Manila Standard - 2023 May 4 - Thursday

POE SEEKS PROBE ON PANAY ISLAND POWER CRISIS

‘We’ll have your back in SCS’

Pentagon chief tells PBBM amid new PH-US defense guidelines

By Vince Lopez

WASHINGTON

The United States

“will always have the Philippines’ back” in the South China Sea or elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

“So make no mistake Mr. President, we will always have your back in the South China Sea or elsewhere in the region,” Austin said to Mr. Marcos, who met with the top American defense officials at The Pentagon, the US Defense Department’s headquarters.

The US and the Philippines are also moving toward real-time sharing of military information and greater coordination to guard against any coercive behavior by China in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, according to a fact sheet released by the Pentagon.

The fact sheet covered the US-Philippine defense cooperation guidelines Wednesday after US President Joe Biden and Mr. Marcos adopted them following their meeting at the White House this week.

In reply to Austin, President Marcos said that the background “of the strengthening relationship between our

LONG-STANDING ALLIES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is welcomed by

Wednesday evening (Manila time).

100 Chinese ships continue to swarm Julian Felipe Reef—PCG

By Charles Dantes and Rey E. Requejo

A WEEK after they were first spotted, over 100 suspected Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels were still an-

chored in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Wednesday. In a public briefing, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela said the CMM ships have

US trip yields over $1.1b in investment pledges

By Vince Lopez and Othel V. Campos

AMERICAN companies—including those involved in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, solar power and busi

ness process outsourcing--committed to invest more than $1.1 billion in the Philippines and told visiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. they were eager to tap the country’s “critical mix of talent and global business service expertise.”

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Executives from pharmaceutical and biotechnology leader Moderna, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, told President Marcos they intended to set up a vaccine-making facility in the

been sighted in the Julian Felipe Reef since April 22.

“There are still more than 100 Chinese maritime militia in Julian Felipe (Reef),” Tarriela said.

Mr. Marcos, delegation off to London today for coronation of King Charles

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their family are leaving the United States today to proceed to London for the Grand Coronation of Britain’s King Charles III slated on May 6, joining other world leaders and dignitaries.

The First Family’s trip, following the President’s five-day official visit to the US, is in response to the invitation sent by the United Kingdom to Mr. Marcos

as relayed by UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils.

In a statement, Malacañan Palace confirmed the President had accepted the invitation for his attendance at the coronation of the new British sovereign. It was still unclear at presstime who in the presidential entourage to the US would accompany the Marcoses to London as well.

The coronation will be held at Westminster Abbey on Saturday (Sunday in

4 million kilos of smuggled sugar to be sold cheap at Kadiwa stores

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

AT LEAST 4,000 metric tons or 4 million kilos of seized smuggled sugar were approved to be sold at Kadiwa outlets at a cheaper price, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said on Wednesday. At the televised public briefing, SRA

acting administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the sugar will be sold at P70 per kilo.

“We still have an additional 6,000 MT confiscated sugar. Hopefully, it will also be released once it is proven safe and approved for sale, for donation to Kadiwa,” he added.

Brace for new heat records: UN raises alert on El Niño by July DILG chief to name high-level ninja cops

By Joel E. Zurbano and Charles Dantes

INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said Wednesday he is set to reveal the names of resigned police generals and colonels who are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug trade. “Just wait. It’s now with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and I, myself sit there as the chairman. With me is the new chief of PNP, Gen. (Benjamin) Acorda, and our vice chairman (Alberto) Bernardo and there are other commissioners. We are going to make a statement. Just give us about probably two days so we can cover all the legalities. When we make a statement, we want to make sure that everything is really airtight,”

THE United Nations warned Wednesday of a growing likelihood the weather phenomenon El Nino will develop in coming months, fueling higher global temperatures and possibly new heat records.

The UN’s World Meteorological Organization said it now estimated there was a 60-percent chance that El Nino would develop by the end of July, and an 80-percent chance it would do so by the end of September.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at the Pentagon late

The 9Philippine leader is accorded full military honors, including a 21-gun salute. Mr. Marcos is joined by Speaker Martin Romualdez and Defense OIC Carlito Galvez Jr. in his meeting with Austin.

SIGNIFICANT GAINS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and members of his delegation secures over $1.1 billion in investment pledges during his meeting with several business groups at Blair House in Washington DC.

two countries, strengthening what is already has begun, is a longstanding and very robust relationship that we have developed over the many years.”

Mr. Marcos also looked forward to “a very bright future between the Philippines and the United States.”

“And so, Mr. Secretary, I look forward… to a future that is founded on the long experience, and as you say, friendship and familial relationship because the people-to-people exchanges between our two countries have been ongoing at this very level,” he said.

Mr. Marcos is in the US for a fourdays official working visit in which he met his American counterpart and discussed national and regional matters.

The rare visit by a foreign leader to the US Department of Defense indicates the urgency and resolve of both sides to increase defense cooperation.

Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder stressed in a news briefing Tuesday that Washington and Manila are “standing at a transformational moment,” adding that Austin and Mr. Marcos discussed “a wide range of security topics” including expansion of operational cooperation in the South China Sea.

According to the fact sheet, the guidelines are intended to “foster a common understanding of roles, missions, and capabilities within the framework of the alliance to face regional and global security challenges.”

Washington and Manila agreed to conclude by the end of 2023 an intelsharing framework, known as a General Security of Military Information Agreement, when they held a two-plustwo meeting of foreign affairs and defense leaders – Austin and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken with Philippines Defense OIC Carlito Galvez and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo -- in April.

The GSOMIA is meant to exchange sophisticated military intelligence in a timely manner, and the two sides are expected to finalize details of the agreement in working-level talks.

In the South China Sea, Chinese Coast Guard ships have continued aggressive maneuvers in the Spratly Islands around Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, where both Beijing and Manila claim sovereignty.

A better understanding of the locations and movements of Chinese ships gleaned through real-time intelligence sharing would help the Philippines safely execute resupply missions to the naval ship BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to reinforce Manila’s territorial claims.

The US and the Philippines will work to enhance maritime and security awareness in the South China Sea by conducting “combined maritime activities” such as joint patrols. A senior US defense official told

The United States has urged China to respect freedom of navigation and honor the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Nikkei Asia in a report that “we think preserving their rights to operate within an EEZ [exclusive economic zone] in accordance with international laws is something that’s really important.”

Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, also accused Beijing of repeated interdictions of Philippine ships operating in Manila’s EEZ during a recent interview with Nikkei.

Paparo issued warnings to China that US Navy ships “stand ready” to support the Philippine operations with an eye on potential collisions between Beijing and Manila.

The defense guidelines direct the US and Philippine militaries to increase interoperability across land, sea, air, space, and the cyber domain. They will intensify efforts to tackle gray zone operations and irregular warfare.

China is consolidating effective control over the South China Sea by deploying militia groups and civilian ships so as not to go beyond the threshold of military confrontation.

the South China Sea and to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling which of course is binding on both parties.”

Manila), the Presidential Communications Office said.

The PCO said Mr. Marcos and the First Lady accepted the invitation of the Master of the Household, upon command of His Majesty, to a reception at Buckingham Palace on May 5 ahead of the coronation of King Charles and Her Majesty the Queen Consort, Camilla Parker-Bowles.

A trip to Indonesia soon follows for Mr. Marcos as he attends the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

The trip slated from May 10 to 11 is upon the invitation of ASEAN chair Indonesian President Joko Widodo, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The Palace has yet to release the list of the people who will be accompanying the President and the First Lady to the UK.

“This will change the weather and climate patterns worldwide,” Wilfran Moufouma Okia, head of WMO’s regional climate prediction services division, told reporters in Geneva.

El Nino, which is a naturally occurring climate pattern typically associated with increased heat worldwide, as well as drought in some parts of the world and heavy rains elsewhere, last occurred in 2018-19.

Since 2020 though, the world has been hit with an exceptionally long La Nina -- El Nino’s cooling opposite -which ended earlier this year, ceding way to the current neutral conditions.

And yet, the UN has said the last eight years were the warmest ever recorded, despite La Nina’s cooling effect stretching over nearly half that period.

Without that weather phenomenon, the warming situation could have been even worse.

Global heating spikes likely

La Nina “acted as a temporary brake on global temperature increase,” WMO chief Petteri Taalas said in a statement.

Now, he said, “the world should prepare for the development of El Nino.”

The expected arrival of the warming climate pattern, he said, “will most likely lead to a new spike in global heating and increase the chance of breaking temperature records.”

At this stage, there is no indication of the strength or duration of the looming El Nino.

The last one was considered very weak, but the one before that, between 2014 and 2016, was considered among the strongest ever, with dire consequences.

WMO pointed out that 2016 was “the warmest year on record because of the ‘double whammy’ of a very powerful El Nino event and human-induced warming from greenhouse gases”.

Since the El Nino effect on global temperatures usually plays out the year after it emerges, the impact will likely be most apparent in 2024, it said.

“We are expecting in the coming two years to have a serious increase in the global temperatures,” Okia said.

More extreme weather

Taalas highlighted that the expected arrival of El Nino could have some positive effects, pointing out that it “might bring respite from the drought in the Horn of Africa and other La Nina-related impacts”.

But it “could also trigger more extreme weather and climate events” he said, stressing the need for effective early warning systems “to keep people safe.”

No two El Nino events are the same and their effects depend, in part, on the time of year, WMO said, adding that it and national meteorological services would be closely monitoring developments.

The climate pattern occurs on average every two to seven years, and usually lasts nine to 12 months.

It is typically associated with warming ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

Increased rainfall is usually seen in parts of southern South America, the southern United States, the Horn of Africa and central Asia, while severe droughts can occur over Australia, Indonesia and parts of southern Asia.

During summer in the northern hemisphere, El Nino’s warm water can also fuel hurricanes in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, while hindering hurricane formations in the Atlantic Basin, WMO said. AFP, Rio N. Araja

Two Chinese coast guard ships roaming in Ayungin Shoal since April 23 were still lingering in the area.

The PCG reported on April 28 the sighting of more than 100 militia ships during their weeklong maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG said Chinese vessels were showing aggressive tactics through radio challenges asking Philippine patrol vessels to leave several times and executing dangerous maneuvers that led to a near collision between a PCG ship and a Chinese coast guard vessel.

In July 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated the nine-dash claims of China covering the entire South China Sea and recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the area within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Beijing has been ignoring the international ruling and deployed hundreds of militia vessels to harass local fishermen and other boats.

US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Kritenbrink expressed Washington’s deep concern on China’s “continued intimidation and harassment of Philippine vessels” after its coast guard once again made a dangerous maneuver against its Filipino counterpart.

On April 19 and 23, Chinese vessels had blocked the path of Philippine vessels on patrol mission in the Ayungin Shoal, which led to a near collision between the two ships.

During an online press conference on Wednesday morning (Manila time), Kritenbrink said that such actions and behavior were “truly unacceptable” and the US “will continue to track and monitor those interactions.”

“The best way to prevent such instances in the future would be for the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to make a commitment to uphold the rulesbased international order,” Kritenbrink said.

The US official also called on Beijing to respect the “freedom of navigation in

fineries or azucarera had already sold their supply to traders, and that according to former SRA Administrator Rafael Coscolluela, this should have lowered the cost of sugar from P86 to P90 per kilo.

Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros slammed those behind the spike in sugar price to P136 per kilo as “robbing the consumers.”

She said Malacanang, the Department of Agriculture, and SRA’s Azcona should know the reason for the spike since “they created the sugar cartel.”

“This is not just ‘tubong lugaw’ (profit far exceeding investment) but outright robbery of consumers across the country who are being forced to carry this with the help of corruption and mismanagement,” Hontiveros said.

The senator said the local sugar re-

Abalos told reporters.

“I just want to assure the public there is really a house cleansing but we also want to make sure we really observe all the legalities here,” he added.

In January, Abalos called for the courtesy resignation of full colonels and generals as part of the government’s efforts to cleanse the ranks and get rid of “bad eggs” within the PNP.

The five-man panel tasked to evaluate the resigned police officials already completed its work.

Earlier reports said the team recom-

And since 170,000 metric tons of sugar from All Asian Countertrade, Sucden Philippines and Edison Lee Marketing have entered the market, Hontiveros said sugar can be sold in the market at P70 per kilo without losses for retailers.

“So instead of the price of sugar going down, why the increase?” she asked, while lambasting the additional P40 to P60 passed on to Filipinos.

“It appears that retailers, food producers, traders, wholesalers and the market are taking their cues from the favored importers and their irregularities,” the

mended filing cases against four ranking police officials.

There were also reports quoting former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. that the four officials are two generals and two colonels.

The four were included in the 36 remaining officials that will undergo further review by Napolcom.

Abalos initiated the PNP “house cleansing” amid reports of the return of so-called “ninja cops” in the police force, who make money by reselling confiscated drugs. The DILG chief said there is a need to take a radical approach versus illegal drugs by cleansing the PNP because it is unfair to the majority of the police of-

that offered shared services with Moderna but they have chosen the Philippines as the “perfect location” for their third shared service facility in the world.

“We again call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct,” Kritenbrink said.

He said the US would continue regularly operating in the contested waterway to “demonstrate the principle that all countries should be able to, or are able to fly, sail and operate anywhere where international law allows.”

With a strengthened military alliance between Washington and Manila, the US official also said it was “somewhat puzzling” for China to claim that the Western giant is dragging Manila into conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

Kritenbrink emphasized that the US and the Philippines “share vision for a peaceful and stable region,” so it is concerning for him why China would make such a claim.

“We support the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose unilateral efforts to change the status quo by either side and we insist that cross-strait differences be resolved peacefully,” he said.

senator added. Wholesalers, she said, may be aligning their price offers with those of the cartel.

Hontiveros said food producers, traders and retailers were forced to buy sugar even at high prices “because there’s no other source.”

They are also fearful of running out of stocks “because rumors are rife that Sucden (Philippines Inc., an importer and distributor) does not have enough capital to import the 100,000 metric tons assigned to them,” she added.

“Are retail price controls the solution? Not if they’re not the ones who padded the unbelievably high prices. This would probably result in a greater lack of supply of sugar in our retail markets,” the senator said.

ficers who are putting their lives on the line everyday to combat illegal drugs while some of their bosses in the organization are behind the illegal drug trade.

“Many policemen risk their own lives to suppress illegal drugs, but their boss is their enemy. It is very unfair to the majority of our police force who work honestly,” he said.

In October last year, anti-narcotics agents seized more than 900 kilos of shabu worth about P6.7 billion in Tondo, Manila from a suspected drug pusher, which also resulted in the arrest of a police officer. The police officer was identified as Ney Saligumba Atadero, 50.

Atadero later told investigators that more

and the third in the world following Poland and the United States.

It is expected to employ about 50 health professionals.

According to Philippine Ambassador to the UK Teodoro Locsin Jr., President Marcos personally knew King Charles during his early adulthood, and they even had a chance to play polo together.

Charles became king when his mother Queen Elizabeth II died last September 8. He also took over as head of state of 14 Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Charles Philip Arthur George chose his regnant name Charles III following his ascension to the throne. His mother Queen Elizabeth was the longest-reigning British monarch, which also made him the longest-serving Prince of Wales.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is eager to meet President Marcos at the coronation, Ambassador Beaufils said on Tuesday.

The British envoy said they were working on setting up a meeting between the two leaders on Saturday, the day of the coronation, but nothing had been finalized.

“We hope so. The Prime Minister said that he would very much like to meet President Marcos so we’re in the process of trying to make that happen. We very much hope that the meeting will take place Saturday and we think it’s likely to take place on Saturday,” she added.

In a media briefing on Friday, Angelito Nayan, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the DFA-Office of ASEAN Affairs, said Mr. Marcos is expected to “assert the importance of demonstrating ASEAN centrality in the region amid geopolitical rivalries.”

The Chief Executive is also seen to advance the Philippines’ priorities in ASEAN by boosting cooperation in various areas such as food and energy security, economic recovery, and protection of migrant workers, among others.

“One of the important outcomes of this summit is the leaders’ declaration on combatting trafficking in persons caused by the use and misuse of technology,” Nayan said.

illegal drugs were stored at a lending company office in Sta. Cruz, also in Manila.

The team came up with a follow up operation and discovered that another police officer assigned to the PNP Drug Enforcement Group’s Special Operations Unit in the National Capital Region was also involved.

Azurin confirmed in a message that the five-man panel had recommended the filing of charges against the two generals and two colonels

“We recommended it. And hopefully, chief PNP (Benjamin) Acorda will sustain our efforts on this,” said Azurin. Azurin added that the next step would rest on how the Napolcom would act on the panel’s recommendations.

ued to increase the level of technology that’s been introduced, and are setting up a 300-mm Center of Excellence in Cavite, which is doing all of the company’s wafer programs.

Philippines during a meeting with Filipino officials at Blair House in Washington DC.

Moderna Chief Commercial Officer Arpa Garay and Senior Vice President and General Manager Patrick Bergstedt said they are set to establish a shared service facility, their third in the world.

Garay said the shared service in the Philippines will serve the entire Asia Pacific Region. She underscored they want to explore further the successful public-private partnership between the Philippine government and Moderna.

“We are really excited to have selected the Philippines for the third one primarily because you know the capabilities exist. We have the talent that exists, and we know that the partnership will be one that can be beneficial for both Moderna and the Philippines,” Garay said. Bergstedt said there are other countries

Moderna was among the pharmaceutical companies that pioneered the production of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which were distributed to the Philippines at the height of the pandemic.

Marcos met with the Moderna executives on Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday, Manila time) at the Blair House in Washington DC along with former president and now Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and DTI Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo were also present during the meeting. Once operational, it will be Moderna’s only shared service facility in Asia

“We are pleased to expand our footprint into the Philippines by establishing an enterprise solutions hub and commercial operations,” Moderna Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel said in announcing the investment plan.

“The Philippines has a critical mix of talent and global business service expertise, which makes it an excellent location to scale efficiently and provide regional support.”

Moderna plans to begin operations in the Philippines in the second or third quarter of 2023.

At the same time, the President welcomed the plan of Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) to invest $200 million to build a new R&D facility to add to its semiconductor plant in the Gateway Business Park in Cavite.

During a meeting with the President, ADI executives said they have contin-

Established in 1965, ADI is a global semiconductor leader.

In August 2021, ADI announced the completion of its acquisition of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., strengthening its position as a high-performance analog semiconductor company.

ADI’s Philippine counterpart, Analog Devices General Trias, Inc. (ADGTI), engages in the manufacture, assembly, testing and inspection of semiconductor devices.

As of 2022, ADGTI has 5,252 employees, with a total of $394.39 million worth of exports for the same year.

Solar company Maxeon, meanwhile, said it will invest some $900 million (P49.8 billion) in solar energy in the Philippines, while American health care services provider Optum will invest some P800 million in medical business process outsourcing (BPO) in the Philippines.

Senate inclined to grant P1b for NAIA gensets

By Macon

Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz, Alena Mae S. Flores

SENATORS appeared to favorably consider a request by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for P1billion for the procurement of power generators to serve as power supply backup for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Meanwhile, Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto sought a top-to-bottom checkup of the NAIA.

In a related development, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) asserted that deploying additional generator sets at the NAIA may not be the best idea to end the recurrent power outages at the country’s premier international airport.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the government should provide the MIAA the funds needed by the airports.

“Kung anong pondo kailangan, dapat ibigay,” he stressed.

He said an airport is an essential and strategic facility of the country.

Zubiri earlier asked Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista for a “wish list” to be included in the 2024 budget.

Senate Finance committee chairman Juan Edgardo Angara said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should include the airport’s budget when they for inclusion in the proposed General Appropriations Act to be submitted to Malacanang.

Angara described the airports as a “crucial infrastructures.”

For her part, Senate public services committee chairperson Grace Poe said an extra P1- billion was necessary to provide backup

power to the airports. She said this could be subsidized through the budget’s unprogrammed funds, or even through the revolving funds from airport operations.

“But the question is- if they knew that the existing backup power can only support 30 percent of the terminals’ power requirement, why did they not propose to procure back-up generators during our budget hearings last year? “ Poe inquired.

“Clearly, they have been remiss in their duties by not proposing an upgraded back-up system,” she pointed out.

She recalled there was a full electrical audit conducted in 2017.

“We would like to know, what were the recommendations?” Poe said.

Why did past and present NAIA administrations fail to comply with the recommended upgrades,” she added.

In seeking the complete checkup of the NAIA, Recto cited the eight-hour power outage that struck facility last, May 1, causing the delay or cancelation of dozens of flights.

“According to the DOTr (Department of Transportation), the NAIA will undergo an electrical system audit. If there are many ailments, why not make it a complete check-up so that we’ll come up with the right cure?,” Recto said.

CA bars opening of five roads in BF P’que to public

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has sustained its earlier decision barring the opening of five gates of the BF Homes in Parañaque to the public.

In a 14-page resolution, the CA’s Former Ninth Division denied the motion for reconsideration filed by respondents Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) and several individuals seeking the reversal of its October 20, 2022 decision which overturned and set aside a ruling of the HSAC ordering the BF Federation of Homeowners’ Associations Inc. (BFFHAI) to open the gates

INTERNATIONAL AID FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY.

South Korea and the United States put together a $2-million (roughly P111.5 million) partnership program meant to boost the climate resiliency of six cities in the Philippines. Photo shows Eunsub Kim, country director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency, and Ryan Washburn, mission director of the Unites States Agency for International Development-Philippines after sealing the accord.

and allow the entry of vehicles on Aguirre Avenue, Elizalde Street, El Grande Avenue, Concha Cruz Street and Tropical Street in the BF Homes subdivisions, and to stop imposing entry fees on utility and delivery service providers.

In its appeal, the respondents assailed the CA’s decision as illegal as it amended a previous ruling of the appellate court issued on November 16, 1999 which upheld the local government of Paranaque’s reclassification of the El Grande Avenue and Aguirre Avenue as “commercial areas.”

They asserted that declaring the said roads as “commercial areas,” vir-

USAID, DILG join hands in PH drug drive

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strengthen the community-based drug rehabilitation (CBDR) and the agency’s anti-illegal drug program dubbed “Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Iwasan” (BIDA).

“As we continue to roll out the BIDA program in various sectors nationwide, I am very pleased to have the support of international agencies such as USAID. We thank USAID for sharing our vision and helping in our efforts to rehabilitate persons who use drugs and combating illegal drugs in the communities,” said DILG

Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., during Wednesday’s signing of the accord in Cubao, Quezon City.

The partnership included the turnover of various CBDR materials and learning modules of the USAID RenewHealth to the DILG as part of the anti-drug program for distribution to local governments units. According to Abalos, the collaboration aims to carry out various drug-demand activities such as ensuring access to evidence-based and culturally appropriate tools that support the implementation of the CBDR; dissemination of research and best practices of the CBDR, substance use prevention and re-integration program; and capacity-building for CBDR program managers and service providers of local government units.

BI nabs American fugitive in Palawan

IMMIGRATION agents have arrested an American fugitive allegedly wanted in Florida for racketeering and financial fraud.

The American, identified as Rick Lee Crosby Jr., was nabbed inPuerto Princesa City, Palawan by operatives from the BI’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

BI chief Norman Tansingco said Crosby would be immediately sent back to the US as he was already ordered deported by the agency last December.

Cosby’s name was already included

in the immigration blacklist, thus banning him from re-entering the Philippines. The American was detained at the National Bureau of Investigation in Puerto Princesa prior to his transfer to the BI’s detention facility in Taguig City.

BI-FSU acting chief Rendel Ryan Sy said Crosby has been on the wanted list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since April 2020 when he was issued an arrest warrant by the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County Florida. Vito Barcelo

tually made these thoroughfares public in nature.

Besides, the respondents maintained that the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction by the HSAC to enjoin BFFHAI from requiring car stickers before allowing the entry of vehicles on the subject roads was justified.

They insisted that the subject roads should be opened because these are being maintained using public funds and that BFFHAI has no authority to sell car stickers.

But the CA held that El Grande and Aguirre avenues remained to be private properties despite their reclassification as commercial areas.

Poe seeks probe on Visayas power crisis; Zubiri favors EPIRA rewrite

SENATOR Grace Poe seeks an inquiry into the power outages plaguing Panay Island for years now to identify measures that would ensure continuous supply to consumers.

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called on the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to solve the power crisis in the Visayas, even as he expressed openness to amend the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act) if needed.

In another development, Aboitiz Power Corp. said it expected power supply to remain thin, but denied a possible power crisis even as demand continues to go up due to economic rebound.

Poe filed Senate Resolution No. 579, saying it is time to put in place a “longterm solution to the power woes which have been severely impacting on the daily lives of residents and economic activities in the region.”

US, Korea raise $2m for climate resiliency projects in 6 PH cities

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have forged an agreement to grant $2 million (P 111.5 million) to boost the climate resiliency capacities of six Philippine cities.

Through this funding, KOICA will provide technical assistance for the implementation of the USAID’s fiveyear, P 836.5 million Climate Resilient Cities Project covering Batangas, Borongan, Cotabato, Iloilo, Legazpi, and Zamboanga.

KOICA’s participation will enhance the capacity of the six cities to develop guidelines for and use climate adaptation technology.

More than 180 Philippine officials and stakeholders will also be invited to take part in capacity-building programs organized in the Philippines and Korea.

The USAID and KOICA will also support the six local government units and other stakeholders to more effectively disseminate climate-related information to local communities; increase access to climate financing for economic and social development; and promote natural climate solutions that strengthen cities’ resilience to climate change.

“Recurring power interruptions and massive blackouts should not be a way of life for our people in Panay Island,” the chairperson of the Senate committee on public services said. She said concerned agencies must get a handle on the problem to end the intolerable suffering of the residents. Poe stressed the need to determine the root cause of the distribution problems reported by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) allegedly due to the tripping of distribution utilities (DUs).

At the same time, the inquiry should delve into the position of electric cooperatives in Panay and Negros pointing to the NGCP as the cause of the problem, Poe said.

An electric cooperative cited a voltage fluctuation and frequency imbalance in the power lines under the management of the NGCP. Macon Ramos-Araneta, Alena Mae S. Flores

DOJ approves filing of 17 tax cases against QC-based publishing firm

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of 17 tax cases against the Quezon City-based Vibal Group, including its chief executive officer, for alleged violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC).

The DOJ said it issued a resolution indicting Vibal Group, Inc., along with its CEO Kristine Mandigma, and controller Maricel Villas, for violation of Sections 254 (Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax), and 255 (Failure to File Return, Supply Correct and Accurate Information, Pay Tax, Withhold and Remit Tax and Refund Excess Taxes Withheld on Compensation), in relation to Section 253(d) and Section 256 of the NIRC of 1997.

The DOJ said the cases will be filed before the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City.

The Vibal Group’s core businesses included publishing, printing, systems integration, and technology solutions specialized for education, government, and private enterprise.

“It was discovered that respondent did not pay withholding tax on compensation from March to September 2021, expanded withholding tax from January to September 2021 and final withholding tax on income for the period January to March 2021,” the DOJ said, citing the resolution rendered by the DOJ prosecutors.

“While Vibal group, Inc. filed its returns, it did not pay the taxes,” it added.

The DOJ noted that the Bureau of Internal Revenue sent a collection notice to Vibal Group with an attached list of returns filed without corresponding payments and demanded the immediate settlement of the taxes within ten days from the receipt.

But despite receipt of the documents, Vibal allegedly failed to pay the subject deficiency taxes as of January 3, 2023.

The DOJ said non-payment of the withholding taxes were all “willful and deliberate due to respondent’s act of repeated filing of various returns without payment.” Rey E. Requejo

GETTING ALL SOAKED UP. A father and his daughter savor the refreshing splash of water at the Seven Seas park and resort in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental even for a brief respite from the debilitating hot weather which is ominous of the El Niño phenomenon which PAGASA says may hit the country starting this month. Danny Pata

SUNSET. Manila residents gather to watch the sunset over at the Manila Bay Dolomite beach, which has become popular with tourists.

Joan Bondoc

Pimentel seeking probe on delayed national IDs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III wants a Senate probe on the delay in the issuance of national IDs.

The senator filed Senate Resolution No. 585 to investigate the circumstances leading to the delay in the issuance of the national identification cards by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“Given the unreasonably prolonged delivery, questionable usefulness, and substandard quality of the national IDs, there is already cause to believe that there is malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance on the part of the leadership in the PSA, the BSP, and other relevant agencies in fulfilling its mandate under Republic Act No. 11055,” Pimentel said in filing his resolution.

SC: Resolving anti-terrorism cases also protecting freedoms, rights

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court (SC) has assured that in resolving cases involving violations of the anti-terrorism law, the judicial rules should be “responsive to the need of protecting individual fundamental freedoms while allowing the State effective law enforcement for the protection of the public.”

In his speech before the participants in the dialogue on the proposed judicial rules on anti-terrorism and counter-terrorism financing cases on Wednesday, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said “it became imperative to provide for a set of procedural rules to protect the fundamental rights of per-

sons and entities from the ill effects brought about by abuses in the implementation of inherently overbroad penal statutes.”

According to Gesmundo, the SC found it necessary to promulgate a procedural framework both to demarcate a zone of legitimacy for acts by law enforcers

Palace says Tan is now officially new chief of Subic Bay agency

By Joseph Muego and Butch Gunio

SUBIC Bay Freeport—Malacañan Pal-

ace has appointed Jonathan Dioso Tan as the new chairman and administrator of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The former mayor of Pandan, Antique has replaced former SBMA chairman and administrator Rolen C. Paulino after the latter filed his courtesy resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month.

Paulino, the former ma or of Olongapo City, stepped down from his office on April 15.

Tan is a Filipino politician and busi-

nessman who served as mayor of Pandan, Antique from 2010 to 2019.

He was one of the Philippines’ “Most Outstanding Mayors in 2012” together with Mayors Alfredo Lim of Manila, Benjie Lim of Dagupan, Meynardo Sabili of Lipa, Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles, Jennifer Austria-Barzaga of Dasmariñas, and Len Alonte-NaguiatofBiñan.Hewastheonlymunicipal mayor who bagged the award on that year.

Tan served as president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Antique and was elected as PRO of LMPNational from 2013 - 2016. He was also the Secretary of the Northwest Panay Peninsula Biodiversity and Conservation Council.

Villar named Gawad Agila 2023

trusted’ PH public servant

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SEN. Cynthia A. Villar said the “Gawad Agila 2023 Award” she obtained is an important reminder for every public servant to serve with honor, integrity, and excellence.

Villar, who has been a senator since 2013, was cited by the Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippines Eagles as the “Most Trusted Public Servant.”

The senator, who served as congresswoman of Las Piñas City for three terms or nine years, was recognized for her accomplishments as a public servant and an

advocate for uplifting the lives of people.

Through the SIPAG Foundation, the senator and her family have embarked on several advocacies to alleviate the living condition of the poor.

As chairperson of the Senate agriculture and food committee, she has also been pursuing legislation to address all the concerns of Filipino farmers who belong to the country’s poorest sector.

Villar also serves as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources where she continues to focus on conserving and preserving a healthy environment.

as well as to delineate judicial reliefs against potential abuses of state agents.

“Creating a procedural framework to balance effective law enforcement and protection of fundamental rights is akin to walking on a legal tightrope,“ he stressed.

“Procedures that lean heavily in favor of law enforcement will expose the fundamental rights of persons to the danger of abuses; while those that lean intensely in favor of liberties will expose the population’s lives and safety to the devastating effects of terrorism,” the top magistrate said.

The dialogue is being held in Mandaue City in Cebu until Friday. It is conducted with the help of the Australian Embassy, the United Nations Office on

Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Asia Foundation.

Retired Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno is the chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Formulation of the Special Rules of Procedure on Anti-Terrorism Cases. The committee drafted the rules.

It can be recalled that 37 petitions were filed challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020. ATA was enacted on July 3, 2020, and enforced starting July 18, 2020.

On Dec. 7, 2021, the SC handed down a decision which ruled as constitutional almost all the provisions of ATA. The decision became final on April 22, 2022.

The resolution filed on May 2 directs the Senate Blue Ribbon chaired by Sen. Francis Tolentino to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the long-delayed issuance of the national ID cards.

“We are concerned about the delay in the issuance of these cards. It is crucial that the government takes immediate steps to resolve the issue and ensure that all citizens have access to their national ID,” Pimentel said

He stressed the government should take swift action to address the issue and provide a clear timeline for when Filipinos can receive their national IDs.

According to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 11055, the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys was established primarily to provide a valid proof of identity for all citizens and resident aliens as a means of simplifying public and private transactions.

“Apart from the delay in meeting the quota for the number of ID cards to be accomplished, there have been complaints about inaccuracies of personal information and blurry images on the cards,” the resolution said. In some cases, the IDs are no longer readable after three months.

SBMA CHIEF. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin administers the oath of office to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chair and administrator Jonathan Tan during the latter’s oath-taking in Malacanang.

Joseph Muego

Zubiri slams regional wage boards for being ‘slow’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE President Zubiri on Wednesday

slammed Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) for being weak and “incredibly slow” to act in the demand of workers for a wage hike. Speaking during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum Wednesday, Zubiri said that the government has systems in place so that wage increases do not have to pass through the Senate or Congress.

By Charles Dantes

MEMBER s of the Philippines National Defense delegation met with their Cambodian counterparts as the two countries signed a pact to pursue a stronger defense partnership in the 3rd Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting in Phnom Penh.

Department of National Defense

Acting Undersecretary Angelito De Leon co-chaired the JDCC meeting with Cambodia’s Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Defence, General Neang Phat.

De Leon and Phat signed the Terms of Reference of the committee, detailing the functions, procedures, and

“We have assigned this to regional wage boards. But let’s face it; these regional wage boards are weak. They move incredibly slowly,” he pointed out.

“If workers didn’t cry out and rally to our regional wage boards, they would not make any move. And if they do take action, they implement P16 or P15 daily increases. What can our citizens eat with P15?” Zubiri said.

The Senate President cited the National Wages and Productivity Commission

defense ties

other arrangements for the JDCC assembly. Both officials ensured their commitment to the 2017 Philippines-Cambodia Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation and highlighted the importance of JDCC as a high-level dialogue mechanism to strengthen defense and military partnerships.

The two countries exchanged views on the regional security challenges, as well as discussed updates on military operations that were postponed due to the pandemic, multilateral cooperation, especially under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting, and bilateral cooperative activities; such as high-level visits, capacity-building assistance, and educational exchanges.

under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which provides that the regional wage boards are mandated to “determine and fix minimum wage rates in their respective regions” and “undertake research and studies on wages and productivity.”

He said the Senate might decide on specific inflation rate or price hike markers that would signal to wage boards an immediate need to convene and implement wage adjustment measures.

PBBM admin allots P2.39b for green programs in PH

THE need to address the impact of climate change made the current administration allot about P2.39 billion to the National Greening Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) this year.

In a statement on Wednesday, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the fund will help the government “achieve a sustainable, green and climate-resilient economy.”

Pangandaman said the fund will help the banner project of the DENR that will ensure “a massive forest rehabilitation initiative in pursuit of sustainable development for poverty alleviation, food security, biodiversity conservation, environmental stability and climate change adaptation and mitigation.”

‘most

AIRLINE companies, principally PAL, Cebu-Pacific and other domestic carriers are backing a 100 billion peso proposal by a consortium to “upgrade” the NAIA complex of four decrepit terminals, supposedly to increase the flight capacity of our international gateway which likewise serves the huge volume of domestic travel.

While no one in his right mind will swear by the good state of our NAIA complex, which incidentally has always ranked among the world’s worst airports, upgrading at this time is a costly band-aid solution that will not really increase airport capacity.

Sure, terminal convenience might come about with an upgrade and in the words of PAL’s spokesperson, my friend Cielo Villaluna, “enhance overall customer experience,” but insofar as increasing airport capacity, the costly private consortium’s proposal will be good money thrown into a bad situation.

There is only one runway usable by international airlines, and that competes with the landing and take-off of big domestic airplanes as well. The other runway, shorter and perpendicular to the main runway is usable only by smaller aircraft.

Worse, because of poor planning, there is no space in the 640-hectare airport complex for a second runway, which is what we need to increase capacity.

When this writer headed NFA, which had title to the 120-hectare Food Terminal (FTI) complex in Taguig, across the NAIA, a proposal was sent to my office about residents of neighboring NAIA residential villages like Multinational and Merville being relocated in the FTI area, in exchange for their subdivisions giving way to another runway for our airport.

For my part, I was thinking of reviving the FTI into what FM Sr. and NFA’s Jess Tanchanco originally intended it to be, a huge “bagsakan” complex with cold chain and other warehousing facilities for agricultural produce.

Upholding freedom of association

JUST before he left on April 30 for an official visit to the United States and a meeting with US President

consortium.

A rail system connecting Manila to Clark is in the works, and a second runway will soon be built.

So what use is there for an expensive band-aid solution, to upgrade four terminals that will soon be rendered obsolete by so many other airport projects?

Fortunately, DoTr’s Jimmy Bautista is being cautious, and while creating a TWG to evaluate the consortium’s proposal, stated “we have to review carefully and we should take our time”.

His predecessors, Mar Roxas and Art Tugade have upgraded regional airports, with radar and night-landing facilities, and these have allowed more flexible schedules for domestic airlines such that traffic in the NAIA complex has eased compared to the horrible 2008-2014 years when taxiing and falling in line for take-off could reach an hour, while international carriers had to fly around Metro Manila for as long as half an hour before being allowed to land.

***

Still on the DoTr front, there is a dearth of plastic cards for driver’s licenses such that the LTO has asked its constituent public to make do with temporary paper licenses.

Maybe the transition between one administration and another has contributed to the problem, and while the DoTr has blamed the LTO for not submitting the procedural requirements for bidding, such as the terms of reference, the LTO has justifiable reasons for the failure to provide the plastic licenses.

First off, the transition: Jay-Art Tugade got his LTO appointment late last year, after having been first appointed to the NAIA, and when Bautista protested as he had designated Glenn Chiong to the post, he was shunted off to LTO a month or so after.

The earlier appointed LTO chief was subsequently transferred to the LTFRB.

Why this merry-go-round came about is a puzzlement if one did not know the inside story or the personal conflicts behind it.

Then, DoTr announced early this year that all procurement and other deals worth 50 million and up must pass scrutiny by the department, and agencies under it needed to comply.

So newly-shuffled Tugade had to pass the procurement to DoTr.

Joe Biden, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did the unthinkable, at least from the point of view of militant labor unions: he issued an Executive Order creating a presidential body that would look into the spate of killings and harassment of trade unionists under the Duterte administration.

The issuance of this EO is a big step forward for the labor sector as it acknowledges the fact that militant trade unionists have been on the receiving end of strong-arm tactics by suspected state security forces, including harassment, intimidation and extra-judicial killings.

Mr. Marcos actually heeded the recommendation of a high-level tripartite factfinding mission of the International Labor Organization that visited the country in January.

The ILO had expressed concern over complaints of labor leaders and other workers with regard to freedom of association.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has welcomed the issuance of the EO, saying he hoped this would be the start of “concerted actions and efforts of our government to address the long-standing issues related to freedom of association.”

But he also noted that resolving these issues would take time.

“We can’t have the solution tomorrow or next week. These are issues for the past 15 years that have been there when we assumed

Will this committee be able to stop the harassment and killings of militant workers

office. We will not point fingers at who is at fault but we will look into that.”

The presidential body mandated to investigate labor issues and concerns does not have to search far and wide for guidelines on how to go about their work.

They only have to revisit the 1987 Constitution.

There, Sec. 8 of Article III, Bill of Rights says: “The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form unions, associations or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.”

And there’s Sec. 3 of Article XIII, on Social Justice and Human Rights, that provides: “The State shall guarantee the right of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike in accordance with law.”

The ILO mission to the Philippines was organized during the annual International Labor Conference in 2019 to investigate the killings of at least 56 union leaders and numerous incidents of violence and intimidation by state forces against workers during the Duterte administration. The Marcos administration allowed the ILO mission to visit the country from Jan. 23 to 27 to see if the government fulfilled its obligations under international labor conventions— specifically ILO Convention 87, on freedom of association and protection of the right to organize.

Under Executive Order 23, the Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers would develop a roadmap containing the priority areas of action, tangible deliverables, clear responsibilities, and appropriate time frames, consistent with the recommendations of the ILO mission. Will this committee be able to stop the harassment and killings of militant workers fighting for their right to organize? We’ll have to wait and see.

Mitigating global warming and climate change

WE HAVE been talking about climate change and global warming for years and the need for the country to prepare to mitigate their harmful effects.

With the heat index hitting the mid 40s in the last few weeks, we are actually experiencing it in real time.

A number of people have died of heat stroke last week and there will be more.

If what we are seeing and experiencing is just the beginning of things to come, the government will need to do more.

There is no sustained effort both nationally and locally to prohibit people from building houses along river banks until it is too late to relocate the informal settlers.

Since their garbage are not being collected and there are no septic tanks, the rivers are their natural garbage dumps and sewer.

How many times has the government tried to clean the Pasig River to no avail? This is because the people living near it and the river’s tributaries continue to dump garbage and use it as sewer.

however, is because of its planned freeway project along the Pasig River and the new international airport it is building in Bulacan.

After 1986, FTI went into a continuing decline, its cold storage and other facilities going to pot.

However, to cut a long story short, Pres. PNoy and DOF Sec. Purisima made a decision in 2011 to privatize the FTI, a policy originally started during PGMA’s term.

I conferred with ES Jojo Ochoa regarding the terms of the bidding procedures to ensure that many real estate players would participate and the saleable area reduced to 70 hectares instead of the entire property, as there were unexpired leases to PEZAlicensed locators.

In the end, two-thirds of FTI was sold to Ayala, at a price three times higher than the thrice bid-out sale price during the previous administration.

Looking back at the situation we find our NAIA complex unable to handle the daily traffic of airline arrivals and departures, and with its facilities continuously breaking down, the most horrific being the January 1 experience, and the lesser being the May 1 Terminal 3 black-out, I wonder if the proposal to build another runway in the neighboring villages could have been a solution.

Be that as it may, Ramon Ang is now building a new aerotropolis in Bulakan, Bulacan, and promises us there will be two runways usable before PFM Jr. ends his term, using no public money and no sovereign guarantee. Cavite Gov. Johnvic Remulla has lined up foreign partners for another airport complex in what used to be an American base, Sangley, beside Cavite City which shares the same air corridor as the NAIA four-terminal complex.

And there is also Clark, another foreign base which has been converted into an ecozone, on which PRRD built a new spanking terminal operated by a private

BUDAPEST, Hungary—Pope Francis is set to meet refugees in Hungary this weekend, shedding light on the plight of Ukrainians trying to rebuild their lives in a state that offers a frosty reception.

Under Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s antimigration agenda, they face a system that feels geared against them—from the struggle to find schooling to being squeezed out of accommodation in the capital.

Most Ukrainian refugees pass through Hungary quickly, moving further west—but it can be tough for those who stay.

The country scarcely has a support system to accommodate them, activists say.

“We are grateful for the help we receive from Hungarians, but we need to help ourselves,” said Dina Biktagirova, a 40-year-old mother-of-four from Kyiv.

She was speaking during a Hungarian lesson in Budapest organized by Unity, one of the many Ukrainian self-help groups active in Hungary.

It pools job opportunities, helps refugees with translation, and supports parents by running a children’s daycare in a converted sports center donated by a district municipality.

DoTr is one of those departments that need to be rationalized, as huge as it is.

Under former president FM Sr., DoTC was not a line department, only a supervisory one guiding policies of the different bureaus under it, such as the LTO, NAIA, Bureau of Posts, Bureau of Telecommunications, ATO (now CAAP), PNR, LRT, etc.

Under Pres. Cory, the DoTC was transformed into a line department, with the bureaus becoming mere offices, and the bureau chiefs becoming assistant secretaries of the department.

This created similar problems to what Tugade and Bautista are now having insofar as purchasing and operations are concerned.

Later, Congress created the DICT, removing communications from the department which was saddled with multi-faceted responsibilities.

Thus, under PNoy, the DICT was established with current secretary Ivan Uy initially appointed. DoTr was first helmed by the highly respected Ping de Jesus, who was his mother Cory’s efficient DPWH secretary, later replaced by Mar Roxas, who in the second half of PNoy’s government became DILG chief.

The current DoTr has undersecretaries for air, rail, and land, aside from the usual finance and administration, whose functions are ill-defined, subject to the policy of whoever is the secretary.

This sometimes creates gridlock.

These problems happen in other departments and line agencies, which is why properly rightsizing the bureaucracy, which PFM Jr. announced in his SONA last year, is urgently needed.

I wonder if Congress and the executive departments are coordinating their actions on the president’s SONA guideline.

As one of the countries that will be most impacted, one would think that enough attention is being given by the government to the problem. If we look around us, however, it does not seem there is any sense of urgency on the part of government to do anything about the ravages of climate change.

Instead of planting trees which is the cheapest and easiest way to mitigate global warming, open pit mining has now been allowed back after many years of hiatus. Being the most destructive form of mining, this will undoubtedly destroy our remaining forest cover, not to mention the destruction of our mountains which can never be restored.

We just read about the Chinese ship that run aground in the Visayas containing about 55,000 tons of nickel ore.

China seems to be in a hurry to mine all our nickel.

Indonesia, however, requires that mineral ores are processed in the country and do not allow the export of the raw mineral ore. That way, environmental degradation is kept to the minimum.

We, however, do not care about the long term costs of what we are doing and it’s sad. Our rivers also continue to be polluted due to lack of laws, poor enforcement or simply people’s ignorance or lack of civic mindedness.

Except for a few rivers in Mindanao and perhaps in Northern Luzon, most of our rivers are already heavily polluted.

This is true for all the rivers in heavily populated areas like the National Capital Region, Region 4-A and Region 3.

That news item about the cleanup of Malabon River wherein dozens of plastic bags full of garbage were retrieved sums up what is regularly happening to our rivers.

We applauded the DENR when it undertook the cleanup of Manila Bay.

But unless the national government will lead the cleanup of all the rivers that flows to Manila Bay and support it with sufficient funds, the pollution of the Bay will continue.

The DENR should have gone to the root cause of the pollution which is to clean the rivers flowing towards Manila Bay.

We cannot continue to be cleaning up the beach front along Roxas Boulevard every day due to the polluted water from the Pasig River unless we clean the river.

It is a good thing that San Miguel Corporation is dredging the Pasig and Tullahan Rivers which is somehow helping in the cleanup.

Without the effort, the pollution of these two rivers and the bay area would be a lot worse.

Part of the reason why SMC is doing this,

Ukrainian refugees struggle in nationalist Hungary

‘Pro-Russian propaganda’

More than a million Ukrainian refugees have crossed the Hungarian border since Russia’s invasion of their country over a year ago.

But just 35,000 have applied for the EU’s temporary protection status in Hungary, according to data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

That’s far fewer than almost every other EU country in per capita terms, and the number is much lower than in other countries just west of Ukraine, such as Poland and the Czech Republic.

Within the EU, Hungary’s prime minister is an exception in refusing to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin by name after Moscow invaded.

Bilateral relations have soured, with Hungary refusing to send military aid to Ukraine and fielding accusations by Kyiv, as well as some EU and NATO allies, of holding proRussia sympathies. “Hungarian government propaganda is seen by Ukrainians as pro-Russian. It doesn’t af-

fect the everyday lives of refugees in Hungary, but emotionally it makes many uncomfortable here,” an aid worker, who asked not to be named, told AFP. A third of the population blames both Kyiv and Moscow for the war, according to a recent poll, a perception fueled by the country’s progovernment media. Budapest also complains about a minoritylanguage law in Ukraine, where more than 100,000 ethnic Hungarians live, blaming Kyiv for disrespecting their rights.

“While we are taking in refugee children from Ukraine... Hungarian primary and secondary schools in Ukraine are at risk of being closed down,” said Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto last month.

Unity manager Viktoria Petrovszka said authorities had refused the community’s requests for funding to set up a Ukrainian-language school.

Many Ukrainian children instead “learn at home or online as they feel they can’t integrate,” she said.

The interior ministry, which oversees education, did not respond to an AFP request for confirmation about the language school.

‘Missing integration system’

With many now in their second year since fleeing, Ukrainian refugees in Hungary need more complex support including long-term housing, schooling, and trauma therapy, according to Aniko Bakonyi from the Hungarian Helsinki Committee rights group.

“But non-state actors like municipalities or hostel managers who help are often left to

Nonetheless, the government needs to come in and do more because there are certain things only the government can do.

One is preventing the discharge of any waste water in the Pasig River and all the other rivers flowing to Manila Bay.

The local government units where the rivers flow can be tasked for this while the national government can help finance the setting up of water treatment facilities so that only treated water can flow freely to the Bay.

Yes, it will cost a lot of money but there is probably no cheaper way to do it at this time unless all the houses along all waterways can be relocated which perhaps is no longer possible.

At one stage, the government did pause our reliance on coal but unfortunately we went back constructing coal power plants.

One good news which we hope will happen is the planned construction of a huge solar power plant in the country.

It remains to be seen whether the administration will push thru with its plan for nuclear energy by rehabilitating the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

What is apparent is that a lot more needs to be done and we have to start like yesterday.

But there seems to be no strategic thinking on the part of many senior officials. The now mentality is the one prevailing when they should be thinking long term like what will we be leaving to the future generations of Filipinos.

We cannot leave them a country whose environment has been completely degraded.

In the end, doing the right thing is what is needed not like what one official who funded a flood control project worth hundreds of millions in a place that is apparently not prone to flooding.

their own devices,” she told AFP.

One Budapest shelter is now closing after its funding channeled through the Hungarian Red Cross was cut, with its 60 Ukrainian residents moving to a cheaper provincial city.

“It feels like Hungarian society is not really welcoming,” shelter manager Bohdana Kokhanyuk told AFP.

“People who don’t speak Hungarian... have to find flats by themselves. Also as soon as landlords hear a tenant is a Ukrainian refugee they often put the phone down,” she said. For non-Ukrainian asylum seekers, the system is even more difficult.

Since 2020, after the EU forced Budapest to close controversial so-called border transit zones that Brussels called “detention camps”, Budapest only accepts asylum seekers’ applications at Hungarian embassies abroad.

This has slowed the number of asylum seekers to a trickle, with the refugee support system “demolished”, according to the HHC’s Bakonyi.

“The missing integration system is just now kicking in, with meager resources and little professionalism,” she said. AFP

fighting for their right to organize?

I wonder if Congress and the executive departments are coordinating their actions on the president’s SONA guideline

In the end, doing the right thing is what is needed not like what one official who funded a flood control project worth hundreds of millions in a place that is apparently not prone to flooding

Stocks decline on concerns over banking sector turmoil

STOCKS retreated

Wednesday driven by fears of banking sector turmoil and jitters over interest rates.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, shed 66 points, or 0.99 percent, to close at 6,606.69 as five of the six subsectors declined, with mining and oil as the exception.

The broader all-share index also lost 21 points, or 0.61 percent, to settle at 3,525.18 on a value turnover of P4.92 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 91 to 86, while 56 shares were unchanged. Only two of the 10 most active stocks

258m people needed urgent food aid in 2022

PARIS, France—Some 258 million people needed emergency food aid last year because of conflict, economic shocks and climate disasters, a UN report said Wednesday, a sharp rise from 193 million the previous year.

“More than a quarter of a billion people are now facing acute levels of hunger, and some are on the brink of starvation. That’s unconscionable,” UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres said.

It was “a stinging indictment of humanity’s failure to make progress... to end hunger, and achieve food security and improved nutrition for all,” he said.

More than 40 percent of those in serious need of food lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Yemen, the UN report said.

“Conflicts and mass displacement continue to drive global hunger,” Guterres said.

“Rising poverty, deepening inequalities, rampant underdevelopment, the climate crisis and natural disasters also contribute to food insecurity.”

In 2022, 258 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 58 countries or territories, up from 193 million in 53 countries the previous year, the report said. This overall figure has now increased for the fourth consecutive year in a row. AFP

ended in the green. ACEN Corp. rose

0.50 percent to P6.00, while Robinsons Land Corp. gained 0.41 percent to P14.64.

Meanwhile, the peso barely moved Wednesday to close at 55.33 against the US dollar. The local currency was also up 0.61 percent since the start of this year’s trading, European stocks enjoyed modest gains in early trading Wednesday as cautious investors awaited an anticipated US Federal Reserve interest rate hike later in the day, as well as a similar decision by the European Central Bank expected on Thursday.

“Caution is set to take center stage ahead of the Fed’s interest rate decision later, as investors mull what’s ahead for the mighty US economy,” said Susan-

nah Streeter, head of money and markets at stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown.

Interest rate worries had the opposite effect on Wall Street the day before, conspiring with falling confidence in regional banks to fuel losses that bled over into Asia as Wednesday’s trading got under way.

Sydney finished nearly one percent down after the Australian central bank hiked interest rates there to an 11-year high—a surprise move that dashed hopes it would hold rates steady as inflation showed signs of slowing.

Hong Kong, meanwhile, finished 1.2 percent down, and Seoul, Taipei, Wellington, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Bangkok were all in the red as well.

Markets in Japan and mainland China

TOP GAINERS

were closed for holidays.

US futures, meanwhile, were edging back up after the previous day’s hefty losses. Also weighing on investor sentiment were fears that Democrats and Republicans could fail to reach a deal on raising the US debt ceiling, triggering a default by the world’s largest economy as early as June 1.

“It is a key event risk in the next few weeks and possibly a month or two,”

BNY Mellon Investment Management’s Aninda Mitra told Bloomberg Television, adding that the impasse “feeds into our overall defensiveness”.

Stephen Innes, of SPI Asset Management, said that even if a crisis were averted, it may create a drag on markets. With AFP

Dyson plans next-generation battery plant in Singapore

SINGAPORE—High-end appliance maker Dyson said Wednesday that it would open a new factory in Singapore to manufacture next-generation batteries, as well as new facilities elsewhere to boost its research into AI and software development.

At the size of 53 basketball courts, Dyson said the new plant was expected to be fully operational by 2025 and would be its most significant investment in advanced manufacturing.

The company said research teams had been working globally on proprietary new technology for batteries, which

would be assembled in a “smart, digitally enabled environment.” Dyson—famous for its bagless vacuum cleaners, among other gadgets—started its in-house battery program more than a decade ago, aiming to make them more sustainable and energy dense. Besides the new plant, the Singaporeheadquartered firm also revealed plans to set up research and development centers in the UK and the Philippines, all part of its £2.75 billion ($3.4 billion) five-year investment plan.

The company did not specify how much the new battery plant would cost

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on its own. The researchers at the new Philippines center will focus on AI and robotics, among other areas, and the firm said it intended to hire an additional 450 engineers.

The R&D center in Bristol is expected to be “working on a pipeline of products that stretches 10 years into the future,” the electronics giant said.

Modern airport without a rail link; Lawyers feasting on legal drama

Batangas in the south with ease? The rail link could fetch the same passengers to Clark airport on their way to other domestic airports.

A new group led by six Filipino conglomerates and US-based Global Infrastructure Partners―called The Manila International Airport Consortium― made a fresh offer to the government to upgrade NAIA for over P100 billion.

mind that as members of the bar consume and circulate these sensitive materials, they forget that these stories involve real real people and real families―including innocent children―who have been inadvertently been dragged into this messy affair.

“Software, connectivity, AI, and proprietary new technology batteries will power the next generation of Dyson technology,” said the company’s founder, billionaire inventor James Dyson. AFP Manila

Suffice it to say that the story these legal documents tell could give any teleserye a run for its money.

It appears that in retaliation, the husband’s former firm is exploiting his marital troubles by supporting the efforts of their former colleague’s wife to paint him as an unfaithful husband and inattentive father––since both the old firm and the wife stand to benefit if the husband’s character is put into question.

MODERNIZING the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is not a complete project without a railway component. Modern urban centers in the world build and design their airports with a rail link to improve the accessibility of passengers to downtown areas or, in some cases, suburbs or distant cities.

The International Air Rail Organization noted that there are around 200 airports around the world with rail links, but there could be 400 more in various stages of planning, design or construction.

The railway connection provides air passengers an option to avoid chaotic road traffic conditions in getting to their next immediate destination. American and European airports complement their airports with metros, or subways. The Vancouver airport in Canada, which handles around 18 million passengers yearly, is linked by the Canada Line―an automated light rail network serving a number of stations and downtown.

The London Underground in Europe has served Heathrow Airport since 1976 and has since been extended to Terminals 4 and 5. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France is served by the Réseau Express Régional, or RER, which is part metro, part regional express, with eight trains per hour taking around 30 minutes to the city.

Madrid’s Metro, meanwhile, has served Barajas Airport since 1999 and metros link Valencia, Lisbon and Porto Airports. Here in Asia, metros operate at airports in Beijing and Shanghai (Honggiao and Pudong) in China, Okinawa in Japan and Singapore.

So why upgrade NAIA without a rail link that could move air passengers to nearby provinces like Bulacan and Pampanga, or Laguna, Cavite and

Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Alliance Global–Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corp. and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp. are joining joining forces with Global Infrastructure Partners, one of the leading infrastructure investors and airport operators in the world, to rehabilitate NAIA to meet the growing air traffic demand.

The consortium, though, should feature an air-rail link to make NAIA a complete airport. Besides, it is more environment-friendly and sustainable than carbon-based transportation.

More than just a marriage gone sour

It is not showing on any streaming service but is being followed closely in chat groups, where leaked legal documents are providing lawyers and nonlawyers alike with a front-row seat to a marital spat between two high-powered lawyers––one of whom is a respected legal luminary in a “powerful” field of law, so to speak.

This new legal drama has captivated the profession like viewers hooked on a compelling show on Netflix. Lawyers have been waiting for each new “episode” to drop in order to know more about the allegations being thrown back and forth by their fellow compañero and compañera. They come in the form of draft complaints and affidavits that have revealed to the public the juicy, personal details of what should be a private legal dispute between a married couple who are inevitably headed for splitsville.

These include love letters, text messages, photos and graphic narrations from eyewitnesses. Never

Of course, legal battles such as these are not that out of the ordinary. Lawyer-couples break up all the time, after all. But even when these are less than civil, they do not often become the subject of newspaper columns or viral fodder for the “marites” and “tolits” of the legal profession. What is curious is how these supposedly private legal documents―even draft versions―became available for everyone with a smartphone and active Viber group.

It turns out that there may be more to this legal drama than meets the eye. Well-placed members of the legal community say that this hesaid, she-said tale is more than just a marriage gone sour. As one sharpeyed legal eagle pointed out, even before news of the married couple’s troubles came out, one of the parties involved had made waves because of a career decision that led to the lawyer leaving his firm for one of the most influential and most highprofile law firms in the country.

Apparently, this lawyeracademic’s departure from his previous firm was not taken lightly––because when he transferred to his new office address, he not only brought with him talented associates, but a substantial number of clients whose fees contributed significantly to his old firm’s profits.

This ongoing legal drama should serve as a warning to lawyers to make every effort to ensure that their marital and professional break-ups are done amicably. Because as they say, hell hath no fury like a woman––or a law firm––scorned.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF

MEETING

ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’

To All Stockholders:

Please be informed that the annual meeting of stockholders of BRIGHT KINDLE RESOURCES & INVESTMENTS, INC. (the “Corporation”) for the year 2023, which is scheduled every last Thursday of May of each year, has been postponed and reset to a later date.

The purpose of the postponement is to give Management sufficient time to prepare for the meeting.

A Notice of Meeting will be issued in relation to the new meeting date.

Makati City, 04 May 2023.

KENNETH PETER D. MOLAVE Corporate Secretary

STEEL FACTORY. An employee takes a sample at blast furnace 8 during the visit of the German President at the Thyssenkrupp

Steel Europe on the topic ‘industrial transformation’ in Duisburg, western Germany on May 2, 2023. AFP

Fitch unit sees consumer spending in PH rising 5.5% amid high inflation

By Julito G. Rada

BMI, a unit of Fitch Group, said Tuesday consumer spending in the Philippines would continue to grow despite the impact of elevated inflation.

It said in a report real household spending in the country would grow by 5.5 percent year-on-year in 2023, as consumer confidence showed recovery from an alltime low reported in the second quarter of 2020.

“While this is down from the 8.7 percent growth estimated for 2022, real spending growth will settle to an average 5.9 percent per year over the rest of the forecast period [2023-2027],” BMI said.

BMI said inflationary forces would remain elevated across 2023, but nominal income growth was expected to outpace inflation, which would ensure real income growth for consumers, giving greater propensity for spending.

“However, inflation is likely to remain elevated, and we expect the

central bank to tighten monetary policy further in an attempt to maintain control,” BMI said.

BMI said consumer confidence in the Philippines was improving but remained low. Latest data as of the first quarter of 2023 showed that consumer confidence stood at -10.4, an improvement from the -14.6 score reported in the second quarter of 2022.

This recovery was fueled by an improving employment landscape and the continuous recovery of the economy post-pandemic. Consumer confidence for the next 12 months also improved to 22.7 from 21.7 previously.

“We will continue to watch the consumer confidence indicator and amend our forecasts when necessary,” BMI said.

BMI said its forecast for real consumer spending in the Philippines was in line with its country risk team’s forecast that the Philippines’ real GDP growth would decelerate from 7.6 percent in 2022 to 5.9 percent in 2023.

Dyson investing P11b in Batangas facility

By Othel V. Campos

GLOBAL technology company Dyson Limited

announced Wednesday major investments in the Philippines that include the development of a research and development campus in Batangas province at a cost of P11 billion.

“Software, connectivity, AI and proprietary new technology batteries will power the next generation of Dyson technology. Just like our long-term investments in pioneering digital electric motor technology, Dyson’s next-generation battery technology will drive a major revolution in the performance and sustainability of Dyson’s machines,” said Dyson founder James Dyson. The Philippines Technology Center

Metro Pacific justifies P4.63 tender offer price

INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. on Wednesday defended the P4.63-per-share tender offer price for the proposed acquisition of MPIC shares held by the public and the group’s proposed delisting.

MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said in a news briefing the low valuation of MPIC shares over the past years had prevented the company from tapping the capital markets to raise funds for finance its projects.

“Why are we a public company when we cannot raise [funds from] public? How can we raise equity money at a very low price,”

Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said while the company’s share price picked up in the past few weeks because of the planned entry of new investors and improvement in the financial performance of subsidiaries, the price remained below P5 per share.

Several brokerage houses reportedly advised clients not to tender their shares in MPIC, saying the offer price is low compared to its net asset value. “We are not against reconsidering the offer price, but we are not saying we will improve the offer price. We are currently monitoring the share price movement of MPIC. So far, there is no indication as to why we should adjust the offer,” Pangilinan said. Jenniffer B. Austria

PLDT, Smart bag gold, silver Stevie awards

PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. received gold and silver Stevie citations from the prestigious 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards— the international business award competition that recognizes innovation in all its forms.

Bagging the gold Stevies under the virtual and live events category is PH Digicon 2022: BOUNDLESS, the hybrid staging of one of the most sought-after thought leadership events in the AsiaPacific Region–the Philippine Digital Convention. The two-day PH Digicon event tackled industry innovations and trends that can help enterprises evolve and embrace opportunities of digital adoption. The event was headlined by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, philanthropist and a basketball legend who constantly strives to reinvent and adapt in the changing landscape of business.

PLDT and Smart also bagged two silver Stevies—one for Better Today under the innovation in community relations or public service communications, and another for PLDT Enterprise under the thought leadership category.

Security Bank mourns passing of Villarosa

SECURITY Bank Corp. mourns the passing of chairman Alberto Villarosa who was an integral part of the bank’s growth story for over two decades.

Prior to being elected as chairman in 2015, Villarosa served in various capacities such as president and CEO and as chief operating officer. He had been a member of SECB’s board since 2002 and prior to his passing, he was a member of the executive, nominations and remuneration, restructuring and finance committees.

Villarosa is most remembered for his legacy at SECB where he drove the bank to greater heights in its mission to provide Filipinos the BetterBanking experience. His direction was crucial in steering the bank’s physical expansion in key markets and paving the way for adopting technology to innovate banking services.

“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family during this most trying of times. We pray that they find solace that Chairman Villarosa now joins the Creator. Security Bank shall endeavor to preserve the legacy that Chairman Villarosa leaves behind,” the bank said. Security Bank said vice chairman Cirilo Noel would serve as interim chairman.

will span the equivalent of 92 basketball courts and will bring together Dyson’s research, development and advanced motor manufacturing capabilities under one roof.

It said the investments in the Philippines are part of Dyson’s blueprint to strengthen its international advanced manufacturing capabilities and global R&D footprint, with a next-generation battery plant in Singapore and similar

R&D structures in the United Kingdom.

The three major investments reflect the scale of Dyson’s ambitions internationally, drawing on the very best engineering talent the world has to offer.

The new campus at First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is considered one of the largest investments and most advanced technology manufacturing centers in the country. It also underscores the growing importance of the Philippines in Dyson’s global ambitions.

As part of the investment, Dyson aims to initially hire an additional 400 engineers and more than 50 graduate engineers who will join the team later this year.

The Philippine R&D teams will be focused on software, AI, robotics, fluid dynamics and hardware electron-

ics. These fields of expertise are critical for Dyson’s high-performing products—from robotic technologies to air enhancement technologies and beauty products such as the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, which are increasingly enabled by software, sensors and connectivity. The MyDyson app gives consumers live data on air quality and their surroundings and through sensors, AI and connectivity. Dyson engineers can add further functionality and utility over their lifetime and provide tailored advice and support.

Scheduled to be operational in the first half of 2024, the Batangas campus will follow in the footsteps of Dyson’s other inspiring spaces globally, which place an emphasis on the wellbeing of Dyson people.

Semirara posted 40% decline in Q1 net income to P9b

By Alena Mae S. Flores

INTEGRATED energy company

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. said Wednesday it recorded a 40-percent decline in consolidated net income to P9 billion in the first quarter from a record P15 billion a year ago because of high-base effect.

SMPC posted its highest quarterly bottom line in the first quarter of 2022.

Tan’s grandson elected president of conglomerate LT Group

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LUCIO Tan III, the grandson of beer and tobacco tycoon Lucio Tan, took over the leadership of listed conglomerate LT Group Inc. after a one-year transition period.

Tan III was elected president of LT Group following the company’s annual stockholders meeting, replacing his uncle Michael Tan, who had been president of LTG since 2010.

Michael Tan would remain as a board director of the conglomerate and president of Asia Brewery Inc.

LT Group is the holding company of Philippine National Bank, Tanduay Distillers Inc., Asia Brewery Inc. and Eton Properties Philippines Inc.

“I am deeply honored to accept the appointment as president and chief operating officer. I thank the board of directors for entrusting me with this re-

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines said Wednesday it energized the P52-billion Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project with an initial load of 22.5 megawatts that will improve power stability and reliability nationwide.

NGCP eyes full energization of the entire 450-MW transfer capacity by the third quarter.

“The completion of the MindanaoVisayas Interconnection Project is a significant achievement for us and for the

sponsibility, and I am grateful to all of you for your support. In exercising the functions of my new role, rest assured that I will be guided by the values of integrity, diligence, excellence and transparency,” Tan III said.

“As I assume this crucial task, I am keenly aware of the challenges we face as a company. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and we must adapt quickly to stay competitive. However, I am confident that with our talented and dedicated team, we will overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success,” he said.

As the conglomerate paves the way for third generation leaders, Tan III committed to delivering positive results for the group.

The change in leadership comes as the group posted a record net income of P25.1 billion in 2022 despite the continued challenges caused by COVID-19.

The company’s net income nearly tri-

Philippines as a whole. This will not only improve the reliability of our transmission services but will lead to efficient energy utilization as one Philippine grid,” said NGCP. NGCP said an initial load of 22.5 MW was carried by the high voltage submarine and overhead lines from Mindanao to Visayas on April 30.

“We expect to gradually increase the MVIP’s transfer capacity to 50 MW by mid-May, and 112 MW by the end

pled from 2013 to 2022 during Michael Tan’s term as president.

LTG also declared dividends of P4.58 per share or a total of P49.6 billion since its initial public offering in 2013,.

“Like most businesses, your company had to grapple with higher energy, raw material and freight costs, higher interest rates, and higher foreign exchange rates, making it a challenge to keep costs down and at the same time, implement price increases to pass on some of the cost increases to our customers. And your company was able to succeed, posting growth in our income for 2022,” Michael Tan said.

“Your company’s journey, from the reorganization in 2012 of Tanduay Holdings to what it is today, has not been easy. As I look back over the past decade of [LT Group] as a publicly-listed company, we have done our best to lead it to where it is, built the way, the tried and tested way,” he said.

of the month, before energizing to its full transfer capacity of 450 MW by the third quarter of this year,” the company said.

Parts of the MVIP were completed in 2022, such as the Lala-Aurora 138kV Transmission Line, the 350kV Submarine Cable and Cable Terminal Stations in Santander, Cebu and Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte.

NGCP said it expects to complete the remaining components of the project and

Consolidated revenues contracted by 29 percent in the first quarter to P20.7 billion from P29.1 billion on weaker coal contribution. This was offset by all-time high revenues from the power segment. Coal revenues fell 40 percent from P25.7 billion to P15.5 billion on lower shipments and selling prices as the company turned cautious amid market volatility.

“We limited our first-quarter exports because of the wild price swings. Now that prices have settled, we intend to boost our foreign shipments in the coming months,” said SMPC president and chief operating officer Maria Cristina Gotianun.

The company plans to increase coal sales to the local market to 70 percent this year from 50 percent in 2022, while the remaining 30 percent will be for export.

“Our sales target for this year is between 15 [million] and 16 million metric tons,” she said.

Total coal shipments from January to March receded by 31 percent from 5.1 million metric tons to 3.5 MMT following a 52-percent drop in exports from 3.1 MMT to 1.5 MMT and flat domestic sales at 2 MMT.

ramp up the transfer capacity of the facility in the coming months.

MVIP consists of a 184 circuit-kilometer high-voltage direct current submarine transmission line connecting the power grids of Mindanao and Visayas with a transfer capacity of 450 MW expandable to 900 MW.

The project also includes converter stations and more than 500 circuit kilometer of overhead lines to facilitate electricity flow. Alena Mae S. Flores

METROBANK’S AWARDS. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. brings home six accolades, including the prestigious Cesar E.A. Virata Award (Bank Category) at the 2023 Philippine Dealing System Awards Night. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) Metrobank trader Bernice Joyce Nobleza, head of trading John Christopher Lu, head of rates and credits division Kathryn Francis Abes, head of financial markets sector Fernand Antonio Tansingco, head of treasury group Rommel Enrico Dionisio and head of treasury operations and support division Cynthia Resurreccion.

MAIDEN CALL. Contecon Guayaquil S.A. de C.V., International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s Ecuadorian business unit operating at the Port of Guayaquil, achieves a milestone in April by handling the largest vessel to call the terminal. Attending the maiden call ceremony for the Maersk Camden—a Liberian-flagged vessel with a capacity of 15,413 TEUs are (from left) CGSA head of clients Henry Abad Carvajal, CGSA commercial director Fohodil Galeas, Maersk Camden vessel master Capt. Gerogi Minchev and Maersk Ecuador executive Edgar Iriarte. The 365.9-meter-long ship operates Maersk’s AC2 service, which connects the Asia and Latin America markets through the ports of Lazaro Cardenas, Guayaquil, Balboa, Manzanillo, Shanghai, Ningbo and Busan.

SPORTS

World-class athletes to legends: Stars to watch at ‘23 SEA Games

PHNOM PENH—The Southeast Asian Games begin in Phnom Penh on Friday with the Cambodian capital welcoming thousands of athletes from the region.

AFP Sport picks out some of the stars hoping to light up the event.

Vanessa Sarno (Philippines)

With Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz skipping Phnom Penh to focus on qualifying for Paris 2024, heir apparent Sarno will carry Philippine weightlifting hopes.

The 19-year-old should be up to the challenge, having won an SEA Games gold last year in Hanoi, where she set a new Games record in the women’s 71kg.

Puripol Boonson (Thailand)

The region’s teenage sprint king is also the world’s fastest-ever under-18 100m runner with a time of 10.09sec last year. He won gold in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay at the last SEA Games, while still only 16, but just missed out on a bronze months later at the World Athletics U20 Championships.

Nguyen Thi Oanh (Vietnam)

The 27-year-old runner won three Games golds on home soil last time, in the 1500m, 5000m and 3000m steeplechase. She will defend all three this time, across two gruelling days.

Carlos Yulo (Philippines)

Because of rules limiting the number

of events athletes can compete in, the star gymnast will only take part in four events, on bars and all-around. The former floor and vault world champion will be confident of adding to his seven gold and seven silver SEA

Games medals, but may have slight fitness worries. He pulled out of a meet in Egypt in late April after reportedly suffering an ankle injury during training.

Shanti Pereira (Singapore)

Cambodia o icially welcomes Team PH

The sprinter is in the form of her life, clocking new national women’s records in the 100m (11.37sec) and 200m (22.89sec) last month.

The 26-year-old is the reigning SEA Games gold medallist in the latter, and silver medallist in the former, but hopes for two golds this time.

Ernest John Obiena (Philippines)

Perhaps the biggest favourite in any athletics event at this Games, pole vaulter “EJ” Obiena is ranked three in the world and will have eyes on the Paris Games. His personal best is 5.94 metres, which puts him easily at Olympic qualification standard, and he has spoken about trying to break the six-meteR barrier.

A gold in Phnom Penh would make it three in a row at the SEA Games.

Nguyen Thi Tam (Vietnam)

The flyweight bagged silver at the recent Women’s World Boxing Championships, to go with golds at the last two SEA Games.

She is another eyeing Paris qualification, having fought at Tokyo 2020.

Efren Reyes (Philippines)

Representing the region’s sexagenarians, the pool legend is back once again in the carom event.

The 68-year-old has been world champion in both eight- and nine-ball pool, and is considered one of the best to ever pick up a cue.

Now leaves the higher-profile billiards events to younger players, but boasts medals of every color across various SEA Games disciplines.

New role for Yulo in PH gymnastics’ team

By Peter Atencio

PHNOM PENH—Filipino gymnastics star Carlos Yulo will have a new role in the national men’s artistics’ team in the 32nd Cambodia Southeast Games.

The 23-year-old Yulo will serve as a replacement for any of his teammates, who do not make it to the finals of the six apparatus events of the all-around competitions.

Yulo, who is recovering from a left ankle injury, has shown his eagerness to assume this role that has been given to him by his coaches, led by

Munehiro Kugimiya, “Once na hindi pumasok iyung nilagay namin na athlete sa isang event, puwede namin ito ibigay kay Caloy,” said national coach Reyland Capellan following an evaluation of athletes on Tuesday with Japanese mentor Munehiro Kugimiya and Aldrin Castaneda.

A two-hour training and evaluation was done that afternoon with Yulo, along with his teammates John Ivan Cruz, Justin Ace de Leon, John Santillan and Jan Timbang.

In the last two editions of the biennial meet, Yulo was the most be-

medalled athlete of the games.

But it will be tougher this time around after he was only allowed to seek just four medals. There’s a rule by Cambodia organizers which limits Yulo to a maximum of four gold-medals.

Yulo said the evaluation process has helped him find out where he is going with his preparations.

The hot weather in the Philippines is creating conditions that simulate what they will go through in Phnom Penh, according to Yulo. “Galing akong Japan, malamig doon. Tapos mainit dito (Pilipinas).

Magandang preparation ito papuntang Cambodia,” said Yulo.

Yulo will compete in the parallel bars, horizontal bar, all-around, and team event.

Besana will seek a medal in the vault, Cruz will go for the floor, De Leon tries his luck in the rings, and the pair Jhon Santillan and Jan Timbang will seek a podium in the pommel horse.

The artistics gymnastics competition will be held from May 8 to 9 at the OIympic National Stadium in Phnom Penh, and the Philippine squad will be in Phnom Penh by May 6.

PH rowers sprint to 2 golds, bronze in Thailand

LED by Olympian Cris Nievarez, the national rowing team won two gold medals and a bronze on the first day of the Thailand championships.

Last April 25, 2023, the Philippine rowers flew to Pattaya, Thailand for the Asian Qualifiers of the ANOC World Beach Games and the Asian Rowing Beach Sprints Championships. Nievarez and Zuriel Sumintac delivered the first gold for the Philippines in the Coastal Men’s Double Sculls (CM2x).

Edgar Ilas and Joanie Delgaco then followed suit in the Coastal Mixed Double Sculls (CMix2x), before Amelyn Pagulayan and Kristine Paraon bagged a bronze in the Coastal Women’s Double

Sculls (CW2x) to conclude the first day of finals for the competition.

With more races coming, the national rowing team is preparing for more potential victories from Nievarez in the Men’s Solo (CM1x) and Feiza Lenton in the distaff side.

Beach sprints and coastal rowing are a growing sport that branched out from the traditional sport of rowing.

Held in open water venues, coastal rowing borrows its foundation from the techniques performed in rowing.

“It is an interesting development of the sport that requires an even greater emphasis for strength, balance, and speed from the rowers,” said PRA president Patrick C. Gregorio.

“Our success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, SMART, and Maynilad. Special thanks to Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor C. Remulla and Rep. Aniela Bianca D. Tolentino for allowing the team to train in Ternate, Cavite,” said Gregorio.

“Lastly, our sincere appreciation to UP CHK associate dean and Ternate Rowing Academy Project Director Norberto R. Madrigal, Liza Leonardo of Abucana Glam Camp, and Wilfredo Villacarlos of Lorette de Mar beach resort, for making sure that all the needs of the athletes and coaches readily available during their preparation,” he added.

CAMBODIA formally acknowledged the members of Team Philippines during Wednesday’s Team Welcome Ceremony with Deputy Chef de Mission Paolo Tancontian representing the delegation in the flag-raising rites at the host country’s main hub of 32nd Southeast Asian Games action at the 60,000-seat Morodok Techo Stadium.

Philippine sports brass led by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, meanwhile, arrived past midnight Wednesday as action in various fronts kicked off ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony.

“Team Philippines is ready for action and I believe each and every Filipino athlete is in harness for these Games,” said Tolentino, who was on the same plane with the first of two main bulk of Team Philippines. “As the POC always says, Filipino athletes are always a fighting team.”

Arriving with Tolentino in a Philippine Airlines flight were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, POC secretarygeneral Atty. Ed Gastanes and deputy secretary-general Karen Caballero.

Team Philippines Chef de Mission Chito Loyzaga arrived at the Phnom Penh international airport on Wednesday morning along with athletes from at least three national sports associations. Tolentino and the POC team did the rounds on Wednesday starting at the Athletes Village and hotels where Filipino athletes are billeted.

Filipina chessers assured of silver

PHNOM PENH—Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and Woman Intenational Master Shania Mae Mendoza assured the Philippines of a silver medal on Wednesday in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games 2023 ouk chaktrong (Cambodian chess) women’ doubles 60-minute at the Royal University of Phnom Penh here. A 4-1 win-loss record in the knockout ladder prelims netted for the Filipina duo a 3.5 tally, the same points held by Myanmar and Malaysia.

This, according to National women’s team coach and National Chess Federation of the Philippines executive director Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, has turned the tandem’s coming seventh-round battle against Pen Khemrareaksmey and Tep Sokratha of the host country a no-bearing one based on their computations.

“We computed it, even theirs. We are assured of the silver, because if there is a three or two-way tie after the last round, the first tiebreak will be resolved via the winner-over-the-other rule. (Kinuwenta na namin, ganoon din ‘yung kanila. Sure ball na sa atin ang silver. Kasi kung may three or two-way tie after last round, ang first tiebreak ay winnerover-the-other rule),” said Gonzales of the novel chess event played for the first time in the 11-nation, biennial sportsfest.

The only setback of the team, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, came Tuesday evening at the hands of Nu Hong An Ton and Than Phuong Thao Pham of Vietnam, 0.5-15, in the sixth and penultimate round.

Members of Team Philippines—led by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann and POC secretary general Atty. Ed Gastanes and deputy secretary general Karen Caballero are welcomed at dawn Wednesday at the Phnom Penh international airport.

Ernest John Obiena

Carlos Yulo

Vanessa Sarno

Efren Reyes

The PH rowing team, led by Olympian Cris Nievarez

FIBA World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour launched

THE FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour presented by J9 has been launched as part of the Draw Festival and will now see the trophy visit all qualifi ed countries.

Legendary Argentina star Luis Scola and the Gilas Ambassadors from the 2013/14 Philippines men’s basketball team promoted the Trophy on stage at the Festival alongside many exciting fan engagements.

Paraded on the ‘Trophy Float’ through the streets en route to the Araneta Coliseum, it received the VIP red carpet treatment ahead of its handover from the 2019 winning team at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Draw, presented by Wanda.

The Trophy Tour sees the FIBA Basketball World Cup Naismith Trophy—named in honor of basketball’s inventor, Dr James Naismith—embark on a journey across the globe for the second time. It will make stops in 30 nations qualified for the showpiece event before coming back to the host countries, starting with Japan in mid-July, followed by Indonesia, and finally, the Philippines.

The Trophy Tour is presented by J9, a FIBA Global Partner providing world-class gaming experience. J9 aims to bring the excitement of the FIBA Basketball World Cup and to promote basketball globally and will use its portal J9.basketball to bring

to fans around the world all the latest news and updates of the Tour, with exclusive content.

“It’s an honor for J9 to be the presenter of the Trophy Tour,” enthused J9 Managing Director James Chen said.

“We look forward to bringing

excitement to fans all around the world and especially to the qualified countries of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.”

Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services, emphasized the importance of the

Trophy Tour and stated: “The Trophy Tour is also an important opportunity to grow even more interest in the tournament and also in basketball more generally worldwide. It increases the excitement for fans and the media, with our presenting partner J9 able to

Constantino-Uy duel looms at Luisita golf

WHILE the rest toughened up during the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour break, Harmie Constantino and Daniella Uy look to dominate in the absence of a couple of big guns when the ICTSI Luisita Championship is held in Tarlac on May 9-11.

Constantino, who swept the last two LPGT legs last year, including the inaugural Match Play Invitational at Villamor, tied for third at Caliraya Springs in Laguna two weeks ago, while Uy, who scored a breakthrough at Riviera in 2021, wound up joint fifth on the strength of a tournament-best 67 in the second round.

They expect to fight it out for top Luisita honors as Bacolod leg comefrom-behind winner Chanelle Avaricio and Iloilo stop runaway champion Rianne Malixi are skipping next week’s event due to previous commitments.

Avaricio, who also won three LPGT legs last year, is set to vie in the Garden City Classic of the Epson Tour,

while top amateur Malixi is spearheading the country’s gold medal drive in both the individual and team competitions in the Cambodia SEA Games

slated on the same week of the Luisita Championship. Malixi humbled multi-titled Princess Superal to win this event last year then went on to rule the Valley Golf and Riviera-Langer legs and cap a sterling campaign in the country’s premier ladies pro circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

But Constantino and Uy won’t be short of credible challengers in the 54hole championship put up by ICTSI with reigning Order of Merit winner Chihiro Ikeda, Caliraya Springs leg joint third placer Florence Bisera, Sarah Ababa, Pamela Mariano, Apple Fudolin, Gretchen Villacencio, Kristine Fleetwood and Rev Alcantara all geared up for a grueling three-day battle in the heat at one of the country’s toughest courses.

Meanwhile, amateurs Laurea Duque and Eunhua Nam of Korea spice up the compact field that also includes pros Sheryl Villacensio, Lovelynn Guioguio, Lucy Landicho, Eva Miñoza and Majorie Pulumbarit.

FEU tossers eliminate La Salle, keep UAAP season alive

FAR EASTERN University knocked out De La Salle University, 25-21,1925, 25-22, 25-22, to climb up the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball stepladder, Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Mark Calado hammered down 20 attacks to finish with 22 points and help as the Tamaraws kept their season alive. Sealing a knockout match with the second-ranked University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, FEU has a chance to face National University for the second Finals

stint in a row.

Team captain Jelord Talisayan and Zhydryx Saavedra each chipped in 12 points in the win. The former also collected 17 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

“Congratulations sa DLSU kasi ang galing nila. Congratulations din sa lahat ng players, ginawa nila ‘yung pinagensayuhan namin,” said Tamaraws head coach Rey Diaz.

“Talagang walang tumigil, ang ganda, ang sarap ng feeling na naglalaro kang

sama-sama, sabay-sabay at tulong tulong,” he added. De La Salle saw its first Final Four appearance in 10 years come to a quick end, but not without a fight.

The Green Spikers threatened to send the game to a decider, closing in on FEU after a Billie Anima quick, 21-22, in the fourth but Martin Bugaoan answered back with a quick of his own before Anima committed an attack error which placed the Tamaraws at match point.

Noel Kampton delivered a searing

Grappler Afan qualifies for World Combat Games

PROMISING grappler Fierre

Proudhon Afan qualified for the 2023 World Combat Games later this year after settling for a bronze-medal finish in the World Combat Games qualifier grappling men’s event recently at the Yunusobod in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Afan, 18, scored a 4-3 win over Armenian Suren Khurdayan via high amplitude throw in the battle for the bronze in the M Gi Seniors 71-kg class and automatically clinched a ticket in the World Combat Games slated on October 21 to 30 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“I’m very proud of him, he is

a pure Filipino. When he was younger, he fought and got third in the World Grappling Championships,” said Alvin Aguilar, the president of Wrestling Association of the Philippines. “Now, he is heading to the World Combat Games as our first qualified combat athlete.”

Aguilar referred to the last 2021 United World Wrestling Junior and Cadets World Grappling Championships in Ufa, Russia.

During the preliminary rounds, Afan bested Venezuelan Geiker Rafael Ferrer Torrealba and Iranian Iman Aghapour, but lost to Uzbekistan’s Feruzbek

Urokov in a very close fight before meeting his Armenian foe in the battle for bronze.

Aguilar, the Philippines’ Chef de Mission for the World Combat Games, expressed his delight on Afan’s accomplishment noting that this is the first time that any Filipino has qualified for the World Combat Games.

“As the CDM of World Combat Games, we are excited to see him compete there. This is the first time any Filipino has qualified for this. He was up against all sorts of older and seasoned competitors,” Aguilar added.

Also the longtime chief trainer of Afan, Aguilar

cross-court hit to keep La Salle alive but JJ Javelona immediately fired a crosscourt hit to finish the game.

Benny Martinez tossed 21 excellent sets to go along with five points while Bryce De Guzman collected 22 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs for the Morayta-based spikers.

On the other hand, Kampton paced the Green Spikers with 18 points on 16 attacks, an ace, and a block while JM Ronqullio added 17 markers on 15 attacks and two blocks.

said he is eyeing to put the Marikina resident in a secluded training camp prior to the games to enhance his skills. Afan is a member of the DEFTAC since he was younger.

Afan is the only Filipino fighter to qualify for the World Combat Games after other Philippine combat sports did not participate in their respective qualifiers. He returned on Tuesday in Manila along with grappler Nathanielle Vince Ortiz (66 kg), coaches Lester del Rosario and Michael Sayson Tabamo. Ortiz lost his matches and didn’t qualify.

create more visibility and awareness of their own brand.”

FIBA has appointed XYZ, an award-winning, independent brand experience agency based in London, to assist with the production and logistics of the Tour.

Ex-Letran standout to play for Adamson

By Peter Atencio

THE Adamson Falcons secured another commitment for the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

Nineteen-year-old Emman Anabo, a member of the Letran Squires in high school, has confirmed his decision to play for the Falcons in college.

Falcons coach Nash Racela said Anabo has informed him of his decision to suit up for the Falcons.

“We welcome Emman to the Falcons’ Nest. We believe in what he can bring and will definitely be a great addition to our program,” said coach Nash Racela.

Anabo, who is from Baras, Rizal, was a part of the Letran Squires’ championship run in the 98th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

He had averages of 8.33 points and 4.25 rebounds in 18 minutes when he played for the Squires.

Anabo, who will play for the Falcons for the next five years, will join four other rookies, Baby Falcons Peter Rosillo and Mat Edding, and FilAm guards Matthew Montebon and Eli Ramos.

The Falcons are led by Jerom Lastimosa, who will play for another year for the Soaring Falcons.

Argentina star Luis Scola and the Gilas Ambassadors from the 2013/14 Philippines men’s basketball team lead the launching of the FIBA World Cup Trophy Tour.

Harmie Constantino

Fierre Proudhon Afan (third from left) and other winners

SPARKLE , GMA Network’s talent management arm, has made a name for itself in discovering and nurturing young and upcoming talents. With its latest batch of teen charmers and young stars, Sparkle once again is ready to captivate the hearts of many.

Sparkle’s newest roster of stars promises to be a force to be reckoned with, as they showcase their skills and charm their way into the hearts of audiences.

In 2022, the talent management launched three batches of stars, namely, Sparkle’s Next Brightest Stars, Sparkle Love Teams, and Sparkada. With Sparkle’s vision and direction, these artists were able to grow their star power bigger and brighter than ever before in just a year’s time.

Now, Sparkle is training the spotlight on these bright, energetic, and bubbly teen stars with the launch of Sparkle Teens. With a mix of former child actors turned teenaged head-turners and completely fresh faces, Sparkle is excited to show the world how these Sparkle Teens shine.

Sparkle consultant and renowned starmaker Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan stated that despite their ages, these teens do have “It,” that certain quality to make it big and far in showbiz.

“[They have the] Enthusiasm and willingness to sacrifice for the craft. Willing sila mag-workshops, kumuha ng advanced classes [to improve].”

Sparkle’s Assistant Vice President Joy Marcelo believes that the talent agency

The teens with Mr. M

The new teens on the show business block

has prepared the Sparkle Teens well enough for them to take on any challenge that the industry throws their way. With nothing to dull their shine, these teens will sparkle!

“We had these kids go through months

of intense workshops before their launch as Sparkle Teens. They trained with the best acting, singing, and dancing coaches to help them become the stars that they’re meant to be. No easy task but they pulled through really well,” Marcelo said.

“Ask any one of them to perform and they will deliver, that’s how confident I am with the caliber and star power of our Sparkle Teens. And it’s a big plus that these kids genuinely love to perform – they are a joy to watch,”

the executive added. Additionally, Ana Feleo, Sparkle’s head acting coach, expressed her excitement for the launch of the Sparkle Teens. After playing a major role in their development as artists, she has witnessed their struggles and triumphs and now, all that’s left for them to do is flourish.

“There is no doubt that they are talented, and they all have their unique strengths. They’ve only started to bloom, and I cannot wait to see how far they will go in this industry that we respect and love.”

Lastly, Sparkle’s Senior Assistant Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes forecasts a busy and bright future ahead for the Sparkle Teens.

“There is so much to look forward to for the Sparkle Teens in the next coming months. To name a few, we have a billboard, music video, and social media campaigns that highlight all of their unique personalities and talents, which fans would not want to miss out on! They will also be cast in teen-oriented shows of GMA, while some are already lined up for different dramas. The teens will also be guesting in All-Out Sundays,” GozonValdes emphasized.

“I am truly proud of how far the Sparkle teens have come from day one.

I am confident that after they are seen showcasing their unique talents, fans will genuinely appreciate them and come to love them as the next big stars of this industry,” the TV executive concluded. Nickie Wang

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May will also mark many firsts for Star Magic and its artists

StargearsMagic up for exciting events this summer

FOLLOWING the success of the inaugural “Star Magical Prom” in March, Star Magic is set to bring more themed balls to the spotlight on its premier artists. Fans can look forward to a jam-packed May with a stream of events to watch live on the official Star Magic YouTube channel.

To kick off the festivities, summer will come extra hotter with the inaugural “Hot Summer LaHot Sexy Bikini Ball,” championing self-love and body positivity led by your favorite Star Magic artists. Happening today, this grand summer party will be a gathering of various stars like Maymay Entrata, Ria Atayde, Chie Filomeno, Enchong Dee, and Jake Cuenca slaying the runway in their hot and colorful creative swimsuits designed by well-known fashion designers.

“Just like the Star Magical Prom, this is a first for Star Magic. The aim of this event is to promote body

Star Magic is set to bring more themed balls to the spotlight on its premier artists

positivity and tell everyone na we can slay in any shape, size, and age,” Ria Atayde said.

Celebrity mommies will also be given a special tribute for Mother’s Day with the first “Star MAMAgic Day’’ on May 10 (Wednesday).

“This is a special Mother’s Day treat for all Star Magic mamas. As we all know, bukod sa pagiging artista, marami sa amin are also moms, and sometimes it can really be overwhelming,” Elisse Joson shared.

The strong and beautiful mothers under Star Magic such as Jolina Magdangal, Vina Morales, Dimples Romana, and Janella Salvador will be in attendance with their kids during the heartwarming event.

Sports enthusiasts and fans alike will be delighted too because the much-awaited “All-Star Games” finally Fans can look forward to a jam-packed May on the official Star Magic YouTube channel

Ken Chan shares aspirations for dream roles

By Angelica Villanueva

ACTOR Ken Chan has been in the entertainment industry for quite some time now. Throughout his journey, he has captured the hearts of the audience with his remarkable performances and undeniable charm. With his hard work and dedication, he has proven his versatility and acting prowess in various projects.

We witnessed him give justice to his character as a transwoman in Destiny Rose. He made us love ‘Boyet’ in My Special Tatay. We lauded him as he gave life to a person with a split personality. These are just some of the notable characters he played in the long list of projects he had.

With all the challenging roles he was offered at GMA and outside the network, I asked him, “Do you even still have a dream role or a dream project?

Known to many, the Sparkle artist always pulled off his character and despite him being at the peak of his career, the actor remained his feet on the ground, that’s why, blessings keep on coming to Ken and fans stayed by him to support him in every project he has.

Now that he is starring in a lead role in a film, his fans and friends had no words but positive feedback to his character in Papa Mascot

During his online pocket interview to promote his latest film, Ken expressed his excitement and worries during the first day of showing of his latest movie.

“Every time naman po na may pelikula akong ginagawa yung showing po ng first day, talagang nakakakaba. But at the same time, proud. Proud ako because alam ko na nakagawa kami ng isang material na quality. Isang material na matagal ko nang pangarap noon pa,” granted the actor. He also expressed his thanks to all the people who

supported him in the film. Nakakalakas ng loob, mas lalong lumakas ‘yung loob ko. Nabawasan ‘yung kaba ko because the executives of GMA-7, sumuporta po sila sa’kin, nandu’n po sila,” he said. Mas lumigaya ako. Mas naging masaya ‘yung puso ko kasi nakita ko ‘yung reaction nila, kung paano nila nagustuhan ‘yung pelikula. ‘Yung iba, humahagulgol, umiiyak after the movie,” Ken shared.

question, the actor found

there are times he

begins on May 21 (Sunday).

“Sa All-Star games, we promote camaraderie and sportsmanship. Mapapanood ng mga Kapamilya na maglaro at maglaban-laban ang favorite Kapamilya stars nila ng badminton, volleyball, and basketball,” Akira of BGYO said.

Get ready to see your Star Magic Dream Team including Daniel Padilla, Donny Pangilinan, and playing coach Gerald Anderson bust out their athletic skills on the court against other Kapamilya artists.

While all these events are underway, Star Magic is also gearing up to launch the latest edition of the “Star Magic Catalogue.” Fans can expect the limited edition hardcopy of the portfolio featuring Star Magic’s biggest and brightest stars to be released in June. – Nickie Wang

and future projects

what role he wants to do next. In the end, there is still a long list of roles he wants to do.

“I wanted to do so many things. Kahit ako nag-iisip, ano pa ‘yung teleseryeng pwede kong gawin. Actually, marami pa. But I’m just so blessed that I was able to do such characters like Destiny Rose as transgender, si Boyet as a person with autism, si Nelson at si Tyler, a person with a split personality,” stated Ken. Gusto kong gumawa ng isang teleserye na may kinalaman sa kultura ng mga Pilipino, o sa mga pinagmulan nating mga Pilipino. For example, gusto kong gumawa ng mga teleserye na may kinalaman sa Indigenous People (IP) dito sa Pilipinas. Gusto kong gumawa ng mga teleserye na may kinalaman sa history ng Pilipinas. Gusto kong gumawa ng fantaserye. Gusto kong gumawa ng isang serye about heroism,” he continued.

The Papa Mascot actor shared that in every role that he plays, he always learns lessons that he applies to his personal life.

“Ang takeway ko sa pelikula…’wag tayong huhusga agad ng tao hangga’t ‘di natin alam ang istorya at pinagdaanan niya sa buhay. Kasi we tend to judge a person easily especially we have social media now,” he explained.

The 30-year-old Kapuso actor also shared with the press that two films are waiting for him – one will be shot in Taiwan while the other is in Thailand and he later revealed that he will be working with a famous Thai actor.

“After this, in July, pupunta po kami ng Taiwan to shoot a movie. Makakasama ko naman po dito ang isa sa magagaling na aktres sa kabilang istasyon po, sa ABS-CBN,” said Ken.

Ken will fly to Thailand after his engagements in Taiwan. He said the details of the project are still under wraps.

Papa Mascot is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

HOW do you top a power ballad originally sung by belter Angeline Quinto? First, get a super talented act who can match the grandness of her voice. Second, pull in the song’s composer who actually believes there was more that could be done to the track delivered by the famous songstress in a mainstream songwriting competition.

The California-registered RJA Productions – its initials referring to its no-nonsense head Rosabella Jao-Arribas – clearly did its homework as the producer addressing the challenge of covering Angeline’s “Hanggang Kailan,” which is among the gems that came out of 2014’s “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs” – the same album that produced Morisette’s “Akin Ka Na Lang” and KZ Tandingan’s “Mahal Ko O Mahal Ako.”

It’s a big blessing that RJA has her own world-class talent in Alisah Bonaobra, one of the few in the current biz who can truly put her own twist on an already popular song and make listeners wonder if her version is actually the definitive one. In recording “Hanggang Kailan’s” new rendition, she gave the floor to its composer Joel Mendoza, the late-blooming balikbayan songwriter who insisted on having his original vision for the song captured note for note, or as high and emphatic as it should be, which Alisah obligingly delivered.

“I won’t forget that day we finished recording my vocals after six hours,” recalled Alisah when she spoke about her experience in interpreting the song at Wild Grass studio in Quezon City in November last year. “Sir Joel served as my vocal coach and he really expressed through body language his goal of coming up with the finest version we could possibly produce.”

Small wonder Alisah’s “Hanggang Kailan” is subtitled “Composer’s Cut.” This fresh cover certainly showcased what was missing in Angeline’s take –something previously known only to Joel and perhaps to some studio or record label guys who had a hand in cutting the record’s length to conform to the standard requirement of a songwriting tiff finalist.

Released last April 21 on digital stores, “Hanggang Kailan (Composer’s Cut)” has now reached thousands of streamers. The lyric video uploaded by ABS-CBN Star Music on YouTube had hit the 15,000 views mark after 11 days.

Well, the consummate professional tunesmith who excelled in corporate America and then survived multiple near-death experiences is no doubt a happy man now that he is finally able to share the cut as nature intended.

Joel shared, “I supervised for free and as you have seen on a video, I gave my all in guiding Alisah as she sang her heart out on this cut which to me really completes the story of the song.”

A clip of Joel orchestrating Alisah as she sings on record had been posted on Facebook for everyone to see how committed they were to making sure the finest cut would be served to the listening public.

Last year, RJA released Alisah’s version of the Martin Nievera classic “Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin,” penned by songwriting dame Cecile Azarcon who also wrote an original called “Do You Have A Miracle For Me” which Alisah likewise performed. Other popular records by the former X-Factor UK finalist include “Walang Iwanan,” “Gintong Tinig,” and “Can I.” As Alisah herself projects, “Hanggang Kailan (Composer’s Cut)” is likely to become a regular fixture in her repertoire.

Actor Ken Chan