Manila Standard - 2023 April 29 - Saturday

PH not backing down in WPS

DFA, PCG rip 'illegal actions' but China blames 'provocative' local ships

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

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday declared that the Philippine government will not back down from what it described as "intrusions" and "illegal actions" in the West Philippine Sea after a Chinese coast guard ship caused a near-collision with a Philippine Coast Guard vessel on Sunday.

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NAVAL MIGHT. USS Makin Island (LHD-8), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, is docked at Pier 15 in the port of Manila on Friday. The Makin Island was part of the contingent of US ships in the recent Balikatan exercises in northern Luzon. Days earlier, the inset photo shows a member of the Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Malabrigo manning his post while being shadowed by a Chinese coast guard ship at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. Norman Cruz and AFP

More soldiers eyed in next drill; ‘Cope Thunder’ revived

By Charles Dantes

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines is eyeing more soldiers to participate in next year’s military drills with the United States and their allies as they officially

closed the largest Balikatan joint military exercises on Friday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino said the Balikatan 2023 exercises were “very successful” with several firsts

Fuel rollbacks of up to P1.50/l next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores

LOCAL oil companies will likely implement another round of pump price rollbacks on Tuesday of as much as P1.50 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

Next week's rollback would be the third consecutive week of price cuts for diesel and the second consecutive week for gasoline and kerosene. Industry sources told Manila Standard that based on the first four days of weekly trading in the world oil market and the foreign

exchange average, oil prices softened leading to a potential rollback across all products.

The source said gasoline may go down by P1.40 to P1.50 per liter, diesel by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter, and kerosene by P1 to P1.10 per liter.

DOE director for Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said world oil prices dropped amid deepening concerns of an economic slowdown while a stronger dollar outweighed hopes of higher Chinese demand.

on various training fronts as he led the closing rites together with Department of National Defense chief Carlito Galvez and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. As the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder

in Filipino) drills drew to an end, the two countries’ air forces revived their joint exercises called “Cope Thunder,” 23 years after they were stopped in 1991.

The US Pacific Air Forces Public

PBBM to stress ‘peaceful, secure, stable, prosperous’ seas in US visit

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

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will underscore the country’s desire to have a peaceful, secure, and stable South China

Half of Pinoys in Sudan evac'd via bus to Egypt

THE Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday more than half of the 700 registered Filipinos in war-torn Sudan have been evacuated by the Philippine government during the 72-hour ceasefire there and are now in Egypt.

Sea when he begins his official visit to the United States next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

Amid reports that a Chinese coast guard ship caused a near collision with a Philippine Coast Guard vessel over the weekend, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita

In a statement, the DFA said as of Friday noon (Manila time), 496Filipinos were able to get out of the capital city, Khartoum, where the heavy fighting between the Sudanese military and paramilitary forces took place.

A total 414 Filipino evacuees traveled the Sudanese border to Egypt through the evacuation buses rented by the Philippine embassy.

Solon: Cops covered up actions in big shabu haul

By Maricel V. Cruz

SURIGAO del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers on Friday accused several policemen of "covering up" what really transpired during the Oct. 8, 2022 drug bust in Tondo,

Manila that yielded nearly a ton of shabu worth P6.7 billion.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos had said the drugs seized in the October 2022 operation were "probably the biggest drug haul in the history of

the Philippines."

Barbers, chairperson of the House panel on dangerous drugs, cited the supposed "inconsistencies" and conflicting statements of police officers present in the operation.

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Friday called for a simpler, more convenient, and faster process of registering subscriber identity modules (SIMs) by millions of still unregistered legitimate mobile phone users.

“In particular, let us assist overseas Filipino workers and their families to register. Their mobile phones are their principal means of communicating and

TOWERING GUESTS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., all of 5-foot-5, is dwarfed by 7-foot-6 Yao Ming (left) and seven-footer Dirk Nowitzki as the US National Basketball Association legends paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive on Friday in Malacanang. China’s Yao and Germany’s Nowitzki are ambassadors for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, which the Philippines is hosting from August 25 to

LOCKED IN. Department of National Defense Office-In-Charge Carlito Galvez and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson (second and third from left) lock arms with Philippine and American generals as they witness the Balikatan 38-2023 closing ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday. Danny Pata

PH to push food, energy in ASEAN P

RESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will advance the Philippines’ priorities through regional and multilateral cooperation in various areas during his attendance at the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia in May, a foreign affairs official said on Friday.

Among the key issues that will be pushed by President Marcos include longterm food and energy security, efforts toward economic recovery, combatting transnational crimes, and upgrading of technical and vocational education and training, among others. During a pre-departure briefing in

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China and the Philippines in the contested waterway.

The PCG said on Friday it was seeking international condemnation ofthe latest swarming of Chinese militia ships near Julian Felipe Reef,which is part of the West Philippine Sea.

The Coast Guard earlier said that more than 100 Chinese militia shipsfrom April 18 to 24 swarmed several areas in the West Philippine Sea and ignored Filipino authorities who told them to leave.

The PCG said it deployed two vessels to patrol the waterway from April 18 to 24, during which it spotted more than 100 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels near Julian Felipe Reef.

"The PCG vessels deployed their Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) todisperse the large CMM gathering. However, no CMM vessels reacted ormade any attempts to vacate the area," the coast guard said in a statement.

Eighteen Chinese militia ships were also detected near Sabina Shoal,which "did not respond or comply with the order to leave the area immediately," the PCG said.

Four other Chinese ships which appeared to be engaged in fishing activities "were successfully driven away by the PCG vessels from the territorial sea of Pag-asa, at a distance of 4 nautical miles," the coast guard added.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said an investigation into the near collision between the Philippine and Chinese vessels is already ongoing and appropriate diplomatic action will then be taken.

On Sunday, a larger Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocked a PCG vesselcarrying journalists in the vicinity of the Ayungin Shoal, which islocated in internation-

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Affairs said the exercise is set to start May 1 and last until May 12.

“It provides a unique opportunity to integrate forces and improve interoperability between the Philippines and the United States,” it said.

This will be the first iteration of Cope Thunder in the Philippines since 1990.

“We had a very successful Balikatan this year with a lot of firsts. We had many new activities in the last three weeks in multiple venues.

After this will be another round of preparations—it’s a whole year

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Daza said Mr. Marcos would seek a commitment from US President Joe Biden to keep the contested waters secure.

"I cannot preempt the President but I think the President will underscore [that] ...we want the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea to be a sea of peace, security, stability, and prosperity," Daza said.

"It's safe to assume he will also count on the US to actually support Philippine efforts in terms of enhancing maritime cooperation, upholding international law and freedom of navigation and overflight, and promoting sustainable development of marine resources," she added.

A Chinese coast guard ship on Sunday cut off a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol vessel carrying journalists in the disputed South China Sea, causing a nearcollision, sparking anger in the Philippines (see banner story -- Editors).

Reports said the BRP Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo were shadowed by Chinese navy and coast guard ships and ordered to leave the waters several times.

On Friday, the PCG also reported that 100 Chinese vessels were spotted during maritime patrols in the West Philippine

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"Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago welcomed 340 Filipinos from Khartoum at the Argeen border this morning after they were cleared by Egyptian authorities for entry," the DFA said.

"There have been delays in the processing at the Egyptian border due to the

Malacañang, Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of ASEAN Affairs (DFAOAA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Angelito Nayan said Mr. Marcos would also raise the issues regarding the adoption of climate and disaster resilient technologies, transitioning to renewable and alternative energy technologies, and the protection of

ally recognized Philippine waters. The two vessels would have collided had the commanding officer of the PCG vessel not stopped his ship.

With a strengthened Philippine-US military alliance that came in response to China's aggression in the waters, the DFA official expressed belief that Marcos would raise to President Joe Biden intheir upcoming meeting that the Philippines is counting on the "great powers" to calm the waters.

"We want the waters to be a sea of peace. We are also very wary of a possible miscalculation or further escalation of tensions in the region," she said.

However, Daza clarified that the Philippines will always uphold its sovereignty and safeguard its sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

"We will do this through diplomacy, military law enforcement and public diplomatic action," Daza said.

Fighting for Philippine interests has always been the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as far as the West Philippine Sea is concerned, she said.

"If there are intrusions, if there are illegal actions that are undertaken in our waters, we [take] the necessary action," she said.

"And from our perspective, that would mean appropriate diplomatic actions, whether it be in terms of the issuance of note verbales or if necessary, a clarification or a meeting with concerned parties," Daza added.

The incident happened after Philippine coast guard boats approached Second Thomas Shoal. As one boat neared the shoal, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel more than twice its size sailed into its path.

Journalists from the Agence FrancePresse watched the incident from another Philippine coast guard boat, which was less than a kilometer away.

preparation where we will see what needs to be improved or refined,” Centino said.

“If we see there is a need to add people, it will be better if we have a chance to train with other armies of our friends and allies,” the AFP chief added.

This year's Balikatan Exercises had 17,600 participants with 12,200 troops from the United States and 5,400 Filipino servicemen.

The joint military drills aimed to enhance the two countries' capabilities and interoperability.

Balikatan 2023 had four major events: Command Post Exercise, Cyber Defense Exercise, Field Training Exercise, and Humanitarian Civic Assistance.

The Balikatan exercises also had a live

Sea from April 18 to 24.

The DFA would study and analyze the PCG incident report before taking appropriate diplomatic action, Daza said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Andres Centino also said on Friday that the National Task Force on the West Philippines Sea is discussing the right responses to the sighted Chinese warships.

In an ambush interview after the closing rites of this year's Balikatan Exercises, Centino told reporters that there would be a discussion between agencies involved in the matter.

Beijing refuses to recognize the 2016 ruling of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague favoring the Philippines and junking China's expansive nine-dash line claim covering the entire South China Sea.

Outside of security matters, the President will also focus on his administration's economic agenda, including the promotion of the country as a trading partner and investment market, Daza said.

During his visit, the President will meet with Biden, then have an expanded meeting with key Cabinet officials.

The President is also expected to sit down with legislators, major US companies, and business groups. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

influx of evacuees," it added.

The evacuees' travel time from Khartoum to Argeen, Egypt—their initial stop—was about 24 to 36 hours, including processing time at the border. They would then travel for five more hours to the Egyptian city of Aswan before boarding a plane bound for the capital city, Cairo.

Filipino evacuees would either seek temporary shelter in Cairo, where the embassy

migrant workers, among others.

President Marcos is also expected assert the importance of demonstrating ASEAN’s centrality in the region amid geopolitical issues, the DFA official said. Meanwhile, DFA spokesperson Ma. Terersita Daza said the opening ceremony of the 42nd ASEAN Summit will be held on the morning of May 10.

Following the Plenary Session, a series of interfaces among ASEAN leaders and representatives and/or delegates of relevant ASEAN bodies are scheduled on the same day, she said.

The ASEAN leaders will also hold interfaces with the ASEAN Inter-Parlia-

The Philippine captain said the Chinese ship came within 45 meters of his boat and only his quick actions avoided the steelhulled vessels crashing into each other.

Asked about the incident on Friday at a regular press briefing, the Chinese foreign ministry said the Philippine boats had "intruded" without China's permission.

"The Chinese coast guard vessel safeguarded China's territorial sovereignty and maritime order, in accordance with the law, while taking timely measures to avoid the dangerous approach of Philippine vessels and to avoid a collision," said spokeswoman Mao Ning.

"It was a premeditated and provocative action for the Philippine vessel to barge into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao with journalists on board, the aim was to deliberately find fault and take the opportunity to hype up the incident," she added.

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, ignoring an international ruling that the assertion has no legal basis.

The DFA called on China to respect Philippine rights over the West Philippine Sea and honor the freedom of navigation in the contested waterway. According to Daza, similar incidents were also documented on April 19 being committed by China's CCG 5201 and 4202 against the Philippines BRP Malapascua en route to Ayungin Shoal.

"First of all, I would like to emphasize that the Philippines has the legal right to carry out routine maritime patrols in our territorial waters and EEZ (exclusive economic zone). The deployment of the BRPMalabrigo and BRP Malapascua in the West Philippine Sea from April 18 to 24 was one such mission," she said.

Daza added that the interference committed by China's Coast Guard with the routine patrol "was totally inconsistent with freedom of navigation."

littoral fire exercise in Zambales which culminated in the sinking of a ship, an activity witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The opening of the Cope Thunder will include primary flight operations over Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, the statement said.

Cope Thunder aims to provide bilateral fighter training with the Philippine and US air forces and improve their combined interoperability, it added.

Around 160 US Air Force members are expected to fly as well as maintain and support more than 12 aircraft from the 35 Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base in Japan for the exercise.

Armed Force of the Philippines

Solon:...

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“There were inconsistencies in the statement of the police. It was made clear to us that it seems they were covering up for someone,” he told TeleRadyo.

He noted some cops' "attempt" to exonerate former Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr.

Barbers said part of the Oct. 2022 drug haul was seized from Mayo.

The lawmaker added: “Based on the testimonies and affidavits I read and heard, it seems there was an attempt to cover up the arrest of Sgt. Mayo. How did he come to have a ton of shabu in his office? That is the big question. He has been with the drug enforcement group for a long time and he was involved in a majority of the arrest.”

Barbers said his panel would conduct another hearing to uncover the irregularities in the drug bust.

On Thursday, the PNP said investigation on the issue was still ongoing, while officers involved in the operation were being subjected to lifestyle check.

Meanwhile, newly installed PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered regional directors to conduct operations against rogue cops "at the lower level."

In a radio interview, Acorda said

is located, or fly back to the Philippines.

The Philippine government struggled to evacuate Filipinos in Khartoum due to scarcity in evacuation buses and whooping rental prices that have reached P1.5 million each.

Meanwhile, 58 Filipinos recently left Khartoum and proceeded to Port Sudan, where they would ride a ship bound for Saudi. The remaining 24 Filipino evacuees who

mentary Assembly or the AIPA, the ASEAN Youth Representatives, ASEAN Business Advisory Council or ASEAN-BAC, High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision.

Following the leaders' decision on the application of Timor Leste for membership at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit in 2022, the ASEAN leaders are expected to adopt a roadmap on Timor Leste’s full membership in ASEAN at the Summit, Daza said.

The Prime Minister of Timor Leste, Taur Matan Ruak, is expected to attend the 42nd ASEAN Summit as an observer for the first time. Vince Lopez

"A number of documented incidents also involved highly dangerous maneuvers that were contrary to standard navigational practices," she said.

China is bound to honor the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as it is a signatory of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, she added.

The pact obliges China and other signatories from the ASEAN to respect freedom of navigation and overflight as well as self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes.

"We again call on China to respect the Philippines' rights over the West Philippine Sea, as provided by UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and refrain from actions that may cause an untoward incident," she said.

The PCG released its statement a day after Agence France-Presse reported a "near-crash" between Philippine and China vessels off the Spratly Islands on Sunday.

The near collision was just the latest in a continuous, unbroken, and apparently unrepentant string of incidents that China must be accountable for, Senator Risa Hontiveros said Friday.

"I expect that the Department of Foreign Affairs will file a diplomatic protest at once," she said.

Simultaneously, she noted that Malacanang should condemn, in the strongest terms, China’s ceaseless intimidation, torment, and threats.

She pointed out the executive should not wait for an even worse incident to finally put its foot down and tell Beijing to cease and desist in this kind of aggressive action.

At this time, she said it’s only right to actively and boldly continue in the direction of building bigger alliances.

"A broader alliance is a better alliance," she said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

personnel will exchange tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability during the exercise.

The Cope Thunder joint military exercises started in the Philippines in 1976.

It was moved to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska in 1992 and eventually renamed Red Flag Alaska, the Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs said.

Cope Thunder was moved to Eielson from Clark Air Base in the Philippines in 1992 after the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo forced the curtailment of its operations.

In 1991, the Philippine Senate also rejected the renewal of the US base lease in the country. With AFP

there were just "a few" rogue cops in the police force, citing his experience as a counterintelligence agent.

Acorda said: “I intend to conduct operations against those who are on the list and do not want to change their ways. That's what I urged the regional directors to do during our recent meeting — that command responsibility in cleansing every level of police ranks should be followed.”

For high-ranking police officers, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on January 4 asked police generals and full colonels to submit their courtesy resignations as part of the government's efforts to rid the PNP of officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

Abalos said this was “the only way to make a fresh start” in the PNP.

On April 20, the five-man advisory group completed the review on the courtesy resignations of 953 senior police officers.

On April 25, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the advisory group recommended 36 high-ranking police officials for further evaluation by the National Police Commission.

She added that the advisory group cleared the remaining 917 senior police officials, who also submitted their courtesy resignations, fromany involvement in illegal drugs. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

managed to leave Sudan were now either in Athens, Greece after flying through a Greek military aircraft or in Jeddah, Saudi after riding a Saudi military ship.

"DFA teams in Athens, Jeddah, and at the Egypt-Sudan border have been assisting Filipinos from Khartoum and are making arrangements for their repatriation via the next available flights," DFA said. Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Azcona takes SRA helm, defends big sugar shipment

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos Araneta

THE Palace appointed Friday Pablo Luis Azcona as the acting administrator and chief executive officer of the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

This was contained in a press release from the Presidential Communications Office, released today, but the appointment was on April 20, 2023.

In a Zoom interview, Azcona said he would prioritize donating the seized smuggled sugar supplies to Kadiwa, helping sugar farmers prepare for El Niño, and briefing the Palace about sugar industry.

At the same time, Azcona maintained the controversial importation of 440,000 metric tons of sugar underwent the proper procedures, saying “All that [SRA] did was above board and practically following the procedures,” Azcona told reporters in the Zoom interview. Azcona's statement was seen as a reply to Senator Risa Hontiveros who continues to question the legality of the importation since it was not covered by previous sugar orders from the SRA.

"An SRA sugar order is our very imperfect instrument for balancing the welfare of farmers, planters and millers on the one hand and of consumers and food manufacturers, on the other hand, who must also rely on imports to augment the limited supply," said Hontiveros.

In February, Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 497 seeking a Blue Ribbon committee probe into the entries of around 440,000 metric tons of sugar in Philippine ports ahead of the issuance of Sugar Order 6.

Azcona, previously an SRA board member, replaced former Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, the acting head for a while following alleged irregularities in the country’s sugar importation which hounded the SRA, which prompted the Senate to launch an investigation. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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"Oil kept falling in Asia as the outlook for global demand remained in question and Asian fuel markets flashed warning signs on shrinkingrefining margins and investors await the release of oil inventory data by US EIA for further guidance," Romero said.

On April 15, the oil companies implemented a per-liter decrease of P1.40 for gasoline, P0.70 for diesel, and P0.20 for kerosene.

These resulted in a year-to-date net decrease for diesel at P3.05 per liter and kerosene at P3.55 per liter. Gasoline, on the other, hand, has a net increase of P7.55 per liter.

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connecting to each other. The thought that they could instantly make audio-video calls eases the pain of being thousands of miles away from home and from their loved ones,” Romualdez said.

He said the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the threetelecommunications companies or telcos providing cellular phone services should work jointly on such a process.

“I suspect that OFW families in the provinces are finding it difficultto comply with the registration requirement. Some may even be unaware of it,” he said.

Romualdez said he believes that many OFWs and their families back home are using unlisted prepaid SIMs because of the convenience of acquiring them.

“Let us help millions of Filipinos who have mobile phones, but whostill have not registered their SIMs as required by law, to register.

Let us make it easier for them to take advantage of the 90-day registration extension granted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group welcomed the 90-day extension for the registration of SIM cards.

"The ACG supports the extension date of SIM registration because it gives those who fail to register their SIM cards an opportunity to beregistered. On the other hand, this will mean that ACG needs to be more vigilant as online fraudsters will have 90 days more of opportunity to try and scam others using prepaid SIM cards," the group said in a statement.

The Speaker thanked the President for extending the list-up deadline for the millions of still-unregistered mobile phone users.

He said the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs should help the DICT, NTC and telcos inform OFWs and their families of the registration requirement. Maricel V. Cruz

IN BRIEF

DSWD extends P2.6-b aid to Cavite fire victims

SECRETARY Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended a total of P 2.676 million worth of relief assistance to 622 families affected by the April 26 fire that razed a residential area in Barangay 22-Quadra, Cavite City.

Gatchalian, in coordination with the local government led by Cavite Rep. Jolo Revilla, ordered the Field Office IV-A (CALABARZON) to provide the much needed assistance to the fire-affected families who were rendered homeless.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group

Diana Rose Cajipe and special assistant to the Secretary Marlon Alagao earlier led the distribution of assistance to the affected families who were temporarily sheltered at the Ladislao Diwa Elementary School.

The two DSWD officials were assisted by Revilla and Cavite City Mayor Denver Chua.

The assistance provided by DSWD included family food packs worth more than P383,865, and non-food items, such as kitchen and hygiene kits, amounting to more than P 2.292 million.

“The local government unit can rest assured of DSWD’s immediate response to extend assistance to those affected by the fire incident. We are monitoring and will continuously coordinate with the LGU on this),” Cajipe said. Maricel V. Cruz

BI nabs two Korean fugitives in Cavite

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two South Koreans wanted for various crimes in their homeland.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the two foreigners were arrested in an operation by members of the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) in Imus, Cavite.

Those arrested were identified as Bae Byungchan, 37, and Kim Ji Yong, 35, who are both detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending deportation proceedings.

“They will be deported to Korea as soon as our board of commissioners issues the order for their summary deportation. They will also be placed in our blacklist and banned from re-entering the country,” Tansingco said in a statement.

BI-FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy disclosed that Byung is subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Seoul central district court last April 6 following his indictment on fraud charges.

Byung was reportedly accused of being a member of a voicephishing syndicate which amassed an estimated profit of 260 million won, or roughly US$195,000 from their victims.

The victims were allegedly duped into giving their money due to misrepresentations by the syndicate members that they are financial lenders.

On the other hand, Kim is also subject of a separate arrest warrants issued by the Jeonju district court on charges of drunk driving and for counterfeiting a private document.

Vito Barcelo

NDRRMC sets up meeting on El Niño

A TOP-level meeting on mitigating the effects of the El Niño phenomenon was held last Monday at the Office of Civil Defense in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City amid government preparations in addressing the expected long dry season this year which, according to PAGASA, may last until next year.

Department of National Defense (DND) acting chief and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chair Carlito Galvez Jr. presided over the meeting.

Those in attendance included National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officer-incharge Eddie Guillen and deputy administrator for engineering and operations C’zar

M. Sulaik, Department of Migrant Workers

Secretary Maria Susana Ople, Civil Defense administrator and NDRRMC Executive Director Usec Ariel Nepomuceno, and other members of NDRRMC.

The NIA reported that for the dry cropping season which started last November, a total of 1,250,078 hectares have been irrigated, exceeding the programmed area of 1,212,888 hectares by 3.07 percent. Out of the irrigated area, 1,240,234 hectares have already been planted and successfully harvested 757,163 hectares. There are 9,842 hectares remaining under land soaking/preparation. However, 315 hectares could not proceed to the planting stage due to damaged irrigation facilities caused by several typhoons that occurred last year, the NIA said.

COVID in PH remains manageable despite positivity rate rise—DOH

THE incidence of COVID-19 in the Philippines remains manageable despite the reported slight increase in positivity rate, according to an infectious disease expert. Solante explained that the country is still in stable condition

“The fact that we have no signs that hospitals will be filled. And if you look at the data, even though the cases are increasing, the deaths are not increasing. The severe COVID-19 cases are not increasing, and the number of people going to the hospitals is not increasing either,” Dr. Rontgene Solante said during a public briefing.

“These are good signs. That means even if there is an increase in cases our bodies can handle it, unlike when the

Delta was the variant of concern. In short, in general, our cases are manageable and it has not been causing disruptions in our life,” he added. Data released by OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David showed that thePhilippines’ positivity rate — or the percentage of people who werefound positive for COVID among the total number of individualstested — went up from 11.7 percent as of April 25, to 12.9 percent last April 26.

Solante also that the increase in COVID cases may be possible due to the recent detection of the first case of Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, also called “Arcturus.”

“Based on the WHO’s classification, this XBB.1.16 has a growth advantage. This means that it spreads faster because of the mutations in the spike protein. It means more infections, and second, even in populations that have been vaccinated, it can still bind to our tissues. So that means we can still get an infection,” Solante said.

“That is the reason why in some countries that have XBB.1.16, cases were seen to increase slightly. However, the important thing here is, I think, in those countries with increased cases, there were no signs that this virus or a variant of interest caused severe

PSA says issuance of PhilIDs surpasses 60-m mark

By Julito Rada

THE government’s issuance of the national identification cards has surpassed the 60 million mark, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In a statement posted on the internet, the PSA said a total of 29,119,471 PhilIDs had been delivered, while 30,738,330 ePhilIDs have been issued out as of last April 21.

PSA Undersecretary Dennis Mapa, national statistician and civil registrar general, said the milestone serves as an impetus for the PSA as it continues working towards its goal of creating a “Makabagong Pilipinas where services are more accessible to all Filipinos.”

“PSA makes sure that all those who registered for the PhilSys will have their

PhilID at ePhilID,” he said. Registered individuals were reminded to keep their transaction slips, which they must present during the delivery of their PhilID, and to check if they can claim their ePhilID using their Transaction Reference Number (TRN) found in the slip.

The PSA expected more public and private institutions to recognize the ePhilID, the digital version of the PhilID, as a valid proof of identity of individuals availing of government services, or even doing transactions with financial firms.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) have already released issuances and adviso-

Villafuerte eyes disaster-resilient PH evacution centers

By Maricel V. Cruz

WITH this year’s first tropical depression driving over 12,000 people out of their homes in Bicol, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Thursday appealed to the Senate leadership to prioritize the passage of a bill establishing disaster-resilient evacuation centers nationwide.

Villafuerte, a former Camarines Sur governor, cited the urgency for the Senate to pass its version of the Houseapproved measure—House Bill (HB) 7354—that calls for the establishment

of temporary shelters in every city and municipality for the benefit of underprivileged families who suffer the most during typhoons, tremblers and other natural hazards.

Villafuerte made the appeal to fellow legislators as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said 10 to 14 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility between May and October this year, of which two to four of them due in July.

This year’s first cyclone--Typhoon Amang--struck this April, send-

ing some 12,000 people fleeing their homes in Bicol.

“That tropical depression ‘Amang’ had driven over 12,000 people in our region out of their homes this month points anew to the urgency for the Congress to write new legislation putting up permanent evacuation centers all over the country for people who have been forced to flee their homes by disasters, calamities, floods, storm surges and other severe climate disturbances, as well as fire, and the outbreak of diseases that pose imminent danger to life and property,” Villafuerte said.

COVID. So most of the cases are mild,” the physician explained.

According to Solante, the symptoms of Arcturus are similar to other COVID variants, although some patients in other countries had sore eyes.

The Department of Health earlier announced the detection of the first case of Arcturus—a variant under monitoring by the WHO and European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)— in Region 6.

Solante encouraged the public to continue wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the viral disease.

He surmised that the decline in COVID deaths globally may be due to the increase in vaccination rates and the presence of antiviral agents.

OFW deaths in Taiwan factory fire rise to four

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) on Friday said another Filipinos died as a result of the fire that razed a food factory in Taiwan, raising to four the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who perished in the incident.

MECO chief Silvestre Bello III, in a text message, identified the fourth victim as Maricris Fernando, a native of La Union, who reportedly died of severe carbon monoxide poisoning due to the conflagration.

It appeared that Fernando expired at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital where she underwent dialysis because her urine discharge was very minimal.

The other OFWs who reportedly died in the blaze were identified as Renato Larua of Cavite; Nancy Revilla of Marinduque, and Aroma Miranda of Tarlac.

ries for the acceptance of the ePhilID as a valid proof of identity.

The DSWD has directed all its offices, including attached agencies, to recognize the ePhilID as a government-issued identification document for individuals availing the services and programs of the agency.

The DFA also advised its staff to accept the ePhilID as a government-issued valid ID for passport processing.

The BSP likewise issued a memorandum to all institutions under it on the use and acceptance of the ePhilID as sufficient proof of identity in its supervised banks/non-bank financial institutions. This means that individuals can do financial transactions, such as opening a bank account, using the ePhilID.

Bello said the Taiwan authorities pledged aid for the kin of the OFWs who died, adding that repatriation proceedings for the fatalities’ remains were underway.

However, Bello did not give a definitive timeline for the bodies’ arrival in Manila.

“The repatriation depends on the result of the embalming of the bodies and compliance with the legal documents,” Bello said.

The other OFWs who were injured as the Lian-Hwa Foods Corp. factory in Changhua county burned last Tuesday included Sheila May Abas, Jessie Boy Samson, Rodel Uttao, and Santiago Suba Jr. They were reported to be in stable condition.

CAAP to implement ‘corrective maintenance activity’ May 3, 17

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will conduct on May 3 and 17 a “corrective maintenance activity” at the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) that may affect operations of major airports, particularly the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The CAAP described the activity as a “preemptive measure to prevent the repeat of New Year’s Day shutdown of the country’s airspace.” “Due to this corrective maintenance activity, the operations at the ATMC will be suspended from 02:00 AM until 04:00 AM on 3 May 2023 and 12:00 MN until 6:00 AM on 17 May 2023,” the CAAP stated in its advisory issued on Friday.

The agency urged airline operators to make the necessary adjustments on flight schedules, especially on May 17 when the corrective maintenance activity is scheduled from 12 midnight up to six in the morning.

“There would be no problem on May 3 activity because the airport is closed and not operating during that period,” CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio told Manila Standard.

Apolonio was referring to the daily maintenance closure of NAIA’s runway which is from 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.

The corrective maintenance include the repair of Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), replace the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), and upgrade the Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) A/B power supply.

SHE’S NO

CINDERELLA, OBVIOUSLY. A woman tries on a super large sandal, but clearly, it does not t her.

The three gigantic footwear are winners in the 19th Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival in Liliw, Laguna. Teddy Brul

SUBWAY GROUNDBREAKING. Transportation Secretary Jaime Baustista leads the groundbreaking for the construction of an underground station and tunnel of Metro Manila’s subway project on Quezon Ave. and East Ave in Quezon City. With Bautista are acting Defense chief Carlito Galvez, National Housing Authority general manager Joeben Tai, Human Settlements Secretary Jose Acuzar, Japanese Economic Minister Daisuke Nihei, Quezon City administrator Michael Alimuro, Congressman Arjo Atayde, and JICA Senior Representative Kenji Kuronun. Manny Palmero

PIGGING IT OUT IN BENGUET. Ibaloy

tribesmen hog the limelight as they try to outdo one another in catching with their bare hands oversize pigs, highlighting observance of the 14th Eco-Tourism Bendiyan Festival. Dave Leprozo

JUST A DRILL. The Department of Public Works and Highways together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) celebrated the 2023 Earth Day by conducting a Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation Demonstration Drill and a ceremonial donation of seedlings for the Earth Day celebration held at Bagumbayan Elementary School in Quezon City on Friday.

Manny Palmero

IN BRIEF

ARB hands out 1,170 hectares to CL tillers

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III has led the awarding of 1,073 land titles to 1,053 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) covering 1,170 hectares of agricultural lands from Central Luzon.

Estrella, together with Senators Imee Marcos and Francis Tolentino, said the activity held Thursday is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify the distribution of land titles to emancipate farmers from the bondage of the soil.

“As we accelerate the distribution of land titles to the ARBs, we personally hand over these land titles to them to bring the people closer to the government and listen intently to their needs to help them improve their economic lives,” he said. Maricel V. Cruz

PNP hastens probe of reported ‘data leak’

THE Philippine National Police is expediting its investigation into the alleged PNP recruitment application portal leak that was reported by a cyber security researcher, PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief Col. Redrico Maranan said Friday.

CTA junks Pasig bill of P1b taxes versus Meralco

THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) turned down the petition filed by the Pasig City government seeking to collect local business taxes amounting to more than P1 billion from the Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

The CTA First Division denied for lack of merit the local government unit’s (LGU) suit and affirmed the October 2020 decision of the Pasig Regional Trial Court, according to a 14-page ruling dated April 19 and made public Friday.

The tax court said the imposition of local business tax by the local government unit on the power firm in addition to local franchise tax “constitutes obnoxious double taxation.”

“While respondent was granted a franchise by the national government to distribute electric power, no franchise of any nature has been granted to it by the City of Pasig,” the court said.

In 2019, the Pasig City Treasurer sent a notice of assessment on Meralco to settle local business tax deficiencies for the years 2013 to 2018 amounting to P998,741,117, inclusive of surcharges and penalties.

In a second notice, the LGU assessed P1,004,785,471.37 inclusive of surcharges and penalties.

A final notice of assessment in 2019 reduced the amount to P826,944,047.

The power firm claimed the city did not issue a letter of authority in relation to the assessment made, in violation of its right to due process.

Meralco also said that there is no legal basis to impose local business taxes under its legislative franchise to distribute electricity to end-users.

PBBM: Gov’t committed to work with KBP, media

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday vowed to continue working “hand-in-hand” with the media to strengthen press freedom, assuring media practitioners of the state’s continued commitment to protecting them and their rights in the practice of their profession.

The President made this remark during his attendance at the 50th anniversary of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

“This government will remain committed to ensuring transparency and good governance, freedom of expression and of the press, and the protection of media practitioners and their rights in the practice of their profession,” Marcos said. With the commemoration of the

30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, the President also committed to “work hard” to “climb our way up” in the global press freedom rankings.

In his speech, the President cited the media’s “instrumental role” in informing the citizenry, shaping public opinion, and “even triggering social mobilization and change.”

The chief executive then urged the press to “lead and foster public discussion, truth and credibility, the rule of

law, especially in the practice of broadcasting, news reporting and information-dissemination.”

Marcos also credited KBP for fully establishing itself as an “institution of national significance” and for being an “efficient instrument of public service in Philippine society.”

“Through the years, your brand of public service has been in its advocacy of promoting independence and freedom of broadcast media, responsibility and enhanced public service in broadcasting, and the advancement of innovation and development of Philippine broadcasting,” he said.

The KBP, according to the President, has “maintained its social relevance, acting as a uniting and balancing force of broadcast organizations.” Vince Lopez

DYING ON THE VINE. With foreboding rain clouds hovering over them, tomatoes are left to rot on the vine Brgy Bila, Bokod, Benguet, as low wholesale prices of around three pesos a kilo for tomatoes has forced farmers here to abandon their matured produce. A wholesale price of 50 pesos a kilo would be sufficient to cover farmers’ expenses and profits for one tomato-planting season, locals said.

Dave Leprozo

Munti court reopens De Lima trial to hear PAO lawyer’s testimony

A MUNTINLUPA court has reopened the trial in one of two drug cases against former Sen. Leila de Lima just for a day on Friday.

In an order dated April 24, Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204 Judge Abraham Joseph Alcantara granted the prosecution’s motion to reopen the trial to allow a Public At-

torney’s Office lawyer to testify as a rebuttal witness.

PAO lawyer Demiteer Huerta was expected to testify in court yesterday, ABS-CBN News reported.

Huerta, PAO’s OIC for administrative service, is one of two PAO lawyers who assisted former Bureau of Corrections OIC Rafael Ragos in exe -

cuting affidavits implicating De Lima in the illegal drug trade. Ragos would later retract all his allegations against De Lima, claiming that former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had forced him to execute several affidavits. Aguirre denied the claim. De Lima’s team had opposed the

DOJ trackers seeking ‘sabungero’ suspects

THE Department of Justice has formed tracker teams to look for suspects behind the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts or “sabungeros.”

This as families of the missing sabungeros met with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla at the DOJ on Thursday to get updates on the case.

Several individuals have been charged over the disappearance of more than 30 sabungeros.

In December last year, three policemen caught on CCTV disguised as NBI agents who “arrested” online sabong master agent Ricardo Lasco at his house in San Pablo, Laguna on August 30, 2021 were charged with robbery and kidnapping.

Six more persons were charged with kidnapping and illegal serious detention over the disappearance of six men who were last seen at the Manila

Arena, ABS-CBN News reported.

But relatives of the missing sabungeros have complained the trials in these cases have yet to start. Remulla explained this was because the DOH had yet to gain “jurisdiction over the persons of the accused,” who have not surrendered or have been arrested, hence the tracker teams.

Remulla said that while there are suspicions as to who is behind the alleged abductions, no concrete evidence has been presented so far.

Amid claims that bodies of the missing sabungeros have allegedly been burned, the Justice chief acknowledged hearing about this for some time already.

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group previously said a total of 34 sabungeros have been missing since 2021.

prosecution’s move to reopen the trial, saying the panel of prosecutors had already agreed to submit the case for decision and therefore waived the opportunity to present rebuttal evidence.

But the Muntinlupa court said the decision to reopen the trial is discretionary on the part of the court.

“As an immediate response to the said report by the National Privacy Commission, the Anti-Cyber Crime Group (ACG) of the PNP is currently exerting efforts in fast-tracking its internal investigation to determine if there are possible violations of the provisions of the Data Privacy Act (Republic Act 10173),” Maranan said in a statement. Charles Dantes

Church group backs wage hike petitions

THE Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS), an ecumenical organization in support of workers’ rights and welfare, supports the call of workers for salary adjustments.

In a statement, CWS chairperson Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidentl said Friday that workers’ demand for living wages is just and legitimate amid the rising inflation rate.

In Metro Manila, the Kapatiran ng mga Unyon at Samahang Manggagawa is asking for a P100-wage adjustment while the Unity for Wage Increase Now is seeking an increase of P571. Vito Barcelo

THE Social Security System (SSS) on Friday conducted simultaneous Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operations in 108 selected areas around the country to call on non-compliant employers to settle their contribution delinquencies.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said the synchronous RACE activities across the country affirm SSS’ commitment in ensuring the social security protection of its 31.96 million employee-members.

“We will be issuing notices to business employers around the country who neglect their legal obligations of paying their employer and employees’ share in the contributions because it deprives them of the social security benefits they truly deserve,” Macasaet said.

After receiving the Show Cause Orders, he said SSS gives delinquent employers 15 days to coordinate with their respective servicing SSS Branch Office and settle their contribution delinquencies.

MORE LIBRARIES PUSHED. Quezon City

First District Rep. Juan Carlos Atayde graces the launch of Bagong Pag-Asa Elementary School’s state-of-the-art library, as he appealed to the private sector to help the government establish libraries in public schools to counter the proliferation of disinformation and fake news on the internet.

Speaking at Rep. Juan Carlos Atayde said that efforts to build public school libraries should be encouraged as ‘every library we put up is a dam against the tidal wave of disinformation and fake news that litter the internet.”

or No Cha-Cha?

I HAVE been asked if there will be a Cha-Cha or charter change this year.

My answer is “It all depends” if Senator Robin Padilla can muster the support of 18 members of the Senate to support his push for charter change of the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

And from the looks of it, with Senate President Migz Zubiri leading the opposition against charter change as not a priority of the Senate, it looks like prospects for charter change on the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution are “iffy.”

From the looks of it, Santa Banana, Padilla cannot get the support of the majority of the Senate. Padilla’s push for charter change is for the Senate to have a Constituent Assembly or ConAss, which means that both chambers of Congress will convene as an assembly for charter change.

And this is what most of the senators are afraid of since the 305 members of the House or Representatives can easily outvote the Senate on the amendments to political provisions of the charter like restructuring the government into parliamentary-federal system which could result , Santa Banana, to the abolition of the Senate!

This, I believe, is the real reason why the Senators are likely against Padilla’s push for charter change.

Right now, Padilla is waiting for the completion of his committee’s report on charter change.

If signed by the majority of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, which is unlikely at the moment, the Committee report will go to the plenary for sponsorship and interpellation.

If the majority of the members of the committee will not sign the Committee Report, then it is considered dead. although maybe resurrected anytime if the majority of the members of the committee will later change their minds and sign it before the end of the 19th Congress.

Right now, from inside sources, Senators Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa and Francis Tolentino may sign the Committee Report, my gulay, but that’s still the minority!

However, Senator Padilla may deliver a privilege speech and read the failed Committee report to the plenary as the Chairperson’s report.

Cheer, pray for our athletes

Mayor Joy Belmonte has received the highest approval rating among local chief executives in the National Capital Region.

Results of the Feb 25 to March 8 poll released found that 94 percent of respondents in Quezon City approved of Belmonte’s performance.

Next to Belmonte were mayors Jeannie Sandoval of Malabon with 91 percent, Along Malapitan of Caloocan with 91 percent, John Rey

Tiangco of Navotas with 91 percent, Emi Calixto

Rubiano of Pasay with 90 percent, Benjamin Abalos Sr. of Mandaluyong with 90 percent, Vico

Sotto of Pasig with 87 percent and Abby Binay of Makati with 87 percent.

Following them are Marcy Teodoro of Marikina with 85 percent, Imelda Aguilar of Las Pinas with 85 percent, Ruffy Biazon of Muntinlupa with 83 percent, Lani Cayetano of Taguig with 80 percent, Honey Lacuna of Manila with 80 percent, Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela with 78 percent, Eric Olivarez of Paranaque with 78 percent, Francis Zamora of San Juan with 75 percent and Ike Ponce III of Pateros with 72 percent.

The assessment of the performance of their respective district representatives were also asked of the respondents.

Leading the list in Metro Manila were Reps. Toby Tiangco of Navotas with 92.5 percent, Camille Villar of Las Pinas with 92.3 percent and Oscar Malapitan of Caloocan with 92.1 percent.

Following them were Reps. Marvin Rillo of Quezon City’s 4th District with 88.7 percent, Marivic Co-Pilar of Quezon City’s 6th District with 88.5 percent, Boyet Gonzales II of Mandaluyong with 88.3 percent, Franz Pumaren of Quezon City’s 3rd District with 86.6 percent, Dean Asistio of Caloocan with 86.4 percent and PM Vargas of Quezon City’s 5th District with 86.2 percent.

The Metro Manila mayors and legislators’ performance ratings were based on RPMD’s “Boses ng Bayan” survey which had 10,000 randomly selected adult respondents nationwide.

The number of respondents per city was distributed proportionally based on official voting population data, according to the firm .

Cleansing the Police Force

AFEW days from now, Filipino athletes go to Cambodia to battle for supremacy in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Some quarters tend to downgrade the regional competition as the lowest in terms of prestige and quality on the international stage, but lest they forget, the SEA Games is the first stage of tests for Southeast Asians aiming for greater glory in the Asian Games and the Olympics.

The SEA Games cannot be disregarded as a mere, regional tournament for how you can gauge an athlete’s readiness for tougher competitions when he or she cannot even excel in this biennial meet or any tournament at the same level.

Prior to the SEA Games, the Philippine Sports Commission promised to back the Filipino athletes with full force, with chairman Richard Bachmann vowing to provide them ample nutrition and allowances given on time.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), the mother organization of the various National Sports Associations (NSAs), has also been exerting efforts

The athletes are known to keep silent and just prefer to focus on training. One athlete went full-time in training, aiming to regain his old form and give the country a gold medal once more in his return to the combat zone.

He has complaints, but he’s not talking. At least not yet. For he prefers to focus first on his training.

Nutrition? Some athletes wonder how food and supplements (vitamins) were provided and to whom?

Team Philippines is aiming to improve on its fourth place finish in last year’s Vietnam SEA Games.

In such a case, it would be referred to the Committee on Rules, which most likely will sit on it.

Thus, as of now, Senator Padilla’s push for charter change is “iffy” since the Senate is waiting for the resumption of sessions on May 8.

Despite the fact the House had approved in final reading its own version of charter change, it all depends now on the Senate whether or not there will be charter change on the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.

Personally, I believe it’s time we amend the 1987 Constitution, which was clearly a charter upon the behest of President Cory Aquino in choosing those who would frame it.

No charter change is cast in stone that cannot be amended.

It is for this that I support charter change.

I commend Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez for all his efforts to have succeeded in having the 1987 Constitution through a hybrid Constitutional Convention (ConCon) on the economic provisions of the charter.

It is also for this reason why I commend Senate committee chairman on Constitutional Amendments Senator Robin Padilla for pushing for the amendments of economic provisions of the charter in a Con-Ass or Constituent Assembly.

If during the deliberations on whatever method would be approved by the people in a plebiscite called for that purpose, including amendments of political provisions, why not?

After all, it will still be the people who will decide in a plebiscite called for that purpose. As I always say, “vox dei est suprema lex” (the voice of the people is the supreme law).

It is for this reason why, in my opinion, it would be unfortunate if charter change will not happen now.

If it happens now that charter change will come about, no Senate President can stop it.

Performers and Achievers

I am no longer surprised that in a recent poll rating by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation (RPMD), Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte again tops the survey among its performers and achievers among the Metro Manila Mayors.

TOKYO—Women are a rare sight in Japanese politics, but 20-year-old Rinka Saito is determined to run for office one day because “you can’t have true democracy without diversity.”

She is one of a small group of young women being offered mentoring and money to help them break into a political scene that remains utterly dominated by men.

Once elected, female leaders in Japan face a tough environment, describing sexual harassment, chauvinist habits and ingrained views of government as a man’s world.

Even so, Saito, the youngest participant of the scheme run by the Murakami Family Foundation, told AFP the part-time program had brought her “a step closer to my dream.”

There are only two women in Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s 19-member Cabinet, and parliament’s powerful 465-member lower chamber is 90 percent male.

The Tokyo-based foundation has organized a series of seminars by leading politicians for 20 women aged under 40 in a bid to address that imbalance. The participants, chosen from 200 applicants, also receive a grant of one million yen ($7,400).

The appointment of a new Philippine National Police Chief, Major General Benjamin Acorda from Ilocos Norte, comes at a time when the PNP, supposed to be the guardian of public order and safety and the protector of the public, is faced with violent crimes involving political personalities, and more importantly with its image tainted by high ranking police generals and colonels with drug anomalies who have been told by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos to submit their courtesy resignations to find out their alleged involvement in drug cases.

It is for this reason why the appointment of Acorda as police force chief is looked at by the people as something timely, having been a police provincial and regional director and police intelligence chief.

Acorda’s appointment is indeed timely because people must be assured by the police of their safety.

When the public loses faith and confidence in the police as their protector, in turn the people also lose faith and trust in government.

Acorda certainly knows this, since President Marcos Jr. himself has given so much faith and confidence that Acorda, his province mate, will not disappoint him.

Acorda has another job to do to “calm the waters’’ because of what has been happening to public safety and peace and order, which has in fact demoralized the rank and file of the PNP because of the alleged involvement of some highranking police officers in so many shenanigans in the war against drugs during the Duterte administration that led to the courtesy resignation of so many high-ranking PNP officers.

Indeed, the challenge that Acorda faces as new PNP chief is formidable.

Let’s hope so since the faith and confidence in the police by the people must be restored.

Rise of COVID-19 cases

The surge of COVID-19, while not alarming, is something to watch out for, especially in Metro Manila and the National Capital Region.

Health experts know that as a result of the holidays brought about by the Holy Week and the greater mobility of people going traveling, going to the beaches and resorts, shopping, having reunions etc, the transmission of the COVID-19 virus became inevitable, especially in enclosed areas. It is for this reason that the Department of Transportation has mandated the wearing of face masks at the MRT-3 and at LRT 1 and 2, which are all enclosed areas.

It would also do well to mandate the wearing of face masks in other areas which are also enclosed.

“I became interested in becoming a politician because I thought I could give hope to people with disabilities,” said Saito, who has had surgery for hearing loss.

High-profile examples of discrimination in Japan, such as the forced sterilization of disabled people under a now-defunct eugenics law, strengthened her resolve.

Saito, a social sciences student, initially didn’t know where to begin. She said the foundation has helped her build a network and better understand the “good and bad aspects of the political world.”

‘Homogenous’

Foundation chair Rei Murakami Frenzel, 28, was surprised so many people applied for the first program, which ran from November to March.

“We had assumed that women didn’t want to be politicians, but in fact, there just wasn’t enough support,” she said.

Japan’s “homogenous” power base—even the parliament’s less powerful upper house is 75 percent male—means lawmakers are “not tackling diverse social issues,” said Murakami Frenzel, whose father is a renowned activist investor.

in a limited capacity to provide help for the athletes, administratively or otherwise for the Filipino athletes.

The Cambodia SEA Games will officially open on May 6, but there are events like football and chess that will start a few days before the opening ceremonies in Cambodia’s capital of Phom Penh.

But for all the two major stakeholders’ promises, have the athletes benefitted and provided enough to make them battle-ready?

Analysis on EDCA, Part 3

MANY Filipinos now see the danger of being used to wage war with China, all because of the country’s coziness with that runaway province of Taiwan.

Some even reject the idea of Taiwan being called a “state.”

They point to the fact that Taiwan is not even a member of the UN, and to which the Philippines does not even have diplomatic relations.

All our policies towards that island are circumscribed to US interest. For that, we cannot open military bases with Taiwan, principally after China became a member of the United Nations and was restored to its seat as permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Like the US, the Philippines opted to open diplomatic relations with China, and made a declaration to recognize only a “One-China policy.”

Effectively, the creation of Taiwan resulted in constraint to the exercise of our sovereign right as an independent state.

Such restraint in our diplomacy is tantamount to unilateralism, such that it imposed a limited right on our part to exercise sovereign right making our policy subservient to the US policy.

Through this arrangement, the Philippines was compelled to violate the UN charter when we opened a liaison office for Taiwan just to accommodate its representatives in Manila despite the fact that it has long been expelled as member of UN.

The Philippines continues to maintain US military bases here when supposedly our ties with Taiwan is wholly anchored on the military support of the US.

The decision of the BongBong Marcos administration to increase the number of US bases is incompatible with our pronouncement of expanding and deepening our ties with China.

Increasing the number of US bases is equivalent to taking a belligerent stand against China considering that US policy towards that country is to economically and militarily isolate China. Some neoliberals are even anticipating war against China.

The additional US bases were erected under EDCA, and all facing towards the South China Sea indicate a clear motivation that sooner or later the Philippines as ally US

will be at war with China.

The Philippines should understand that US involvement in Taiwan is specially designed to protect US interest in that area.

There is nothing wrong in the alliance between the US and Taiwan but certainly our alliance with Taiwan has limitations.

US interest in the region should never surpass our interest, particularly on matters of security.

Particularly, our security arrangement with China has been carefully woven in such way that our alliance is undeniably connected to US allies in Asia and Europe.

This is exemplified by our adherence to expand the US bases through EDCA that would result in the US forming a new political equation to include India in the socalled “Pacific Command.”

this country except to affirm that the Philippines was once their colony in this part of the globe?

The vague expansion of EDCA allowed the US to collaterally include many countries in Asia to avail themselves of the privileges granted to US bases in the Philippines, though we have yet to establish a military agreement with them.

This system of leasing military bases is in disregard of the principle of sovereignty of state.

Foreign military bases are only subject to an agreement like a treaty.

Military bases cannot be subleased without antagonizing our neighbor China for such would affect our economic and trade relations notwithstanding the existence of foreign military constitute a threat to China’s security.

Our relations with China is truly unique

political career in parliament’s lower house three decades ago. And while she believes the situation is slowly improving, Noda is keen to encourage women to enter the field given the “overwhelming lack of young female politicians”.

A nursery was available during the seminars for those with children, and remote access was also an option.

Natsuki Shinobori “felt responsible for my country” after having two boys and joined the scheme with the hope of becoming a local politician.

“I want to solve social issues by starting small,” said 36-year-old Shinobori, who lives in Nagano in central Japan.

‘Won’t quit’

Japan has never had a woman prime minister and that must change, said lawmaker Seiko Noda. She ran against Kishida in the ruling party’s last leadership race and is a lecturer for the program.

“Even well-educated people have the entrenched view of politics as a male domain,” said the former internal affairs minister and women’s empowerment minister.

Noda, 62, told AFP she “couldn’t even find the women’s bathroom” when she started her

Unequal attitudes towards female politicians endure, however, and Shinobori said she worries about the burden on her children.

In Japan, “wives will support their husband if he’s running a campaign, but... we feel like women shouldn’t cause trouble to their family”, she said.

A record 489 women stood for office at local elections this month, still just 16 percent of the candidates.

If the athletes perform well, credit goes to the athletes themselves and their coaches, and probably to some NSA officials who genuinely took care of their wards.

The end result of the athletes’ performance in Cambodia will tell a lot about the sincerity of our top sports officials’ claim that they have been taking care of the athletes.

Let’s wait and see but for now, we can only pray for and cheer our athletes in battle.

Mabuhay ang Atletang Filipino!

and hypocritical.

One could only ask: how long can China live the charade of the Philippines appeasing our former colonial masters?

Our alliance and military posturing indicate we are much closer to the US than to Asia for which we rightfully belong.

Many of our countrymen today could not understand why we remain committed to defending US interest, reflected by our defense of Taiwan. We even joined the US-sponsored military exercise which common sense dictates is directed at China and daring to cross the Taiwan Strait to provoke our giant neighbor.

As some might say, our participation in the US-led military exercise is tantamount to poking the tail of the dragon whose consequence we might have failed to anticipate.

China’s new foreign minister, Qin Gang, had to visit Manila to defuse the falsities of our claim.

For Manila to participate and join the US-led military exercise at the behest of the warmongering elements in Washington is to act more as salesmen of the US military industrial complex.

Qin Gang reiterated America’s carefully calibrated pronouncement behind the military exercise bringing us much closer to the US orbit.

Thus, as competition tightens, small countries will be magnetized to join the alliance until it reaches a point that a conflict will become inevitable.

The resultant effect is the Philippines will be dragged into a conflict now tagged as “proxy war.”

The demand by the US to increase the number of its bases here under EDCA partakes of a much deeper and sinister plan by the US policy makers.

In fact, the US makes it appear their return to the country is akin to one of restoring a vested right.

But what vested right do the US have in this country except to affirm that the Philippines was once their colony in this part of the globe?

(rpkapunan@gmail.com)

Umeko Saito, a 75-year-old politician in Niseko, a small ski-resort town in Hokkaido, wants to see more women in local assemblies.

But, as the only woman in the 10-member local government for the past 12 years, she has first-hand experience of how tough the job can be.

“One of them told me he wanted to see me naked,” she said. “I was in utter shock.”

As well as facing sexual harassment, “when I speak in the assembly, other members insult me so I cannot continue, or they tell me my questions are too strange.”

Saito fought to end a tradition of hiring “companions”—women in their early 20s who serve drinks and chat with guests—for political events.

Her efforts were successful and the custom has stopped.

But Saito still feels that others view her as “an alien” in the political system and acknowledges that “many female politicians cannot speak up about harassment.”

Some people have advised Saito to quit. “But I won’t,” she said.

“If I quit now, I don’t know what I’m in politics for.” AFP

A record 489 women stood for office at local elections this month, still just 16 percent of the candidates

Women take on Japan’s political gender gap for ‘true democracy’

Sudan truce extended, but fighter jet strafing resumes

KHARTOUM – Sudanese fighter jets pounded paramilitary positions in Khartoum on Thursday while deadly fighting and looting flared in Darfur, despite the army and a rival force agreeing to extend a ceasefire deal.

In the final hours of a repeatedly broken three-day ceasefire, due to end at midnight (2200 GMT), the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced a 72-hour extension following pressure from Saudi Arabia and the United States.

There have been multiple truce efforts since fighting broke out on April 15 between Sudan's army led by General Abdel Fattah alBurhan and the paramilitary RSF commanded by his deputy-turned-rival, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. All have failed.

Foreign representatives involved in seeking to quell the fighting welcomed the extended ceasefire deal and urged full implementation.

In a joint statement, the African Union, the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Britain and the United States applauded the two sides' "readiness to engage in dialogue toward establishing a more durable cessation of hostilities and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access".

Doing so, they said, could be followed by a de-escalation plan mapped out in an April 20

China ‘scorpion’ combat drone circles Taiwan

TAIPEI – A long-range Chinese combat drone capable of carrying a large weapons payload has circled Taiwan, the island's defense ministry said Friday.

Democratic Taiwan lives under constant threat of an attack by Beijing, which views the island as part of its territory.

Taiwan's defense ministry said it detected 38 Chinese aircraft, including a TB-001 drone nicknamed the "twin-tailed scorpion", around the island between 6:00 am (1000 GMT) Thursday and 6:00 am Friday.

The drone's circling flight path saw it cross the median line – an unofficial boundary dividing the Taiwan Strait – to the island's south before flying around its east coast and returning to China, a map released by the ministry showed.

Local media said it was the first time Taiwan's defense ministry had reported a Chinese military aircraft circling the island from one end of the median line to the other.

The ministry added that 19 of the aircraft had "crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and northeast (air defense identification zone)", the highest number of incursions since China ended three days of war games earlier this month.

The TB-001 is one of the largest drones in China's military arsenal and boasts a flight range of 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles).

China previously deployed the drone during the military drills that ended on April 10 and involved simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of Taiwan.

The war games were a response to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to the United States, where she met Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy.

On the last day of the drills, Beijing sent 54 aircraft into the island's southwestern and southeastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ), the highest number recorded in a single day since October 2021. AFP

blueprint for peace. "We welcome the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces' announcement extending the ceasefire in Sudan by an additional 72 hours," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken posted on Twitter.

- 'Intense shelling outside' -

On Thursday, warplanes flew over the capital's northern suburbs as fighters on the ground exchanged artillery and heavy machine gun fire, witnesses said.

"I hear intense shelling outside my home," a Khartoum resident told AFP on Thursday evening, asking not to be named.

At least 512 people have been killed and 4,193 wounded in the fighting, according to health ministry figures, although the real death toll is likely much higher.

Hospitals have been shelled and more than two-thirds are out of service, the doctors' union said, reporting at least eight civilians killed in Khartoum alone on Wednesday.

The World Food Programme has said the violence could plunge millions more into hunger in a country where 15 million people –one-third of the population – need aid.

Abdou Dieng, UN aid chief in Sudan, speaking from Port Sudan on Thursday, said he was "extremely worried about the situation", with food supplies a huge concern. AFP

Russian strikes hit several Ukraine cities

KYIV – Russian missile strikes targeted several Ukrainian cities overnight including the capital Kyiv, officials said Friday.

At least five people were killed in strikes that hit the central cities of Dnipro and Uman.

While Russia regularly bombed Ukrainian cities and infrastructure last winter, the massive strikes had tailed off in recent months. Kyiv had not been targeted by missiles in more than 50 days.

Most fighting is now taking place in the east for control of the industrial Donbas region, particularly the city of Bakhmut, which has been almost completely destroyed.

Missiles "killed civilians again in the

city of Dnipro", city mayor Borys Filatov said Friday on Telegram, adding: "A young woman and a three-year-old child died."

Air defense systems were also activated in Kyiv, according to local officials.

"After a pause of 51 days, the enemy launched another missile attack on Kyiv," said local air defense forces head Sergey Popko, according to the city administration. "According to preliminary data, 11 cruise missiles were destroyed in Kyiv airspace. In addition to the missiles, two drones were shot down." No casualties or damage to buildings were reported.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian government to begin work on creating museums dedicated to Moscow's ongoing offensive in Ukraine, according to

instructions published on the Kremlin website.

The new regional and municipal museums should be "dedicated to the events of the special military operation and the exploits of its participants", according to the official document, dated Wednesday but appearing on the Kremlin website on Thursday.

The "special military operation" is Russia's name for its attack on Ukraine, launched in February 2022.

As part of the museums initiative, Putin said the relevant authorities should consider how to transfer "artifacts related to the special military operation" so that they can go on display.

The government should also consider "organizing study of the history of the special military operation" within the education system, he added.

MERCURY RISING.

A couple ride a Vespa motorcycle past a street thermometer reading 44 degrees Celsius in Seville on April 26 as Spain is bracing for an early heat wave. Spain, which in 2022 experienced the hottest year since records began, is bracing for an early heat wave later this week that will cause temperatures to soar to levels normally seen in summer. AFP

Defiant Trump warns of ‘anarchy’ if US elects Biden anew

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire – Donald

Trump vowed Thursday to "crush" Joe Biden in the 2024 election, warning in his first campaign stop since his successor entered the race that the United States will descend into "anarchy" if the Republican billionaire isn't returned to office.

The defiant address at a hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire, came with the twice-impeached former president's legal woes multiplying, as a writer who accuses Trump of rape testified for a second day at a civil trial in New York.

"The choice in this election is now between strength or weakness, between success or failure, between safety or anarchy, between peace or conflict, and prosperity or catastrophe," Trump told a relatively modest

crowd of around 1,500 supporters.

"We are living in a catastrophe. With your vote on November 5, 2024, we are going to crush Joe Biden and the White House... at the ballot box, and we are going to settle our unfinished business."

It was Trump's first appearance since January in the Granite State, which propelled him to victory in the 2016 Republican nominating contest after a shaky start in Iowa.

Biden, 80, announced Tuesday he would seek a second term in 2024, warning that the next election, like the last, would be a "battle for the soul."

Many top Republicans say Trump, 76, is positioning himself to lose again after leading Republicans to poor showings in the 2020

Another Kenyan pastor accused in deaths of multiple followers

NAIROBI – Kenya said on Thursday that one of the country's highest-profile pastors would face charges over the "mass killing" of his followers, just days after the discovery of dozens of bodies in mass graves linked to another church.

Ezekiel Odero, the head of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church, "has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to the mass killing of his followers," Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said in a statement.

"The said church has been shut down. The over 103 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements," he added.

Odero's arrest coincides with an investigation into Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, a cult leader accused of the deaths of more than 100 people, many of them children, in a forest near the coastal

town of Malindi. The former taxi driver is accused of telling followers of his Good News International Church that starvation offered a path to God and the horrific discoveries have shocked the majority Christian nation.

Another 11 bodies were exhumed on Thursday, taking to 109 the total number of dead, multiple Kenyan media reports said, quoting police. Police have not linked the two cases, and the authorities have not provided further details about the allegations against Odero or his church, which is headquartered in Malindi.

Dressed in his signature all-white garb and clutching a Bible, the fishermanturned-preacher smiled for the cameras as he was transferred from Malindi to police headquarters in the port city of Mombasa for questioning.AFP

general election and in the last two midterm cycles. "Republicans want someone who can win in November of '24. Donald Trump is a loser," New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who is said to be mulling a rival presidential bid, told NBC on Sunday.

- 'Crashing and burning' -

Nine Republicans in the US Senate have endorsed the billionaire, but others are warning that prosecutions enmeshing Trump might undermine their hopes of taking the upper chamber of Congress back from the Democrats next year.

Trump is being sued for battery and defamation in civil proceedings in New York, accused of raping writer E Jean Carroll in

1996, and has been indicted over a 2016 hush money payment to a porn star in a criminal case likely to stretch well into the election year. He also faces the possibility of charges from the Department of Justice and Georgia prosecutors in cases involving his attempts to overthrow the 2020 election and his hoarding of government documents. Yet Trump has consistently maintained double-digit leads in Republican primary polling, running far ahead of his nearest likely rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whom he described in his New Hampshire speech as "crashing and burning."

Trump, who denies all wrongdoing, angrily denounced the "endless witch hunts" against him, as he invariably does in public remarks. AFP

Russia's past military exploits, especially in World War II, are already the subject of countless museums, exhibitions, and monuments.

Since the start of its offensive in Ukraine, Russia has passed a series of laws designed to muzzle any criticism, including a law punishing the "discrediting" of the army and its actions.

Several people, both political opponents and ordinary citizens, have received heavy prison sentences under the new laws. Russia has also increased social assistance to combatants and their families and introduced special courses in schools to promote the government's line in the conflict. Moscow recently launched a military recruitment campaign on the streets and on social networks. AFP

UN to Taliban: ‘swiftly reverse’ bans on women

THE United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution Thursday calling on Taliban authorities to "swiftly reverse" all restrictive measures against women, condemning in particular its ban on Afghan women working for the UN.

The resolution, unanimously adopted by all 15 Council members, said the ban announced in early April "undermines human rights and humanitarian principles."

More broadly, the Council called on the Taliban government to "swiftly reverse the policies and practices that restrict the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms."

It cited access to education, employment, freedom of movement, and "women's full, equal and meaningful participation in public life."

The Council also urged "all States and organizations to use their influence" to "promote an urgent reversal of these policies and practices."

The body stressed "the dire economic and humanitarian situation," and the "critical importance of a continued presence" of the UN mission in Afghanistan and other UN agencies.

"The world will not sit by silently as women in Afghanistan are erased from society," United Arab Emirates' ambassador to the UN Lana Zaki Nusseibeh said. AFP

Egypt to Netflix: Cleopatra was light-skinned

CAIRO

– Egypt's antiquities ministry insisted on Thursday that Cleopatra had "white skin and Hellenistic characteristics" in an ongoing row over a Netflix dramadocumentary depicting the famed beauty of antiquity as black.

"Queen Cleopatra", produced by Jada Pinkett Smith and starring Adele James, is due for release on the streaming platform on May 10.

"As Egypt's last pharaoh, Cleopatra fights to protect her throne, family, and legacy in this docudrama featuring reenactments and expert interviews," the Netflix site says in promoting its upcoming production.

But even before its release, "Queen Cleopatra" has already caused a storm of controversy in the North African nation. An online petition accusing the production of rewriting history has already garnered more than 40,000 signatures. And in a country where calls for Netflix to be banned for content deemed offensive to Egypt or "its family values", MP Saboura al-Sayyed has again urged parliament to ban the platform.

On Thursday, the antiquities ministry weighed into the dispute, publishing a lengthy statement that included statements from experts it said all agree: Cleopatra had "white skin and Hellenistic characteristics". AFP

LONE PROTESTER. An indigenous boy talks to police officers standing guard as indigenous people taking part in the Terra Livre Indigenous camp, focused on bringing awareness for indigenous rights and land issues and promoting their culture, protest outside the Congress building in Brasilia on April 24. Thecamp runs until April 29. AFP

MISSILE DEBRIS. Rescuers search for survivors in the rubble next to a damaged residential building in Kyiv on April 28 after Russian missile strikes targeted several Ukrainian cities overnight. AFP

BUSINESS

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday inflation in April likely eased to as low as 6.3 percent from 7.6 percent in March on lower electricity rates and prices of some food items.

The BSP expects the April inflation to settle within a range of 6.3 percent to 7.1 percent.

“Lower electricity rates, the decline in prices of fish and vegetables, and rollback in LPG prices contributed to easing price pressures during the month,” the BSP said.

FDC allots P35b for 2023 capital expenditures

FILINVEST Development Corp., the listed holding company of the Gotianun family, said Friday it earmarked P35 billion in 2023 capital expenditures primarily to support the expansion plans of core businesses.

FDC said in a statement half of the planned capital spending for 2023 would go to its property and hospitality businesses which plan to roll out more projects this year. The balance would be invested in new ventures particularly in renewables, water projects and other urban solutions.

FDC said Filinvest Hospitality Corp. planned to double its number of rooms over the next five years. It lined up hotel and resort projects in Baguio, Mactan, Bohol and five other major tourist destinations for future development. As of end-2022, FHC was operating seven hotels offering 1,800 hotel keys.

FDC Utilities Inc., the group’s subsidiary with interests in power, renewable energy and water, is also looking to expand its renewable offerings by venturing into solar, hydropower and biomass, among others. FDCUI runs a 405-megawatt clean coal plant in Misamis, Oriental.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Sual plant to undergo maintenance shutdown

THE Department of Energy said Friday

Unit 1 of the 647-megawatt Sual coal-fired power plant will go on maintenance shutdown from April 29 to May 1, but assured there will be enough supply given the lower demand during the long weekend.

It said that if it allowed Sual to conduct the maintenance for seven-days from May 5 to 11 as requested, it would result in a possible yellow alert, or worst, red alert on Week 18 (May 1 to 7) and Week 19 (May 8 to 14).

The agency said the Sual plant would undergo the unplanned maintenance to resolve the build-up of a leak from the plant’s boiler tube and cleaning of the generator stator lot bar to rectify the increase in temperature.

This was agreed during the meeting among the DOE team, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and TeaM Sual Corp. during the assessment meeting on April 25.

“As this would fall on a long weekend, the DOE is optimistic that there will be minimal or no power interruptions because the demand is low during this period,” the DOE said in a statement. Alena Mae S. Flores

Meanwhile, upward price pressures are expected to emanate from higher domestic petroleum prices, increased rice and meat prices and peso depreciation, it said.

“Going forward, the BSP remains prepared to respond appropriately to

continuing inflation risks in line with its data-dependent approach to monetary policy formulation,” it said.

The government is set to release the April inflation data on May 5.

Inflation averaged 5.8 percent last year, surpassing the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent. It reached a 14year high of 8.7 percent in January before easing to 8.6 percent in February and 7.6 percent in March. Despite the slowdown, inflation remained elevated and one of the stickiest in the region.

The National Economic and Development Authority said timely and enough importation is one of the short-term measures

to manage food inflation in the country.

NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie

Edillon said during the Inter-agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook meeting on April 20 that importation would fill the domestic supply shortfall of basic goods.

Other measures proposed by NEDA are the prepositioning of rice buffer stocks during El Niño; strengthening the implementation of biosecurity and hog repopulation programs; improving and expanding the Kadiwa program to directly connect producers and consumers; and fast-tracking the distribution of targeted subsidies to farmers and fisherfolks.

April inflation likely eased to as low as 6.3% IN BRIEF

Edillon said import decisions should take into account the expected lean domestic production period and estimated transit time of commodities from the source country to address the domestic supply gap.

NEDA also presented three mediumterm measures to manage food inflation. These are boosting the productivity and resiliency of the local agriculture sector; promoting private investment in facilities, transport, and logistics systems to bring safe and nutritious food closer to consumers; and pushing for the passage of critical reforms such as the Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Competitiveness and Development Act.

Asurion PH hiring 700 for Clark facility

By Othel V. Campos

GLOBAL tech services company Asu-

rion Philippines announced plans to hire 700 employees in its new facility in Clark Freeport as part of its commitment to support the local economy, while providing tech care services to customers.

Asurion Clark Site director Trevor Willams said the company is committed to helping develop the local labor economy of Central Luzon given its growing infrastructure, talented workforce and vibrant environment.

“As a captive in-house company, we believe that our continued growth paired with the benefits and perks that come with these roles, will encourage Pampanga locals to work within the province instead of in the highly populated central business district and make Asurion the employer of choice,” he said.

QUALITY AWARD. Universal Robina Corp.’s subsidiary in Indonesia receives the Top Quality Award 2023 for its commitment

to rolling out the best, high-value products for one of its biggest markets in the region. The award is given by the Indonesia Award Magazine, a trusted and prestigious corporate guide in Indonesia. Receiving the award are URC Indonesia’s team led by (from left)

Singgih Budi Hendrawan, factory manager; Wiliana Rahayu, integrated supply chain director; Sunaryo, quality-HSE manager; and Reni Rosmalawati, R&D manager.

DOTr breaks ground on two new subway stations in QC

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation on Friday broke ground for the construction of two underground subway stations at Quezon Ave. Station and East Ave. Station in Quezon City.

“The subway will not only provide comfort and convenience, but also generate jobs. It will definitely be comfortable, affordable, safe, sustainable and accessible,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

Bautista said he expects the Metro Manila Subway Project to be operational by 2028.

The 33-kilometer subway, dubbed as the “project of the century”, stretches from Valenzuela in the north to NAIA Terminal 3 and FTI in the south.

south segment, enabling a passenger to board a subway train, for example, in North Ave. Station of MMSP and get off at the Calamba Station of NSCR.

The DOTr earlier signed two contract packages worth more than P52.2 billion for NSCR system.

The firm employs more than 5,000 people across four facilities in the country, including a distribution center in Calamba City, an IT services facility in Manila and two customer service centers in Santa Rosa and Iloilo. The company hopes to replicate the same success in Clark.

Asurion hopes to help raise Central Luzon’s labor force participation rate which is lower than the national rate of 64.2 percent in October 2022.

Grab PH,

PSA, DTI support digitalization

GRAB Philippines said it teamed up with the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry to ramp up the implementation of the government’s digitalization initiatives.

Grab Philippines director for public affairs Sherielysse Bonifacio said ”the company wants to do its part to help the government in its national ID registration drive as it recognizes how this can benefit our delivery-partners.”

“The national IDs provide our deliverypartners with more than just a reliable means of identification; it will also make it easier for them to avail of government services and benefits,” Bonifacio said.

Bonifacio said that “as the developer of a super app––a platform used by commuters, consumers and e-commerce merchants––Grab knows firsthand how technology and innovation can help contribute to the growth of the Philippine digital economy, which is why we are bullish about the future.”

The DTI together with the PSA earlier this week launched the Institutional PhilSys Registration of Delivery-Riders, a program that deputy national statistician Fred Sollesta said “is aligned with PSA’s mission to prioritize the registration of beneficiaries of various government social protection program in support to this Administration’s 8-point economic agenda that aims to promote business-friendly environment, boost competitiveness and address poverty and equality.” Darwin G. Amojelar

“The whole subway will connect with different railway networks such as LRT 1, MRT 3, MRT 7 and the Grand Common station. It will also connect with LRT 2 at Anonas Station,” he said.

Once completed, it is expected to reduce travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes. It will also serve around 370,000 passengers a day in its first year of full operations, with capacity to serve up to 1 million passengers a day in later years.

The MMSP is physically interconnected and interoperable with the NorthSouth Commuter Railway System’s

The two contract packages of the NSC were awarded to winning bidders Acciona-DMCI joint venture and Leighton-First Balfour JV, which are both part of the South Commuter Railway Project.

“Once completed, the NSCR will offer safe, affordable, convenient and accessible transport to Filipinos, while accelerating our country’s economic rebound,” Bautista said in his speech.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Friday,

The company is hiring talents for technical support, customer care representatives, with additional human resources, operations, training and support positions. Asurion is certified as A Great Place to Work for 2023.

The firm said its expansion would not only create jobs, but businesses also stand to benefit from increased economic activity. Asurion’s commitment to the region is a positive sign that it sees Central Luzon as an important location for its business.

By Jenniffer

B. Austria

WILCON Depot Inc., the country’s leading home improvement and finishing construction supply retailer, said Friday first-quarter net income jumped 13.1 percent to P962 million from P851 million in the same period last year even as expenses grew faster than revenues.

ELECTRIC SERVICE VEHICLES. Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is transitioning its Juander Shuttle service to 100-percent electric, zero-emission minibuses for the commuting needs of its employees. CEB provides the Juander Shuttle service for free to transport its employees to and from its main office in Pasay City to various pick-up and drop-off locations along selected routes within Greater Metro Manila. The electric powered minibuses, called the Community Optimized Managed Electric Transport, or COMET, are provided by GET Philippines Inc. They are fully air-conditioned and equipped with retractable ramps for persons with disabilities. They are equipped with a media system, display monitors and internet connection for the use of the passengers.

AEV’s net income increased to P4b in first quarter, on the back of power unit’s 161% profit growth

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc. recorded consolidated net income of P4 billion in the first quarter, up by 2 percent from P3.9 billion in the same period in 2022. The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday it recognized non-recurring losses of P593 million in the first quarter on foreign exchange losses from the revaluation of US dollar cash and liquid financial instruments, compared to the P742 million in non-recurring gains in 2022.

AEV said that without these one-off items, core net income in the first quarter improved 44 percent to P4.6 billion. Consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization went up 38 percent year-on-year to P17.9 billion.

Power accounted for 73 percent of the total income contributions from AEV’s strategic business units, while financial services accounted for 33 percent.

Income contributions from real estate, infrastructure and food SBUs were at 2 percent, 1 percent and -10 percent, respectively.

“Our first-quarter results are promising as the product of our team’s unwavering dedication and relentless innovation. As we move into the second year of our great transformation, we continue to lay a strong foundation for our techglomerate future, fostering a culture of growth and adaptability that will carry us through the rest of the year and beyond,” said Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz.

Aboitiz Power Corp. recorded consolidated net income of P7.5 billion in the first quarter, up 161 percent from P2.9

billion in 2022. Core net income reached P7.6 billion, 158 percent higher year-on-year on fresh contributions from GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., higher availability across the company’s portfolio and higher water inflows.

“The company delivered an impressive performance in the first quarter of the year, mainly due to our capacity investments and the timely delivery of our growth targets,” Aboitiz Power president and chief executive Emmanuel Rubio said.

First-quarter revenues climbed 11.4 percent to P8.53 billion from P7.65 billion on strong performance of newly-opened stores. Operating expenses also accelerated by 22.3 percent to P2.16 billion.

“Our first-quarter performance reflected the impact of the base effect as our sales growth tapered off even as our average daily sales increased month-on-month for the quarter,” Wilcon chief executive Lorraine Belo-Cincochan said.

Sales from depot-format stores, which comprise 97.4 percent of total net sales, grew 11.4 percent to P8.03 billion as same-store sales growth increased 3.3 percent.

Sales from smaller format store also increased 22.6 percent to P169 million due to contribution from newly-opened stores.

Belo-Cincochan said given the company’s first quarter performance, the group is poised to exceed its target new store openings this year from 8 to 11.

“This is also so we can proceed with the rationalization of a couple of our bottom-dwelling Home Essentials branches while staying on track to meet our 100-store target by next year,” Belo-Cincochan said.

Wilcon reported 13% growth in Q1 income to P962m

Azkals open SEA Games’ campaign vs Indonesians

By Randy Caluag

THE Philippine under-22 men’s team takes on Indonesia at the start of the football competition of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Saturday at the Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh.

The other match, set at 7 p.m., pits Cambodia against Timor Leste. Group A where the Philippines belongs, is considered a favorable bracket for the Filipinos with Indonesia, last year’s third placer in Vietnam SEA Games, posing the biggest threat. Also in the group are host Cambodia, Timor Leste, and Myanmar. Group B is composed of 2021 SEA Games

champion Vietnam and runner-up Thailand, along with Malaysia, Singapore, and Laos.

Coaching the team is former Azkals’ defender Rob Gier, who has a UEFA A coaching license. He is aiming to get past the group stage and reach the semifinals for the first time since the old dogs, led by Norman Figidero, did the miracle of 1991 in the Manila SEA Games.

The much-favored women’s national team, last year’s bronze medalist in Vietnam SEAG, starts it bid on May 3 against Myanmar.

The Filipinas are tipped to crowd the medal board with back-to-back champ Vietnam and Thailand.

Also starting the action for Team Philippines are the cricket squad and chessers, led by Asia’s first Chess Grandmaster Eugene Torre and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Frayna.

The 11-man team competes in ouk chaktrang, a Cambodian chess variant introduced by host Cambodia. In the previous Hanoi SEA Games last year, the national chess team garnered 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.

In cricket, the Philippines faces host Cambodia in the women’s division. The sport is played for only the second time in the SEA Games since it was introduced in the 2017 edition of the biennial competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Meanwhile, national teams of hockey, triathlon, and volleyball will leave along with a few PSC support staff today (April 29) and a big bulk from different sports also leave on May 2.

MADRID—NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impassioned “there’s no failure in sports” plea after his team crashed out of the NBA play-offs won praise from Greek tennis-playing compatriot Maria Sakkari on Thursday who described it as a “wake-up call”.

Antetokounmpo insisted Milwaukee’s season had not been a failure despite the top-seeded Bucks crashing out of the playoffs at the first hurdle on Wednesday, losing 128-126 to Miami.

“There’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days,” Antetokounmpo said.

Sakkari, ranked nine in the world, hailed Antetokounmpo for his “unique” talents.

“He always says that tennis is the toughest sport,” Sakkari said Thursday after making the third round of the Madrid Open.

“He has spoken to me about how tough our sport is. Tennis is a sport where we lose every week and you have to go again and erase it and go again from zero.”

She added: “Maybe it’s a wake-up call for everyone outside of sports to understand what it means when you lose or when you don’t achieve your goals,” Sakkari said. “It’s not the end of the world.”

American world number six Coco Gauff, a fan of the Miami Heat, said Antetokounmpo’s words echoed her emotional turmoil after losing the French Open final to Iga Swiatek last year.

THE final stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will now be played at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This was announced earlier Friday by FIBA, moving the games of the Final Phase that were earlier scheduled for the Philippine Arena.

“The priority that led to this decision is the experience of our fans. This is in service of the Filipino basketball fan, as well as those arriving from all over the world,” said SBP President Al Panlilio.

“We thank our brothers and sisters from the Iglesia ni Cristo and the Philippine Arena Management, specifically, for being a true partner in this endeavor and we appreciate their support of the final

IMAGINE a Team Philippines composed of 50 all-female athletes proudly clad in white Barong Tagalog, smiling and waving Philippine flaglets as they march around the 60,000-seat Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh during the parade of nations of the opening ceremony of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games next Friday.

Unprecedented in SEA Games history.

“This will be a first in SEA Games history as Team Philippines will be represented by an allwomen delegation in the parade,”

Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Friday.

Only three men from Team Philippines will join the Filipina athletes—Tolentino, chef de mission Chito Loyzaga and the flagbearer, whose identity would be revealed a few days before opening. They will be wearing Francis Libiran-designed white barongs over

“After Roland Garros, it took me a long time to realise that tournament was a successful tournament for me. I was—not beat up—but really disappointed about it,” said 19-year-old Gauff.

“Hearing that from one of the best players in the NBA right now shows that your career is a process.

“Just because you lost doesn’t mean it was a

decision that was reached.”

The Group Phase will still be played at the Mall of Asia Arena, Araneta Coliseum, Okinawa Arena, and Indonesia Arena, but the Final Phase will be exclusively played in the Pasay venue.

The Philippine Arena, however, will be the venue as Gilas Pilipinas plays its first FIBA Basketball World Cup game at home in 45 years.

On August 25, the Philippine team will open its campaign in the World Cup and a game of this magnitude could only be held inside the world’s largest indoor arena.

“The main consideration leading to the decision was the requirement to provide consistent and swift transfer for the

failure. He’s right, there’s no failure in sports. You keep learning. In my personal opinion, the only failure is if you don’t work hard, then that’s a failure in itself.

“But the results? No. You’re always working towards a goal and as long as you’re trying, you either win or you learn. I truly believe that.” AFP

teams and fans to multiples games over the six days of the Final Phase. Despite improvements tested with transport and traffic engineers, the Board came to the conclusion that an event with multiple sessions in one day like the Final Phase of the World Cup must be delivered to the standards required for the players and fans experience.” said David Crocker, Executive Director for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

As an assurance to those who have already secured their tickets, appropriate emails will be sent individually informing them of the venue change and further continued advice as to their tickets and seats.

black pants.

The Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee (Camsoc), according to Tolentino, set a limit of 50 athletes for each nation during the traditional parade of athletes.

Fashion icon Libiran named his barong creation for the 32nd SEA Games “Araw.”

The Francis Libiran Araw Barong Tagalog is made out of Philippine jusi fabric and materials and features an intricate embroidery of the Philippine flag.

The hues of blue overlap a small bed of red as the sun and its rays encompass the entirety of the sash to truly represent every Filipino, showing off their liberty, peace and valor.

Libiran also designed the barong worn by Filipino athletes in the 2019 Philippine SEA Games as well as last year in Hanoi where he named his masterpiece “Agila” that had intricate embroidery with an art deco of the Philippine eagle.

THE Beach Tennis Love Boracay tournament kicks off this weekend at the silky white sands of Boracay Island in Aklan.

Local racquet sports enthusiasts, together with Metro Manila players and foreign beach lovers, have registered in the men’s and women’s singles, doubles plus mixed doubles categories to be played in front of the White House Beach Resort.

Nok Sacapaño, chairman of the organizing Boracay Racquet Sports Club PH, have prepared exciting prizes including cash rewards in the biggest and grandest sports tournament in the island.

The Beach Tennis Love Boracay tournament is officially sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association, under the leadership of its president Mayor Eric Olivarez.

Beach Tennis—a popular racquet sport played worldwide and a regular sports event in the Beach Games, the environment activity of the International Olympic Committee.

The 3rd World Beach Games will be held in Bali, Indonesia in August 5 to 12, 2023 where the Philippines—with the support of the Philippine Olympic Committee—will hope to qualify.

Boracay Racquet Sports Club PH secretary Theodore Dy added that more beach tennis activities will be organized at the Boracay Island within the year.

The Philippine football team trains at Morodok Techo Stadium.

A dejected Giannis Antetokounmpo of the

Nissan, PDRF partner to use EV tech for disaster response

By Othel V. Campos

NISSAN Philippines

Inc. recently signed a partnership agreement with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) that will allow the Foundation to use Nissan’s full electric vehicle (EV), the LEAF, for its disaster response and recovery activities.

Nissan partnered with PDRF as part of their Blue Switch initiative to build an ecosystem using EV technologies in addressing social concerns such as disaster response, climate change, responsible travel, and energy management.

“Nissan is proud to be part of the roster of private companies which partnered with PDRF. We are very excited to see how the Nissan LEAF can assist PDRF in providing innovative and sustainable solutions to minimize the impacts and recover from disasters. This partnership is the next step in our strategy towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the country,” said Nissan president Juan Hoyos.

Based on the agreement, Nissan will lend LEAF EVs to PDRF to be used as emergency response vehicles.

The Nissan LEAF has vehicleto-everything (V2X) technology which allows bi-directional

Preparing your car for another long drive

IT IS simmering hot these days and the bad news is that next month will be even hotteraccording to the weather forecasters.

The sweltering hot weather really affects all our lives—from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep. Not only that, it also affects our pockets since added use of our air conditioners are needed significantly.

In order to escape the heat in the metropolis, many took time to go to the provinces or to a distant place outside of the city where the weather is pretty much cooler. And when going out of town, it really helps a lot if you pay a visit first to your favorite automotive center where you can have your car checked for its road reliability.

You never go on a long trip without having your car checked first. This is very important if you don’t want to later regret when your car suddenly conks out of nowhere. A simple check on the amount of coolant would go a long way in preserving coolness in your engine too - among others.

Another important thing to also check are your tire pressures. Going on a long trip puts pressure on your tires, especially during hot weather. Remember that a properly inflated tire will provide longer life, a smoother ride, quick steering response, and of course, better fuel efficiency.

One good advice also is never drive on over-inflated tires. You are not going to race with the other cars in going to your destination. Over-inflation can result in premature wear, decreased impact

KOYO bearings now rebranded as JTEKT

100-YEAR-OLD KOYO changes name and logo as part of its evolution. Global auto parts brands distributor BSB Junrose has assured its customers that it would continue to carry the legacy and high quality of KOYO bearings during the ongoing transition of the brand into JTEKT. The name and logo change was announced and initiated in Japan in April 2022 following the move by automotive components maker JTEKT to unify all the brands under its name.

“This rebranding is set to unlock new synergies for all brands involved. BSB Junrose has the assurance from our Japanese counterparts that the rebranded bearings under the JTEKT brand will retain the same high-quality customers expect from Koyo as those are still manufactured in the same state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities,” said Benjamin Bangayan Jr, president of BSB Junrose, the local distributor of KOYO Bearings for more than a decade now.

charging and use the EV’s battery to transfer power to other sources. Its reliable power source can supply electricity to affected communities and emergency responses during disasters.

The partnership will also enable the 2 organizations to explore efficient and sustainable ways to respond to disasters and mitigate the impact of climate change. The partnership is aligned with PDRF’s commitment to more green and sustainable approaches to disaster response.

“PDRF is grateful to Nissan for this innovative partnership. Their LEAF electric vehicle will be an important asset when we confront challenges going forward,” said PDRF president Rene Meily.

The century-old KOYO was established in 1921 and started manufacturing branded bearings in 1935. In January 2006, it merged with Toyoda Machinery resulting in the establishment of the brand JTEKT, which has since become known as a major maker of ball and roller bearings, driveline products, automotive steering systems, and machine tools.

In its official rebranding announcement, KOYO said the move is part of its multifaceted evolution as it gears forward to become a ‘true solution partner’ for its customers. “We are convinced that our brand unification is a natural ‘evolution’ that could not be achieved by KOYO alone. Together with our customers, JTEKT aims to be the “No. 1 and Only One,” building a better future for society and our planet,” said Tetsuo Kamo, managing director of JTEKT Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

During the period of transition, BSB Junrose revealed that it would still carry existing stocks of bearings carrying the KOYO name until they last while also replenishing its inventory with units carrying the JTEKT brand. The distributor assured that the products will remain genuine and identical as the transition would not bear any effect on the end products they carry.

BYAHENG SAFE 2023

Kaakbay sa Paglalakbay

Lucap, Alaminos, Pangasinan

absorption, and even decreased traction. If you experience a bumpy ride, chances are your tires are overinflated.

Yes, you should also check on the car’s air conditioning. Simple cleaning is sometimes needed to get the coolness of your car back again. This is very important since not only you but all of your occupants would surely suffer the sweltering heat on the road while traveling if your aircon suddenly conked out without warning.

I learned my lesson well when I brought my little kids to Tagaytay for a summer vacation onboard the old family car. Because of the long traffic, the water temperature suddenly went up and I had to turn off the aircon just to reach an auto shop along the way. After the water temperature was fixed, the aircon suddenly stopped working and that needs to be fixed up next. It was found out that the aircon is too clogged up and it needs to be taken down for cleaning. It took us several hours at the shop while it was being fixed.

There’s no short-cut to having your car prepped up for a long drive. You really need time to have it serviced by a reliable shop, even if it is a brand-new one, before bringing it out to a distant summer vacation of your choice.

Anyway, it’s just spending 1 to 2 hours at the shop to check your car and those precious hours are needed in order for you not to suffer later on while you are already on the road. It is not only you who will suffer but also all your occupants as well.

Changan PH recognized for service excellence

CHANGAN Motor Philippines, Inc. (CMPI) received its very first citation from Changan International Corporation (CIC).

CMPI president and chief executive Maria Fe Perez-Agudo received the “Excellence of Service” award alongside fellow distributors from Kuwait, Pakistan, and Peru during the 2023 Changan Automobile Overseas Partner Conference held April 20, 2023 at the Changan Research and Development Center in Chongqing, China.

“We are honored and grateful for this latest achievement. This award confirms the ‘proof beyond vision’ of our brand. In terms of service, we are now ever more driven to enhance the ownership experience through services that meet the needs of today’s motorists. And, in terms of product, we are proud of our growing roster of excellently built, powerful, and techloaded vehicles that are out to satisfy customer preferences.”

The award likewise signifies recognition on the part of CIC that CMPI is ready to further the Changan global overseas expansion strategy, as announced at the 2023 Shanghai International Automotive Industry Exhibition.

CMPI opened 2023 with phenomenal 221 percent growth in sales, driven by the popular New CS35 Plus and the Alsvin. In the first quarter of 2023, Changan Auto cut an even stronger online presence, backed by a fastgrowing network of 18 dealerships and a highly interactive community of 40 car clubs. The company looks forward to more wins with its first salvo of vehicles carrying the latest Changan Vision-V design language, the Uni crossovers Uni-T and Uni-K, the New CS55 Plus and the reliable New CS35 Plus and Alsvin. Know more about Changan at www. changanphil.com or follow the brand on facebook.com/ChanganPhil.

Bigger, more luxurious Lexus Manila showroom to rise next year

To welcome more customers into the luxurious world of Lexus, a new Lexus Manila Showroom will soon rise still within Bonifacio Global City. This address will be able to accommodate Lexus’s growing clientele as the brand further expands its business in the Country, showcasing Lexus’ unique design language; while providing increased service capacity to better serve valued customers better. The new Lexus Manila will be located at 8th Avenue, Grand Central Park, BGC Taguig.

Just like the newest brand and guest experience center of Lexus at Mitsukoshi BGC which was opened earlier this year—The design of the facade follows the Lexus L-Finesse philosophy. This signature style draws heavily on the deeply rooted principles of Japanese hospitality and aesthetics, while simultaneously having the ability to expand into a highly dynamic, evolving concept. The design

is distinctly Japanese: formal and minimalist with horizontal and clean lines. This straightforward approach evokes beauty and simplicity.

A relaxing sensory experience is at the heart of every Lexus showroom. The ground floor area where the main showroom is located will have a full-height curtain wall glazing accentuated by wood-finished elements. These treatments add up to the lightness and softness of the façade, and are inspired by Lexus design. At Lexus, everyone is treated as a valued guest. This elevated hospitality is integral to the brand and utmost effort is given in the name of customer satisfaction. This superlative service at its finest is all part of the luxurious experience and should be expected from the newest Lexus Manila showroom when it opens its doors in the 1st half of 2024.

Jetti Petroleum has recently launched the Byaheng Safe Motorist Assistance Program to assist travelers during the Lenten break. The program deploys a team to provide aid to those visiting the 100 Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan, and taking advantage of the long weekend to spend time with their loved ones. The Byaheng Safe program is patterned after Lakbay Alalay and will be operational along LucapAlaminos Road. The program is in coordination with Barangay Lucap and Council, and in collaboration with Victory Liner, which is the event partner for travelers coming from Cubao to Alaminos terminal. Byaheng Safe program offers three types of assistance, including Byaheng Safe Tourist Assistance, Byaheng Safe Medical Assistance, and Byaheng Safe Technical and Mechanical Assistance. This program is dedicated to both travelers and ByaHeros.

NORTH CLUSTER—CSR

AKYAT ARAL (Byaheng North)

Sitio Bulak, Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija

Jetti Petroleum, Inc. has partnered with Akyat Aral Foundation, powered by Top OffRoad Philippines and Heroes PH, to launch the AKYAT ARAL - BYAHENG NORTH Medical Mission aimed at reaching the mountains of Dumagat Community in Sitio Bulak, General Tinio Nueva Ecija. The successful project brought hope, inspiration, and smiles to our brothers and sisters in Dumagat with a range of activities including medical check-ups and distribution of medicine, dental drills, free haircuts, storytelling, clown shows, Zumba, feeding, and distribution of items such as slippers, school supplies, hygiene soap and lipstick, watches, loot caps filled with candies, vitamins, food packs for families, and much more.

The event was also fueled by our North cluster business partners by lending the Jetti Tibag Baliwag Bulacan Station as Gas-up

Ceremonial signing of Nissan Philippines and PDRF at the PDRF Emergency Operations Center (from left) executive director Veronica Gabaldon (PDRF), chief resilience officer Guillermo Luz (PDRF), president Juan Manuel Hoyos (Nissan Philippines), president Rene Meily (PDRF), and general manager for communications Dax Avenido (Nissan Philippines)

Nissan LEAF demonstration at PDRF Emergency Operations Center

Meralco futureproofs business operations with digital twin lab

THE Manila Electric Company has introduced its own digital twin laboratory that plays an important role in the distribution utility’s efforts to futureproof its business operations and contribute to the advancement of the country’s energy industry.

The Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab (PIXL) is Meralco’s own virtual world rendering studio and metaverse that uses real world data to create simulations for training and education.

Featuring 10 short-throw high-definition projectors, a 360-degree projection wall, LED lights, and extended reality devices such as Microsoft HoloLens, and Oculus VR headset, PIXL is a state-of-the-art facility that aims to drive the use of new technologies for the energy industry to achieve the country’s smart grid vision.

Smart grid is the integration of innovative systems to the power grid for improved generation and distribution of electricity.

“The most important digital strategy we have is the digitalization of the grid.

Making the grid smarter entails a lot of new investments in technology. We are looking to smart substations, smart meters, advanced metering infrastructure and advanced network infrastructure, all of which taken together would make the grid much smarter and more digital,” Meralco President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Ray C. Espinosa said.

PIXL can help accelerate innovation and improve Meralco’s business operations as it can serve a variety of functions critical to the power distributor’s mandate to deliver reliable and stable electricity service to its customers. These include technology scanning, proof of concept, prototype development, extended reality previews of different vital facilities such as substations and business centers, simu-

lations of critical incident resolutions, distant learning, knowledge transfer, and remote support.

According to Rocky D. Bacani, Meralco’s First Vice President for Information, Communication, Technology and Transformation (ICTT), PIXL is aligned with the power distributor’s digital transformation goals and forms part of its efforts to find new growth opportunities for customers, employees, and the future generation of engineers.

PIXL is also envisioned to serve as a venue for co-innovation initiatives with the academe, regulators, other electric cooperatives, and distribution utilities in the Philippines or even other countries.

“The way we want to use PIXL is like a studio where you can teleport to any location you want and be able to experience that in a digital reality,” said Bacani, who is also Meralco’s Chief Information and Technology Officer.

“As a leader in the energy industry, Meralco continuously invests in new technologies that will enhance our business operations to deliver consistent excellent service.

Saver Delivery just went live on GrabFood!

GRABFOOD, the leading on-demand delivery platform, just recently rolled out its Saver Delivery feature, allowing foodies to access lower delivery fees should they be okay with an estimated delivery time of 45 minutes or less – saving more by waiting a little more.

With Saver Delivery, foodies can put in orders ahead of lunch get-togethers, dinner plans, or movie nights to enjoy a more affordable delivery fee, which can go as low as Php 28. As the superapp rallies everyone to have an all-out Summer, GrabFood goes full steam in making sure that barkadas get a sulit experience for their Summer food trips.

Saver Delivery is just one of the many affordability hacks foodies can take advantage of on GrabFood! The leading on-demand delivery platform has also prepared great deals on food selection, Self Pick-up orders and many more! Here are other ways you can be sulit on GrabFood!

Subscribe to GrabUnlimited for exclusive food deals!

Avid food delivery fans must not miss subscribing to GrabUnlimited. GrabUnlimited offers the value-for-money that every foodie looks for! With a free onemonth subscription and a monthly renewal fee of Php 49, GrabUnlimited subscribers can enjoy exclusive food deals from featured restaurants-of-the-month!

With customer-centricity at the core of Meralco’s operations, we continuously explore new and relevant innovations as part of our digital transformation journey to stay ahead of trends, and proactively address the ever-evolving needs of our customers,” the official added.

Powered by a solid data-driven strategy and years of industry experience, Meralco has embraced digital transformation through its Customer Centricity Transformation Program and Digital Projects – a holistic and end-to-end approach that aims to improve customer touchpoints, and level up operational efficiencies and services to achieve better customer experience.

In 2021, Meralco started utilizing ICT Operations Platform and Telecommunications Integrated Command Center (OPTIC), a new command and control center which manages all information, communication, and technology systems of the distribution utility. The facility aims to reduce unplanned downtime of critical ICT systems, increase productivity of employees, and enhance service delivery to customers.

Xiaomi launches Redmi Note 12 Series

XIAOMI recently launched the Redmi Note 12 Series with a lively campaign that encapsulates the Gen Zs’ vivid lifestyle and personality. With the tagline “Live Vivid,” users are encouraged to capture vibrant memories and make attention-grabbing content with the newest mid-range smartphone from Xiaomi.

To further capture the enthusiasm for life of this generation’s youth, Xiaomi launched a song and music video titled “Live Vivid” performed by #TeamRedmiNote ambassadors P-pop group BGYO, and featuring dance and lifestyle creator Niana Guerrero and M4 World Champions Team Echo.

Songwriter and producer Jonathan Manalo, who’s also the creative

director of ABS-CBN Music, says, “‘Live Vivid’ aptly describes Gen Zs who live and love large and want to capture every inspiring moment with their gadgets.”

“Xiaomi’s latest campaign for the Redmi Note 12 Series talks the Gen Z language of living vividly in today’s world,” says Xiaomi Philippines marketing head Tomi Adrias. “We love their creative self-expression, the contagious fun of their content, and the passion with which they live life.”

In addition, the Redmi Note 12’s energetic pop song has also turned into a TikTok challenge called the #LiveVividDanceChallenge, where five winners aged 13 and above get the chance to win one of five Redmi Note 12 5G worth Php16,500 each. Three lucky winners will also get the chance to win 50,000 AirAsia Points redeemable via their AirAsia Member ID. They simply have to post dance videos on their accounts using the #LiveVivid Branded Effect on Tiktok. The post must be public until the end of the promo and include the hashtags #LiveVivid and #RedmiNote12Series in their video captions. The promo event will run from April 19 to July 23, 2023 and the winners will be awarded

starting July 7, 2023.

The Redmi Note 12 is the perfect smartphone to live life with enthusiasm, start on new journeys and make great memories. You can capture your life—from momentous to everyday events—from every angle with a triple camera system featuring a high-resolution main lens, an ultra-wide lens, and a dedicated macro lens.

With an eye-catching design, Redmi

Note 12 features a 6.67’’ AMOLED display that lets you watch content with vivid color for a seamless visual experience. Its 4096 levels of brightness adjustment allow screen dimming to be smooth and subtle and takes out the glare when the ambient lighting changes. Redmi Note 12 delivers smooth and boosted performance with a powerful 6nm Snapdragon 685 from Qualcomm.

If you’re a content creator or an avid content consumer, you’ll love that you don’t have to charge frequently with its super long battery life of up to 1.35 days.

This May, subscribers can slash as high as 30% off of their orders from their favorite restaurants, including Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar, and more!

Every month, GrabUnlimited subscribers can look forward to exciting and exclusive deals that empower them to enjoy an elevated food trip with friends and family—not to mention access to free delivery daily.

Avail of exclusive deals with Self Pick-Up

The waves of the beach and scenic destinations from outside the metro may be calling out to some Summer explorers. Hence, every squad getting back on the road better make use of GrabFood’s Self Pick-Up to have more time going all out bonding instead of queuing in counters. Users who select Self Pick-Up can conveniently order food items and pay for them even before getting into the restaurants!

And this Summer, Self Pick-Up orders come with an additional 15 percent discount with promo code SELFPICKUP. Partner restaurants with the All Out Summer sticker also offer exclusive deals for Self Pick-Up orders. Hunt for the stickers, pick up your orders, and be back on your way to an all-out Summer.

Always check your offers tab for stackable promos

A wide variety of food is sure to take any barkada hangout up a notch! The only right answer to the proverbial premeal question of “anong sa ‘yo” is getting a little bit of everything for everyone! And as you complete the barkada banquet, GrabFood wants you to have the most sulit deals with a lot of promos found in the Offers tab! These stackable vouchers can take out as much as Php 180 from your total. If you’re gunning for an all-out sulit food trip, never miss checking these stackable promos on GrabFood. Pro-tip: Check out code GRABSUMMER now!

Infinix HOT 30i: Newest under-P5,000 phone for your gaming, streaming needs

ELEVATE your gaming and online entertainment for under P5,000. With Infinix’s newest gaming and lifestyle smartphone, you can now make the most out of your leisure time.

One of the country’s hottest smartphone brands, Infinix recently launched its newest model, the Infinix HOT 30i. The budgetfriendly phone has an elegant design with massive storage and other capabilities that make it a reliable phone for all your gaming, streaming, and browsing needs.

Seamless entertainment

Whether you’re an avid mobile gamer or binge-watcher, the Infinix HOT 30i boasts up to 4GB RAM + 4 GB Memfusion (extended RAM) to ensure that you won’t experience any lags when open-

ing apps. It’s also equipped with a spacious 128GB ROM storage to save all your game files, photos, music, and more.

You’ll also need a big screen to get the most of your games or social media feed. The Infinix HOT 30i has a 6.6” display that’s big enough to let you show off your gaming skills with the gang. Plus, the screen’s 90Hz refresh rate guarantees the smoothest-looking content.

Powered-up all day

A gaming and lifestyle phone needs serious power to stay on all day, and the Infinix HOT 30i has a 5000mAh battery with 18W Fast Charging. This ensures you have power all day, and you charge the phone faster wherever you go. Plus, even at 5% battery

level, the device can still stay on for two more hours by activating the Power Marathon feature.

These specs are ideal for gamers who often tune in to their favorite esports tournaments, like the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), for hours on their phone. You’ll surely catch the big win without worrying about your battery draining out.

Value for your buck

With features as impressive as these, the Infinix HOT 30i retails for a special flash price of only P4,299. You will surely get #MoreThanWhatYouPayFor with this sleek and affordable smartphone.

Feel the difference with your leisurely activities and check out the Infinix HOT 30i on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.

A Meralco employee wears the Microsoft HoloLens during a simulation at the Powertech Innovation and eXperience Lab. A state-of-the-art facility, PIXL is Meralco’s new digital twin laboratory that uses real world data so that real-time assessment of critical facilities can be done remotely to enhance customer experience.