Standhardinger retires from Gilas Pilipinas

n By PETER ATENCIO

BEING a vital part of the national men’s team that restored the country’s pride in Southeast Asian Games basketball proved to be the right time for Christian

Standhardinger to hang up his Gilas jersey. And Standhardinger did just that, four days after Gilas Pilipinas completed its mission of redemption and regaining the SEA Games basketball throne. On Saturday, agencies and sectors that are already preparing for a possible El Niño crisis this year,” he said. El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could cause dry spells and droughts in some areas.

Standhardinger announced his decision to retire from the Philippine men’s basketball team, a few days following the Gilas’ successful gold medal match with Cambodia last Tuesday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

DMW unveils cash aid for OFWs affected by Kuwait ban

n By MARICEL V. CRUZ

MIGRANT Workers Secretary Susan Ople said the government will assist some 815 overseas workers whose travel to Kuwait has been deferred due to the suspension of visa issuances for newly-hired Filipino workers. She said the DMW is preparing a financial aid package of P30,000 per OEC-holder (Overseas Employment Certificate) who has already spent money in applying for work in Kuwait.

“We have agreed on a financial package and job-matching efforts for those whose dreams of working in Kuwait have been put on hold, temporarily, as both countries find the best way forward in addressing current concerns,” Ople said.

This developed as the chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas, on Saturday called for a complete deployment ban of all OFWs to Kuwait.

“This total deployment ban must be enforced until the Kuwaiti government sits down with our officials and agrees to our demands. Until then, we should not entertain their demands and acts of intimidation,” she said.

WORLD | A3 NEWS | A2 War with China is not an option, says Taiwan INSIDE Business A4 Sports A6 Entertainment A7 Pets A8 Filing of exemptions for gun ban starts June 5