Manila Standard - 2023 May 16 - Tuesday

DEGAMO SUSPECTS CLAM UP AS DOJ PUSHES BACK CASE FILING VS. TEVES

By Rey E. Requejo

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Re -

mulla disclosed Monday that the filing of murder complaints against suspended Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. has been pushed back. This was after several suspectsturned-witnesses in the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo have now refused to cooperate after lawyering up.

Remulla said the Department of Justice

was supposed to file the charges on Monday, adding that the cases against Teves would be filed “most probably on Wednesday,” May 17, before the DOJ by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

He cited the reasons for the delay, such as the suspects already in the custody of law enforcement agencies starting to be represented by lawyers. “They were provided with lawyers by some people who are paying for their lawyers who were not there before,”

PH eyes trade-off with Kuwait

Keeping shelters for abused OFWs key ‘non-negotiable’ in talks

By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

KEEPING shelters for runaway and abused Filipino workers in Kuwait is a “non-negotiable” for the Philippines, the government said, as it expressed openness to lifting its suspension on the deployment of household workers to the Gulf state on the condition that the host country guarantees the protections of migrant workers there.

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Vega and Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Hans Cacdac made the policy statement when asked by lawmakers about the non-negotiables in the ongoing talks with Kuwait over its ban on new Filipino workers.

“The non-negotiables are: Our shelters have to remain as it is in the law passed by Congress. Let’s make other compromises but not close down the shelter... There also has to be justice

PBBM approves import of 150k tons of sugar

By Vince Lopez and Othel V. Campos

AHEAD of an expected shortage by August this year, the government has approved the importation of sugar to stabilize its supply -- and is considering a similar move for onions to bring down prices.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved on Monday the additional importation of up to 150,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar to augment the country’s supply and stabilize the price.

“We agreed to additional importation of sugar to stabilize the prices.

[The] maximum amount will be 150,000 MT but [it will] probably less,” President Marcos said after meeting with Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) acting Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona and board member Ma. Mitzi Mangwang, representing sugar millers.

“The exact amount will be determined once we have determined the exact amount of supply, which will come at the end of this month,” Marcos said. He added that the government is opening

By Alena Mae S. Flores, Vince Lopez, Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday renewed the production contract for the Malampaya gas field in northwest Palawan, extending it for 15

years until Feb. 22, 2039.

“Today we mark a very significant milestone as we pursue another huge endeavor that will promise monumental rewards for our country and our people,” Marcos said at the signing ceremony for the contract renewal at the Palace.

The President said that the agreement

was consistent with the Constitution and the state policy of hastening the discovery and production of the country’s indigenous petroleum.

The Department of Energy (DoE) said the extension of Service Contract 38, which was to expire on Feb. 22, 2024, would allow for the continued

Diesel tops oil price hikes today at P1.40/liter on US recession fears

By Alena Mae Flores

DIESEL led the latest round of oil price hikes of as much as P1.40 per liter effective 6 a.m. today (Tuesday) to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

The oil price hike put an end to three consecutive weeks of price cuts, triggered by concerns of a recession in the United States, the world’s largest consumer of oil products.

Oil prices fell last week to about 2 percent amid the political standoff on the US

debt ceiling that stoked recession fears in the world’s biggest oil consumer.

“Uncertainties regarding the US debt ceiling, recent banking issues that could prompt a credit crunch across much of the oil industry and continued strong possibility of a recession remains...

Navy chief: China ‘obviously crossing boundary’ in WPS

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Philippine Navy said China is the one crossing the line in the West Philippine Sea amid tensions in the area.

Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. cited the recent radio challenge made by a Chinese vessel in the area of Pag-asa Island.

significant obstacles” for oil markets, analysts at the energy consulting firm Ritterbusch and Associates said.

Global oil prices rose slightly this week amid bullish sentiment on the resumption of US buying for reserves.

production of the gas field, ensuring that the remaining gas reserves are further explored and utilized.

“The DOE has meticulously evaluated the SC 38 Consortium. The assessment encompassed legal, technical, and financial capabilities, and confirmed

Lawmakers seek probe on NGCP, power outages

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

LAWMAKERS on Monday called for an investigation into the series of power transmission disturbances that caused power outages that inconvenienced the public and resulted in lost income for businesses.

On May 8, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Luzon Grid under red and yellow alerts after a disruption resulted in rotational blackouts due to the tripping of the Bolo-Masinloc 230 kilovolt (kV) Line 2.

The alerts also affected the transfer of generated supply from the Luzon Grid to the Visayas Grid, resulting in the Visayas Grid also being placed under yellow alert.

A day later, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) reported power supply cuts due to a “temporary system imbalance.”

“These successive transmission system disturbances caused inconvenience to communities and losses to businesses. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines as the operator of the transmission system in the country

SC 38 SIGNED. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the renewal of the Malampaya Service Agreement Contract (SC 38) Monday at Malacañang Palace. Witnessing the event are (from left) Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil and businessman Enrique Razon Jr., chairman of Prime Infra, which is part of the consortium operating SC 38. Ver Noveno

House bill redefines illegal recruiters

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives on Monday approved a bill that will redefine the crime of illegal recruitment by a syndicate by reducing the required number of perpetrators from three or more to two or more persons if committed by non-licensees or non-holders of authorities.

The measure is expected to make it easier to prosecute the crime and give justice to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), lawmakers said.

“We see this proposed law as an added protection for our hardworking OFWs and an effort to strengthen further our efforts in deterring illegal re-

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the importation of sugar to all traders.

The SRA forecasts that the country will have a negative ending stock of 552,835 MT by the end of August 2023, the end of the milling season, and it will be necessary to import 100,000 MT to 150,000 MT to avert a shortfall.

The SRA said that as of May 7, 2023, the country had a sufficient supply of raw sugar with a beginning stock of 160,000 MT.

However, the country will still need to import an additional 100,000 to 150,000 MT of sugar by this year because the expected local production of 2.4 million MT and the imports authorized so far will not be able to cover the 3.1 million MT demand.

Sought for reaction, the county biggest group of exporters said it is the prerogative of the President to decide on matters of national security, especially on food security given the latest economic data.

“While mostly everybody has their our interest or opinion on the matter of importation, I personally think that the President has all the information and appropriate appreciation of the facts and so is in the best position to decide on this matter,” said PhilExport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis.

Food processors and exporters “agree with the President’s move,” said Hi-Las Marketing CEO and president Roberto Angelo Amores II.

“The importation hopefully would result in more reasonable prices for sugar locally so we as processors and food manufacturers can remain competitive in both the local and foreign markets. We hope that members of PHILFOODEX will be given allocations for the inbound sugar,” he added.

However, sugar farmer and former SRA Administrator Lito Coscolluela lamented the lack of transparency in government procurement, “unlike in the past when all legitimate stakeholders are consulted for every proposed or planned importation.”

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should be held to account for the root cause of these disturbances,” said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, vice chair of the Senate Committee on energy.

Before the May incidents, NGCP also reported a system disturbance in the Visayas grid on April 27, causing a loss of 322.3 megawatts (MW) and power interruptions that persisted until April 30 in the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros, affecting over 1.5 million households, Gatchalian said.

“NGCP is mandated under Section 3 of Republic Act No.9511 to operate and maintain the transmission system, grid, and related facilities at all times in accordance with industry standards,” he said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros maintained her position that transmission lines, which are a key backbone of the entire power industry, should not have been privatized in the first place.

Hontiveros was reacting to proposals to buy back China’s shares in the NGCP due to security reasons.

Hontiveros said there are two primary reasons for her position—one is national security; the other is government financial losses, including tax revenue.

“As a result, I wholeheartedly support Senator JV [Ejercito]’s proposal to reclaim control of the national grid, particularly from Chinese control,” she said.

Based on expert testimony submitted during earlier Senate investigations, she said China acquired the upper hand in regulating the system functioning of the grid because it owns 40 percent of the consortium.

With Maricel V. Cruz

cruitment and giving justice to OFWs who fall prey to illegal recruitment,”

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said.

House Bill 7718, which the chamber approved overwhelmingly with 260 affirmative votes, seeks to amend Article 38 of the Labor Code and Mi-

grant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act by adding a new way to identify illegal recruitment by a syndicate -which is “if the offenders are nonlicensees or non-holders of authority and the act was carried out by two or more persons.”

“Under the current Labor Code, illegal recruitment by a syndicate is deemed committed only if carried out by a group of three or more persons conspiring and/or confederating with one another in carrying out any unlawful or illegal transaction, enterprise or scheme defined under the law,” Romualdez said.

“The minimum number of persons

provided in the law makes it hard to prosecute illegal recruitment cases by a syndicate,” the Speaker added.

“With House Bill 7718, we hope to fight the crime of illegal recruitment further and make it easier for government prosecutors to file and prosecute the crime of illegal recruitment committed by a syndicate in the case of nonlicensees or non-holders of authorities, as two or more persons conspiring or confederating with one another would be sufficient,” he added.

Principal authors of HB 7718 include Reps. Ralph Tulfo, Jocelyn Tulfo, Gus Tambunting, and Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo.

Review MO 32 on rice biofertilizer, Imee urges DA

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Imee Marcos has urged the Department of Agriculture -- still headed by her brother, the President -to review a recent memorandum order that will limit the type of fertilizer that rice farmers can use.

Signed on April 27, DA Memorandum Order 32 promotes the distribution of yet unnamed biofertilizers to rice farmers nationwide, in place of inor-

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for Jullebee Ranara, and improvement on the conditions of our workers,” De Vega said.

“We will not compromise the protection of our workers,” he added.

Cacdac said no OFW should be hurt, raped, physically assaulted, or killed at the hands of their employers in Kuwait.

“The repatriation [of OFWs] should also be facilitated promptly, and justice in terms of labor and criminal law should also be delivered more swiftly,” Cacdac said.

Manila Standard earlier reported that based on government data, at least two Filipinos per day experienced violence in the form of physical abuse, sexual harassment, or rape in Kuwait in 2022.

And while the numbers have gone down significantly in the past six years, these remain, according to DMW Secretary Susan Ople, a case of having “one too many.”

Based on DMW data submitted to Sen. Joel Villanueva’s office, there were 823 cases of physical maltreatment, 99 cases of sexual abuse, and 26 cases of rape last year, for a total of 948 cases or an average of at least two cases per day.

Villanueva added that at least 96 per-

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the consortium’s capacity to sustain the production operations and meet its obligations under the renewal agreement,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

The DoE recommended the renewal of the service contract, anchored on the commitment of the SC 38 consortium led by Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. to actively explore and evaluate additional gas resources.

“Through the stringent due diligence observed, the government aims to uphold responsible and sustainable energy practices while effectively managing

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Oil firms also raised the price of kerosene by P1.20 per liter and gasoline by P0.35 per liter.

“Petron will implement the follow-

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“I believed the scenario happened in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island and it’s obvious who is crossing the boundary,” Adaci said in an interview with ANC’s “Headstart.”

The Philippine Coast Guard recently installed five navigational buoys or sovereign markers in “critical areas” of the West Philippine Sea.

The buoys, installed near Patag Island, Balagtas Reef, Kota Island, Panata Island and Juan Felipe Reef carry the Philippine flag and signify the coun-

Weekly, daily COVID+ rates going up anew

INDEPENDENT monitoring group

OCTA Research revealed Monday that the weekly COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) spiked to 25.4% as of May 13.

OCTA Research Fellow Guido David, in a tweet, said the positivity rate — or the percentage of people who were found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested — in the capital region slightly went up from the 22.7% monitored on May 6.

The daily average of new coronavirus disease cases has increased by 31 percent from May 8 to 14, the Department of Health also reported Monday.

ganic urea.

Farmers’ groups reaching out to Sen. Marcos’s office expressed fears that the government project could put their crop yields and potential income at risk.

“Biofertilizers benefit soil ecosystems but can they duplicate past levels of rice production?” the senator asked.

Marcos noted that the El Niño phenomenon’s near certainty this year already poses a threat to rice production, with water allocated for irrigation from

cent of OFWs who have sought refuge in shelters in Kuwait are household service workers.

The DMW earlier implemented a deployment ban in February for newly hired or first-time domestic workers in Kuwait following the murder of 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.

“If we close down the shelter, what will happen to the runaway Filipinos? They will end up in streets and arrested by police – that’s the effect,” De Vega said.

The shelter was one of two recurring issues in the bilateral labor agreement that the Kuwaiti government is concerned with. However, De Vega said none of these concerns have been put into writing.

A high-level Philippine delegation is scheduled to fly to Kuwait this week to discuss the ban on Filipinos entering the Gulf state for the first time and the possible review of the 2018 labor agreement between the two countries.

The upcoming high-level talks are part of the regular discussions between the Philippines and Kuwait concerning the more than 290,000 overseas Filipinos there.

According to the DFA, around 70 per-

the valuable resource that is the Malampaya gas field,” Lotilla said.

Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the Malampaya service contract extension has no impact on China’s claims and potential exploration deals in the West Philippine Sea.

“[The] field was discovered in 1989. We have been producing from the Malampaya field since 2001,” Sales said. Following the President’s approval, the Malampaya Deep Water Gas to Power Project is moving full speed ahead for new exploration and development.

“This is a significant development for our national energy security and independence. The Malampaya asset will continue what it has started in operating

ing price increases effective 6 a.m. on May 16: P0.35 per liter for gasoline; P1.40 per liter for diesel; and P1.20 per liter for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international oil market,” the country’s biggest oil company said. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Jetti Petroleum, Clean-

try’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the country’s exclusive economic zone, the PCG said.

The move also highlights the country’s unwavering resolve to protect its maritime borders and resources and contribute to the safety of maritime trade, the Coast Guard said.

For his part, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Monday commended the PCG for installing the buoys.

“The Coast Guard should install more buoys in the entire breadth of the WPS, from the northern part of the country in the Ilocos region to the south in the Palawan area, because that is the extent

Angat Dam scheduled to be cut.

“Biofertilizers still need to be tested on a sufficient scale to prove that rice production costs can be lowered and better harvests achieved,” she explained.

Numerical data in MO 32 “need thorough recomputation to bring biofertilizer goals closer to reality,” Marcos said.

She cited that the quoted price of P2,000 per kilo of urea was 33% to 82% more than the prevailing market price of P1,100 to P1,500.

cent of the OFWs in Kuwait are household workers.

At a hearing of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, DFA’s de Vega said repeatedly: “I have hope for the future.”

The plan, he said, is to resolve the issue using “full bilateral relations” between the two countries.

“Just like the way we protect our national territory, our economic interest, our cultural values--we’ll always resolve things in diplomacy but not at the expense of the national pride and honor,” the DFA official added.

De Vega said Kuwait’s suspension of entry visas would be its “response” to the Philippines’ own suspension of the deployment of first-time household workers in the oil-rich last February.

The Philippine government’s decision then was in light of the brutal killing of Ranara in Kuwait. She was reportedly raped, murdered, burnt, and thrown into the desert by her employer’s young adult son.

“We’re sending a team, DFA, DMW (Department of Migrant Workers), [and] OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), to sit down with the Kuwaitis and see how we can move forward because we have to see what actually are the things they have been complaining about,” De Vega said.

this world-class installation for further exploration and utilization of the country’s remaining gas reserves, as well as open up the other potential near field areas for future production,” said Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. chairman Enrique K. Razon Jr.

The renewal agreement was signed by President Marcos and representatives of the SC 38 consortium: Prime Energy managing director and general manager Donnabel Kuizon Cruz, Prime Energy board member and senior adviser Sebastian C. Quinones, Jr, UC38 LLC president Belinda Racela and PNOC Exploration Corp. president Franz Josef George E. Alvarez. Lotilla signed the agreement as a witness.

fuel, Seaoil Philippines, PetroGazz, and PTT Philippines also implemented the latest round of oil price adjustments.

Domestic pump prices are adjusted every Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market the previous week. Prices vary per station, brand, market forces, and location.

of Philippine territorial waters China is claiming,” he said.

He said the markers “should serve as a warning to the Chinese and other foreign powers that those are a demarcation of our 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law.”

“China should leave that area. They have no business occupying certain islets and sea features there,” he added.

Rodriguez said the Coast Guard should also place buoys near Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, which is about 120 miles from Zambales and Pangasinan and a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen from the

In its latest case bulletin, the DOH recorded 1,773 daily infections which is a 421-case increase from the 1,352 recorded between May 1 to 7. Additionally, there were 12,414 new cases in the recent week.

“High” positivity rates were also reported in several provinces in Luzon while Aklan province recorded a “very high” positivity rate with 56.9%.

“Seven-day positivity rates in NCR and other provinces in Luzon. In NCR it increased slightly from 22.7% to 25.4%. High positivity rates seen in Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Isabela, Laguna, Oriental Mindoro, Pampanga, Quezon, Rizal,” David, quoted by GMA News, said.

OCTA further said in the Visayas, Leyte logged a 21% COVID-19 positivity rate, slightly lower than the 21.3% registered on May 6. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended threshold for the COVID-19 positivity rate is 5%.

The Department of Health (DOH) meanwhile reported that the country recorded 12,414 COVID-19 cases last week. From May 8 to 14, the daily average of COVID-19 cases has increased to 1,773, the DOH further said.

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Remulla said.

The DOJ chief said the department also had to review available records on the suspects who now refused to speak about the matter.

According to Remulla, before the appearance of the private lawyers, whose names he did not disclose, there were six persons who surrendered to the military for their alleged involvement in the killings.

He noted that those who surrendered were “brought quickly to the NBI for debriefing and questioning and were provided with counsel from the Public Attorney’s Office.”

“But when we were already pursuing the participation of Cong. Teves,” lawyers started representing those in custody, the DOJ chief said.

“Obviously, some people are interested in the statements they want to give and now they don’t want to cooperate anymore,” he also said.

“There’s a conspiracy and there’s probably people with a lot of money operating within the conspiracy to be able to afford the lawyers they are now getting,” Remulla added.

However, the DOJ chief said, “that will not stop us from filing the proper cases because the statements have been given much earlier... with CCTV (closed circuit television cameras) and cameras and in front of witnesses and PAO lawyers.”

On May 9, the oil companies implemented a per liter decrease of P2.20 for gasoline, P2.70 for diesel, and P2.55 for kerosene. These resulted in a year-to-date net decrease for diesel at P7.05 per liter and kerosene at P7.50 per liter. Gasoline, on the other hand, has a net increase of P3.85 per liter.

two provinces.

“That is clearly part of our EEZ, and yet China is occupying it. The Chinese Coast Guard routinely harasses our fishermen there,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy announced that two of its ships, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), participated in the seagoing phase of the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise last May 13 to 14.

Navy spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said the maneuvers took place near Grande Island, Zambales, and Lubang Island, Bataan.

Regulators slap Grab with new P9-m fine

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) slapped another P9-million fine on Grab  Philippines for failure to fully refund its customers more than three years after the PCC first ordered the  reimbursement.

The PCC issued the new penalty on Grab in the first week of February 2023, for violating three separate commission orders requiring Grab to return a combined  P25.45 million to its customers.

In 2022, the PCC told Grab to immediately release the remaining P19.3 million refund to passengers after finding the ride-hailing app’s low disbursement of the refunds from previous fines.

After reviewing the compliance reports for previous penalties, the PCC found that only 24.1 percent of the total refund has been claimed from  Grab by eligible passengers as of 15 June 2021, or  P6.15 million out of the total P25.45 million penalty required by the PCC to be returned to Grab users.

The ride-hailing app required additional steps for passengers to claim the refund, contributing to the low uptake. PCC advised Grab   that the refund should be immediately  credited via  GrabPay Wallet without requiring any action from the users to claim the amount.

The antitrust agency penalized Grab a  total of P63.7 million since 2018 for violations of its price and service quality commitments. It was in late 2019 when the PCC imposed on Grab the penalty to return a portion of its commissions to Grab’s passengers for violating its price monitoring commitment.

The PCC has since ordered  Grab to issue refunds in the amounts of P5.05 million in November 2019, P14.15 million in December 2019, and P6.25 million in October 2020.

PH to seek clarifications on security ties with Japan

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday vowed to follow up on the agreements forged by the Philippines and Japan during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit there early this year.

Foreign Affairs Secretary  Enrique Manalo is currently in Japan to participate in the Munich Leaders Meeting (MLM) and engage in policy discussions until May 16. The DFA said Manalo will meet with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi

Yoshimasa “to exchange views on recent developments and identify next steps to implement understandings and agreements” reached between President Marcos and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio last February. However, his visit is mainly focused on joining policymakers and experts in sharing insights on a range of issues, including the Indo-Pacific security architecture, nuclear security, and new partnership opportunities arising from the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region and beyond. Manalo is also scheduled to meet

IN BRIEF

PH has new envoys to UN, four countries

MALACAÑANG announced the new appointments of five diplomats who would serve as ambassadors of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) and various countries.

Malacañang said the new appointees would lead the country’s missions to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, according to an ABS-CBN News report.

The report also said seasoned diplomat Carlos Sorreta, the Philippines’ former  ambassador to Russia and DFA undersecretary, was appointed as the country’s new permanent representative to the UN. For his new assignment, he will  be based in Geneva, Switzerland.

In Asia, Maria Angela Ponce was named the country’s envoy to neighboring Malaysia, while Josel Ignacio would serve as the new ambassador to India and Nepal.

BI nabs Taiwanese wanted for fraud

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a Taiwanese wanted by authorities in Taipei for largescale fraud.

The foreign fugitive was identified as Yin Chih Chou, who was nabbed inside a condominium unit along Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila.

with Foreign  Minister Abdulla Shahid of Maldives.

The officials are expected to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations, which will mark its 50th year in 2024, and to further cooperation between the Philippines and Maldives in regional and global fora, including on climate change.

Manalo will also deliver a  policy address to touch upon Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership and the rulesbased order upon the invitation of Japan’s National Graduate  Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS).

BI fugitive search unit operatives who arrested Chou were armed with a  mission order signed by BI commissioner Norman Tansingco issued upon request of Taiwanese authorities.

“He will be deported as soon as our board of commissioners issues the order for his summary deportation.  He will then be included in our blacklist and perpetually banned from re-entering the Philippines,” the BI chief said. Vito Barcelo

FREEDOM. Sen. Imee Marcos and Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. lead the release of 2 inmates at the Correctional Institution for Women CIW) in Mandaluyong City who also received their certificates of discharge from prison, gratuity, and transportation allowances. Joseph Muego

New Cabinet appointments

illegal drugs for the reason that if there are no drug users and addicts, there is no problem.

It’s a matter of supply and demand, for so long as there are users and addicts, there will always be cartels and syndicates that will supply the demand.

With so much focus on the part of the Duterte administration on the enforcement of the law, abuses by the police took place with as many as over 6,000 killed per official records.

GOVERNMENT and business circles are now talking about names who could possibly be appointed as members of the Marcos Jr. Cabinet with the one-year ban soon to be lifted on those who ran for public office in 2022.

Among those rumored to be joining the BBM Cabinet are: former National Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro to be named secretary of National Defense, the same position he had and served quite capably from 2007 to 2009 during the Gloria MacapagalArroyo administration.

Gibo ran for the Senate in 2022 but lost.

Those who know “Gibo ‘’ consider the new appointment as an excellent choice. President Marcos Jr. named Carlito Galvez as acting DND officer-in-charge.

Another rumored new member of the Cabinet is former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto who, according to rumors, will replace Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos.

Just where Abalos will get reappointed is subject to speculation since, in my view, Abalos has been doing quite well as DILG secretary.

The Duterte administration forgot a holistic approach in any war against illegal drugs consists of four elements: Prevention, law enforcement, prosecution and rehabilitation

With the first year of Marcos Jr. coming to a close, the name of Arthur Yap is also being floated around as the next secretary of agriculture to replace President Marcos himself as the new agriculture secretary.

Yap also served quite capably as DA secretary from 2004 to 2005, and again from 2006 to 2007.

The name of Mike Defensor is also rumored to become the new executive secretary of BBM but, many of the government officials I know and among business circles, this could be a controversial appointment since retired Chief Justice Bersamin as “little President” is doing an excellent job.

All these speculations and rumors going around town are the result of the appointment of officers-in-charge at the DND and DOH and the fact that BBM has not appointed a permanent agriculture secretary and having made himself as DA secretary for almost a year already.

***

Wrong focus in drug war

President Marcos Jr. was correct when he admitted in one of his meetings in Washington the focus during the administration of President Duterte was on the enforcement of the law that brought about abuses which resulted in a lot of extra-judicial killings.

In a speech before the Center for Strategic and International Studies, BBM however was not forthright when he said there were abuses by certain elements in government without directly mentioning the police which was in charge of the Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.

Clearly, the Duterte administration forgot a holistic approach in any war against illegal drugs consists of four elements: prevention, law enforcement, prosecution and rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation, in my view—I had been involved in the rehabilitation of drug users and addicts—consists of half of the problem in

ISTANBUL, Turkey—The clip lasted 14 seconds, presented by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as proof that his rival in Sunday’s election was running “hand in hand” with outlawed Kurdish militants.

Aired at a huge rally and beamed live on TV, the video showed opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu trying to rally his supporters to the tune of his campaign song.

In the next sequence, members of Turkey’s banned PKK group echoed that call while clapping their hands to the beat of Kilicdaroglu’s election jingle. The message Erdogan was trying to project was clear: the secular opposition leader had formed a union with “terrorists.”

Only it was a montage, one of the latest pieces of disinformation to pollute the campaign of one of Turkey’s closest and most important elections in generations.

“How can a person sitting in the president’s chair stoop this low,”

Tension not escalated

But, unofficial sources and human rights critics of the Duterte administration place those killed at 28,000.

I have said it before that BBM is in the right direction in focusing his war on illegal drugs by telling the young about the consequences of getting involved in illegal drugs.

However, a lot of education campaigns among the youth is urgent since illegal drugs continue to be imported from abroad, either through smuggling or through a corrupt body like Customs.

Just read the newspapers and realize that cartels and syndicates have not discontinued their involvement in the Philippines making it a transshipment point of illegal drugs.

Santa Banana, where do you think all the illegal drugs being seized almost everyday are coming from? From China. At the rate China is smuggling drugs into the Philippines, China need not invade the Philippines.

Unless cartels and syndicates stop smuggling illegal drugs into the country, the problem of illegal drugs will remain a big headache for Marcos Jr., who is already being besieged with so many challenges and problems.

In the meantime, new PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda has ordered PNP intelligence to monitor some 3,000 scalawags out of the 280,000 total police force, most of them involved in the Duterte drug war.

Santa Banana, that’s quite a big number of rogue policemen to have contributed greatly to the loss of faith and confidence of the people in an institution mandated to be the protector of the people and maintain peace and order.

***

COVID-19 pandemic not over

The World Health Organization may have lifted the global pandemic health emergency, but it is well and good the Department of Health issued a warning that insofar as the Philippines is concerned, the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over.

Santa Banana, we Filipinos should not be too complacent about an unseen enemy that can’t seem to go away!

The fact that the WHO has lifted the global emergency on the pandemic cannot be taken for granted, given the current medical bulletin in the Philippines.

Even now, there is a surge of COVID-19 cases filling up the pandemic wards of hospitals nationwide, especially in the National Capital Region.

Blame that on the recent Holy Week observance which most people took advantage of for reunions with their families, going to beaches and crowding churches, and people now have greater mobility, often unmasking themselves in shopping malls and in restaurants.

The alarm signal on COVID-19 may not yet be called, but there is need for the people to be cautious.

In the meantime, it would do well for the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases) to come up with guidelines for the DOH to implement nationwide.

I am not an alarmist, at my age highly susceptible for infection and transmission of infectious diseases like the COVID-19, but my wife and I are always on the side of caution.

The DOH officer-in-charge has reminded the public to remain vigilant and continue using multiple layers of protection such as wearing face masks, isolating themselves when sick, getting vaccinated and boosted, since the country is now seeing the rise of COVID-19 cases. On the other side of the coin, when we look at our hospitals and see them filling up with COVID-19 cases, we realize COVID-19 cases are on the uptick.

The latest infection to watch for is the XBB.1.16, the subvariant called ARCTURUS which is very transmissible.

While only one case of ARCTURUS has been detected , it could easily speed up. We cannot be too complacent. Caution is necessary.

Kilicdaroglu, whose campaign has been endorsed by Turkey’s main pro-Kurdish party, fumed on Tuesday.

Running neck-and-neck with Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu claims that “foreign hackers” recruited by Erdogan’s team are preparing deepfakes —manipulated videos and soundbites —aimed at discrediting rivals days before the election.

“Dear Russian friends,” he added on Twitter on Thursday.

“You are behind the montages, conspiracies, deepfake content and tapes that were exposed in this country,” he said without explaining why he was blaming Russia.

“If you want our friendship after May 15, get your hands off the Turkish state.”

‘Army of trolls’

Erdogan has responded in kind, alleging that “an army of trolls” was working for his rival.

“You are using lies and misinformation. You are devising schemes that even the devil would not

GIVEN the recent bullying of Filipino fishermen and their countrymen in the West Philippine Sea by better-armed Chinese vessels, we are elated the Philippine Coast Guard has started monitoring PRC vessels in the area.

One good thing going is the PCG has allayed concerns regarding the situation in the West Philippine Sea, saying the tension there with Chinese vessels is not heightened.

In a radio interview, beamed nationwide on Sunday, PCG Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme said, in a mix of English and Filipino, they are currently monitoring several alleged Chinese militia vessels anchored in Philippineclaimed claimed maritime areas, but said these vessels do not affect their operations that much.

“The good thing now is we are not escalating the tension, through the presence of the Philippine Coast Guard and law enforcement agencies,” said Coyme, who led placing five navigational buoys or sovereign markers in “critical areas” of the West Philippine Sea.

The buoys, installed near Patag Island, Balagtas Reef, Kota Island, Panata Island and Juan Felipe Reef, carry the Philippine flag and signify the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the country’s exclusive economic zone, the PCG said.

The move also highlights the country’s unwavering resolve to protect its maritime borders and resources and contribute to the

Washington has expressed its support to Manila and reiterated its obligations to its ally under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty

safety of maritime trade, the PCG added.

In April, more than 100 Chinese vessels were seen with their long-drawn-out presence near the WPS, and the PCG reported provocative tactics by the ships, including a Chinese coast guard ship that sailed into the path of a PCG vessel, almost causing a collision.

In July 2016, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands invalidated China’s expansive and non-

historic nine-dash line claims covering the entire South China Sea and recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the area within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. The nine-dash line has been used by China to show the maximum extent of its claim, without indicating how the dashes would be joined and in turn affect the area being claimed.

The PRC has not clarified the legal basis or nature of the nine-dash line on maps that stretches more than 1,500 km off its mainland and cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

Beijing ignored the international ruling and deployed hundreds of militia vessels in the disputed areas, including those belonging to the Philippines.

Washington has expressed its support to Manila and reiterated its obligations to its ally under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

Washington said: “The United States stands with the Philippines in the face of the People’s Republic of China Coast Guard’s continued infringement upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order and reaffirms that an armed attack in the Pacific, which includes the South China Sea, on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard, would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty,” it added.

The road to vindication

IN A a 39-page decision released on May 12, the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204 cleared former senator Leila De Lima and Ronnie Dayan in Criminal Case Number 17-165 for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading – the first case filed against the former lawmaker.

In this specific case, De Lima was accused of receiving P10 million, in two tranches, from former corrections chief Rafael Ragos.

The money supposedly came from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.

The decision stated although the prosecution was able to sufficiently establish the existence of rampant illegal drug trading at the NBP, however, both the accused (Leila De Lima and Ronnie Dayan) were charged as conspirators to illegal drug trading.

As such the prosecution must further establish conspiracy with the direct participants in the illegal drug trade. Conspiracy must be established not by conjecture but by positive and conclusive evidence. Each of the accused must be shown to have performed at least an overt act in pursuance or furtherance of the conspiracy.

In this case, the overt act specifically alleged against both accused was the act of receiving delivery of proceeds from the illegal drug trading amounting to P5M on November 24, 2012 and another P5M on December 15, 2012.

To establish this overt act, the prosecution presented two witnesses: Deputy Director Ragos and Ablen, who both testified that they personally delivered the money to accused De Lima and Dayan.

The court noted that recantations of testimony are generally “viewed with suspicion and reservation” since these can be secured through intimidation or for money and could later on also be repudiated.

However, according to the court, the subsequent recantation by Ragos casts reasonable doubt on the credibility of his testimony.

Without his testimony, the crucial link to establish conspiracy is shrouded with reasonable doubt which warrants the acquittal

have thought of,” Erdogan told the opposition leader on television.

Turkey’s social media became a political battlefield last October, when parliament adopted a law making the spread of “fake news” punishable by up to three years in prison.

of both the accused.

In his sworn affidavit dated April 30, 2022, Ragos recanted earlier testimony he had given to the court in which he alleged he delivered money to de Lima from drug lords. His testimony paved the way for filing the cases against the senator in 2017. Ragos said his testimony was false and coerced “upon the instructions of Secretary Aguirre,” referring to Duterte’s justice secretary, Vitaliano Aguirre II.

In exchange for his false testimony, Ragos said he was dropped as a respondent in the same case and turned into a witness.

She still has to wait for Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256’s decision on whether to allow her to post bail.

The former Senator and Department of Justice Secretary has been in detention for around six years now, or since February 24, 2017, on drug-related charges.

“That’s already two cases down, and one more to go. I am of course happy that with this second acquittal in the three cases filed against me, my release from more than six years of persecution draws nearer,” the elated De Lima said in a statement.

In a television interview, a teary-eyed Ragos apologized to de Lima.

“My apologies. My heart is heavy that I aggrieved another person,” he said in Tagalog.

We also recall that Kerwin Espinosa, a confessed drug lord, made the earliest recantation when he stated he had no dealings with the accused; that he was “only coerced, pressured, intimated, and seriously threatened by the police” during Senate hearings in November and December 2016.

One of the three cases, 17-166, was dismissed by a Muntinlupa court in February 2021 when it granted De Lima’s demurrer to evidence, which was “tantamount to her acquittal,” according to the judge’s decision.

De Lima’s acquittal means the former senator is now facing only one more charge since another Muntinlupa court already cleared her in one of the three charges in 2021. Her acquittal also means her release from detention is just around the corner.

Europe’s commissioner for human rights, warned in May that the law’s “extensive use” was having a “chilling effect on journalists and critical voices.”

Suncem Kocer, a disinformation specialist at Istanbul’s Koc University, said such charges and counter-charges had never featured to this extent in past Turkish elections.

“Everybody is trying to define what disinformation is,” Kocer said. “It has turned into a weapon to kind of criminalize the opposite candidate or party. This is something new.”

‘Real danger’

But the actual methods of spreading disinformation remain the same, said Gulin Cavus, co-founder of Turkey’s Teyit fact checking site.

Personally, as a collaborating defense counsel and as the founding President of the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD), I am happy with this latest development. But as a lawyer and an advocate for justice, I do have to ask the obvious question: Why did Senator De Lima stay this long in detention only to be found innocent?

I do reiterate the statement of MAD: “We, the Movement Against Disinformation, Inc. (MAD), express our utmost gratitude and relief with the acquittal of Former Senator Leila De Lima in one of the trumped up charges against her today in the Regional Trial Court of Muntinlupa City.

“This decision is a testament for fairness, equity, and credibility of our judiciary and its fealty to the Rule of Law.

“We look to the day that all the other cases against her are resolved, and so she could walk free and rejoin the ranks of advocates and truth-tellers.

“MAD together with Former Senator De Lima shall persist in the battle for truth, justice, and the Rule of Law.” Website: tonylavina.com. Facebook: tonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

found guilty of fraud in 1996.

In the original article, quickly unearthed by journalists from Teyit, Kilicdaroglu had actually denounced fraud committed by people who took advantage of Turkey’s social security agency, which he then headed.

“These videos can make a real impact on people with little training in media and with digital tools,” Cavus said.

Some of the disinformation relies on more tried and tested methods such as fake campaign literature.

One leaflet claiming to come from Kilicdaroglu’s team promises to withdraw Turkey’s troops from Syria and halt all military operations against the PKK.

Weeks later, Kilicdaroglu became one of the first to be prosecuted under the law for alleging that Erdogan’s Islamicrooted government was responsible for a “methamphetamine epidemic” in Turkey. Dunja Mijatovic, the Council of

They appear “on social networks, but also during meetings,” in images that are either cropped or taken out of context.

In one example earlier this week, Erdogan showed an excerpt of a newspaper article on a big screen suggesting that Kilicdaroglu had been

Kocer said all this disinformation was unlikely to sway Sunday’s outcome, where turnout among Turkey’s 64 million voters is likely to be high.

“But disinformation certainly works towards increasing the polarised atmosphere, which is the real danger,” Kocer said. AFP

Conspiracy must be established not by conjecture but by positive and conclusive evidence

Canadian FM due in Manila for 3-day visit

By Rey E. Requejo

CANADIAN Foreign Minister Melanie

Joly will be in the Philippines this week for a three-day visit aimed at promoting regional stability and rules-based international order, as well as to discuss Canada’s new Indo-Pacific strategy with Philippine officials.

Joly is expected to meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and other members of the Cabinet to discuss regional security and stability and maintenance of a rules-based international order amid tensions in the disputed South China Sea and Taiwan Straits.

The Canadian official will also discuss Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and its partnership with the Association of South East Asian Nations in the meetings.

“The Indo-Pacific is the global center of economic dynamism and is of strategic importance to our security. What brings our countries together is our unwavering commitment to democracy, prosperity, and a free, open and sustainable Indo-Pacific, rooted in the rule of law,” Joly said in a statement.

According to her, Canada aims to “deepen relationships in the region with key partners,” including Philippines and Korea which she will be visiting before her Manila trip.

Joly is the fourth minister to visit the Philippines under the Marcos administration.

She was preceded by Minister of Trade Mary Ng, Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Minister of Development Harjit Sajjan, complementing and reinforcing two bilateral meetings between Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year.

Less crimes this year compared to ’22—Acorda

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the crime index in the country has dropped by 10 percent from January 1 to May 13 compared to same period last year.

“This continuing decrease of incidents is attributed to the consistent implementation of numerous policies, such as intensified police visibility, intelligencedriven operations, community-based programs, strengthened partnerships with other agencies, and improved crime reporting and monitoring systems,” said PNP chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. in a statement.

Acorda said index crimes declined by 10.59 percent, translating to 13,4689 cases from January to May this year compared to 15,064 cases during the same period last year.

According to Acorda, the average monthly index crime rate went down by 8.51 percent from 13,870 cases last year to 12,690 cases this year.

Focus crimes such as murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, rape, and carnapping also dropped by 10.66 percent from 14,990 cases last 2022 to 13,392 cases in 2023.

Incidents of physical injury took a drastic decrease of 25.68 percent during the same comparable period.

Meanwhile, the anti-illegal drug campaigns of PNP netted an estimated P5.68 billion worth of prohibited drugs and the arrest of 22,826 drug violators in 17,202 operations.

“This continuing decrease of incidents is attributed to the consistent implementation of numerous policies, such as intensified police visibility, intelligencedriven operations, community-based programs, strengthened partnerships with other agencies, and improved crime reporting and monitoring systems,” Acorda said. Charles Dantes

DND wary of MUP bill impact on morale, welfare of troops

By Charles Dantes and Macon Ramos-Araneta

SECRETARY Carlito Galvez has appealed to the senators to consider the morale and welfare of the troops in tackling the proposed new pension system for the military and uniform personnel (MUP) retirees.

Meanwhile, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s bill raising the military veteran’s disability pension had a smooth sailing at the Senate.

During a public hearing by the Senate committees on national defense and security, government corporations and public enterprises, ways and means, and finance, Galvez said he was echoing the sentiment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about the impact of the new pension system currently under consideration by the Senate.

“In fact, the President also gave an in-

MAYOHAN FESTIVAL.

The townsfolk of Tayabas City reach for the sky as they try to catch goodies, coins and other minor valuables being thrown by donors to highlight the celebration of their Mayohan Festival, a local tradition of sharing blessings and bountiful harvests from their fields.

Danny Pata

struction that he is very much concerned about the impact of this on the morale and welfare of the army personnel and policemen, and he wanted that there should be a continuous discussion to have a common ground,” Galvez said.

In the proposed new MUP pension system, retirees will receive 18 months’ worth of their salaries which is only onehalf of the current system that provides a lump sum of 36 months of their salaries.

Galvez asserted that 70 to 80 percent of the enlisted personnel were eyeing

IN BRIEF

CHR slams PNP, NICA on red-tagging issue

early retirement to avail themselves of the current pension system.

“Ang gusto nila i-avail na nila ‘yong pension ng current system, kasi ‘yong apprehension ng possible new MUP law magkakaroon ng implication sa kanilang optional retirement,” he said.

“We should really look at the middle ground so that we can see that the morale and welfare of our people will be taken care of,” Galvez.

Galvez also said in a discussion with military personnel and commanders, the group unanimously agreed that the proposed MUP pension law should only cover new entrants.

“If this system is still financially impossible, we are very amenable to modifications in the system so long as it is fair and equitable to the MUP. And also, if it is based on financial soundness or scientific actuarial science,” Galvez said.

BOC seizes P66m worth of smuggled fuel, shabu

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized more than P66 million worth of smuggled fuel and shabu in two separate operations in Pangasinan and Mandaluyong City.

The BOC, in cooperation with Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Philippine

Navy (PN), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group seized an estimated 1,350 liters of smuggled diesel fuel worth P54 Million from the vessel “MV Veronica-1” at the sub-port of Sual in Pangasinan.

The Port of San Fernando ordered the immediate seizure of the smuggled diesel and the vessel in compliance with

Customs laws, rules, and regulations.

“This success could not have been possible without the assistance and support of our Intelligence Group and Enforcement Group, who provided valuable inputs and guidance that led to the seizure of the vessel and smuggled fuel,” said Port of San Fernando district collector Arsenia Ilagan.

SSS waives fines on late premium payments

THE Social Security System (SSS) calls on employers who have failed to remit the contributions of their workers in the previous months and years to avail themselves of the contribution penalty condonation program during its recent nationwide conduct of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operations.

SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet encouraged delinquent employers to settle their contribution delinquencies through its Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management and Restructuring Program (CPCoDe MRP) for business employers and the Contribution Penalty Condonation and Restructuring Program (CPCR-P) for household employers. Under these contribution penalty condo-

nation programs, SSS assists business and household employers in defraying their delinquencies by allowing them to pay unremitted contributions while condoning their accrued penalties.

“SSS always take into consideration the welfare of its members and its employers which is the primary reason why we offer these condonation programs to help them out in settling their contribution delinquencies with us. With the ongoing pandemic, we understand the economic hardships that they are currently experiencing,” Macasaet said.

The CPCoDe MRP covers all employers classified as single proprietors, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, and associations who have incurred delinquencies in contribution payments, including penalties, from the start of their actual date of operation.

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday scored the Philippine National Police and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency for red-tagging during an orientation conducted at the Carlos L. Albert High School in Quezon City last May 2.

The agency told the Manila Standard that the Alliance of Concerned Teachers through its executive director sent a letter, complaining about the PNP and NICA’s discussion on the alleged recruitment of students by the New People’s Army (NPA) inside the school.

“CHR, in particular, takes cognizance of the presence of armed police personnel within the school premises which is a violation of Department of Education Order no. 32, Series of 2019 or the National Policy Framework on Learners and School as “Zones of Peace,” it noted.

The CHR-National Capital Region has already stepped into the matter, saying “we are also looking into other alleged incidents of red-tagging against ACT members in Region 5 and Region 7.” Rio N. Araja

MMDA, PhilHealth ink healthcare agreement

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has signed an agreement with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to provide health care insurance coverage for MMDA employees.

The accord was in line with Philhealth’s Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) program, a comprehensive outpatient benefits mandated by the Universal Health Care Law.

The document was signed by MMDA chairman Romando Artes, MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana, and PhilHealth - National Capital Region vice president Dr. Bernadette Lico in a ceremony held at the new MMDA head office in Pasig City.

Under the agreement, the MMDA will monitor the implementation of the Konsulta Program availed by its personnel and ensure the accreditation of the MMDA Medical Clinic.

Joel E. Zurbano

BI arrests Taiwanese fugitive in Ermita IMMIGRATION agents have arrested a Taiwanese wanted by authorities in Taipei for alleged large-scale fraud.

The suspect, identified as Yin Chih Chou, who was nabbed inside a condominium unit along Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila.

BI fugitive search unit operatives who arrested Chou were armed witha mission order signed by BI commissioner Norman Tansingco upon the request of the Taiwanese authorities.

“He will be deported as soon as our board of commissioners issues the order for his summary deportation. He will then be included in our blacklist and perpetually banned from re-entering the Philippines,” the BI chief said.

Tansingco added that Chou will also be deported for overstaying and for being an undocumented alien as his passport was already revoked by the Taiwanese government. He reportedly last arrived here on July 19, 2018 and never departed since then.

Vito Barcelo

SPEAKER MEETS AFP TOP BRASS. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez (right) engages in a pep talk with military generals and senior officers who called on him at the House of Representatives, some of whom are still awaiting confirmation of their promotion by the powerful Commission on Appointments. Ver Noveno

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano and Philippine Coast Guard chief Admiral Artemio Abu welcome back PCG personnel who successfully planted buoys at the disputed West Philippine Sea. Norman Cruz

TOP GAINERS

REHOBOTH BEACH, USA—

President Joe Biden said Sunday he remains “optimistic” about finding an agreement with his Republican opponents to raise the US debt limit and avoid a default, which his administration warned would cause “catastrophic” consequences.

Congressional Republicans are demanding budget cuts in exchange for lifting the US borrowing limit, while the White House has insisted for months that the nation’s credit should not be up for negotiation.

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

Stocks and peso decline on US debt default risks

THE peso and the local stocks fell Monday as investors kept an eye on the talks to raise the US debt limit to avert a “catastrophic” default.

The peso retreated 0.5 percent Monday to breach the 56-adollar mark and close at 56.07 against the greenback from Friday’s 55.79. Local stocks also reflected Wall Street’s losses on Friday after the Congressional Budget Office said there was a “significant risk” that the country could default by June 15 if there is no deal on raising the debt ceiling.

The PSE index, the 30-company benchmark of the Philippine Stock Exchange, shed 55 points, or 0.84 percent, to close at 6,523.15 as five of the six subsectors declined, with mining and oil the only exception.

The index representing all shares also went down by 19 points, or 0.57 percent, to settle at 3,491.10 on a value turnover of P4.14 billion. Losers outweighed gainers, 106 to 86, while 42 issues were unchanged.

Data showed that of the 10 most active stocks, only BDO Unibank Inc. ended in the green, rising 0.22 percent to close at P135.80.

The uncertainty on debt limit weighed on Wall Street, with all three main indexes ending in the red on Friday, and Asia mostly followed suit.

There has been some progress on reaching a deal but Democrats and Republicans remain at loggerheads, though President

Joe Biden said he was confident the debt ceiling will be raised.

Republicans are demanding budget cuts in exchange for lifting the limit, while the White House has insisted for months that the nation’s credit should not be up for negotiation.

There is a general view among traders that the two sides will hammer out a deal, though some observers warn that the mere threat of a default was weighing on market sentiment.

Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office said there was a “significant risk” that the United States could default by June 15 if there is no deal.

Alarm bells are meanwhile ringing over the possibility of a first-ever US default, with uncertainty over the actual date the government would stop being able to pay its bills.

The two sides have remained at an impasse despite weeks of warnings from government officials and bankers that a default could unleash drastic consequences, including a possible recession and likely global financial contagion.

Nonetheless, Biden said Sunday he thinks he will eventually be able to reach a deal.

“I remain optimistic because I’m a congenital optimist, but I really think there’s a desire on their part as well as ours to reach agreement. I think we’ll be able to do it,” Biden told reporters while out on a bike ride near his beach home in Delaware.

Manila Standard TODAY

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told CNN on Sunday: “If Congress failed to raise the debt limit by the time of default, we would go into a recession and it’d be catastrophic.

“The United States of America has never defaulted on its debt—and we can’t.”

The uncertainty weighed on Wall Street, with all three main indexes ending in the red on Friday, but Asia enjoyed a broadly healthy start to the week, bouncing back from morning losses.

Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore and Mumbai rose though there were losses in Taipei and Jakarta.

London, Paris and Frankfurt were all up in the morning as the European Union lifted its 2023 economic growth forecast. With AFP

Hey ChatGPT, can you finish my degree?

AS I’m juggling the demands of work and school, I desperately opened another tab on my browser and searched for ‘ChatGPT.’ As the page loaded, I couldn’t help but recall the debates surrounding this controversial artificial intelligence on social media. While some argue that ChatGPT tarnishes the integrity of academic learning, others are excited about how this technological advancement can improve the education system.

After being on the waitlist for a few minutes, I finally got in. The interface of this app looks quite familiar, as it emulates the standard chat layout. To ease my uncertainties with this chatbot, I threw some questions to test its skills by asking a range of questions, from the most basic ones to the more advanced topics such as generating copy suggestions, summarization and even writing songs in different languages.

This technological advancement can solve problems related to communication, information access and business collaboration. I’m instantly impressed with ChatGPT’s exceptional responses. As the chatbot learns from and makes connections between its responses to my earlier questions, our chats felt very human-like. I felt a thrilling sense of discovery as if I had made an intelligent companion who replies fast and never leaves me on read.

A sarcastic idea struck me suddenly, so I typed the following query, still in a state of desperation, wondering if ChatGPT was the solution to my problems: “Hey, ChatGPT, can you finish my degree?”

ChatGPT responded promptly, staying true to its programming and values. It acknowledged my humor, but also recognized the reality of obtaining a degree. ChatGPT stated, “I’m sorry, but I cannot finish your degree for you. Obtaining a degree requires significant effort, dedication and hard work. It involves attending classes, completing assignments, studying for exams and meeting other academic requirements.

While I can provide you with information and guidance, it’s ultimately up to you to put in the necessary effort to complete your

degree assignments, prepare for exams and meet other academic obligations. While I can offer you valuable guidance and information, it is ultimately up to you to invest the necessary time and hard work to obtain your degree.”

With this response, I then remembered some misconceptions about technologies like AI. Many argue that AI will lead to mass unemployment, make people lazy and potentially take over humanity. Even tech billionaire Elon Musk stated in his 2014 interview that artificial intelligence is like summoning a demon (but he still created his own AI today). While we may attribute certain actions to AI, our choices and motivations ultimately drive its behavior. In other words, just like we can’t blame demons for our choices and actions, we can’t blame AI for the consequences of our decisions.

Even though ChatGPT and other AIdriven technologies hold the promising potential to enhance our lives, still at the end of the day, we have total control over every aspect of our lives. These technologies are merely a helping hand that we can choose to use or not, depending on our preferences and needs. Overall, it’s up to us to decide how to incorporate these tools into our lives and how we want to use them to improve ourselves. AIdriven technologies like ChatGPT hold immense potential for economic growth and societal advancement. As ChatGPT’s creator, OpenAI has been continuously embedding into their messaging artificial general intelligence to benefit all of humanity.

Time passed, and I started to incorporate my AI friend, ChatGPT, into some of my tasks whenever I needed to elaborate on my ideas, get suggestions or even get Instagram captions for my feed. This relationship feels more like collaboration with a friend that increased my productivity and selfassurance, which helped me understand ideas more deeply. Even though ChatGPT could not finish my degree for me, his assistance supported me in completing this essay on time.

As I end this article, I found myself uneasy while opening another tab to visit ChatGPT to validate my previous

GREEN LIGHT

statement that AI is merely a support tool and that I still have complete control over my essay. I copied the content of this article and pasted it onto ChatGPT’s chat page.

With a hint of nervousness, I asked ChatGPT, “Did you write this essay?”

“I apologize, but I did not write this essay. It appears to have been authored by a human. However, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the content, I am here to provide feedback.”

The response gave me a sense of validation regarding my initial claim that I still had control over my essay— over my life. With life’s ups and downs, it is always easier with a trusted friend who listens and provides direction, and ChatGPT has proven to be just that kind of friend.

The author discovered her passion and gift for storytelling at a young age. With each new story she wrote or imagined, she found new depths to her creative potential, leading her to discover her skills in visual executions. She wanted to transform her visions into life, so she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Filmmaking as a scholar at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.

Today, she continues to bring her creative flair as an all-around Multimedia Artist. She integrates a deeper message and story whenever she produces art. She is pursuing her Master’s in Marketing Communications at De La Salle University, where she’s learning how to use her creative storytelling skills to create strategic messages that resonate with her audience on a deeper level. She can be reached at jedys_alagon@dlsu. edu.ph.

A much-anticipated new round of debt-ceiling talks between Biden and Republican leaders, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, was postponed from Friday until the coming week. AFP

Biden ‘optimistic’ on debt talks to raise limit and avoid a default

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

JEDYS ALAGON

HIGH-SPEED RAIL. A train passes by workers checking an electronic system at the Tegalluar station of the China-made highspeed railway connecting the capital city of Jakarta with Bandung, in Bandung, West Java on May 15, 2023. AFP

Car sales accelerated 21.8% in April on robust demand

By Othel V. Campos

VEHICLE sales jumped 21.8 percent in April from a year ago on strong demand amid improving economic indicators and following the introduction of new models, two industry groups said Monday.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association said in a joint report the local automotive sector continued to regain its footing by improving sales and performance. Members of the two groups sold 30,643 vehicles in April, up from 25,149 units that rolled out of dealerships in the same month in 2022.

“The improving economic indicators which in fact remain favorable until the end of the year according to a government report is an essential metric for the continued growth of the auto industry. At the same time, this is perfectly timed with the market availability of a wider range of motor vehicle models being offered by our members, responding to the growing needs of customers,” said

CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez.

Data showed that passenger car sales increased 16.9 percent in April to 7,317 from 6,259 units sold a year ago, while commercial vehicle sales went up by 23.5 percent to 23,326 from 18,890 units.

This brought total sales in the first four months to 127,927 vehicles, up by 28.1 percent from 99,903 units bought in the same period in 2022.

Passenger car sales went up 30.5 percent in the first four months to 32,070 from 24,582 units a year ago, while commercial vehicle sales increased by 27.3 percent to 95,8577 from 75,321 units.

The two industry groups said, however, that month-on-month sales fell 16.9 percent in April to 30,643 from 36,880 units delivered in March.

Sales of passenger cars decelerated

Vista Land earned P2.7b in first three months

HOMEBUILDER Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. said Monday it posed a net income of P2.7 billion in the first quarter, up 16 percent from the same period last year amid aggressive project launches.

27.25 percent to 7,317 from 10,058 units a month earlier, while commercial vehicle sales registered a decline of 13 percent to 23,326 form 26,822 units.

Gutierrez said the automotive industry remained confident for an upward trajectory following concerted efforts of stakeholders to give the best offers through new models, better promos and solid after-sales service to clients.

“As the economic outlook remains favorable, the auto industry is optimistic to attain full recovery from the pandemic-induced challenges—wellpositioned to grow to significant levels, even higher than the pre-pandemic figures. It is worth noting that the industry has already recorded this growth trajectory in the past four months compared with the 2019 levels,” Gutierrez said.

Vista Land said in a statement consolidated revenues climbed 8 percent in the first quarter to P9.2 billion from a year earlier. Vista Land launched P10.4 billion worth of projects across the country in the three-month period as demand for housing projects remains strong.

“We are pleased with our performance for the first quarter of the year due to our efficiencies and higher margin for the period. Our project pipeline has been robust coming from last year’s P40.4 billion project launch and another P10.4 billion for the first quarter of 2023,” Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. said.

“We are looking at launching more projects this year as we have seen sustained growth from our overseas Filipinos as well as domestic buyers which brought about the 11-percent increase in reservations sales to P18.6 billion for the quarter,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria

JG Summit raising capex budget to P73b in 2023

CONGLOMERATE JG Summit Holdings Inc. said Monday it budgeted P73 billion for 2023 capital expenditures, slightly higher than P71 billion it invested last year as the group remains cautiously optimistic amid the lingering geopolitical and global economic risks.

JG Summit president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting the group is hopeful that domestic consumption will remain buoyant as inflation is forecasted to slowly ease on a sequential basis.

“While the market is pricing slower GDP expansion in 2023 relative to 7.6 percent in 2022, everyone agrees that consumption remains quite strong. This is on the back of unrestricted mobility, the 100 percent return to school middle income tax cuts and expected recession in inflation,” Gokongwei said.

Gokongwei said the group sees strong underlying demand for its food business, while it expects sustained recovery of its malls, hotels and other property businesses. The reopening of China is also expected to boost the group’s airline and petrochemical operations.

“All in all, I think 2023 is much better year for the group. That is why we are investing P73 billion in capital expenditures for 2023,” he said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Alliance Global’s profit rose 20% to P4.7b in Q1

SAFE CONSTRUCTION. Aboitiz Construction Inc. achieves a milestone of one million safe man-hours without lost-time injury for their project in Parañaque City. The project involved the construction of a 26,000-square-meter warehouse and office buildings for LBC Express from June 2021 to April 2023. To promote and ensure site safety, ACI regularly conducts emergency response drills, safety awareness sessions, toolbox meetings and site inspections and audits. The soon-to-be-completed Parañaque hub is the largest warehouse facility of LBC Express by far. Once finished, it will make for more efficient logistics and parcel delivery across the world.

Remittances increased by 3% to $8b in first quarter—BSP

By Julito G. Rada

MONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas grew 3 percent in the first quarter to $8 billion from $7.77 billion a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday.

“The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the first

quarter of 2023,” the BSP said in a statement.

It said that in terms of country sources, the US posted the highest share of overall remittances in the period, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

Data showed that cash remittances in March also rose 3 percent to $2.67 billion from $2.59 billion a year earlier. This was due to the growth in receipts from land- and sea-based workers.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also rose 3 percent in March to $2.97 billion from $2.89 billion recorded in the same month last year.

“The increase in personal remittances in March 2023 was due to higher remittances sent by landbased workers with work contracts of one year or more and, sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year,” the BSP said.

Personal remittances went up by 3 percent in the first quarter to $8.91 billion from $8.65 billion in the comparable period in 2022. Cash remittances went up 3.6 percent in 2022 to a record $32.54 billion from $31.42 billion in 2021 on sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas. The full-year remittances growth, however, missed the official target of 4 percent set by the Bangko Sentral.

San Miguel’s Q1 profit climbed 27% to P17.7b as revenues topped P349b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said Monday first-quarter net income expanded 27 percent to P17.7 billion from P13.9 billion in the same period last year, driven by sustained growth in food, beverage and power generation businesses.

SMC said in a statement first-quarter consolidated revenues grew 9 percent to P349.7 billion from P316 billion a year ago on higher volumes across all businesses.

“Our strong first-quarter results reflect our commitment to execute well on our strategic priorities as we navigated through a very challenging environment.

profitability to net income, improved 13 percent to P50.7 billion.

San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. posted an 8-percent increase in firstquarter income to P9.8 billion from a year ago level of P9.1 billion. Brewery operations posted a 38-percent increase in net income to P6.8 billion.

Ginebra San Miguel also delivered an 81-percent growth in net income to P2.5 billion even as sales inched up by 3 percent to P12.9 billion.

San Miguel Food booked a net income of P704 million in the first quarter, down 76 percent from P3 billion a year ago on rising input costs.

ALLIIANCE Global Group Inc. of businessman Andrew Tan said first-quarter consolidated net income jumped 20 percent to P4.7 billion from P3.9 billion a year ago, driven by strong contribution from property and liquor businesses.

AGI said in a stock exchange filing Monday first-quarter consolidated revenues climbed 34 percent to P50.3 billion from last year’s P37.5 billion as all major business segments delivered creditable results.

“AGI is firing on all cylinders, with all our major business segments registering impressive growth in the first quarter of the year despite nagging concerns on inflation and ongoing global headwinds,” said AGI chief executive Kevin Tan.

Tan said the continued strong consumer spending and increased economic activity boosted the group’s lifestyle malls, hotels, integrated resort operations, quick service restaurants, real estate sales and office rental businesses. AGI’s international spirits business also continued to benefit from the increasing popularity of its premium brands across the globe and the resurgence in travel retail. Jenniffer B. Austria

LTFRB probes overcharging by Angkas riders

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board recently said it is investigating reports in social media and phoned-in complaints from the public about the alleged overcharging by some riders of motorcycle taxi operator Angkas during rush hour in Metro Manila. An LTFRB executive advised commuters to report excessive charges by taking a screenshot and sending it to the LTFRB Facebook page.

The official who is involved in the LTFRB’s investigation of the complaints said of the three motorcycle operators, with Joyride and Move It being the other two, Angkas was the recipient of mounting complaints on the issue of overcharging.

LOVE BORACAY. Globe teams up with the local government of Malay, Aklan to encourage sustainable tourism through the highly-anticipated return of Love Boracay, formerly known as LaBoracay, on April 28 to May 1. Globe supports Boracay’s environmental conservation efforts through conducting offshore clean-up drives, coral reef rehabilitation, community support for prevention of untreated effluents from entering the sea and raising awareness among the youth and the community on how they can contribute to environmental conservation.

With raw material prices expected to stabilize, we are confident we can deliver an even better performance in the coming months,” SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang said.

Income from operations climbed 9 percent to P35 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, an alternate measure of

Power generation subsidiary San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. booked a 177-percent increase in net income to P5.34 billion despite a 4-percent decline in sales to P41.1 billion.

Oil refiner Petron Corp. registered a 6-percent decline in first-quarter income to P3.4 billion, while sales went up by 10 percent to P188.7 billion.

Alsons Consolidated registered 67% increase in first-quarter net income to P542m

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALSONS Consolidated Resources Inc. said Monday net income soared 67 percent in the first three months to P542.27 million from P324 million in the same period last year.

Alsons said net earnings attributable to the parent went up by 73 percent in the first quarter to P155.84 million from P90.16 million a year earlier.

The publicly-listed company of the Alcantara Group saw first-quarter revenues rise 24 percent to P3.31 billion from P2.67 billion.

“The first quarter of 2023 saw a steady power demand from our key power markets in Mindanao. Our 210-megawatt Sarangani Energy Corp. baseload power plant in Sarangani province and our 100MW Western Mindanao Power Corp. diesel plant in Zamboanga City remain

to be our key revenue and income drivers for this quarter,” Alsons deputy chief financial officer Philip Edward Sagun said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The company’s SEC plant provides power to key areas in Mindanao including Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, Samal, Tagum, Kidapawan and Butuan. Alsons’ WMPC power plant is the only

major power generation facility in the Zamboanga Peninsula, providing power to Zamboanga City and supplying vital ancillary services to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to help stabilize the grid in the Western Mindanao region.

Alsons is beefing up its renewable energy capacity in the next few years, with around eight run-of-river hydroelectric power facilities in the pipeline.

The official said that in the course of the investigation, it was found that Angkas had not given a breakdown of the fare it charges. “In one instance, a passenger booked the three taxi operators over the same origin and destination, and Angkas turned out to be the most expensive,” the official said.

The LTFRB is also investigating reports that the fare matrix released by the board, used as guidelines for passengers using motorcycle taxis on the correct fares to be paid for the service, were not followed by Angkas riders.

The fare matrix, released on Jan. 27, 2020 by the LTFRB, mandated the following fares in Metro Manila: P50 for the first 2 kilometers, P10 until the 7th kilometer; P15 for subsequent kilometers. In Metro Cebu/Cagayan De Oro, the fare is P20 for the first 2 kilometers; P16 up till 8 kilometers, and P20 for subsequent kilometers.

Based on customer complaints on social media and those phoned in at the LTFRB, Angkas riders were allegedly ignoring the use of their apps, and instead routinely charged passengers from five to 10 times more than the posted fare matrix, especially during peak or rush hours.

Gilas avenges setback to Indonesians, eyes cage title

By Riera U. Mallari

PHNOM PENH—Gilas

Pili-

pinas checked the first of two targets in its Southeast Asian Games’ bucket list when it avenged its last year’s setback to Indonesia via a semifinal 84-76 victory in the basketball competitions at the Elephant Hall 2 of the Morodok Techno National Stadium here on Monday.

On Tuesday at 3 p.m. (4 p.m. in Manila), the Filipinos will try to achieve their second goal – regain the basketball throne.

Record lift extends Sarno’s weightlifting reign in SEAG

PH volleybelles’

best not enough

PHNOM PENH—The bronze medal was within reach, but Indonesia just won’t wilt and the Philippines finished fourth place in women’s volleyball at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

“We did our best, but it wasn’t enough to beat Indonesia,” said Jorge Edson Souza de Brito the morning after the Indonesians struggled to beat the Filipinas in four sets, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 25-23, in the bronze medal match on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium.

Before flag-waving and cheering fans, the Filipinas fought gallantly against their more internationally-experienced foes, with Tots Carlos holding fort until the final moment by saving two match points.

But the Indonesians, many of them playing in jihabs, were unrelenting and went on to claim bronze while dealing the Philippines its third loss in five matches from the preliminaries.

“We need to be more consistent but as a matter of fact, we’d improved a lot— less errors, better receive, more block touches,” De Brito said. “These players had such a hard time reaching their best level and it would be good if we keep a core from these players.”

By Peter Atencio

PHNOM PENH—Easy peasy.

Making it look so easy despite her lack of sleep, Vanessa Sarno extended her reign in the women’s 71-kg. category by grabbing the gold in record fashion on Monday in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games weightlifting competitions at the Olympic Stadium here.

Fresh off her three-silver campaign in the Asian Championships in Jinju, Korea, the 19-year-old Sarno, who is being considered as Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz’s heir apparent, first cleared 105 lbs in the snatch on her third attempt, to shatter her own 104-lb record set last year. She then lifted 120 on her first attempt in the clean and jerk to seize a total of 225 for the gold.

Sarno didn’t push herself any further after that, passing up on the chance to break her own SEA Games’ records in

And

justice for all

BASKETBALL justice. We all know what it is. A missed free throw for a foul that wasn’t there—that is justice—unless, of course, the person on the free throw line is terrible at the stripes. It could be as simple as that. Or as costly as what Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers missed: eliminating the Boston Celtics when they had the chance, and losing the potential series-winning Game 6 and 7 en route to another humiliating exit once again.

the clean and jerk (135kg) and total lift (239kg).

“Kaya naming ituloy. Pero si Vanessa ay galing pa sa Asian Championship na Olympic qualifier. Mataas na ang level ng performance niya doon. Dito pababa. Ayaw namin siyang masira dito. Ang goal lang namin was to get the SEA Games’ gold,” said Sarno’s coach Tony Agustin.

Sarno’s mentor revealed that his ward had earlier, unofficially tied her SEAG record with a total of 239 during her silver performances in Jinju, from her

lifts of 107 in the snatch and 132 in the clean and jerk—the reason why they did not have to push Sarno any further.

As it turned out, Sarno didn’t have to exert herself, as her rivals here were simply outclassed by her performance.

Taking the silver was Thipwara Chontavin of Thailand with just 208 (17 lbs behind Sarno), followed by Indonesian Restu Anggi with her 206 total (19 behind).

“Wala pa po kaming masyadong tulog pagdating namin galing Korea.

Pero in-enjoy ko na lang po ang sarili ko,” said Sarno, a native of Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Sarno bagged the Philippines’ second weightlifting gold a day after Elreen Ando’s record-smashing performance in the -59kgs.

The weightlifting team also had four silvers, courtesy of Angeline Colonia (women’s 45 kg), Lovely Inan (women’s 49 kg), John Febuar Ceniza (men’s 61 kg) and Rosalinda Faustino (women’s 55 kg).

POC chief Tolentino expects more wins from PH athletes

PHNOM PENH—More medals are expected by Team Philippines in the last two days of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham Tolentino said as the Filipinos got ready to further improve their running tally of 46 golds, 72 silvers and 88 bronze medals early Monday.

“We will surpass our medal tally in Vietnam,” said Tolentino. “It’s achievable, God-willing it might (even) reach 60 (golds).”

I say humiliating because players with pride will not let themselves get massacred in a pivotal game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and lose by 24 points.

And the first to be held accountable is the man at the top of the pecking order.

Philadelphia finished third in the East and third overall. I’ve always believed that the Most Valuable Player award should be given to the best player from the best team.

Shouldn’t it be someone from Milwaukee, which won four more games?

Shouldn’t it be someone from Boston, which finished 57-25, still superior to Philly’s 54-28?

Look, if we’re not picking from the top team, then shouldn’t the award go to Nikola Jokic, a back-to-back MVP who finished first in player efficiency rating?

If it’s from Philly, then shouldn’t it be James Harden? He is number in the league in assists (10.7 APG) and his 45 points was the reason Philly took Game 1 in Boston despite Embiid not playing.

During the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam last year, Filipino athletes hauled 52 golds, 70 silvers and 105 bronzes.

Tolentino feels that sports where Filipinos will still see action, like kickboxing, taekwondo, arnis, weightlifting, judo, wrestling, dragonboat, beach volleyball, jet ski and sepak takraw, can still contribute to the Philippine cause.

“If you get one each (gold) on these sports, definitely we will surpass the 52 golds in Vietnam. We already surpassed the silver. We only have 70 (sil-

But it had to be Embiid, who had 15 points in Philly’s game 2 loss in Boston. He also finished with 26 points in their game 6 loss, tied with teammate Tyrese Maxey who was +1 in rating for that game while Embiid was -4.

Sure, he was number one in regular season scoring, but what about scoring when it matters? In game 7 versus Boston, Embiid, in 38 minutes, all 7 foot, 280-pound of him against a 6-foot-9, 240-pound Al Horford who is older by seven years, put up a laughable, ignominious, cursed, and stinking 15 points on a 5-of-18 shooting that includes 0-4 from three. He was -28 in rating and shot 27.8%. His four-turnover show is the red lipstick on the lips of those sporting a smirk of derision: MVP? Really?

More and more, it feels like the MVP selection has become a matter of opinion of select men and women, so here’s mine: Men are fallible, but fate is justice.

Basketball has been robbed. But the real riches went to those who are deserving.

vers) in Vietnam, we have now 72,” said Tolentino.

“There could be surprises out there,” added Tolentino, making special mention of the Philippines’ soft tennis, team which became the games’ unofficial champion after delivering three gold, one silver and a bronze medal, to improve on its 3-0-1 finish in the 2019 SEA Games.

The POC chief also lauded the taekwondo team, which bagged 6 golds (led by the title triumph of Kurt Barbosa), a silver and 4 bronze medals.

Don’t tell me there is no basketball justice. Don’t tell me it isn’t punishment to give Embiid false hope by having Philly win Game 1 in Boston only for the Celtics to win Game 7 and expose Embiid for his ineptitude, failure in leadership, and total lack of value as the cornerstone of the 76ers offense.

Don’t tell me the humiliation and the agony is not punishment; the gods of basketball can be cruel but it does not mean those punished are undeserving.

There were murmurs of discontent when Embiid won the MVP. You expect a deserving MVP to silence the critics. Embiid only emboldened those who disapprove of his new hardware to speak louder.

There was a time when even those who are not a fan sang paeans to an MVP rightly enthroned. As basketball fans watch how Embiid was all but useful and material to stopping Boston behind the man who put a show expected of a true MVP, you can hear the dirge rising to a crescendo, emerging from the silence that blanketed the stunned Philly fans, to

But it won’t be easy against a souped-up Cambodian team of five naturalized American players, who handed the Filipinos a bitter 79-68 spanking in the elims.

There is, however, renewed optimism this time as the Philippines’ own naturalized player in Justin Brownlee looks to have finally adapted to the scorching heat and the linoleum flooring of the hardcourt.

Proof was his 15-point eruption in the fourth quarter against the Indonesians, including back-to back-to-back treys as Gilas, playing catch up most of the way, grabbed the lead at 76-74, and gained control the rest of the game.

The Philippines’ participation in the games was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Gilas’ win also officially booted from their throne the Indonesians, who handed the Filipinos a stunning 81-85 crushing, last year in Vietnam to win their first basketball gold in the games. With Monday’s loss, they became the games’ shortest-lived cage champs at one year.

Meanwhile, the Cambodians, who haven’t medalled in the history of SEAG basketball, are already assured of their best finish after crushing Thailand, 76-66, in the other semifinal pairing.

announce not just the death, yet again, of Philly’s championship hopes, but the demise of the value and esteem of the Most Valuable Player award as well.

They say trust the process, but where has it brought Philly? Coaches and teammates came and went, except for Embiid, who was the center of Philly’s third straight conference semifinals ouster and their fifth in the last six seasons.

Maybe Embiid will become a deserving MVP one day, and with him, maybe Philly will win a championship. But right now, Philly returns to the drawing board and Embiid is back to square one.

What can Embiid do right now, as he watches the same four teams that ruled the bubble season fight for the right to qualify for the Finals and waits for the 2023-24 season to commence?

A lot, I think, and let’s start with this: Return the MVP trophy, and return to humility, if ever he was once in a place without arrogance, which earned him nothing but disdain; he’s earned nothing yet, not even the MVP award people felt belongs to someone else.

Vanessa Sarno smashes her own SEA Games record—with a smile.

POC president Rep. Abraham Tolentino

NBS Kris, Milkers win NCR Leg openers

WITH Daniel Padilla showing the way, Letran Farm Fresh ripped Mapua 521 Trading 83-65 last Sunday to kick off its drive on a high in the Manila Bankers

Life-Pilipinas Super League Under-18

NCR Leg at the Central Recreational Facility in New Era, Quezon City.

Padilla notched 14 points for the Milkers, while Sebastian Reyes, a Gilas Pilipinas Youth Under-16 member, added 13 points and five rebounds.

Syrex Silorio also had 12 and two as Letran Farm Fresh, boosted by the core of reigning NCAA juniors’ champions Squires, got off to a rousing start in the cage wars copresented by SCD and Dumper party-list and supported by J Project Clothings, MDC, Bluesky Advertising, NET 25, Wcube Solutions Inc., Hotel SOGO, and Converge.

In the other game, NBS Kris whipped Magnificent Manila 87-68 to also launch its bid in emphatic fashion.

NBS Kris banked on the trio of Vhon Roldan (19 points and nine rebounds), Jaymark Lloren (14), and Jiro Mecha (12) to cruise to the runaway victory.

In the Luzon Leg duels, Luid Kapampangan turned back Bagong Cabuyao 79-72, while Pampanga Delta dismantled Calamba City 91-66.

Over at the Cebu City Sports Institute in the Visayas Leg, Sherilin Khalifa City of Naga waylaid Datu Omendig 76-59.

The Consolacion Sarok Weavers tripped the Consolacion Black Shama 81-72.

Johnson lifts LIV trophy on eve of PGA tourney

LOS ANGELES—Two-time major champion

Dustin Johnson nabbed his second LIV Golf title Sunday, edging Cameron Smith and Branden Grace in a playoff at Cedar Ridge Country Club near Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Johnson birdied his final hole in regulation to get into the playoff then birdied the par-four 18th with a putt from off the green.

South Africa’s Grace had putted first in the playoff, also from the fringe, narrowly missing.

Australia’s British Open champion Smith was closest to the hole, but his putt was never on track.

Johnson scooped the $4 million first prize from the $25 million purse and joined Talor Gooch—winner of the previous two events—and Brooks Koepka as two-time winners in the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit’s first 14 events.

The former world number one had claimed his first LIV title at Boston last year.

Atop the leaderboard going into the third and final round, Johnson shook off triple-bogey on the 10th hole to card a three-under 67 to join Grace and Smith on 17-under.

“Obviously after I made seven on 10— everything I could do wrong I did wrong on the hole—but to fight back and birdie

18 two times in a row, I’m really happy with that,” Johnson said.

Smith, five back with nine to play, carded a bogey-free nine-under par 61 while Grace—who shot 61 in the first round—closed with a five-under 65.

Grace helped South Africa’s Stinger team, headed by Louis Oosthuizen, to capture the team title with a 40-under par total.

The next LIV tournament is at Trump National in Washington in two weeks. But next week Johnson and Smith will be among 18 LIV rebels teeing it up in the second major of the season, the PGA Championship at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

LIV, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, split the sport last year by luring away top stars from the US PGA Tour and the DP World Tour with lucrative contracts.

Amid the acrimony, organizers of the major championships have maintained qualifying standards that allow LIV golfers to compete, setting the stage for them to take on loyalists including Masters champion Jon Rahm of Spain and world

Baisa, Brodeth sustain PPS win run at Brookside

BRICE Baisa continued his rapid rise to tennis junior fame with another two-title feat even as Kimi Brodeth lived up to the hype in the distaff side of the Brookside National Juniors Championships at Brookside Hills courts in Cainta, Rizal Sunday.

The third-ranked Baisa squeaked out a tough 6-4, 7-6(2) win over second seed Tristan Licayan in the semis then upended No. 1 Kenzo Brodeth, 6-4, 6-0, to snare the boys’ 16-and-under crown in the Group 1 tournament presented by Dunlop.

The Puerto Princesa find, likewise

Perpetual aching to bounce back in D-League

SECOND-RUNNING University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and reigning champion EcoOil-La Salle collide at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the 2023 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The Altas are determined to bounce back from a disappointing 66-64 loss against Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda last Thursday for their first loss in the tournament.

Meanwhile, EcoOil-La Salle is aiming for a second straight win since its 10867 rout of PSP Gymers last May 4.

The matchup promises to be close and physical. The winner joins idle San Beda (3-1) atop the team standings.

In the first game, Centro Escolar U (11) looks to make it two in a row when it battles Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers— Letran (0-1) and at 2 p.m.

The return of head coach Topex Robinson after a two-week scouting trip in the United States should motivate the Green Archers.

Reportedly though, Robinson will attend the game only as an observer and have relegated the coaching chores to deputy Gian Nazario until the remainder of their D-League campaign.

“The reason why we joined the DLeague is for experience. We’re gonna win some, we’re gonna lose some but we always move forward,” said Nazario.

The Green Archers will be without brothers Mike and Ben Phillips, who are currently serving the national team. But Kevin Quiambao, CJ Austria, Joshua David and Francis Escandor back now that the UAAP 3x3 championship is over.

“Mas mabigat na itong mga next games namin. Kaya kailangan mas handa kami,” said Altas mentor Myk Saguiguit after absorbing their first defeat in three games against MarineroSan Beda.

Coaches Rensy Bajar of Letran and Jeff Perlas of CEU also claimed their respectives teams are focused on winning

“Our mindset moving forward is to play solid defense against CEU. We will continue what we have started these past three years which is defense. As early as now, we’re building a one-team winners’ mindset,” said Bajar, who took over from Bonnie Tan this offseason.

ranked No. 3 in the centerpiece 18-U division, turned back second seed Alfonso Infante, 6-4, 6-4, in the semis then hacked out a similar 6-4, 6-4 triumph over No. 1 and doubles partner Vince Serna to match his equally impressive “double” romps in the Iloilo, Roxas City, Bacolod and Imus legs of the country’s longest talent-search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/ CEO Bobby Castro.

The top-seeded Kimi Brodeth, on the other hand, resumed her winning ways coming off a break as the Ormoc City star, who swept the three-leg Visayan

swing last March, foiled No. 2 Chloe Mercado from QC twice, 6-2, 7-5, in the girls’ 16-U championship. She then bounced back from an opening set setback to pull off a 3-6, 6-2, 10-4 escape in the 18-U finals and share the MVP honors with Baisa. Other winners in the week-long event, organized by Brookside Tennis Club president Allan del Castillo, were Ormoc’s Kenzo Brodeth, Gabrio Serillo from Dumaguete City, Olongapo’s Cadee Dagoon, Ayl Xyza Gonzaga from Zambales, and Kian Cansana from Valle Verde Country Club.

Meanwhile, action shifts to Pampanga for the Zentro Juniors Group I on May 25-29 at the Zentro Recreational Center courts in Apalit. For details and listup, contact tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

Kenzo Brodeth outwitted top seed Licayan, 5-7, 6-2, 10-7, in the boys’ 14-U finals; the No. 1 Serillo routed Dean Palaroan, 6-2, 6-2, for the boys’ 12-U trophy; the top seeded Dagoon clipped Ave Maria Policarpio, 6-2, 6-3, for the girls’ 14-U crown; the No. 2 Gonzaga humbled top seeded Kylie Cautivo, 7-6(6), 1-6, 10-5, for the girls’ 12-U diadem; and the unranked Cansana stunned top seed Naeem Serillo, 4-0, 4-0, in the quarterfinals, ripped No. 3 and doubles partner Claera Hosaka, 4-0, 4-1, in the semis, then survived No. 4 Gabriel Vitaliano, 4-0, 0-4, 10-6, in the 10-unisex finals.

Kimi Brodeth and Baisa actually made it a three-title feat as former teamed up with Dagoon to beat Mercado and Xophia Oliveros in the 18-U doubles. Baisa and Serna trounced Kenzo Brodeth and Licayan, while Samuel Davila and Joshua Stewart toppled Kristian Brazal and Ronnier Ferrer for the 14-U crown.

Naeem Serillo and Tyronne Caro also foiled Cansana and Hosana (10-unisex), while Dagoon and Gonzaga captured the girls’ 14-U trophy over Oliveros and Jasmine Sardona.

Defense/Sporting

Arms Show slated May 25 to 29

THE 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show featuring the latest firearms, accessories, and sporting goods is slated May 25 to 29 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers Inc. is anticipating all-out participation from exhibitors and members of the group, which is also a strong advocate for responsible gun ownership.

Senators Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa and top officials from the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Executive Department were invited during the opening ceremony set at 10 a.m. AFAD president Aric Topacio said aside from the usual activities on renewal of licenses and application for new gun ownership, under coordination with the PNP, participants have a chance to attend seminars regarding gun safety, security, and responsible gun ownership.

“Education and the promotion of responsible gun ownership is one of the mail goals of AFAD. We must continue to promote responsible gun ownership as animosity towards firearms has always been there,” said Topacio.

The 29th Defense and Sporting Arms Show will feature exhibitors such as Stronghand Incorporated, Final Option Trading Corporation, Force Site Inc, Lynx Firearms and Ammunition; Tactical Precision Trading, Armscor Shooting Center, Defensive Armament Resource Corp., Topspot Guns and Ammo, Lordman Leathercraft Guns and Ammo, True Weight, Tactics SOG Industries Inc., Trust Trade, PB Dionisio and Co., Inc., Tactical Corner Inc, Squires Bingham Intl./Armscor, Shooters Guns and Ammo Corp., Nashe Enterpris-

es, Willi Hahn Enterprises, Metro Arms Corporation, R. Espineli Trading, Imperial Guns, Ammo & Accessories, Lock and Load Firearms and Sporting Goods, Pascual Gun Works, Metro Sporting Arms Show, Santiago Fiberforce, Jordan Leather and Gen. Mdse, Magnus Sports Shop, Speededge, Inc, Greyman Elite, Inc., Bonanza/Icarus Shirts, CBX Trading and General Merchandize, among others.

“With the continuous growth of the defense industry, we made the decision to move to a bigger and better venue that is the SMX Convention Center, to accommodate our growing list of exhibitors. So, expect a grandiose display of sporting firearms from both local and international manufacturers and companies,” said Topacio.

number two Scottie Scheffler at Oak Hill.

CHAMPS AGAIN. Members of the De La Salle University women’s team display their championship banner at the Mall of Asia Arena after regaining the volleyball tiara.

There’s no stopping Kimi Brodeth (left) and Brice Baisa from dominating the PPS junior circuit.

TikToker gets biggest acting break in web series ‘Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile’

STILL on its winning streak in the retailtainment sector, Puregold Channel is keeping more viewers across the country enthralled by its latest series on YouTube, Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile

Smack dab in the middle of this engaging series is 21-year-old Tiktok sensation Yukii Takahashi, who plays Angge, the female lead. Yukii first started making videos on Tiktok in March 2022. With her natural charm and humor, she soon amassed a whopping 8.2 million followers on the platform. This caught the eye of Cornerstone Entertainment, which signed her up not too long after.

To date, Yukii has snagged various gigs in entertainment: she has hosted the reality survival show Top Class and has released a single titled,

ACTOR and public servant Arjo Atayde is known for his versatility and captivating performances.

In the crime thriller Cattleya Killer, Arjo takes on the role of a character with depth and intrigue.

During a special screening held on Friday, the 32-year-old actor and the cast of the series offered members of the entertainment press a sneak peek into what they can anticipate from the story and their individual characters.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, Arjo discussed his captivatingly enigmatic portrayal of Anton dela Rosa. Based on the first episode, his performance keeps the audience on their toes as they endeavor to unravel the mysteries surrounding the character.

Arjo’s acting prowess shines through as he delves into the depths of Anton’s psyche, presenting a captivating blend of charm, cunning, and vulnerability.

“My character represents justice and equality. Down the line, you’ll know why, but definitely, out of all the darkness around him, he still believes in justice,” Arjo said during the series special screening held at Trinoma Cinema. Cattleya Killer is an Amazon Exclusive crime-thriller series produced by ABS-CBN International Production and Nathan Studios. It is based on a classic ‘90s Filipino film, Sa Aking Mga Kamay (In My Own Hands). It

“Bounce”.

“Discovering exceptional talents like Yukii and giving them the opportunity to shine is just one of the many joys and fulfillment while creating Puregold retailtainment content,” Ivy Piedad, Puregold Marketing Manager, says.

Acknowledging that retailtainment is the future, Piedad affirms that Puregold Channel strives to provide quality entertainment to customers and viewers through captivating stories.

In Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile, Yukii stars alongside actor, singer, and songwriter Wilbert Ross who plays Bryce, a video game enthusiast who has trouble navigating the dating scene.

Angge then agrees to become Bryce’s virtual wingwoman for a fee so she can help her brother pay their bills.

Episode three showed that the

Arjo Atayde brings a unique intensity and complexity to the screen

arrangement worked – Angge did help Bryce ‘connect’ with women. But proximity, as it happened, could breed intimacy. Viewers were left to wonder: was romance brewing between Angge and Bryce? Were their feelings the real deal?

In the upcoming fourth episode, viewers’ interest shifts to Angge and Bryce as potential lovers. The fun and kilig kick in as they figure in kuwela scenes with the domineering Bessie, Bryce’s friends Genski and Ketch, and Chili Anne who had a secret crush on Bryce.

With more fans and viewers thrilled by Bryce and Angge’s chemistry, and fascinated by the story’s twists and turns, Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile is now a Saturday habit for many netizens.

Winford celebrates OPM with stellar lineup

WINFORD Resort & Casino Manila (WRCM) continues to offer all kinds of excitement in San Lazaro, Manila, with live performances by four big-name artists, special room deals, and huge raffle prizes this entire month of May.

For music lovers, WRCM stays true to its support of original Pilipino music (OPM) with four exciting artists set to perform, live, at its entertainment hub, Hippodrome Bar & Lounge. Tomorrow night, multi-platinum and WRCM mainstay Geneva Cruz takes the stage once again for another electrifying show while on May 20, multi-awarded King of OPM Theme Songs Erik Santos makes his WRCM debut with a one-night-only concert.

Then, on May 23, fan favorite Wency Cornejo takes the stage to perform his hits “Hanggang,” “Magpakailanman,” and more. Finally, on May 26, household name Nyoy Volante will be back by popular demand to perform his signature hit “Kahit

will be available on Prime Video on June 1 in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other selected territories. The series marks the first series collaboration between Prime Video and ABS-CBN, further promoting Filipino talents and stories to the world.

Joining Arjo in Cattleya Killer are Jake Cuenca, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jane Oineza, Ria Atayde, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, and Christopher de Leon.

In this new series, many years after the infamous Cattleya Killer case, the man who cracked the case, Joven de la Rosa (Christopher de Leon, reprising his role from the film), is now an NBI deputy director. His youngest son Anton (Arjo) is one of his top agents, while his eldest son Benjie (Jake Cuenca)

runs a foundation for traumatized women. It seems as if everybody has moved on from the tragic events of the past, but when a body is found bearing the telltale markings of the long-dead Cattleya Killer, the lives of the three men and everyone around them are thrown into turmoil.

Dark secrets are brought to the fore, as the line between the real world and the unreal blurs. No one and nothing is what they seem – least of all Anton, who becomes more and more of a suspect as more victims surface and the investigation tightens.

“We›re excited to continue pushing the boundaries and to deliver world-class entertainment made by the best Filipino talents,” said David Simonsen, director of Prime Video Southeast Asia. “We believe with its gripping storyline, dynamic characters, and stunning performances, Cattleya Killer will keep our audiences at the edge of their seats.”

“Crime stories have always been fan favorites, proven by the success of different true-crime series across different formats and territories,” said Ruel S. Bayani, head of ABS-CBN International Production. “And for us, the Philippines’ Cattleya Killer is another must-watch, as it tackles the dark human psyche. It also showcases issues rooted in family, government, and society.”

Dan Villegas (Exes Baggage, English Only, Please) directs the series from a script by Dodo Dayao

THIS year marks a significant milestone for the esteemed Filipino rock band Sandwich as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

In February, the band commenced the festivities by going back to their origins, taking fans and friends on a nostalgic journey as they delivered a captivating performance of their debut album Grip Stand Throw from 1999 in its entirety. With a steadfast commitment to upholding its legacy in Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Sandwich has also renewed its contract with PolyEast Records, its trusted recording label since 2005.

Accompanied by the band’s manager Darwin Hernandez, Sandwich members Raymund Marasigan, Mong Alcaraz, Diego Castillo, Myrene Academia, and Mike Dizon recently met with the general manager of PolyEast Records, Jesmon Chua, to renew their recording contract. Continuing the hype for their celebration, Sandwich released the new track “Nyare?” on all digital and streaming platforms. This is the first of four new planned singles, with the next one coming out on July 25 – all leading up to the release of the anniversary EP slated on October 2023.

Written by the members of band, “Nyare?” showcases their trademark knack for making catchy and fuzz-driven rock. Again, it was recorded and engineered by longtime collaborator Shinji Tanaka at Kodama Studios.

In the new single’s lyrics, the band members expresse how they – just like the rest of us –still have to navigate the uncertainty our new normal brings. They sing, “’Di ka na naman mapakali. Ano bang nangyari kagabi?” No matter how long around the block they’ve been, they’re still trying to make sense of it all. In the process, this pondering prompts more questions than answers.

In 2022, the group treated fans to a new musical offering with the release of No Goodbyes, an EP featuring five captivating songs. To complement their release, they unveiled an official music video for the track “Negatives.” While it was a modest addition to their extensive discography of nine fulllength albums, it served as a catalyst for the band’s resurgence after a period of pandemicinduced lull.

Fueling their creative fire, Sandwich is eagerly preparing to release more new songs throughout the year, accompanied by their signature live shows that never fail to amaze.

By simply earning 30 points daily until May 27 for a raffle ticket, participants might just win a brand-new Mitsubishi Xpander in the final draw (also on May 27).

WRCM is located in San Lazaro Tourism & Business Park,

MARVEL’S Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 trounced the competition for the second straight weekend in North American theaters, earning $60.5 million for a global haul topping half a billion dollars, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

The latest tale of oddball intergalactic mercenaries, human and otherwise, again stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel – this time on a mission to save comrade Rocket Raccoon from a

Santa Cruz, Manila. Hippodrome Bar & Lounge is WRCM’s signature entertainment venue and is located on the second floor of the 22-story resort. Visit www.winfordmanila.com for more information or call the hotline at +63 (2) 8528-3600 for inquiries. You may also follow Winford Resort & Casino Manila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates on special events and promotions.

scientist intent on removing his brain. Guardians had unseated Universal’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie from the top spot the week before. But the video game-based Mario, which has now earned more than $1.2 billion worldwide, remained firmly in second spot in its sixth week out, taking in $13 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period.

Book Club: The Next Chapter a Focus Features sequel to a wellreceived romantic comedy for the older

“Nyare?” serves as a tantalizing glimpse into the musical treasures they have in store. The band’s excitement remains as fervent as it was during their very first jam session in a garage in BF Homes, Parañaque, on that memorable afternoon.

“Nyare?” by Sandwich is available on all digital and streaming platforms. You can also watch the official lyric video of the single on PolyEast Records’ YouTube channel.

set, came third in its debut weekend with $6.5 million – described as a “slow start” by analyst David A. Gross who also acknowledged that “older audiences take their time getting to these movies.”

The film, which follows four friends on a grown-up girls trip to Italy, features an all-star quartet of Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, and Mary Steenburgen – all of whom are in their ‘70s or ‘80s. Warner Bros.’ blood-soaked horror

film Evil Dead Rise dropped one spot to fourth, taking in $3.7 million. It features two sisters (Lily Sullivan and Alyssa Sutherland) battling the demonic Deadites crew. In fifth place, also down one spot, was the Lionsgate comedy-drama Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, at $2.5 million.

Abby Ryder Fortson plays sixthgrader Margaret Simon as she navigates the challenges of that awkward age. AFP

Sandwich renews contract with PolyEast, marks 25th year with new single

‘Guardians’ enjoys galactic box office earnings for second consecutive week

Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” among others.

Finally, on the raffle front, members are invited to play for a chance to win big prizes in Wheels for the Win Xpander Xtravaganza.

Winford performers (from left) Geneva Cruz, Erik Santos, Wency Cornejo, and Nyoy Volante

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ brings back its well-loved characters (from left) Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, and Dave Bautista

Filipino rock band Sandwich

Tiktok sensation Yukii Takahashi, who plays Angge, the female lead in ‘Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng

Profile’

Actor and congressman Arjo Atayde in the crime thriller ‘Cattleya Killer’

The star-studded cast of ‘Cattleya Killer’

The cast, producers, writer, and director of the crime thriller during the special screening

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

Embracing the oat milk craze

Asia’s beloved oat milk brand makes Manila debut

RECOGNIZED for its quality and taste, Oatside is available in various cafes and supermarkets throughout countries like Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Now, Oatside has made its way to the Philippines bringing its sought-after offerings to select retail locations. This development allows oat milk lovers to indulge in the creamy goodness of Oatside, catering to the growing demand for plant-based milk alternatives.

In a festive event held last week, Singaporean Founder and CEO Benedict Lim spoke to some members of the press and the blogging community, including celebrities and social media personalities to talk about the brand.

Lim said he started Oatside when he saw a gap in the market for a plant-based milk that offers a creamy and malty taste profile that is familiar to people who don’t typically drink plant milk.

“We know that taste is often a barrier for more people adopting sustainable milk, so our goal was to develop an oat milk that could overcome these perceptions. It was a challenge developing the right product with existing set-

By Angelica Villanueva

NESTLED within the bustling entertainment city, Aseana City stands as a serene urban oasis. This secure community proudly presents a plethora of easily accessible recreational amenities, inviting both visitors and residents to indulge in a rejuvenating urban retreat.

First developed by D.M. Wenceslao and Associates (DMWAI) about three decades ago, Aseana City was once a mere imagination. Over the years, this community has been masterfully designed to embody topnotch living standards, while seamlessly offering access to modern amenities and world-class public spaces.

Boasting a picturesque view of Manila Bay, the 107.5-hectare Aseana City now offers a diverse range of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities. Furthermore, in the coming years, more high-rise buildings are set to rise. In fact, during the media tour, several lots were observed under construction, while others were nearing completion.

The purpose of the tour was to showcase the current offerings of the community. Here are the highlights of what we love about this promising development - Aseana City.

Next generations’ stop hub

Dubbed as the ‘Next Generation City,’ Delfin Angelo ‘Buds’ C. Wenceslao expressed that it has always been his father, Delfin J. Wenceslao Jr.’s vision for Aseana City to become a community designed for the enjoyment and safety of the next generation.

“My father wanted to ensure that he was building a city for the next generation,” said the younger Wenceslao.

With the aim of creating a sustainable, safe, walkable, and accessible hub, DMWAI has been consistently developing establishments that serve as go-to destinations for people of all ages. One notable feature when visiting Aseana City is its spacious sidewalks. Visitors can walk safely along wider sidewalks that are shielded from inclement weather, thanks to a well-designed network of arcades, corridors, alleyways, and canopies.

The implementation of a climate-protected solution for pedestrians became possible through the collaborative efforts between DMWAI and its locators, with Aseana City’s design guidelines

SM Supermalls’ SuperMoms Club marked the beginning of a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration by gathering hundreds of super moms at the #SuperMomsClubSUPERMeetup on May 4 at the SM Mall of Asia. Moms from all walks of life gathered at the Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia to connect, learn, and be inspired. This is the third SuperMoms Meetup event organized by SM Supermalls, with the first two targeted to work-fromhome moms and pregnant moms, respectively.

During the event, CEO and Founder of Filipino Home Based Moms MK Bertulfo delivered a keynote address that shared insightful tips on how moms can bounce back from life’s challenges while raising kids.

“To take care of others, start by taking care of yourself. Even SuperMoms should know when to pause and take a break,” said Bertulfo. Further, SuperMom-bassadors, including Bertulfo, were also introduced during the panel discussion. She was joined onstage by co-ambassadors, Carla Perlas, VP of Communications at The Parentinc, 100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn (2021, 2022), and mompreneur; and, single

ups at contract manufacturers in the early days, so we took the longer approach of building our own production line that allowed us more customization and control over the oat extraction process,” said Lim.

Oatside is one of Asia’s few “full-stack” plant milk start-ups. Oatside has retained full jurisdiction over its entire production process, from sourcing its Australian oats, to oat extraction to filling. This allows customization in the production process of our delicious oat milk, and the ability to ensure that only sustainably-sourced ingredients

of the highest quality are used. Oatside is plant-based, lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and low in saturated fats. Sustainability has been core to the mission of driving plant-based milk globally —the production of oat milk requires 90 percent less land and water and produces 70 percent less emissions as compared to the production of cow’s milk, which makes it much more sustainable. Today, Oatside is available in partner cafes in the Philippines including PickUp Coffee, FRNK, and Bo’s Coffee; and start-

ing this month, Oatside Barista Blend and Chocolate will be available on the shelves of major retailers nationwide, starting with Landers and Puregold—and on e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee.

Oatside Barista Blend’s creaminess gives body to coffees and teas, but is neutral enough to allow the coffee and tea notes to shine through. Oatside Barista Blend also creates beautiful microfoam when steamed for latte art, making it a favorite among baristas. Oatside Chocolate is a dark, rich chocolate oat drink made with a Rainforest

Alliance-certified Indonesian-African cocoa blend, no added flavors, and with less sugar than most chocolate milk.

Transforming vision into a masterfully designed community

commercial building will highlight local and retail stores, restaurants, and offices.

Parqal, a portmanteau of the words “Park” and “Kalye”, is also built to promote a healthy and active lifestyle with its “floating canopy.” The canopy serves as the flagship spine of Aseana City’s sidewalk masterplan, covering about 5,000 sqm of the development’s linear greenway spine.

Accessible and commuter-friendly

The goal also of the real-estate developer is to provide accessible transportation for Filipinos whenever they want to go to Aseana City.

The city’s commitment to delivering worldclass infrastructure, products, and services has established it as one of the most competitive central business districts in the metro.

Bistro Delivers introduces new convenient features for enhanced service

FOOD delivery service Bistro De-

mandating the installation and construction of canopies and sky bridges.

Secured 24/7

One of the things I noticed while going to the Aseana 3 was its smart lampposts in almost every corner of Aseana City. Well, the thing is the real estate developer wanted to give its guests and residents the assurance of being secured while strolling the community.

The city is secured with 24/7 CCTV monitoring and smart lampposts connected to the command center to notify security personnel in case of emergency. Parqal’s ‘floating canopy’ Anticipated to open by the Q3 of 2023, Parqal is designed to offer an array of leisure activities, with lifestyle and retail shops offering everything from dining, fashion, and wellness to DIY options.

Aseana City’s strategic location, and connection to key transport linkages such as the NAIA Expressway, LRT Line 1 Extension, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx), is further enhanced by its focus on public security, open spaces, and walkway systems.

These are just some reasons to have a visit to Aseana City. The city’s progressive approach to urban planning and development sets a high standard for other urban areas to follow.

was given to Jaycelle Playda for bringing new members to the group.

At the end of the program, lucky SuperMoms won special prizes at the raffle and other awesome surprises. The participants also enjoyed exciting activities, pampering sessions, and special prizes given to them by SM Supermalls and sponsors including SM Markets, SM Malls Online, SM Deals, Watsons, Pink Parlour, Celeteque, Baby Company, UL Skin Sciences, Fortima, GynePro, Cinnabon, and Designer Blooms.

Started in 2018, SM Supermalls’ SuperMoms Club is the Philippines’ largest mommy community on Facebook. It’s an avenue to connect with like-minded moms navigating their motherhood journey, with a discourse on hot-button topics about parenthood, child-rearing, career, and women’s health among others under the #SuperMomsClubConvo.

From May 4 to 14, super mommas were treated to pampering moments, memorable experiences, and shopping deals at SM.

To know more about the SuperMoms Club, join the Facebook community for moms, by moms via: www.facebook.com/ groups/SMSuperMomsClub.

livers introduces new features that aim to make the food delivery experience even smoother and faster for its valued customers. It offers free delivery and P500 off with a minimum spend of P2,000. This online ordering system makes transactions more convenient:

deliver now or schedule for later; same price as dine-in plus exclusive promos and discounts. Choose from a wide array of cuisines from The Bistro Group’s 21 restaurant concepts.

Whatever strikes your fancy, there’s a dish that’s right up your alley.

Bistro Delivers introduces new features to make the food delivery experience even smoother for its valued customers

Steaks, ribs, burgers, pastas, pizzas, dimsum? Paella, sushi, seafood, all-day breakfast? Korean BBQ or buffalo wings perhaps? Bistro Delivers online service is seamless and more efficient, from the moment guests place their orders via Bistro Delivers’ website www.bistrodelivers.com.ph, to actually receiving their food right at their doorstep. Food delivery is now a breeze for an enjoyable customer experience. Ordering is easy: visit www.bistrodelivers.com.ph to get your fave Bistro dishes, applicable for delivery and takeout. Use code: BISTRODELIVERS at checkout.

Aseana City developments along Macapagal from Block 4 to 6

The landscape of the Parqal Amphitheater

Dainty yet satisfying servings of Chocolate Oat Milk Co ee Jelly Shooters

Benedict Lim, CEO, (left) with Erwan Heussa , Milk Sommelier, during the tasting segment

Oatside infused halo-halo ingredients

From left: In uencers Chelsea Robato, Christiana Collings, Angela Nepomuceno, and Marj Sia toasting the Oatside-infused co ee drink

Members of the theAsianparent, ConnectedWomen, and SM SuperMoms Club during the meetup at SM Mall of Asia