Manila Standard - 2023 May 3 - Wednesday

Ombudsman suspends MIAA head, assistant GM for ‘abuse of authority’

THE Office of the Ombudsman has slapped a six-month suspension on Manila International Airport Authority acting General Manager Cesar Chiong and acting Assistant General Manager Irene Montalvo for grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial

to the best interest of service.

The complaint stemmed from an anonymous sender regarding the decision of Chiong to transfer 285 workers of MIAA a month after his assumption into office.

Biden: US to defend PH Says ‘can’t think of better partner’ than PBBM amid challenges

By Vince Lopez

WASHINGTON

D.C.—US President Joe Biden underlined America’s “ironclad” commitment to defending the Philippines as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. referred to “difficult times” as the country finds itself in a region with “arguably the most complicated geopolitical situation in the world right now.”

White House: US to provide additional air and maritime assets to PH military.

“It is only natural for the Philippines to look to its sole treaty partner in the world to strengthen, to redefine, the relationship that we have and the roles that we play in the face of those rising tensions that we see now around the South China Sea and Asia Pacific,” Mr. Marcos said during his bilateral meeting with Biden at the White House Monday (Tuesday, Manila time).

Marcos vows ‘much better PH,’ urges Fil-Ams to come home

By Vince Lopez

WASHINGTON -- Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday (Philippine time) that his administration is working on measures that will ensure Filipinos who are working and staying abroad could return home and retire in the Philippines.

President Marcos made this announcement during his meet and greet with the Filipino community of Washington in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The President is in the United States for a five-day official visit

Harris, Marcos vow to boost partnerships

WASHINGTON— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday vowed to boost mutually beneficial partnerships between Manila and Washington in a wide range of areas, such as digital inclusion and a clean energy economy.

The two leaders made the commitment in a meeting at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC.

President Marcos thanked Harris, who visited Manila last November, for “laying the groundwork” for his meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House last Monday.

“I think that has given us the very attractive opportunity to continue to strengthen that relationship between our two countries in the face, in the context of all of the difficulties and complexities, the rising tensions in our region and the world. And once again, we turn to our American partners, our only treaty partner in the world,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President also admitted he was “as concerned as you could be” with China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea

that aims to strengthen ties between the two countries.

“It’s my hope that some of you will come home for good and retire in a much better Philippines — a Philippines with better airports, a Philippines with better roads, better internet, better governance. That is my wish,” Mr. Marcos said in his speech. “And that’s why that is what my administration is working for.”

The President said protecting the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers is a priority of his administration.

‘PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS.’

President Ferdinand President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shakes hands with US President Joe Biden during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office at the White House Monday afternoon (Tuesday, Manila time). (Second row photo, left) President Marcos introduces Speaker Martin Romualdez who accompanied him during the bilateral meeting with President Biden that was followed by an expanded dialog with Cabinet officials of both leaders. (Second row photo, right) Mr. Marcos and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, are greeted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff at the Number One Observatory Circle at the US Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. before their meeting. (Last row) Mr. Marcos is warmly received by members of the Filipino community in Washington at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Ver Noveno and PCO

US, PH widen trade, economic ties, Biden to send investment mission

By Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz

Washington—US President Joe Biden said he will send a “first of its kind” presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines as he and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expanded their countries’ agricultural, trade, and even nuclear ties following their bilateral meeting at the White House on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

The US leader noted Manila and Washington’s “strong partnership” and “deep

• $7.5m energy deal

• $65m electric motorcycles pact

friendship, one that has been enriched by millions of Filipino-Americans and the

IATF: No need to reimpose mandatory face mask

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THERE is no need to reimpose the mandatory use of face masks, Department of Health officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire

said Tuesday. “We already recommended to the Office of the President, based on agreements coming from IATF discussions, that we don’t need to bring back the mandates,” said Vergeire,

who recommends wearing masks even if they are not required.

In a media briefing, Vergerie also told the public to learn to adjust to the presence of the virus.

PAGASA raises El Niño alert, likely to start June

By Rio N. Araja

Biden, for his part, said Washington remains “ironclad” in its commitment to the defense of the Philippines, including the South China Sea. “And we’re gonna continue [supporting] the Philippines’ military modernization,” he said.

“You know, when we met in New York last year, you told me that the strong alliance has to continue... I’m using your phrase, ‘to evolve as we face the challenges of this new century.’ And we are facing new challenges. And I can’t think of any better partner to have than you.”

“Our countries not only share strong partnership. We share a deep friendship, one that has been enriched by millions of Filipino-Americans and the communities all across the United States,” Biden added.

Mr. Marcos is on a five-day trip that follows last week’s state visit to Washington by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and a White House meeting in January between Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

A senior US official said Mr. Marcos’ visit – which began with a military honor guard outside the White House –was the first “at this level and intensity” between the two countries for decades.

“It is clear that we’re in a deeply consequential period in terms of our Indo-Pacific engagements,” the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In a fact sheet released by the White House, the US government said it will provide additional assets to the Philippine military in support of the latter’s modernization efforts.

Washington said it intends to transfer to the Armed Forces of the Philippines two Island-class patrol vessels, two Protector-class patrol vessels, and three C130H aircraft, pending applicable Congressional notification requirements.

Further, two Cyclone-class coastal patrol vessels were already transferred to the Philippines in late April, and are now en route to Manila.

Alarm bells are ringing for Washing-

even as Harris pledged her country’s continued cooperation with the Philippines in securing the vital waterway.

“After all the different cycles as in any friendship… I was telling (US) Secretary (of State Anthony) Blinken yesterday, like any friendship we go through many cycles... We’re very, very happy to be here, to get this opportunity to speak with you and to have spoken with your President (Biden),” he added.

The US Vice President lauded Mr. Marcos for his leadership and effort to give priority “around our mutual prosperity and security.”

“During my visit to the Philippines, we discussed many issues including the importance of a clean energy economy. You and I share a passion for that... As well as issues that relate to food security and what we must do around digital inclusion,” said Harris, who was accompanied by her husband, US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.

“And on the issue of security of course, the work that our countries are doing together as it relates to the South China Sea, as it relates to what we must do in terms of continuing to work together through our Coast Guards,” she added.

Last year, Harris traveled to Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where she met with residents, civil society leaders, and Philippine Coast Guard officials. It was described as a historic visit, as the US VP was the highest-ranking American official ever to visit Palawan.

Joining President Marcos in meeting Harris were First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Romualdez, and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

On his way to have coffee with Harris and Emhoff, a reporter asked President Marcos how concerned he was “with the continued provocation made by China” in the region.

“As concerned as you could possibly be,” Mr. Marcos replied. “It is one of the major issues that we have to face back home.”

Mr. Marcos believes cooperation with the US top officials can get him closer to protecting the Philippines amid the tensions in the region.

“Well, cooperation with the United States certainly is just something that we are building upon that has been going on for many, many, many decades,” President Marcos said. “And we just keep going.” Vince Lopez

ton and its Asian allies as China moves ever more confidently to assert claims to sovereignty over almost the whole South China Sea – ignoring an international ruling that this has no legal basis.

The tension, combined with constant saber rattling over Taiwan – the democratically run island that Beijing claims but Washington vows to help defend -has prompted the Biden administration to rapidly bolster its military capabilities.

The Philippines, which lies close to key sea lanes and Taiwan, is of particular interest.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Marcos noted with concern the escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific and cited US assistance in maintaining peace and contribution to the stability and development of the region.

“We have many things that are new that need to be assessed and again our role as partners in the world,” he said, emphasizing the need for peace, not only in the region but also in the rest of the world.

This is the second in-person meeting between the two leaders. Their first meeting was on the sidelines of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022.

Mr. Marcos signaled as he left for Washington that he is wary of being caught between the superpowers, telling reporters: “We will not allow the Philippines to be used as a staging post for any kind of military action.”

However, this month, the Philippines identified four military bases – in addition to five existing sites – where US forces will be given access, including one located near the tense Spratly Islands and two others near Taiwan.

The two allies also carried out their largest-ever military maneuvers in recent weeks.

That has alarmed China, which accuses Washington of trying to drive a wedge between Beijing and Manila— even though its own actions have driven the Philippines closer to its treaty ally.

On April 23, a Chinese vessel sailed into the path of a much smaller Philippine Coast Guard vessel carrying journalists in the Spratly Islands, causing a near-collision.

In an acknowledgment of Philippine sensitivities about the US troop presence, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby emphasized that the sites slated to be used by the United States remain part of the Filipino military and “every single step of the way will be done in complete coordination.”

“It’s about our ability to be better allies to one another and meet our commitments to each other,” he said.

In a joint statement, Mr. Marcos and Biden hailed the “remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serve as the foundation of the US-Philippines alliance.”

Both leaders said the identification of new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) “will strengthen Philippine security and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization goals, while driving US investment to local communities across the Philippines and improving our shared ability to rapidly deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”

Both leaders underscored their “unwavering commitment” to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, as well as the importance of respecting the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones consistent with international law.

“The leaders support the right and ability of Filipino fisherfolk to pursue their traditional livelihoods. The leaders note the ruling of the 2016 arbitral tribunal, constituted pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” the joint statement added.

The two leaders also affirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which they described as an “indispensable element of global security and prosperity.”

Both Biden and Marcos conveyed their support for Ukraine in its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, “noting that the conflict (with Russia) has adversely affected food and energy security in the Indo-Pacific.”

The United States Embassy in the

which have been slowing increasing, will not disappear.

“The virus will mutate and produce variants every now and then,” she said.

Philippines reiterated on Tuesday its support for the 2016 arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea.

Speaking at the Stratbase ADR Institute discussion on Modernizing Philippine Defense Capabilities and Elevating Security Partnerships, US Embassy Political Counselor Brett Blackshaw said the US views the Ayungin Shoal as being under Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction.

He said that China has no lawful territorial or maritime claim.

Blackshaw added that the United States values the Philippines as an equal sovereign partner and reaffirmed US support.

He also hailed President Marcos, noting that relations between the US and the Philippines have been invigorated under the present administration.

Blackshaw announced that the Philippines and the United States will be issuing the “first defense bilateral guidelines” between the two countries.

“One thing that would come out of this visit and is on track to be made public this Wednesday when President Marcos visits the Pentagon is the first ever Bilateral Defense Guidelines between the US and the Philippines,” Blackshaw said.

In other developments:

* Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte expressed optimism that the official visit of President Marcos to the United States will result in the approval of the agreement for joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He said the need for joint patrols has become more urgent given China’s “aggressive tactics” in the West Philippine Sea.

* Senator Francis Tolentino said the form of assistance promised by the US to the Philippine government is covered by the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries. He said this in response to the statement by Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, that the US is prepared to assist the Philippines if China interferes with Manila’s efforts to resupply its grounded naval vessel in the Ayungin Shoal. AFP, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

“This increase in cases did not translate to more hospital admissions, and it did not translate to more severe and critical cases and even deaths,” she added.

Marcos...

From A1

“We are strongly committed to pursue the third pillar of our foreign policy, which is assistance to Filipino nationals,” Marcos said.

He also encouraged the children and grandchildren of Filipinos who are now residing in America to come home and visit the Philippines.

“Let them see for themselves what the Philippines is about, what is our culture, what is our history. I’m sure the first and second and third generation Filipino-Americans are more than happy to learn about their proud Philippine ancestry,” Marcos said.

“Sooner or later, we will be able to welcome you back home to the Philippines, especially those who have reacquired their Filipino citizenship,” he added.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday (Tuesday Philippine time) highlighted the importance of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans in building the strong foundation of the United States.

In his speech during the dinner hosted by the Philippine Embassy for President Marcs, his official delegation, and US Cabinet officials at the Blair House, Blinken said: “Filipinos and FilipinoAmericans are a fundamental part of the fabric of the United States.”

Ombudsman...

From A1

In its April 28 decision, the Ombudsman said the two were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt in committing the offenses.

The anti-graft body said Chiong also abused his authority for appointing Montalvo as assistant GM despite his unsatisfactory rating in 2020.

“Based on the evidence on record, it appears that the evidence of guilt of the respondents are strong and the charge against them involves grave misconduct which may warrant their removal from the service,” the Ombudsman said.

“Our policies do not need to be back and forth. We all need to help each other so that we can overcome this situation,” she said.

Vergerie related that the DOH and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases have already submitted their proposals to the President on the use of face mask.

She noted that cases will increase and decrease in our country because the virus is here.

She said COVID-19 infections,

Nonetheless, she said the public should know how to protect themselves and their family — by choosing to wear a mask when going to high-risk places, especially if they are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, senior citizens, or pregnant.

She also pointed out the the current spike in COVID-19 infections does not compare to the numbers recorded during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

She underscored the need to raise the level of our risk tolerance to COVID-19.

which could have negative impacts, such as dry spells and droughts, in some areas of the country.

She said the health utilization rate remains at low risk because of the wall of immunity due to vaccination.

As of April 30, the Department of Health recorded 5,875 active COVID-19 cases from a total of 4,093,421 cases. A total of 4,021,102 recoveries and 66,444 deaths were logged by the health department.

At present, Metro Manila is still under Alert Level 1, the lowest of the Alert Level System adopted by the government during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Considering further that respondents’ continued stay in the office may influence potential witnesses and may prejudice the case filed against them due to their continued access to documentary evidence relative thereto, this Office exercises its power to place respondents under preventive suspension.”

Chiong, however, said he is confident he will be cleared from the allegations.

“I am confident of being vindicated and cleared in the end, after I am allowed to present my side as a result of my vision and plan to improve airport efficiency and the financial standing of the authority,” he said in a statement.

The probability of El Niño between November and January 2024 also rose to about 87 percent, added PAGASA Deputy Administrator Esperanza Cayanan. El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions,

PAGASA, however, said above-normal rainfall conditions during the southwest monsoon season or “habagat” may also be expected over the western part of the country.

“With this development, the PAGASA El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Alert and Warning System is

Romualdez said optimism is at its highest for the country’s economic growth due to an evidently strengthened US-PHL relation.

now raised to El Niño Alert. El Niño (warm phase of ENSO) is characterized by unusually warmer than average sea surface temperatures at the central and eastern equatorial Pacific,” the bureau said.

“When conditions are favorable for the development of El Niño within the next two months at a probability of 70 percent or more, an El Niño alert is issued,” PAGASA said.

megawatts to the country by 2031.

“The finances of MIAA have vastly improved without any government subsidy in the short stint that I have been at its helm. Putting MIAA in good financial stead is one of my visions. There are others that are just as critical. But for now, I need to focus on the legal issue at hand,” Chiong added.

The announcement of his preventive suspension came a day after a power outage hit NAIA Terminal 3, resulting in the cancellation of over 40 flights. Rio N. Araja and Joel Zurbano

communities all across the United States.”

Mr. Biden also committed to stepping up America’s support to the Philippines on a wide range of issues, including climate change mitigation and the economy.

Mr. Marcos, in turn, thanked the US leader for America’s assistance as he sought to strengthen “alliances and partnership in the face of the new economy that we are facing post-pandemic.”

Trade relations and the partnership between the Philippines and the US must be “continually revisited” so that both parties would mutually benefit from these initiatives, Mr. Marcos also noted during the dinner hosted by the Philippine Embassy at the Blair House for the President, his official delegation and key US cabinet officials.

The Chief Executive said Mr. Biden has been “extremely” supportive of the Philippines in terms of economic transformation, among others.

This led to “a picture of a brighter future for US-Philippines relations,”

Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said in describing the historic meeting between Mr. Marcos Jr. and Mr. Biden at the White House in Washington, D.C.

“We have found a wellspring of new hope for the Filipino people as President Biden and President Marcos Jr. discuss plans for a brighter future together. With a first-ever presidential trade and investment mission on the horizon, the Philippines can expect job creation and economic growth,” said the Speaker, who personally witnessed the historic meeting at the White House.

Romualdez also noted the Philippines already gained a “considerable windfall” in the initial stage of the official visit of Mr. Marcos.

It starts with the two countries agreeing to establish a ministerial team on agricultural cooperation as the Marcos administration focuses on food efficiency and security. The partnership was sealed during a meeting between President Marcos and US Department of Agriculture officials led by Secretary Thomas Vilsack.

Mr. Marcos also gained a sizable investment from the top nuclear energy firm based in the United States, which expressed interest to invest in the Philippines after their roundtable meeting. NuScale is expected to invest $6.5 billion to $7.5 billion to provide 430

The Philippines’ richest man, Enrique Razon, representing his Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (Prime Infra), accompanied NuScale officials as their local partner to the meeting with the President.

Razon, also the chairman and CEO of the Manila-listed company International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has been investing heavily on building assets through Prime Infra to support energy infrastructure, access to clean water, and waste management, among others.

In the meeting, Oregon-based NuScale Power Corp. revealed its plans to locate a site in the Philippines, as the firm is known for developing a small nuclear power system described as safe, modular, and scalable.

Mr. Marcos said the country “essentially has a shortfall in power supply” and the support of NuScale would help address this issue.

Clayton Scott, NuScale executive vice president for business, said the company has “very high confidence that our technology will perform as expected.”

The firm has existing projects in Utah, Romania, Indonesia, and Poland, providing safe, reliable, and cost-competitive clean energy to consumers. The President also witnessed the

signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Integrated MicroElectronics Inc. of the Ayala Group and California-based Zero Motorcycles on a partnership to manufacture electric motorcycles, which are gaining popularity worldwide.

Under the partnership, the US-based firm will lead the way in setting up the first electronic vehicle (EV) motorcycle manufacturing site in the Philippines.

IMI will assemble Zero’s electric motorcycle models as well as other assemblies in its facility in Laguna in conjunction with the manufacturing facilities for Zero in California (see full story on Business page B4 – Editors).

“It is a promising partnership for progress and prosperity. What will follow is renewed confidence in the Philippines when it comes to investments, not only from the United States but from the rest of the world as well. This is a powerful message, seeing the two leaders discuss prosperity for our people,” Romualdez added of the Marcos-Biden meeting.

“This high-level trade and investment mission from the US will add more momentum to sustain our country’s economic growth and help establish the Philippines as a hub for investments and as a regional supply chain hub,” the Speaker added.

3,992 Bar passers take oath as new lawyers

By Rey E. Requejo

THE adventure of a lifetime for 3,992 young men and women ultimately came to an end as they took their oath as the country’s newest lawyers in ceremonies held Tuesday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City under the auspices of the Supreme Court (SC).

The SC administered the oath to the first batch of passers of the 2022 Bar examinations who recited their solemn pledge under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA).

For its part, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) exhorted its new members to uphold the integrity and the ethics of the legal profession.

The High Tribunal held a special en banc session for the ceremony while family members and guests of the inductees viewed the proceedings via live stream at the Reception Hall, as well as in Fora 1, 2, and 3. The signing of the Roll of Attorneys was held at the Reception Hall in the afternoon.

A total of 3,992 out of the 9,183 who completed all the tests during the four days of the exams passed the 2022 Bar Examinations, constituting a passing rate of 43.47 percent.

SC Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, chairman of the 2022 Bar exams, underscored the importance of being “critical thinkers, as well as articulate advocates” to the newly minted lawyers.

Caguioa added that “their courage must be so fueled by love – of country, of the law, of others – that their resolve to fight on becomes unshakeable, with their conviction running deep, but their love and compassion running deeper still.”

“Good lawyers must know that there truly are heavenly proportions to the toil that we do on this side of life, and in so knowing are moved to submit to Him every outcome, even as we must presently apply ourselves to approximating, albeit faintly, what peace and justice on the other side of eternity can look like in the here and now,” he said.

PNP to heighten police visibility in communities

By Charles Dantes

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it will deploy more policemen to the barangays particularly those classified as crime-prone communities in keeping with its commitment to heighten efforts against criminality.

PNP information chief Col. Redrico Maranan said police visibility has been proven effective in discouraging criminals.

“The identification of crime-prone barangays is necessary for our deployment. These are the areas where our personnel would be deployed and our commanders were already advised to properly imple-

ment it and conduct supervision so that these are done properly,” Maranan said in a radio interview.

Maranan also said the plan to deploy more policemen to the community was meant to optimize anti-crime efforts despite shortage of personnel to increase civilian-policeman ratio in the country.

“The PNP cannot deploy policemen in each of the barangay. What we do is to cluster the barangays and then we either put up police community precincts, police assistance desks, or even a police outpost,” Maranan said.

“We believe that if this is properly implemented, we would be able to reduce

the crime, especially in the crime-prone barangays,” he said.

Maranan underscored the significance of strong coordination and cooperation between the police and the communities.

Maranan disclosed that newly appointed PNP chief Benjamin Acorda, Jr. also wants all complaints from the people are immediately addressed.

Maranan also said police patrols were instructed to regularly visit schools in coordination with the concerned barangay officials.

He said the police were ordered to be on the lookout for students smoking cigarettes or vaping where were prohibited by the school authorities.

5 police generals get new posts in PNP reshuffle

NEWLY appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered a revamp in the police hierarchy whereby five topranked officials were given new assignments.

The reshuffle which took effect Tuesday, covered PNP director for comptrollership Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. who was appointed as the new intelligence chief. The post was vacated by Acorda’s designation as PNP chief.

overshoots revenue target

BOC

for April with P68.27b

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has chalked up a revenue collection of P68.274 billion for April, surpassing its target of P68.199 billion.

“This is a 3.97 percent increase from last year’s collection of P65.669 billion for the same period,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

The agency’s total revenue collection for the first four months of 2023 reached P281.902 billion, overshooting its target P265.220 billion by 6.29 percent or P16.682 billion. This year’s collection was also 10.89 percent higher than the previous year’s collection of P254.226 billion for the same period.

The BOC attributed its high collection performance to higher rate of assessment, which was mainly due to improved valuation of non-oil importation, according to the Revenue Collection Monitoring Group Financial Service.

The BOC’s consistent increase in revenue collection was a positive development for the Philippine government, as it strives to generate revenue to fund its various programs and projects.

In addition, the BOC recorded its highest daily collection for the year on April 30, amounting to over P7.51 billion. This is an encouraging indication of the agency’s continued efforts to improve its collection performance.

PEDIATRIC

Babies

Ligtas sa Dagdag Kontra Polio, Rubella at Tigdas” spearheaded by the Taytay local government unit in collaboration with SM Supermalls. Norman Cruz

Immigration agents nab 2 illegal aliens in Cebu, Manila

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested two illegal aliens in separate operations in Cebu and Manila.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the foreigners,an American and a Chinese, were nabbed by operatives of the BI intelligence division in separate operations conducted in Carcar City and at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Tansingco said the aliens are currently detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City while undergoing deportation proceedings for

violating Philippine immigration laws.

BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. identified the American as 48-year-old Barry Lee Jordan who was cornered at his partner’s residence in Barangay Upper Buenavista, Carcar City.

Members of the BI’s regional intelligence operations unit based in Cebu reported that Jordan had been overstaying in the country for more than seven years or since Dec. 27, 2015 when he last arrived as a tourist.

Jordan reportedly failed to present any travel document when confronted

by the arresting team, thus he will also be deported for being an undocumented alien.

Jordan was also charged for being an undesirable alien and considered a threat to the community. Videos of Jordan circulated on YouTube threatening a bartender with a knife.

Manahan also reported that elements from the BI’s border control and intelligence group (BCIU) at the NAIA 3 terminal intercepted and arrested an Indian national who was caught with a fraudulent entry visa on his passport.

Vito Barcelo

182 Angeles workers cited for long service

By Butch Gunio

MAYOR Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has conferred awards of loyalty and cash incentives to 182 city employees for long service and dedication to duty.

“Kayo ang dahilan ng maayos at tapat na paghahatid natin ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, mula noon hanggang ngayon,” Lazatin said during the awarding rite.

“May your hard work serve as encouragement to your fellow employees in serving the Angeleños with commitment,” Lazatin added.

The awardees pocketed P10,000 cash for those who have rendered 10 years of service to the city, been in the service for 10 years, plus P5,000 for every succeeding five years thereafter.

Also present during the awarding ceremony were Pampanga first district Rep. Carmelo Lazatin II, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, City councilors Crisanto Cortez and Danilo Lacson, chief adviser IC Calaguas, and City Human Resource and Management Office (CHRMO) head, Rowena Yambao.

The awards were meant to recognize the significant contributions of government employees and boost their morale in serving better, is part of the Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence program implemented by the City Human Resource and Management Office, pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 06, s. 2002 of Civil Service Commission (CSC) also

Award.

Brig. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil replaced Nartatez as chief comptroller.

Brig. Gen. Vincent Calanoga was named acting Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) director vice Marbil, while Brig. Gen. Roger Laroza Quesada was reassigned as acting deputy Region 5 director for the administration.

Brig. Gen. Limuel Esto Obon was designated as the director of the Human Rights Affairs Office.

“I am confident that these new Officers-in-Charge and Acting Directors will bring their expertise and experience to their respective positions and lead their units with utmost professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service,” Acorda said in a statement. He said the reshuffle reflected the PNP’s commitment to ensure effective leadership and management across various units and offices.

CHR backs DepEd on schools’ choice of teaching module

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) rallied behind the Department of Education’s (DepEd) position favoring the schools’ prerogative to adopt options for blended and alternative delivery modes (ADM) of learning to protect students from natural disasters and extreme climate conditions that threaten their health and well-being during face-to-face classes.

The CHR cited DepEd’s “commendable responsiveness and adaptiveness for adjusting its perspective on blended learning arrangements following reports of students experiencing heat-related health issues, such as the case in Laguna during the last week of March, when dozens of students fainted due to heat exhaustion for staying outdoors for their school’s fire and earthquake drills.”

The agency explained that it supports DepEd’s decision to pursue blended and ADM learning to promote a safe learning environment for children pursuant to the Convention on the Rights of a Child, and a safe working environment for faculty and staff in line with international labor standards, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Convention of 1981.

The CHR appreciated how DepEd left the decision at the discretion of school heads, acknowledging that each school may have different experiences and capacities in dealing with the dry season heat.

LAGUSNILAD TO UNDERGO REPAIR. A heavy-duty backhoe is deployed at the Lagusnilad fronting the Manila City hall preparatory to a major repair of the underpass which is expected to take four months to complete. Danny Pata

LABOR DAY PAYOUT. Senator Joel Villanueva, assisted by Mayor Ferdie Estrella, hands out cash subsidies to 1,400 residents of Baliuag, Bulacan pursuant to the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

AFP says EDCA sites to be used in Tubbataha

By Charles Dantes

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday that two of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites are being used to aid in the search and rescue operations for a capsized dive yacht in Tubbataha, Palawan.

POWER NAP.

A passenger takes a nap on the floor inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 while waiting for a scheduled flight on Tuesday, a day after the airport experienced a power outage. Danny Pata

‘Anti-smuggling court needed to help agri sector’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE agriculture committee chairperson Sen. Cynthia A. Villar on Tuesday said that the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act will be implemented effectively if there is a court dedicated to handle smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel of agricultural products.

In yesterday’s Senate Justice public hearing on the proposed Senate Bill No. 1963 which seeks to establish AntiAgricultural Smuggling Courts, Villar stressed that even with the existence of law against agricultural smuggling, there have been no smugglers charged with economic sabotage.

“We intend to create an anti-agricultural smuggling court to ensure that the proper implementation of the law will be made,” Villar told the committee chaired by Sen. Francis Tolentino.

“We hope that those involved in the courts and the justice department will help us draft a law to implement the Anti-Agriculture Smuggling Act,” she added.

In 2016, Congress passed RA 10817 or the Agri- Smuggling Act” authored by Villar.

“The cut of amount to be declared as economic sabotage and non-bailable if P10 million for rice and P1 millio for other agri-products,” she said.

While there were several smuggling of more than cut off amount, she lamented no smugglers were charged with economic sabotage.

Villar also said in the recent crisis involving overpriced onions, the production cost of onion is at maximum of P25 per kilo and yet onions are being sold at P600 to P700 per kilo. “There is really hoarding, price manipulation and cartel,” she said.

P1.4m smuggled cigarettes burned in Zamboanga City

By Vito Barcelo and Joel Zurbano

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) destroyed smuggled cigarettes worth more than P1.4 million in Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City.

Port of Zamboanga Acting District Collector Arthur Sevilla Jr. said the seized cigarettes were apprehended during various anti-smuggling operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in the first quarter of this year.

“This is the largest condemnation of seized cigarettes in the Port of Zamboanga, following the major apprehension of a warehouse full of cigarettes in Indanan, Sulu, that was spearheaded by Intelligence Group (IG) Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso back in March,” he said.

The smuggled cigarettes were seized for violating Section 117 of R.A. 10863 or the “Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) of 2016 in relation to Executive Order Number 245 entitled “Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exportation and Importation of Leaf Tobacco and Tobacco Products.”

MIAA: 2 more days before NAIA-3 returns to ‘normal’

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has announced it will take at least two more days before the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) - Terminal 3 returns to normal operation following a 8-hour brownout on Monday.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) department has formed a special team to conduct a thorough investigation of the power outage that resulted in the cancellation of 50 domestic flights and the delayed arrival and departure of international flights.

The power interruption that started around 1 a.m. affected 9,000 air travelers, most of whom got sick, especially stranded senior citizens.

MIAA senior assistant general manager

SHOE CRAFTSMAN.

A shoe craftsman at Pando Shoe Store shows an unfinished pair of shoes. On Labor Day Monday (May 1), the nation honored all workers and their contributions. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government is “working conscientiously” to provide opportunities that will uplift the living and social conditions of Filipino workers and their families.

Joan Bondoc

Bryan Co said the special team from the airport management and Manila Electric Co. will conduct a joint technical assessment with assistance from an independent third-party expert to determine the causes of the power interruption.

Meralco Engr. Noel Espiritu said initial investigation showed that the power outage was caused by either a faulty wire or short-circuit, which resulted to a high amount of power current and fault indicator.

But according to Co, they are still not ruling out the possibility of sabotage.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the MIAA will also conduct a full electrical audit for all terminals to avoid future power interruptions and passenger inconveniences.

The DOTr said it will also coordinate with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to investigate possible security issues.

The MIAA meanwhile said Philippine airspace will be shut down on May 17 to give way for maintenance activities on the country’s air traffic management system to avoid a repeat of the infamous New Year’s Day shutdown.

MIAA General Manager Cesar Chiong announced that the entire Philippine airspace will be shut down for a “major activity.”

BI chief hits online misinformation on travel, jobs

By Vito Barcelo

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) Com-

missioner Norman Tansingco slammed the misinformation being shown on social media--particularly through Tiktok-encouraging Filipinos to seek employment abroad as tourists, citing their right to travel.

“These videos spread misinformation that might cause aspiring workers to be

illegally recruited or trafficked,” the BI chief said.

He said that in many cases, victims attempt to travel abroad as tourists, in the belief that it would allow them to work abroad without any problems.

“Tiktok videos without proper context may cause confusion to the public,” he said. “Apart from being part of the IACAT,

Lawmaker calls for GCG ‘transparency’

By Maricel V. Cruz

BICOL Saro Rep Brian Raymund Yam-

suan on Tuesday called on the agency overseeing the operations of state-run firms to lead the way in promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the government service.

At the same time, Yamsuan reminded employees of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and-Controlled Corporations (GCG) that working in government is not merely a job, but a commitment to do one’s best in serving the Filipino people.

He said the GCG’s mantra of aiming G.R.E.A.T., which stands for Good Governance, Rightsizing, Efficiency, Accountability and Transparency “should

go viral” across the bureaucracy so that government employees can be inspired to do better in performing their duties and responsibilities as public servants.

“Commit to be G.R.E.A.T.—greater and better, not only for yourself, but for the Filipino people,” Yamsuan told GCG officials and employees during their flag-raising ceremony held Monday, May 2, 2023.

Yamsuan was invited by GCG chairperson Justice (ret.) Alex Quiroz to deliver an inspirational message during the event.

The Bicol Saro Partylist lawmaker said every government employee should do his or her part in promoting good governance to maintain, and even heighten, the public’s trust and respect in government.

it is the role of the BI to ensure that departing Filipinos are properly documented, based on their actual purpose of travel,” he added.

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is a consortium of different government agencies tasked to combat trafficking and illegal recruitment, in which the BI is a part of as its last line of defense.

“Three U.S. air assets stationed in Antonio Bautista Air Base, Puerto Princesa, and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu are being utilized to help in the ongoing mission to find four (4) missing Filipino divers after their boat sunk in Tubbataha on April 30,” the AFP said in a statement.

According to the AFP, the utilization of the EDCA sites for the combined inter-agency efforts between the United States and the Philippines was carried out at the request of the government.

The M/V Dream Keeper reportedly sank early Sunday morning, in Tubbataha, Palawan, based on the report released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG said that 32 people were on board the yacht when the incident happened, as of Monday, 28 were rescued and moved to Puerto Princesa while four are still missing including the yacht owner, the dive master, and two passengers.

In the preliminary report, a squall or a sudden violent gust of wind caused the main cause of the sinking of the dive boat.

The PCG said is also observed an oil sheen near the area where the boat sank but said it was no cause for alarm.

Villanueva slams gender topics in DepEd proposal

By Maricel V. Cruz

A POPULAR Christian preacher turned legislator on Tuesday denounced the inclusion and promotion of “gender fluidity,” “same-sex” union, and “samesex marriage” in the draft curriculum by the Department of Education (DepEd) for Kindergarten to Grade 10.

“We are shocked to discover that the promotion of gender ideology, same sex union and same-sex marriage is slowly creeping under our nose into the very curriculum of our basic education. What is more worrying is the slant towards promoting and condoning such practices in the minds of our young students,” CIBAC Rep. Eddie Villanueva said in a statement.

“Not only is this anti-God, but also clearly unconstitutional. Section 13, Article II of the Constitution mandates that the State shall promote the moral and spiritual well-being of our youth. I do not see that the introduction of these topics into our basic education curriculum is heading the right direction,” Villanueva, founder of the million-strong Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide, said.

DepEd has released its draft revised curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10 through its FaceBook page and it has invited the public and interested stakeholders to review the same and provide feedback. As per the announcement, the review is open until May 3, 2023.

In the proposed new curriculum under the subject “Araling Panlipunan 10,” among the topics included to be taught to the children are the different genders and the meaning and benefits of same-sex unions.

40th National Book Award winners

Best Book of Literary Criticism/Cultural

Studies in English

“Campaigns of Knowledge: U.S. Pedagogies of Colonialism and Occupation in the Philippines and Japan” - Malini Johar Schueller (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

Best Book of Literary Criticism/Cultural

Studies in Filipino

Enhancing defense capabilities

AS PRESIDENT

Ferdinand Marcos

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the 40th National Book Awards (NBA)!

The National Book Awards makes a valuable contribution to the Philippine literary community by recognizing and rewarding Filipino authors and publishers for the outstanding quality of their work.

This event was founded in 1982 by the Manila Critics Circle, and in recent years has been organized and sponsored by the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

The current cycle, the milestone 40th, recognizes books published in 2021.

The organizers received 213 title nominations across the Literary, Non-Literary, and Design divisions. The books are written in English, Filipino, and this cycle’s chosen regional language Ilocano.

One hundred finalists were selected, of whom 29 were declared winners. The awarding ceremony will be held onsite on May 13, the first time since the pandemic.

This year’s event is particularly significant because of the many excellent books recognized by the judges and the impressive array of authors.

The variety of books honored shows the sheer talent of authors and designers present in Philippine literature.

The NBA also celebrates the efforts of publishers and editors in helping shape the works of these authors and bringing them to the public.

The variety of books honored shows the sheer talent of authors and designers present in Philippine literature

For the Filipino literary community, the 40th Philippine National Book Awards is a sign of affirmation of the hard work of our authors and publishers.

It serves as an inspiration and encourages aspiring authors. It offers recognition to a wide range of individuals who, in spite of the challenges, are passionate about promoting the value of Philippine literature.

Here is the full list of winners. To purchase these books, visit their publishers’ websites or shopping platforms.

LITERARY DIVISION:

Best Novel in English

“Snakes in the Grass” - Patrick Everard (University of the Philippines Press)

Best Novel in Filipino

“Aswanglaut” - Allan N. Derain (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

National Artist Cirilo F. Bautista Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in English

“Selected Short Stories” - Cecilia

Manguerra Brainard (University of Santo Tomas Publishing House)

Gerardo P. Cabochan Prize for Best Book of Short Fiction in Filipino

“Ang Itim na Orkidyas ng Isla Boracay: Mga

Kuwento” - Genevieve L. Asenjo (University of the Philippines Press)

Pablo A. Tan Prize for Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in English

“Departures: Essays” - Priscilla Supnet Macansantos (University of the Philippines Press)

Best Book of Nonfiction Prose in Filipino

“Sa Yakap ng Gubat at Dagat ng Palawan: Mga Ekosanaysay” - John Iremil Teodoro (Pawikan Press)

Best Anthology

“Harvest Moon: Poems and Stories from the Edge of the Climate Crisis” - Padmapani

L. Perez, Rehana Rossouw, Alexandra Walter, & Renato Redentor Constantino (Milflores Publishing, Inc. & Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities)

“Musika ng Pananakop: Panahon ng Hapon sa Filipinas, 1942-1945” - Raul Casantusan Navarro (University of the Philippines Press)

Best Book on Media Studies

“Hindi Nangyari Dahil Wala sa Social

Media: Interogasyon ng Kulturang New Media sa Pilipinas” - Rolando B. Tolentino, Vladimeir

B. Gonzales, & Laurence Marvin S. Castillo (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

Philippine Literary Arts Council Prize for Best Book of Poetry in English

“Tangere” - Rodrigo V. Dela Peña, Jr. (University of the Philippines Press)

“College Boy” - Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

Victorio C. Valledor Prize for Best Book of Poetry in Filipino

“Pasakalye” - Lean Borlongan (Selfpublished)

“Tuwing Nag-Iisa sa Mapa ng Buntonghininga” - Paolo Miguel G. Tiausas (University of the Philippines Press)

Best Graphic Novel in English

“Alandal” - J. Philip Ignacio, Author; Alex Niño, Illustrator (Komiket, Inc.)

Best Graphic Novel in Filipino

“Ang Mga Alitaptap ng Pulang Buhangin”RH Quilantang, Author & Illustrator (Komiket, Inc.)

Best Translated Book

“Mga Himutok sa Palikuran at Iba Pang

Kuwento” - Amado Anthony G. Mendoza III, Translator; Eka Kurniawan, Author (Savage

Mind: Arts, Books, Cinema)

Best Novel in Ilocano

“Dagiti Pundador (The Founders)”Prescillano N. Bermudez (Saniata Publications)

Best Anthology in Ilocano

“Panaglantip (Union)” - Dionisio S. Bulong & Eden Laguesma Cachola-Bulong (Saniata Publications)

Best Book of Poetry in Ilocano

“Baribari (Pardon Me)” - Roy Vadil Aragon (Saniata Publications)

“Anglem (Incense)” - Daniel L. Nesperos (Saniata Publications)

NON-LITERARY DIVISION:

Alfonso T. Ongpin Prize for Best Book on Art

“Endangered Splendor: Manila’s Architectural Heritage, 1571-1960” - Fernando Zialcita & Erik Akpedonu (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book In The Social Sciences

“The Water Defenders: How Ordinary

People Saved a Country from Corporate Greed” - Robin Broad & John Cavanagh (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

John C. Kaw Prize for Best Book On History

“Púgot: Head Taking, Ritual Cannibalism, and Human Sacrifice in the Philippines”Narciso C. Tan (Vibal Foundation, Inc.)

Best Book on Humor, Sports, Lifestyle, & Business

“The Business of Banking: Structure and Profitability; Risks and Controls” - Deogracias

N. Vistan (Anvil Publishing, Inc.)

Best Book on Food

“Appetite for Freedom: The Recipes of Maria Y. Orosa, with Essays on Her Life and Work” - Helena Orosa del Rosario (Ige Ramos Design Studios)

Best Book on Spirituality And Theology

“Handumanan (Remembrance): Digging for the Indigenous Wellspring” - Karl M. Gaspar, CSsR (Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc.)

Best Book on Philosophy

“Repentance and Rebirth at the End of Life

as We Know It” - Agustin Martin G. Rodriguez (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

DESIGN:

Best Book Design

“Endangered Splendor: Manila’s Architectural Heritage, 1571-1960” - Ali Figueroa & Erik Akpedonu, cover design, book design, layout, and artistic direction; Fernando Zialcita & Erik Akpedonu, authors (Ateneo de Manila University Press)

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

Jr. was meeting with his host in Washington DC President Joe Biden, the two countries’ air forces have geared up for a 12-day combat training exercise in the Philippines.

The first was held in 1976 and continued annually in the Philippines until 1990 when the erstwhile dormant Mount Pinatubo erupted after 600 years and sent the Americans hurrying home, which coincided with the Philippine Senate move to close the two giant facilities at Clark and Subic.

The 12-day exercise, dubbed Cope Thunder, began on the same day President Marcos met with President Biden at the White House on the increasingly close defense bonds between Manila and Washington, as both are tackling with Beijing’s growing military muscle.

The second iteration of this air exercise, dubbed CT-Ph 23-2, will be held from July 2 to 21.

The Philippine Air Force and the United States Air Force are holding the military exercise aimed at coordinating

different aircraft and various defensive and offensive tactics.

“The exercise involves around 160 USAF service members and 400 PAF airmen from different PAF units,” Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement Tuesday.

These exercises aim to provide an opportunity for PAF and the US Pacific Air Forces to enhance their capabilities and readiness to respond to potential threats in the region

Some of the aircraft involved in the exercise are the American F-16s and PAF FA-50PHs which earlier participated in the just concluded 18day Balikatan.

The focus of Cope Thunder 23-1 is air-to-air operations and subject matter expert exchanges.

Castillo said: “A key component of (Cope Thunder) is the mission planning

Economic engagement

IN HIS second official visit to the United States, President Marcos Jr. has brought with him an economic agenda aimed at accelerating growth in the next five years and even beyond his term of office in 2028.

It’s an extensive one, encompassing a broad range of issues and concerns.

In his meeting with US President Joe Biden, Mr. Marcos discussed the idea of “greater economic engagement” between the two countries. What he said in his pre-departure speech last April 30 revealed the outlines of such an engagement:

“I intend to speak and find opportunities in the semi-conductor industry, critical minerals, renewable and clean energy— including nuclear—and infrastructure projects that will improve our digital telecommunications systems and facilitate sustainable efforts to address climate change.”

The Chief Executive said he also hoped to explore US assistance in other areas, including food security, agriculture, and cybersecurity.

“I intend to convey to President Biden and his senior Cabinet officials that we are determined to forge an even stronger relationship with the United States in a wide range of areas that not only address concerns of our times but also those that are critical to advancing our core interests.”

Our embassy in Washington, DC headed by Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez has arranged meetings between Marcos and American business leaders involved in healthcare, tourism, renewable energy and even nuclear energy.

Among the companies is NuScale, whose groundbreaking and proprietary technology in designing advanced nuclear small modular reactors has made it an industry leader.

The President has already indicated he is open to adopting nuclear power, along with greater reliance on renewable energy, amid the country’s energy crisis.

A possible US-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement is under negotiation.

This would provide the framework

for nuclear cooperation between the two countries for training needed for small modular reactors and other clean energy solutions.

The Marcos visit underscores the growing warmth in relations between Manila and Washington.

In September last year, US Vice President Kamala Harris flew to Manila for a brief visit and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to defend the Philippines from external attack under the Mutual Defense Treaty amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Recently, our own Foreign Affairs and Defense Secretaries met with their counterparts in Washington DC on issues of mutual concern.

and a leg, but if national security is at stake, why not?

Defense cooperation

With the biggest Balikatan, the annual joint PH-US military exercises, now just a historical footnote, you would think the two sides would rest for a while and take their time planning the next round of joint military drills. Turns out that after the 18-day Balikatan, there’s another one, called ‘Cope Thunder,’ that’s been revived after more than three decades in limbo. It actually started on Monday (May 1) and ends on May 12.

This is another large-scale military exercise with the participation of the air forces of the Philippines and United States aimed at enhancing the defense and readiness posture of the two treaty allies.

The exercise will be held at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. according to the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

cell, responsible for planning and coordinating the integration of different aircraft and the execution of defensive counter air and offensive counter air operations.

“The MPC will work closely with SMEEs (Subject Matter Expert Exchanges) to ensure all participating personnel are trained and ready to undertake the mission,” Castillo said.

The primary flight operations will take place at Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

The first week will focus on DCA operations which involve the identification, tracking, and interception of enemy aircraft in the vicinity of friendly forces.

To support these operations, SMEEs on maintenance and security forces training will be conducted, with these SMEEs providing participants “with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain their equipment and ensure security in the operational field,” according to Castillo.

The second week of operations will emphasize on OCA operations, which involve offensive attacks on enemy aircraft and ground targets.

These exercises aim to provide an opportunity for PAF and the US Pacific Air Forces to enhance their capabilities and readiness to respond to potential threats in the region.

Cope Thunder Philippines seeks to provide bilateral fighter training with the Philippine Air Force and improve combined interoperability.

Approximately 160 USAF service members will fly, maintain and support more than 12 aircraft from the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base in Japan.

Filipino and American airmen will exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures while improving interoperability during the training period.

The drills are expected to feature the F-16 multi-role fighters of the US Air Force’s 35th Fighter Wing soaring in the skies with the FA-50 trainer jets of the Philippine Air Force for the exercise.

The exercise seeks to prepare the participants for a ‘real-world scenario’ in air combat.

Cope Thunder started in the Philippines in 1976 but the training stopped after the US military closed its bases in Clark and Subic Bay in 1991 due to damage from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in June that year.

That was also after the Philippine Senate voted not to extend the lease on US military facilities.

The air force drills are being held amid the PAF’s expected acquisition of a fleet of multirole fighters.

The PAF has been looking at Americanmade Lockheed Martin F-16 and Sweden’s Saab JAS-39 Gripen—its two preferred choices for fighter jets.

The high-level meeting between top diplomatic and defense officials in Washington in early April included talks on holding “focused discussions” for the sale of jet fighters, apart from the security sector assistance roadmap to support the delivery of priority defense platforms over the next five to 10 years.

Advanced jet fighters such as the F-16 will cost an arm and a leg, but if national security is at stake, why not?

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

At latest Trump rally, his diehards relish Biden rematch

\MANCHESTER—Draped in a colorful campaign banner and wearing an oversize “God, Guns and Trump” medallion around her neck, Angela Wilkinson insisted at a political rally that her hero will oust Joe Biden from the White House next year. Just two days after Biden launched his 2024 reelection bid, his likely Republican opponent Donald Trump descended on early-voting New Hampshire to energize supporters and boost their confidence he can reclaim the job he lost to the veteran Democrat. Many including Wilkinson, a 48-year-old insurance agent who drove several hours from the northeasternmost state of Maine to see Trump speak, said at the rally in a Manchester hotel ballroom they were relishing the prospect of another Biden-Trump showdown.

“A rematch? There wasn’t even a match to begin with” back in 2020, an exasperated Wilkinson said, alluding to largely debunked claims of election fraud she and others repeated at the event. “But bring it on,” Wilkinson, hand on one hip, said with a grin.

“Because Biden is going to get annihilated. And for sure we’re not going to have any election meddling” in 2024. New Hampshirite native Anne-Marie O’Neil agreed.

“I don’t like Biden,” and “there should be a rematch,” said the 63-year-old licensed nursing assistant.

Asked whether she was prepared for a bruising battle which could feature Trump campaigning while under a shadow of legal woes, O’Neil didn’t flinch: “I have the stomach for anything.”

‘He’s a fighter’

Trump arrived in New Hampshire with bad news weighing on his campaign.

This week a woman writer testified in a New York court that Trumped raped her in the mid1990s.

His vice president Mike Pence appeared Thursday before a grand jury investigating the 2001 US Capitol riot by Trump supporters. And earlier this month Trump appeared before a judge to face indictments related to hush-money payments he made to a porn star just before the

The brash billionaire also recounted a greatest hits of talking points in his more than 90-minute address

2016 election. Still, the MAGA base refused to be distracted by the barrage of legal challenges.

“It pushes him forward, he’s a fighter,” O’Neil said. “They’ve been after Trump since Day 1.”

And Trump reminded his audience as much, recounting a series of old grievances—the 2020 election was “rigged,” Democrats are “weaponizing” the subpoena process, the “corrupt global establishment” is aligning to defeat him once again.

His fans cheered wildly though when Trump, himself 76, mocked his 80-year-old Democratic rival, imitating a lost or stumbling elderly man and then pledging: “We’re going to crush Joe Biden.”

The brash billionaire also recounted a greatest hits of talking points in his more than 90-minute address. He said, among other things, he is the only candidate who “will prevent World War III,” illegal immigration has made the United States a “dumping ground for the entire world,” and the United States is now, under the Biden administration, run by “stupid people.”

‘Like a zombie’

Despite an eye-popping $787.5 million payout by conservative-leaning Fox News to settle a lawsuit claiming the network willfully aired Trump’s false claims including accusations of election fraud, his supporters in Manchester insisted much of what was deemed conspiracy theories by critics was actually true.

“I don’t believe he lost the election at all,” said Maureen Anderson, 43, from neighboring

Massachusetts.

“I think he won in a landslide, you know?”

One supporter, a Vietnamese American in his late forties who identified himself as Tin Tran, was decked out in a cowboy hat and a suit that read “ReTrumpbution Now” in gold letters down the back.

He expressed fears that Trump was facing a corrupt Democratic team that would do anything to keep the Republican leader out of the White House. “They’re going to steal the election again!” he said with a loud flourish as Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” played on the rally’s audio system. Biden is “like a zombie, so easy to control him behind the scenes,” Tran added.

While Mike Osene and his wife Anne, both 45 and from Connecticut, expressed less radical views about the race, and conceded that Trump lost in 2020, they both were optimistic about challenging Biden once again.

“If there is a rematch, I think Trump will wipe the floor with him,” Mike Osene said. AFP

Sudan battles rage, UN execs warn of total ‘catastrophe’

FIERCE fighting between rival generals raged on in Sudan Tuesday despite the latest truce, as warnings multiplied of the potential for a “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands of refugees.

POSSIBLE WRECKAGE. Debris suspected of being the wreckage of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) UH-60JA helicopter are pulled out of the water by a work boat off the coast of the city of Miyakojima on the Miyako islands, Okinawa prefecture on May 2, 2023. The aircraft with 10 people on board had been on a reconnaissance mission when it went missing on April 6, in what the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) described as an

Japan PM Kishida to visit Sokor next week

JAPANESE Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit South Korea next week, Japan’s foreign ministry said Tuesday, as the two US allies pursue warmer ties.

Kishida will hold talks on Sunday with President Yoon Suk Yeol on the first trip to South Korea by a Japanese premier since 2018.

It comes after the leaders agreed to end tit-for-tat trade curbs at a March summit in Tokyo, de-escalating a bitter dispute over Japan’s use of wartime forced labor.

Japan’s foreign ministry and the South Korean presidential office both confirmed the May 7-8 trip after Kishida told reporters that it was being arranged.

He called the visit “a good opportunity to hold a candid exchange of opinions over accelerating Japan and South Korea’s relationship, and the rapidly changing international situation.”

Kishida, who is on a tour of four African nations and Singapore, added that his trip to South Korea would “give momentum to ‘shuttle diplomacy’” between the neighbors.

2 pastors face courts over cult forest massacre

TWO pastors were appearing before Kenyan courts on Tuesday suspected of being behind the deaths of at least 109 people found buried in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre.”

The deeply religious Christian-majority country has been stunned by the discovery of mass graves last month in a forest near the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi.

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who set up the Good News International Church in 2003 and is accused of inciting cult followers to starve to death “to meet Jesus,” appeared in the dock in Malindi.

The small courtroom was packed with relatives of victims as Mackenzie was brought in by about half a dozen police officers along with eight other defendants.

Wearing a pink and black jacket and brown trousers, Mackenzie conferred with his lawyer George Kariuki, who told AFP: “We have not been told what application the prosecution wants to make. We are just waiting to see.”

A total of 109 people have so far been confirmed dead, most of them children. The first autopsies from Shakahola were carried out Monday on nine children and one woman. They confirmed starvation as the cause of death, though some victims were asphyxiated, the authorities said. AFP

The two leaders had pledged in March to restart regular mutual visits, a practice suspended for over a decade, and Kishida has invited Yoon to the G7 summit in Hiroshima later in May.

“Through Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Korea, shuttle diplomacy between the leaders will begin in earnest,” South Korea’s presidential office said in a statement. Often-testy relations between the countries deteriorated after South Korea’s Supreme Court in 2018 ordered Japanese firms to compensate victims of forced labour in World War II.

But Yoon, who took office a year ago, has been keen to end the spat and form a united front against regional challenges including North Korea.

Earlier this year, Seoul announced a plan to pay those affected without Tokyo’s involvement.

In further efforts to thaw ties, Japan’s trade ministry said last week it had started the process to add South Korea back to a so-called “white list” of trusted trade partners, having downgraded it in 2019. AFP

Bloodshed has gripped Sudan since April 15 when tensions erupted into armed exchanges between regular army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy turned rival, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Hundreds have been killed and thousands wounded as air strikes and artillery exchanges have gripped swathes of greater Khartoum sparking the exodus of thousands of Sudanese to neighboring countries.

Many more cannot afford the arduous journey to Sudan’s borders, and have been forced to hole up inside the city of five million people with dwindling supplies of food, water and electricity.

“We are hearing some sporadic gunfire, the roaring of a warplane and the anti-aircraft fire at it,” said one resident of south Khartoum.

In a Monday briefing, the top UN aid official in Sudan, Abdou Dieng, warned that the situation was turning into “a full-blown catastrophe.”

Kenyan President William Ruto said the conflict had reached “catastrophic

levels” with the warring generals declining “to heed the calls by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union and the international community to cease fire.”

In a virtual meeting with senior UN officials, Ruto said it was imperative to find ways to provide humanitarian relief “with or without a ceasefire.” Burhan and Daglo, who fell out after carrying out a 2021 military coup which derailed Sudan’s transition to elective civilian rule, have flouted multiple ceasefires, the latest a 72-hour extension agreed late on Sunday.

Foreign governments have scrambled to evacuate their citizens. Over the past 10 days, thousands of foreigners have been brought to safety by air or sea in operations that are now winding down.

Russia’s armed forces said on Tuesday they were evacuating more than 200 people from Sudan on four military transport planes.

Nearly 500 people arrived in the Saudi port of Jeddah on Monday aboard two vessels, one a US Navy ship, the other Saudi. AFP

Rocket fire from Gaza after Palestinian hunger striker dies

GAZA militants fired rockets Tuesday after the death in Israeli custody of a leading Palestinian figure in the Islamic Jihad group, who had been on hunger strike for nearly three months.

The cross-border fire followed the death of Khader Adnan, who had been on hunger strike since his detention by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank in February.

Israel’s prison service announced the death of a detainee affiliated to Islamic Jihad, who was “found early this morning in his cell unconscious.”

The news was swiftly followed by rocket fire towards Israel, an AFP journalist witnessed, with the Israeli military reporting three rockets “fell in open areas.”

Adnan’s death was described as a “deliberate assassination” by Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.

“By rejecting his request for his release, neglecting him medically and keeping him in his cell, despite the seriousness of his health condi-

tion,” the premier said in a statement.

Adnan, 45, was the first Palestinian to die as a direct result of a hunger strike, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club.

Other Palestinian detainees have died “as a result of attempts to force feed them,” the advocacy group’s director, Qaddura Faris, said.

A senior Israeli official described Adnan as “a hunger striker who refused medical attention, risking his life”.

“In recent days, the military appeal court decided against releasing him from detention solely on the merit of his medical condition,” said the official, who requested anonymity.

Adnan was described by the official as an “operative” with Islamic Jihad, who was facing charges related to his activities within the militant group.

Islamic Jihad, which is considered a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States, warned Israel will “pay the price for this crime.” AFP

Muslim misinformation fuels Islamophobia in India

AMIT Upadhyay repeats online misinformation as he claims to know why India’s population is growing: he says his Muslim neighbours are having too many babies, so Hindu women have a responsibility to bear more of their own.

A pharmacist by trade, Upadhyay is one of many social media influencers from India’s majority faith to have cultivated large audiences by spreading false demographic data to claim the country is being refashioned into an Islamic state.

For them, last month’s announcement that India had overtaken China to become the world’s most populous nation

Three crew missing after oil tanker catches fire off Malaysia’s coast

MALAYSIAN rescuers on Tuesday were searching for three missing crew members from an oil tanker that caught fire off the country’s southern coast.

Thick, black smoke engulfed the Gabon-flagged ship when the fire broke out on Monday during its journey from China to Singapore, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) said in a statement.

Singaporean authorities identified the ship as the MT Pablo.

The fire was extinguished and the vessel was afloat with no danger to passing ships, a Malaysian official told AFP.

Two nearby ships and a maritime agency boat rescued 25 members of the MT Pablo’s crew, MMEA official Nurul Hizam Zakaria told local newspaper The Star.

“The search is now focused on finding the remaining three crew members,” he was quoted as saying by the paper. AFP

was not a cause for celebration, but a call to action.

“I tell all my Hindu customers to produce more children, to counter Muslims,” Upadhyay, who in his spare time curates a popular Facebook page from his home in Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP.

“Or else they will become a threat and eventually wipe out the Hindu religion from India.”

Upadhyay regularly publishes widely shared Islamophobic posts to his nearly 40,000 followers.

One post in April warned of an alleged plot by Muslims to “multiply their popula-

tion to take control of India”.

India is home to 1.4 billion people, including around 210 million Muslims, but birthrates have declined across the board over recent decades in tandem with global trends. The country’s last National Family Health Survey in 2021 showed an overall fertility rate of 2.0 children per woman, rising marginally to 2.3 for Muslim women.

A forecast issued the same year from the Pew Research Center said that India’s Muslim community would grow to 311 million by 2050. AFP

US climber dies on Mount Everest —expedition lead

A US climber has died on Mount Everest, his expedition organizer said Tuesday, the first foreign death on the highest mountain in the world this season.

The 69-year-old mountaineer was on an acclimatisation rotation at around 6,400 meters (21,000 feet) when he died on Monday.

“He was feeling unwell and passed away at Camp 2. Efforts are underway to bring (back) his body,” Pasang Tshering Sherpa of Beyul Adventure told AFP. Sherpa said bad weather was hampering the recovery efforts.

Beyul Adventure is a local partner of US-based expedition organiser International Mountain Guides.

“It is with deep sorrow that IMG reports the death of one of our Everest 2023 team members at Camp 2,” IMG chief Eric Simonson said in a statement on the company’s website.

“We can confirm that this event was not the result of a climbing accident or route condition that would be of potential impact or safety concern to any other teams on the mountain.”

The spring Everest climbing season had a tragic start last month with the death of three Nepali climbers. The trio were crossing the treacherous Khumbu icefall as part of a supply mission when a block of glacial ice fell and swept them into a deep crevasse. AFP

MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

‘aerial accident.’ AFP

FROM MURAL TO MEMORIAL. A Palestinian woman and her son walk past a mural depicting Khader Adnan, a Palestinian hunger striker and top figure in the Islamic Jihad group in the occupied West Bank, in Gaza City on May 2,2023. Khader Adnan, who began a hunger strike on February 5, died on May 2, 2023, the prison service said in a statement. AFP

Stocks rise; Ayala Land, SMIC top gainers

TOP GAINERS

STOCKS rose Tuesday as investors await this week’s interest rate decisions by the US Federal Reserve and JPMorgan moved to absorb the troubled First Republic Bank.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark, gained 47 points, or 0.72 percent, to close at 6,672.69 as three of the six subsectors advanced.

The index representing all shares also went up 14 points, or 0.40 percent, to

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

first

settle at 3,546.69 on a value turnover of P4 billion. Gainers led losers, 103 to 83, while 48 issues were unchanged. Five of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Ayala Land Inc. which climbed 3.19 percent to P27.50 and SM Investments Corp. which went up 2.79 percent to P920.00.

Meanwhile, Asian trading was mixed Tuesday. At the start of a news-jammed week that includes a policy decision by the Federal Reserve and a report on US employment figures, all three major US indices finished in the red. Adding to investor uncertainty were raised fears about the banking sector after another US regional lender went under.

Regulators announced the seizure of First Republic on Monday and that it had been sold to JPMorgan Chase, making it the second biggest bank by assets to collapse in US history.

“The collapse of First Republic saw JPMorgan step up to the plate and squash the biggest market risk on the table,” said Edward Moya of the OANDA trading platform in a note.

“It is looking like the stress for the smaller banks is over as we now have a playbook to help the next bank that runs into trouble.”

The takeover of First Republic came after the collapse of three midsized lenders in March, including the high-profile failures of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB)

Samsung bans use of AI ChatGPT for mobile, appliances staff

SEOUL, Korea—Samsung Electronics is banning employees in its mobile and appliances division from using generative AI services such as ChatGPT, the company said on Tuesday, after instances of “misuse” of the technology.

Interest in artificial intelligence chatbots has soared since the Microsoftbacked ChatGPT debuted in November.

ChatGPT caused a global sensation for generating essays, songs, exams and even news articles from brief prompts.

Critics have fretted over how ChatGPT and its competitors collect and process data. Major financial firms, in-

cluding Goldman Sachs, have banned or restricted employees’ use of ChatGPTlike platforms in recent months.

South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, one of the world’s largest makers of memory chips and smartphones, has now joined that list.

The ban applies to staff in the mobile and appliances division, a Samsung representative told AFP.

An internal memo obtained by AFP says Samsung is working to find ways to use generative AI services in a “security safe environment for employees so that work efficiency and convenience can be enhanced”.

“... until these measures are prepared,

we are banning the use of generative AI services for company-owned computers temporarily,” it said.

The memo from the Suwon-based firm also advises staff to refrain from uploading work related information to such platforms when logging in on personal computers outside company premises. It says there have been “instances of misuse” of ChatGPT-like features by Samsung employees, without giving details.

More than 60 percent of Samsung staf said in an internal survey there were security risks with using generative AI platforms with company devices, according to the memo. AFP

and Signature Bank -- which rattled markets and raised contagion worries.

But Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Cresset, added that the latest deal would go “a long way to calm investors’ concerns” about the turmoil in the sector.

Multiple markets in Asia resumed trading after a holiday weekend, though bourses in mainland China remained closed.

Hong Kong stocks pared early gains but closed in the green, while Tokyo stocks swung before ending higher— with the Nikkei 225 seeing its highest close since August last year, having advanced for four straight sessions. Japanese markets are closed for the rest of the week. With AFP

US banks facing pressure despite First Republic sale

NEW YORK—JPMorgan Chase’s takeover of First Republic resolved the fate of the last major bank caught up in recent upheaval, but the sector still faces a weakening economy and challenges from higher interest rates.

Ever since the March collapse of Silicon Valley Bank ignited fears of widespread failures among midsized banks, the industry has been operating under a cloud of uncertainty.

Banking figures welcomed Monday’s transaction as a pivot point, with no known major banks currently facing an existential threat.

“While the failure of any bank is regrettable, today’s decision by federal and state regulators to close First Republic Bank and sell its deposits and assets through a competitive auction will bolster confidence in the nation’s banking system,” said Rob Nichols, president of the American Bankers Association.

JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said the deal should reassure investors. But Dimon still sees plenty of risk.

The First Republic deal “hasn’t changed anything about the odds of a recession,” Dimon told reporters, though “I think this is going to stabilize the system, which is a good thing.”

First Republic came under renewed stress last week after disclosing deep deposit withdrawals on April 24.

But notwithstanding First Republic, April earnings reports showed a US banking industry in passable condition.

SVB, First Republic and a third casualty, Signature Bank, were essentially “one-offs,” said Cliford Rossi, a former risk management executive at Citigroup and a professor at the University of Maryland.

“Going forward, JPMorgan taking over First Republic does put that chapter behind the industry,” Rossi said. AFP

‘Godfather of AI’ quits Google to warn public of the tech’s dangers Morgan Stanley plans more job cuts—US media

WASHINGTON, USA—A computer scientist often dubbed “the godfather of artificial intelligence” has quit his job at Google to speak out about the dangers of the technology, US media reported Monday.

Geoffrey Hinton, who created a foundation technology for AI systems, told The New York Times that advancements made in the field posed “profound risks to society and humanity.”

“Look at how it was five years ago and how it is now,” he was quoted as saying in the piece, which was published on Monday.

“Take the difference and propagate it forwards. That’s scary.”

Hinton said that competition between tech giants was pushing companies to release new AI technologies at dangerous speeds, risking jobs and spreading misinformation.

“It is hard to see how you can prevent the bad actors from using it for bad things,” he told the Times.

In 2022, Google and OpenAI—the start-up behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT—started building systems using much larger amounts of data than before.

Hinton told the Times he believed that these systems were eclipsing human intelligence in some ways because of the amount of data they were analyzing.

“Maybe what is going on in these systems is actually a lot better than what is going on in the brain,” he told the paper. While AI has been used to support

Geoffrey Hilton speaks at University of Toronto. From University of Toronto website

human workers, the rapid expansion of chatbots like ChatGPT could put jobs at risk. AI “takes away the drudge work” but “might take away more than that”, he told the Times. The scientist also warned about the potential spread of misinformation created by AI, telling the Times that the average person will “not be able to know what is true anymore.”

reported. Jeff Dean, lead scientist for Google AI, thanked Hinton in a statement to US media.

in the development of AI systems to

allow time to make sure they are safe.

Global PC shipments plunged 29% in first quarter on rough economy

“As one of the first companies to publish AI Principles, we remain committed to a responsible approach to AI,” the statement added.

“We’re continually learning to understand emerging risks while also innovating boldly.”

NEW YORK, USA—Morgan Stanley is planning to cut more jobs after reporting a drop in profit during the first three months of the year, US media reported on Monday.

The bank aims to trim its headcount nearly 4 percent this quarter after ending March with more than 82,000 employees, according to the reports.

The US investment and financial services giant said in a recent earnings report that its profit dropped 20 percent in the first three months of this year amid a slowdown in mergers and acquisition advising.

The global financial institution at the end of last year trimmed about 2 percent of its staff or some 1,600 positions, CNBC reported at the time.

The new round of cuts is expected to involve about 3,000 jobs.

Hinton notified Google of his resignation last month, the Times

In March, tech billionaire Elon Musk and a range of experts called for a pause

An open letter, signed by more than 1,000 people including Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, was prompted by the release of GPT-4, a much more powerful version of the technology used by ChatGPT.

Hinton did not sign that letter at the time, but told The New York Times that scientists should not “scale this up more until they have understood whether they can control it.” AFP

Word of more layoffs at Morgan Stanley came as JPMorgan Chase’s takeover of First Republic resolved the fate of the last major bank caught up in recent upheaval. The sector still faces a weakening economy and challenges from higher interest rates.

Ever since the March collapse of Silicon Valley Bank ignited fears of widespread failures among midsize banks, the industry has been operating under a cloud of uncertainty.

But notwithstanding First Republic, April earnings reports showed the industry is in passable condition. AFP

HONG KONG SALE. People walk past a shop having a sale in Hong Kong on May 2, 2023. Hong Kong’s economy grew in the

quarter of 2023, the city’s leader said on May 2, ending a disastrous year-long spell in which the finance hub was effectively closed for business over pandemic restrictions. AFP

BUSINESS

By Julito G. Rada

THE government’s budget deficit widened by 12.04 percent in March to P210.3 billion from P187.7 billion a year ago as revenues fell by nearly 12 percent and expenditures went down by 2.62 percent, the Bureau of the Treasury said Tuesday.

This brought the cumulative budget gap in the first quarter to P270.9 billion, lower by 14.51 percent compared to a year earlier.

Data showed that revenue collections in March amounted to P258.7 billion, down by 11.99 percent or P35.2 billion from P293.9 billion in the same month

Non-bank financial firms

lend over $4.9b

to MSMEs

NON-BANK financial institutions account for nearly half of loans extended each year to the country’s more than a million micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

Latest available data from the Asian Development Bank showed that loans to MSMEs by microloan organizations, pawnshops and other NBFIs topped $4.9 billion in 2020. While banks lent around $10.3 billion to this sector, the figure comprised just 2.4 percent of all loans banks extended to all their borrowers.

“As you can see, MSMEs remain underserved by banks. The huge gap is being bridged by NBFIs,” said Asialink Finance Corp. chief executive Robert Jordan, Jr. The gap is even more glaring considering MSMEs—around 996,000 as of 2020— make up over 99 percent of total businesses in the Philippines, Jordan said.

Jordan said the presence of NBFIs allowed MSMEs to weather the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Last 2022, we released P10.5 billion in total loans, a 25 percent increase compared to our 2021 performance, to about 24,000 clients nationwide which are 70 percent MSMEs. It gave them access to loans at a time when they desperately needed access to funds to keep themselves afloat amid a very challenging environment,” Jordan said.

Asialink, formed in June 1997, has over 800 employees, thousands of independent loan consultants and partner dealers and more than 100 branches nationwide.

Fruitas Holdings posted P82-m income in 2022

FOODCART operator Fruitas Holdings Inc. said Tuesday net income in 2022 reached P82 million, a turnaround from a P16-million net loss in 2021 on the back of robust revenues.

Fruitas said in a stock exchange filing revenues jumped 63 percent to P1.8 billion from P1.1 billion, driven by strong samestore sales growth.

The company said despite lower store count, it still managed to achieve 92.5 percent of 2019 pre- pandemic revenues in 2022. Fruitas had 770 stores as of end-2022, down from more than 1,000 stores before the pandemic in 2019.

“The exceptional performance of the entire Fruitas Holdings Group in 2022 inspires to do even better in the coming years. Despite the challenging environment, we were able to improve margins and generate returns for our shareholders,” Fruitas president and chief executive Lester Yu said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

CIAC plans to lease out lands surrounding airport

CLARK International Airport Corp. said Tuesday it plans to lease out prime government-owned lands surrounding the airport. CIAC president Joshua Bingcang said the agency was leveling-up its marketing strategies to lease out prime governmentowned lands surrounding Clark International Airport.

He said CIAC and airport operator Luzon Integrated Premier Airport Development Corp. are ideal partners in converting these leasable prime lots into productive use.

“CIAC is eyeing new locators and will focus on low-hanging fruits that’s ripe for the picking, as we have prime leasable lots accessible to a world-class international airport, inside a tourist-friendly freeport zone, with a passenger and cargo railway operational in the next couple of years,” Bingcang said.

He said the agency is augmenting its marketing and business development teams to hold local and international trade and investment missions. Darwin G. Amojelar

last year.

“Nevertheless, revenues for the threemonth period still surpassed the P784.4 billion collected last year for the same period by 4.38 percent or P34.3 billion. Tax collection accounted for 87.89 percent or P719.5 billion of the total with nontax revenue contributing P99.2 billion or

12.11 percent,” the Treasury said. Collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue declined by 17.27 percent in March to P141.0 billion on the impact of the transitory provisions of the Bureau’s Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 5-2023 in line with Section 37 of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law.

BIR’s collection in the first quarter reached P505.2 billion, topping the previous year’s achievement by 0.48 percent or P2.4 billion.

The Bureau of Customs raised P80.3 billion in March, up 13.51 percent or P9.6 billion from a year earlier. The total collections of P213.8 billion in the first three months represented a 13.40-per-

cent or P25.3-billion improvement from the comparable period last year.

Income from the Bureau of the Treasury in March eased by 55.47 percent to P14.9 billion year-on-year on the high base effect of dividend remittances in 2022. Data showed that as of end-March, BTr revenues reached P39.0 billion, down by 19.94 percent from last year’s P48.7 billion owing to the same reason.

Non-tax collections from other offices including privatization proceeds and fees and charges increased to P22.0 billion in March from P16.7 billion last year with the remittance of the unutilized balance from the Unconditional Cash Transfer program. The positive outturn for the period led

March deficit hit P210b as tax collection fell IN BRIEF

to a higher cumulative revenue of P60.1 billion, up by 58.59 percent or P22.2 billion year-on-year.

Meanwhile, government expenditures in March declined by 2.62 percent or P12.6 billion year-on-year to P468.9 billion largely due to the lower national tax allotment shares of local government units and the timing of significant releases for some programs such as the Department of Transportation’s public utility vehicle service contracting program and fuel subsidy program. This resulted in an overall expenditure of P1.1 trillion in the first quarter, slightly lower by 1.06 percent or P11.6 billion than a year ago, caused by lower interest payments in January.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

IMI, US firm sign $250-m electric motorcycle

By Othel V. Campos

INTEGRATED Micro-Electronics Inc., a unit of AC Industries Inc. of Ayala Corp., signed Monday a $250-million cooperation agreement with US firm Zero Motorcycles for the assembly of electric motorcycles and manufacturing of electric batteries in the Philippines. AC Industrial Technology Inc. chair-

man Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Zero Motorcycles chief executive Sam Paschel signed the agreement in a meeting on the first day of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to the US on May 1.

Department of Trade and Industry

Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the partnership between IMI and Zero is a testament to the expertise and capabilities of

the Philippine manufacturing sector.

“We thank Zero Motorcycles for their trust. This is considered a historic agreement because it is a pioneering activity involving high-end electric batteries, motors and motorcycle assembly. With this investment, we will be better positioned as an export manufacturing hub for electric batteries and vehicles in the region,” said Pascual who witnessed the signing of the agreement together with President Marcos.

Zero Motorcycles agreed to subcontract its manufacturing operations such as electric motorcycle assembly and other related sub-assemblies and battery and motor assembly to IMI. The agreement projects an annual revenue of $65 million and is expected to generate over 200 new jobs for Filipinos in the high-performance

Bangko Sentral, JICA launch credit risk database scoring model

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday it expects a significant improvement in the access to credit of small businesses following the launch of the Credit Risk Database scoring model in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said the scoring model would help banks and other financial institutions better assess the creditworthiness of small and medium enterprise borrowers including those without credit histories or adequate collateral. He said the scoring model would bridge the funding gap for micro, small and medium enterprises while enhancing the credit risk management of financial institutions using a data-driven approach. The scoring model, the key output of

the three-year technical cooperation program between the BSP and JICA, provides additional information for banks to assess the creditworthiness of MSMEs.

Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, JICA Philippines chief representative Sakamoto Takema and officers of the 32 participating banks attended the launching ceremony for the CRD scoring model at the BSP on April 25.

Kazuhiko said ensuring that promising SMEs have access to appropriate financing is essential to fully harnessing the Philippines’ economic potential and realizing its goal of financial inclusion.

Among the participating universal and commercial banks are Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co.,

Philippine National Bank, Security Bank Corp., Maybank Philippines, Asia United Bank, Philippine Bank of Communications, Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines.

Others are Philippine Business Bank, Sterling Bank of Asia, China Bank Savings, Malayan Savings Bank, Philippine Savings Bank, UCPB Savings Bank, 1st Valley Bank, Bangko Kabayan, Queen City Development Bank, Wealth Development Bank, Sun Savings Bank, AllBank, CARD SME Bank, First Consolidated Bank, Luzon Development Bank, Camalig Bank, Rural Bank of Paracale (Camarines Norte), Rural Bank of Pilar (Sorsogon), Rural Bank of San Mateo (Isabela), BOF Inc., Lipa Bank and Bangko ng Kabuhayan. Julito G. Rada

motorcycle manufacturing.

IMI will assemble Zero’s electric motorcycle models in conjunction with the manufacturing facilities of Zero in California.

“We look forward to such amazing collaboration to help bring their innovative electric motorcycles to the world. This partnership aligns with our commitment to supporting companies in their growth and sustainability efforts while providing high-quality manufacturing services,” said IMI chief executive Arthur Tan.

The IMI-Zero facility in Laguna will assemble full electric motorcycles for Zero’s Europe, Asia and other markets, while supporting US demands for subassemblies. Zero’s electric motorcycles will be made available in 2024 through AC Industrials.

PSE INDEX CLOSING

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp.

plans to expand its power generation business and studies a shift to liquefied natural gas once it becomes financially viable, a top executive said Tuesday.

“We expect to expand our power projects and maybe even shift to LNG if and when situation arises that makes this shift a good business opportunity,” SMPC chairman Isidro Consunji said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting.

Consunji said Calaca in Batangas is ideal for both LNG and coal.

“The question is really just an issue of business viability but physically and

SMC

SLEX Inc. said Tuesday it is allocating P7.4 billion for 2023 capital expenditures this year to partially finance the construction of an expressway from Batangas to Lucena and repair and maintenance of South Luzon Expressway.

The company said P6.77 billion of the budget would be used to finance the Toll Road 4 and SLEX’s widening projects.

It launched in March 2019 the construction of the 66.74-kilometer TR4 that would connect Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena. The toll road will shorten the travel time from Sto. Tomas to Barangay Mayao in Lucena from the usual three hours to just 45 minutes.

The P26.1-billion project is expected to be completed by 2026. TR4 is a part of SLTC’s 30-year concession which will last until 2036.

The toll road will be divided into six sections, including Sto Tomas, Batangas to Makban in Laguna (11.32 km.); Makban to San Pablo City (12.75 km.); San Pablo to Tiaong in Quezon (7.5 km.); Tiaong to Candelaria (15 km.); Candelaria to Tayabas (10.21 km.); and Tayabas to Lucena (9.96 km.).

SMC SLEX also allocated P102.4 million for road and facilities repair and P582 million for equipment acquisition for toll collection system.

The company spent P1.26 billion for periodic repair and restoration activities.

SMC SLEX earlier booked a net income of P3.49 billion last year, up 33 percent from P2.62 billion in 2021.

Toll revenue amounted to P6.44 billion, an increase of 16 percent from P5.57 billion 2021. This was also 3 percent above the pre-pandemic figures of P4.555 billion.

SLEX achieved an annual average daily traffic of 376,267 in 2022, higher by 12 percent than the 2021 AADT of 335,900.

This was also 3 percent above the pre-pandemic figure of 366,189 with the easing of mobility restriction to Alert Level 1 beginning March 1, 2022.

Volume increased across all classes with highest increase in class 1 and 2 by 13 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

Average transaction mode was 73 percent for RFID and 27 percent for cash in 2022.

technically, there is no reason why SMPC cannot go to LNG,” he said.

SMPC owns coal-fired power plants in Calaca, Batangas through subsidiaries Sem-Calaca Power Corp. and Southwest Luzon Power Generation Co.

“We are exploring alternative revenue streams such as expanding our power generation capacity and pursuing new mining opportunities beyond Semirara Island,” Consunji said.

“To manage market risks, we are enhancing our power generation capabilities while maintaining low fuel costs. Our adaptability in the face of these ongoing challenges will prove crucial to the next phase of our company’s journey,” he said.

INVESTMENT DEAL. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center), together with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual (standing, left) and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez (standing, right) welcomes the cooperation agreement signed by Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc. and Zero Motorcycles, a global leader in electric motorcycles and powertrains. Signing the agreement are AC Industrial Technology Holdings Inc. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (seated, left) and Zero Motocycles chief executive Sam Paschel. IMI is a company under AC Industrial, the technology arm of the Ayala Group.

ABAC INITIATIVES. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council Philippines gains support from ABAC members as they present initiatives that will contribute to APEC’s transitions to low-carbon economies by creating free accessibility and availability of climate risk scenarios information for all and to explore pathways for nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source for the region. Shown are (from left) ABAC Chile member Ramon Jara, Aboitiz Group chief sustainability and reputation officer and ABAC Philippines staffer Ginggay Hontiveros and ABAC Philippines lead staffer Patrick Chua.

TNT crowned 1st champ of PBA Esports Bakbakan

DIFFERENT arena, same results.

Talk ‘N Text kept its mastery of rival Barangay Ginebra, this time in a virtual arena after completing a 3-0 sweep in the grand finals to become the inaugural PBA Esports Bakbakan Mobile Legends: Bang Bang champion Monday night before a sizeable crowd at the Circuit Makati Event Hall.

Only 10 days after unseating the reigning champion Gin Kings on the hardcourt to win the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup, the Tropang Giga conquered another throne in the “Land of Dawn” by essaying one comeback after another in the best-of-five championship series to rule the prominent online mobile game.

Aaren “TNT.Sindel” Palermo shone brightest for the Tropang Giga, claiming the Finals’ MVP plum after anchoring their three straight victories behind the lethal carry heroes of Karrie and Beatrix.

“Shoutout po sa tatay ko. Shoutout sa pamilya ko. At shoutout sa mga kakampi ko, kung hindi dahil sakanila, hindi namin ito makukuha at hindi ako magiging MVP,” said Sindel, one of the revelations in the historic PBA Esports tourney that also featured PBA players, fans, students, influencers and ex-pro gamers.

Sindel unleashed a 7/1/4 KDA (killdeath-assist), while earning 12K gold as the Tropang Giga clawed back from a 9-16 (kills), 3-6 (towers) and 6K-gold deficit in Game 1 to draw first blood.

TNT then took command with a dominant Game 2 win behind Sindel’s Beatrix (7/0/7 KDA, 12K gold) and saved its best for last with another come-from-behind win in Game 3 behind Sindel’s Beatrix masterclass (6/1/8 KDA, 14K gold) once again.

The Tropang Giga flipped a massive 1-5 tower and 4K gold deficit in the clincher by slaying a crucial Level 3 Lord in the 16-minute mark, snowballing their way in the middle lane highlighted by three pickoffs of Sindel to finish off Ginebra’s base in almost 18 minutes of play.

TNT.KingJastro (Jason Robante) with his Fredrinn, Edith of TNT.Emperorzxc (Nathanael Teodoro), Kaja of TNT. Regi (Reginald Agustin) and Kagura of TNT.4na4na (Bryan Bollas) also provided solid coverage as the Tropang Giga claimed the P750,000 grand prize.

SPORTS

SPORTS can become a powerful platform to promote a safe and inclusive space to share the empowering message of camaraderie, resilience, and hope in communities. That is why PLDT Inc., its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. and the MVP Sports Foundation have partnered with Football for Humanity for a campaign for peace, develop ment, and nation-building.

At least 100 participants from the United Kingdom and the Philippines attended the online event to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, including Mus-

Valdez named flagbearer for PH in Cambodia SEAG

FILIPINA volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez will again assume the role as Philippine flagbearer during the parade of athletes of the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games’ opening ceremony on Friday at the 60,000-seat Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Excellent choice for a Team Philippines that will do an unprecedented in SEA Games history—field a female-dominated representation in the parade of nations that serves as one of the highlights of the opening ceremony for Cambodia’s first-time hosting of the biennial Games.

“Alyssa best fits our goal of an almost all-female delegation in the opening ceremony,” Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Tuesday. “She’s not only the face of Philippine volleyball, but Philippine sports as well.”

Valdez will fly to Phnom Penh on Friday instead of the Saturday

flight schedule of the women’s national volleyball team.

“It’s such an honor to be the flag bearer for this year’s SEA games. It’s a big responsibility but I’m grateful for the trust given to me once again,” said Valdez, who was also the country’s flag bearer in the Singapore 2015 Games. “I first had the opportunity to carry our Philippine flag in 2015 in Singapore and it was an unforgettable experience.”

“I share this with all the women in sports who brought honor and glory to the country,” added Valdez, one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine sports whose following in social media is bursting at the seams.

Alyssa Valdez

Tolentino and chef de mission Chito Loyzaga are the only men who will join the parade.

“This is a first in SEA Games history,” said Tolentino referring to the female-dominated contingent.

PLDT, Smart, MVPSF team up with Football for Humanity for peace, development

lim coaches and athletes from Marawi, parents and children with autism, and indigenous children from several communities in Mindanao.

“Sports can instill among us a deep sense of community and strength.

Filipinos and our love for sports help define a generation that leaves a mark of greatness —especially with our world-class and talented athletes,”

said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart, and Executive Director at MVPSF. “We will continue to advocate for sports in the grassroots communities to help unlock the limitless potential of our Filipino youth as

we become enablers of realizing their greatest aspirations,” he added.

Philippine National Women’s Football Team captain Tahnai Annis, former Azkals and celebrity footballer James Younghusband, and former Philippine National Karatedo Team member and Karate Varsity Coach of the Mindanao State University Revie Sani shared their thoughts on how citizens can use sports to address issues and problems in their communities, especially where youth are involved.

“Sports has the power to change the world. We have always believed that is a fundamental right and a powerful tool to

strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development, peace, solidarity, and respect for all,” said Belle Tiongco, VP and co-founder at FFH.

Providing a safe space for kids

PLDT and Smart, through their Better Today advocacy, have been actively promoting the creation of safe offline and online playgrounds, especially for kids. Meanwhile, as a member of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), PLDT and Smart have prevented more than 1.3 billion attempts to open online child sexual abuse and exploitation (OSAEC) materials since the launch telco group’s pioneering Child Protection Platform.

Tough matches await Filipinas in biennial games

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine national women’s football team is getting ready for tough matches in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

The Filipinas has been bunched in Group A with another FIFA 2023 World Cup-bound squad Vietnam, alongside Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Filipinas coach Allen Stajcic, who arrived in Cambodia with the rest of the squad two days ago, said they look forward to their encounter with Vietnam.

But their game with Myanmar at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the Lambert Stadiium in Phom Penh is on the hearts and minds of the Filipinas at the moment.

“We just arrived two days ago. We’ve had a grueling schedule over the last 15 months, played a lot of football,” said Stajcic.

Three weeks ago, the Filipinas earned a ticket to the second round of the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament

The parade participants will be wearing Francis Libiran-designed white barongs over black pants. 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 Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee limited to 50 the number of athletes for each nation for the traditional parade of athletes.

Lhuillier likes tennis team’s chances in Cambodia

LONG-TIME tennis patron and Unified Tennis Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier expressed his optimism towards the PH Men’s Tennis Team’s chances of bagging medals in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games from May 5 to 17 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.

The Filipinas made it after their 4-0 triumph over Hong Kong for a threegame sweep of Group E.

“We’re improving all the time in trying to catch up to countries like Vietnam and Thailand. You know how tough that is in this part of the world,” added Stajcic.

Their encounter with Malaysia is next on May 6, before their most challenging match against Vietnam comes up on May 9.

Vietnam is the favorite, after beating Thailand for the crown with a 1-0 win last year.

“But we’re here now and we’re really looking forward to the tournament Vietnam are the favorites to win this tournament. We’re just growing at the moment and we know we have a long way to go to catch up.

Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar have been strong for a long time,” added Stajcic.

Host Cambodia is in Group B with Thailand, Singapore and Laos.

The Men’s Tennis Team is spearheaded by longtime Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Ambassadors Ruben Gonzales and Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara and will be ably backstopped by US-trained youngsters Jed Olivarez and Miko Eala.

Jean Henri Lhuillier

“We have a very good team, a great combination of veteran players in Ruben and Niño as well as the young guns in Jed and Miko. I think the team is very capable of delivering medals, especially in the team event, as well as doubles, which is the specialty of both Ruben and Niño,” Lhuillier said.

Gonzales and Alcantara have been busy competing in international tournaments in the past months with the support of Lhuillier and are looking to be strong contenders in the doubles competition.

Alcantara is fresh from a finals stint in doubles competition in the Men’s 25 tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia, that improved his world doubles ranking to 297. Gonzales, on the other hand, is ranked 120th in doubles player in the world, coming from a strong quarterfinal stint in a very tough ATP tournament in Mexico.

Talk ‘N Text esports players are shown after their title romp in the PBA Esports Bakbakan Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at the Circuit Makati Event Hall.

The Philippine national women’s football team celebrate a win.

Strikers turn back Knights in MPBL

THE Bacoor City Strikers welcomed back Michael Canete with a 73-49 pounding of the San Juan Knights on Monday in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor.

Canete, who had a forgettable stint with the San Miguel Beermen, returned to the Bacoor roster and shared the offensive load with former San Beda star James Kwekuteye as the Strikers stormed to a 73-45 spread en route to their sixth win against a loss in the elimination round of the 29-team tournament.

The 6-foot-4 Canete fired 14 points and so did the 6-foot-2 Kwekuteye, who also snagged 5 rebounds for the Strikers, one of the teams which tinkered with their rosters this year.

Veteran Mark Yee could only contribute seven points but compensated with 11 rebounds for the Strikers, who also drew eight points and five rebounds from Jhan McHale Nermal and six points plus nine rebounds from Jammer Jamito.

San Juan, which absorbed its second loss in five outings, got 12 points and 13 rebounds from Michael Calisaan and 10 points from Orlan Wamar.

Earlier, Batangas City Embassy Chill and Caloocan Batang Kankaloo also routed their respective rivals.

The Batangas Athletics vented their ire on the Marikina Shoemasters, 8256, while the Batang Kankaloo leaned on a balanced attack to subdue the Oriental Mindoro Disiplinados, 99-74.

Hurting from a 74-81 beating it absorbed from Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines on April 25, Batangas went allout to dominate Marikina, leading by as far as 81-54 in posting its sixth win.

Although Rudy Lingganay was the lone double-digit scorer for Batangas with 13, he was well-supported as John Ambulodto made 9 points while Jeckster Apinan, Juneric Baloria and CJ Isit chipped in 8 points each.

Marikina tumbled to 3-4 despite the 15-point effort of Raymond Casajeros and the 11-point output of Joe Gomez De Liano.

In improving to 4-2, Caloocan drew 17 points from Paul Sanga, 15 from Gabby Espinas and 14 from Alfren Gayosa.

Oriental Mindoro skidded to 1-7 despite the 22-point explosion of Rodel Vaygan, the 18-point contribution of Teytey Teodoro and the 10-point donation of Marvel Jimenez.

The MPBL returns to the Imus Sports Complex since the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc with a triple bill pitting Quezon City against Valenzuela at 4 p.m., Laguna against Pampanga at 6 p.m. and GenSan against

LeBron: We can’t afford to make errors vs. Dubs

LOS ANGELES—LeBron James said the Los Angeles Lakers cannot afford to make any mistakes when they face off against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in their blockbuster playoff series opener on Tuesday.

James and Curry go head-to-head in a playoff series for the first time in five years on Tuesday when the Lakers and the Warriors meet in game one of the Western Conference semifinals in San Francisco.

It is the latest heavyweight showdown between two of the greatest basketball players in history, who faced each other in the NBA finals for four straight years between 2015-2018.

The 38-year-old James leads a Lakers team who have hit form at the right time after struggling to muscle their way into the playoffs, crushing the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday to complete a 4-2 series sweep.

Curry meanwhile

produced a 50-point masterpiece on Sunday as the defending NBA champions snatched a 4-3 series win over the Kings in Sacramento. Talking to reporters on Monday, James spoke of his admiration for Curry as the two friendly adversaries prepare to battle it out once more.

“Nothing but the utmost respect for Steph and all he’s been able to accomplish – not only on the floor but off the floor,” James said. “It’s great to have people like that in this league setting the example for the generation to come.”

James meanwhile warned his Lakers team-mates that they would need to be “locked in” against a

ruthless Warriors team who have shown repeatedly they will punish mistakes.

“They’re right there at the top along with those great San Antonio Spurs teams. If you make a mistake, they make you pay,” James said.

“It’s that simple. So we have to be locked in,” James added, citing the fact that Curry was able to score so freely on Sunday despite being closely marked throughout.

“They’re going to do a great job of scoring even when you’ve got a body on top of them,” James said. ‘Going to be epic’

“When you see some of the routine shots Steph was making in game seven and everybody was going crazy – but that’s just Steph. When you’re that great you make tough shots like that. So we’ve got to be locked in and not hurt ourselves.”

James is also likely to face a physical defensive confrontation with the Warriors’ Draymond Green.

Green, infamously suspended during the 2016 NBA Finals for hitting James in the groin, is relishing another duel with the four-time NBA champion.

“It’s going to be epic,” Green said after Sunday’s win in Sacramento. “You got Steph, you got Bron doing it all over again.” AFP

Stakeholders unite for PH swimmers’ welfare

LEADERS from the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. and Swimming League Philippines, two of the country’s biggest and most organized swimming associations, have put their best foot forward to unite the swimming community and consolidate all programs and activities for the betterment of Philippine swimming.

COPA president Batangas 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain and SLP chief Fred Ancheta met over the weekend and discussed some pressing issues particularly the advancement and upliftment of Filipino swimmers.

“This is good for Philippine swimming as both leaders ac-

knowledge the importance of inclusiveness and collaboration for the betterment of all stakeholders, the athletes in particular and the Philippine sports in general,” said Buhain, a twotime Olympian and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer.

For his part, Ancheta stressed that meeting the legendar y swimmer on the issue of unity is long overdue, as he remained steadfast to support any program beneficial for homegrown swimmers, including those in the grassroots level. “We’re very happy and proud to be part of the new dawn in Philippine swimming.

The SLP from the time of the late swimming icon Susan Papa to the leadership of my predecessor Joan Mojdeh has always after the swimmer’s welfare,” stressed Ancheta. Both COPA and SLP boast of a wide range of programs for their more than a hundred regional members nationwide.

Ancheta discussed to Buhain the willingness of SLP to open all of its tournaments to COPA members and other clubs and groups that are not affiliated with either of the two associations.

Buhain, for his part, said COPA, since its formation in 2018, has organized events

MILO continues to help kids with return of Sports Clinics

CONTINUING MILO® Active Pilipinas’ goal of getting kids from couch to court, MILO® is bringing back its Sports Clinics program to give kids access to sports lessons. To launch the sports clinic’s return, MILO® partners with Ayala Malls to host launch events nationwide where kids will get a firsthand experience trying out the different sports.

Launching on May 7, 2023 (Sunday) in Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Glorietta 2, Solenad, Marquee Mall, Central Bloc, and Abreeza Mall, the MILO® Sports Clinic launch will have athletics, badminton, basketball, ice skating, karate, golf, soccer, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, and more where kids can learn more about the different sports.

The event registration is free and once inside the event, the participants will gain access to the different booths where the respective coaches will be present to

guide the kids through each sport.

The Sports Clinics launch is a great opportunity for kids and parents alike to learn more about the possible sports classes that they can enroll in for the summer break.

Through these sports clinics, kids will not only train for the sport itself, but will also get to meet new friends, develop new skills, and learn lifelong values.

Fellow mom, Margaux Ranosa, shared why she wants to enroll her son, Coco, in the MILO® Sports Clinics Program. She described her son as an active and social kid but due to the pandemic, his physical activity has decreased.

But she expressed her excitement now that the face-to-face MILO® Sports Clinics is back by saying, “I feel that this summer is the perfect timing as well because I know that it is something he would want to do now without me forcing him to do so.”

Bringing together the different sports clinics in one launch event is a first for MILO®, and is made possible through the partnership with Ayala Malls.

Ayala Malls Marketing Director Lisa Yang, shared “it has always been Ayala Malls’ mission to provide spaces where customers can have amazing experiences and celebrate special moments. This summer, we’re very happy to partner with MILO® for their Sports Clinics. Aside from giving the youth an avenue to get active and learn new skills, they can also create fun memories through the sports activities in our malls.”

“As we always say, ‘great things start from small beginnings’. And with our Sports Clinic program being the introduction of sports to kids, it’s the start to their own Champion journeys— whether that journey leads them to becoming athletes or not, it’s a journey that entails character building and lifelong learning,” said Carlo

and tournaments open to all swimming groups regardless of its affiliation.

Both leaders also expressed their desire for a coaches’ education exchange program to strengthen the level of knowledge and competitiveness of local coaches.

“‘Yung exclusiveness na policy before ang talagang inaayawan namin. We in COPA, are always after the welfare of all athletes. Sa aming tournament, libreng nakakasali ang mag estudyante mula sa public schools. This year, isinama na rin namin sa aming programa ang BiFin at para athletes,” said Buhain.

FIBA WORLD CUP TOP BRASS WITH PBBM.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) receives in Malacañang Palace basketball and sports o cials during a courtesy call for the FIBA World Cup 2023 that the country is lead-hosting from August 25 to September 10. With President Marcos are (from left) Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, chairman emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and SBP executive director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios.

Bert Lozada Swim School available in 30 venues

BERT Lozada Swim School, the largest swim school in the country, is finally back in the water to continue with its advocacy for swimming as a safety skill.

BLSS’ WeSwim Summer 2023 programs will be available in over 30 venues across Luzon and the Vizayas.

“WeSwim aims to inspire every individual, regardless of age, shape, race, status in life, or ability level - to take action and learn the life skill of swimming,” said Anthony Lozada, CEO, BLSS.

“With our country surrounded by bodies of water, swimming is a skill that every Filipino must have. Otherwise, lives are put at risk, not just ours but that of others’, too.” BLSS will offer various WeSwim programs for swimmers with different objectives, in the following categories: WeSwim for Leisure, WeSwim for Health (Mental and Physical) & Wellness; WeSwim for Safety; and WeSwim to Compete

The programs for Babies, Kids, Adults, Triathletes, Aquathletes and Open Water Swimmers (PowerSwim), PE Varsity, Swim Teams and even those with swimming trauma (Conquer Aquaphobia) are now ongoing.

To sign up or for more information, including the full list of venues and available programs, visit bertlozadaswimschool. com/programs

The BLSS, founded in 1956, pursues its advocacy of swimming as a life skill in over 30 locaFons across Luzon and Visayas. It has evolved from being a single swim lesson provider over 60 years ago to the largest and best-managed swim school in the country today.

COPA president Eric Buhain shakes hands with SLP chief Fred Ancheta

Saweetie celebrates Filipino roots

Saweetie in a sultry high slit lilac number designed by Francis Libiran

Coliseum on Saturday, April 29.

The 29-year-old music star’s performance became a special homecoming, as she reconnects with her mother’s Filipino roots and celebrates her diverse background in the Philippines. The globally renowned artist is known for her unique blend of music and style.

Although born and raised in the United States, Saweetie proudly embraces her Filipino heritage, and she has found creative ways to incorporate her Filipino culture into her music and style.

SAWEETIE , the Grammy-nominated rapper and global fashion icon who proudly represents her Filipino-Chinese and AfricanAmerican heritage, showcased her exceptional blend of music and style at the FIBA World Cup Draw at the Smart Araneta

“The Filipino culture, my DNA, is in my roots and I was raised in a traditional household,” Saweetie said.

“I’m proud of where I came from and who I am, and my mom, her brothers and sisters, my lolo and lola. I was raised in a traditional household. I am proud of that. It actually made me become who I am today.

I think it’s important for me to represent that, especially in the industry where you don’t see many Filipinos,” she added.

Wearing a sultry lilac number designed by Francis Libiran during a press

conference on Friday, Saweetie told Manila Standard Entertainment that she loves the team that curated her wardrobe for the FIBA event.

“I love that my team was such a joy to work with. At around 11:00, on the night I arrived, they literally brought the dress and tailored it to my body. I love our team and I can’t wait to collaborate with them again in the future,” she said of her local glam team adding that she commissioned another two custom outfits for her set.

Saweetie’s selection to headline the FIBA World Cup Draw is a testament to her unmatched talent and deep-rooted connection to the basketball world. A dominant presence in the music industry and a style icon in both music and fashion, Saweetie is the ideal candidate to headline the event. With her captivating stage presence and lively performances, she enthralled the audience and added to the excitement of the FIBA World Cup. Her unforgettable live shows and chart-topping hits such as “My Type” and “Best Friend” provided

Alden Richards, Julia Montes pair up in Irene Villamor’s new romance film

“I agree! Before anything else, we should work on the relationship of the co-stars more than anything else. It’s the foundation of the whole project. That’s where it all starts.

basketball fans around the world with a remarkable and unique experience.

Born Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, Saweetie is an acclaimed rapper, singer, and songwriter known for her chart-topping hits and magnetic stage presence. Since her breakthrough in 2017, she has released numerous successful singles and albums, garnering a loyal fanbase and solidifying her status as a leading force in the music industry.

The FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Cup is a global basketball competition held every four years, featuring teams from around the world competing for the title of world champion. It serves as a platform for countries to showcase their basketball talent and promote the sport globally. The FIBA World Cup is a celebration of basketball excellence and unites fans from diverse backgrounds in their shared passion for the game.

ALDEN Richards and Julia Montes express excitement and pride as they debut their first-ever silver screen teamup in Five Break-ups and a Romance directed by Irene Emma Villamor

Julia expresses her surprise upon learning about her upcoming collaboration with Alden Richards, sharing that she even asked if it was really true. Despite her initial disbelief, she feels honored to work with him. Although they have only just started filming, she already sees qualities in Alden that make him stand out, and now fully understands why he is so well-regarded.

“That’s why Alden Richards is Alden Richards!” she exclaims with admiration.

Sharing his perspective, Alden remarks that it has been quite some time since his last movie was released back in 2019. Therefore, when he was offered this project, he immediately felt excited, especially because he would be working with Julia. He recognizes her as a talented and brilliant actress and is eager to collaborate with her in their upcoming film.

“When we had our first meeting, we clicked already. There were no pretensions. I immediately felt the sincerity so I didn’t have apprehensions about giving my all to the project. For me, it’s very important how we show our individuality to each other before the cameras start rolling,” adds Alden.

“We just started shooting but I think this will be the start of a really good friendship and working relationship with her. I hope that this will not be our last project together,” he goes on. So, there was no awkwardness between them when the cameras started grinding for the movie?

“It’s good that we were already comfortable with each other before shooting started. Personally, it’s a big thing for me to be comfortable with my screen partner. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I appreciate the fact that I’ve seen Alden’s real side early on,” Julia reveals.

“It’s hard to grope in the dark, so to speak. Especially if it’s your first time working together, right? That’s why I appreciate Julia for being brave. It’s like, ‘This is me. Will you accept me or not?’ She’s very genuine,” adds Alden. * * *

According to Carla Abellana, she didn’t find the action scenes in line with her participation in GMA’s Voltes V: Legacy very hard.

“It’s not my first time anyway to engage in action sequences. With this project, the explosions are large in extent, the set is so vast, and there are lots of equipment, weapons, and gears needed in the execution of the scenes. It called for bigger movement, bigger action. It’s definitely on a different level,” she avers.

The actress assures that they were guided in doing the scenes. She said they received proper training and support on the set. They also have stunt directors and stunt doubles.

“All the major fight scenes are more on the other characters. But I did enjoy the scenes where I had to do some action,” Carla states adding that her character is not really involved in many action scenes.

Speaking of her role as Mary Ann Armstrong, her exposure won’t be that long. Her character will not be seen in the entirety of the show.

“I don’t feel sad if my participation in the show is short-lived. Voltes V fans know what happened to my character. For me, the exposure is more than enough and I’m grateful to be part of this ambitious project,” ends Carla.

A-listers bringing glamour and surprises on the red carpet as Met Gala honors Lagerfeld

A-LISTERS from the worlds of fashion, film, politics, and sports celebrated the late king of couture, Karl Lagerfeld at the annual Met Gala on Monday, bringing their top style game to New York, oozing glamour – and delivering serious baby news.

Pop superstar Rihanna showed up late as usual but shut down the red carpet all the same, tennis legend Serena Williams and supermodel Karlie Kloss debuted their baby bumps with flair – and two celebs dressed up as Lagerfeld’s cat.

Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Michelle Yeoh, singers Cardi B and Bad Bunny, WNBA superstar Brittney Griner, and supermodels Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss were also among the hundreds of invitees at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The guest list is tightly curated by Anna Wintour, the editor- in-chief of

Vogue who took over the charity

gala in the 1990s and transformed it into one of the world’s buzziest fetes.

This year, the extravaganza – which always falls on the first Monday of May, save for a pandemic-era schedule change – celebrates Lagerfeld, and ushers in the opening of a Costume Institute exhibition dedicated to the iconic designer, who died in 2019.

Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty pays homage to his decades in the industry at the helm of Chanel, Fendi, Chloe, and his own line, all the while molding the future of fashion.

And the celebs in attendance understood the style assignment, most of them sporting vintage looks from the elegant German-born designer – or silhouettes that reflected his aesthetic.

Rihanna was cloaked in white Valentino, with airy camellias – the flower synonymous with Chanel –adorning the hood of her cape. Her white fingerless gloves mirrored those favored by Lagerfeld. Underneath? A sexy fitted white gown with spaghetti straps. The singer, who is pregnant with her second child, told reporters on the red carpet she was “feeling

good” as she entered the venue hours later than most guests.

“It feels amazing. I’m happy to be a dad,” said her partner, rapper ASAP Rocky, when asked about the impending arrival of their new child.

Williams timed the announcement of her second pregnancy with the event, writing on Instagram: “Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala” – meaning her, her husband Alexis Ohanian, and their new child. AFP

The cast of ‘It’s Showtime’

‘It’s Showtime’ returns to original timeslot with high spirits and enthusiasm

IT’S Showtime hosts delivered explosive performances as the noontime show returned to its 12:00 noon timeslot on Monday, May 1. Vice Ganda expressed gratitude to the viewers for their unwavering support and prayers, as their desire to return to the noon time slot was finally granted.

The comedian acknowledged that the fans’ fervent prayers and requests played a crucial role in making this happen. Many fans expressed their longing for longer airtime and missed the show’s previous format. Vice Ganda hopes that the fans won’t be disappointed and that this muchawaited return to the noon time slot will fulfill their wishes.

In the same episode, Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Karylle, Kim Chiu, Ogie Alcasid, Ryan Bang, Amy Perez, Ion Perez, Jackie Gonzaga, Jugs Jugueta, Teddy Corpuz, Cianne Dominguez, MC, and Lassy were joined by the past contestants, and winners of its hit segments, “Miss Q &A,” “Reina ng

Tahanan,” “Showtime Sexy Babe,” “Tawag ng Tanghalan” as well as the ‘Batang Cute-po’ of “Isip Bata” and members of Hashtags Apart from the new timeslot, the show also announced changes in “Isip Bata,” wherein P25,000 will be added to the pot money of the next game if the contestant fails to win the current jackpot prize.

“The Unkabogable” star also launched her new single, “Rampa,” while the semifinals of the country’s longest-running singing competition, “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” has also started. See who among the 12 semifinalists will reach the ‘Huling Tapatan’ on Saturday (May 6).

Meanwhile, netizens expressed their delight over the show’s new timeslot the hashtag #ItsTimeforShowtimetrended worldwide.

It’s Showtime now airs at 12:00 noon on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, and Facebook page, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV.

Erehwon’s ‘Amon Banwa’ tackles foreign threats to Philippine islands

EREHWON Center for the Arts’ will show its first full-length feature film, Amon Banwa sa Lawud, in a gala preview at Areté, the creative and innovation hub of Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, on May 5.

Areté provided a venue grant in support of the film’s message of a people fighting to preserve their environment, and the cultural and traditions that have been embedded in their fishing community. The film focuses on the famed mangrove island of Suyac in the Visayas, and how its residents’ lives and livelihood are threatened by the incursions of large, foreign vessels.

This is multi-awarded film and theater director Anton Juan’s independent film, which has an international title of Our Island of the Mangrove Moons. Most of the film’s cast and production crew are actual residents of Suyac Island and Sagay City, highlighting the reality of the story and the imminence of tragedy in their lives. The dialogue is in Hiligaynon with English subtitles. Anton Juan devised the screenplay from Onofre Pagsanghan’s Filipino adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town (1938) by Thornton Wilder. By putting the narratives in the modern-day period, the screenplay is able to weave personal memories from the island and the shared experiences of the Filipino people into Wilder’s themes of life, death, and the

afterlife, and finally, carve a foreboding image of what is to come.

“I hope that this [the film’s plot] never happens,” Juan ruminates with much anxiety. He dedicates the film: “For my nation, lest histories be erased.” Suyac Island’s Mangrove Eco Park is the site of one of the world’s oldest and biggest species of mangroves. When Typhoon Yolanda hit in 2013, Suyac’s mangroves became the people’s most reliable protection. What if, one day, the mangroves can no longer exist to tell their stories?

Alden Richards (left) and Julia Montes team up for the first time in ‘Five Break-ups’

US actor Jared Leto as Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat Choupette at the Met Gala

Rihanna made an entrance–a very late one–at the Met Gala

A wedding scene in ‘Amon Banwa sa Lawud’

Rosario

By Joyce Babe Pañares

THE Gateway Gallery’s Coming to Fore exhibit has recently concluded, but its impact lingers on in the minds of those who were able to behold the stunning display of ingenuity and artistry.

Romina Batino-Stiffler and Mierro Castrillo ’s masterpieces captured the essence of their respective crafts and brought them to the forefront of contemporary art. The exhibition was a testament to the transformative power of creativity, leaving a lasting impression on all who experienced it.

Romina, an artist who found her

Coming to Fore: A display of artistry and ingenuity

passion for art at the age of 50, is a firm believer that our interests and fascinations are linked to our true purpose. She inspires others to explore their artistic abilities and take risks to follow their dreams fearlessly. Some of Romina’s works that has captured attention is her carwash

series, which reveals stunning images of her window during a carwash. Her innovative approach to art and eye for capturing beauty in unexpected places has won her the admiration of many.

Romina’s works will be featured in January 2024 as the highlight artist of the month at the Trumbull Art Gallery

in Warren, Ohio, and those interested in learning more about her artwork and contacting her can visit roamingromina.

art The exhibit likewise featured a remarkable display of sculptures by Mierro Castrillo , a talented sculptor who imbues his personal history and

By Patricia Taculao

IN the dictionary, the word expat (short for expatriate) refers to people living outside their native country, often for work or retirement, permanently or temporarily. Although leaving home can send people trembling with the idea that they’re leaving their comfort zone, there are opportunities beyond for those who find the courage to escape their boxes.

Jovelle Fernandez, a multiawarded healthcare executive with over three decades of experience in clinical practice, academia, and the biotech/pharma industry, is an expat herself. Besides the benefits from work, leaving the Philippines opened a new journey for her and her family as they encountered numerous experiences that made them grow as individuals.

growth into every piece he creates. Visitors were quick to notice the subtle nuances in his works and showered him with positive feedback, a gesture that Mierro was deeply appreciative of. With hopes of inspiring and provoking thought in his audience, Mierro strives to continue exploring the diversity of his talent and creating larger, more unified sculptures that are uniquely his own. Those interested in viewing more of Mierro’s works or contacting him can visit the Castrillo Legacy Art Studio Inc. Facebook page. Coming to Fore ran from March 18 to April 2, at the Gateway Gallery in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City.

Theater

The 12 ‘Virgins’

SO, what’s new with this year’s Virgin Labfest, the country’s biggest theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays?

A lot, apparently.

Established in 2005, the theater festival turns 18 this year. It’s slated from June 7 to 25, at its brandnew home, the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).

The festival returned last year with onstage performances, following two online editions in 2020 and 2021. In 2020, VLF spearheaded a new way of presenting and staging live theater using modern technology. In 2021, the festival prioritized the educational components, with flashbacks of previous plays.

For 2023, a new chapter unfolds with 12 new “virgin” plays, categorized into four thematic setsAdulting 101 (Set A), REBELasyon (Set B), Y.O.LO. (Set C) and Muwang (Set D).

Set A: Adulting 101 features

O by Raymund Barcelon, to be directed by Missy Maramara;

Regine: The Fairy Gaymother by Chuck D. Smith collaborating with director Mark Daniel Dalacat and 10 To Midnight by playwright

Juliene Mendoza and director

Sarah Facuri

Set B: REBELasyon is composed of Ang Awit ng Dalagang Marmol by playwright Andrew Estacio and director Nazer Salcedo; Dominador

Gonzales: National Artist by playwright Dingdong Novenario and director George De Jesus; and Tuloy Ang Palaba by playwright

Layeta Bucoy and director Tuxqs

Rutaquio Set C: Y.O.L.O. brings to the stage Room 209 by playwright Zheg Arban to be directed by Delphine Buencamino; Hukay by playwright Ophalain Margaux Serrano and director Melvin Lee; and Mga Halimaw

Rin Kami by playwright Jules Pamisa

and director Tat Soriano

Plays in Set D: Muwang

are: Hawaii, Here We Come! by playwright Shenn Apilado, directed by Mark Mirando; O’Donnell by playwright Jerry O’Hara and director Issa Manalo Lopez; and Ang Tuyom by playwright Marjay Manalastas and director Gio Potes

Three plays from the 2022 edition of the theater festival will be revisited in Set E: Hinog, comprised of Nay May Dala Akong Pansit by playwright Juan Ekis and director Karl Jingco; Punks Not Dead by playwright Andrew Bonifacio Clete and director Roobak Valle, and Fermata by playwright Dustin Celestino and director Antonette Go-Yadao

After three years, the staged readings make a comeback. There will be back-to-basics reading performances of selected scripts from the VLF18 submissions. For Staged Reading Set 1, My Lover’s Presscon by playwright Ross Manicad and director Katreen Dela Cruz backto-back with Kamay Ng Orasan by playwright Marc Noesis Marquez and director Eljay Castro Deldoc

Set 2 of Staged Readings features

Sino Ang Pumatay Kay Mr. Masangkay?

by playwright U Z. Eliserio and director Rolando T. Inocencio, and TBT: Takbo, Batang Tondo from playwright Mikaella Yoj B. Sanchez and director Chic San

Agustin

Of course, the educational components remain. Theater Talks features speakers on topics of interest to theater actors, practitioners, and enthusiasts. Young and veteran playwrights share their experiences and writing journey at Playwrights’ Fair. The Staged Readings, Theater Talks, and Playwrights’ Fair are free to the public and will be held at the VLF Lounge in the TIG Basement.

Following the theme “Hitik,” VLF fans can expect new and exciting collaborations with veteran and virgin directors, designers, and actors, as well as brave new works overflowing with Filipino sensibilities and creativity.

With festival directors Tess Jamias and Marco Viaña, VLF is a collaborative project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Writer’s Bloc, and Tanghalang Pilipino.

For tickets and other inquiries, get in touch with the CCP Box Office at salesandpromotions@ culturalcenter.gov.ph. Follow the official CCP, VLF, Writer’s Bloc, and Tanghalang Pilipino social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok for more updates.

She learned life lessons from traveling and working abroad that impacted her. Now, she hopes to share these gems of advice through her new book, The Expat During an exclusive interview with Manila Standard, Fernandez shared that being an expat can feel like being a fish out of water because of the unfamiliarity of new places. But in her book’s introduction, she shares how she “had an insatiable appetite that there was something out there bigger than the pond I was swimming in.”

Fernandez has been in five countries throughout her life: the Philippines, Japan, the U.S.A., Singapore, and Belgium. Besides navigating through new environments, Fernandez faced challenges in living and working as a foreigner in academia, a male-dominated society, and the corporate world. All while juggling the demands of work and family as a mother and wife.

As a woman, her colleagues in the industry described her as “The Velvet

Hammer.” It was a defining term for Fernandez because it showed her grace and strength as a leader. She named Chapter Ten of The Expat after the moniker.

She recalls in the chapter how people how instead of using derogatory terms to chastise her team, Fernandez has a way of communicating that’s gentle yet effective. It enabled her to tell others that besides concentrating on work, they should also learn to focus on their well-being and other priorities to optimize their performances.

“The Velvet Hammer” shows that Fernandez can empathetically lead others while being strict. After all, the modern woman should not be afraid to have it all while empowering others to achieve their goals.

Within the 12 chapters of The Expat, Fernandez has vibrant descriptions of her encounters across the five countries she visited. She also drops detailed explanations, allowing readers to learn more about the areas she visited while feeling they were there with her. It also opens readers’ eyes to situations across the globe that modern, popular media doesn’t often show.

Yet despite Fernandez’s description as an expat, she admits that some Filipinos can feel like they’re in over their heads inside their homeland. Although frustrating, she encourages them to leverage the power of technology and other available resources as the stepping stone toward taking the first step outside their comfort zones.

Leaving is never easy, but sometimes, it paves the way for even greater things. Grab a copy of The Expat on Amazon or Central Books to learn more about Jovelle’s story.

Jovelle Fernandez is a multi-awarded healthcare executive

The life of an ‘expat,’ as told by a healthcare executive

‘The Expat’ is available in the Philippines via Central Books

The artists of ‘Coming to Fore’ with their mothers,

Batino and Rosa Anna Castrillo

Castrillo’s Sculpture, ‘Nung ‘Sang Sabado,’ and Batino’s photograph, ‘Urban’

Mierro Castrillo (left) and Romina Batino during the Artists Reception at the Gateway Gallery Araneta City in Quezon City

The facade of the CCP Black Box