empowered lady legislators of VisMin

By Patricia taculao

ALTHOUGH several hundred miles away from the country’s capital, the regions in Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City), still possess remarkable traits that make them ideal locations for economic growth, technological developments, tourist destinations, and more.

With the right leaders in position, the provinces can continue to unlock their potential in various industries. Fortunately, these regions have well-equipped representatives for the 19th Congress to lead the Filipinos toward a better future.

HON. MARIA FE R. ABUNDA (Eastern Samar, Lone District)

“Incumbent women leaders should secure enough visibility and representation in the decision-making processes, particularly the lobbying and proposal of various bills that champion women’s rights in the House of Representatives.”

Before becoming the district’s representative, Abunda established herself as a reliable politician through the mayoral position. She first assumed the assignment in 2019 and won re-election in 2022. Throughout her tenure in the House of Representatives, she pushed for several bills and maintained an authoritative presence throughout her district. Nonetheless, she always makes them feel that she’s approachable whenever they need anything. People in Eastern Samar know how passionate Abunda is about her job. Aside from providing accessible, quality education, she advocates for heritage preservation, safety and security, and women’s empowerment.

She also pushed for several bills in the 19th Congress, including reapportioning the lone district of Eastern Samar into two legislative districts, strengthening mental health services in state universities and colleges, and institutionalizing enterprise-based education and training programs. Abunda also supported other bills focused on improving tourism in key destinations across the Philippines.

HON. LOLITA T. JAVIER (Leyte, Second

If two words could amply describe Javier’s service, it would be love and compassion. She loves her job as a lawmaker and leads her constituents compassionately. She also serves as an example of strength and grace for women

District)

to emulate. Javier continues to find inspiration to work harder as a public servant. Within Leyte, Javier keeps herself busy through various projects. These include infrastructure programs to help boost the province’s socioeconomic development and increase productivity.

The Honorable Javier strongly advocates for health preparedness and women empowerment, accessible education to all, employment for displaced workers through trainings, seminars and TESDA programs, and promoting modern business models that will help small and medium SMEs to thrive in the competitive market. For Javier, it’s always service with a smile, no matter how hectic her schedule may be. She is currently the Chairperson of the Committee on Visayas Development in Congress, which oversees all matters directly and principally relating to policies, programs and related initiatives affecting the economic, social, political and cultural development of municipalities, cities and provinces in the Visayas Region.

As a legislator, she supported vital passages such as the RA 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act which aims to address adverse socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, RA 11517, which authorized then President Rodrigo Duterte to expedite the processing and issuance of the national and local permits in times of national emergency and RA 11525 also known as the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, which expedited vaccine procurement and administration to fight COVID. She is also responsible for the passing of a law converting the Eastern Visayas State University Dulag Satellite Campus to a Regular Campus.

HON. GLONA G. LABADLABAD (Zamboanga del Norte, Second District)

“Overseeing the proper implementation of laws that ensure the empowerment of women has been my priority as a legislator. This requires regular information campaigns and close collaboration with stakeholders. I hope to inspire future women leaders by strictly adhering to the tenet that public office is a public trust.”

Running for representative was a challenging feat for Labadlabad. When she made her bid in 2016, she proved to her constituents that she was more than deserving of the position. She won reelection in 2019 and 2022 by a landslide vote. It showed how much she established herself in the district and how much her public trusted her.

One of her recent programs was establishing the Hawak Kamay Bank to assist the people of Zamboanga del Norte’s Second District. Labadlabad also conducts several programs that engage her constituents in various activities.

Labadlabad pushed for several bills, including adjusting the monthly pension and disability

benefits of retirees of the Department of Foreign Affairs, regulating the use of treatment of municipal and hazardous wastes, and providing for a new passport law.

HON. DIVINA GRACE YU (Zamboanga del Sur, First District)

"I continuously set an example to young women today to always find the courage to pursue their dreams and to be able to make a positive difference in someone’s life”

Raised from Zamboanga Del Sur, she is the first Zambosurian who has been elected as Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives. Yu is also a member of the Philippine Army Reserve Force with a rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Besides advocating for women's empowerment, she supports children’s welfare by encouraging them to engage in sports and access quality education to become the next global leaders and model citizens.

Yu supported the enactment of national laws like Balik Scientist Program Act, Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict, Covid -19 Vaccination Program Act, Free Irrigation Service Act, Expanded Maternity Leave Law, strengthening professionalism and promoting the continuity of policies and modernization initiatives in the AFP, among others.

HON. MARIA CARMEN S. ZAMORA (Davao de Oro, First District)

“Our voice as a legislator and policy-maker is powerful in advancing women’s causes only because we echo the collective sentiments of all the women we represent. We hope that future women leaders will build on the gains achieved by our platform and template of public service.”

The lady legislator, popularly known as Maricar in her district, is an inspiring and beloved motherly figure to her constituents. Among all the values she upholds as the Voice of her district, transparency and relevant service are paramount. “Serbisyong duol sa tao,” is her byword, and sums up her brand of leadership: Work closely with the people in a manner firmly rooted in trust and accountability.

Rep. Zamora offers various eco-social assistance programs to her constituents in coordination with the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and TINGOG-PL Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez. Her platform of government is encapsulated in the acronym SMILE (Social and Medical Services, Infrastructure, Livelihood and Education). Of late, she has been at the forefront of relief services extended to those who were affected

by natural disasters (flooding and earthquake) which hit the province recently.

As an active legislator, she chairs the Special Committee on Strategic Intelligence, and has been the designated “defender” of the annual budgetary allocation of the Department of Education and related agencies as Vice Chairperson of the powerful Committee on Appropriations. The principal author of the law creating Davao de Oro State College, she basks proudly in the fact that the school, new as it is as an educational institution, has been consistently producing topnotchers in various licensure examinations. Among her notable proposals in the 19th Congress which are aligned with the legislative priorities of the administration, she is aiming for the establishment of a multi-specialty hospital in her district, a much-desired measure, which will advance the health and well-being of her less-advantaged constituents.

Rep. Zamora is an indefatigable and purposedriven lawmaker, with the collective welfare of her people taking precedence over all else.

HON. PRINCESS RIHAN SAKALURAN (Sultan Kudarat, First District)

“As we continue our efforts and commitment gearing towards Gender Equality, it is important to recognize the challenges and experiences that they were able to surpass that made women the better version of themselves. We should mainstream in all our Programs, projects and activities on women concerns and will see to it that all are fully implemented at all levels so that gender equality will be within our reach.”

Although the lady legislator looks young, people shouldn’t take her lightly. She’s dedicated to preserving her region’s heritage and promoting its development. She leads her district with beauty, wisdom, and grace. Sakaluran also has progressive ideas for improving Sultan Kudarat’s tourism, socioeconomic development, and more.

Sakaluran personally oversees the programs in her district, including the establishment of infrastructures, providing government assistance to beneficiaries, and championing education, among her other priorities. The lawmaker also promotes gender inclusivity within her community to show that her district is welcoming and progressive.

Other than advocating for the welfare of her district’s constituents, Sakaluran also pushed for several bills in the 19th Congress to help improve the lives of everyday Filipinos. These include instituting violence against persons with disabilities as an aggravating circumstance, reclassifying the position of barangay officials as regular government employees, and increasing the minimum salaries of public school teachers in basic and higher education. Sakaluran is also the Chairman of the Committee on East ASEAN Growth Area.

OPINION

40th National Book Awards finalists announced; Palanca Awards news

“Tinagong Dagat” - Riza G. Babaran, UP Press; “Solo Flight” - Rita dela Cruz, Isang Balangay Media Productions;”Eksamen at Iba Pang Kuwento ng Pag-ibig” - U Z. Eliserio, UP Press

NONFICTION PROSE (ENGLISH)

AS WE enter National Literature Month in a few days, let’s find out what’s new on the literary scene.

The Manila Critics Circle (MCC) and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) have announced the finalists of the 40th National Books Awards (NBA).

The NBA is an annual prize that honors the best book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines.

It incentivizes and recognizes the production and publication of high quality books that spotlight local voices, topics, and themes of interest to the scholar, student, and general reader.

This milestone cycle of the NBA received 213 title nominations across 29 categories in three languages—English, Filipino, and Ilocano.

The NBA is an annual prize that honors the best book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines

The categories are grouped into Literary, Non-Literary, and Design divisions, honoring not only authors but also cover designers and layout artists.

The awarding ceremony, the first to be held onsite after the pandemic, will be on May 13, 2023 at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Congratulations to all the finalists!

As a member of the MCC and one of the judges of this year’s NBA, I may say that this is a fine crop of books and would recommend them highly.

Most of the finalist presses have an online presence via their websites and/ or e-commerce platforms, so please do go browse and buy. Here are the finalists of the 40th NBA in the Literary Division.

As much as I want to share the full list here, I have to consider space limitations. See the full list on the NBDB website and Facebook page.

NOVEL (ENGLISH)

“Snakes in the Grass” - Patrick Everard, University of the Philippines (UP) Press; “The Secret of Derek Guerrero” - Mark Manalang, HS Grafik Print;

“The Small-but-Terrible Gina” - Weldon M. McCarty, UP Press; “White Lady, Black Christ” - Charlson Ong, Milflores Publishing, Inc.

NOVEL (FILIPINO)

“Isang Dekadang Resty” - Jov Ortua Almero, UP Press; “Asinkrono: Isang Nobela” - Mesándel Virtusio Arguelles, De La Salle University (DLSU) Publishing House; “Aswanglaut” - Allan N. Derain, Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) Press; “The Rain in España”4REUMINCT, Precious Pages Corporation; “Kilapsaw” - Ellen Sicat, UP Press

SHORT FICTION (ENGLISH)

“Selected Short Stories” - Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Publishing House; “Brown Hole” - Israfel Fagela, UP Press; “Flowers for Thursday” - Mia Tijam, Ateneo de Naga University Press

SHORT FICTION (FILIPINO)

“Ang Huling Emotero” - Mark Angeles, UP Press; “Ang Itim na Orkidyas ng Isla Boracay” - Genevieve L. Asenjo, UP Press;

“Is There Sex in Heaven?” - Simeon Dumdum, Jr., Ateneo Press; “What I Wanted to be When I Grew Up” - Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo, UP Press; “Departures” - Priscilla Supnet Macansantos, UP Press; “Ascending the Fourth Mountain” - Maria Virginia Y. Morales, Ateneo Press; “In The Line of Fire” - Joel Pablo Salud, San Anselmo Publications, Inc.

NONFICTION PROSE (FILIPINO)

“Aishite imasu” - R P. Baquiran, Jr., UP

Press; “Suóng” - Gerome Nicolas Dela Peña, 8Letters Bookstore and Publishing;

“#Pasahero” - Joselito D. Delos Reyes, UST Publishing House; “Sa Yakap ng Gubat at Dagat ng Palawan” - John Iremil Teodoro, Pawikan Press

POETRY (ENGLISH)

“Tangere” - Rodrigo V. Dela Peña, Jr., UP

Press; “Thorn Grass” - Luis H. Francia, UP

Press; “College Boy” - Mookie KatigbakLacuesta, Ateneo Press; “Tokhang Nation” - Arvin Abejo Mangohig, UST Publishing House; “Poems from Ground Z” - Victor N. Sugbo, UP Press

POETRY (FILIPINO)

“Indi Natun Kinahanglan kang Duro nga Tinaga sa Atun Tunga” - Genevieve L. Asenjo, UP Press; “Sa Aking Pagkadestiyero” - Joi Barrios, UP Press; “Pasakalye” - Lean Borlongan, selfpublished; “Lunas sa Nabubuong Lubos” - Paul Alcoseba Castillo, UST Publishing House; “Panaghoy/Pagtutol (Weeping, Resisting)” - Jun Cruz Reyes, UP Press; “Tuwing Nag-Iisa sa Mapa ng Buntonghininga” - Paolo Miguel G. Tiausas, UP Press

* * * The Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. is now accepting entries to the 71st Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (CPMA), open to all Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages.

Like last year, all submissions must be done online. Printed and email submissions will not be accepted. Authors may submit one entry to each of the following categories:

● English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry

Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play;

● Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;

● Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.

In the Kabataan Division for young writers below 18 years old, informal or personal essays are being accepted for two categories:

• Kabataan Essay (English) with the theme “Emerging from the pandemic, what are the most pressing issues surrounding mental health among youth and how can society and government help in addressing these concerns for the growth and wellbeing of our younger generations?”

• Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino) with the theme, “Sa pagsulong mula sa pandemya, ano ang mga pinakamabibigat na isyung pumapalibot sa kalusugan ng isip ng mga kabataan, at paano makatutulong ang lipunan at pamahalaan na tugunan ang mga ito para sa ikauunlad at ikabubuti ng ating mga nakababatang henerasyon?”

The deadline for submission of entries is on May 31, 2023. For the official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Awards website (http://www.palancaawards.com.ph/).

For other inquiries and concerns, email info@palancaawards.com.ph or call (632) 8843-8277 / (632) 8478-7996. Look for Ms. Leslie Layoso or Ms. Susan Castillo.

* * * Dr. Ortuoste is a board member of PEN Philippines, member of the Manila Critics Circle, and judge of the National Book Awards. FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

Rising tension in East Asia N

ERVES are rising yet again in East Asia after North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Monday, as a US aircraft carrier staged combined naval exercises with South Korea in what is seen as a warning to Pyongyang.

The missiles flew about 370 km after being launched from North Hwanghae province at 7:47 a.m. (6:47 a.m. Monday), in an apparent protest against the allies’ expanding drills, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, with Seoul’s military condemning the North’s launches as a grave provocation. Seoul said it would continue building the capability to “overwhelmingly respond to any provocations.”

Only hours after two short-range ballistic missiles blasted off, fighter jets roared off the USS Nimitz as the nuclearpowered US aircraft carrier and its battle group began exercises with South Korean warships.

The seventh missile test this month underscored what military analysts say are heightening tensions in the region as both the North’s weapons tests and the US-South Korea joint military exercises have intensified in a cycle of tit-for-tat.

The launches may have been timed for the arrival of the USS Nimitz and its strike group, including a guided missile cruiser and two destroyers, which engaged in air defense exercises and other drills with South Korean warships in waters near Jeju island.

Jang Do Young, a South Korean navy spokesperson, said the drills were

AS CYBERCRIMINALS become more daring with their devious schemes, we should always remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to scams.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation recently arrested four suspects allegedly engaged in a GCash scam during separate operations in Manila and Quezon City.

The suspects told authorities they were selling GCash accounts to their victims for use in online casinos and Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs operated by Taiwanese and Chinese nationals.

The suspects said they would buy GCash accounts for P450 then sell these for P550 through online platforms Facebook and Messenger.

The suspects are being held on charges of violating Republic Act 8464 or the Access Devices Regulation Act.

In December 2022, the Anti-Money Laundering Council—the Philippines’ sole financial intelligence unit—revealed that suspicious transactions involving phishing and hacking in the country were on a steady rise.

Over the past decade, these transactions amounted to P16.4 billion, according to AMLC data.

In a report on phishing and hacking last year, AMLC noted “the number of STRs [suspicious transaction reports] is generally increasing, and there is a significant surge in 2019… This was followed by an abrupt increase in 2021.”

In 2021, 64 percent of the total or 13,116 STRs were again reported by electronic money issuers due to complaints pertaining to account takeover that involved customers victimized by phishing through various means, such as calls, SMS, e-mails, phishing links, fake websites, other fake pages on social media platforms, chat via an e-commerce platform app, stolen phones, and other unknown means initiated by perpetrators. This is alarming, especially since more people continue to rely on digital transactions these days, using their credit cards or e-wallets,

Straining ripples are being swept south and southwest of East Asia, including the Philippines, and defense strategists are keeping a peeled eye on the situation

aimed at sharpening joint operational capabilities and demonstrating the US commitment to defend its ally with the full range of options, including nuclear, in face of the North’s “escalating nuclear and missile threats.”

But the US Indo-Pacific Command said the latest launch did not pose an immediate threat, but highlighted the destabilizing impact of Pyongyang’s unlawful nuclear weapons programs.

The Japanese government also said it lodged a “strong protest” with North Korea, with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno saying North

scams

such as GCash, as a mode of payment.

With safety and security as a top priority, GCash recently rolled out ‘DoubleSafe,’ a game-changing security feature to safeguard its users from account takeovers.

According to GCash, DoubleSafe strengthens the security of its 76 million users as it prevents unauthorized account access.

The company said that before DoubleSafe, GCash already required two levels of authentication or 2-Factor Authentication.

The first level of security is the OTP (Onetime PIN), a unique number combination sent only to the user’s mobile number.

The second level of authentication is the MPIN (Mobile PIN) which is a 4-digit passcode that only the customer or GCash owner should know.

Through the campaign, customers are equipped to join the fight, together with GCash, for true account security

With DoubleSafe, GCash now requires an additional authentication which is facial recognition.

This means, even if a user inadvertently shares their MPIN and OTP with fraudsters, their account cannot be accessed from another device without scanning the owner’s face— ultimately preventing account takeovers.

Beyond this security feature, GCash is also closely working with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in going after fraudsters and scammers.

Korea was likely to step up provocative activities, including a possible nuclear test. US and South Korean officials have for almost a year warned Pyongyang could carry out what would be its first nuclear test since 2017.

The allies have been conducting a series of joint training in recent weeks including air and sea drills involving American B-1B bombers, and their first large-scale amphibious landing exercises in five years.

Analysts say North Korea’s latest missile launches are a demonstration of the country’s avowed ability to use nuclear force against South Korea and the US mainland.

North Korea claims its nuclear forces are capable of destroying its rivals, and often follows its provocative weapons tests with launch details.

But many foreign experts call the North’s claims propaganda and suggest the country is not yet capable of hitting the United States or its allies with a nuclear weapon. Analysts say there’s no question North Korea has nuclear bombs, and that it has missiles that place the US mainland, South Korea and Japan within striking distance.

What’s not yet clear is whether the country has mastered the tricky engineering required to join the bombs and the missiles.

In the meanwhile, straining ripples are being swept south and southwest of East Asia, including the Philippines, and defense strategists are keeping a peeled eye on the situation.

This was formalized by the signing of a memorandum of agreement with PNP-ACG in 2022.

According to GCash Head of Fraud Management Miguel Geronilla: “GCash is one with the PNP-ACG in making sure that these cybercriminals are put behind bars while we continue to remind the public on how to safeguard their accounts.

“Together with the authorities, other relevant government agencies, and our users, we can ensure that GSafeTayo.”

To reinforce these measures, GCash is also intensifying its security campaign, GSafeTayo, to help customers understand how to protect themselves from scammers.

The e-wallet is launching a campaign comprised of videos, other visuals, and various information materials that not only educate but also engage users on how they can best protect their accounts.

Along with the launch of DoubleSafe, GCash is intensifying its GSafeTayo campaign through a series of awareness and education materials that will help customers identify and avoid fake sellers, suspicious links, as well as other common forms of scams. Through the campaign, customers are equipped to join the fight, together with GCash, for true account security. But campaigns such as these will only be successful if we all work together in creating a safe space for digital transactions —from staying informed to reporting cases and being responsible digital citizens.

GCash users can report scams and other suspicious activities by going to the GCash Help Center on the GCash app or at http://help. gcash.com/hc/en-u, talk to Gigi, and choose “I want to report a scam.”

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Russian town shocked by case of child’s Ukraine drawing

By Victoria Loguinova-Yakovleva

IN THE Russian town of Yefremov, residents say they are shocked by the case of a father separated from his 13-year-old daughter because of her drawing criticizing Moscow’s offensive.

Located around 300 kilometers from the Russian capital, the town of 37,000 people has all the outward signs of patriotic support for the year-long campaign seen across the country.

“For A World Without Nazism” reads a billboard on the main street – alongside the letters “Z” and “V” used by Russian forces in Ukraine.

But its inhabitants are quietly divided over the fighting and have been shaken in recent weeks by a case that has become a testament to the repression of any criticism of the offensive.

It all began last year when 13-year-old Maria Moskalyova made a drawing at school showing missiles next to a Russian flag heading towards a woman and child standing by a Ukrainian flag.

Her headmistress immediately contacted the police, who said they found comments criticizing the offensive on the social media profiles of the girl’s father, 54-year-old Alexei Moskalyov.

Moskalyov is due to go on trial on Monday on a charge of “discrediting Russia’s armed forces” which carries a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison under a law adopted last year.

Moskalyov is also at risk of losing parental rights in a separate trial set to begin on April 6, according to his lawyer Vladimir Bilyenko.

Since March 1, Moskalyov has been under house arrest while his daughter has been taken to an orphanage and forbidden from calling her father, according to town councilor Olga Podolskaya.

The mother is estranged from the family.

The case in this otherwise placid town in Russia’s Tula region has garnered national attention and led to an online petition calling for the child to be returned to her father.

Even Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner paramilitary force spearheading

A pensioner who declined to give her name said her life had changed since February 24, 2022—the day Russian troops crossed into Ukraine

Russia’s offensive, has voiced support for Maria and criticized local authorities for their actions.

‘I want this to be over’

In the streets of Yefremov, few inhabitants were prepared to speak openly about the case —or about their views on the campaign in Ukraine.

“Separating a father from his daughter is horrible. She just expressed a point of view,”

said Alexandra, a student.

A pensioner who declined to give her name said her life had changed since February 24, 2022—the day Russian troops crossed into Ukraine.

“I’m not accusing anyone. I see victims on both sides. I want this to be over as soon as possible,” she said.

At the local cemetery, several fresh graves of soldiers killed in what Russia calls its “special military operation” could be seen.

The offensive has felt even closer to home in the past month with three Ukrainian drones reported to have struck in the region.

These developments have increased concern in a small town where everyone knows each other.

In the central square, two elderly women with red arm bands said they were part of a neighborhood watch initiative set up by residents to report any suspicious activity.

“They told us there is a risk of an attack and we have to keep order,” said one of the women, who were sitting on a bench.

‘They are depressed’ Alexander Salikhov, a 66-year-old

retired engineer, said he wanted peace but added that “we have to free Russian lands” in Ukraine.

Dmitry, a 50-year-old businessman, said he had gone bankrupt because of Western sanctions which have caused major disruption in supply chains.

“What does the future hold? The power is in the hands of the security services and we are on the brink of nuclear war,” he said.

Podolskaya said residents were conflicted.

“They are depressed. They do not understand what is happening. But they cannot take to the streets. They are afraid of getting sacked—they have mortgages and children,” she said.

Marianna, a pregnant 31-year-old, said she was more optimistic although she said she was worried about her husband getting mobilized.

“We hope it will end and our son will be born in a peaceful world and he will not have to fear military action,” she said, revealing that the couple plan to call him Bogdan -- a popular Ukrainian name. AFP

SC clears Belmonte, 3 others of vote-buying raps

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed a ruling by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissing the vote-buying complaint against Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto during the May 13, 2019 elections.

In an en banc decision, the High Tribunal also junked alleged vote-buying charges lodged against then congressional candidate Elizabeth Delarmente and television show host Willie Revillame.

Belmonte, Sotto, Delarmente and Revillame were accused of violating the anti- vote-buying law stipulated in the Omnibus Election Code. The complaint was filed by PDP-Laban campaign manager Michael Defensor and secretary general Edwin Rodriguez.

In affirming the Comelec’s June 17, 2020 decision, the SC order penned by Justice Rodil Zalameda stressed that charges about the election offense of vote-buying “must be supported by credible evidence that substantiates the elements of the offense.”

“General averments of vote-buying, when accompanied by uncorroborated video clips and screenshots from such video clips, will be adjudged as mere speculation because they cannot substitute for proof required to establish probable cause,” the SC stressed.

The complaint stemmed from a campaign rally, specifically a miting de avance, held on May 11, 2019 along Roosevelt Ave. in Pitimini, Quezon City where Revillame and other television celebrities were also present.

The complaint stated that during the rally, Revillame gave out cash to some members of the audience and allegedly endorsed the candidates who were present like Belmonte, Sotto and Delarmente.

IN BRIEF

BI arrests departing Chinese with fake docs

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested an overstaying Chinese national who attempted to leave the country with a spurious immigration documents.

The foreigner, who was intercepted and nabbed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), was identified as 24 years old Ning Haochao. Ning was apprehended while he was about to board a Cebu Pacific flight to Xiamen, China.

The suspect was ordered to get off the plane after BI officers confirmed that the emigration clearance certificate (ECC) purportedly issued by the bureau which he presented was fake. Vito Barcelo

Cops nab Caloocan’s ‘most wanted person’

CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan has cited the local police force for the recent arrest of a murder suspect tagged as the “most wanted person” in the city.

“Muli nating ipinaabot ang ating pasasalamat sa ating kapulisan sa isa na namang matagumpay na operasyon kontra sa kriminalidad at pagkakahuli sa isa sa mga Most Wanted para sa kasong murder sa lungsod,” Malapitan said.

The suspect was identified as Efren Delos Santos Loquinario, 48, of Area A, Libis, Barangay 175, Camarin, Caloocan City.

He was nabbed last March 24 by police operatives headed by Maj. Jeraldson Ricera and Cpt. Romel Caburog. Police said Loquinario was facing the unbailable charge of murder and frustrated murder with P200,000 bail recommended. Jun David

1,000 NCR families get urban gardening training

A GOVERNMENT-sponsored project has trained more than 1,000 families in 29 communities in Metro Manila on urban gardening skills.

The trainings included tutorials on enriched potting preparation (EPP), simple nutrient addition program (SNAP hydroponics), and mushroom culture.

The project was spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

It called for improving food security in selected areas in the National Capital Region in response to the COVID-19 crisis through urban agriculture.” It was implemented by a team headed by DOST National Capital Region Director Jose B. Patalinjug III and by Senior Science Research Specialist Elvin B. Almazar. Butch Gunio

IMMINENT PORK SHORTAGE?

A meat vendor tends his stall at the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City, visibly unperturbed by a Department of Agriculture prediction that the country would likely experience a pork shortage of at least 46,104 metric tons next month due to the outbreak of the African Swine Fever.

Delivery of COVID-19 bivalent vaccines put on hold—DOH

By Willie Casas

THE arrival of the COVID-19 bivalent vaccines supposedly to be donated by the COVAX facility to the Philippines, has been put on indefinite hold due to some conditions set by the vaccine manufacturers, Department of Health (DOH) officerin-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday.

According to Vergeire, the DOH was

still exploring available legal remedies for the deal to push through under the United Nations-backed international vaccinesharing scheme.

“For now, we are on hold. But we are confident that we can still push through and get this COVAX donation,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.

The delay was reportedly caused by a change in conditions on the immunity from liability and indemnification clauses

required by the manufacturers after the Philippines lifted the state of calamity over the COVID-19.

“We have tried exhausting all possible means so that this transaction will push through. We were in constant coordination with the Office of the President, with the Department of Justice, with the Office of Solicitor General just so we can identify available legal remedies so that we can go on and have these COVAX donations,”

Vergeire asserts CDC bill not a ‘medical martial law’

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday dismissed claims that a proposed bill creating the country’s Center for Disease Prevention and Control would pave the way for a so-called “medical martial law.”

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has certified as urgent Senate Bill 1869, the upper chamber’s version of House Bill 6522, which was approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading last December.

“The CDC bill is not a medical martial law,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing.

“The CDC bill has been proposed for

us to be prepared in future pandemics or future threats to public health of a nation,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire was reacting to allegations made online regarding the alleged oppressive provisions in the Senate bill. An online petition on Change.org claimed the measure infringes on the right to life, curtails the right to liberty, freedom of abode, right to privacy and right to prior free and informed consent, among others. Vergeire said however that a local CDC would further strengthen the country’s capability to address public health emergencies, making for effective dis-

Pia eyes revisit of gov’t scholarships

SENATOR Pia Cayetano says government scholarship programs should be studied carefully because despite being given free, student-beneficiaries leave the country after their studies.

During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking (SDGIFT), data presented by the Department of Health(DOH), showed public universities and colleges will spend more than P3.5 billion for the training, reintegration, salaries and benefits to study medicine, nursing, midwifery and medical technology from 2020 to 2040.

Cayetano, committee chairperson, questioned why the government needs to spend the taxpayers’ money for the medi-

cal scholars’ education “if they will just go abroad and use there what they learned in the country for free.”

“What can we do to make them stay? But it’s their right to go to the country they want,” she said.

The senator admitted there is no law that mandates students who finished courses under the government’s health program to work in the country for a period of time. She said this issue is a very sensitive matter.

She also cited the need to improve the working health conditions in the country so health care professionals will choose to work here.

Records from the PRC showed that as of March 24, 2023, there are 951,105 registered nurses in the country.

ease prevention and control.

She also said the CDC aims to strategically improve epidemiological and public health surveillance, scale up information systems capacity, and strengthen the role and capacity of public health laboratories to ensure rapid response where and when public health threats arise.

The DOH OIC also emphasized that with CDC, all systems that are essential to ensure a proactive health response in normal and emergency situations will be strengthened and institutionalized.

Willie Casas

Vergeire said.

“Ito ang pinag-aaralan mabuti para naman hindi natin nagi-give up ‘yung ating mga karapatan bilang bansa in terms of these agreements,” she said.

“This is being studied carefully so that we do not give up our rights as a country in terms of these agreements. So for now, we are on hold, but we are confident that we can still push through and get these COVAX donations,” she added.

Robeses hail result of plebiscite in San Jose del Monte City

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE political leaders of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province hailed the result of the recently conducted plebiscite in the city, saying it was a “step towards development in terms of basic services to the newly formed barangays.”

The observation was shared by San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes and her husband, Mayor Arthur Robes.

The plebiscite, held last March 25, sought the sentiments of the residents of Barangay Muzon it they favored the proposal to divide their community into four barangays.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducted a plebiscite among the 43,771 registered voters in Barangay Muzon of which 13,322 representing 30 percent cast their votes.

It turned out that 92.51 percent of the voters were in favor of dividing their barangay into four, namely: Barangay Muzon Proper, Barangay Muzon East, Barangay Muzon West, and Barangay Muzon South.

Mayor Robes said the result of the plebiscite was good for the Muzon residents.

“Mas mabuti ito sa taumbayan dahil liliit yung nasasakupan ng maglilingkod sa kanila,” Mayor Robes said in a radio interview.

“Ibig sabihin, dati isang kapitan lang sa ganoong kalaking populasyon, sa ganun kalaking lugar…eh ngayon mahahati mo sa apat,” he added.

The mayor explained that the concerned barangay officials and employees could concentrate more on the delivery of services to a small constituency.

STEPPED UP BIKE PATROL. The Manila Police District under its director, Brig. Gen. Andre Perez Dizon, intensifies its bike patrol amid increasing incidence of street thieveries, notably those involving the so-called stuck-and-dropped-coins, preying on unsuspecting pedestrians and commuters alike. Norman Cruz

Manny Palmero

The age of electricity-driven jeepneys or e-jeepneys is arguably here to stay. Senator Cynthia Villar and Star 8 Green Technology Corp. president and chief executive officer Jacob Maimon lead the ribbon

PBBM applauds Pag-IBIG Fund ‘22 performance

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has lauded the Pag-IBIG Fund for posting its highest dividend rates since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pag-IBIG Fund’s regular savings posted an increase of 6.53 percent while the Modified Pag-IBIG 2 Savings (MP2) posted a 7.03 percent hike for 2022, as highlighted by the Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman’s Annual Report that the President recently attended.

“It makes me proud that your agency’s stewardship of our national savings program has successfully provided affordable shelter financing for our people. Let me thank all of you, the members who are the owners of Pag-IBIG Fund, including concerned housing developers, partners, and other key stakeholders who have been instrumental in fulfilling the Pag-IBIG Fund’s mandate of serving the Filipino workforce,” the President, in a speech, said.

“As the Pag-IBIG Fund was established under the presidency of my father, I look forward to your efforts in continuing his legacy of quality public service into the future. I urge you to sustain the transparency and accountability in all the work that you do. Thus, we are able to maintain the public’s renewed trust in the government.

Solon: ‘Con-ass’ can best address ‘Cha-cha’ issues

By Maricel V. Cruz

DEPUTY Speaker and

Pampanga

Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. on Tuesday renewed his push for the convening of Congress as a constituent assembly (con-ass) to propose changes in the Constitution’s “restrictive” economic provisions.

The representative of Pampanga’s third district made the move following Speaker Martin G. Romualdez’s statement that the House is open to discussing with the Senate the mode of changing the language of the Charter’s economic provisions.

Under Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 6, the House has opted for the constitutional convention mode.

“I agree with Senate President Migz (Juan Miguel) Zubiri that a con-con will have plenary powers, including proposing political amendments. Congress will have no control over a con-con. So should we not instead convene as a con-ass?” Gonzales said.

Gonzales, who had proposed con-ass under RBH 1, said a constituent assembly “is the most expeditious, most inexpensive and most controllable manner of proposing Charter amendments.”

“We could agree under a joint resolution to limit the effort to rewriting the economic provisions. I think there is consensus on that in both chambers. Any political amendment proposal will be immediately rejected,” he said.

He said the two chambers could also agree that voting would be separate, with each house mustering at least a three-fourths vote on any constitutional amendment proposal as required by the Constitution.

COVID uptick not enough to tighten measures: DOH

By Willie Casas

ARECENT increase in COVID-19 infections in the Philippines is not enough to tighten measures anew to control the spread of the virus, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday.

An average of 207 COVID-19 cases per day were reported from March 21 to 27, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing.

The country’s daily average of coronavirus infections was only 156 from March 14 to 20.

“Nakikita natin may konting pagtaas sa... iba’t ibang lugar (We could see that there is an increase) but it is not significant for us to say na kailangan na uli natin magkaroon ng (that we need)

PALASPAS.

A craftsperson creates a ‘palaspas’ five days before Palm Sunday. Makers and sellers of the ‘palaspas’ are expected to flock to Quiapo Church in Manila to sell the traditional palm fronds after three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norman Cruz

restriction,” she told reporters. Vergeire described COVID-19 related admissions as “manageable,” while she said deaths due to the virus were kept at a minimum.

As of March 26, some 307 cases or 8.4 percent of total COVID-19 admissions were in severe and critical condition, the DOH’s COVID-19 case bulletin showed.

At least 285 or 14 percent of intensive care unit beds for COVID patients were

IN BRIEF

House orders release of cold storage execs

occupied. The non-ICU bed utilization rate was at 16.5 percent.

“As of now, this kind of increase and decrease in the number of cases (is) expected (as) the virus is still here,” Vergeire said.

Based on the DOH’s COVID-19 Tracker, the Philippines has 8,626 active COVID-19 cases as of March 27.

Since the pandemic broke out in 2020, the country has recorded 4,080,410 coronavirus infections. The death toll stood at 66,342.

According to the National COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard as of March 15, more than 79.1 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated against the virus.

The total showed that 24.1 million people had received their first boosters while 4.3 million had gotten their second boosters.

Gatchalian renews call to stop POGO operations in PH

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday insisted that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) operations in the country should be stopped.

In a media briefing yesterday, Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate ways and means, said he will file a bill to repeal RA 11590 that provides legitimacy to the operations of POGOs.

RA 11590 or an “Act Taxing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations” was signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte on September

Measure

By Maricel V. Cruz

A RESOLUTION has been filed at the House of Representatives urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to provide 50 percent of teachers’ election honoraria in advance.

House Resolution 882 authored by TGP Rep. Jose Teves Jr. suggested that the Comelec begin this scheme in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to be held in October.

“In the interest of service, and in order to ensure that the necessary expenses like food and transportation of the teachers on the day of elections are supported, it is a must that they are provided with at least 50 percent of their honorarium prior to election day,” the

22, 2021.

He noted that repealing RA 11590 is also one of the recommendations by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who supports the immediate ban of POGO operations.

“That is one of the suggestions of Sen. Pimentel—to repeal that law, Republic Act No. 11590. Because that law impliedly legitimized POGO in our country,” Gatchalian said.

According to Gatchalian, he is amenable to Pimentel’s proposal “because that law gave legitimacy to POGOs through the taxation regime.”

resolution read.

Teves filed the resolution even as Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte earlier called for the payment of election honorarium in advance. Duterte also called on the Comelec to ensure the teachers’ safety during elections Comelec earlier said those who will serve as the board of election inspectors in the BSKE will be receiving a P8,000 to P10,000 honorarium.

In previous elections, honorariums to teachers were released days after they rendered their service. In some instances, Teves lamented the payments were delayed.

“We should give these public servants the assistance they deserve—be it monetary or otherwise,” Teves stated.

After conducting a Senate hearing on the socio-economic costs of POGOs, Gatchalian cited in his Chairman’s Report that the government never really earned revenues from the POGO industry.

Because of this, he noted that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) should collect the tax liabilities of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) third partyauditor, POGO licensees, and service providers.

The PAGCOR earlier said it terminated its deal with third-party auditor Global ComRCI after it deemed the auditor “in default of its obligations.”

THE House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and Food on Tuesday ordered the release of two cold storage company officials being investigated in connection with the drastic increase in onion prices last year.

The two were cited in contempt by the panel and ordered detained until they submit documents subpoenaed by the panel.

Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, committee chairman, said Micahel Ang and George Ong were released following the lifting of the contempt citation against them.

“The [House] Committee on Agriculture and Food, having received required documents and assured of willingness to cooperate in the succeeding hearings, unanimously acted on the lifting of contempt order of Mr. Michael King Ang and Mr. George Ong,” Enverga said in a statement. Maricel V. Cruz

Admin allocates P1.7b budget for fire bureau

THE Marcos administration has allocated a total budget of P1.737 billion for the modernization of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The fund shall be used for the acquisition and improvement of facilities, purchase of firetrucks, fire fighting, personal protective equipment, and emergency and rescue equipment.

Of the said amount, P.737 billion is appropriated in the BFP-specific budget under the FY 2023 General Approriations Act (GAA), while P1 billion shall be sourced from the 80 percent of the taxes, fees, and fines collected in accordance with the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Go co-sponsors bill for micro businesses in PH

SENATOR Christopher “Bong”

Go has co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2021, which aims to institutionalize the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“As we all know, micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs are considered growth engines of the Philippine economy,” Go said. However, he said,MSMEs encounter several challenges that hinder their development such as limited financial capacity, poor market information and lack of access to technology.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

calls for 50% teachers’ poll fee in advance

BUCOR RESHUFFLE. Newly-appointed Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr, announces the reshuffle of all personnel in the agency’s prison and penal farms during a command conference yesterday. Joseph Muego

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

PAG-IBIG REPORT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graces the Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman’s Report for the unveiling of the agency’s 2022 performance and dividend rates on members’ savings at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Tuesday. Alfred Frias

Assailant kills six at Nashville school in latest mass shooting

AHEAVILY armed former student killed three young children and three staff in what appeared to be a carefully planned attack at a private elementary school in Nashville on Monday, before being shot dead by police.

Chief of Police John Drake named the suspect as Audrey Hale, 28, who left behind a manifesto and had maps of the school detailing surveillance and entryexit points.

The suspect was “prepared for a confrontation with law enforcement,” the police chief told reporters following the latest outburst of gun violence in the United States.

In an interview with NBC News, Drake said the suspect was likely plotting

IN BRIEF

‘Don’t blame women’: Japan’s birth drive sparks online debate

JAPAN’S government has made tackling its falling birth rate a top priority, but with few women involved in official debate on the issue, some are making themselves heard on social media.

Japan recorded fewer than 800,000 births last year, the lowest in the country of 125 million since records began.

The prime minister has warned the trend threatens “whether we can continue to function as a society,” and fresh focus on the issue has sparked countless articles.

But one in particular, noting Japan has the highest ratio in the OECD of women aged 50 who have never had children, triggered an outpouring of responses using the hashtag “lifelong childlessness.”

Tomoko Okada had long felt “ashamed” about not having children and hesitated to click on the trending topic on Twitter initially, fearing the usual barrage of criticism.

Instead, she found mostly sympathetic and nuanced discussions, with women explaining why they had been unable to start a family or, in some cases, why they had chosen not to.

“I used to strongly believe that giving birth was the ‘normal’ thing to do,” the 47-year-old freelance writer told AFP.

She tried matchmaking services hoping to find a partner, with no luck, and was left feeling guilty when her dad asked for a grandchild for Father’s Day.

But posting her experiences and reading those of others helped her feel “my way of life is also OK.” AFP

New York City waits and waits for Trump’s expected indictment

NINE days after Donald Trump announced he was about to be arrested over a hush-money payment to a porn star, the world still awaits what would be one of the most famous police mugshots in history.

The Republican former US president, who has never been shy about grabbing the limelight, sent newsrooms in the United States and beyond into a spin on March 18 when he announced he was three days away from being brought before a New York judge.

Trump, it turned out, had bad information or was simply guessing, and his equally baseless claim a week later that the case had been dropped altogether was greeted with due incredulity.

The prosecutors may not be marching to Trump’s tune but legal analysts genuinely expect the 76-year-old—who is running again for the White House—to be read his Miranda rights any day now.

A grand jury—a panel of citizens with broad investigative powers that works with prosecutors—reconvened Monday in Manhattan, where they reportedly heard from the former publisher of the National Enquirer, a central player in the hush money payment scheme.

The probe centers on $130,000 paid weeks before the 2016 election to adult film star Stormy Daniels to stop her from going public about a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump a decade earlier.

Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, who has testified before the grand jury, told Congress in 2019 that he made the payment on Trump’s behalf and was later reimbursed. AFP

Afghan girls’ school project founder nabbed in Kabul—UN

a broader attack, as the manifesto “indicates that there was going to be shootings at multiple locations, and the school was one of them.”

Armed with at least two assault rifles and a handgun, Hale entered The Covenant School, a Christian academy, from a side entrance, allegedly shooting through a door – firing multiple shots while advancing through the building, according to police. Police identified the six victims, saying

one of the three children was eight years old and two were aged nine, while the adults killed were aged 60 to 61.

One of the victims, Katherine Koonce, is listed as head of the school on the academy’s website. There was some initial confusion about the shooter’s gender identity, but police later said Hale was transgender.

Officers were on the scene within about 15 minutes of receiving the first emergency call at around 10 a.m. (1500 GMT), engaging the shooter, who returned fire before being shot dead, police said.

Television images showed children holding hands as they left the school. One photograph showed a child sobbing through the window of her yellow school bus as it pulled away from the crime scene.

Avery Myrick said her mother, a pre-

Russia fires anti-ship missiles at mock target in Sea of Japan

RUSSIA’S defense ministry said Tuesday that its navy had fired test anti-ship missiles at mock targets in the Sea of Japan during military exercises.

Russia’s Pacific Fleet drills came a week after Tokyo’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Ukraine.

“In the waters of the Sea of Japan, missile boats of the Pacific Fleet fired Moskit cruise missiles at a mock enemy sea target,” the ministry said on Telegram early on Tuesday.

It said two ships took part in the exercise.

“The target, located at a distance of about 100 kilometers (62 miles), was successfully

hit by a direct hit from two Moskit cruise missiles.”

Moscow said its naval aviation oversaw the “safety of the combat exercise.”

Last week, Russia said two of its Tu-95 strategic bomber planes performed “flights in the airspace over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan.”

The bomber jet flights came after Japan’s Kishida visited Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. Japan has joined Western allies in sanctioning Russia over its offensive in Ukraine.

Russia’s far eastern Pacific coast is separated from Japan by the narrow Sea of Japan. AFP

kindergarten teacher at Covenant, hid as shots rang out through the school.

“She said she was hiding in the closet, and that there was shooting all over and that they had potentially tried to get into her room, and just that she loved us,”

Myrick told WSMV4 television, an NBC local affiliate.

On Monday night, as the country digested another mass shooting that claimed the lives of children, people left flowers and stuffed toys at a growing makeshift memorial outside the school. Some kneeled in prayer.

Stacie Wilford, a nurse, said it was “so scary” to have a shooting so close to home. She lives nearby and has an eight-year-old who attends a school only two miles down the road from The Covenant School. AFP

THE founder of a project that campaigned for girls’ education in Afghanistan has been detained by Taliban authorities in Kabul, his brother and the United Nations said Tuesday.

The Taliban government last year barred girls from attending secondary school, making Afghanistan the only country in the world where there is a ban on education.

“Matiullah Wesa, head of PenPath and advocate for girls’ education, was arrested in Kabul Monday,” the UN mission in Afghanistan tweeted. Wesa’s brother confirmed his arrest, saying he was picked up outside a mosque after prayers on Monday evening.

“Matiullah had finished his prayers and came out of the mosque when he was stopped by some men in two vehicles,” Samiullah Wesa told AFP.

“When Matiullah asked for their identity cards, they beat him and forcefully took him away.”

The organization Matiullah founded —which campaigns for schools and distributes books in rural areas—has long dedicated itself to communicating the importance of girls’ education to village elders.

Since the ban on secondary schools for girls, Wesa has continued visiting remote areas to drum up support from locals.

“We are counting hours, mins and seconds for the opening of girls schools. The damage that closure of schools causes is irreversible and undeniable,” he tweeted last week as the new school year started in Afghanistan.

“We held meetings with locals and we will continue our protest if the schools remain closed.”

The Taliban have imposed an austere interpretation of Islam since storming back to power in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces that backed the previous governments. Taliban leaders—who have also banned women from university—have repeatedly claimed they will reopen schools for girls once certain conditions have been met. AFP

Kim calls for ramped up production of ‘weapon-grade’ nuke material

NORTH Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un called for his country to expand production of “weapon-grade nuclear materials” and build more powerful weapons, state media reported Tuesday.

Kim’s latest threat, a doubling-down on an earlier promise to ramp up nuke production “exponentially,” came ahead of a US Navy carrier strike group’s scheduled arrival in South Korea Tuesday.

Kim was briefed by officials from the country’s nuclear weapons institute, the official Korean Central News

Agency reported, and said that North Korea should prepare to use its nukes “anytime and anywhere.”

He called on officials to “expand in a far-sighted way the production of weapon-grade nuclear materials for thoroughly implementing the plan... on increasing nuclear arsenals exponentially.”

Kim also “put spurs to continuing to produce powerful nuclear weapons,” KCNA added.

When North Korea has “flawlessly” prepared its nuclear weapons systems then

“the enemy would fear us and not dare provoke our state sovereignty, system and people,” Kim said, according to the report.

North Korea last year declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power and Kim recently called for an “exponential” increase in weapons production, including tactical nuclear weapons.

The country is also seeking to diversify its delivery mechanisms for its nuclear weapons, and on Tuesday claimed to have conducted a second successful test of its purported under-

water nuclear attack drone.

The first test of the new weapon called Haeil—which means tsunami in Korean—was carried out last week in what Pyongyang said was a response to recent US-South Korea military exercises, the largest in scale in five years.

The new weapon manoeuvred underwater “for 41 hours and 27 minutes tracking a simulated route spanning 600 kilometers” before exploding at a target off North Hamgyong province early Monday, KCNA said in a separate report. AFP

Seven dead, over 60 missing in Ecuador landslide

RESCUERS searched for more than 60 people reported missing after a landslide triggered by months of heavy rain killed at least seven people in southern Ecuador.

The mudslide happened overnight Sunday into Monday, burying dozens of homes and injuring 23 people in the village of Alausi in Chimborazo province, some 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of Quito, officials said.

Shocked residents, many in tears, stood waiting for news Monday as crews with shovels, pick axes and sniffer dogs dug through the debris to get to survivors

stuck between sheets of twisted metal and split tree trunks.

“Five are buried here,” Manuel Upai, a 40-year-old laborer, told AFP, referring to relatives of his as he stared at the muddy ground.

Alausi, a village of some 45,000 people surrounded by green hills, also saw several public buildings hit by the avalanche, which damagedroads and closed three schools.

“I managed to escape with about 15 minutes to spare,” survivor Jose Agualsaca told local TV network

Teleamazonas, saying he was rushing to get things out of his house before the mud came.

Ecuadoran President Guillermo Lasso said on Twitter that firefighters from neighboring areas had been rushed to the village to help people affected by the tragedy.

He urged all citizens to evacuate the affected areas.

The government mobilized the national police, armed forces, the health ministry and the Red Cross to help with the rescue efforts. AFP

This handout video grab image courtesy of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released on March 27, 2023 shows suspect Audrey Hale holding an assault ri e at the Covenant School building at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Hale killed three young children and three sta in what appeared to be a carefully planned attack. AFP

FOR FERTILITY. A woman pats the head of a statue of two dogs for good luck during a visit to Suitengu Shrine, a popular place to pray for a happy and safe pregnancy and birth of a child, in the Ningyocho area of Tokyo on March 28, 2023. Japan recorded fewer than 800,000 births last year, the lowest in the country of 125 million since records began. AFP

Cargo Movers ram past High Speed Hitters to bag bronze

F2 LOGISTICS unclasped itself from a heated duel of power, blocks, quick attacks, digs and all that matters for the bronze with PLDT, coming through with a telling run in the fourth set and essaying a 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-15 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference at the packed SM Mall of Asia Arena last night.

Aby Maraño, doing what she does best, swung to her strong side and unleashed her signature running attack off a reverse set by Iris Tolenado, the ball hitting Mich Morente’s arms and away from the reach of any PLDT player as the former La Salle standout finished off the High Speed Hitters then posed like an archer to the delight of the huge Tuesday crowd.

Kim Dy came away with 19 points, Ara Galang stepped up to fire 14 hits, and Maraño, who helped anchor their 20-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-17 victory in Game One of their best-of-three series to clinch the best player of game trophy, backed them up with 11 points.

Majoy Baron and Myla Pablo also combined for 14 markers but it was playmaker Kim Fajardo who stood out in Game 2, producing 11 points that included five attacks, four blocks and two aces on top of 24 excellent sets.

“First time kami na nandito, so our mindset is to get it,” said Fajardo, also a former La Salle stalwart, who earned the game’s top honors while powering the team to the franchise’s best showing in its two-year stint in the country’s premier league organized by Sports Vision.

Like in their series’ opener win last Sunday, the Cargo Movers had to rebound from a set down before winning the next three. This time, however, both teams had to scramble and fight for every hit and point that made their clash for third place look like a championship battle.

The Cargo Movers, however, came out of the scuffle on top, flashing superb staying power to outlast the High Speed Hitters, who practically lost steam midway in the fourth.

After seizing control in a back-andforth first three sets, 2-1, F2 Logistics started out strong in the fourth, 5-1, only to yield the next four points, leading to another standoff that somehow hinted at another spirited duel to the finish.

GOLF CHAMPION.

Rupert Zaragosa (center) holds his trophy as he poses with MORE Power presid ent and CEO Roel Castro (right) and Iloilo Golf and Country Club president Herminio Maravilla II after dominating the stellar field to claim his first Philippine Golf Tour crown in the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge last weekend.

Pinays dominant in world youth weightlifting meet

By Peter Atencio

ROSALINDA Faustino and Angelina Colonia contributed two more silver medals to make the Philippines the winningest team on Day 3 of International Weightlifting Federation World Youth Championships in Durres, Albania on Monday.

The 15-year-old Faustino hoisted a total of 178 kgs in the women’s 55-kg division for the third of the Philippines’ three silver medals in the general standings, thereby handing the Philippines the top spot in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Colonia grabbed the second of the three overall silver medals with her total of 155 kgs in the women’s 45 kg. action.

The Philippines, with its 2-3-0 goldsilver-bronze overall medal haul, is now

ahead of Turkmenistan (1-1-0) and Canada (1-0-1) in the team standings, going into the final set of competitions still to be played on Tuesday evening.

The Philippines also led the individual standings as Filipino lifters accumulated seven golds, four silvers and a bronze.

Turkmenistan and Vietnam trail the Philippines with their respective 3-3-0 and 3-2-2 tallies.

Perpetual, Lyceum dispute 2nd volley finals seat

UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Lyceum of the Philippines University dispute the remaining Finals berth in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre Wednesday.

The winner of the 2 p.m. match will face titleholder College of Saint Benilde in the best-of-three series starting April 11.

The Lady Altas are eyeing their first championship round stint since 2019, while the Lady Pirates are seeking to make more history after achieving a breakthrough Final Four stint.

Arellano University and San Beda clash for the right to face Perpetual in the men’s Finals at 12 noon.

The Lady Altas finished second be-

Games Wednesday (Filoil EcoOil Centre)

12 noon –

2 p.m. –

hind the Lady Blazers with a 8-1 record, a major turnaround from last season’s 2-6 campaign.

LPU, on the other hand, won the first step-ladder match at the expense of Mapua, 25-18, 25-23, 29-31, 27-25, last Tuesday.

Things won’t be easy for the Lady Pirates in making another milestone.

Perpetual topped LPU, 25-21, 25-13, 25-22, in the elims and will enter the door-die match as favorites.

Coach Cromwel Garcia has a simple promise for his team.

PH women’s beach handball team wants longer training for world tilt

THE journey doesn’t stop for the Philippine women’s beach handball team as it eyes a longer training and preparation in its first-ever stint in the World Beach Handball Championship slated next year.

The Filipinas will have time on their side as the meet won’t be held until July of 2024, giving them enough breathing room to prime up for what would be a historic campaign for the team.

The dream became possible following their silver medal finish in the last 9th Asian Beach Handball Championship, a tournament where they had the benefit to prepare for only two months.

The tournament held in Bali, Indonesia served as qualifier to the world tilt.

The meet’s host, however, is still to be announced as five countries are bidding to stage it.

“It would really be a tough competition, but what will worked for us is we have enough time to prepare, get the necessary support and resources the team needs for the competition,” said head coach Jana Franquelli as she appeared with playing

coach Aurora Adriano and team captain Socorro Borja in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the conference room of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Added Adriano, “Ibibigay namin our best to train and work hard. If our preparation in the Asian meet was short, dapat mas double pa dapat for the world.”

The team does need that as it will be up against the best beach handball units around the world like Brazil, Scandinavia, Denmark, Hungary, among others.

But the Filipinas are ready for the challenge the way they did in the Asian meet where they finished runner-up behind powerhouse Vietnam and beat Indonesia in a shootout along with Hong Kong.

“Masarap maging underdog kapag lumalaban ka,” said Borja in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“Were overwhelmed sa accomplishment ng team. It’s our first time to qualify

“For

in

Faustino claimed the Philippines’ seventh individual gold medal after heaving 100 kgs in the clean and jerk.

On the other hand, Faustino hoisted 78 kgs in the snatch for the Philippines’ fourth individual silver medal.

Colonia lifted 72 kgs in the snatch, giving her an individual women’s 45-kg gold medal in the category.

Ogulsat Amanova of Turkmenistan topped the 45-kg event with a 156 total.

After three days, the Philippines accounted for two overall golds, one each for Prince Keil Delos Santos and Albert Ian Delos Santos.

Prince Keil ruled the men’s 49-kg division, while Albert Ian topped the men’s 61-kg category.

Adamson, UST crowned NBA 3X champions

ADAMSON University and UST Women’s Basketball Team A were named the Men’s and Women’s Open Division Champions respectively of NBA 3X Philippines presented by Mountain Dew, which returned to Metro Manila for the first time since 2019.

NBA 3X—the league’s 3-on-3 tournament featuring interactive fan activities and authentic NBA entertainment—culminated with the finals across divisions for boys (under-19 and open category), girls (under-19 and open category) and celebrity division on Sunday, March 26.

Staged at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, NBA 3X Philippines was headlined by 2006 NBA Champion Jason Williams and Houston Rockets Clutch City Dancers, who both interacted with fans throughout the weekend.

Adamson University composed of Jhon Arthur Calisay, Aaron Flowers, Ivan Jay Maata, and Wilfrey Jr. Magbuhos defeated 5J Elite with a score of 22-10. Flowers, 24, was named the Mountain Dew ‘Bangis ng Barkada’ MVP of the Men’s Open category. Flowers’ teammate Magbuhos emphasized the significance of hard work and dedication in achieving success. “Kailangan lang talaga ng sipag at tiyaga. That’s the secret to achieving your goals so you need to work hard and always be humble kahit saan ka man makarating.”

In the Women’s Open, the UST-WBT Team A (Catherine Dionisio, Reynalyn Ferrer, Kent Pastrana, and Ana Mae Tacatac) outlasted Uratex Dream, 21-16. Women’s Open MVP Tacatac, 19, emphasized the importance of empowering women in sports. “We’re very happy and grateful for the opportunity na binigay sa amin na ipakita sa maraming tao yung talent namin as babae.”

The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers link their hands in a unified stance after bagging third place in the PVL All Filipino Conference.

Shown here are team captain Marilou Socorro (left) and playing coach Aurora Adriano (right) with their coach Jana Franquelli. in the world championship, so we’re very extremely happy,” said Franquelli. “Pero marami pa kaming kailangan gawin.” Being eyed is a possible foreign exposure for the team, perhaps in Europe by the fourth quarter of the year. Too bad, there would be no beach handball in the 32nd Southeast Asian

Games in Cambodia, although the sport is expected to be part of the calendar of events of the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

sure

2025 Thailand already assured that it will have the handball back in the SEA Games calendar,” said Franquelli.

Arellano vs San Beda (Men)

Perpetual vs LPU (Women)

Rosalinda Faustino (IWF)

BUSINESS

By Julito G. Rada

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supports the merger of state-run Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, with the latter as the surviving entity, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno told reporters Tuesday.

Diokno said in a message the merger would create the largest financial institution in the country that would better serve the country’s development needs.

DBP first vice president Zandro Carlos Sison said in a statement there is

no formal decision on the merger of the two banks. “DBP believes that any merger would require an act of Congress as both institutions were created by enabling laws,” the bank said.

The DBP said it shares the sentiments

PAL eyes more flights between PH and Australia

PERTH, Australia—Philippine Airlines said it is eyeing to launch more flights between Manila and Western Australia as it sees higher growth in tourism and trade between the two countries.

The flag carrier made history with the touchdown at Perth Airport of the first nonstop flight from the Philippines on March 27. The pioneer Manila to Perth flight, designated PR 223, was flown under the command of PAL president and chief operating officer Captain Stanley Ng, assisted by a crew of three pilots and six flight attendants.

“This new route expands Philippine Airlines’ footprint in Australia, making PAL the largest airline operator offering the most routes from the Philippines to this very important region of the world,” said Ng, an experienced Airbus A321 pilot. PAL’s market share for Manila to Australia reached 60 percent.

Australia is the Philippines’ third largest source of tourist visitors, with more than 89,000 Australians visiting the Philippines in 2022. Ng said the forward booking for Manila to Perth was “building up quite well” and “indeed a strong start for the route.”

“We are optimistic about the growth prospects for a Perth-Manila service. We hope to stimulate travel flows in both directions, so we may build up to more weekly flights eventually,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Puregold’s income rose 13.5% to P9.3b in 2022

GROCERY chain operator Puregold Price Club Inc. said net income increased 13.5 percent in 2022 to P9.3 billion from P8.2 billion in 2021 as the economic reopening drove higher foot traffic to its stores. Net sales climbed 12.3 percent in 2022 to P184.3 billion from P164.1 billion year ago, the company said in a stock exchange filing Tuesday.

of President Marcos on the need to conduct a thorough and meticulous legal study on the proposed merger which he firmly declared during a meeting the parties on March 28.

“DBP is committed to fulfilling its mandate of being a catalyst for national development by serving the financing needs of strategic and critical economic sectors, particularly infrastructure and logistics, micro, small and medium enterprises, social services and the environment,” the bank said.

“We assure the general public that the entire board of directors, management team and the rest of the public servants

Puregold said consumer demand gained momentum as the economy reopened and in-person activities normalized. As result, samestore-sales grew 6 percent in 2022.

“Even as inflation spiked, sentiment was lifted by low unemployment, minimum wage hikes, robust OFW remittances and 100-percent resumption of face-to-face classes,” Puregold said.

“Puregold’s sari- sari store customer base also gained further strength as one of the preferred retail channels in a year that saw robust demand amidst record fuel prices, commodity shortages and higher transportation costs, among others,” it said.

Puregold said fourth-quarter revenues grew 16.1 percent from a year earlier, on the back of a 11.7 percent consolidated same store sales growth. The group opened 24 new Puregold stores and 6 S&R QSRs in 2022. Jenniffer B. Austria

US firm investing $80m in Clark e-vehicle facility

US COMPANY Envirotech Vehicles plans to put up an electric vehicle production facility in Clark, Pampanga with investments of about $80 million.

“The initial investment that we have scheduled right now to set up, to build the plant is an $80-million investment over the course of over four years,” EVT chief executive Phillip Oldridge said during the lease agreement signing Tuesday. EVT and Berthaphil Inc., together with Clark Development Corp. as witness, signed the lease agreement for up to 20,000 square meters of land for the planned EV production facility.

Oldridge said EVT, a Nasdaq-listed company, was looking at a total production capacity of up to 2,100 EV units annually. These would include trucks, vans, school buses and jeepneys.

“It will create around 800 direct jobs, spread in manufacturing, green energy and tech side of it. Indirectly, outside of the 800 jobs we’ll have another 250 to 400 jobs including outsourced jobs,” Oldridge said.

He said they decided to put up the EV facility upon the invitation and persuasion of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. Zubiri said the planned facility “marks the start of a very healthy climate of investment in the Philippines.” Alena Mae S. Flores

of DBP remain steadfast in serving the banking needs of our clients. And we shall continue to do so with the same passion, dedication, and commitment as we have done for the past 76 years,” it said.

Diokno said the combined branches of the two banks would result in a wider network of banking operations, and the merged bank would become the largest bank in the Philippines in terms of assets and deposit size.

Diokno said the merger would eliminate redundancy and inefficiency in operations of the two banks. “Projected operating costs savings due to the merg-

Marcos supports LandBank-DBP merger IN BRIEF

er could reach at least P5.3 billion per year, or more than P20 billion over the next four years; this is a conservative estimate,” he said.

He said the merger would complement the strengths and address the weaknesses of the two banks, while the improved financial position would provide a bigger headroom for loans that could be utilized for development projects.

“The merger will help avoid the need for DBP to recapitalize—from P30 billion to P100 billion—and seek capital infusion from the national government,” he said.

Metro Pacific acquiring 16% stake in Levisite’s SP New Energy for P2b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Met-

ro Pacific Investments Corp. is acquiring a 16-percent stake in solar energy provider SP New Energy Corp. for P2 billion.

Based on the definite agreement signed by the two parties, MPIC will acquire 1.6 billion secondary shares owned by Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc. in SPNEC at P1.25 per share.

MPIC said in a stock exchange filing Tuesday it was given the option to further increase its stake to 43 percent, making it the largest shareholder of SPNEC. This plan is still subject to an increase in the company’s authorized capital stock to P50 billion from P10 billion.

MPIC said the deal is part of its overall plan to increase the group’s investments in the renewable energy sector. It also aims to make SPNEC the largest renewable energy company in the Philippines.

“Our thrust of pursuing renewable energy brings the MVP Group one step closer to fulfilling our mission of creating long-term value for our stakehold-

ers through responsible and sustainable investments,” said MPIC chairman and president Manuel Pangilinan.

Pangilinan will become chairman of the board of SPNEC, replacing Leandro Antonio Leviste, upon the closing of the transaction.

SPNEC said it would use the proceeds from the transaction to fund land investments in Nueva Ecija, where the company is developing what could be Asia’s largest solar project.

SPNEC develops, constructs and operates solar power plants primarily in Luzon. It plans to develop 10 gigawatts of solar projects by 2025.

SPPPHI founder and president Leandro Leviste said in a statement the partnership with MPIC is a part of SPNEC’s strategy to bring in an equity partner to support projects.

“We have long seen a partnership with MPIC to be the key to unlock the potential of our project pipeline. We are humbled and grateful for this opportunity, and believe that SPNEC now has the final ingredients to realize the value of our developments for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said Leviste.

Stock market rises; Semirara, SPNEC up

STOCKS rose Tuesday, as fears of a banking crisis eased thanks to the sale of fallen lender Silicon Valley Bank.

The PSE index, the 30-company bellwether of the Philippine Stock Exchange, gained 8 points, or 0.12 percent, to close at 6,603.15, as four of the six subsectors advanced.

The broader all-share index also went up 5 points, or 0.16 percent, to settle at 3,519.86, on a value turnover of P5.34 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 95 to 78, while 41 issues were unchanged.

Six of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. which climbed 6.14

TOP GAINERS

percent to P32.85 and SP New Energy Corp. which went up 3.57 percent to P1.74.

The board of Semirara on Monday approved a cash dividend payout totaling P14.88 billion, while SPNEC signed an agreement to sell a 16-percent stake to Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

Most Asian markets also traded higher. News that North Carolina-based First Citizens Bank had agreed to take over most of SVB boosted European stocks and Wall Street on Monday.

The gains were led by banking shares, following a rout last week over concerns that the turmoil in the sector could hit other major institutions, such as German giant Deutsche Bank. Hong Kong and Tokyo closed higher, while Sydney, Singapore and Seoul also gained. Shanghai was down, however.

European equities were also higher in early trade, with London, Frankfurt and Paris all in positive territory.

Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank, said Tuesday that the acquisition by First Citizens had “helped set a positive tone” in global markets.

“Together with the absence of new scare stories over the weekend, banking shares have driven a rally across most

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

major equity indices,” he wrote in a note.

On Monday, the World Bank warned that an anticipated economic slowdown in China is likely to drag global growth down to its lowest level this century as it proposed measures to prevent a “lost decade” of growth.

“We’ve grown used to China being the tractor of the global economy, and that will have to change because China’s growth rate is going to go down over time,” World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill said.

After last week’s tumult, traders were taking the opportunity to regroup, SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes said Tuesday.

Crypto giant Binance charged with breaking trade rules

WASHINGTON—A top US markets regulator on Monday charged cryptocurrency giant Binance and its founder Changpeng Zhao with multiple violations, in another move by Washington against the once highflying sector.

Rostin Behnam, chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, said the charges against Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, were part of a campaign to “find and stop misconduct in the volatile and risky digital asset market.”

The allegations targeted Zhao, also known by his Twitter handle CZ, and three entities that make up his crypto empire.

Zhao was often presented as the archrival of crypto tycoon Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, who was arrested in the Bahamas in December and faces a US criminal trial later this year.

“For years, Binance knew they were violating CFTC rules, working actively to both keep the money flowing and avoid compliance,” Behnam said in a statement.

“This should be a warning to anyone in the digital asset world that the CFTC will not tolerate willful avoidance of US law,” he added.

The charge sheet accuses Binance of failing to uphold standards that are required of a company operating as a derivatives market and dealing with major US trading companies.

Since July 2019, “Binance’s compliance program has been ineffective,” the statement said.

At Zhao’s direction, Binance employees and customers were directed to skirt compliance controls “to maximize corporate profits,” the regulator added.

US media reports have said Binance is under investigation by US federal prosecutors, the Securities and Ex-

change Commission as well as the Internal Revenue Service.

Binance has frequently tested regulators by failing to register as an outright asset trader, espousing the philosophy that cryptocurrencies belong outside the reach of financial rules.

The action against Binance comes just a few weeks after a crisis in US regional banks wiped out two cryptofriendly lenders, Silvergate and Signature, making matters more complicated for the business.

Regulators are increasingly keen for oversight of a sector which boomed during the Covid pandemic when many people were stuck at home and enticed by the big returns seen by trade in Bitcoin.

The global crypto market stands at more than $1 trillion and has risen sharply in recent months, although it remains far below its 2021 peak of $3 trillion. AFP

SVB collapse ‘textbook case of mismanagement,’ says top Fed official

WASHINGTON, United States—

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank was a “textbook case of mismanagement” which requires tougher banking regulation, according to prepared remarks by a top Federal Reserve official.

“SVB failed because the bank’s management did not effectively manage its interest rate and liquidity risk,” the Fed’s vice chair for supervision Michael Barr said in remarks released ahead of a Senate hearing Tuesday.

He added that its failure “demands a thorough review of what happened, including the Federal Reserve’s oversight of the bank.”

Silicon Valley collapsed on March 10 after taking on excessive interest-rate risk, leaving it exposed when the Fed began hiking rates to tackle rising inflation.

Its “concentrated” business model, which relied heavily on a closely-interconnected network of venture capitalists, also left it vulnerable to a bank run by concerned depositors, Barr added in remarks released Monday.

“The bank waited too long to address its problems, and ironically, the overdue actions it finally took to strengthen its balance sheet sparked the uninsured depositor run that led to the bank’s failure,” he said.

Oversight relaxed Barr said the passage of the 2019 Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, led the Fed to reduce its regulation of smaller banks, including SVB.

The “less stringent” standards put in place by the Fed after the Republican-backed bill’s passage meant SVB was subject to “less

frequent stress testing” and “less rigorous capital planning and liquidity risk management standards.”

Barr said SVB’s failure “illustrates the need to move forward with our work to improve the resilience of the banking system.”

The Fed will propose a number of reforms to increase capital and longterm debt requirements for banks of

“US stocks are trading moderately higher, and bonds lower Monday as bank stresses relax a bit further,” he said. “This allows investors more breathing room to position ahead of a busy end-of-the-month data week docket and an even busier April” as first-quarter earnings approach.

And while markets have responded positively to the measures implemented by authorities to shore up the banking sector, there are still concerns about the impact of ongoing rate hikes by central banks, especially the US Federal Reserve. Despite the recent turmoil, central banks have pushed on with monetary tightening as they focus on fighting inflation. With AFP

US, Japan reach deal on critical EV battery minerals

WASHINGTON—The United States and Japan have reached an agreement on trade in minerals that are key to electric vehicle batteries, US trade officials said late Monday, a move to reinforce supply chains in a sector dominated by China.

Rare earth elements and minerals such as lithium are becoming increasingly important in clean energy technologies, but the United States is set to face gaps in such critical mineral supplies when it comes to meeting expected demand for EVs.

The latest US-Japan deal includes commitments not to impose export duties on critical minerals shipped to the other country, said statement released by the US Trade Representative.

“The United States and Japan share a common interest in strengthening supply chains between like-minded partners and increasing resilience against threats such as economic coercion,” the USTR added.

Ambassador Katherine Tai said the agreement marks “a welcome moment” as Washington continues to work with allies and partners to boost supply chains, including through the Inflation Reduction Act.

That law stipulates that 40 percent of critical minerals in an eligible EV battery needs to be extracted from, or processed in, countries that have freetrade agreements with America.

This figure is set to rise to 80 percent in 2027 and the rule would have excluded the European Union and Japan -- drawing concern from both parties.

But the latest deal opens the doors for critical minerals processed in Japan to qualify for some US subsidies under the act.

The Treasury Department will issue a notice by the end of this month with proposed guidance on the IRA’s critical minerals and battery components requirements. AFP

‘Glaze’ software to protect art from copycat AI

The SVB Private logo is displayed outside of a Silicon Valley Bank branch in Santa Monica, California on March 20, 2023. SVB, a key lender to startups across the US since the 1980s and the country’s 16th-largest bank by assets, had been hit by the tech sector slowdown as cash-hungry companies rushed to get their hands on their money.

AFP

SVB’s size, he added. “We will need to enhance our stress testing with multiple scenarios so that it captures a wider range of risk and uncovers channels for contagion, like those we saw in the recent series of events,” he said, adding that changes to liquidity rules may also be required “to improve the resiliency of the financial system.” AFP

SAN FRANCISCO, United States— Researchers at the University of Chicago have released free “Glaze” software that they say can thwart efforts by generative artificial intelligence to copy an artist’s style.

The program makes tiny changes to digital images that, while invisible to human eyes, act as a “style cloak” when they are posted online, the team behind the project explained on their website.

If generative AI finds a Glazeguarded image online, it is prevented from correctly analyzing and copying the style, the team said.

Glaze was created at the behest of artists outraged that programs like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, schooled on troves of images available online, could mimic their styles on command.

“AI has been evolving too fast, and there must be some guardrails or regulations around it,” said Shawn Shan, the doctoral student in charge of the project.

“The goal of this is to push back from a technical standpoint.”

The team behind Glaze worked with artists including the illustrator Karla Ortiz, who is among the plaintiffs in a US court case against several firms with image-producing generative AI services.

“If Karla uses our tool to cloak her artwork, by adding tiny changes before posting them on her online portfolio, then Stable Diffusion will not learn Karla’s artistic style,” the lab team said. AFP

PROTESTS AT LOUVRE. Employees hold banners and unions’ flags as they block the entrance of the Musee du Louvre to denounce the government’s controversial pension reform, in Paris, on March 27, 2023. A spokeswoman for the Parisian museum told AFP that this blocking of entries was carried out ‘by employees of the Louvre museum and other cultural sites.’ AFP

selling merchandise online. Upon learning Seb’s secret to success, she asked him to teach her things about sugar dating. She promised to do everything she could so she would never struggle financially ever again.

As Seb helps Josie achieve the “sweet life” she has been dreaming of, his feelings for her start coming back. But the principles of sugar dating seem to be working for Josie. Besides, the memory of Seb being with an older woman for money while they were still living together is still fresh in her mind.

Laxamana shared at last year’s conference that he did a lot of research about sugar dating to be able to tell the audience the real story behind it. He actually made an account on one of those social media sites matching potential sugar daddies/mommies and sugar babies.

former beauty queen said yes to it right away. She expressed her gratitude for finally having the chance to work with director JP Laxamana whom she has always admired. The director admitted that he wasn’t sure at first if Kylie was the actress he’s looking for to play Josie, but after seeing her previous films, particularly Ikaw Lang ang Mahal on

Vivamax, he got very impressed by her acting. And when they started preparing for the shoot, he observed Kylie’s discipline and determination to be in character. That made him more convinced that she’s right for the role.

Kylie and Director JP both enthused that Marco Gumabao is great as Seb. Asked about his reaction to the movie’s theme, Marco said that he was shocked when he first read the script, but he was also very excited to be able to put himself in the shoes of sugar babies.

Kylie Versoza

Marco Gumabao, explore the world of ‘sugar dating’

in new romcom film

By Angelica Villanueva

AWARD -winning and box office director

Jason Paul Laxamana returns with another romcom titled Baby Boy, Baby Girl starring Marco Gumabao and Kylie Versoza.

The film goes deeper into the world of “sugar dating” where relationships are transactional – every expectation is laid out and agreed upon.

Marco Gumabao plays Seb who rose from rags to riches. With the help of becoming a “sugar baby,” he was able to afford the luxurious lifestyle that got the attention of his ex-girlfriend, Josie (Kylie Versoza), when they crossed paths.

Josie is a failed startup businesswoman and now struggles with her side hustle

“Sugar dating is for people who are looking for companionship, or for those who wanted to be mentored. A lavish lifestyle is also a big part of it. The requirements, like the duration of the dating and material things to be given/ received of the people in social dating, are stated very clearly,” Laxamana shared. Kylie stated during the same conference that she got interested in the project the moment it was pitched to her. The

VIU has recently announced the launch of Viu Scream Dates, the fan meet offering across its markets.

Viu Scream Dates aims to extend the Viu experience beyond the screens to further engage its patrons by bringing the stars closer to them via live events and experiences.

This month sees Lee Je-hoon’s Vacation Fan Meet across three of its markets namely the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. For the next quarter, Viu is slated to bring Lee Seung-gi to Singapore and Indonesia, among other markets. Apart from Korean stars, Viu Scream Dates will also provide a platform for the local stars from its Viu Original series to further engage with their fans locally and regionally.

Janice Lee, CEO of Viu and managing director of PCCW Media Group, said, “In 2022 we hosted several events in various markets, which were very well received, and we see the pent-up demand for more live events and experiences post the pandemic from our Viu-ers. While we continue to focus on bringing a great lineup of content offerings to our audience, we aim to further enhance the value to our Viu-ers by extending our brand to related live experiences and creating exclusive digital content around these events that

the Middle East and Africa (MEA) on Viu, within the first ten days of its launch. Viu also debuted four local Viu Original series, Married Ex-Boyfriend (Indonesia), The House on Autumn Hill (Malaysia), Return Man (Thailand), and UBettina Wethu S3 (South Africa).

In 2023, Viu has also secured the rights to over one hundred shows that will debut on Viu. These include much-awaited local and international dramas like The Betrayal (Thailand), Unbreak My Heart (the Philippines), Themis’s Law School Class Room (Japan), Kokdu: Season of Deity and The Heavenly Idol (Korea), as well as variety shows including all- time favorite Running Man Marianne Lee , chief of Content Acquisition & Development, Viu, said, “Our lineup for 2023 is all about being relevant to our Viu-ers. Our data shows that while there is content that works across markets, we have to look at each of our markets individually in terms of their content mix to ensure we are winning in that market. Our focus on content complements our vision of bringing our Viu-ers entertaining experiences on and off screen. Our content mix will continue to reflect our Viu-ers’ interests as it evolves.”

Baby Boy, Baby Girl is not just for entertainment, we wanted the film to also serve as an eye opener to many viewers about the world of sugar dating and things work in this kind of setup,” Marco said.

Completing the cars are Migo Valid, Yen Durano, Gino Roque, Andrea Babierra, Giselle Sanchez, Marnie Lapus, Gary Lim, Rey PJ Abellana, Marissa Sanchez, and Yayo Aguila. Baby Boy, Baby Girl is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

GMA Network executive named jury member at 2023 APAC Effies

GMA Network Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Lizelle G. Maralag was again named as one of the jury members of the 2023 Asia Pacific Effie Awards (APAC Effies).

A well-respected figure in the marketing industry, Maralag joins senior-level executives from across the region chosen for their rich knowledge and expertise to award the most effective marketing efforts in APAC. First invited to judge the APAC Effies in 2017, Maralag has continued to be part of the jury ever since.

With her career spanning almost three decades in advertising, media, and marketing, Maralag’s leadership was pivotal in making GMA the most-awarded local network in marketing since 2012. She was likewise instrumental in making Starcom Mediavest Philippines the top media agency in the market during her tenure as a Managing Director before joining GMA.

Highly regarded as a marketing maverick, Maralag has also been sharing her experience and insights with students and the academe around the Philippines via GMA Synergy’s GMA Masterclass: The Icons Series . She led its first leg in Cebu City in November 2022 and graced its back-to-back Mindanao events in Davao City and General Santos City last March.

Streaming app for Pinoy indie films launched

EDUKSINE, a social enterprise and hybrid streaming platform that features educational and socially relevant independent Filipino films, was launched on Friday, March 24.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the app aims to bridge the gap between Filipino filmmakers and viewers by delivering contextual and transformative content. The platform likewise provides sustainable support and opportunities to small local film producers, directors, actors, and marketers.

The app was the brainchild of Founder and CEO Karen Jane Salutan, a Blessed Arnould Study Assistance Program (BASAP) scholar and Business Management alumna from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Her vision is to provide a new unconventional

venue to promote Filipino culture and arts through indie films that create social impact.

Apart from the streaming platform, EdukSine likewise promises to reach farflung areas of the country by conducting pre-arranged in-person and hybrid block screenings in companies, government offices, and schools from the metro to the mountainous and coastal villages across the Philippines.

Among the many issues to be highlighted and explored are peace, environment, education, agriculture health, indigenous culture, women empowerment, violence against women and children, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

The EdukSine App launch included lectures that walk the participants into the creative journey and technical

developments of EdukSine from advocacy into a social enterprise.

The event was spearheaded by Salutan, together with EdukSine cofounders Romae Marquez and Hector Gloria, plus EdukSine website and app developers Jacob Catayoc and Raphael Marco

They were joined by Leizl Sueno, the senior science research specialist and program manager of Women Helping Women: Innovating Social Enterprise (WHWise) , the DOST initiative which assisted EdukSine to elevate its cause.

For more information about the event, visit Benilde School of Management and Information Technology – SMIT on Facebook. To know more about EdukSine, visit https://app.eduksine.com/.

The Effie Awards is recognized as the global standard of marketing effectiveness excellence. It honors the most effective brands, marketers, and agencies, globally, regionally, and locally through its coveted effectiveness rankings called the Effie Index. Organized by Ifektiv Pte. Ltd., the Grand Effie Judging of the APAC Effie Awards happens this June, with the Awards Gala slated in September 2023.

EdukSine is a social enterprise and hybrid streaming platform that features educational and socially relevant independent Filipino films (Photo from Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute)

Marco (left) and Kylie play ex-lovers who ventured into the world of sugar dating

From left: Marco Gumabao, Kylie Versoza, and director Jason Paul Laxamana

GMA Network Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Lizelle G. Maralag

EdukSine Founder and CEO and Benilde Business Management alumna and scholar Karen Jane Salutan

Woven memories

Capturing women’s strengths in watercolor

DURING the pandemic when we were confined in our homes, we sought comfort from the same walls we used to escape and rediscovered what we often took for granted. In our confinement, we uncovered the beauty that eluded us and began to see the reflections on surfaces and the textures of the things we own. We observed the curves on our drapes and found solace in the shadows. We experienced a multitude of emotions in silence and in this quietude, we found ourselves embraced by our own homes.

These are the stories that Woven Memories would like to share with the public via Conrad Manila’s 23rd installment of its highly acclaimed “Of Art and Wine” exhibition series at Gallery C, this time featuring the works of watercolor artist Kyle Fortu-Legaspi

The exhibit, on view until May 27, is in xline with the celebration of International Women’s Month.

The story of the experience is expressed through the gentle

shadows of lace, the faint light from the windows, and the colors of the home reflected in the folds and textures of the weaves. Each painting includes a Philippine textile, delicately painted and included in the artist’s composition. The collection is a visual memoir of the blues and the stillness, which will soon fade and become a memory.

The exhibit is a visual tribute to the women who fervently helped maintain harmony and sanity in our homes during the lockdown. It is a series of floral, portrait, and still life watercolor paintings

illustrating the strength that these women displayed in solitude and silence.

Chery Faye Legaspi, also known as Kyle, is a professional artist based in Manila, Philippines. After graduating from college and obtaining her license in Nursing, she studied at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. She was fascinated by the different textures and colors of the textiles she worked with and eventually decided to incorporate them into her paintings.

being a contributing illustrator for Philippine Airlines’ in-flight magazine, Mabuhay Magazine

She joined the Philippine Guild of Watercolorists (PGW) in 2018 and became a member of the Board of Trustees a year after. She has participated in several gallery exhibits and her works have been exhibited internationally.

‘In Bloom’ is part of a series of floral, portrait, and still life watercolor paintings illustrating the strength that these women displayed in solitude and silence

Manila Hotel hatches new exhibit for Easter season

FOR the forthcoming Easter season, The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Manila Bulletin, brings back Hatch –a one-of-a-kind showcase of artfully crafted Easter eggs. Displayed as a focal point of the Grand Lobby of the hotel, guests will be treated to a delightful display of novel collaboration of Filipino artists. With the aim to promote the local art scene and highlight the creative genius of local artists, Hatch: The 5th Edition features 18 uniquely customized acrylic eggs showcasing a multitude of creative styles and distinct personalities of Filipino contemporary artists who come from different disciplines. Just as the artists adapted their respective unique styles of mixed media, each Easter egg has a different story to tell.

Featured artists include Addie Cukingnan, Agi Pagkatipuna, Al Perez, Aner Sebastian, Carlito Ortega, Carlo Magno, Cindel Tiausas, Carlos Cee Cadid, Demet dela Cruz, Migi Sebastian, Egai Fernandez, Emmanuel Nim, Jinggoy Salcedo, Margie Organo, Maria Magdamit, Migs Villanueva, Monnar Baldemor, Reen Barrera, and Remy Boquiren, Roger “Rishab” Tibon In 2020, Manila Bulletin won the gold award for Hatch during the 55th Anvil Awards. The exhibit moved from city to city where visitors were introduced to an exceptional showcase of Filipino artistry.

Hatch will be on display at the Grand Lobby of The Manila Hotel until April 23.

Kyle decided to learn watercolor painting in 2016, focusing on portraits and figures. She enjoys painting children because she lives with her nieces and nephews who enjoy modeling for her. Shortly, she became a commissioned portrait artist and worked on several projects including

In 2020, she was given an award by the BC Arts Center for her watercolor piece in the You Art Not Alone Quarantine Art Competition. For three consecutive years, she has been in the top 3 of the annual PGW National Watercolor Contest. She has made it to the finals of three International Masters of Watercolour Alliance Contests and was granted an Honorable Mention

Award for her work in the 2022 Women in Watercolor International Competition.

Most recently, she was granted a Merit Award for being in the top 200 watercolorists who made it to the International Watercolour Masters 2022.

Kyle is committed to contributing to the representation and development of Philippine art, especially in the field of Watercolor Painting. As a portrait and figure artist, she uses Filipino models in her compositions and uses Philippine textiles and accessories in her paintings.

Today, she lives happily with her husband and cats in Taguig Cityand works in her home studio.

Arts of women, by women, for women

WHEN we look at paintings and artworks displayed in galleries and museums, we see an unfortunate story of underrepresentation. About 70 to 80 percent of artworks displayed are created by male artists, while the rest are made by female artists.

But when we get down to business, there is no dearth of women artists. So, what gives? Are women artists simply not as good enough as their male counterparts? Or are they merely not being represented properly, underrepresented, and/or even misrepresented?

That is precisely what the WOMAN: Thesis and Antithesis exhibit, featuring selected artworks from the CCP 21AM Collection, hopes to explore. A project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, in partnership with the Yuchengco Museum Foundation, the exhibit is on view until June 24, at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.

Curated by museum director Jeannie Javelosa, the exhibit highlights pieces that explored women as subject matter, and works created by Filipino female artists.

Displayed on the ground floor of the museum, the Women In Society collection showcases the “almost romantic and inspirational idealization of woman and her role in society as mother, lover, and partner in the domestic scene” as seen through the artists’ personal lenses.

The exhibit notes: “Filipino artists have extensively explored women as subject matter, as a form rendered through various styles from the figurative to the abstract; and as a subject in relation to her role in community.”

Exhibited on the third floor, the Women Expressions pieces become part of a continuum of women’s visual expressions that continues to shift as political landscapes, about women’s rights and the feminine

spirit gains power in the world today. The second exhibit component showcases women artists as they “speak to the world using their art as the extension of their minds, hearts, and spirits. They express particular issues they face as women: gender biases, provocative thoughts about religious and spiritual conviction, interpersonal relationships, and the depth of complexities about identity formation.”

Most of the artworks displayed here are never-before-seen pieces from the CCP collection. One of the interesting pieces on display is the “Bottle Gatherers” by National Artist Vicente Manansala. When the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division was restoring the painting, the team found a hidden painting behind the frame. They found an “Untitled” painting, with a totally different art style and color palette from the “Bottle Gatherers.” Entrance fee for adults is P100, with discounted price of P50 for students, seniors, and PWDs. Free admission days are April 29, May 27, and June 24. Visiting schedule is Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Yuchengco Museum is located at the RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue in Makati City. ***

Speaking of women artists, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation celebrates International Women’s Month and honors four women alumni of Shell National Student Art Competition (NSAC).

Visual artist Mailah BaldemorBalde recognized and reached for her dream early in life. Born in a family of artists, she learned about color harmony before she even

knew how to write. At an early age, she joined NSAC in 1993, with her artwork Lahar Country, and won a full scholarship.

Davao-based artist Vyankka Balasabas found her artistic calling when her father bought her a camera when she was 14 years old.

“I would take pictures of myself in different moods, characters, and themes, and it made me learn how to convey ideas and put them into one image. At that point, I knew I wanted to pursue an art career,” said Balasabas who won third place for her stop-motion video in Shell NSAC 2015.

Currently, Balasabas dabbles with creating crypto art that is focused on showing the complexities of human emotions and fantasies.

Visual artist Rosario BitangaPeralta became the country’s first woman abstractionist after winning the watercolor category of Shell NSAC in 1957. She believes that self-realization and dedication to one’s art can mean throwing off some remnants of the past.

“Earlier art was based on traditional, Western modes, with local adaptations and variations often misunderstood. Today, art is more free, unlimited, and no longer holds on to traditional schools of thought but is more on self-inspiration,” said Bitanga-Peralta.

Echoing her predecessor, PintaPH founder Katrina Gosiengfiao observes that “schools of traditional

arts are springing forth and taking the spotlight while Philippine traditional art becomes integrated into universities.”

The Shell NSAC 2013 grand prize winner hopes to develop a stronger art movement that can fuel “a country that is economically successful enough to fund its cultural and heritage conservation sector.”

For Baldemor-Balde, the ability to connect with like-minded artists can power up Philippine art, especially in the digital age. “Thanks to the help of social media and the Internet, artists can now connect to each other, and learn new trends in art in a more spontaneous way. The themes and subject matters continue to be timely, like climate change and public health,” she said.

When asked for her advice to young artists, Gosiengfiao enthused: “Commit to improving and honing your artistic practice indefinitely – it may bring you to places you never imagined of going. Do things conscientiously and with purpose.”

Bitanga-Peralta exhorts the youth to refine their craftsmanship and rise to the challenges in the global scene: “Persistence, creativity, production. Study and train on the basics of art, learn art history, and keep up with the world around you. Be aware.”

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Before March ends, I’m wishing all the strong, empowered women out there a Happy Women’s Month! You are all simply amazing! Don’t let anyone feel you are not enough. You are a woman, you are more than enough.

Watercolor artist Chery Faye Legaspi, also known as Kyle

‘From Thy Bounty’ captures the exhibit’s soft and light scheme

‘Swathe’ by Kyle

‘Mother & Child’ by Vicente Manansala

‘Mansanas Sa Almusal’ by Imelda Endaya Cajipe

Alejandrino Hufana’s Tobacco Family

‘Three Women with Baskets’ by Anita Magsaysay-Ho

Migs Villanueva’s artfully shows his style in ‘The Seed of Generations’

‘Dalawang Sagwan’ is a piece by Demet dela Cruz and Migi Sebastian

The colorful and textured Easter egg masterpiece of Jinggoy Salcedo