Manila Standard - 2023 May 12 - Friday

Imelda recovering from angioplasty

FORMER First Lady Imelda Marcos, mother of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is “recovering well” after undergoing angioplasty, her daughter, Senator Imee Marcos, said Thursday. “Haha, successful angioplasty, had stent put in and recovered quickly,” Senator Marcos said in a text message to Manila Standard.

“My mother Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos underwent a successful angioplasty last May 7 at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City. [She] is recovering well and will be sent home this week,” Imee said in a separate statement confirmed by her office. In March, rumors of the death of the

Kuwait shuts door on Pinoys

‘Iqama’ holders exempt from entry ban sparked by labor row

By Rey Requejo

THE Kuwaiti government has imposed an entry ban on all Filipinos, except those with an “iqama” or residence permit, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

DFA Assistant Secretary Paul Cortes, in an interview with CNN Philippines, said the ban took effect on May 10 and covers Filipinos, even those issued with visas, who are entering the Gulf state.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., upon his return from the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia last night, did not answer questions on this issue, nor has the Presidential Communications Office released a statement on it as of press time.

Filipinos already on their way to Kuwait have been kept from boarding their flights following the country’s suspension of their visas, GMA News TV reported last night.

According to a report on “24 Oras,” a Filipina skilled worker already in Dubai was no longer allowed to take her connecting flight to Kuwait. Her recruitment agency officer in the Philippines said the worker was being asked for a civil ID, which is only issued after completing a medical

PBBM appeals for review of Veloso case

LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia—President

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked Indonesian President Joko Widodo to reexamine and reconsider the case of jailed overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Meruorah Hotel here.

“I said, the best that we can do I suppose is for the Indonesian authorities to

Coming home is best, Marcos advises Teves

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves to return to the Philippines after Timor-Leste denied his request for political asylum.

“Come home. That’s the best advice that I can give him,” Marcos said while

ASEAN ends gab with united stand on Myanmar, more work on COC

By Vince Lopez LABUAN

BAJO, Indonesia—The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Leaders’ Summit ended with a consen-

sus among nine member-states to engage all stakeholders to end the bloodshed in Myanmar, including junta leaders who were previously barred from attending ASEAN high-level meetings.

In his 25-page chairman’s statement, Indonesian President Joko Widodo also renewed the bloc’s commitment to work for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea.

“We welcomed ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and China and were encouraged by the progress of the substantive

GDP growth slows to 6.4% in 1st quarter

By Julito G. Rada

THE economy grew by 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023, slower than 8 percent a year ago and 7.1 percent a quarter ago amid the persistent high inflation that affected consumption, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday. National statistician and civil registrar general Dennis Mapa said in a press briefing the 6.4 percent GDP growth in the first quarter was the lowest growth registered after seven quarters when the country started to recover from the pandemic in the second quarter of 2021.

On the other hand, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the Philippines grew the fastest in the region during the period and it should

Meralco raising rates; fuels up by P1.15/l next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS can expect a double whammy of higher power rates and pump prices soon.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)

warned that higher rates would likely continue until next month due to higher temperatures that would drive demand.

Residential customers consuming 200 kWh will see an increase of around P35 in their total electricity bill, al-

though higher consumption translates to a higher increase, the power retailer said in a statement.

Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said they expect higher rates and higher

BAJO. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. salutes the troops at Villamor Air Base in Pasay

PAO tells SC: Craft Lapid Law IRR

By Rio N. Araja

THE Public Attorney’s Office fears for a worst-case scenario to the entire Philippine justice system due to a delay in the disposition and congestion of cases in the lower courts, should a public defender and another PAO lawyer represent the accused and the complainant, respectively, in the same case.

At a media briefing in Quezon City, PAO Chief Persida Acosta “humbly and respectfully” reiterated the appeal of 2,500 public lawyers to the Supreme Court to review Section 22, Canon III of the New Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability due to conflict of interest.

“Apart from PAO lawyers, indigent

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not be considered a slowdown coming from a low base.

“Among major emerging economies in the region that have released their firstquarter 2023 real GDP growth so far, the Philippines grew the fastest, followed by Indonesia [5 percent], China [4.5 percent], and Vietnam [3.3 percent],” he said.

“The country’s growth is also more rapid than the forecast first quartergrowth rates for Malaysia [4.9 percent], India [4.6 percent], and Thailand [2.8 percent],” Balisacan said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the administration is on the right track to sustain the country’s strong economy, noting the government’s resolve to bring more job and investment opportunities is already within reach.

“Our goal is to have a robust economy that will lead to the creation of more jobs and more opportunities for businesses and investments),” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino in a Facebook post.

“It is already within our reach, given the continued increase in our GDP growth rate which now stands at 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023,” he added.

Mr. Marcos also expressed elation that the Philippines even surpassed the growth rate posted by Indonesia, China, and Vietnam in the same period.

clients may avail themselves of the free legal services of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines members and even of the private lawyers under Republic Act 9999,” she stressed.

Even Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, in September 2022, approved a Bureau of Internal Revenue regulation citing guidelines on the incentives a pri-

vate lawyer providing free legal aid can get — a 10-percent tax rebate.

Lawyer-doctor Erwin Erfe, PAO forensics chief, said RA 9999 or the so-called Lapid Law has directed the Supreme Court to come up with the implementing rules and regulations since the law’s passage in 2020 under thenSenate President Juan Ponce Enrile and the late Speaker Prospero Nograles during the Arroyo administration.

Erfe, however, lamented that the High Court has ignored crafting the law’s IRRs that should have enabled the BIR to implement the 10 percent tax reduction policy in the past 13 years.

“Many private lawyers, especially those small players, welcome the Lapid Law to help poor litigants but they are

IN BRIEF

DILG auditing local peace councils too

deprived of the tax rebate,” he told reporters.

Erfe raised concern that a worst-case scenario may happen since the newly SC-approved Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability mandates that a PAO lawyer from the case’s jurisdiction and a PAO lawyer from another regional district must represent the accused or the complainant “in just one and the same case.”

“Can you imagine if a public lawyer from a region goes to another region to represent either the respondent or the plaintiff? That is what the Code is telling us. The concerned lawyer would be left with no option but to leave his or her assigned clients in the province,” he said.

BIR files raps vs. own workers for P6.4b in losses

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday asked the Department of Justice to prosecute a BIR employee and his wife for violation of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, following alleged P6.4 billion in revenue losses due to an alleged sales suppression scheme the couple is accused of.

In a complaint, the BIR through Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui accused BIR employee Aldwin Base, his wife Chiradee Base, and relative Jelson Vargas of violating Section 264-B of

Kuwait...

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examination in Kuwait.

Recruitment agencies are asking for help from the Department of Migrant Workers, which had yet to comment as of press time, because many OFWs who have completed their requirements would be affected.

“According to our Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, all those new entry visas in Kuwait from the Philippines are not allowed to enter but those with residence visa or what you call iqama are allowed to enter,” Cortes said.

the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (Tax Code), as amended.

This was after the government said it lost P6.4 billion in revenues through a sales suppression scheme allegedly perpetrated by a software firm being operated by Base, his wife, and Vargas. Section 264-B penalizes the “purchase, use, possess, sell or offer to sell, install, transfer, update, upgrade and keep, or maintain any software or device designed for or capable of modifying, hiding, or deleting electronic records of sales transactions and providing a ready means of access to them.”

Cortes declined to comment on Kuwaiti media reports that the decision was based on the Philippines’ alleged non-compliance with its bilateral labor agreement with the Gulf state.

He said Kuwait has yet to officially inform Manila of the reason behind the suspension.

The envoy, however, emphasized Manila is committed to resolving the issue “in an amicable manner.”

“In the case of Kuwait, we cannot deny that there are very, very friendly relations plus very strong people-topeople links,” he said.

It imposes a penalty between P500,000 to P10 million and imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than four years.

It also states that a cumulative suppression of electronic sales record in excess of the amount of P50 million shall be considered as economic sabotage and shall be punished in the maximum penalty provided under the same provision.

According to Lumagui, the Base couple are running the software management company identified as Basebyte Software Management and Consultancy Services (Basebyte).

“Our ambassador there is liaising and coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make sure that nothing is lost in translation,” he said.

“One, what kind of ban will this be? What type of cessation of visa is it?

Number two, what are its limits and who are those covered? Number three, why? So, all that will be threshed out with our discussion with the MOFA.”

At least 290,000 Filipinos live and work in Kuwait.

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government will check the performance of Peace and Order Councils (POC) in 1,715 local government units in the country to ensure they are actively implementing programs to secure their communities.

“Through this annual audit, we want to make sure that our regional, provincial, city and municipal POCs are functional and are carrying out strategies and interventions to further improve the peace and order situation in their areas,” said DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

This year, each council must score 70% or higher compared to 65% last year to be considered functional based on the following: Organization; Meetings; Policies, Plans and Budgets; Reports; and General Supervision.

“The higher functionality rate is a reflection of more favorable LGUs” Abalos said. Joel E. Zurbano

Pass NAIA checkup records, MIAA told

A LEGISLATOR on Thursday asked the Manila International Airport Authority to submit to the House of Representatives its electrical maintenance records and plans for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to determine if regular checks were made that could have prevented the recent power outages at the country’s premier gateway.

Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group made the request during the hearing of the House committee on transportation on its motu proprio inquiry into the power outage that happened at the NAIA Terminal 3 last May 1 or Labor Day, which affected more than 9,000 passengers.

Coming...

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The President said he was able to briefly discuss the matter with Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit.

“Yes, it turns out that congressman Arnie Teves applied for political asylum but was denied,” Marcos said.

“I think they will continue to go through the process,” he said, noting that Teves can still appeal the decision.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to inform the Timor-Leste authorities that Teves was wanted for murder and a suspect in the March assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo.

On Thursday, Remulla said Teves was still in Timor-Leste, asking for reconsideration, and was also trying to seek refuge in Cambodia.

The Justice Secretary, however, said he told the Cambodian ambassador that Teves is a person of interest in the killing of Degamo. Vince Lopez, Maricel V. Cruz, Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Meralco...

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consumption during the dry months.

Meanwhile, oil prices may go up next week, ending three consecutive weeks of price cuts, based on the first three days of world oil trading movement.

According to an industry source, oil prices may go up by P1.15 per liter for diesel, P1.13 per liter for kerosene, and P0.30 per liter for gasoline.

Meralco announced on Tuesday that consumers in its franchise area will experience higher rates of P0.1761 per kWh in May, bringing the overall rate for a typical household to P11.4929 per kWh from the previous month’s P11.3168 per kWh.

“That will taper off around July. From March to June, we need to expect an increase both in terms of consumption and price,” Zaldarriaga said. He said consumption goes up be-

“The way it is written by the Kuwait Civil Aviation, it says all visas, so it may be tourist, it may be student, it may be business, as long as new entry, they will not be allowed entry, but those who have their residence IDs may do so,” he added.

“We’re confident that we will be able to find a mutually satisfactory solution to whatever issues we feel need to be discussed with Kuwait.”

The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers earlier implemented a deployment ban in February for newly hired or first-time domestic workers in Kuwait following the murder of Jullebee Ranara.

The country last imposed a total deployment ban to Kuwait in 2018 after OFW Joanna Demafelis was slain and discovered inside a freezer at an abandoned apartment there. en route to Manila from Indonesia.

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negotiations towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive COC consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, within a mutually agreed timeline,” Widodo said in his chairman’s statement.

“We emphasized the importance of self-restraint in the conduct of activities by claimants and all other states... that could further complicate the situation and escalate tensions in the South China Sea.”

In his intervention at the 42nd ASEAN Summit Retreat Session Thursday morning, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said all stakeholders “must ensure that the South China Sea does not become a nexus for armed conflict.”

“We must avoid the ascendance of might and the aggressive revision of the international order. In an increasingly

tween 10 and 15 percent in March to June due to higher temperatures, which drive the use of air conditioners.

“Temperature levels play a very big part in terms of overall demand, between 10 to 40 percent,” Zaldarraiga said.

Meralco is also set to complete this month the implementation of the last distributionrelated refund, equivalent to P0.8656 per kWh for residential customers.

The impact of this will be felt in the customers’ June billing period.

Meralco also expects temperatures to continue to be elevated in the coming months due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which could impact on demand and supply.

Meanwhile, Meralco’s generation charge went up to P7.6697 this month from P7.3295 per kWh in April due to higher Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and power supply agreement costs.

This already includes the collection of the final installment of deferred charges, equivalent to around P0.20 per kWh.

Cortes said the DFA is waiting for official talks to start with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to discuss the coverage of the ban.

volatile world, we require constraints on power contained by the force of the rule of law,” he said.

In his arrival statement in Manila yesterday evening, Mr. Marcos said he “reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and advocated for a rulesbased maritime order anchored on the 1982 UNCLOS.”

Beijing claims almost the entire sea while four ASEAN countries – the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei – have overlapping claims to part of it.

Widodo insisted ASEAN members must remain united in resolving the crisis or risk the “break up” of the bloc.

“There cannot be a party within or outside ASEAN that can benefit from internal strife in Myanmar. The violence must end,” he told reporters through a translator.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said it was time to review the non-interference principle to give ASE -

SC...

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The SQA order effectively reinstated Rosal for the time being pending resolution of the petition before the high court and took back the proclamation of second placer Alfredo Garbin Jr. as city mayor.

Rosal defeated Garbin by a narrow margin of less than 1,000 votes in the May 2022 elections.

“The Supreme Court En Banc deemed it necessary and proper to issue a status quo ante order requiring the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the Comelec resolutions

Imelda...

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93-year-old Marcos matriarch were silenced after Imee and Imelda’s niece

AN the ability to deal with challenges such as the Myanmar crisis that have regional implications.

Mr. Marcos said the recalibrated approach will see ASEAN trying to engage Myanmar “at every level and to all the political factions that are active and are involved in that crisis situation.”

“We came to this conclusion simply because ... we have laid out the Five-Point Consensus and we put it forward to Myanmar, but it has been two years and there has been no movement. We decided we must try and do it in another way,” he said.

“And there are many members who have experience in these long ongoing political negotiations and the advice is to engage everyone equally, and that is what we intend to do,” Mr. Marcos added.

Since the Myanmar military ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2021 it has overseen a bloody crackdown on dissent that has killed thousands of people. With Maricel V. Cruz and AFP

dated October 4, 2022 and May 4, 2023,”

the SC said in a resolution.

The said Comelec resolutions disqualified Rosal as candidate for mayor of Legazpi City and directed the special city board of canvassers to proclaim Garbin Jr. as the duly elected mayor.

Comelec spokesperson and lawyer Rex Laudiangco confirmed the poll has received the SC ruling and that it will comply.

“Said compliance of Comelec with established processes guarantees all parties to the case the opportunity to avail of all legal remedies under our jurisdiction,” he said.

The Court en banc also required the Comelec, Garbin, Rosal, Joseph San Agus-

Eliza Romualdez-Valtos denied them.

Before that, then-Bacoor Mayor Lani Revilla erroneously tweeted about Imelda’s death, as she expressed condolences to the family of the widow of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

While Congress would be more than willing to assist the MIAA in improving NAIA’s equipment and facilities, Yamsuan said it was regrettable that the agency appears to be insensitive to the welfare of thousands of airline passengers inconvenienced by the crippling power outages that occurred during the peak travel seasons of January 1 and May 1 of this year. Maricel V. Cruz

PBBM...

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re-examine the case as a favor to the Philippines. That’s all we talked about. Not much more than that,” President Marcos told the PH media delegation onboard the presidential bound to Manila when asked if he was able to discuss Veloso’s case with Widodo.

The President said he mentioned Veloso’s case when he was walking with Widodo to one of the events during the Summit amid the hectic schedule of his Indonesian counterpart, who hosted the gathering.

Mr. Marcos mentioned to Widodo that the Philippine government is working hard on Veloso’s case, as he emphasized that they respect Indonesia’s laws on illegal drug charges.

The President earlier said the Philippine government is not giving up on Veloso -- who has been in Indonesia’s jails for 13 years or since 2010 -- as they are continuing asking for all legal remedies, including her pardon, commutation of her sentence, or even extradition to serve her sentence in the Philippines.

Vince Lopez

tin Armogila, and Oscar Robert Cristobal to file their comments within a “non-extendible period of ten days from notice.”

Armogila, who was a candidate for city councilor in last year’s election, filed a petition seeking the disqualification of Rosal on the grounds of vote buying under Section 68 (A) of the Omnibus Election Code and violation of the prohibition on release, disbursement, and expenditure of public funds under the said law.

The case filed by Armogila stemmed from a Facebook post on March 31, 2022 about a Tricycle Driver’s Cash Assistance Payout, which coincided with the 45-day ban on the release of public funds.

Revilla then deleted her post, apologized in a separate tweet, and later claimed her account was hacked.

Imelda also reacted to Revilla’s social media mess, saying, “Still alive. I’m just old.”

IN BRIEF

DepEd sets start of early registration for SY 2023-2024

encourage out-ofschool children and parents/guardians of prospective learners to participate in the early registration.

All public elementary and secondary schools were also ordered to update or encode daily in the early registration facility in the Learner Information System (LIS) using the school head or administrator account.

Aviation authority issues notice on China rocket launch debris

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued notices to airmen (Notam) informing them about the closure of several area navigation routes in anticipation of possible debris drops from the rocket launch by China.

CAAP made the advisory after the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) informed the agency about the Long March 7 rocket launch Wednesday night.

“Though the debris from the rocket launch will unlikely fall on inhabited land, it may still pose danger to aircraft and seacraft,” CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said.

Apolonio said the Notam area of concern includes the drop zones identified in coordination with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). The PhilSA monitors debris from the rocket, which was confirmed to have launched at 9:22 p.m. on May 10 Philippine time, from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan.

“Unburned debris expected to be discarded from the rocket before it entered outer space is projected to have fallen within three identified drop zone areas that are approximately 65 to 79 kilometers from Bajo de Masinloc,” it stated.

PhilSA has issued an advisory to relevant government authorities before the launch to warn of the risks of falling debris to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels passing through the drop zone areas, and recommended the issuance of warnings and temporary restrictions.

In case of debris sighting, PhilSA advises the public to immediately inform local authorities for appropriate action, and avoid retrieving the debris. Joel E.

Zurbano

Lawmakers to PBBM: Don’t give election losers posts in Cabinet

By Maricel V. Cruz

REP. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday urged

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resist the temptation of appointing or recycling candidates who lost in the May 2022 elections.

He made the appeal as the one-year ban on the appointment of election losers has expired.

Rodriguez said if the President now fills vacant Cabinet jobs, “it should not be because of the lapse of the one-year

appointment ban but because there is real need for full-time Cabinet members, including one at the Department of Agriculture (DA), which is temporarily headed by the Chief Executive himself.”

He added that the President should stop the practice of recycling “or rewarding defeated candidates with government positions.”

Among the departments that are in need of full-time permanent secretaries are those of agriculture, health and national defense.

In the case of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Rodriguez said the President should give way to a full-time secretary “because he has his hands already full in international relations and immediate domestic needs and problems of the country, including rising

tensions in the West Philippine Sea.”

“I would recommend that the next agriculture secretary be from Mindanao, the island being the Philippines’s breadbasket. It is also high time to transfer the DA central office to Mindanao where our country’s agricultural battle ground is set,” he said.

“He should have competent people helping him. He is very fortunate that he has his principal ally in Congress, our Speaker Martin Romualdez, to rely on not only in terms of legislative and moral support but in solving problems the nation faces,” he said. Rodriguez is the chair of the House committee on constitutional amemdments.

4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan meanwhile said the Chief Executive should preferably pick new

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Chiz Escudero has warned the government against introducing new tax measures as they would burden the public which have yet to recover from the pandemic. He said the government should instead boost its fight against corruption, go after tax cheats, and cut unnecessary expenditures.

“Taxation should be the last resort, not the first option. You reduce unnecessary expenses to cancel the need for unreasonable taxes,“ Escudero said, adding that extracting more taxes from the people is the wrong way to revive an economy hit by a pandemic.

“How will they recover if you will pull them down with the new taxes?” Escudero said. Choked by the pandemic, he noted that the last thing the public deserves is to be choked by taxes this time.

He said rising inflation also provides the “wrong timing” to hike taxes. “Because it reduces purchasing power,” the senator

department secretaries who are ready to serve for the next five years.

“Our suggestion is for the President to appoint highly capable department heads who can focus entirely on their jobs until 2028, and who do not have any plans to run in the 2025 elections, which is just 24 months away,” Libanan said.

“Secretaries keen on running for office in the mid-term polls are bound to become preoccupied with partisan political activities in a matter of months,” Libanan pointed out.

Mr. Marcos on Tuesday said he intends to reorganize his Cabinet soon, as he wants to appoint new members, including individuals who lost in the last elections, following the lapse of the 12-month prohibition on their appointment.

said, adding that “inflation is a form of taxation imposed without legislation.’”

“Adding high taxes to high prices of goods is like pouring gasoline on fire,“ he further stated.

Government, he said, “should not reward our people’s tax obedience with more taxes or that would be a form of compliance punishment.”

Reports said the Department of Finance (DOF) will be pushing for new and higher taxes on sugary drinks, and motor vehicles, among others.

The DOF said that three proposed taxes alone could generate P81.9 billion annually on the first year of implementation.

The Bureuue of Internal Revenue also plans to impose a creditable withholding tax of 1% on one-half of the gross remittances of online platform providers to their partner-sellers or merchants.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo meanwhile is proposing a one-strike policy for abusive employers who are not complying with the country’s minimum wage law and are not giving the benefits due to their workers.

Chiz urges government to focus on tax cheats instead of tax hikes

FIRST FOR ICTSI. Motukea International Terminal (MIT), a unit of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) at Port Moresby, recently made history by handling Papua New Guinea’s first international gearless vessel, the Indonesian-flagged Meratus Samarinda. A gearless vessel is a ship without cranes, and relies on shore-based equipment at its ports of call to load and unload cargo.

Presenting rebuttal evidence

REBUTTAL evidence is often thought of as a form of cross-examination; however, it is not.

A rebuttal is given “to explain, repel, counteract or disprove facts given in evidence by the adverse party.”

It is “receivable only where new matter has been developed by the evidence of one of the parties and is generally limited to a reply to new points” (Francisco, Evidence).

To be clear, rebuttal evidence is presented after the defendant has completed the presentation of evidence.

For example, after the defendant’s witnesses are presented and examined in court and the defendant makes an offer of evidence, the plaintiff or prosecution may then request for the presentation of rebuttal evidence to meet the new points raised by the defendant.

Hence, the function of a rebuttal is “’to meet the new facts put in by the opponent in his case in reply’ and is ‘necessary only because, on a plea in denial, new subordinate evidential facts have been offered, or because, on an affirmative plea, its substantive facts have been put forward, or because, on any issue whatever, facts discrediting the proponent’s witnesses have been offered’” (People v. Padero, G.R. 106274, September 28, 1993).

After the presentation of the prosecution’s last rebuttal witness, the accused shall immediately present sur-rebuttal evidence, if there is any, and orally rest the case in surrebuttal after the presentation of its last surrebuttal witness.

Thereafter, the court shall submit the case for decision (Number 13[e]).

Parties in civil cases may also be given the opportunity to present rebutting evidence unless the court, for good reasons and in the furtherance of justice, permits them to adduce evidence upon their original case.

Upon admission of the evidence, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision (Section 5[f], Rule 30, 2019 Rules of Civil Procedure).

In the case of People v. Padero, “the overwhelming import of the new facts disclosed by the accused which have a damaging effect on the complainant’s version (of rape) made it imperative for the prosecution to present rebuttal evidence. “Relegating the complainant to the background and presenting other witnesses to rebut minor or trivial matters brought out… for the defense engender serious doubts on the integrity of her story” (G.R. 106274, September 28, 1993).

On rebuttal, the witnesses of the complainant denied the assertions of the accused that there was no rape.

14 M poor families

of the poor to tide them over until they can rise above adversity.

But obviously these moves are palliative at best, and cannot be sustainable in the long run as this would deplete already limited government resources.

What’s more important is a whole-ofsociety approach to the poverty problem. Various frontline departments and agencies, or those directly dealing with economic concerns, should work closely together to give the poor the tools to improve their quality of life.

The presentation of rebuttal evidence is left to the sound discretion of the court. The court may allow or disallow the request for presentation of rebuttal evidence. However, if the court grants the presentation of rebuttal evidence to the plaintiff or prosecution, the defendant will be given a similar chance to present sur-rebuttal evidence.

Trial courts have ample discretion to determine whether or not the parties should be allowed to introduce evidence in rebuttal.

Judicial discretion, however, is not unlimited.

It must be exercised reasonably, with the view of promoting the ends of justice, one of which is to ascertain the truth. (People v. Hon. Felino Abalos, et al., G.R. L-29039, November 28, 1969).

The party cannot ignore the orders of the court when the latter is setting the presentation of rebuttal evidence.

Failure of a party to timely avail itself of the opportunity to present rebuttal evidence will amount to the waiver of such right.

Rebuttal evidence as a procedural tool is expressly provided in the 2017 Guidelines for Continuous Trial of Criminal Cases.

As paraphrased: If the court grants the motion to present rebuttal evidence, the prosecution shall immediately proceed with its presentation after the accused had rested his case (Number 13[e]).

However, despite the opportunity for rebuttal, the complainant failed to overturn the numerous circumstances shown by the accused’s witnesses that there was no rape and the parties actually engaged in consensual sexual intercourse (G.R. 106274, September 28, 1993).

“Where the defense tried to establish, not only that the accused did not commit the acts alleged in the information, but, also, that another person committed them, a new matter not covered directly by the evidence for the prosecution, the testimony of the rebuttal witness tending to show that the acts charged were indeed committed by the accused… should not be stricken from the record…” (People v. Hon. Felino Abalos, et al., G.R. L-29039, November 28, 1969).

There being new matters raised by the accused, “[t]he prosecution was entitled, as a matter of strict legal right, to introduce positive evidence on such new matter, instead of relying upon a mere inference from its evidence in chief.”

However, “[i]n directing that the testimony of such rebuttal witness [to] be stricken from the record… respondent Judge had committed a grave abuse of discretion…”

(G.R. L-29039, November 28, 1969).

Rebuttal evidence is not utilized to change a legal strategy, rehabilitate a witness, or to present newly discovered evidence.

Its specific function is to reply to new matters raised by the other party in his or her presentation of evidence.

ICC cannot order Duterte’s arrest

the ICC issued the warrant for Putin’s arrest.

According to the ICC, the warrant of arrest will be enforced against Putin once he steps into the territory of a country that is a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC.

That, of course, is easier said than done.

Russia has responded with a terse statement consisting of two parts.

It’s the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, conducted from March 26 to March 29, that found more than half of Filipino families rating themselves as “poor” while 39 percent considered themselves “food poor.”

The survey result found that 51 percent or 14 million Filipino families consider themselves “poor,” similar to the 51 percent or 12.9 families in December 2022.

Meanwhile, 30 percent of Filipino families rated themselves as “borderline” poor, placing themselves on a horizontal line dividing “poor” and “not poor.”

Only 19 percent rated themselves as “not poor.”

The survey also revealed that 35 percent of Filipino families rated

themselves as “borderline food poor,” placing themselves on a horizontal line dividing “food poor” and “not foodpoor,” and 26 percent rated themselves as “not food poor.”

The steady nationwide self-rated poverty scores between December last year and this March indicate that government must intensify efforts to help the poor improve their quality of life.

The government has endeavored to assist the very poor through cash assistance and food packs from the Department of Social work and Development (DSWD) during periods of high inflation and disasters.

There is also the Pangtawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or conditional and unconditional cash transfers to the poorest

Stronger PH-US partnership

IN A previous column, we pointed out that the meeting on May 1 between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden in the White House was significant as it marked the resumption of warm bilateral relations between the two countries.

This came after the previous administration kept the Americans at arm’s length while cozying up to China for expected investments that came mostly in trickles.

Now, with Washington eager to enhance cooperation in the economic and defense spheres, as well as in renewable energy and climate change mitigation efforts, there’s ample reason to believe that bilateral ties are likely to get closer in the coming five years, and perhaps even beyond.

Over-all bilateral relations

The United States and the Philippines have “significantly strengthened” their alliance, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described it.

He pointed out how the two countries have launched new initiatives together to create economic opportunities for Americans and Filipinos.

He cited, for instance, how trade between the two nations hit a “new record” with more than $25 billion.

Working with their Filipino counterparts, US officials, Blinken said, had taken steps to modernize security alliances “so that our forces can work even closer together despite natural disasters.”

For his part, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the Marcos visit managed to strengthen security and economic cooperation and long-standing ties between the two nations.

This, he said, would give momentum to sustain the country’s economic growth and help establish the Philippines as a hub for investments and as a regional supply chain hub that would generate more jobs and business opportunities for Filipinos.

Economic cooperation

industries and digital infrastructure.

The two countries also agreed to create a minister-level team on agricultural cooperation as the Marcos administration ramps up efforts to attain food security.

These can take the form of job assistance, provision of livelihood opportunities, education support, skills training/upgrading, among others.

Then the private sector and civil society groups should do their part as well, with targeted assistance to the most vulnerable communities.

The previous administration, if we remember right, aimed to reduce poverty in the country from 22 to 16 percent during its six years in office.

But the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the attainment of this goal.

The second Marcos administration now wants to bring the poverty rate a low of 9 percent by 2028. But can this goal be achieved?

Perhaps our economic managers can enlighten us on how they will go about it.

Energy

The two countries have also committed to expand collaboration on renewable energy production and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in response to the threat of a climate crisis, since the Philippines is vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

The United States and the Philippines will also pursue an ambitious program of cooperation on wind, solar, and geothermal energy, while enhancing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Meanwhile, a nuclear power firm has expressed interest to invest in the Philippines.

Oregon-based NuScale Power Corp is planning to conduct a study to pinpoint a site in the Philippines.

RUSSIA’S on-going war against Ukraine, now way past its second year, is not only in violation of international law, but has also made its President, the ruthless Vladimir Putin, a global villain, except perhaps in the eyes of most Russians who apparently still support and believe in his leadership.

Putin’s international notoriety is best manifested by the warrant for his arrest recently issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The warrant for Putin’s arrest was issued on account of his controversial order to take away Ukrainian children inside Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories and bring the minors to Russia, supposedly to be adopted by Russian families.

Putin claims the children were abandoned in a war zone and his measure is supposedly aimed at protecting them from possible harm in the course of hostilities.

Ukraine maintains otherwise, and asserts the children were kidnapped to sow terror among the Ukrainian people.

Apparently annoyed by the intense international public opinion the alleged mass juvenile kidnapping is attracting attention.

Putin has recently announced he will return the children of Ukrainian couples who formally request him in writing for their repatriation. Whether or not Putin will live up to his promise is something to be seen.

At any rate, Putin’s suspected mass kidnapping of Ukrainian children is so reprehensible

First, Russia is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and, accordingly, the ICC has no jurisdiction over Russia. Therefore, the ICC has no authority to effect Putin’s arrest.

Second, any country that enforces the warrant of arrest against Putin will trigger a retaliation from the Russian military, with a hint at the use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, particularly its long range ballistic missiles.

In short, Russia will not hesitate to go to war, a nuclear war even, in the event that its dictator is arrested outside of Russian territory.

Based on the foregoing, it is obvious the ICC has no jurisdiction over Russia and its dictator.

It has overstepped its bounds, and has unilaterally assumed it is the policeman of the world.

The ICC’s warrant for the arrest of Putin, therefore, is absolutely baseless, and only provokes a global war, likely nuclear in character, which the world cannot afford.

It will be recalled that during his term, President Rodrigo Duterte launched a relentless war against illegal drugs in the Philippines.

Duterte’s war on narcotics forced many government officials to surrender and undergo drug rehabilitation, including Quezon City councilor Hero Bautista.

His anti-narcotics campaign neutralized the local drug syndicates, and the Philippines was saved from becoming a narco-state.

Perhaps, Duterte could have completely eradicated the drug menace, had it not been for the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic that

The Marcos visit yielded some $1.3 billion in investment pledges from various American companies that could generate over 6,700 local jobs.

The new US investments cover a broad range of industries, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, health care, business process management, electric vehicle

The goal is to strengthen research and development in the agricultural sector.

At the same time, the US Agency for International Development seeks to boost its infrastructure development aid to the Philippines by leveraging over $3 billion in public and private financing to support the construction of highquality railways, ports, and transport systems.

The funds will also strengthen the Philippines’ critical mineral supply chains, advance smart grid technologies and clean energy solutions, promote secure 5G deployment, strengthen airport security and maritime safety, and support healthcare infrastructure across the Philippines.

Defense

The US is taking concrete steps to show its resolve to help the Philippines defend its territory in the South China Sea by providing military vessels and aircraft to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help in its modernization.

These include two Island-class patrol vessels, two Protector-class patrol vessels, and three C-130H transport aircraft.

These are on top of the two Cyclone-class patrol vessels transferred to the Philippines in late March and are on their way to Manila.

The Philippines and the US have also adopted Bilateral Defense Guidelines that would spell out priorities for interoperability systems in land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

plaining witness eventually withdrew from the case, and admitted he had been hired for the sole purpose of discrediting Duterte.

Although the Philippines was a signatory to the Rome Statute, Manila has effectively withdrawn from the treaty. The Supreme Court dismissed a petition questioning the legality of the withdrawal.

In short, the ICC has no jurisdiction over Filipino nationals, Duterte included.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla himself affirms this view. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agrees with Remulla.

The firm has developed small modular reactor technology (SMR), described as safe, modular, and scalable. This technology is the first and only one of its kind to receive design approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

NuScale is expected to invest $6.5 billion to $7.5 billion in the Philippines to provide 430 megawatts of power by 2031. Education

The US government has also committed to provide $70 million for exchange program opportunities for over 2,000 Filipinos in the next 10 years, according to the White House. Among the fellowship and scholarship opportunities that will benefit from the expansion are the Fulbright program and other bilateral exchange programs with the Philippines.

Both governments plan to establish the Philippines-US Friendship Fellowship, which will provide Filipino students and young professionals with opportunities to pursue further schooling in the United States.

The Philippines and the United States have gone through good times and bad times in equal measure through the decades.

But the convergence of common interests and shared experiences now compel them to become even closer allies and partners in a rapidly changing regional and global landscape.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

As Secretary Remulla repeatedly points out, to allow the ICC to operate in the Philippines is an affront to Philippine sovereignty.

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(www.manilastandard.net)

drained the government’s resources.

Anyway, as expected in any campaign against powerful drug syndicates, quite a number of casualties and injuries were registered.

Eventually, President Duterte’s political enemies from the much-despised Liberal Party and their allies who sympathize with the local communists initiated a complaint against him with the ICC. They claimed Duterte’s war on drugs violated human rights.

The confederate they hired as their com-

Recently, Duterte’s enemies, including detained ex-Senator Leila de Lima and some radical party-representatives in Congress, want the the ICC to issue a warrant for his arrest, in duplication of the warrant issued against Putin.

Obviously, they are delirious, or it’s just a case of wishful thinking on their part.

The ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, like Russia.

Therefore, the ICC has no authority issuing a warrant of arrest against anybody in the Philippines, Duterte included.

IF MORE than half of Filipino families consider themselves “poor,” shouldn’t that be enough cause for serious concern for the administration, and therefore much more efforts and resources should be directed towards addressing this situation?

Rebuttal evidence is not utilized to change a legal strategy, rehabilitate a witness, or to present newly discovered evidence

The steady nationwide self-rated poverty scores between December last year and this March indicate that government must intensify efforts to help the poor improve their quality of life

The ICC has no authority issuing a warrant of arrest against anybody in the Philippines, Duterte included.

The convergence of common interests and shared experiences now compel (the Philippines and the United States) to become even closer allies and partners in a rapidly changing regional and global landscape

Comelec poised to weed out flying voters

AN intensive cleansing of the voters’ list nationwide looms as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it has discovered some 400,000 double registrants signifying potential flying voters in the forthcoming barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections.

Comelec chairman George Garcia said the figure could possibly go up to 500,000 as review of the list has yet to be completed. “As of today, those who were able to

register from December 12 to January 31 this year, we were able to verify that there are at least 400,000 double or multiple registrants,” Garcia told the ANC network.

By Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz

SECRETARY Jose Rizalino Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Thursday said a legislative more to institutionalize the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino program (4PH) will provide a significant push to the housing sector.

Meanwhile, a lawmaker from the Bicol region lauded Acuzar’s initiatives to forge tie-ups with the private sector to build six million affordable homes during the Marcos administration

Acuzar was referring to Senate Bill 2108 filed by Senator Christopher Lawrence Go seeking to legislate 4PH, the flagship housing program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to ensure its sustainability.

He recognized previous efforts to back the housing and urban development sector in terms of funding by Congress, including Senator Francis Tolentino’s measure establishing the National Comprehensive Housing Financing Program.

I am so thankful to our senators for supporting President Marcos Jr. in realizing his dream of providing affordable, modern, decent and sustainable housing for homeless Filipinos,” Acuzar said.

Go’s bill aims to bridge the country’s housing gap through a comprehensive plan focused on providing affordable and decent housing for Filipinos, particularly the poor families.

He said his proposed law would ensure that every Filipino could afford a safe and comfortable place to live in.

The bill also provides for a mechanism to subsidize amortization and interest for the beneficiaries, a key feature of the 4PH program.

Potential buyer-beneficiaries must be capable of and committed to paying the subsidized housing loan amortization.

On the other hand, Tolentino’s National Comprehensive Housing Financing Program proposes to automatically appropriate funds for the government’s housing agencies to ignite a large-scale program such as the 4PH for the country to catch up with the housing backlog and provide a home for every Filipino.

THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation on Thursday started looking into the shortage of license plates and plastic cards for driver’s licenses being issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

At the hearing, Transportation Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade asserted that the LTO was doing its best to address the backlog in driver’s license cards.

As of May 2, there was a total of 234,149 backlogs, the LTO admitted.

The committee chaired by Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop held a motu proprio inquiry into the shortage of plastic ID cards for driver’s licenses.

Tugade told the committee that of the 234,149 shortage of driver’s license cards was the most ever recorded, with Region 4A accounting for 47,125 backlogs, followed by Region 3 with 38,728.

He said the agency targets to produce 80 percent of the backlogs in license plates by the end of 2023.

He also assured the committee that “contingencies have been prepared to address” the problem and to make its target achievable.

Tugade maintained that several measures have been done to enable the LTO increase the number of driver’s license cards to be procured in the succeeding years. These include to have a one-year buffer based on yearly-projected number of transactions: secure a multiyear contracting authority which may possibly need the President’s approval and separate the schedule of delivery of cards for the current year and the succeeding year.

Based on the LTO records submitted to the committee, several LTO offices recorded the following backlogs: 32,400 in Region 7; 18,695 in Region 12; 15,777 in Region 11; 11,420 in Region 10; 11,414 in Region 6; 10, 511 in Region 9; 9,565 in Region 8; 9,177 in Region 2; 8,789 in Cariaga Region; 7,983 in Region 1; 6,970 in Region 5; 5,716 in Cordillera Administrative Region; 4,236 in National Capital Region-West and 1,359 in National Capital Region East. Maricel V. Cruz

“We will be finishing with our assessment by the end of May and hopefully, it will reach at least 500,000,” Garcia said.

He vowed transparency on the results of their investigation. “We are going to expose that. We are going to make a detail as to when or where are the places where there are double or multiple registrants.”

The Senate was also poised to conduct an inquiry into the irregularity as suggested by Senator Imee Marcos.

Marcos charged that the fraudulent

IN BRIEF

CHR weighs in on rape, killing of minors in QC, Tagum

voters’ registrations were “bankrolled by big-time businessmen, contractors, and suppliers in anticipation of an increase in the internal revenue allotment of barangays arising from the so-called Mandanas ruling by the Supreme Court.

In the interview, Garcia also underscored the need to revisit Omnibus Election Code with a view to punishing flying voters.

“It’s a perennial problem, always a problem not only of the Comelec but the entire country,” he said.

“Indeed,

there are individuals who wanted to exploit the defects in our laws... that’s why we can even see flying voters. Voters who are not really from this area or voters who are being led in masse by certain individuals or politicians,” he added.

“Indeed, other than the efforts of the Commission on Elections, there should be amendments of certain laws especially on the issues of registration of voters,” Garcia stressed.

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THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has stepped into the murder of two minors who were separately abducted, raped, and killed in Quezon City and in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The CHR mobilized its regional offices to help bring the perpetrators to justice and extend assistance to the victims’ families.

Last April 30 in Barangay San Bartolome, Quezon City, a man allegedly approached a 14-yearold girl in front of a variety store, then molested her.

The victim complained to her father, who sought police assistance.

A complainant from Barangay Matandang Balara confirmed that her houseboy had been sexually abusing an eight-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy while coercing them to watch pornographic videos in the complainant’s own house.

She immediately reported the incident to local authorities.

Last May 1, police tracked down and apprehended both suspects.

In Barangay Apokon, Tatum City, two other victims of sexual assault were reported.

The body of a nine-year-old girl was found on April 20, four days after she was last seen taking her younger sister to school.

According to Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, an autopsy confirmed that the nine-year old lass was sexually assaulted before she was killed.

Last April 25 in Barangay Magugpo, local officials discovered the body of an 18-year-old working coed, last seen three days earlier in a CCTV footage within the premises of a convenience store, and that she was able to send a message to a friend saying she was raped.

Investigations to identify and apprehend the suspects behind these two unrelated cases of abduction, rape and killings in Tagum City were still ongoing. Rio N. Araja

P7.37b, 3.17-km span oversea bridge in Mindanao 69% done

THE P7.37 billion, 3.17-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge project of the government, the longest seacrossing span in Northern Mindanao is already 69 percent complete, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a statement, the DPWH said the project was expected to be 90 percent finished by December 2023, and scheduled to be formally opened by June 2024.

The bridge will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental to Tubod, Lanao del Norte, cutting travel time between the two provinces from two and a half hours to just seven minutes.

DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain, chief of the DPWH infrastructure flagship projects under the “Build, Better, More” program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, said the bridge was designed to deliver lots of benefits to the local economy and convenience for businesses and the general public in Northern Mindanao.

“We are particularly excited about the upcoming completion of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project, which we believe marks a significant milestone for the whole Mindanao,” Sadain said.

This valuable infrastructure project will greatly enhance economic growth as it will serve as a vital gateway that connects and further strengthens the region’s infrastructure, providing seamless transportation of goods and services.

Although the design and build activities for the Panguil Bay Bridge Project were slowed down by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021, work resumed last year as the pandemic slowed down.

The project is funded by a loan agreement between the Philippines and South Korea.

Vito Barcelo

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Acuzar cites moves to ‘institutionalize’ PBBM’s flagship housing program

House opens probe on LTO driver’s license backlogs

NEVER TOO LATE FOR CHARITY. The Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. led by Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez as chairperson and Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas as president, turns over a P1-million donation for the victims of the February killer-earthquake in Turkey and Syria to Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol, in collaboration with the Philippine National Red Cross represented by one of its governors, Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas. Miko Noveno

Trump mocks his victim of sexual abuse

ACOMBATIVE Donald Trump made a rare live appearance on longtime adversary CNN, repeating his false claims about the 2020 election, hurling insults and mocking a former magazine columnist he was found liable of sexually abusing and defaming.

Trump, during a one-hour "town hall" on the cable television network that he regularly denounced as "fake news" while in the White House, took questions on a broad range of subjects including the war in Ukraine, the debt limit, immigration and

his multiple legal challenges.

"Most people understand that what happened was a rigged election," Trump said of his 2020 presidential election defeat by Democrat Joe Biden.

If reelected, he said he would pardon a "large portion" of the hundreds of Trump supporters who have been jailed for their roles in the January 6, 2021 storming of the US Capitol.

"They were there with love in their heart," the 76-year-old Trump said of the rioters who attempted

to block the congressional certification of Biden's win.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, refused to unreservedly commit to accepting the results of the next White House vote when pressed by CNN anchor Kaitlin Collins, the mediator for the event.

"If I think it's an honest election, absolutely I would," Trump said.

The former president also waded into the tense negotiations between the Biden White House and

Congress over raising the US debt limit, urging Republican legislators not to do so if Democrats don't agree to spending cuts.

"I say that the Republicans out there congressmen, senators, if they don't give you massive cuts, you're gonna have to do a default," Trump said, before quickly adding that he sees such a scenario as unlikely.

The US government has never intentionally defaulted on its debt, and some economists warn that the effects could be calamitous. AFP

More than 71m people internally displaced worldwide in 2022

A "PERFECT storm" of overlapping crises forced tens of millions to flee within their own country last year, sending the number of internally displaced people to a record high, monitors said on Thursday.

An unprecedented 71.1 million internally displaced people (IDPs) were registered in 2022 – up 20 percent from a year earlier – amid mass displacement for Russia's war in Ukraine, as well as by the monsoon floods that drenched Pakistan.

NOTICE TO THE

A full 60.9 million new internal displacements were meanwhile reported in 2022, with some people forced to flee multiple times during the year, according to a joint report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

That marks an all-time high for new internal displacements, and an increase of 60 percent compared to the some 38 million fresh displacements

seen in 2021.

That number is "extremely high," IDMC chief Alexandra Bilak told AFP.

"Much of the increase is caused, of course, by the war in Ukraine, but also by floods in Pakistan, by new and ongoing conflicts across the world, and by a number of sudden and slow onset disasters that we'veseen from the Americas all the way to the Pacific." AFP

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INTERCEPTORS. Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza City, in Sderot on May 10, 2023. Israel's army and Gaza militants traded heavy cross-border fire, with 22 Palestinianskilled over two days amid the worst escalation of violence to hit the coastal territory in months. AFP

STOCKS rose for a third day after the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the gross domestic product expanded 6.4 percent in the first quarter within the government’s target.

The PSE index, the 30-company bellweather of the Philippine Stock Exchange, gained 16 points, or 0.25 percent, to close at 6,675.46 as four of the six subsectors advanced, led by property.

The index representing all shares also picked up 5 points, or 0.15 percent, to settle at 3,551.48, on a value turnover of P6.24 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 98 to 66, while 62 issues were unchanged.

Seven of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Bloomberry Resorts Corp. which climbed 3.27 percent to P11.36 and SM Prime Holdings Inc. which went up 1.76 percent to P34.60.

The peso, however, retreated to 55.75 against the US dollar Thursday from 55.67 on Wednesday on reports of widening trade deficit.

flation dipped further but only marginally, suggesting the Federal Reserve still had much to do in its battle against rising prices.

Adding to the uncertainty was the battle to raise the US debt ceiling to avert a destabilizing default, with Democrats and Republicans unable to reach a deal just weeks before the country runs out of cash to pay its bills.

The consumer price index reading was the lowest in two years and a tad below what was expected, giving the Fed a little room to take a break in its long-running rate hike campaign.

However, the figure came after a stronger-than-expected print Friday on jobs creation that showed the world’s top economy remained strong, while observers said further evidence was

needed to show that the tightening was bearing fruit.

The 4.9 percent rise in April was far above the Fed’s stated goal of two percent, which some analysts said meant it was unlikely officials would consider cutting rates at the end of the year, as some investors had been betting on.

“The Fed’s policy is working -- inflation is coming down, but inflation is

still too high,” Valentine Ainouz, at the Amundi Institute, told Bloomberg Television. “I expect the Fed to maintain rates higher for longer than the market expects.”

And Priya Misra at TD Securities added: “We need more CPI prints to clarify that inflation is definitely declining. With AFP

Italy probes Apple over alleged app market dominance

Asian markets mostly fell Thursday as investors shrugged at data showing US inROME—Italy’s antitrust regulator said Thursday it has opened an investigation into tech giant Apple for allegedly abusing a dominant position in the apps market.

The Silicon Valley titan “has adopted a more restrictive privacy policy for thirdparty app developers than it applies to itself,” the competition watchdog said in a statement.

It said it was also concerned third-party developers and advertisers were “disadvantaged in terms of the quality of the data made available by Apple.”

The “alleged discriminatory conduct” could cause a drop in advertising revenues of third-party advertisers and prevent competitors from entering or remaining in the app development and distribution market, benefiting Apple’s own apps, it added.

Apple reported a profit of $24 billion on revenue of $94.8 billion in the first three months of this year.

The business practices of US big tech companies have come under growing scrutiny in Europe, leading to huge fines and legislation to curb their market dominance. AFP

Google answers

ChatGPT challenge with Bard expansion

MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA—Google on

Wednesday said it is opening Bard, a rival to Microsoft-backed ChatGPT, to 180 countries as it expands use of artificial intelligence across its platform.

Executives at an annual Google developers conference in Silicon Valley said that generative AI will also be used to supercharge the tech giant’s leading search engine.

“We have been applying AI for a while, with generative AI we are taking the next step,” Google chief executive Sundar Pichai told thousands of developers gathered for the event.

“We are reimagining all our core products, including search,” he said. Google is racing to catch up with rival Microsoft, which has rushed to integrate ChatGPT-like powers in a wide array of its products, including the Bing search engine.

Microsoft’s dash into AI came despite fears about the technology’s potential threat to society, including its impact on the spread of disinformation and whether it could make whole categories of jobs obsolete.

Cathy Edwards of Google Search said the new experience would be akin to a search that is “supercharged” by a conversational bot.

Other Google executives laid out how generative AI is being woven into Gmail, photo editing, online work tools and more.

The company’s AI efforts would be carried out in a “bold and responsible” way, senior product director Jack Krawczyk said during a briefing.

Google’s expansion meant it removed a waitlist for Bard, letting users around the world engage with it in English after months of testing it out in the US and Britain.

Bard will be modified to support 40 languages in the coming months, according to Krawczyk. AFP

all stockholders who registered through the link sent to their emails starting 8:00 AM of 29 May 2023 until the adjournment of the 04 June 2023 Meeting. The requirements and procedure of the Online Voting and Election can be found in our website at www.apmcbacolod.com Stockholders who cannot attend via remote communication or vote in absentia may participate in the meeting by executing a PROXY in favor of another person or the Chairman which proxy must be notarized. For corporations, the submission must be accompanied by a Certification from its Corporate Secretary stating the authority of the representative/corporate officer to represent and sign in behalf of the Corporation. The suggested Proxy Form in PDF may be downloaded from www.apmcbacolod.com.

The Proxy Form must be received and validated by the Corporate Secretary not later than 5:00 PM of 29 May 2023 through email at businessoffice@apmcbacolod.com and hard copies at Asia Pacific Medical Center Bacolod, Inc. (Formerly: Allied Care Experts Medical Center Bacolod Inc.), Room 4, Ground Floor, MC Metroplex Bldg., BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod City 6100.

For ASM-related

G7 MEETING. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development SecretaryGeneral Mathias Cormann (top, second from right) delivers a speech next to Japan’s Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki (top, center) at the G7 High-Level Corporate Governance Roundtable in Niigata on May 11, 2023. AFP

MARKET INSIGHTS.

IPO-bound Repower

eyes P15-b capex to build 50 MW of projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

REPOWER Energy Development Corp.,

a subsidiary of Pure Energy Holdings Corp., is looking at a capital expenditure budget of P15 billion to develop 50 megawatts of capacity and other possible RE projects in the next three to five years. Its projects under development include the 15-megawatt Pulanai minihydro power plant in Bukidnon and the 4.5-MW Piapi mini-hydro power plant in Quezon which are expected to come online by 2025.

“The balance of the 30 MW will come from the low-hanging projects that are in advanced development stage and being developed under our affiliates,” the company said.

REDC’s portfolio of operating and income-generating mini-hydro power plants include the 1.5-MW Palakpakin,

1.1-MW Balugbog, 300-kilowatt Calibato, 2.19-MW Majayjay, 1.6-MW Inarihan, 3.456-MW Upper Labayat, 5-MW Tibag and 1.4-MW Lower Labayat. The Tibag and Lower Labayt power plants in Quezon will come online by June 2023.

The Philippine Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission approved REDC’s planned initial public offering.

REDC will offer 200 million primary common shares for up to P5 apiece, with an overallotment option for another 30 million common shares.

The company plans to use the proceeds from the IPO to fund the equity portion of the Pulanai and Piapi power project, the development and acquisition of renewable energy projects and fund operating and working capital requirements.

Synergy Marketing Research + Strategic Consultancy hosts an exclusive event called ‘Market(In) Sights’ to provide valuable insights and trends to help businesses navigate the current challenges and help them meaningfully grow. Joining the panel discussion at Newport World Resorts are (from left) Synergy Market Research president and CEO Germaine Reyes, McDonald’s PH corporate relations director and Philippine Association of National Advertisers president Adi Timbol-Hernandez, BBDO Guerrero chief strategy officer Gino Borromeo, HyperIsland AsiaPacific managing director Peachy Pacquing and Avanza Philippines president Yayu Javier. The event also marked the relaunch of Synergy’s partnership with YouGov, an international research and data analytics company based in the UK, with 44 offices worldwide.

Economic zone investment pledges jump 107%

By Othel V. Campos

INVESTMENT approvals jumped 107 percent in the first four months to P33.09 billion from P15.97 billion in the same period last year, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority said Thursday.

PEZA, one of the country’s major investment agencies that provide tax incentives, administers economic zones and IT parks across the country.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga attributed the increasing project approvals to the non-stop trade and investments missions organized by the Marcos administration.

“PEZA approved 60 new and expansion projects from January to April. We believe that we are now reaping the results of the ongoing investment missions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration’s investment initiatives, and it is now up to us to follow through the pledges,” Panga said.

Project approvals in the first four

METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION

NOTICE OF ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

months have the potential to bring in $1 billion worth of additional exports and generate 7,469 direct jobs, according to PEZA.

The PEZA board approved 14 new and expansion projects in April with combined investments of P20.56 billion and potential employment for 2,233 workers.

Among these investment commitments are seven logistics service enterprises, four export manufacturing projects and three IT enterprises. The projects will be located in Baguio City, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Cebu and South Cotabato.

The biggest project pre-qualified by

Please be advised that the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of METRO PACIFIC INVESTMENTS CORPORATION (the “Company”) for the year 2023 will be held on Tuesday, June 06, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

The venue of the meeting is at Sonata Ballroom, The Westin Manila, San Miguel Avenue corner Lourdes Drive, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. Shareholders may also opt to attend the meeting virtually through the Company’s Electronic Registration and Voting System at https://conveneagm.com/ph/mpicagm

Shareholders who wish to attend the meeting, whether physically or virtually, must inform the Company’s Corporate Secretary by email at corsec@mpic.com. ph no later than May 29, 2023.

In order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who will be attending the meeting physically in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company reserves the right to impose additional health and safety protocols at the meeting venue. Those who are interested in attending the meeting physically are advised to check the Company’s website from time to time.

The following shall be the agenda of the meeting:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 27, 2022

IV. Report of the President and Chief Executive Officer

V. Approval of the 2022 Audited Financial Statements

VI. Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors and Management for the year 2022

VII. Election of the Directors for the ensuing Year

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor of the Company for the year 2023

IX. Approval of Voluntary Delisting from the Main Board of the Philippine Stock Exchange

X. Other business that may properly be brought before the meeting

XI. Adjournment

The minutes of the 2022 annual shareholders’ meeting is available at the website of the Company (www.mpic.com.ph) and will be included in the Company’s Information Statement.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on May 17, 2023, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

Duly accomplished proxies shall be submitted on or before May 30, 2023 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 9th Floor, Tower 1, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City and/or by email to corsec@mpic.com.ph. Validation of proxies is set on June 02, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

Shareholders may vote electronically, subject to validation procedures.

The rules and procedures participating in the meeting physically and virtually and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement.

A copy of the Interim Unaudited Financial Statements of the Company as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 with Management Discussion and Analysis shall be posted in the website of the Company (www.mpic.com.ph) on or before May 15, 2023. A hard copy of the Annual Report, Information Statement, and Interim Unaudited Financial Statements will be provided to any requesting shareholder, free of charge.

Very truly yours,

M. PILARES III

RICARDO

Corporate Secretary

Pasig City

the PEZA board is the P19.7-billion biomass fuel manufacturing using buyo-buyo (Piper aduncum-shrub) as feedstock. The project was endorsed for approval by the Fiscal Incentives Review Board.

Meanwhile, Panga said total exports by PEZA locators reached $15.753 billion in the first quarter despite reports of widening trade deficit.

“In March alone, we generated $5.39-billion export revenues which account for 82.65 percent of the country’s total $6.528-billion exports in March this year,” he said.

The Philippines generated $1.3 billion in investment pledges and 6,700

IN BRIEF

RCBC’s profit rose 70% in first quarter

RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp., a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies and one of the largest banks in the country, said Thursday net income in the first three months climbed 70 percent year-on-year to P3.6 billion on sustained strength of business segments.

RCBC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the annualized return on equity improved to 13.3 percent, while annualized return on assets reached 1.3 percent.

Total resources expanded 20 percent year-on-year to P1.2 trillion, with the steady buildup of earning assets—customer loans went up by 10 percent and investment securities rose by 27 percent.

Accounting for 18 percent of asset growth for the period, the bank’s loan portfolio focused on higher yielding segments such as small and medium enterprises went up by 18 percent, consumer loans up by 14 percent and credit card receivables up by 46 percent.

“We are reinforcing our sales network to enable wider and efficient coverage, guided by the data science and analytics to further understand customer needs and serve them better,” RCBC president and chief executive Eugene Acevedo said in a statement. Julito G. Rada

Globe wants streamlined procedures

GLOBE Telecom Inc. on Thursday asked the government to institutionalize streamlined procedures to obtain permits, licenses and certifications for telecom infrastructure.

The company is a strong advocate for the extension of the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s Joint Memorandum Circular which took effect at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

The JMC enabled the company to fast-track its infrastructure buildup amid increased demand, with close to 4,500 cell sites built from 2020 to 2022, twice as fast as network builds from 2017 to 2019 and more efficiently than in previous years.

Globe, in a letter transmitted to the President by the Private Sector Advisory Council, underscored the urgency of the request.

“Institutionalizing the JMC as an Executive Order is one of the critical steps towards serving the geographically isolated areas. Hopefully, we can fulfill the President’s promise of making connectivity universal as a vital component to ensure that no citizen is left behind,” Globe Group president and chief executive Ernest Cu said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

PalawanPay subscribers exceed 10m

PALAWANPAY, the e-wallet app from Palawan Pawnshop Group said it has reached 10 million users, making it one of the fastest-growing e-wallet apps in the Philippines.

“PalawanPay is continuously innovating and adding new features and services to the app to better serve its growing number of sukis. Customers can expect more exciting and useful features in the app as PalawanPay continues to improve and expand its services,” said Palawan Pawnshop Group business executive officer Third Librea.

The growth is fueled by the app’s wide array of financial solutions like the unique send money feature that enables customers to transfer funds and cash out from any of the 10,000 authorized branches and agents of Palawan Express Pera Padala located throughout the country. App users can also enjoy the benefits of more affordable cash-in and cash-out rates with PalawanPay, resulting in significant savings. The app offers lower Instapay fee at P10 to send money to other banks and e-wallets compared to P25 charged by competitors. The scan-to-pay option allows customers to conveniently pay for their purchases, making PalawanPay a versatile e-wallet app that provides convenient and accessible payment solutions. Othel V. Campos

jobs in the recent US visit of President Marcos, an indication of American investors’ renewed interest in the country.

“We hope to attract FDIs in advanced manufacturing, EV industry, RE development, mineral processing, regenerative agriculture and frontier technologies particularly in digital health, fintech, blockchain, AI and big data—to boost our mix of industries and valueadding in the ecozones,” Panga said.

“We remain positive that more investments will come to the Philippines with the big-ticket investments that we secured during the President’s visits to Japan, the US and Switzerland, among others,” he said.

Converge

ICT

booked P2.17-b net income in Q1

By Darwin G Amojelar

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. on Thursday reported a 10-percent increase in first-quarter net income on the back of higher subscriber base.

The country’s only pure-play highspeed fixed broadband operator said net income amounted to P2.17 billion from January to March, up from P1.97 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues grew 11.5 percent to P8.64 billion from P7.74 billion in the same period.

Revenues from the residential business went up by 8.6 percent to P7.4 billion from P6.81 billion, driven by a 6-percent year-on-year growth in subscriber base.

Enterprise revenues also climbed 32.8 percent in the first quarter to P1.24 billion from P935 million a year earlier.

Converge garnered 43,000 net adds in the first three months, continuing the quarter-on quarter net adds growth.

FiberX, the company’s postpaid brand, remained the largest contributor of net adds with 28,792, up by 10 percent from the fourth quarter’s 26,252.

The Surf2Sawa, its prepaid segment, contributed 14,208 net adds in the quarter. The company’s total subscriber base stood at 1.92 million as of end-March.

Converge said it planned to fully launch its prepaid fiber-to-the-home broadband service by June this year, targeting the low-end market nationwide.

“This is the next source of growth.

We are still growing very well for postpaid, but it will provide an additional pot on the revenue potential in the growth of the company,” Converge chief operations officer Jesus Romero told reporters in a virtual briefing.

Cosco Capital’s profit grew 14% to P3.1b in first quarter

By Jenniffer B. Austria

COSCO Capital Inc., the listed retail holding firm of businessman Lucio Co, said Thursday three-month net income expanded 14.4 percent to P3.1 billion from P2.7 billion in the same period last year, driven by strong performance of retail and liquor businesses.

First-quarter consolidated revenues jumped 16 percent to P47.5 billion from P40.7 billion, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“The group continued to benefit from the economic recovery amidst the prevailing macroeconomic challenges by way of higher revenue growth across all its business segments which indicates the recovering consumer demand,” Cosco said.

It also attributed the double-digit growth in net profit to the gross margin enhancement strategies it implemented and the sustained strategic cost and expense management which slowed down the growth in expenses versus revenues. The group’s grocery retailing businesses under

Puregold Price Club, Inc. and S&R Membership

Shopping Club contributed 78 percent of total net income in the first quarter, followed by the liquor distribution with 13 percent and commercial real estate segment with 9 percent.

Puregold booked first-quarter net income of P2.4 billion, up 12 percent year-on-year, as net sales rose 15 percent to P44.4 billion.

Liquor firm The Keepers Holdings Inc. saw its net income increase 26.5 percent to P420 million on strong sales of imported brandy, wines, spirits and specialty beverages.

Consolidated revenues amounted to P2.9 billion, a 33.6-percent growth versus the previous year on the back of a 30-percent increase in volume of cases sold. The commercial real estate segment also posted a 8.7 percent growth in rental revenue amounting to P488 million in the first quarter as business operations improved due to easing mobility restrictions, increased level of economic activities and full resumption of rental rates based on contracts.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Ageless Eric Cray greatest of all time in SEAG athletics

Fruitless campaign for golfers

PHNOM PENH—The Philippines dropped a pair of heartbreaking playoff losses to Cambodia and Indonesia in team match play event to end its fruitless campaign in golf competitions of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games here Thursday.

Rianne Malixi bowed to Yin Harmonie of the host country in sudden death, failing to match the latter’s birdie feat from six feet on No. 9 of the Garden City course as the Philippines yielded to unfancied Cambodia in the knockout head-to-head quarterfinal matches among nine teams.

Malixi delivered the lone medal —a team bronze—in the last SEAG in Vietnam last year, chipping in for birdie to nip Singapore’s Suanne Loh on the fourth playoff hole.

Falling short of medal at fourth place in individual play Wednesday, the ICTSI-backed Malixi tried to steer the Philippines into contention in team play but lost to Preap Lien in their quarter duel.

LK Go, however, tripped Harmonie, paving the way for the sudden death.

In men’s team play, the Philippines yielded to Indonesia as EnriqueDimayuga, the best-placed Filipino at joint fifth in individual play, lost to Amadeus Susanto on the first playoff hole on No. 10 in their quarterfinal face-off.

Wyeth Dumdumaya trounced

Jonathan Hartono, 4&2, but Aidric Chan dropped a 0-2 setback to Ryan Latief. Dimayuga and Susanto settled for an all-square match that led to the playoff.

Gilas bows to Cambodia; PH sputters

PHNOM PENH—Gilas Pilipinas proved to be a no-match against an all-naturalized Cambodian side on the hardcourt, dropping its first basketball game here on a day an ageless Eric Cray ruled the 400m hurdles for the sixth straight time Thursday to save the day for the Philippines in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games here.

The Filipino team, which also has a naturalized player in Justin Brownlee, who suffered from cramps and dehydration and several half Filipino players, stumbled early at 15-29, and could not recover the rest of the way in a 79-68 Cambodian win that announced the hosts intention of winning it all, at all costs.

Despite the loss, the Philippines, now 1-1 after an opening victory over Malaysia, is still expected to secure a ticket to the crossover semifinals with a victory over Singapore on Saturday.

Meanwhile, bugged by a nagging sports hernia, Cray, 34, battled through the pain to clock 50.03 seconds at the Morodok Techno National Stadium, easily beating Natthapon Dansungnoen of Thailand (50.73) and Calvin Quek of Singapore (50.75).

Cray gave the Philippines its third gold in athletics after the record pole vault win of EJ Obiena and the breakthrough victory of long jumper Janry Ubas.

He delivered the country’s 27th gold here on a day Pinoy athletes, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, struggled anew against the gold-churning machines of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Starting the day in sixth place, the Pinoy contingent stayed there as of 8:30 p.m., with the Malaysian squad not far behind in seventh.

By Riera U. Mallari

DON’T be surprised if you see FilAmerican Eric Cray flashing the no. 6 sign, ala basketball superstar Michael Jordan.

Because in these parts, he is the GOAT (greatest of all time) on the track.

The ageless Cray added a never-heard-of 6th straight 400-m hurdles’ gold to his growing legend, hence the finger sign, to go with two others outside of his pet event, to crown himself as the Southeast Asian Games’ most successful trackster, if he ain’t already is.

“A year after COVID, five (titles) and now six (like) Jordan, six and O. That’s a little thing I got going with my coach,” said the 34-year-old Cray, whose victory was made all the more impressive by the fact that he ran hurt.

Bugged by a nagging sports hernia, Cray weathered the pain to storm to a 50.03-second clocking in his favorite event, to beat Thailand’s Natthapon Dansungnoen (50.73) and Singapore’s Calvin Quek (50.75). The Philippines’ other entry, Alhryan Labita placed 7th in 53.89.

Cray’s time was way below his own Philippine record of 48.98,

achieved at the IAAF World Challenge in Moratalaz, Madrid in 2016, but it was enough to give him a sixth consecutive 400m hurdles’ crown and eighth gold overall. His other two came in the 100m during the 2015 Singapore games and the 4x100 mixed relay in the 2019 edition at the New Clark City Stadium in Tarlac.

“I got a little bit of pain. It’s been lingering for two months, but I manage,” said Cray, catching his breath as a swarm of reporters surrounded him. “This means everything. This is a product of hard work, dedication.”

“You know, we just showed a lot of perseverance. I have a lot of drive, dedication for 10 years, ups and downs after injuries and everything I’ve been through,” said Cray, who is aching to make a return to the Olympics, to be held in Paris in 2024. He last made the Olympics in Rio in 2016, before injury forced him to skip the qualifying for the 2020 (2021) Tokyo games.

The next step is the Asian Championships, which is a qualifying tournament for the Olympiad.

“That is the goal,” said Cray, who is still undecided on whether to shoot for a 7th straight 400m hurdles’ gold when the biennial meet is held in Thailand in 2025.

“I gotta qualify first in Paris (2024), then I’ll take it from there,” he said.

Of course, he will aim for no. 7. Because in these parts, Cray is king.

Vietnam showed the way with 57 gold medals, just one ahead of the Cambodian side that nearly swept all the gold medals staked for the day in kun khmer, a martial art indigenous to Cambodians, and three ahead of Thailand.

Indonesia moved up to fourth, followed by the resurgent Singaporean squad in fifth.

Unless the other members of the national squad who are still in contention step up, the Philippines faces the grim prospects of finishing sixth or, worse, seventh. The country finished seventh in the medal tally in 2013 when the games were held in Myanmar with a measly haul of 29 gold, 34 silver and 38 bronze medals.

Among those who could play savior for the country are the boxers, nine of whom are in the finals, led by Tokyo Olympians Nesty Petecio and Carlo Paalam. The others are Rogen Ladon, Ian Clark Bautista, Paul Bascon, John Marvin, Irish Magno, Riza Pasuit and Petecio’s younger brother, Norlan.

Bronze pole vaulter Uy getting married

By Peter Atencio

PHNOM PENH—Wedding bells are ringing for Fil-American standout Natalie Uy after she bagged the bronze medal in the women’s pole vault event of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday at the Morodok Techo National Stadium here.

In two weeks’ time, the 28-year-old Uy will tie the knot with her boyfriend, physiologist Samuel Go. Taking a pause from her life as an athlete will get Uy focused when she resumes preparing for her competitions as a national athlete.

Uy said this after she cleared a final height of 4.0 meters to settle for third place in the games.

“It’s okay. I have a lot of things to work on. Lots of things going on in my life,” said Uy, who is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Attempts at 4.05 in two tries and 4.10 meters in one were made, but were unsuccessful. Uy’s performance was better than the 3.6 meters Alyanna Nicolas did last year when she claimed the bronze medal in the Hanoi SEA Games.

Choniticha Khabut of Thailand took the gold medal on a better countback after she and Sarah Adi Nor of Malaysia both hit 4.05 meters.

Competition against Khabut and Nor was tough, according to Uy, adding the she felt privileged competing against her rivals.

“It’s tough. I can see how hard they have been working. It’s an honor,” said Uy.

Alido takes charge with eagle-spiked 67

TARLAC—Ira Alido moved on the threshold of a second Philippine Golf Tour win with an eagle-spiked 67, pulling ahead of the stellar pack as Frankie Miñoza holed out with a bogey for a 71 in a furious third round battle that saw the surge of a mix of veterans in the ICTSI Luisita Championship here yesterday.

“Third day, moving day. I really need to get close to the leader to have a chance,” said Alido, who bucked a bogey on the first hole with a cluster of birdies and an eagle on the par-5 ninth for a 32. He slowed down with a two-birdie, one-bogey card at the back but it proved enough to shove him to the top at 208.

With his day’s best five-under card

and an eight-under overall total, Alido didn’t only keep himself in the hunt for a follow-up to his come-from-behind win in Bacolod last March. He turned himself into being the hunted in what looms to be a wild finish to the P2 million championship.

Mars Pucay, once billed as the next Miñoza for his sterling amateur career, found himself within a stroke off Alido with a 68 that tied him for second at 209 with the Del Monte ace and defending champion Miguel Tabuena, who fired a 69, while Jay Bayron stayed within striking distance at 210 despite falling off the joint lead with Minoza after a 72.

Though multi-titled Angelo Que and Michael Bibat trailed the joint

leaders by four at 212 after a 70 and 73, respectively, and Fidel Concepcion, Dino Villanueva, Japanese Atsushi Ueda and Gialon stood another shot farther back at 213, no lead is safe at the Luisita Golf and Country Club, a risk-and-reward course.

Kim Min Seong found it a bit late as the Korean, in joint lead with Alido and Minoza at 8-under overall after 16 holes, came out of the treacherous, water-laced par-3 17th crushed after dropping three balls and logging a 9 on his scorecard. He wound up with a 74 and tumbled to joint 12th with compatriot Rho Hyun Ho, who rallied with a 68, at 214.

Alido said he didn’t drive too well in another punishing day, hitting 10 fair-

ways and reaching regulation 13 times. But he flourished on the tricky Luisita greens and finished with 23 putts.

“I’m very confident with the way I’m playing,” said Alido, who birdied Nos. 3, 7 and 8, then hit a solid 3-iron second shot from 220 yards to within 15 feet and made the putt.

Pucay likewise banked on his putting to put himself in title contention in a long, long while and the former amateur hotshot is hopeful to sustain his charge in a bid to nail a first victory since winning at Southlinks in 2014.

“My putting just came back and I’m happy with how I’m putting the past two days,” said Pucay, who bounced back from an opening 72 with a 69 Wednesday.

Eric Cray displays the Philippine ag after winning his 6th straight 400m hurdles gold.

Natalie Uy clears the 4.0-meter high bar.

Ira Alido keeps himself in the hunt for a follow-up to his come-from-behind win in Bacolod last March. Manny Marcelo

Sarah Geronimo

Matteo Guidicelli cites perfect timing for joining GMA Network

Matteo Guidicelli was a vision of style and sophistication when he captivated the room with his entrance. Every eye was drawn to him as he stepped in, exuding an aura of confidence and charm.

Dressed in a striking champagne necktie, perfectly complementing his immaculate white long sleeves, and adorned in a distinguished dull gray suit, Matteo commanded attention and admiration.

The 33-year-old Matteo officially signed a contract with GMA Network yesterday and will work closely with the network’s Public Affairs. He attributes perfect timing as the key factor behind his decision to join the network.

Sarah G marks 20 years at the Big Dome

CELEBRATED pop superstar and concert queen Sarah Geronimo returns to the stage in a sold-out event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight. The concert marks her remarkable 20th showbiz anniversary, promising an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia.

Billed as Sarah Geronimo, this is the 15th live concert to be staged by the multi-awarded pop icon who has built a stellar career in TV, film, and music over the past two decades. The event is being co-produced by Viva Live, G Productions, and MQuest Ventures.

“This is the first live event to be coproduced by MQuest Ventures, through

its events arm, MQ Live. We are planning to make big waves in live entertainment and this is a great way to start,” said MQuest Ventures President and CEO Jane Basas

“We are grateful to our partners Viva Live and G Productions for making this possible,” Basas added.

MQuest Ventures is the creation and creatives hub that is wholly owned by Mediaquest Holdings, Inc. G Productions is the production firm owned by Sarah and Matteo Guidicelli, while Viva Live houses talents and produces live entertainment for Viva Communications, Inc., headed by Boss Vic Del Rosario

The winners of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2023

Newest breed of Filipino kings crowned in Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2023

FIVE dashing men were crowned during the first edition of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide pageant held at the Cove Okada in Manila City on Saturday. They were Mister Supranational

Philippines 2023 Johannes Rissler

Mister Manhunt Supermodel Philippines

2023 Kenneth Stromsnes, Mister Global

Philippines 2023 John Ernest Tanting, Mister Cosmopolitan Philippines 2023 Ivan Aikon

Ignacio, and Mister Pilipinas International

Ambassador 2023 Jefferson Bunney

instructor from Baguio City, while Parayno, who was born and raised in the USA, is a Far-Eastern University-NRMF Radiologic Technologists student.

Sandro Cordova of Caloocan City and Louise Uy of Bulacan finished as first runnersup, while Shawn Khrysler Sulit of Quezon City and Angelica Evora of Oriental Mindoro were named second runners-up.

Matteo fits

The actor, triathlete,

The negotiations began last year, and after careful consideration, he ultimately gave his affirmation. A GMA executive said that they wanted someone who will be the face of Public Affairs who will cater to a specific audience and Matteo perfectly fits the bill. and host is set to take on new missions in the Kapuso Network with a series of projects with GMA Public Affairs.

to have a good time,” Matteo told Manila Standard Entertainment during his contractsigning press conference with GMA.

GMA Network Chairman and CEO

Atty. Felipe L. Gozon led the outpouring of welcome messages for Matteo.

“We are happy that you are beginning a new chapter of your career with us,” said Gozon in his message to Matteo.

core values.

First runner-up was Lorenzo Isip of Cebu Province, while Rei Aldrich Gregorio of Bulacan and Tyler Gaumer of USA, finished as 2nd and 3rd runners-up, respectively.

Rissler, an actor known for the TV series Gen Z (2021) and Ben X Jim (2020), will represent the country in Mister Supranational 2023 in Poland while Stromsnes, a Filipino, Norwegian fashion model, will compete in Manhunt International 2023 in Vietnam.

Mr. and Ms. Posture Philippines 2023, organized by Chiropractic Diplomatic Corps, in collaboration with Mabuhay Chiropractic Clinics (MCC) and Mabuhay Health, aims to promote natural health lifestyle by engaging people to think, eat, move, and stand right. Sam Coloso sizzles at Star Magic’s Summer Bikini Ball

It was a night of glitz and glamor when ABS CBN’s Star Magic held its Hot Summer event “LaHot Sexy Summer Bikini Ball” at The Island at the Palace in BGC, Taguig City recently.

certain moments and I’m at this point of my career where all I wanted to do is to explore and help tell the story of other people through television. It’s all about the people around us now sharing with them stories of happiness and good vibes.

“Life takes you to where all I wanted to do is around vibes.

I plan

I plan

“Your fans and supporters can definitely look forward to more of your projects in GMA, especially with Public Affairs. May the Lord guide your journey as a Kapuso.” Matteo couldn’t help but be excited to be a Kapuso. He said he is grateful to GMA for the warm welcome.

“I cannot find the words to describe the feeling. I am very blessed and happy na natuloy. I’m very excited about what has to come. You guys welcomed me very nicely. It was very touching.

Honestly, I’ve never felt this kind of welcome at work. I am very excited to start my journey with GMA,” Matteo shared. An advocate for nature and country, Matteo also looks forward to living one of GMA Network’s

“I’m also very excited to uplift the Filipino spirit [which is] one of GMA’s core values. I think that has been my advocacy since I joined the army five years ago. I am honored and blessed to be here. I am excited to uplift the Filipino spirit and to show the world how beautiful we are as people and how beautiful our country is,” he added.

A patriot, explorer, and nature lover. Matteo’s love for the country has led him to go through rigorous training as a scout ranger and Presidential Security Group reservist. He takes pride in the country’s natural wonders and vows to promote the beauty of the Philippines through his travels.

Now that he is joining the growing roster of Kapuso talents, Matteo cannot wait to share with his fans his new projects with GMA Public Affairs.

“[It was ] Not in my wildest dreams to be in the public affairs team because I started my career as an actor. I’m always on the entertainment side. When Ma’am Nessa and Atty. Gozon-Valdes approached me and told me that they think they have a spot for me in Public Affairs. I was like, okay, if you guys believe it, let’s go. I’m really excited to see what this journey will become, what kinds of doors will open, and the things I’m going to do with Public Affairs,” shared Matteo.

Beginning May 15, Matteo will be part of the long-running morning show Unang Hirit as one of its hosts. Matteo cannot hide his excitement to be one of the UH barkada Matteo will also be part of GMA Public Affairs’ upcoming action-drama primetime series Black Rider with Ruru Madrid. And with GMA Public Affairs being the home of world-class and award-winning Filipino documentaries, Matteo will be part of a documentary special about nature.

Beyoncé sparks fan frenzy as she kicks off world tour in Stockholm

ECSTATIC Beyoncé fans sang and danced in feverish excitement in Stockholm Wednesday as the superstar kicked off her first solo tour in seven years with a futuristic spectacle featuring a lunar rover, an airborne horse, and wall-to-wall rhinestones.

Hours before the doors opened hundreds of people were thronging outside the stadium, including some who had traveled halfway around the world to catch the show, anxious to see the global music icon – one of the world’s best-selling artists.

Once the concert was about to begin, the tens of thousands of fans in the 60,000-capacity Friends Arena – filled to the brim – erupted in cheers as their “queen” emerged on stage.

“I see familiar faces, people that flew from very, very far to come see the first show tonight,” she told the audience at the outset of the three-hour space and science fiction-themed show. The show features Beyonce performing atop a lunar vehicle, playing the role of a

Internationally-acclaimed pop singer Beyonce

news anchor while dressed as a queen bee, and suspended above the crowd as she sits on a model horse completely covered in sparkling rhinestones. Beyonce, who has a record 32 Grammy awards; is in the top 10 biggest grossing female artists. She is also a fashion icon, with designers queueing up for her attention.

Many of the fans in Stockholm sported cowboy hats and rhinestones, mimicking the look of the performer’s outfit in the ads announcing the 57-stop European and North American tour.

The Renaissance World Tour, announced in February after being teased last autumn, is the star’s first solo tour since 2016.

Tickets sold out so quickly for the opening show that tour organizers added a second concert at the same venue for Thursday. From there, she goes to Brussels this weekend.

The tour, which continues until September, is expected to earn the international artist nearly $2.1 billion, according to business magazine Forbes AFP

Tanting, a 21-year-old Fil- Chinese Physical Therapy student, who won Mister Beauté International 2022, will vie for the Mister Global 2023 title to be held in Thailand. Ignacio, Mister San Jose City 2023 2nd runner, will be sent to Mister Cosmopolitan 2023 in Malaysia, and Bunney, Mr. Republika ng Pilipinas Europe 2022 from the United Kingdom, will compete in Mister International in Thailand.

The beauty of chiropractic highlighted in new pageant

Having a good posture pays off. That is proven by Asa Agayo and Nicole Parayno after they were named Mr. & Ms. Posture Philippines 2023, during the grand coronation night held at Veterans Museum in Taguig City, on Sunday.

Agayo, 27, is a 6-foot tall personal fitness

Dubbed the hottest event of the season, the star-studded event, hosted by Echong Dee and Ria Atayde, celebrated body positivity, empowerment, and diversity among its talents. Showtime Online host Sam Coloso showed she was not a former “Sexy Babe Grand Winner” for nothing, owning the ball’s stage with her daring outfit and a killer body.

Other stars who stood out were Maymay Entrata, PBB alum Chie Filomeno, Barbie Imperial Brent Manalo Kristof Garcia Bidaman Wize Estabillo, and actor Paolo Gumabao. At the event’s conclusion, Isabel Laohoo and Eian Rances were announced LaHottest King and Queen grand winners voted by fans and viewers.

PEOPLE

…are talking about Pia Wurtzbach

The beauty queen is known for delighting fans with quirky videos with her fiancee, Jeremy Jauncey. Yet this time, she surprised everyone when she posted they finally tied the knot. The wedding was private and serene, allowing the couple to bask in the moment and revel in each other’s presence. Pia is genuinely happy with Jeremy around, so there’s nothing but well-wishes for the newlyweds, as everyone expects more lighthearted content from Pia.

Xyriel Manabat

One of the reasons why she has been on everyone’s lips is because she’s still killing it with her acting in Dirty Linen, proving that she’s an award-winning actress who carries the role efficiently. On the other hand, people are noticing her body too much during events, leaving lewd comments about her bosom. While Xyriel already asked people to stop, others don’t understand respecting others’ bodies, especially women’s. Hopefully, the young actress can keep the comments from totally affecting her mental health.

…are not talking about

Jason Hernandez

Jason and his ex-wife, OPM siren Moira dela Torre, have seemingly moved on from their past. Recently, Jason posted a photo on his Instagram story with an unknown woman cozying up to him. It appears that Moira has healed from their relationship, albeit with some lingering trauma. It’s no surprise that Jason is also moving forward with his life.

Rendon Labador

He brands himself as a motivational influencer who calls things as it is, but sometimes his takes are more offensive than honest. After all, honesty and brutality are not always similar. His recent statement is calling veteran comedian Michael V “laos” or out of style.

While influencers are taking the stage by storm, versatile celebrities like Michael V. paved the way for various entertaining approaches. Just ask the characters he played over the years, sometimes simultaneously.

Newly-minted Kapuso Matteo Guidicelli (center) with GMA executives

Matteo’s contract with GMA will prompt him to work closely with the network’s Public Affairs

Filipino pop superstar and concert queen

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Helping Filipinos realize the American dream

By Nickie Wang

THE elusive American dream, a cherished aspiration for countless Filipinos, remains a distant reality for many. Thus, immigration lawyer Attorney Marlene Gonzalez, through her profound expertise and unwavering commitment, stands as a staunch advocate for countless Filipinos who harbor the aspiration of attaining the elusive American dream.

With utmost dedication, she tirelessly endeavors to assist and raise awareness among our kababayans, both domestically and internationally. As a compassionate immigration lawyer, prioritizes her clients’ needs above all. She firmly believes that her fees should not hinder her commitment to assisting those in need.

At the age of 12, Attorney Marlene immigrated to the United States with her family. Motivated by her mother, a nurse, the decision to move to the US was made. Her father, a military officer under President Ferdinand Marcos, chose to retire and join his family abroad. Their new home was in Los Angeles, California, but adapting to the unfamiliar environment posed challenges for young Marlene.

She decided to become a lawyer after listening to a U.S. Supreme Court

nomination hearing and finding out that most US Senators who get to pick the most powerful justices have a legal background. She was a stay-at-home mother then raising her first child.

Attorney Marlene knew that she needed to be an active participant in decisionmaking as far as the government and life, in general, is concerned.

“I wanted to be at the table for any decision that impacts me, my life as a mother, and as a woman,” added Attorney Marlene.

She was inspired by Cory Aquino’s rise to the presidency. “Cory Aquino inspired me as a woman, and I decided to pursue a legal education, despite having my three kids already at the time.”

Attorney Marlene Gonzalez is a dedicated immigration lawyer with 23 years of experience. She has actively worked with organizations such as the YWCA, Utah Sentencing Commission, and the Utah Minority Bar Association, focusing on advocacy. As a non-profit lawyer for six years, she handled cases related to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and now serves as legal counsel to the Asian Association of Utah- Refugee Immigrant Center. With a passion for helping others, she aims to establish a law office in Arizona, where many Filipino-

owned healthcare businesses are located.

She considers her greatest achievement in life as being able to raise three daughters who are now successful in their own endeavors.

Attorney Marlene is embarking on a new venture by launching a nursing recruitment company. This endeavor is another significant milestone in her

The change of heart

How Heart Evangelista discovered self-love and confidence through the years

autophagy which is cellular renewal. It helps in getting rid of the bad cells. I do those things I also like to get my daily steps. I have at least 5 or 6,000 steps a day. But if I can beat it, 10 [10,000], I would do that. I walk in place. I take vitamins and I try as much as possible to get eight hours of sleep. And bone broth (for fasting) is the best.”

T’S so good, it’s like a ride in Universal Studios,” multihyphenate Heart Evangelista laughingly raved about getting on her favorite massage chair these days at the launch of her newest endorsement for Zion Philippines.

The 38-year-old actress and fashion icon talked about putting a premium on health and wellness and shared her love for getting daily massages. At one point, Heart jokingly gave a shoutout to her regular masseuse “Ate Grace” whom she hasn’t called for a visit lately because she now has her massage chair at home.

“It’s like a whole new different universe. This morning, I had a cat nap on the chair and it’s the best!” Heart enthused.

“For sure, you have to get six to eight hours of sleep but I do believe in power naps,” Heart emphasized the importance of taking care of one’s self in this age of hustle culture. “It’s just very important to rest,” she added. For someone who is constantly on the go and frequently traveling, Heart said it’s so important to find her metime, a form of self-love. The idea of self-love and self-care for the media darling has evolved through the years.

“I think we were more of a people-pleaser when we were young. But then, because of all the struggles in life, you realize your self-worth so then the way you love yourself also changes.

You take it up a notch. You invest in yourself and make smart decisions.

Things level up as you realize how valuable you are,” Heart said.

Heart went into detail about her basic self-care. She shared. “Aside from investing in myself, I do a lot of research about eating properly. I also do a lot of cleansing.

Sometimes, I do a 24-hour fast so that’s a water cleanse which promotes

Heart is a picture of a woman so sure of herself, one who knows what she wants and is out to get them. She seems fearless about aging. To this idea, she had the best explanation. “Of course, I am afraid of aging because I am afraid of feeling [body] pains that I didn’t feel before,” Heart opened up. She was quick to clarify that at the same time, she is also not afraid of getting old.

“I just don’t want to get sick because health is wealth. No matter how much money you have, when you get sick, it’s very difficult. You can always save up again as long as you are healthy,” she added.

Aside from her physical health, Heart pays a lot of attention to her inner calm by taking care of her mental health. To give us a glimpse of her daily routine, she shared, “I wake up very early in the morning. I always make sure that I have quiet time. I have a diary, I like to write down what I am grateful for in a journal. I never let go of my journal because I feel that it’s always nice to always be grateful and assess yourself. I also like listening to music and as much as possible, I like to have my dogs around me. All the time. I feel like those are my angels.”

Heart also added that finding a sense of peace also takes effort.

She said with a smile, “It’s important to take a pause even when

we are going through a lot. Like with me, I have my clothes, I have this beautiful flower on my neck (She points at her fashionable neckpiece) but I’m also very tired and dealing with a lot of problems. I’m also a normal person. I think it’s important that you put yourself first. No questions asked.”

With numerous brand collaborations and projects coming her way as an international fashion icon and jet setter, Heart has embraced a different sense of maturity from experience. She feels she has developed a certain kind of confidence and independence she once lacked as a young girl who lived a sheltered and privileged life.

“I’ve come a long way. Before I would say, I’m 30-something but I have a mind of a 21-year-old. I’m 38 but I feel like I have a mind of a 50-year-old,” Heart shared. She talked about learning a lot from her work, personal experiences, and responsibilities. “I’m on top of everything. I love being on top of everything. I love the feeling that you could drop me off anywhere and I would survive,” she added with pride.

“You know, I never used to travel by myself and now I do. I used to cry over connecting flights in Dubai, the train. Now, I can do anything! I love it. I’m not a hostage to anyone. I don’t need to rely on anyone,” Heart volunteered. She continued by expressing gratitude to those instrumental in her evolution. “It’s very empowering and I really appreciate the people like my husband who are very supportive of my being a late bloomer, being independent, and learning to survive on my own. I love it. I feel empowered.”

Most importantly, Heart now has a better grasp of courage. “I’m still very sweet but I know when to put my foot down. I will fight for myself this time around. Hindi na ako makakakawawa ng kahit sino ngayon (No one can bully me anymore) and I love it,” she said with a half-wink. Heart claimed that she has always been honest about her feelings but also too conscious about what others would think and say in the past. With gratitude, she ended by saying, “I love that I had to go through a lot through the years to be where I am today.”

ongoing mission to provide assistance and support.

In addition, she plans to offer consultations in the Philippines. Her current objective is to extend her assistance to immigrants and individuals aspiring to live in the United States, ensuring their safety and pursuit of a better life.

On a side note, Attorney Marlene has

embarked on her own chocolate factory business. With a focus on spreading happiness, she aims to utilize the moodenhancing qualities of serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, found in chocolate. By sourcing cacao from the Philippines, she not only aims to bring joy to people but also to uplift Filipino cacao farmers and bolster their businesses.

Later this year, Attorney Marlene will visit Manila to share her expertise about Green Card safety and awareness.

PLDT celebrates win as PH’s unrivaled champion of internet speed

OOKLA, a renowned global benchmarking company, has announced that PLDT, the largest digital services provider in the Philippines, has achieved an exceptional top speed score of 86.52 in 2022. This remarkable achievement serves as a testament to PLDT’s unparalleled dominance and unwavering commitment to consistently deliver the nation’s fastest Internet speeds for an impressive fifth consecutive year.

To mark its exceptional achievement, the telco hosted a glamorous soirée in the heart of Makati City. The star-studded affair drew a constellation of luminaries,

including celebrities, esteemed brand ambassadors, content creators, and prominent industry influencers.

Esteemed executives from PLDT and Ookla graced the event.

Among the celebrities present were Miss Universe Philippines beauty queens Gazini Ganados

Bea Gomez, Maureen Montagne, Billie Hakenson, and Kat Legado; model and entrepreneur Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez; social media personality Eric “Eruption” Tai; actors and PLDT ambassadors

Franco Laurel and Jairus

Aquino; showbiz personalities

Dianne Medina and Roxanne

Montealegre; sports host

Aiyana Perlas; VJ and host

Samm Alvero; content creators

Kayla Javier and

Andrea Angeles; and gamer and streamer

Een Mercado

Talented

P-Pop singer FANA wowed guests with an impressive performance, and everyone danced the rest of the night away to a long set of music hits played by DJ Miaow. The event was hosted by

Miss Grand International 2016 first runner-up Nicole Cordoves PLDT executives, led by President and CEO Alfred S. Panlilio, received the official Fastest Internet 5 Years

In A Row award from Ookla Chief Technology Officer Luke Deryckx “PLDT’s commitment is to help build and empower the nation by setting the bar high in providing world-class digital services for Filipinos,” said Panlilio. “For the past five years, PLDT has made big strides to elevate our customers’ experience by delivering the best-fixed network services. We intend to keep this momentum and to go above and beyond in ensuring that our customers get the best digital experience wherever they need it – at home, school, or the office.”

Ookla’s Deryckx, affirms PLDT’s superior network performance for the past five years. He says, “With over 18 million consumer-initiated tests taken daily and billions of data points gathered, the Ookla data paints a clear picture of the performance, quality, and availability of virtually every network in the world. We are proud to recognize PLDT’s hard work in providing the fastest Internet experience in the Philippines and celebrate their achievements in superior network performance over the last 5 years.”

PLDT’s five-peat win at the Ookla Speedtest Awards is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing Filipinos with the best possible internet experience and supporting the country’s digitalization.

– Nickie Wang

Immigration lawyer Marlene Gonzalez

Immigration lawyer Marlene Gonzalez offers assistance and support to Filipinos for over 23 years

PLDT and Ookla executives

PLDT President and CEO Alfred S. Panlilio (right) with Ookla executive Luke Deryckx

Multi-hyphenate Heart Evangelista poses for

Model and entrepreneur Tweetie de Leon-

Gonzales with PLDT ambassador Franco Laurel

Beauty queen Gazini Ganados