Manila Standard - 2023 May 18 - Thursday

Warmest 5 years coming up—UN

GENEVA—It is near-certain that 2023-2027 will be the warmest fiveyear period ever recorded, the United Nations warned Wednesday, as greenhouse gases and El Niño combine to

CITIES in Metro Manila will not make face masks mandatory again amid a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora disclosed Wednesday.

However, several government hospitals are tightening their restrictions to protect against the coronavirus, with the Philippine Heart Center announcing last night that guests for its patients would not be allowed starting today.

Private Hospitals Association of the

Murder cases filed vs. Teves

NBI files raps at DOJ, solon still abroad

By Rey E. Requejo, Maricel V. Cruz and Charles Dantes

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal complaints against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. for his alleged involvement in the killing of 10 persons, including Negros Oriental Gov. Roel R. Degamo on March 4, 2023.

The complaints were filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ), which is expected to summon Teves and require him to file his counter-affidavit.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said Teves was charged with multiple counts of murder, multiple counts of frustrated murder, and multiple counts of attempted murder.

Remulla said there were no other respondents in the complaints.

“What I know is Teves is the only re-

spondent in the complaint that was filed because the investigation is still ongoing for other cases and other suspects and other roles and crimes,” he said.

Remulla said once the summons are issued to Teves’ last known address, the suspended legislator “has to personally appear to swear by the contents of his counter-affidavit.”

“He has to come home or they will file the case in court and a warrant will be issued in absentia,” Remulla said.

If a warrant of arrest is issued and Teves is not arrested or refuses to surrender, then he becomes a fugitive from justice.

“He will lose a lot of things if he becomes a fugitive. Cancellation of passport is one. So, he will have a hard time moving around,” Remulla said.

Remulla also stood pat on his disclosure that Teves was to return to the Philippines on Wednesday, May 17.

He said Teves is “ticketed” or has secured a ticket for a flight to the Philippines, noting that the Department of Foreign Affairs cannot cancel the lawmaker’s passport “unless there are legal grounds.”

Gov’t may take NGCP back if probe warrants

By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE government may take back control of the National Grid Corp of the Philippines (NGCP) if it is proven that there are national security concerns and if it’s ineffective in fulfilling its mandate, the Presidential Communications Office said on Wednesday.

The Palace issued the statement after Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the Senate committee on energy, met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday to express his intent to investigate the situation at NGCP.

“Firstly, Senator Tulfo expressed his desire to assess the performance of the NGCP, which has also raised concerns among several other senators. Secondly,

DA: ‘Massive’ cold chain audit for onions set

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to stage a massive, nationwide inspection of all cold chain facilities storing onions to check if there are businessmen hoarding the commodity.

Agriculture Senior Undersecretary

Domingo Panganiban said the DA cannot fully ascertain the situation on the ground with inconsistent data fed

PH, Vietnam team up for SCS Code

By

PhilSuCor revival eyed after PBBM meets sugar industry stakeholders

By Vince Lopez

THE government is reviving and changing the Philippine Sugar Corporation (PhilSuCor) to help finance sugar farmers and cooperatives, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with industry stakeholders in Malacañang on Wednesday.

The President confirmed this in a video released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), as he became the first sitting Chief Executive to meet with the sugar industry, partly owing to his role as concurrent Agriculture Secretary.

Mr. Marcos also said the government

had identified areas that “we should now start categorizing as sugarland.”

Based on industry data, the current area planted to sugarcane is around 380,000 hectares.

Mr. Marcos also reiterated the need to import 150,000 metric tons of sugar, which he approved this week, adding that he and the stakeholders also agreed with the importation schedule.

“We agreed on an importation schedule and how we will open up the importation to all of the traders,” the President said.

“One of the suggestions that came up

National Bureau of Investigation Director Medardo G. de Lemos walks after NBI officers carrying boxes of evidence on the murder case of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo as they filed ten counts of murder and frustrated murder against Rep. Arnie Teves at the Department of Justice in Manila on Wednesday. Danny Pata

Rey E. Requejo

THE Philippines and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen coordination in dealing with maritime issues, particularly in working on a code of conduct in the South China Sea, the Department of

Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday. This as Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Andres Centino inspected the facilities at the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in Balabac, Palawan.

OATH TAKING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. swears into office the new officers of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines at Malacanan Palace, stressing that the national and local governments must work together to implement the various programs dedicated to improving the lives of Filipinos. PCO Photo

‘Only 80% of stolen GCash recovered’

ONLY 80 percent of the unauthorized fund transfers from mobile wallet GCash to several private bank accounts were recovered, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla said Wednesday.

Medalla said that based on an initial investigation, there was no hacking involved.

“It was not hacking, it was phishing. Luckily, they acted fast enough and recovered 80 percent of what was stolen,” Medalla said in a television interview.

He confirmed that the individuals behind the unauthorized cash transfers withdrew some of the funds, but GCash, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom Inc., shouldered the balance to return the whole missing amount.

The BSP earlier ordered G-Xchange

PhilSuCor...

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during the meeting was to revitalize PhilSuCor. It provides financing for farmers, especially for cooperatives and farmers’ associations, those called ‘blocks.’ Now they are not able to work very much because they tried to abolish the PhilSuCor,” Mr. Marcos said.

“But it was not abolished, they are still there, so we will revive it, and we will change it. We will see what the changes are so that we can adjust to our current situation and continue their work in providing assistance to our farmers, to our farmer groups,” he added.

Mr. Marcos and the group discussed concerns and measures to boost the country’s sugar production, as well as government’s plans to promote the development of the sugar industry.

PhilSucor was created under Presidential Decree No. 1890 in 1983 during the term of President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. to finance the acquisition, rehabilitation, and/or expansion of sugar mills, refineries, and other related facilities.

An order to abolish PhilSuCor was released on October 25, 2018, under thenPresident Rodrigo Duterte, citing the government firm’s overlapping functions with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) as recommended by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations). With Othel V. Campos

Warmest...

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send temperatures soaring.

There is a two-thirds chance that at least one of the next five years will see global temperatures exceed the more ambitious target set out in the Paris accords on limiting climate change, the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said.

Locally, several areas in Bicol Region and Western Visayas experienced a heat index of 46°C on Wednesday, according to the state weather bureau.

PAGASA classifies heat indices reaching 42°C to 51°C as under “dangerous” level, which may cause heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

The highest computed heat index was recorded in Masbate City; Daet, Camarines Sur, and Catarman, Northern Samar, a GMA TV report said last night.

A similar heat index is likewise projected in Roxas City, Capiz on Thursday. AFP

DA:...

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by the onion industry along with data from farmers, traders, and cold storage owners. He admitted the DA is being fed conflicting reports.

“Some say there are many onions in the country, while others say we do not have enough supply. If we do have the volume, or considering we have remaining supply, the institutional buyers will take up the entire volume and not the government,” he said Wednesday.

Curiously, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) – an agency under the DA -- on Wednesday assured an adequate supply of onions in the country amid spiking market prices.

In a Laging Handa public briefing, BPI spokesperson Jose Diego Roxas said although there is a steady supply of onion for now, the market price is hitting between P160 to P200 per kilogram for red onion, while local white onion prices range from P150 to P200/kg.

“The supply of our onion is enough,

not lose their funds on GCash,” the company said in a statement.

Medalla said efforts now focus on tracking down the holders of the private bank accounts where the missing GCash funds were transferred.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said fraudsters behind the unauthorized cash transfers targeting GCash users were able to withdraw some of the stolen money.

IN BRIEF

DFA frets over SC ruling on ’05 deal

Inc., the operator of GCash, “to swiftly resolve the deduction of balance in GCash accounts experienced by its customers.”

GXI then agreed to make the necessary adjustments in the affected accounts, according to the BSP.

This was contrary to the initial statement by GCash, which assured that no funds were lost despite complaints of missing money by some users.

“We have already adjusted the ewallets of all affected GCash users. We wish to reiterate that our customers did

Several GCash users earlier reported that their money was transferred to Asia United Bank and East West Bank accounts ending in number 5239.

East West Bank said it was cooperating with authorities towards the immediate resolution of the issue.

Deputy Minority Leader Bernadette Herrera filed House Resolution 963 to launch a congressional inquiry into the unauthorized fund transfer and ensure that digital platforms like GCash operate within the bounds of the law.

The central bank chief also said that the security features of local digital payment platforms are satisfactory but consumers need to be vigilant.

He said users should not share their OTP or one-time password, because this is the last level of protection.

“Kasi kahit mapasok ka, pero hindi mawi-withdraw ang pera kasi ang bangko kailangan ng OTP,” Medalla said.

GCash earlier submitted its regulatory report to BSP regarding the incident.

“Kung matetrace natin ang may-ari ng accounts na ‘yon, meron pa rin silang pananagutan,” Medalla said.

5 Pinoys among missing as China vessel capsizes

BEIJING—A Chinese fishing vessel has capsized in the central Indian Ocean, with its crew of 17 Chinese, 17 Indonesian, and five Filipino sailors missing, state media reported Wednesday.

A multinational search and rescue operation was underway to locate the mariners, and China’s premier called on authorities to strengthen safety procedures for fishing operations at sea.

The missing vessel, named Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, capsized at about

Murder...

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The three grounds for the cancellation of a passport are 1) if a person is a fugitive from justice, 2) has been convicted by final judgment, or 3) the passport was tampered with or fraudulently secured.

Teves is not yet a fugitive from justice since no warrant of arrest has been issued against him so far, and no final judgment rendered by a court yet, Remulla said. No complaint has been filed about Teves using a tampered passport either, he added.

“The filing of criminal raps by NBI is for the purpose of preliminary investigation where DOJ will still determine probable cause, or there is sufficient basis to indict in court for committing the crime charged,” the Justice chief said.

Teves has denied Remulla’s claim.

“That is fake news,” Teves said in a radio interview. “They should have asked me first before they talked,” he added in Filipino.

Citing a “reliable source” who may have access to flight data into the country, Remula said on Tuesday that Teves was likely to return to the country from Timor Leste, where he applied for po -

Zamora:...

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Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI) president Dr. Jose Rene de Grano also said the number of admission of COVID-19 cases among its members has increased in the last three days.

“For the past two or three days, the number of cases had increased.

Even the (hospital) admissions here also rose here in our private hospitals,” De Grano said.

The areas where private hospitals have an increased number of COVID-19 admission include the National Capital

whether red or white [onion]. For the white onion, we expect its supply to last until mid-July,” he said.

However, the bureau’s Director Glenn Panganiban told a congressional hearing the government is “considering” importing 8,000 metric tons of white onions this year to stabilize prices.

The agency estimated that the country has 12,843 metric tons of white onions as of April, which will last until September. Stocks of red onions meanwhile were estimated to be at 98,394 metric tons, which may be sufficient to cover local demand until November, the BPI chief said.

“What we’re looking at is to have a buffer of 2 months (supply),” Panganiban told the House Committee on Agriculture and Food on Wednesday.

Food producers, on the other hand, are worried that the planned 22,000 metric tons (MT) of onion will not be enough to meet the 70,000 to 80,000tons demand for the year.

“If the government is planning to i mport 20,000 (metric tons), it can’t be helped that the price of onion will shoot up again. It will not be enough,” said

3 am Beijing time on Tuesday (1900 GMT Monday).

President Xi Jinping ordered the coordinated search, CCTV said, but “so far, no missing persons have been found.” Teams from around the region are now at the scene and China has deployed two commercial vessels — the Lu Peng Yuan Yu 018 and Yuan Fu Hai — to help in the operation.

Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an “emergency mech -

litical asylum but was rejected.

“What we know is that Teves secured tickets. We have sources who tell us his movements,” Remulla said.

Nonetheless, the DOJ chief said Teves has to return to the country to face the charges against him.

“Flight is an indication of guilt by any language, by any jurisdiction, in any legal system. It is an indication of guilt,” he emphasized.

Teves has been tagged as “one of the masterminds” in the Degamo slaying.

The suspended lawmaker has not returned to the country despite the expiration of his travel authority on March 9. He has denied all the allegations against him.

The House of Representatives Committee on Ethics is set to investigate next week Teves’ reported application o for political asylum in Timor Leste.

Rep. Felipe Espares of COOP-NATCCO, the panel’s chairperson, at the same time, rejected Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo’s letter, which sought Teves’s expulsion from the chamber.

Espares said the committee will hold a meeting on May 23, a day after the expiration of Teves’ 60-day suspension for his continued absence without travel authority.

The committee vice chairperson,

Region, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Davao Region, he said.

At the same time, PHAPI reminded the public that going to hospitals is still safe because their COVID-19 facilities are isolated and health protocols are being observed.

But Zamora, the head of the Metro Manila Council, noted that the National Capital Region remains in the low-risk category for COVID, with hospital utilization rate peged at 29%.

“So that is within the low-risk category. Our positivity rate is 25 percent, and most of the cases are mild,” Zamora, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said.

The San Juan mayor added that “some cities are reimposing mask mandates,

GMA...

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represents Pampanga’s 2nd District, in the plenary session. The move effectively removes the “senior” from Arroyo’s Deputy Speaker title.

Deputy Speaker Democrito Mendoza, who presided over the session, approved

Gov’t...

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Senator Tulfo aimed to examine the security aspect, particularly on who truly controls the corporation,” the PCO said in a statement.

“The President agreed with the senator’s proposal to conduct a comprehensive study or hold hearings to determine the actual situation. If necessary, the government will take back control of the entity,” it added. Forty percent of NGCP is owned by the State Grid Corporation of China,

THE recent Supreme Court ruling voiding the 2005 joint exploration deal between Philippines, Vietnam, and China in the South China Sea has “far reaching” implications, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

“It has far reaching implications… Based on the Supreme Court decision, other countries can now go [into] cooperative endeavors and exclude us, and the irony there is it is because of that decision,” said DFA Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta during the Senate committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises hearing.

Earlier this year, the high court declared unconstitutional and void the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) entered into by the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), China National Offshore Oil Corporation, and Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation.

anism for consular protection” involving embassies and consulates in Australia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries, according to CCTV.

Internet voting OK for 2025 elections

Charles Dantes

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that they are also cooperating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other concerned agencies. Xilian also confirmed that at least five Filipinos missing. With Rey E. Requejo and

Rep. Rossana Vergara of Nueva Ecija said the committee deliberation next week will assess Teves’s application for political asylum in Timor Leste.

Espares added the House ethics committee has to come up with a decision and possibly impose further sanctions on Teves should he maintain the apparent neglect of his legislative functions.

“We cannot afford a situation wherein someone can say the House did not do anything about this, especially involving disorderly behavior,” Espares said.

In the Senate, Senator Ronald dela Rosa said Tefves would be invited to the ongoing Senate hearings into the killing of Degamo.

Dela Rosa guaranteed that Teves will be treated fairly if he appears for a hearing.

Also on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has arrested an alleged gunman of the Teveses who has been linked to two assassination plots in Negros Oriental.

The police nabbed Police Staff Sgt. Noel Santa Ana Alabata alias, Alfonso Edena Tan, in front of the PDEG Building on Tuesday.

Alabata was served two arrest warrants for cases of attempted murder and attempted homicide issued by two courts in Dumaguete City.

but overall in Metro Manila, together with the DOH, we are under the lowrisk category at Alert Level 1, and under that category face masks are optional.”

Zamora said the mayors did not discuss imposing mask mandates yet in their last meeting.

The mayor attributed the low positivity and hospitalization rates to the high vaccination rate in the metro. He continued to encourage the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Earlier, the Department of Health reported that the utilization rate of COVID-19 space in hospitals was around 20%. But now, PHAPI noted that rate is anywhere from 20% to 50%. Macon

Ramos-Araneta

the motion after hearing no objection.

In a statement, Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Mannix Dalipe said Gonzales’ appointment was “to unburden his cabalen, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, of the heavy load required from the position.”

As of press time, Defensor and Gonzales had yet to issue statements on why the replacement was made, considering

while the remaining 60 percent is Filipino-owned. Tulfo said the Chinese ownership “poses a serious national security threat,” considering the conflict over the West Philippine Sea.

Senator JV Ejercito also expressed concerns over the State Grid Corporation of China’s 40 percent stake in NGCP.

Senators Grace Poe, and Sherwin Gatchalian, also said the panel was open to reviewing the NGCP franchise, in view of the recurring power outages.

Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier renewed her call for the government to regain control of the NGCP. At a hearing in the Senate, the NGCP

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved internet voting for overseas voters in the 2025 national and local elections (NLE). Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Wednesday that internet voting “is intended to achieve a higher overseas voter turnout.”

The approval of the conduct of electronic/internet voting for overseas Filipino voters was based on Section 16.11 of Republic Act No. 9189, Section 28 of RA 10390, and Section 23 of RA 10390. Garcia said Comelec is now set to prepare the roadmap for electronic voting for overseas Filipinos.

PH,...

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Facilities like the runways within the 300-hectare island airbase can be used by both the military and civilians in Balabac. Meanwhile, Balabac’s Narciso del Rosario Naval Station is also being eyed for an EDCA site once a larger pier is built for use by American and Filipino warships.

Philippine diplomats traveled to Ha Long, Vietnam on Monday and Tuesday to hold talks with their Vietnamese counterparts during the 10th Philippines-Vietnam Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns.

In a statement, DFA said the two countries also agreed to explore a “broad range of potential maritime cooperation activities to enhance their strategic partnership.”

“The two countries expressed serious concern over unilateral activities that undermine peace and stability in the region. They committed to work together to protect their rights and legitimate interests under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and enhance confidence-building measures between relevant agencies,” the DFA also said.

DFA Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce, who headed the Philippine delegation to the meeting, said discussions with their Vietnamese counterparts were “critical” in strengthening ties between the two Southeast Asian countries.

the political clout of Arroyo -- who not only is a former Chief Executive but the country’s first woman House Speaker and Senator as well.

Gonzales – one of the nine Deputy Speakers of the current House -- thus assumed the position of Arroyo, who was elected as Senior Deputy Speaker a few weeks after the opening of the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress last year.

assistant corporate secretary, Ronald Dylan Concepcion, told the Senate energy committee China’s 40 percent stake in the company did not represent a national security risk as the transmission facilities were run by Filipinos.

But Tulfo and Hontiveros refuted Concepcion’s statement, saying that information or intelligence could be passed on to Beijing, which has been hostile to the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

Tulfo reiterated the need to return NGCP’s ownership to the Philippine government, specifically to the National Transmission Corporation, and not to China’s state grid and private firms.

Private schools slam ‘no permit, no exam’ ban

THE Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA)—a group of private schools, colleges, universities, and technical and vocational education and training institutions—warned that many private colleges and universities will run out of operating cash in less than two months if the “No Permit, No Exam” policy is prohibited.

COCOPEA chairperson Bernard Villamor explained that a recent study conducted by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) and participated in by 27 private colleges and universities showed that as of now, tuition and other fees collections can only cover 7.7-months of operation expenses on average.

However, if the “No Permit, No Exam” policy is prohibited, the study showed that the financial capacity of these schools would significantly weaken, and tuition and other fees would now be able to cover only two months’ worth of operating expenses on average.

“After which, colleges and universities would run out of operating cash and would need to find external or other sources of financing (such as loans or savings) to cover their costs. This is a significant drop from the 7.7-month average colleges and universities have under the status quo,” Villamor said. “In the absence or lack of effective means to collect, or any compulsion to ensure prompt payment, we fear that the viability of private educational institutions will be endangered, which in turn will disrupt access to education. It is clear that for private schools, colleges and universities, any payment received go towards paying all capital expenditures or costs associated with school operations. Thus, making prompt payment or collection critical. In turn, moral compulsion is necessary to ensure that there is prompt payment,” he added.

Villamor also cited an April 2023 study by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), where about 49% of the 224 basic education school respondents reported that they are currently already at a loss financially or are only breaking even in terms of monthly expenses compared to monthly collections.

The rest reported that they only have a small surplus, at best.

Similarly, the study showed that 64.2% of the 53 college and university respondents also reported that they are currently already at a loss or at a breakeven point.

“These schools will be most financially at risk with the ‘No Permit, No Exam’ bill.

Breaking even in the school set-up means that any income generated from tuition is just enough to cover the operating costs and expenses, such as salaries of teachers and school employees, energy, water and other utilities, and other operating expenses. CEAP and non-CEAP schools, colleges and universities covering an enrollment of 532,000 students participated in the study,” Villamor explained.

“In as much as taxes are the lifeblood of the government, tuition and other school fees are the lifeblood of private educational institutions. As such, its prompt payment and certain availability is an imperious need for private educational institutions who heavily rely on a steady operating cash flow for its continued dayto-day operations,” he added.

Dec. 29 deadline for political parties, party-list bets to register—Comelec

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday reminded the public of the deadline for the filing of petitions for the registration of political parties and party lists in connection with the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).

In a statement, the poll body said political groups and organizations looking to participate in the next national polls have until December 29, 2023, to register.

“All groups intending to register as a political party, a coalition of political parties, or a national, regional or sectoral group or organization to participate in the Party-List System of Representation must ensure strict com -

pliance with the guidelines set forth in Comelec Resolution No. 10673,” it said.

The resolution provides guidelines on electronic filing, the conduct of hearings/investigations/ inquiries via video conference, and service.

Verified petitions will be accepted during regular working hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, excluding holidays.

Those interested may also inquire with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission via telephone numbers 02-8527-3002 or 02-8527-2770, or email atclerkofthecommission@ comelec.gov.ph.

The scheduled electoral exercise is a midterm elections.

IN BRIEF

CAAP says airport maintenance successful

Maintenance work at the country’s Air Traffic Management Center on Wednesday was successful, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Airport operations went to normal after the activity scheduled from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. was accomplished in just over an hour – 2 a.m. to 3:13 a.m. The work was made to avoid a repeat of the infamous New Year’s Day airspace shutdown.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the “corrective maintenance activity” also did not affect the country’s airspace. It added air traffic controllers reported no flight disruptions during the maintenance operation.

He added the agency promptly notified Manila Tower of the completion of the maintenance activity.

“Personnel manning the Communications Navigation Surveillance Systems (CNSS) and Air Navigation Service (ANS) reported normal operations at the ATMC. Continuous monitoring and finetuning of the CNSS and ANS are being undertaken to ensure the unimpeded operations of airports throughout the country,” Apolonio said.

The CAAP said it extends its appreciation for the understanding and cooperation of various aviation stakeholders, highlighting the importance of seamless air traffic management in compliance to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Joel E. Zurbano

Agents seize bag with P19m shabu in NAIA

Government agents on Wednesday intercepted a backpack containing P19 million worth of prohibited substance at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Personnel from the Customs X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) detected the content of the abandoned bag at NAIA Terminal 1 and later found 2.8 kilos of shabu.

“The bag was subjected to X-ray machine scanning which yielded images of suspected dangerous drugs, prompting us to place it under 100 percent physical examination,” an XIP officer told Manila Standard.

Initial investigation showed that the baggage arrived at the Manila airport from Bangkok via Philippine Airlines flight PR 737 coming from Addis Ababa as port of origin.

Aside from the illegal drugs, the authorities also found assorted clothes, personal belongings, and hard tools inside the big back pack. Port of NAIA officials immediately turned over the prohibited substance to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for custody and proper disposition.

Just recently, Customs agents seized a parcel containing five kilos of smuggled dried opium poppy buds from Spain.

The authorities also arrested Amandeep Singh, 37, of Barangay Burol, Dasmariñas, Cavite, after claiming the shipment at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City. Joel Zurbano

HOUSE COURTESY CALL. Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme Commander of Maritime Safety Services Command pays a courtesy call on Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez at the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. Also in the photo are: House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, and Iloilo Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupaz. Ver Noveno

Who’s minding the store?

kilo of food onions? Nowhere else in the world, such that the Philippines has once more entered the Guinness almanac of the unusual, as to stumble upon the shoals of an ordinary aromatic.

Weeding out scalawag cops

criminal activities.

IT’S been a year and eight days since the ban on the appointment of election “losers” was lifted. Prior to his trip to the US of A, the president hinted he was considering some of these to head vacancies in the cabinet, perhaps even taking over existing filled-up positions.

But we wonder, why reserve posts for election losers? Do they have a monopoly of wisdom and a wealth of experience that no one else has?

Last week, the president said “tapos na ang OJT”—and indicated he might go beyond just filling up three Cabinet positions currently without “permanent” leaders, which we all presume to mean the DOH, the DND, and the DA where he himself acts as the head.

All three are very, very important posts that touch on three of our most pressing national concerns: health, food security, and national security.

Let me just focus today on food security.

We can roll out heavily subsidized Kadiwa stores each week wherever else in the country, but we will not be near enough to solving the high prices of food that bedevils every family in this country save for perhaps 5 percent of the very rich.

Last year, just as the present administration started, the DA already knew that there would be a supply problem with sugar. They briefed the president who was concurrent agriculture secretary.

Just when we thought we were over it after the December to February price upsurge, the DA now tells us that we will need to import at least 75,000 tons of the pungent bulbs so that we will not experience the same shortages in the latter part of this year, even if prices have begun to rise.

But onion farmers from Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Occidental Mindoro are crying they were shortchanged by the usual culprits—the middlemen, and were paid not just half but a quantum of the retail prices the TV networks bandy in their newscasts.

Meanwhile too, the earlier decapitated USec was resurrected, because he was after all just a fall guy, and who, had he been followed, may have been able to temper the price upsurge of sugar.

But this time, he was given charge of the single most important staple—rice.

Via a memorandum issued by the Executive Secretary by authority of the President dated April 20, 2023, the Senior Undersecretary was granted “general supervision” over the DA’s operations and personnel, while the resurrected undersecretary would have “oversight of operational activities and matters concerning the rice industry.”

The memorandum enumerated the fine lines of distinction of authority.

Among others, the resurrected USec would chair the NFA, the NIA, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program, PhilRice and the IRRI Board of Trustees.

Now it just so happens that rice occupies pre-eminence in the hierarchy of DA’s concerns, and has the heftiest portion of the total budget.

Overlaps in functions and authorities will surely arise between the senior undersecretary who is truly so senior in age, and the resurrected undersecretary charged with the very important problem of ensuring there will be enough stocks of rice at affordable prices.

As we write, government holds less than 500,000 sacks of rice or 25,000 metric tons, equivalent to less than a day of the national consumption.

THEY may be considered a handful in an institution that counts more than 220,000 personnel.

But even if only 3,000 are believed to have violated internal rules and the law, they can damage the reputation of the entire institution.

That’s the rationale behind the move of the current leadership of the Philippine National Police to investigate several thousands of cops said to be misfi ts or scalawags to determine if they are really involved in illegal activities.

The erring police officers will have to undergo an adjudication process where allegations of wrongdoing will have to be validated by intelligence units.

The most common illegal activities of police officers are extortion and involvement in the illegal drug trade.

New PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered intensified

The country needs a police force that can serve and protect the citizenry

intelligence monitoring and legal offensives against misfits within their ranks.

This is a highly commendable move, particularly since recent news reports are saying that the Department of Interior and Local Government as the supervising agency of the PNP has recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the dismissal of two police generals and two colonels for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

If even four senior police offi cials are reported to have taken part in the illegal drug trade, then Gen. Acorda has taken the right step in issuing an order to keep close tabs on police personnel suspected of corruption and

The military pension debate

IT IS becoming more likely that there will be reforms in the pension benefits being enjoyed by retired uniformed service personnel.

The shape and form is now the only remaining question. Secretary of Finance Benjamin Diokno who is the face of this effort seems bent on pushing it thru.

tribute towards their pension by some kind of monthly pay deductions to be matched by the government just like other government workers in the civilian government bureaucracy and stop the indexation.

The PNP has a vital role to play in maintaining law and order throughout the country.

The bedrock of our democratic system is the rule of law.

It has to deal firmly with both organized crime and street crime because these erode the people’s faith and confidence in their government.

Crucial to this effort is the active support of communities that it is mandated to serve and protect.

At the same time, the PNP leadership must maintain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism within the organization.

This means imposing the appropriate sanctions on those who commit abuses or become involved in criminal activities, while giving due recognition to those who consistently perform well in law enforcement.

The country needs a police force that can serve and protect the citizenry.

The PNP should render service with compassion, performance with integrity, and law enforcement with vision.

amounting to almost P42M a year which to them is more scandalous.

Acting in understandable haste, the undersecretary whom the president entrusted with day-to-day activities in the department caused the issuance of an SRA permit to import 600,000 metric tons of sugar with him signing in behalf of the president.

That caused such a political tempest complete with Senate investigations that the undersecretary manned up to, knowing that he was in the right.

For political optics bereft of economic sense, the import permits were canceled, the SRA leadership and the undersecretary’s head were chopped (albeit temporarily in the case of the undersecretary).

The controversy also added to the travails of an executive secretary who was asked to resign so early in a new president’s term.

Retail prices of the commodity rose to heights never before experienced, from 70 pesos per kilo to 110, leaving food processing businesses to increase their prices, further fueling an inflation that was supplydriven more than demand-pulled.

Those prices were never really tamed, despite the optical illusion peddled by the unsustainable Kadiwa stores.

Now the senior undersecretary issues motu propio an import permit for 440,000 tons of sugar, and by himself awarded the entire caboodle to three traders, absent the usual bidding processes.

Another Senate investigation has begun, although the senior undersecretary was absent, even if the Cabinet’s primus inter pares, the executive secretary whose authority the USec invoked was present.

The entire shipment of the 440,000 has yet to arrive, but just yesterday, the president mismo authorized another 150,000 metric tons.

Meanwhile, have prices moved down? No.

I cannot for the life of me recall a crisis in that kitchen necessity called onions until this administration came to fore.

Can you imagine paying 700 pesos for a

Practice through every previous administration till the previous one where we had a rice supply crisis in 2018 mandates that government should have 30 days inventory when the lean months (July till September or the monsoon season) begin.

That’s just around the corner.

The NFA asked the president to authorize the importation of 300,000 tons, equivalent to some nine days (just nine days) enough to ensure they would be able to supply the DSWD and LGU’s with rice in the event of natural calamities.

That was about a month ago, but no action has yet been taken.

The usual naysayers cajole the NFA and its newly appointed administrator for wanting to import. Why not buy local?, they insist.

That’s what the 2019 law called the Rice Tarrification Law imposes.

The problem is, the “privates” in the industry—miller, traders, buyers, etc., have been buying palay at 21 to 24 pesos per kilo, while the NFA Council has authorized the NFA to peg its buying at 19 pesos per kilo.

Congress may have given NFA a budget of 9 billion pesos, but no one is selling to government, because the privates “have it.”

And the privates who have mastered the intricacies of the market are buying high because they sense some “good news” in the air.

Their “good” news is bad news for everyone else.

Meanwhile too, Indonesia has a standing order of 2 million tons, but the ASEAN country from which it earlier contracted with has failed to deliver even a quarter of its import order.

Will our private importers be able to source enough?

Or have they pre-purchased and are waiting for the right crunch time to unload, when prices shall have soared?

Sugar, onions, corn, smuggled vegetables, and soon rice?

Is anyone really in charge?

Who’s minding the store?

According to him, the money going to uniformed retirees is such that, if nothing is done to reform the system, there will be a government fiscal collapse by 2030 which is just seven years away.

As if that doomsday messaging is not enough, the IMF Western Pacific regional representative has joined the fray by saying there will indeed be a fiscal problem due to the “generous pension benefits.”

I do not know why he found it necessary to inject himself into this politically sensitive internal issue or whether that is even part of his duties.

There are also others whose criticisms are actually nothing but disguised envy.

Just last week, a broadsheet national daily came out with an editorial criticizing the military pension benefits as quite unfair.

The editorial could hardly hide its sarcasm and patronizing attitude to the much heralded reason that military pensions are such because soldiers put their lives on the line in the service of their country.

In all the rhetoric, however, I have not seen an overall concrete proposal put forward by those advocating for reform on how best to solve this so called looming fiscal collapse.

All that I have seen so far is the pounding on the issue that the average retirement pay of a military retiree is about P40,000 while that of an SSS and GSIS pensioner are about P4,000 and P12,000 respectively, emphasizing the difference between the two.

People seem to forget that before President Duterte, who by the way was the only President who had the political will to keep his campaign promise of doubling the entry level pay of men in uniform, uniformed personnel were paid destitution wages for so long.

The other is the indexation of pension benefits to the pay of active serving uniformed personnel.

Reform proponents further want to require uniformed service personnel to con-

such countries as Italy, Belgium and Spain, according to HSI.

Conservation income

The law is backed by numerous celebrities including model Kate Moss and football presenter Gary Lineker, but African conservationists and those in the hunting business say it is misguided.

Trophy hunting—where hunters pay thousands of dollars for the right to kill usually big game animals like elephants and lions—has long been controversial.

Perhaps, the good Secretary can come out with his complete recommendations on how best to solve or mitigate the problem and then pass it around so it can be studied thoroughly instead of his constant media doomsday messaging.

But to be fair to the good Secretary, part of what he is saying is not new.

It was actually tried before in the military.

If my memory serves me right, in the 1980s, we in the service actually were deducted an amount every month to pay for our projected retirement benefits with the government contributing a share.

After several years, however, this was abruptly stopped for reasons I have never really found out.

The contributions were reimbursed to us without any interest. It appears that something happened to the management of the funds and, from what I understood at that time, some officers were eventually charged.

There was also a time when we paid contributions to the GSIS but this was also abruptly discontinued due I believe to the enactment of the PNP Law in 1992.

I would like to think the police and military are thinking people who can understand reason if they see one.

Those critics who denigrate the services provided by men and women in uniform do not help the situation at all.

We have to bear in mind there are other agencies in government that are also enjoying the same retirement perks if not better.

How about them?

The fact that the retirees in these agencies are fewer in number is not the point of the argument.

It is about the so called unfairness of the military pension system that is the bone of contention.

Furthermore, many members of both houses of Congress, for instance, have taken a negative view and are not fully convinced of the entirety of what Secretary Diokno is proposing.

So do many senior retirees from both the police and military who have taken to social media to criticize the salary of Secretary Diokno as being the highest in the government

and ornaments.

Thousands of carcasses are processed at the Rayton facility, near Pretoria, every year.

Most come from culling done by game reserves, while a smaller part is brought in by international hunters, says Swart.

The only thing that was not touched was the pension indexation which retirees have enjoyed ever since I can remember.

There are therefore some starting points for a meaningful dialogue which hopefully will result in a positive way forward.

Those involved in finding solutions must also be a lot more creative in their thinking and those currently in senior positions in the Military and Police should not just wait for developments but this early, must put forward their positions.

For instance, would they be willing to contribute for their retirement benefits and agree to be paid their retirement benefits based on the ranks they held when they retired?

How about the issue of indexation?

Would they be willing to give that up or lessen the increase?

Lastly, it would do well for Secretary Diokno to look up the incentives, benefits and other remunerations of other countries in the region to see how our military pay scale and retirement benefits compare with them. It might just shock him to find out that compared to them, ours may be actually at the lower end of the totem pole.

Afrikan Tanning & Taxidermy firm.

Hunters from China, Russia

Critics say shooting wild animals for fun is cruel, wasteful and pushes endangered species closer to extinction.

For South Africa’s National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, hunting an animal for it to be mounted on your wall is “questionable”.

“There are far more ethical and humane ways of generating income,” said spokeswoman Keshvi Nair.

RAYTON, South Africa—Workers in Pieter

Swart’s tanning and taxidermy workshop are busy skinning impala heads, bleaching buffalo bones and softening zebra skins.

His business in South Africa has thrived for years, but the 58-year-old says it is now threatened by a British law sponsored by animal activists.

The bill, which bans the import of hunting trophies, could open the way for a deluge of similar legislation, Swart worries.

This would scupper demand for the centuries-old craft of stuffing hunters’ quarry for display, leading to painful job losses in top international hunting destinations in southern Africa, he says.

“We are very much concerned,” Swart, a zebra skull sitting on his desk, tells AFP. “The law could create a domino effect”.

The British legislation, which aims to help protect endangered animals, was approved by UK lawmakers in March.

Covering thousands of species, including lions, rhino and elephants, it reflects a broader shift in western societal views on hunting against a backdrop of declining global wildlife numbers, according to animal rights groups.

“This is very much the start of a change in attitudes amongst (European) countries,” says Matthew Schurch, wildlife expert with animal welfare group Humane Society International. Similar bills are being considered in

Proponents contend that the killing of a small number of selected, usually old animals generates much needed income for conservation and anti-poaching efforts and support local communities.

Trophy hunting contributes more than $340 million a year to South Africa’s economy supporting some 17,000 jobs, according to a 2018 study.

Hunters often bring home parts of the animals as trophies. These are processed by taxidermy firms that employ about 6,000 people in South Africa, according to Swart, leader of trade group South African Taxidermy and Tannery Association.

Piles of skins, skulls, horns and bones lay in his workshop, waiting to be turned into rugs

“Hunting and culling are one of the processes of managing the animals. And to waste a skin like this...and to just let it degrade is not cost effective,” Swart, sporting a grey goatee, says pointing to a zebra bust hanging on the wall.

A full mount taxidermy of a rhino costs more than 130,000 rand ($6,800), while a cheetah goes for $1,360

“If they are going to ban this job,... I am not going to manage to feed my family,” says Elias Pedzisai, 45, who works his “magic” bleaching skulls at Swart’s

While Britons make up a small share of trophy hunters in South Africa, the law— which is being scrutinised by the upper house of parliament—is already causing damage, says Swart.

If more countries were to follow “we will see a considerable part of our market come to a grinding halt,” says Douglas Cockcroft, director of Splitting Image Taxidermy, another company employing more than 100 people.

The prospect already has South African taxidermists pursuing new opportunities.

“There have been inroads into the Chinese and Russian markets,” Swart says.

“Hunters from those countries that in the past didn’t come here now are coming to South Africa on a more regular basis.” AFP

And the privates who have mastered the intricacies of the market are buying high because they sense some ‘good news’ in the air

S. African taxidermists fret at UK hunting trophy ban

It would do well for Secretary Diokno to look up the incentives, benefits and other remunerations of other countries in the region to see how our military pay scale and retirement benefits compare with them

The prospect already has South African taxidermists pursuing new opportunities

Six Pinoy victims of human traffic charge recruiters before the DOJ

By Rey E. Requejo

SIX Filipinos victims of human trafficking who claimed they were forced to work as cryptocurrency scammers in Myanmar have filed criminal complaints against their recruiters before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) did not identify both the complainants and the respondents.

In a statement, IACAT said the recruiters consisted of three Filipinos and one Chinese national. It said the complaints were filed last May 15.

The victims were reportedly assisted by PNP-WCPC (Philippine National PoliceWomen and Children Protection Center) and the DOJ-IACAT in filing the charges against their recruiters) for alleged violation of the anti-human trafficking law. Due to the latest trafficking complaints, the IACAT warned the public “to be wary of online job offers abroad, particularly in member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We advise (the public) to check the legitimacy of the job offer abroad and the recruitment agency with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to avoid becoming victims of human trafficking,” the IACAT stressed. It said the public should not hesitate to report “any information that may help rescue or assist human trafficking victims and prosecute the perpetrators.

In the case of the six complainants, the IACAT said the victims “were recruited as ‘Customer Service Representatives’ (CSR) online to work in Thailand, but were actually brought to Myanmar to lure foreigners into the cryptocurrency scam.”

“According to the victims, their employer demanded that they pay $7,000 each in cash for breach of contract if they would like to return to the Philippines,” the IACAT said.

“They were locked in separate rooms, their passports and cellphones confiscated, subjected to physical harm by hitting their buttocks and lower legs, hogtied, and starved,” the IACAT added.

The agency said the complainants “contacted their families and paid the Chinese employer in Myanmar.”

“Five of six complainants paid P300,000 each, while the other one was only able to raise less than the demanded amount, but the employer also set her free together with the others,” it also said.

DBM releases P15.1b for construction of nearly 5,000 classrooms nationwide

By Julito Rada

BUDGET Secretary

Amenah Pangandaman has approved the release of P15.1 billion for the construction of 4,912 classrooms in 1,194 sites in the country.

In a statement, Pangandaman said the “timely” release of the fund showed that the Marcos administration does not hold back on investing in education.

The fund was a joint request of the

Department of Public Works and Highway and the Department of Education.

Pangandaman said the government needs to build and repair classrooms to cope with increasing enrollment in public schools nationwide.

Early on, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte cited classroom shortage as the most urgent education issue and has committed to addressing the backlog in school infrastructure. Pangandaman underscored that schoolchildren need to be in an environment conducive to fun and learning.

“They need safe and clean classrooms so that they can study very well. They are our best investment,” the secretary said, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his budget message earlier, vowed to prioritize the construction of new classrooms under DepEd’s Basic Education Facilities (BEF) as face-toface classes resumed.

The allocation included the construction, replacement and completion of kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools, as well as technical vocational laboratories, installation or replacement of disability

access facilities, construction of water and sanitation facilities; and site improvement.

On the other hand, P131.4 million will be used for engineering and administrative overhead expenses.

This includes the hiring of workers, conduct of preliminary and detailed engineering activities, preconstruction preparations, construction management; testing and quality control; acquisition, rehabilitation and repair of related equipment and parts; training, communication, per diem, and transportation expenses; and contingencies related to pre-construction activities.

Prosecute public officials, workers in cahoots with agri smugglers–Risa

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Risa Hontiveros eyes the prosecution of government officials and employees in cahoots with smugglers of agricultural products, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the government.

.“There has been no prosecution of government officials for facilitating and abetting acts of agricultural smuggling that amount to large-scale economic sabotage,” Hontiveros stressed As a result, she said smuggling activities continued unabated, inflicting billions of pesos in losses for the government.

To address the problem, Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 2205 to amend certain provisions of Republic Act No. 10845, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, to criminalize government and employees officials who are found conniving with large-scale agricultural smugglers.

“Since the law’s passage in 2016, even if there have been many reports of the seizure of smuggled products, there has been no prosecution of individuals, groups, or corporations under the law,” the opposition senator lamented.

Under SB 2205, any act by a public employee or official that allows the importation into the

country without the needed import permit shall be declared as economic sabotage.

“In the sugar fiasco that is still unfolding, for example, documented accounts show that tens of thousands of metric tons of sugar – a regulated commodity – were allowed into the country without a sugar order,” Hontiveros said.

The approval or issuance by a public employee or official of any license, declaration, clearance, or permit, knowing that it is manifestly unlawful, inequitable, or irregular, will also be considered economic sabotage.

Any person who violates the measure will face life imprisonment and a fine of twice the fair value of the smuggled agricultural product, including taxes, duties, and other charges avoided, plus interest at the legal rate.

The prescription period or the time within which charges can be filed is 20 years.

The smuggling of regulated agricultural commodities has also led to high prices for consumers, the violation of our competition laws, and most importantly, the further decline of our domestic agricultural sector,” Hontiveros noted.

“It is time to hold to account government officials who allow smuggling to persist unfettered,” she stressed.

By Nash B. Maulana

COTABATO City — The Bangsamoro

BTA opens 2nd regular session on high note LTO expands online registration renewal to include PUVs

IN an attempt to get rid of illegal fixers, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) eyes the expansion of its online renewal of registration for public utility vehicles (PUVs).

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said they were coordinating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding the online renewal registration through the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal.

“May initial meetings na po tayo sa LTFRB para magkaroon ng interconnectivity at maaccess ang mga certificate of public convenience o CPC nang sa gayon ay iyong mga may-ari ng mga PUV ay puwede na rin makapag-renew online (We had initial meetings with LTFRB so that there is interconnectivity and we can access the certificate of public convenience or CPC. This way, the owners of the PUVs could also renew online),” Tugade disclosed.

Last February, the LTO rolled out the same online renewal registration for private vehicles, also through the LTMS portal.

Apart from the convenience enjoyed by the PUV operators, the online renewal of registration for the mass transport sector, the scheme was also seen to weed out fixers in LTO premises.

“The LTO and LTFRB must assure that the PUVs plying our roads are roadworthy units. We want to ease the burden of PUV operators when it comes to the renewal of the registration of their units,” Tugade said. Rio N. Araja

Transition Authority Parliament (BTA) opened its second regular session with more urgent legislative tasks ahead, including the passage of three remaining priority bills specifically provided by Republic Act 11054.

The BTA started its new legislative season, following the approval of a resolution on Monday, designating Member of the Parliament Said Salendab as the acting Wali of the Bangsamoro government to open the session. Salendab beat the gong at 2:12 p.m., signaling the opening of the sessions which will from May 15 to February 15, 2024.

In his address to the Parliament, BTA

Cops

Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong noted the legislature’s dedication and hard work in fulfilling its mandate of crafting laws that “will shape the future of the Bangsamoro region” by passing 35 measures since its establishment in 2019.

Majority Floor Leader Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba said priority measures will be calendared for the plenary and were seen to be completed and passed by December this year. She said the bills included a measure that seeks to transfer the seat of government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Parang, a port town in Maguindanao del Norte.

Parliamentarian Dumama-Alba said the bill will provide for a 10-year progressive

period for the transfer of all BARMM offices from Cotabato City to Parang.

The Parliament has also adopted 324 resolutions.

“These legislative measures cover a wide range of sectors-based concerns and issues, all aimed at bringing about positive changes in addressing the needs of the Bangsamoro people,” said Balindong.

The passage of the remaining priority codes and the legislative agenda of the Government of the Day are among the important issues that the Bangsamoro Parliament will take up during the current legislative season.

The Parliament has enacted four of the seven priority codes—the Administrative Code, Civil Service, the Education Code, and the Electoral Code.

to receive mid-year bonus on May 18–Acorda

By Charles Dantes

HERE’s a bit of good news for the country’s policemen and policewomen.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that all its active duty personnel will be receiving their mid-year bonus on May 18.

“The mid-year bonus serves as a testament to our commitment to our personnel’s welfare. It is an

acknowledgment of their dedication and sacrifices, especially during challenging times. We hope that this bonus will provide them with additional support and encourage them to continue their noble service to our nation,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement.

The mid-year bonus will be available at the ATM on Thursday, with an equivalent to a one-month

basic salary.

Around 228,000 cops were listed on active duty and were expected to receive the windfall. Meanwhile, police personnel with ongoing cases and serving punishment will have their bonus deferred.

The funding of the mid-year bonus was derived from the P7.5 billion appropriations for the PNP from the 2023 national budget.

PUBLIC SERVICE MARCHES ON IN MANILA. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna (right) leads the distribution of services and assistance to her constituents in Cristobal, Sampaloc, including service fair, job fair, animal vaccination and medical assistance under the city government’s “Kalinga sa Manila.” program. Norman Cruz

A GATHERING OF MALABON’S BEAUTIES. Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval (in blue-grey gown) and special guest Miguel Tan Felix mingle with a bevy of the city’s prettiest girls and their respective consorts vying for the Ginoo at Binibining Malabon 2023, following a procession from the Malabon Sports Complex to the Diocesan Shrine and parish of the Immaculate Concepcion. Andrew Rabulan

Kyiv: Gains in Bakhmut, Russians advancing

KYIV—Ukraine said Tuesday it had pushed Russian forces from the flanks of Bakhmut but conceded that Moscow’s forces were pushing deeper inside the embattled town.

The announcement came as European leaders meeting in Iceland agreed to create a “register of damages” to record the wartime harm and destruction wrought by Russia in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said. It would be an initial step towards prosecution of Russian leaders in the future.

A year after kicking Russia out of the Council of Europe (CoE) over its war in Ukraine, the leaders of the 46-nation pan-continental rights body gathered in Reykjavik, with the Ukraine conflict topping the agenda.

In Kyiv, authorities were due to host a Chinese special envoy to discuss Beijing’s proposals for ending the conflict.

US’ Biden trims Asia-Pacific tour amid debt deal

WASHINGTON—Joe Biden and opposition Republican leaders on Tuesday offered hope of a deal that could avoid a catastrophic US debt default, although the president was forced to shorten an upcoming Asia-Pacific tour for further crisis talks.

After the latest negotiations ended without a breakthrough, Republican House speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters there was still “a lot of work to do” to break the high-stakes standoff with Democrat Biden over the borrowing limit.

But while stark differences remained, the White House said Biden was “optimistic that there is a path to a responsible, bipartisan budget agreement if both sides negotiate in good faith.”

And McCarthy likewise indicated he ultimately expected a deal, even if so far “nothing has been resolved.”

“America is the number one economy in the world. And when we get done with these negotiations, America’s economy is going to be stronger,” he said.

The US president—who flies to Japan on Wednesday for a G7 summit —scrapped subsequent stops in Papua New Guinea and Australia, instead returning to Washington on Sunday. In Sydney, Biden was meant to meet the leaders of Japan, India and Australia as part of a “Quad” grouping widely seen as a counter to China.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Quad talks would instead take place in Japan.

The Treasury has warned of grim consequences if the country runs out of cash to pay its bills, which would leave it unable to pay federal workers and trigger a likely surge in interest rates with knock-on effects for businesses, mortgages—and global markets.

The United States could begin defaulting on its debts “potentially as early as June 1,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Monday, while the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has forecast June 15. AFP

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Notice is hereby given to the public that an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said Ukraine had wrested back about 20 square kilometres (7.7 square miles) of a Russian pincer movement around Bakhmut, the epicentre of fighting in Russia’s invasion.

“At the same time, the enemy is advancing in some measure inside Bakhmut itself and is completely destroying the town with artillery,” she added on social media.

The commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, had earlier said he visited forces near Bakhmut to hand out awards to Kyiv’s troops fighting in the longest battle of the invasion.

“Wagner’s men went into Bakhmut

like rats into a mousetrap,” he said, referring to the Russian paramilitary group.

The British defence ministry said that “over the last four days, Ukrainian forces have made tactical progress, stabilising the flanks of Bakhmut to their advantage”.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a video shared by Russian military bloggers Tuesday that a US volunteer had died fighting alongside Ukrainian troops in the east.

“He came to meet us. Citizen of the United States of America,” he says, showing what he claims is the body of an American. It was not clear where or when the video was filmed.

‘Unbelievable success’

The wave of Russian strikes overnight came just over a week after Kyiv announced it had shot down a Kinzhal nuclear-capable hypersonic missile for the first time, using US-supplied Patriot systems. Russia denied Kyiv’s latest claim to have shot down six of the hypersonic mis-

siles during an overnight barrage.

Ukraine’s mounting success in taking out dozens of Russian drones and missiles illustrates its bolstered air defences, after a winter in which Moscow pummelled key infrastructure.

“Another unbelievable success for the Ukrainian air forces!” Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Twitter.

The defence ministry said Ukrainian air-defence systems had knocked out a total of 18 missiles, including types the Kremlin had touted as “ideal”, as well as nine drones.

Reznikov later tweeted that Ukraine has officially joined the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). He called it “another step towards common security space in Europe, which is impossible without Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance”.

Three people were injured in Kyiv and some rocket fragments fell on the capital’s

zoo but neither staff nor animals were hurt, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Russia, meanwhile, said all its targets had been hit.

China’s special envoy, Li Hui, was expected to arrive in Kyiv for a two-day visit as part of a European tour to promote Beijingled negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

A senior Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Ukrainian authorities planned to further discuss Kyiv’s stance on the conflict and China’s peace mission.

He told AFP Ukrainian officials would make clear to Beijing that “ending the war with a compromise at the expense of Ukraine will not work”.

Graft crackdown

Li will be the highest-ranking Chinese diplomat to visit the war-torn country since Moscow’s invasion last year, three weeks after Zelensky spoke by telephone to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. AFP

SEOUL—Canada must become the “best of friends” with South Korea, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told lawmakers in Seoul on Wednesday, as the two countries seek to counter China’s growing regional influence.

Trudeau is on his first official visit to South Korea, where he will meet President Yoon Suk Yeol.

“I’m here to tell you that it’s no longer enough to be friends. We need to be the best of friends,” Trudeau said during a speech to Seoul’s National Assembly.

He told lawmakers that unity was needed as the world was facing a moment of unprecedented uncertainty, with lingering consequences from the Covid-19 pandemic, rising living costs, and the “real and terrifying” effects of climate change and war.

Trudeau and Yoon are expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation on supply chains, especially for critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, which Canada has reserves of and which are needed by South Korea’s car manufacturers.

Canadian media outlets also reported on possible meetings between Trudeau and top executives from South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution.

French court upholds Sarkozy’s jail term in graft case

PARIS—A French appeals court on Wednesday upheld a prison sentence of three years, including two suspended, against former president Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling.

The court maintained he should serve a one-year detention sentence at home with an electronic bracelet and banned him from public office for three years over his attempts to secure favours from a judge in a case uncovered by wiretapping.

The 68-year-old left the courtroom without making any comment, but his lawyer said they would be appealing the decision with the Court of Cassation, France’s highest appeals court.

Sarkozy, who served one term from 2007 to 2012, has been embroiled in legal troubles ever since leaving office.

Ex-British PM urges successor: Get tough vs. China on Taiwan

TAIPEI—Britain’s former prime minister Liz Truss on Wednesday urged her successor Rishi Sunak to get tough with China on Taiwan, describing the democratic island as “an enduring rebuke to totalitarianism”.

China considers self-ruled Taiwan to be its territory, to be taken one day by force if necessary, and strongly opposes any formal engagement with the island, including by highprofile foreign political figures.

Truss, who is on a five-day visit to Taiwan, accused Sunak and other Western governments of “trying to cling on to the idea that we can cooperate with China on issues like climate change, as if there is nothing wrong”.

“But without freedom and democracy, there is nothing else. We know what happens to the environment or world health under totalitarian regimes that don’t tell the truth,” she said.

“You can’t believe a word they (China) say.”

Truss also called on Sunak to make good on his pledge during the Conservative leadership campaign last year to designate China a strategic “threat” and went on to say the West could not avoid another “Cold War” with Beijing.

It is “absolutely clear” that Chinese President Xi Jinping “has ambitions to take Taiwan”, she added at a press conference later.

“We don’t know exactly when that could take place and we don’t know how... All we can do is make sure Taiwan is as protected as possible.”

Sunak has pushed back on the tough rhetoric against China that Truss deployed before and during her 49-day tenure at 10 Downing Street last year.

She was ousted after her radical economic policies crashed financial markets.

Since then, Truss—who is still a sitting MP—has been trying to rebuild her profile with a series of speeches overseas, including in Tokyo, Washington, and Copenhagen. AFP

In March 2021, he became France’s first postwar president to be sentenced to jail when a court found he and his former lawyer, Thierry Herzog, had formed a “corruption pact” with judge Gilbert Azibert to obtain and share information about a legal investigation.

The trial came after investigators wiretapped Sarkozy’s two official phone lines, and discovered that he also had a third unofficial one taken out in 2014 under the name “Paul Bismuth”, through which he communicated with Herzog.

The contents of these phone calls led to the 2021 corruption verdict.

The former leader contested the accusations and immediately appealed.

On the first day of the appeals hearing in December last year, Sarkozy said he

had “never corrupted anybody”.

His conversations with Herzog were played in court and expected to take a central role in determining Wednesday’s ruling. Two other cases

The so-called Bismuth case is just one of several pursuing the man dubbed the “hyper-president” while in office.

Sarkozy will be retried on appeal from November 2023 in the so-called Bygmalion case, which at first saw him sentenced to one year in prison.

The prosecution accused Sarkozy’s team of spending nearly double the legal limit on his lavish 2012 re-election campaign, using false billing from a public relations firm called Bygmalion. He has denied any wrongdoing. AFP

The company and its partner, auto manufacturer Stellantis, halted construction work this week on a massive EV battery plant in Canada, saying Trudeau’s government “has not delivered on what was agreed to”.

Trudeau’s visit follows a trip by Yoon to Ottawa last year.

Since then, the two countries have released their Indo-Pacific strategies, providing a road map for boosting military and economic relationships in the region, to counter the growing influence of China. AFP

WELLINGTON—An arsonist may have ignited the hostel blaze that killed at least six people in New Zealand’s capital, police said on Wednesday, as they opened a homicide investigation.

Smoke and flames engulfed the 92room, four-storey Loafers Lodge in Wellington in the early hours of Tuesday, sending residents fleeing for their lives.

Some survivors crawled through smoke to safety, while others were rescued from the rooftop by firefighters using ladder trucks.

Those who died still lie in the charred building.

“I can confirm that we are treating the fire as arson,” police inspector and acting district commander Dion Bennett told reporters, declining to give the full reasons.

“It is being treated as a homicide investigation.”

Police have a list of people they want to speak to, he added, but no one has been arrested so far.

Firefighters found six bodies inside the hostel, but said they were unable to search everywhere because the roof had partially collapsed on the top floor.

Police have said the death toll may rise.

Two hours before the blaze broke out, a couch had caught fire inside the building without being reported to emergency services, police said earlier.

Investigators were looking into possible links between the two incidents, they said.

A police reconnaissance team entered the building on Wednesday for the first time since it was declared safe, to look for evidence and locate the dead. AFP

BANGKOK—Thailand should have a government that “reflects the will of the people”, regional poll observers said Wednesday, as the victorious opposition’s bid to take power faced resistance from junta-appointed senators.

The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) emerged from Sunday’s election as the biggest party after voters emphatically rejected nearly a decade of militarybacked rule. Regional observers from the Asian Net-

work for Free Elections (ANFREL) saluted the strong voter turnout of just over 75 percent and said the poll was more transparent than the previous one in 2019.

“ANFREL hopes that this general election may result in a government that reflects the will of the people,” the group said in a report.

MFP claimed 152 seats with rival opposition outfit Pheu Thai second on 141 and the two sides will meet for coalition talks later Wednesday.

They are working on a six-party coalition that would give them more than 300 of the 500 lower house seats.

But to secure the prime minister’s job the coalition needs a majority across both houses—including the Senate, whose 250 members were handpicked by the previous junta.

MFP and its allies need 376 lower house votes to ensure senators could not block party leader Pita Limjaroenrat from becoming prime minister. AFP

RECYCLING DAY WALL. A woman takes pictures of the Obelisk covered with plastic bags as part of an artistic intervention on the eve of World Recycling Day in Buenos Aires on May 16. AFP

Poll observers say Thailand gov’t should re ect people’s will

ANTI-RUSSIA MEET. Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya speaks with reporters on the sidelines of the 4th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, in Reykjavik, Iceland on May 17. The leaders of the 46-nation pan-continental rights body are gathering for a two-day summit to take an initial step towards a future prosecution of Russian leaders. AFP

First Gen plans to spend $20b on power plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CLEAN and renewable energy company First Gen Corp. on Wednesday disclosed its plan to spend $20 billion to bring its power generation capacity to 13,000 megawatts by 2030.

“We view First Gen’s diverse portfolio of clean and renewable energy sources as a key enabler to a greener electricity grid. Our target is to grow our low-carbon energy portfolio to 13,000 MW by 2030, of which 9,000 MW will be renewables,” First Gen chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez said during the company’s annual stockholder’s meeting.

First Gen has around 3,500 MW of power capacity.

“The reason we are putting it as a

2030 target is we’re aligning it with the DOE’s [Department of Energy] forecasted demand,” First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno said.

“If the government is saying this is the demand growth, then we’ll have to keep up with that demand growth. It is aligned with that. But more importantly for us, we’ll have to have an organization and an initiative on all our platforms to be able to address that expected demand of energy in the country

SM Prime to open first shopping mall in Balanga, Bataan on Friday

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SM PRIME Holdings Inc., one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, said Wednesday it will open on Friday its first shopping mall in Bataan province.

SMPH said in a disclosure to the stock exchange SM City Bataan would add 46,000 square meters of gross floor area to its mall portfolio.

“Bataan has been a popular destination among local and foreign tourists for its wonderful mix of historical, natural and educational sites. We are very excited to open our new mall, SM City Bataan, in the province as we aim to add color to its rich culture and further spur economic activities that are set to provide significant growth opportunities, convenience and entertainment to everyone,” SMPH president Jeffrey Lim said.

The two-level shopping mall will open with more than 90 percent of space lease-awarded and will house diverse selection of shops and services,

both local and international labels. It will also open with foodcourt, cyberzone, event center, cinemas, parking zones and transport terminal complex.

SM City Bataan is expected to provide unique malling experience as it opens with alfresco dining areas, work pods, a pet park, bike-friendly facilities, electric car vehicle station and other scenic spots.

SM City Bataan is located at the provincial capital of Balanga City which serves as the center of governance, trade and tourism of the province.

“We expect further growth opportunities for the province and its people with more infrastructure projects waiting to be completed in Bataan. We hope that, through SM City Bataan, we will be able to provide everyone more reasons to enjoy and stay in this beautiful province,” Lim said.

SM City Bataan is SMPH’s 83rd mall in the Philippines. Once opened, SM Prime will have 59 malls in the provincial areas of the country and 24 malls in Metro Manila.

by 2030,” Puno said.

First Gen plans to increase its wind power capacity by 5,100 MW from 150 MW and add 1,500 MW of solar generation capacity to its existing 12 MW. It also aims to add 2,000 MW of capacity from natural gas and 700 MW from geothermal projects.

First Gen said it would also expand its hydro capacity by 300 MW from 134 MW and add 40 MW to its battery energy storage system.

The company is allocating $1.1 billion for 2023 capital expenditures, including for acquisition of the 165-megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric power plant for $526 million.

It is allocating $403 million for activities of Energy Development Corp., $90 million to complete its integrated liquefied natural gas terminal project in Batangas and $50 million for the Aya

pumped storage project.

First Gen executive vice president and chief commercial officer Jon Russell said the LNG terminal construction was completed in March, and the company had filed an application with the DOE for a permit to operate and maintain the project. Russell said the LNG terminal would be in the dry commissioning phase until September, when the floating storage regasification unit would be commissioned.

He said the wet commissioning phase would begin in September and would involve LNG receipt, storage and regasification, which would then be used to power the gas plants. First Gen is about to issue a tender in the next two weeks for about 160,000 cubic meters of spot LNG cargo.

“That’s the cargo we’ll use for the

wet commissioning, and then the first supply to power plants electricity using LNG,” Russell said.

“We’re in parallel discussions for medium to long-term supply. Those are ongoing with different entities, but for now, we are prioritizing the spot tender so we can get the project in operation then the medium to long-term contract will then follow. We anticipate those will start by 2024 at the earliest,” he said.

First Gen officials said natural gas is a reliable bridge to renewable energy sources as natural gas plants could quickly generate power and complement the intermittency of solar and wind power plants.

“This can also complement other renewable energy sources like hydro and geothermal, providing energy security throughout the transition,” Puno said.

Moderna executives visit PH to finalize solutions hub details

By Othel V. Campos

BIOTECHNOLOGY and pharmaceutical giant Moderna Inc. seeks to bring in advanced vaccine sciences to the Philippines to counter, if not prevent diseases associated with tropical countries in partnership with the government.

Moderna senior vice president and general manager Patrick Bergstedt said in a news briefing Wednesday the company also aimed to bring in bivalent COVID-19 vaccines to stem the surge of infections in the Philippines.

“Moderna has various vaccines in various developments including the RCV [respiratory syncytial virus]. That could be vaccine 2. The area we are very interested in and very excited about is the potential to develop combination vaccine that could provide broad protection across a number of respiratory diseases, and another vaccine that will prevent birth defects,” he said.

Bergstedt said Moderna was also looking at developing vaccines to address tropical diseases like dengue.

The biotech firm is actively seeking regulatory approval for the use of bi-

valent COVID-19 vaccine for the Philippine population.

Bergstedt is in the Philippines , together with Moderna Enterprise Solution head in Poland Łukasz Wielochowski, for a couple of days to finalize a proposal to build the Moderna Enterprise Solutions Hub Philippines, its third in the world after those in Warsaw, Poland and Atlanta in the US.

Wielochowski said Moderna was engaging all parties interested to team up with the company for the Philippine hub, but the investments were still being finalized pending the selection of local partners.

Both executives underscored the rigid process of choosing the country of choice to house the third enterprise solutions hub, before agreeing on the Philippines as the next hub.

“We went through a robust process of looking at various countries in the region that provide shared services or call centers and outsourcing capabilities. We are here for the longterm commitment, and we hope to build upon that for the future,” Bergstedt said.

He said the Philippines’ growing population is a sizable market for their vaccine products and serves as a huge pool of talent from the medical profession who are capable of sustaining Moderna’s presence across the Asia Pacific.

The first phase of Moderna’s operations in the Philippines will involve the establishment of the Enterprise Solutions Hub that will open 40 to 50 new positions. The hub will be staffed by Filipinos and run by Filipinos.

Moderna expects the new facility to be up and running by September 2023. The company is also setting up a commercial office that will work very closely with the government to ensure that the biotech firm is providing access to muchneeded vaccines.

IN BRIEF

Chevron renews lease with Batangas Land Co.

TRADE Secretary Alfredo Pascual commended the renewal of partnership between Chevron Philippines Inc. and Batangas Land Company Inc. that aims to extend energy firm’s lease of BLI’s land until 2050.

“We are delighted to know that there is this intent on the part of Chevron Philippines and Batangas Land, as documented in this MOU to renew the lease on Batangas Land’s assets. This is a testament to continued investor confidence in the Philippines. And it signifies the country’s ability to provide a long-term enabling environment for growth of global companies that choose to do business in the country,” said Pascual.

BLCI, a government-owned and controlled corporation, is a subsidiary of the National Development Company. Pascual, as chairman of NDC, said the agreement would strengthen the Philippines-United States economic relations, while fulfilling one of the country’s most important objectives—pursuing energy security. Othel V. Campos

AIA Philippines bullish on insurance prospects

INSURANCE provider AIA Philippines continued to deliver on its mission as it stays focused on its objective of saving lives, fulfilling dreams, securing the futures of countless Filipinos.

Among the accomplishments disclosed for 2022 are those related to the launch and acquisition of its subsidiaries, AIA Investment Management and Trust Corporation Philippines (and MediCard Philippines, key pieces that will be instrumental in establishing AIA Philippines as the leading brand for Filipinos’ protection, long-term savings and healthcare needs.

“2022 was a big year for AIA Philippines, as we continued to take on major initiatives, ensuring that we are well-positioned to capture the opportunities ahead. At the same time, we are happy to have kept the course in terms of our save lives commitment,

where we achieved almost 90 percent of our target number of Filipinos with insurance protection, with over 90 percent achievement of our sum assured targets,” said AIA Philippines chief executive Kelvin Ang.

Newly-appointed MediCard Philippines chief executive Julian Mengual expressed excitement to take the health maintenance organization to even greater heights in collaboration with AIA Philippines. The AIA Philippines and MediCard Philippines collaboration will drive business results for both companies by offering a complete suite of innovative products across distribution channels. With the combined strength of the two companies, customers can expect improved service levels, supported by technology, digital and analytics, with better health outcomes.

SEC commissioner named Thought Leader of the Year

THE work of the Securities and Exchange Commission led by commissioner Kelvin Lester Lee to grow financial technology in the Philippines has brought pride to the country after he was recognized as the top winner in the category of “Thought Leader of the Year” by the Asia Pacific Stevies Award. Lee’s exceptional contributions to the field of fintech garnered recognition from the international community and cemented his position as a leading authority in the Asia-Pacific region, triumphing over other winners from the Philippines, Australia, Indonesia and India.

Apart from the gold prize, Lee also won the coveted Grand Stevie Award for the Philippines, a recognition presented to the highest-scoring nomination from each of the four nations that submitted the most nominations to the competition, after getting an impressive score of 8.83/10 from international jurors.

As an incumbent commissioner of the SEC, Lee has been instrumental in spearheading groundbreaking initiatives within the realm of fintech. His noteworthy accomplishments include his involvement in the pioneer cohort of the University of Cambridge’s Fintech and Regulatory Innovation Programme, which significantly influenced his drive for a meticulous and balanced policy approach to fintech regulation.

Members of the board of First Gen Corp., led by chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez (fifth from left), pose for a group photo after they were re-elected for another term during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting and elections on May 17. With Lopez are (from left) Atty. Rachel Hernandez, corporate secretary; Manuel Lopez Jr., director; Alicia Rita Morales, independent director; Francis Giles Puno, director, president and chief operating officer; Richard Tantoco, director and executive vice president; Edgar Chua, independent director; Manolo Michael De Guzman, director; and Cielito Habito, independent director.

PSC chief Bachmann: I saw how our PH athletes worked hard in the SEA Games

PHILIPPINE Sports Commission

chairman Richard

“Dickie” Bachmann was all praises of Filipino athletes who fought tooth and nail to keep the country’s colors afloat in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games that’s about to end in Phnom Penh.

“I am proud of our athletes,” Bachmann said on Tuesday. “I saw how they worked hard—with my own eyes—while preparing for the games and when they did battle in Cambodia.”

“Each moment our flag was raised in honor of a win was a proud moment for every Filipino,” he said.

Only in his fourth month as chairman of the PSC and Bachmann already saw first-hand how Filipino athletes train and compete in international competitions as he visited different training sessions of national teams in his first few weeks of office.

The SEA Games is the first international competition under his watch and he made sure he had his eyes on each and every athlete in

games that end Tuesday.

Bachmann flew in three days before the opening ceremony and made the rounds—as many as he’s permitted to by the hectic schedule and at times heavy Phnom Penh traffic.

It’s extremely hot in Cambodia—even hotter back home—but that didn’t deter his eagerness to witness every victory and every gallant effort by athletes who missed the podium.

The Philippines—although looking improbable to repeat as fourth placer to match the performance in Vietnam last

year—has broken the 50-gold medal barrier on Monday night.

Two more gold medals mean —with dozens of finals still to be played Tuesday—Filipino athletes have surpassed their harvest in 2022.

That inspires Bachmann to vouch for the PSC’s full support to Team Philippines’ campaign in future international competitions.

“We reaffirm our support to our national athletes,” he said. “The PSC will continue to work as hard as you train. Salamat sa lahat ng inyong sakripisyo!”

TOTAL MEDAL STANDINGS

SUMMARY MEDAL STANDINGS

Chairman Richard Bachmann and Commissioner Fritz Gaston congratulate the national athletes along with other viewers of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

the

Mission accomplished, says POC head Tolentino

PHNOM PENH—

Finishing fifth place but with more medals from last year was mission accomplished for Team Philippines at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games that officially came to a close on Wednesday evening.

“The medal haul will speak for itself,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, referring to the 58 gold, 85 silver and 117 bronze medals won in Cambodia—numbers that surpassed the harvest in Vietnam of 52 gold, 70 silver and 105 bronze medals.

Cambodia was ‘apple’ compared to the ‘orange’ that was Vietnam which hosted the biennial games almost exactly a year ago. To guarantee a successful first-time hosting, the Cambodians tweaked norms by limiting the participation of the 10 other member countries in dozens of sports or events while fielding a complete roster obviously to its

advantage.

As a result, Cambodia, which never figured strongly in the medals race in the past, had an 81-74-127 gold-silverbronze tally to finish fourth behind repeat overall champion Vietnam (136105-114), Thailand (108-96-108) and Indonesia (87-80-109).

But Tolentino stood undaunted by the result with the victory in men’s basketball on Tuesday evening capping the fighting campaign.

“The important thing is we surpassed the medal haul last SEA Games and we have reclaimed basketball supremacy in the region,” he said.

A pre-games favorite with a lineup heavily reinforced by American players, Cambodia fell short of expectations in the men’s basketball final with Gilas Pilipinas booking a methodical 80-69 victory over the hosts to bring the gold back home after getting humiliated by Indonesia in Hanoi also in May last year.

Tolentino said he and the POC have all the reasons to continue profusely supporting Filipino athletes.

“I will continue to be steadfast in supporting our our athletes, sports officials

By Randy Caluag

and Philippine sports development in general,” he said.

Tolentino added: “The 32nd SEA Games has once again proven the Filipino brand of sportsmanship and athletic talent. Team Philippines made the nation proud, and our athletes, with all heart and spirit, fought well and hard, and this is all what matters?

Despite disappointments not only from Team Philippines officials but also from the other delegations, Tolentino praised Cambodia for its debut in SEA Games hosting.

“The respect and admiration we have gained from our ASEAN counterparts all the more made this games a sweeter success,” he said. “More importantly, we have done our part in strengthening the ties that bind Southeast Asian nations into a shared vision of regional inclusive growth.”

“Clearly, the 32nd SEA Games theme of ‘Peace Through Sports’ has been achieved.”

Thailand will host the 33rd SEA Games back to the traditional odd number year schedule in 2025 ibn Bangkok and Chonburi.

PH athletics hails 2 SEA Games records

PHNOM PENH—The Philippine athletics’ team may have failed to match its five-gold medal haul in Vietnam last year, but it still is a successful campaign with four golds and two Southeast Asian Games records shattered, according to national team coach Jojo Posadas.

Led by the record-smashing campaigns of Ernest John Obiena in pole vault and Janry Ubas in long jump, the Philippines finished with a 4-10-8 gold-silver-bronze harvest in Cambodia, a gold less but a silver medal better than in Hanoi.

“It still is a successful campaign for the Philippines in terms of quality, we have two games records broken here,” said Posadas during the last day of athletic competitions at the Morodok Tech National Stadium.

Obiena smashed his own pole vault mark of 5.46 meters with his new games’ record of 5.65 in a wet and wild showcase at the rain-drenched stadium.

Ubas, on the other hand, secured the long jump gold, his first-ever in the games since debuting for the national team in the 2015 Singapore edition, with a 7.85 jump.

He crushed the games’ mark with an 8.08, which he achieved in the decathlon, where he was also the silver finisher.

Meanwhile, Eric Cray solidified his status as the games’ greatest male

track athlete with a sixth straight gold in the 200 meters hurdles with a 50.03 clocking, while the 4x400 team of Michael del Prado, Frederick Ramirez, Joyme Sequita and Umajesty Williams clinched athletics’ final gold with a clocking of 3:07.22.

“You have also to look at the SEA Games in terms of the future. I think we have one in javelin,” said Posadas, referring to silver medalist Gennah Malapit. “She’s the future.”

“Time will come, kapag nabigyan ito ng magandang break, ma-expose, ‘yung high-level training program, mamo-motivate ito tiyak,” added posadas of the 16-year-old Palarong Pambansa standout, who bettered her own personal mark of 45.5 to 49.55.

Other silver medalists of athletics were Arlan Arbois (Marathon), Sarah Dequinan (Heptathlon), Sonny Wagdos (5000m), Joida Gagnao (3000m SC), Williams (400m), Ronne Malipay (Triple Jump), Robyn Brown (400m Hurdles) and 4x400m Women - Maureen Schrijvers, Jessel Lumapas, Bernalyn Bejoy and Brown. Bronze medalists were Christine Hallasgo (Marathon), Aries Toledo (Decathlon), Evalyn Palabrica (Javelin Throw), Ramirez (400m), Natalie Uy (PV), Harry Diones (Triple Jump), John Tolentino (110m Hurdles) and the 4x400m Mixed of el Prado, Lamapas, Williams and Bejoy.

The view from the other side of the fence

AS a sportswriter having covered and interviewed champion coaches and athletes of various sports for years, certainly enriched my ideas about winning and the success formula that goes with it.

It has always been my dream to wear a national uniform bearing the name PHILIPPINES in the international sporting arena. In my fifties, I can no longer be an athlete.

So, when an opportunity presented itself for me to become part of the coaching staff of the national kickboxing team, I took it with hesitation and initially met with opposition from oldschool, so-called teachers of martial arts.

Being aware of the divisiveness that pervades the martial arts community, a growing organization like the Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas should start on the right foot—and nurture it well until it becomes strong and fruitful.

Fast forward to 2023 in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games, I found myself, along with taekwondo Olympian Donnie Geisler, taking care of a combat sport named Vovinam, which was to be played for the first time in the SEA Games.

We were given about three months to form a team and train them in this martial art that originated in Vietnam 75 years ago. As the newest practitioner among participating countries, the Philippines’ 2 silver and 4 bronze medals were a relative success.

But it was not time for me to go home yet. Iwas asked to help out in the national kickboxing team that will see action in the next few days. Kickboxing was to be played for the third straight time in the SEA Games and the competition is getting tougher among Southeast Asian countries known for their martial arts pedigree.

The SKP took the services of former kickboxing world champion Walid Ha-

ing camp and the corner going into the Games. Fellow coaches Glenn Mondol and Jaybe Ban-eg assisted Walid with each having roles to play.

The host team Cambodia, with the backing of a loud crowd, was tough as a nail. Indonesia, mentored by former World Wako champion Tahir Muratovich, relied on pure techniques and powerhouse Vietnam was dominating as ever.

But the Philippines held its own, finishing with 3 golds, 4 silvers, and 8 bronzes after the battle in 17 weight categories.

WHY COMBAT SPORTS?

My sports career began as a mere passionate fan of basketball and boxing, being a son of a former professional boxer who has trained me since I was a small kid having to cope with bigger kids in the neighborhood.

During those days, there were no organized amateur tournaments that could serve as stepping stones to become national athletes.

Professional boxing, which at that time was not as prestigious as today, was the only probable way to go but my father prodded me to focus on my studies rather than become a boxer even as I was joining local amateur tournaments in our province.

“You will sacrifice with your blood, sweat, and tears and still, there’s no assurance of success. Finish your studies

and secure your future,” he would tell me.

So, I shelved that dream of becoming a professional fighter and proceeded to become a sportswriter. For so many years, I was exposed to different sports, especially the national athletes and wrote about their travails, adventures, their agony in defeat, and splendor in victory.

I began to get to know more about the problems that beset a national team and why others are performing well and others cannot.

My passion for martial arts was rekindled again with the birth in the late 90s of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which pits combat athletes from different disciplines like karate, taekwondo, wrestling, boxing, and a little-known grappling sport out of Brazil—jiujitsu.

It piqued my imagination, so began training again in Kyokushin karate and mixed martial arts under Hyper MMA of sensei Arnel Lomibao.

A few years later, I was given the opportunity by current Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Bambol Tolentino, founder of Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas to assemble a team for kickboxing that will make its debut in the 2019 Philippine Southeast Asian Games.

It was an instant success as the team garnered 3 gold medals, 2 silver, and a bronze. In Vietnam last year, the Philip-

pine kickboxing team bagged 2 golds, 4 silvers and 2 bronzes.

One of my mentors told me, “Just do it right, you’ll never go wrong.”

It simply meant choosing what is right. Live by principle and not by choice.

I have always wanted to be a uniting factor rather than impose and lead. The team is almost complete like a well-oiled machine with Senator Francis Tolentino providing prestige to the organization as president; our secretary-general lawyer Wharton Chan providing support—financial and otherwise— and vice president Bing Domingo doing able backup; coach Roselyn Hung manning both back-end and front-office with superb efficiency, boxing coach Glenn Mondol, and taekwondo Olympian working on the striking techniques and me helping out in the overall strategies.

For a small organization like ours, it does not take a village but a compact ATeam to build champion athletes.

There’s nothing sweeter than representing the flag and country and I have done my part.

Three golds, 4 silvers and 8 bronzes.

Kickboxing is definitely getting bigger and better under new hands. Time for me to call it quits. Or maybe, another challenge beckons.

PH boxers dedicate feat to late chief Picson

PHNOM PENH.—Wherever the late Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Ed Picson may be, chances are he is smiling.

ABAP secretary general Marcus Jarwin Manalo believes the national boxing team made Picson proud after bringing home four golds, five silvers, and one bronze for a total of 10 medals from the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

Only two of the 12 boxers sent to the games here failed to win a medal.

“They’re really motivated to begin with. I told them if we can put up a performance that sir Ed will be very proud of, we should show that,” said Manalo. “I think sir Ed will be happy with this performance.”

Picson died last April just as the national boxing team ramped up its preparations for the SEA Games.

Refusing to let the late boxing chief down, nine boxers reached the finals in the biennial meet, with four coming out triumphant in their respective weight classes.

Olympic silver medalists Nesthy Petecio (women’s 57kg) and Carlo Paalam (men’s 54kg) powered the Philippines’ gold-medal charge, together with Ian Clark Bautista (men’s 57kg) and Paul Julyfer Bascon (men’s 60kg).

POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino celebrates the basketball gold and silver medals with members of the Gilas Pilipinas men and women teams.

Ernest John Obiena

The author with Vovinam silver medalist Hergie Bacyadan, female kickboxing silver medalist Fitzchel Fermato, fellow coach Glenn Mondol and with former taekwondo Olympian Donnie Geisler calling the shots during a Vovinam match. mid of the Netherlands to lead the train-

Nesty Petecio

By Nickie Wang

RAZY as Pinoy, the sensational hiphop group known for its chart-topping hit “Panaginip,” is making a highly anticipated comeback, sending waves of excitement through the music industry and its dedicated fan base.

The group’s iconic track “Panaginip” became an instant hit in the early 2000s, capturing the hearts of listeners nationwide with its catchy beats and thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s success catapulted Crazy as Pinoy to the forefront of the music scene, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with.

After a period of hiatus, Crazy as Pinoy is returning to the spotlight, ready to unleash the group’s musical prowess once again. Its comeback signifies a triumphant resurgence, as they bring their signature style and unique sound back to the airwaves.

Back in the early 2000s, there was a very popular rap battle competition within the noontime show, Eat Bulaga It was called “RapPublic of the Philippines.” It was a clash of aspiring Filipino rap artists and the exceptional contestants were mentored by the late Master Rapper, Francis Magalona Championing the competition was a trio from Marikina who called themselves Triangulo but would eventually become the hitmaking and now “comebacking” Hip-hop group known as “Crazy as Pinoy.”

To acknowledge its being Pinoy, the members got their individual screen names from popular characters of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. They

Octogenarian Martha Stewart makes history as oldest ‘Sports Illustrated’ cover model

AT 81, American lifestyle guru Martha Stewart has made history by becoming the oldest cover model for Sports Illustrated’s renowned annual swimsuit edition. Her remarkable achievement at such an age showcases her timeless beauty and serves as an inspiration to people of all generations. The businesswoman, TV personality and celebrity chef was photographed in 10 different swimsuits in the Dominican Republic in January, in a shoot that is commanding attention on social media.

A post Monday on her Instagram feed – which shows Stewart on the magazine’s cover wearing a white swimsuit with a plunging neckline – said she had been

approached by the publication last November.

“Usually I’m motivated by pay but this time I was motivated by showing people that a woman my age can still look good, feel good, be good,” Stewart said in a video on Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition website.

“I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic and that I better look really good,” she added.

On Instagram, she wrote to her followers about how “changing, evolving, and being fearless” are key life goals.

“I hope this cover inspires you to challenge yourself to try new things, no matter what stage of life you are in,” she said.

Stewart shot to stardom in the 1980s, publishing a number of bestselling cookbooks after enjoying success as a chef. She launched Martha Stewart Living magazine in 1990, following it up with a weekly television program that focused on cooking, entertaining, and decorating.

Stewart later became America’s first self-made female billionaire. But in 2004, her career and reputation came crashing down when she was sentenced to five months in prison on charges related to insider trading. She has been rebuilding her brand since then and earlier this year appeared in a Super Bowl ad with rapper Snoop Dogg, a

longtime friend.

“Never in her life has she let her circumstances dictate her outcome,” SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day said of Stewart.

For years, Sports Illustrated was focused on young, white models but it has diversified.

It featured a transgender model for the first time ever in its 2020 swimsuit issue.

In 1997, Tyra Banks became the first black woman to appear on its cover. Its previous eldest cover model was Maye Musk, tech billionaire Elon Musk’s mother, who appeared in 2022 aged 74. AFP

Crazy as Pinoy ignites the stage with electrifying comeback

Basilyo made it big with his hit song “Lord Patawad.” He is now a full-fledged actor and has started with Coco Martin in TV series such as FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and currently Batang Quiapo. He also composed songs for TV and movies, Vendetha, Cardo Dalisay, 3pol Trobol Huli Ka Balbon, and Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles, to name a few.

Sisa, the powerful voice behind the hit “Panaginip,” excelled behind the scenes as a composer for commercial jingles and written songs for popular artists. She did “Di Ba Halata” for Toni Gonzaga, “Ngumiti Ka Lang” for Lyka Gairanod, and “Di Ka Man Lang Nagpaalam” for Juan Karlos Labajo Her biggest honor so far in the “theme song category” is the song “Di Ka Naglisa,” which was one of the hit themes for FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano sung by Regine Velasquez. It bagged an Awit Award for Best Song Written for Movie/ TV/Stage.

Crispin continued numerous collaborations with various hip-hop artists and has created viral hits such as “Misyon” with Barakojuan and Marikina All-Star, “Minahal Kita Agad” with Bullet Duff Uno, and Jeremiah Toribio. He is also the ambassador of Crazy as Pinoy to the hip-hop community, making sure that the group is still being acknowledged and represented in the hip-hop scene and helping future emerging rap artists.

This year, Crazy as Pinoy decided to regroup and impart new songs for Gen Z’s. Coincidentally, a clamor for a reunion performance of their iconic song, “Panaginip” came about. Wish 107.5 granted the request and to date their YouTube performance on the Wish bus has already garnered 14 million views since February. The big return of “Panaginip” to the airwaves proved to be a good sign for the comeback of Crazy as Pinoyand solidified its plan to band together again.

The group has been making an impact on the local music industry since the early 2000s are Lordivino Ignacio also known as Basilyo, Muriel Anne Jamito, Sisa, and Jeffrey Pilien Crispin Under the guidance of Francis M., “Crazy as Pinoy” was able to record their songs in two volumes of “RapPublic of

the Philippines” albums. Their hits include “Panaginip,” “Huwad,” and “Crazy Dance.” In the mid-2000s, the group continued creating songs and allowed each other to pursue solo careers in the music industry.

Orchestral maneuvers in the Philippines

president), had turned their label into one that tightly embraces the classical and the classics in addition to the current toasts and innovative newbies. Serenata boasts of seven orchestral tracks led by the well-known Kapampangan piece “Atin Cu Pung Singsing” and Bicol’s “Sarung Banggi.”

Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Its first music director was Prof. Luis Valencia, with Julian Quirit as Concertmaster. Tracing back, then First Lady Imelda Marcos asked Prof. Oscar Yatco to reorganize the orchestra. So, by 1982, a new vision for the PPO was established. The goal was for it to be ranked among the best in the world.

THE Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is a pretty tale as old as OPM (Original Pilipino Music). For context, it was created in 1973, the year the album “Himig Natin” by Juan de la Cruz Band, which spawned the classic single of the same title, came out. That point in history marked the birth of Pinoy Rock and the formation of one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region.

The release on digital platforms of Serenata: Well-Loved Philippine Folk Songs & Melodies is a fitting soundscape package to celebrate the 50th anniversary of PPO as it showcases seven tracks of traditional Filipino tunes rendered in the classical arrangement. The 27-minute sonic epic was made available last Friday, May 12.

The album features National Artist Ryan Cayabyab as arranger and conductor, while the joint effort by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Widescope Entertainment provided mainstream listeners with access to it.

The high-end music accomplishment came with a grand launch held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater where PPO recreated its first-ever concert which happened on May 15, 1973.

“Full house last night. Thank you all for gracing the event,” posted Neil Gregorio (Widescope music and entertainment director) who, in tandem with Vic De Vera (Widescope

PPO director Eugene De Los Santos said that the project began as a tribute to Mr. C at a time when he was pushing 60. Finally, after a decade, it had been released. This year’s timing is perfect as PPO reached its golden anniversary, with the live concert scene returning from pandemic stoppage. On top of that, the beloved OPM pillar is now a National Artist for music after he was bestowed with the award in 2018.

De Los Santos said, “This (Serenata) came into fruition because it was supposed to be a celebration for the 60th birthday of Maestro Ryan Cayabyab who is now a National Artist.

They agreed to put this project, and arranged folk songs for the Orchestra to play.”

Then called the CCP Philharmonic Orchestra, PPO was initially intended to accompany the performing artists at the

Through the years the PPO has performed with many of the world’s renowned conductors, and shared the stage with top-notch acts like Cecile Licad and Lea Salonga. It has consistently promoted music appreciation through outreach concerts in schools, parishes, government agencies, and various communities.

The PPO already made waves in Tokyo (2002), Bangkok (2004), Shanghai (2010), and Beijing (2011), as well as in a number of European cities. In 2016, it made history as the first orchestra in the Philippines to perform at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. The rest of Serenata tracks are “Ti Ayat Ti Maysa Nga Ubing,” “Sampaguita,” “Malinac Lay Labi,” “No Te Vayas De Zamboanga,” and “Walay Angay.”

With new management, Blvck Entertainment at its back, the group is claiming that it’s going to be an explosive year of new songs and projects. The group’s first single under Blvck Music is a 2023 version of “Panaginip” plus an official music video helmed by acclaimed director, Titus Cee “Panaginip 2023” is included in Crazy as Pinoy’s new digital album and is now available on music streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Deezer, Medianet, Boomplay, YouTube Music.

From left: AVP Head of News, Channels & Content Management of Cignal TV Inc. Patrick Y. Paez, ‘Presello’ host Julia Richards, and ‘Presello’ Vice President Marvin Sim

Exclusive house tour show airs new season on One News

PRESELLO House Tours, the leading digital real estate firm in the country, has announced the premiere of its new season on One News this month.

The new season promises to be the most thrilling one yet, featuring exclusive tours of some of the most exceptional properties in the Metro Manila area. Get ready to explore the art of architecture and interior design as Presello House Tours returns to One News.

Hosted by Julia Richards Presello House Tours showcases some of the most luxurious properties, from chic urban condos to grand suburban estates. Each home is meticulously selected for its unique architecture, design, and history, providing an informative and enjoyable viewing experience.

In this new season, viewers can expect to see four elements designed to create an unforgettable experience.

First, the house tours are intimate and personalized, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in every interior detail.

Second, the host will be joined by guest reviewers who will provide their insights on the featured houses in three different segments of the

show. Third, the show will feature the best designers and builders in the country, sharing their inputs into the structure of the houses.

Lastly, viewers can enjoy behind-thescenes footage of each episode, showcasing the authenticity of the hosts and crew while working together.

“At Presello, we believe that a home is not just a structure made of bricks and mortar. It’s a place where memories are made, families are raised, and dreams are created. That’s why we’re passionate about showcasing homes that not only offer stunning architecture and design but also embody the unique personalities and stories of the people who may one day call them home,” shared Julia Richards, host of Presello Presello is not just about showcasing a beautiful home but also about sharing the stories of how these wonderful homes were drawn, built, and created from scratch. It gives viewers an inspiration to create sentimental memories with loved ones and develop unique design and lifestyle perspectives,” added Marvin Sim, Vice President of Presello Group

The new season of Presello House Tours premiered on May 13. It airs Saturday on Cignal Ch. 250 HD and Ch. 8 SD, and on Cignal Play app.

American lifestyle guru Martha Stewart is immaculately sexy in one-piece white swimsuit

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant

R’BONNEY Nola

Gabriel shines as a symbol of strength, resilience, and elegance, inspiring women throughout the country, and the entire world, or the universe rather.

The reigning Miss Universe made an exciting visit to the Smilee Apparel factory in Caloocan City, creating a buzz of anticipation as this event brought together two forces that represent the essence of Filipino fashion and empowerment.

During her visit, R’Bonney had the opportunity to witness firsthand the meticulous artistry and dedication that goes into creating the 100 percent Filipino-made shirts that Smilee Apparel is renowned for. She engaged with the skilled craftsmen and women, appreciating their attention to detail and their unwavering commitment to delivering superior quality.

The visit not only highlighted the exceptional talent and creativity within the Filipino fashion industry but also shed

Championing Filipino fashion empowerment and

voice, and make a significant impact in promoting Filipino fashion and empowerment.

Joining her were the recently crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle Marquez Dee, as well as Pauline Amelinckx, Miss Supranational Philippines 2023, and Krishnah Gravidez, Miss Charm Philippines 2023.

The recently crowned beauty queens with MUPh national director Shamcey Supsup Lee (2nd from right) at Smilee Apparel headquarters

light on the importance of supporting local businesses. R’Bonney’s presence at the Smilee Apparel factory became a symbol of empowerment, inspiring individuals to embrace their unique talents and contribute to the growth and

success of the Filipino fashion scene. With her deep-rooted love for Filipino fashion, she serves as a catalyst, urging individuals to chase their aspirations, embrace their individuality, and leave a lasting, constructive influence on their

communities.

Through her unwavering passion, R’Bonney empowers individuals to unlock their full potential, encouraging them to believe in their abilities and strive for greatness. Her remarkable journey not only captivates hearts but also serves as a reminder that strength, resilience, and elegance can be powerful catalysts for positive change.

“I’d like to thank this Miss Universe Philippines and the sponsors that have been backing up this platform that is empowering us. Thank you for this opportunity and for allowing

me to share how important it is to support Filipinos here in the home country – from the starting products to the finished products,” the 29-year-old beauty queen told the media.

Moreover, R’Bonney’s influence extends to the newly crowned winner of Miss Universe Philippines. As an accomplished fashion designer, model, and advocate for women’s empowerment, she offers invaluable guidance and insights to the winner. Her experiences and journey inspire the winner to embrace their newfound platform, amplify their

Exploring the superfood potential of a kitchen staple

MANY of us know cinnamon as a spice that is used all over the world. For some, it is that brown dust on top of their morning cappuccino from a favorite coffee shop chain, while for others it is a kitchen staple. Once considered as the “gold dust of Europe” during the 1500s, cinnamon may have been as valuable in Europe at that time, as oil is valuable globally today.

If it was not known then as a superfood, now there is another reason for it to be such an important ingredient or staple at home. Studies have shown that cinnamon can help control blood sugar by making insulin work efficiently. It also contains powerful antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can protect against heart disease and has beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Cinnamon has also been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment. Although further research in humans is still needed, cinnamaldehyde, one of the main active components of cinnamon, has been found to be beneficial against various kinds of infection.

“I chanced upon this superfood and discovered that the Philippines has 16 native species, and they are in the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) list of threatened species,” shares November Canieso-Yeo founder of Plantsville Health, a social enterprise that aims to save the Philippine cinnamon and other aromatic indigenous species in partnership with a number of farmers by buying their produce, and developing them into healthful products.

“Currently, our country imports more than 95 percent of cinnamon consumption. It would be wonderful if we could help grow the Philippine cinnamon, while also helping our farmers earn and grow more cinnamon,” she adds.

Plantsville aims to partner with more groups or businesses that can further help farmers as they continue to plant and protect Philippine cinnamon.

For her enterprising vision, Canieso-Yeo qualified

founder of Bacolod-based Plantsville Health, formalize their partnership with a MOU

recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the collaboration in converting Plantsville’s research studies about herbs and plants with scientific and clinical evidence to products that can be commercially made available.

“RiteMed has always been open to partnerships especially if it benefits the Filipino patients as well as emerging Filipino entrepreneurs whose business model is based on supporting local resources that are proven to have health benefits. This effort is also aligned with the government’s thrust,” says Jose Maria A. Ochave president of RiteMed. “With Plantsville’s commitment and with the full support of DOST, we may be able to optimize our country’s natural resources not just for local but even for the global market.”

We may not be aware of it, but we probably consume cinnamon in our everyday food. It might be in one of your favorite bread, go-to comfort soup, or all-time favorite tea, among many others. Cinnamon is a versatile spice that is associated with a long list of health benefits. However, it is said that not all cinnamon is created equal. The Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses.

Cinnamon is a versatile spice that is associated with a long list of health benefits

for the Department of Science and Technology’s

(DOST) Women Helping Women: Innovating Social Enterprises (WHWise), a program that brings together government agencies and private organizations to seek out and prepare women-led social enterprises for growth, scalability, and subsequent venture capitalist funding.

The program provides early-stage funding, training, skills development, mentorship, and business incubation as well as access to technology to enable even women from rural communities to be part of the global economy.

You are probably consuming cinnamon through our everyday food—from your favorite breads to your go-to comfort soup, or all-time favorite tea, among many others

This DOST grant for Canieso-Yeo recently caught the eye of RiteMed Philippines, Inc. (RiteMed), the country’s leading unibranded line of pharmaceutical and healthcare products in the country. The two companies

All cinnamon should have health benefits, but Cassia may cause problems in large doses due to the coumarin content. Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) is much better in this regard, and studies show that it’s much lower in coumarin than the Cassia variety. Compared to Ceylon cinnamon, Cassia cinnamon is generally more affordable and more widely available. Best to stick to small doses and always consult your doctor first before trying out a new health product.

Plantsville Health’s products are available at their website (www.plantsville-health.com), Shopee store (Plantsville), Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ PlantsvilleHealth), Amazon and Emphori Showroom in the United States (US). Physical stores in the country that carry the products are Roots Collective (Uptown Mall, BGCnear the cinemas), Sinag Store (Glorietta 3, Ayala Trinoma), OTOP Store (Ayala Mall - Bacolod), Association of Negros Producers (ANP) Showroom - Bacolod. To reach me, I’m at joba.botana@gmail.com.

“R’Bonney is an amazing woman, very inspirational. I could really relate to her story. She told me that resilience is necessary to become a beauty queen. Her personal journey and experiences have inspired me, even more, to embrace this newfound platform, amplify my voice and make a significant impact in promoting everything that is good about our country,” Michelle told Manila Standard Lifestyle in an interview.

With these empowered women and Smilee Apparel leading the way, the celebration of Filipino fashion and empowerment flourishes. Their collective efforts inspire individuals to take pride in their heritage, embrace their individuality, and contribute to the growth and success of the vibrant Filipino fashion industry.

A beautiful journey towards self-care

MOTHERS today are constantly juggling family, work, and personal responsibilities, often with little time left for themselves.

And there’s no better occasion to remind these incredible women that they deserve a moment of indulgence and self-care than Mother’s Day.

With Revlon’s #RevlonProMom campaign, they celebrate the transformative power of salon pampering for an extraordinary woman, Michelle R. De Castro , the Vice President for PR and Advertising at Sta. Lucia Land. Discover how she found the perfect balance of self-care and dedication to her family through Revlon’s professional hair care treatments.

Now a mother of three and the Vice President for PR and Advertising at Sta. Lucia Land, De Castros has always put her family and career first. She finds fulfillment and joy in motherhood.

“Being a mother of three is the most fulfilling job ever. Life now has so much more meaning and purpose. Motherhood holds a sense of beauty, wonder, and inspiration. Your family becomes a source of motivation to keep on going and striving, especially when you want to make them feel loved and appreciated,” De Castro shares.

Recognizing that she deserved a moment of pampering, the #RevlonProMom campaign offered her a transformative Air Touch Balayage Hair Coloring, Caleb Matteo used Revlonissimo Colorsmetique, the perfect palette of professional permanent hair color with rich, true-to-tone, sophisticated results, mixed with Revlonissimo Colorsmetique Pure Colors to intensify the shades and achieve intensely vibrant color.

With a demanding schedule and a strong commitment to her work and loved ones, she found it challenging to carve out time for self-care. De Castro admits, “My hair is extremely dry because, admittedly, my hair has always been my guilty pleasure, and I love styling it every day. I can’t even go out of the house without blow-drying and/or curling my hair.”

The journey of De Castro illustrates the transformative power of self-care and confidence.

The recently crowned beauty queens at Smilee Apparel factory

Miss Universe R’Bonney Nola Gabriel showing her appreciation for Filipino craftsmanship

Vice President for PR and Advertising at Sta. Lucia Land Michelle R. De Castro

Atty. Jose Maria A. Ochave, president of RiteMed Philippines, Inc., (left) and November Canieso-Yeo,