Manila Standard - 2023 June 9 - Friday

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed Dr. Ted Herbosa to craft a COVID-19 exit plan for the country and focus on tuberculosis and HIV cases, the new Health Secretary said Thursday.

Herbosa, a former Special Adviser to the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said this was among the marching orders of the Chief Executive when he appointed him to lead the Department of Health.

“(Mr. Marcos) told me that we need a COVID exit plan and we must continue to administer the needed vaccines, the ones we call bivalent vaccines," Herbosa said in a televised briefing.

Conceding that the country currently does not have enough bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, the new Health chief said a program is already in place to acquire more of these anti-coronavirus shots.

“The 390,000 doses (we received) are not enough, we need to get more,” said

ASEAN naval drills up in SCS

Bloc's first-ever joint exercises to focus on maritime search and rescue

SOUTHEAST Asian nations have agreed to hold their first-ever joint military drills in the South China Sea, Indonesian officials said Thursday, as tensions grow over China's increasing assertiveness in the region.

"We will hold joint military drills in the North Natuna Sea [in the South China Sea]," Indonesian military chief Yudo Margono said after a meeting of Southeast Asian defence chiefs in Bali, state news agency Antara reported.

They will take place in September involving all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc and observer member TimorLeste, he said.

That would include junta-ruled Myanmar, where the military has overthrown a civilian leader and overseen a bloody crackdown on dissent that has resulted in wide-ranging US and EU sanctions.

Margono said the exercises will focus on maritime security and rescue, and will not involve combat operations.

"It is about ASEAN centrality," he said.

The bloc's members have held naval drills with the United States before but

ALL SMILES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gamely poses for a selfie with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian (in blue suit), Association for PhilippinesChina Understanding chairman Raul Lambino (left) and other guests during the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding ceremony on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Alfred Frias

Marcos: No shift from China to another superpower

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippines has not shifted away from China despite its deepening ties

Alert Level 3 raised over Mayon: ‘Hazardous eruption’ possible

By Charles Dantes, Rio N. Araja, Vince Lopez and Joel E. Zurbano

VOLCANOLOGISTS on Thursday raised the alert level status on Mayon Volcano from a 2 to 3 due to the steady increase of rockfall and an “increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption.”

Hundreds of families living around Mount Mayon in central Albay province

are expected to be moved to safer areas after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alarm that an eruption could be days or weeks away.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public the government is doing the necessary preparations and watching closely the ongoing restiveness of Mayon as well as Taal volcano. “Right now, what we are doing is

ERUPTION

LIKELY. This handout photo shows Mayon Volcano spewing white smoke as seen from Legazpi City on June 8, 2023. Hundreds of families living around Mount Mayon in central Albay province are expected to be moved to safer areas after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised a 'hazardous eruption' alarm. Arren Christian Ventura / AFP

with the United States under his administration, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday after an event on the 48th anniversary of Philippine-Chi-

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAWMAKERS Said they remain focused on efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos as they called for an end to "useless" political bickering.

Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernan-

nese diplomatic relations.

In an ambush interview, President Marcos said the ties between Manila and Beijing "have not changed in any

dez, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader and Zamboanga Rep. Jose Manuel Dalipe, and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said the House of Representatives is committed to passing the legislative agenda of the administra-

fundamental sense."

"Some people have said that the Philippines has shifted its policy away

tion and supporting the unity agenda of the President.

"We can achieve these goals, which we all want for our people, if we do away with political bickering. We should instead work together and keep a laser focus on

‘Unity key to improved growth forecast’

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday said the united effort of the executive and legislative branches of the government is a major contributing factor to the country’s strong economic performance as he elcomed the latest World

Non-monetary benefits eyed for soldiers

By Vince Lopez

AMID grumbling over a government plan to cut military pensions, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Thursday that non-monetary benefits that soldiers and their families get would entice them to stay longer and wait for their mandatory retirement from the service.

Teodoro was addressing concerns that military personnel would opt for early retirement before the new pension plans for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) are put into place.

But in a press briefing, Teodoro said non-monetary benefits such as health care and skills upgrading initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would serve as a prime consideration for enlisted personnel not to retire early.

"I mean, it's a matter of getting an amount now, without the continuing nonmonetary benefits that you will enjoy in your career path,” Teodoro said.

Bank forecast indicating faster than expected growth this year.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines' gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow 6 percent this year, upgrading its previous forecasts of 5.4 percent in December and 5.6 percent in April.

“This upgraded forecast reinforces the positive trajectory of the Philippine economy and demonstrates that we are on the right track towards recovery and progress. It is a testament to the resilience of our people, the dynamism of our businesses, and the stability of our economic fundamentals,” Romualdez said.

READY FOR THE BIG ONE? Students take part in a nationwide earthquake drill at an elementary school in Manila on June 8, 2023. AFP

The ‘Big One’: Over 60k fatalities, 120k missing

Teves to DOJ: Prove citizenship claim

By Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo

SUSPENDED Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. on Thursday challenged Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to prove that he was applying to be a citizen of TimorLeste.

“Secretary Remulla, if you can prove that I am applying for a citizenship in Timor-Leste, I will go home and let myself be gunned down. If you are found to lie, I will ask you to resign,” he said via video call at the Pandesal Forum in Quezon City. He also dared Remulla to show how

ASEAN...

From A1 never military exercises as a bloc on its own. The announcement comes after Washington called on Beijing to stop "provocative" behavior in the disputed waterway after a near-collision with a Philippine vessel and a Chinese fight -

Marcos:...

From A1 from the People's Republic (of China) to other powers... that is certainly not true. We have not shifted away from China in any way or whatsoever," Mr. Marcos said at the awarding ceremony of the Association for Promoting Philippines China Understanding (APPCU).

"We continue to foster the friendship, relationship, the partnership that we have been developing with China since 1974 and 1975 when it became official," he added. The President said the search continues for solutions that will address the challenges being faced jointly by the Phil-

PBBM...

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Herbosa, referring to the bivalent vaccines donated by Lithuania that have already been rolled out, mostly in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Herbosa acknowledged there are technical difficulties in obtaining the jabs that protect against the original COVID-19 strain, SARS-CoV-2, and Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

“But we are already there. We’re trying to get it, and I will push for getting more of these, especially for the vulnerable, the healthcare workers,” he said, noting that the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines given over the pandemic has been waning.

The country's COVID-19 task force last year said the pandemic exit plan must include strict implementation of health protocols. The government may require the public to show their vaccine booster cards in establishments.

Stakeholders, meanwhile, have urged the government to improve the country's health care system.

The Philippines last week tallied 9,107 COVID-19 cases, based on the DOH case bulletin on Monday.

From May 29 to June 4, an average of 1,301 daily infections were logged in the country, which is 22 percent lower compared to the previous week.

Herbosa said he also received marching orders to focus more on the problem of tuberculosis cases in the country. The President noted the country is ninth in the world in TB cases, and wanted the Philippines out of the top 10 right away.

He said Mr. Marcos also raised concerns on the rising cases of HIV, which causes AIDS, in the Philippines, and this will be the top health official's focus too "upon his instructions."

This will be the DOH’s priority for now, Herbosa said, and other action officers have been mobilized to focus on tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19 cases.

Herbosa also said there was a need to digitalize the agency's processes to im-

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“The comprehensive and inclusive economic agenda of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., as well as the collaborative efforts between the executive and legislative branches,

Non-monetary...

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Teodoro, appointed only this week, has been tasked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to push “reforms” in the MUP pension system to make it self-sustaining. This would entail reducing pension payments.

“So, I think it's a matter of explaining the necessity of introducing [the reforms],” Teodor said. “In my opinion, since I also come from the financial sector, it won't hap-

the six assassins that killed Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo – whose murder the lawmaker is accused of masterminding -- fit into a five-seater helicopter and how 13 people fit into a private plane. Remulla later dismissed as “baloney” the allegations hurled against him

er pilot's dangerous maneuver near an American surveillance aircraft.

Chinese vessels have also occasionally intruded into the Indonesianclaimed waters of North Natuna where the drills will take place, prompting protests in Jakarta.

China says most of the South China Sea is its own despite competing claims from other Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia,

ippines and China.

He reiterated that the differences between the two nations do not define the entirety of their relations.

"Now, of course, as to the differences between China and the Philippines, certainly they exist, but it is not something that will define our relationship. It is something that we will continue to work, to resolve and make sure that the peace and the safe passage across the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea are ensured," Mr. Marcos said.

The President witnessed the APPCU event at the Manila Hotel, where his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was one of the awardees.

Duterte was not present during the ceremony, with former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea receiving the Hall of

prove its system, now that the government already launched the eGovPH platform.

The DOH chief also aims to lower the public’s expenses on health care, saying this was the intention of the Universal Healthcare Law.

Meanwhile, Octa Research fellow Guido David said the weekly COVID-19 positivity rate in Metro Manila dropped from 19.9 percent to 14.6 percent.

“We expect this to decrease less than 10 percent next week as cases continue to decline,” said David. He also said hospital bed occupancy in the region also went down from 28.8 to 25.5 percent over the same period.

Furthermore, the nationwide positivity rate is 16.6 percent as of June 7, lower than the previous day’s 17.7 percent.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergerie said the rise and fall of COVID-19 infections in the country are expected.

“This is due to the lower number of tests conducted and the public’s increased mobility,” said Vergeire, who led the DOH as officer-in-charge until Mr. Marcos appointed Herbosa.

In an interview on ANC, Herbosa said Vergeire will oversee other undersecretaries in charge of the activities in the NCR, Southern Luzon, Northern and Central Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

“I gave her a position of like the chief of all the undersecretaries that are in charge of our operations… Those are five Usecs and she would be on top of them,” he said.

“She will be helping me deliver the goals with her experience and her previous job as caretaker of the Department of Health will continue in that segment of operations. She requested for that and I gladly gave it because I think she deserves that,” added Herbosa.

At present, DOH Undersecretary Enrique Tayag heads the field implementation and coordination team in Northern and Central Luzon; Undersecretary Nestor Santiago Jr., in NCR and Southern Luzon; Undersecretary Camilo Cascolan in Visayas; and Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama Jr. in Mindanao.

have proven fruitful in fostering an environment conducive to growth,” he added.

The Speaker also commended the collective efforts of the country’s economic managers, lawmakers, and all stakeholders who have contributed to this positive development.

“As the House amply demonstrated, we remain committed to implementing

pen suddenly. It will just reduce the bleeding that should happen. It is our government's responsibility [to cover pension payments] until this system is self-sustaining.”

In March, the President approved a “game-changing” MUP pension reform pushed by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, aimed at fixing the pension system and addressing future fiscal uncertainty.

As other costs go up, Diokno said, there will come a time when the current budget will only be about a third or onefourth of the money that the government

by Teves, who has been tagged as one of the masterminds in the killing of Degamo last March 4, 2023.

Remulla instead challenged Teves to return to the Philippines and face the complaint for 10 counts of murder, 14 counts of frustrated murders, and four counts of attempt murder filed by the National Bureau of Investigation.

Degamo had unseated Teves’ brother, Pryde Henry, as Negros Oriental governor in the 2022 elections.

Rep. Teves said he does not trust the government’s assurance he would be unharmed if he returned home, and urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reassess the men in his Cabinet,

Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Beijing's ships have patrolled the area and when confronted have invoked China's so-called nine-dash line – an area it claims but is contested by its neighbors – to justify its alleged historic rights to the waters.

At a summit last month, ASEAN leaders discussed "serious incidents" in the South China Sea and ongoing

Fame award on the former Chief Executive’s behalf. Medialdea also read the message of the former President to the attendees of the novel award-giving body paying special tribute to Filipinos who made efforts through time in promoting friendly ties and mutual understanding between the Philippines and China.

During Duterte's presidency, Manila and Beijing maintained cordial ties despite China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

The Duterte administration also partnered with the Chinese government for the development of several infrastructure projects in the country and received pandemic aid such as coronavirus vaccines.

Under the Marcos administration, the United States expanded its Enhanced

Alert...

From A1 preparing and moving people away from the [Mayon volcano] area so that, should the time come, I hope it doesn’t happen, but unfortunately the science tells us it seems to be heading that way because the lid or the cap on top of the lava is not so slowly rising and may erupt. This is why we are monitoring closely and preparing,” Mr. Marcos said in a media interview yesterday evening.

“We watch it very, very closely. Make sure that any of the communities that could be affected are evacuated and are given assistance while they are evacuated until the time that they can return to their homes,” he added.

Meanwhile, Taal volcano, located about 50 kilometers south of Manila, has been releasing sulfur dioxide this week, blanketing surrounding areas in volcanic smog or vog and prompting warnings for people to stay indoors.

“The DOH (Department of Health) is looking after those people [affected by volcanic smog] and we have analyzed the problem and we know where the wind is blowing," the President said..

Since the alert level was raised from 1 to 2 on June 5, the repeated collapse of the growing summit dome of Mayon generated an increase in the number and volume of rockfall events, Phivolcs said.

Scientists recorded a total of 267 rockfall events and two volcanic earthquakes from June 5 to June 8.

The seismology agency said it observed three fast-moving avalanches of volcanic ash, rock and gases, known as pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), on Mayon's slopes on Thursday.

There are "increased chances of lava flows and hazardous PDCs... and of potential explosive activity within weeks or even days", the agency said, raising the alert level from 2 to 3 on a scale of 0 to 5.

"All necessary preparations are being done," said Eugene Escobar, the Albay provincial disaster management agency's

policies that will further stimulate economic activity, attract investments, and generate employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos,” Romualdez said.

“We will not allow any distraction to derail our efforts at finding appropriate and timely solutions to the problems affecting the lives of our people,” he added.

The House posted a strong finish as

is paying for the pensioners.

“We have to really address that issue. It’s not sustainable,” he said.

Diokno said the pension being received by a military pensioner is nine times higher than the average pension of a pensioner under the Social Security System (SSS), and three times higher than the average pension under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The Finance chief said the proposals for the pension reform include application of the reform to all active personnel and new

including the Justice chief.

“Assess their integrity. If Remulla could not answer my questions, he is a liar,” he said. “Look into the other angles — love triangle, debt, etc. Let us investigate first (the Degamo murder) before we judge.”

The camp of Teves had alleged that one of the detained suspects in the killings of Degamo and nine other persons has been offered “millions of pesos” to testify against the suspended legislator.

Remulla, meanwhile, said: “I don’t have to prove anything here. (Teves) is to prove that he can face the charges against him.”

negotiations for a code of conduct aimed at reducing the risk of conflict there.

ASEAN has long been decried by critics as a toothless talking shop, and its charter principles of consensus and non-interference have hamstrung its ability to take action.

The bloc will hold its next leaders' summit in Indonesian capital Jakarta in September. AFP

Defense Cooperation Agreement with Manila and had its Vice President Kamala Harris visit Palawan – the province closest to the West Philippine Sea where Chinese ships have sailed just kilometers away -- last November.

Other recipients of the APPCU award besides Duterte were Carlos Chan, former Special Envoy of the President to the People's Republic of China; Rigoberto Tiglao, a columnist and former Ambassador; Jaime Cruz, former Special Envoy to the People's Republic of China for Trade and Investments; Rose Tecson, Director of the Satellite Office of Vice President Sara Duterte in Davao City; and Jose Ong Tajan, former chairman of the FilipinoChinese Chamber of Commerce of Baguio City.

officer-in-charge.

Rommel Negrete, an officer for the agency, said residents would be evacuated from Anoling village on the volcano's slopes.

Phivolcs added that there were PDCs on the Bonga and Basud Gullies on Thursday, lasting four to five minutes.

Sulfur dioxide emission from Mayon Volcano remained at baseline or background levels.

Phivolcs urged residents inside the sixkilometer radius permanent danger zone to evacuate due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines issued another set of advisories to flight operators and issued a notice to airmen in relation to the activity in Mayon, as well as Taal and Kanlaon volcanoes.

“In light of the ongoing unrest at the Taal, Mayon, and Kanlaon volcanoes, CAAP is continuously updating its Notices to Airmen to inform and alert flying aircraft of the current alert levels and associated risks related to the volcanic activities,” said CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio.

CAAP advised the airmen to avoid flying near Mayon, which according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, erupted on Wednesday. (alert level 1) “as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazards to aircraft from surface up to 10,000 feet.”

Kanlaon Volcano is also on alert level 1 and “in abnormal condition,” the CAAP said.

“Possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions may pose a hazard to aircraft from the surface up to 10,000 feet,” the CAAP said.

The local government of Albay ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone after Phivolcs raised Mayon Volcano's alert level status to 3.

Albay Gov. Edcel Lagman said classes at all levels in public and private schools within the danger zone would also be suspended. With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

it closed the First Regular Session of the 19th Congress, having approved 33 out of 42 bills listed as priority measures of President Marcos and adopted by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

It was also able to process a total of 9,600 measures consisting of 8,490 House bills, 1,109 resolutions and one petition.

entrants, removal of automatic indexation of pension to the salary of active personnel of single ranks, and mandatory contributions to be required for active personnel and new entrants similar to the GSIS pensioners.

Senate Defense committee chairperson Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday said he would work closely with Teodoro on the MUP pension system.

At the same briefing, Teodoro said he would not review the terminated agreement between the University of the Philippines and the DND that bans military and police

‘SONA to report hits, misses and next steps ahead’

By Vince Lopez

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his second State of the Nation Address on July 24 will outline his administration's accomplishments in his first year in office as well as the challenges ahead and next steps to be taken.

Mr. Marcos said he is still in the process of completing his speech.

"We're still preparing everything, all the materials... Like any SONA, it will be a report to the nation as to what the situation has happened in the last year, in the last SONA -- where we are now, what we have managed to do, and where we still have work to do. That is essentially the template that we are going to use," he said.

"So, the things that I mentioned in the first SONA, we will have a look and see what was really discussed there during our first SONA. I think there is something we can show and that's what the content of the SONA will probably be," he added.

The President is expected to report on the priority legislative measures of the administration that have been passed into law, including the Maharlika Investment Fund bill which has yet to be signed, as well as on the gains of his various foreign trips in the past year. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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what needs to be done to ensure a vibrant and prosperous future for all Filipinos," Fernandez said.

Dalipe said the House of Representatives will stay the course in its commitment to pass the priority measures of the President and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) and ignore all forms of distractions that will only slow them down in fulfilling their mandate.

According to Dalipe, the House under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, will work double harder to carry out their mandate to pass laws that are direly needed to jumpstart the country’s economy and uplift the lives of the country’s poor.

He noted that Romualdez managed to secure multi-partisan support that saw the passage of priority measures at a recordbreaking pace.

“The House of Representatives will not be slowed down by premature partisanship. All these political rumblings are unnecessary distractions that will only brake our momentum in ensuring the swift passage of President Marcos’ priority measures and those that were approved by LEDAC. We have a commitment to the Filipino people that we will do even better on this second regular session,” Dalipe said.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday issued a statement saying Romualdez, who was her campaign manager, had nothing to do with her decision to run in ths 2022 polls.

The Vice President later joined LakasCMD as its chairperson, with Romualdez as party president. She resigned from the political party last month.

Fernandez said while he and his colleagues in the House of Representatives join the Vice President in expressing full support to the Marcos administration, this support "can be better fleshed out if it is devoid of political bickering." (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

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Civil Defense (OCD), Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, said nearly 3,000 buildings and houses are located along the fault line.

Officials and employees from different agencies joined in the activity and practiced the duck, cover, and hold protocol.

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that the West Valley Fault is expected to move every 400 to 600 years.

The last time a massive earthquake hit the Philippines was in the late 1600s.

Solidum urged Filipinos to not be complacent over the possibility of the "Big One."

He said it’s possible that the country will experience a powerful earthquake in this generation, and people should not leave it to God to protect them.

personnel from entering the campus.

That agreement was unilaterally terminated in 2021 by the DND when Delfin Lorenzana was Defense chief.

“That has been the policy already done by my predecessor and I don't want to reverse the policy," Teodoro, an alumnus of UP, said.

“But that does not mean to say that I am not mindful of the autonomy of the University of the Philippines. And I urge everybody to be respectful of that without need of any [memorandum of agreement],” he added.

IN BRIEF

QC to host LGBTQIA+ festivities on June 24

QUEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday announced that the city will once again host Pride PH’s Pride Festival with the theme “Love, Laban: A Celebration of the Fight for Love in All Forms and Ways.”

In keeping with her commitment to make Quezon City the City of Inclusivity, she expressed full support to Pride PH and its Pride Festival set on June 24 at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

“We are grateful that we have the local government of Quezon City as one of the biggest allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is the second year that the local government of Quezon City has welcomed us into their home. And we have been blessed to have the support of Mayor Joy, who has been a consistent genuine ally of the community since day one,” Miss Trans Global 2020 and lead convener of Pride

PH Mela Habijan said. Rio N. Araja

700 applicants hired via Caloocan job fair

AIMING to provide more job opportunities to its people, the Caloocan City government held three job fairs during the entire month of May, yielding over 700 applicants that were hired on-the-spot.

Mayor Dale Malapitan congratulated the newly hired workers as he urged the public to seize such opportunities provided by the local government.

“Panawagan natin sa ating mga kababayan, sulitin ang mga pagkakataong tulad nito upang mas maging maginhawa ang pamumuhay natin at ng ating pamilya. Sa mga na hired on-the-spot, congratulations po sa inyong lahat!” the mayor said. Jun David

CAAP worker returns

$2,700

cash lost by OFW

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Thursday commended a porter in General Santos Airport for honesty after he turned over a bag containing 27 pieces of $100 –bills equivalent to P151,436.25.

Edgardo Roy Butohan was working at the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) in the afternoon of June 4 when he saw an unattended black bag at the entrance of departure area. He immediately brought the bag to the airport management.

CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the bag belonged Noraima Impal, 39, an overseas Filipino workers from Parang, Maguindanao who just arrived from Doha, Qatar. Joel E. Zurbano

NAIA posts 10% hike in pax traffic

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has recorded about 10-percent increase in arriving and departing passengers following changes in airline assignments at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

This as the BI assured passengers going abroad via the NAIA Terminal 3 of fast processing amid overcrowding in the airport’s immigration departure area.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the NAIA Terminal 3 operations recorded a daily departure of almost 17,000 passengers and daily arrival of some 16,000 passengers.

Their morning operations saw the greatest increase with more than 1,100 departures and 1,500 arrivals.

“I have instructed the BI T3 terminal head to ensure that all counters are fully manned to service travelers. But evidently, more space is needed for us to be able to install new counters and add more people,” Tansingco said.

SHRINE OF THE PARACLETE. The global ACC community welcomes the solemnity of the Pentecost with the opening of the Shrine of the Paraclete on North EDSA, Project 7 in Quezon City. The shrine is the new ACC central location in the metropolis which houses the Office of the Chancellor, Office for Inter-faith and Interreligious Relations, its various congregations and holy orders, and the central administrative offices including lay formation and pastoral affairs.

PCG to China: Explain contradictions on WPS

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has asked China to clarify its contradictory words and actions regarding its stance on the disputed West Philippines Sea.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday urged China to order its Navy, Coast Guard and militia vessels to leave the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

During the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-la Dialogue 2023, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela asked China about the contradictions.

“So while China is talking about dialogue, China’s actions show confronta-

tion. My question is; Why is there a big difference between China’s words and its actions,” Tarriela said.

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense General Li Shangfu avoided answering the questions directly. He cited instead an alleged confrontational incident at the Taiwan Strait recently.

“Foreign vessels and fighter jets coming to areas near our territory. They are not here for innocent passage; they are for provocation,” Li said.

China has indicated interest in reviving the joint committee meeting between the PCG and its Chinese counterpart after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said the Philippines has a neutral foreign policy.

Despite the ongoing tension in the region, Marcos said the Philippines would not give up an inch of its territory including the West Philippine Sea.

Rodriguez made the call following the departure of China’s research ship Xiang Yang Hong 10 and its dozen escort vessels from Vietnam’s EEZ early this week amid high-level talks between Chinese and United States officials in Beijing.

Vietnam had protested China’s presence in its EEZ.

UPMG AFFAIR. The United Print and Multimedia Group, an association of major publication companies in the country, taps the expertise of creative thinkers and marketers to put together its project dubbed “How Creativity and Banded Content are Reshaping Brand Strategies.” Photo taken following group’s general membership meeting in a hotel in Quezon City shows (from left) Barbie Atienza, president; Grace Fornier Magno, SM Supermalls vice president; Cleofe Alviso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts; Angie Tijam Tohid, executive creative director of Havas Media Ortega; Maan Delos Reyes of Ogilvy Philippines; and Jay Sarmiento, sales and marketing director of PhilSTAR Media Group.

FANTASTIC ART WORK. Artist Toym Imao explains how he made a life-size jeepney installation made out of yarns during the formal opening of an arts exhibit at the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. The exhibit is part of a tribute to the 125th Philippines Independence Day on June 12.

Danny Pata

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has incurred a backlog of some 690,000 driver’s licenses, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista disclosed during a Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is finalizing the procurement of at least 500,000 driver’s license cards by July to address the LTO’s problem.

At present, Bautista said the LTO has about 70,000 plastic cards for driver’s license, but these were reserved for overseas Filipino workers needing driver’s license for their jobs.

As a temporary measure, Bautista said the LTO had already extended the validity of licenses that expired starting April 24 until October 31.

“Ang ini-issue nila ngayon sa mga bagong driver na kumukuha ng driver’s license is initially an OR [official receipt],” he said.

In an earlier Senate hearing, LTO officer-in-charge Hector Villacorta said they see the backlogs on driver’s license cards resolved by the end of 2023 through an emergency purchase arrangement with National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Last April, the LTO announced it would print out drivers’ licenses on paper due to the shortage of plastic cards.

Villacorta earlier said he plans to address the shortages on license cards and license plates for motorcycles under his watch in the agency.

“Right now, there’s an ongoing procurement. There is already the lowest bidder. We are just doing a post-qualification of the lowest calculated bid,” Bautista told the senators.

“If we will be able to finalize this, if we will qualify the lowest bidder, we should be able to get maybe 500,000 licenses in July.”

Group cites role of LGUs, power cooperatives in digital infrastructure

A CONSUMER advocacy group is calling on local government units (LGUs) and electric cooperatives across the country to remove barriers to broadband connectivity, saying that such choke points deprive the people of tangible economic opportunities.

“This is not a technology or even a capital issue, but more of a bureaucratic

bane,” said lawyer Tim Abejo, co-convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines. “It is something we can address swiftly and effectively with enough political will and commitment.” Abejo acknowledged existing efforts by the national government and the private sector in introducing change to the bureaucratic processes,

but said implementers at the grassroots level play a major role in translating policy to actual reality.

“There have been laudable developments in terms of crafting policies that specifically encourage the establishment of telco infrastructure,” Abejo said. “But apparently there are still administrative blocks at the site level that are delaying

the powering up of telco towers.”

According to Abejo, the LGUs have the discretion to adopt streamlined processes for establishing telco towers and other infrastructures in their area. Meanwhile, the electrification of telco towers already in place hinges on the efficiency of electric cooperatives to deliver power.

Marcos names Enciso as Customs intel chief

By Joel E. Zurbano

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ap -

pointed Verne Yadan Enciso as chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), a unit of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) tasked to go after big-time smugglers and erring BOC personnel.

Enciso’s oath of office was administered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin in Malacanang Thursday following his designation as Customs director III.

Prior to his new post, Enciso served as the CIIS station chief at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and special assistant to Intelligence Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy.

Expressing gratitude for the trust and confidence given to him by the President and the full

support extended to him by Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio, Enciso committed to leading the CIIS in full support of and alignment with the programs set by the agency.

The new CIIS chief emphasized the importance of transforming Customs Intelligence operations in line with the Presidential directive of modernizing and digitalizing customs services and administration.

Enciso further outlined his plans to enhance the proficiency of Intel officers in digital technologies and elevate the technological capabilities of the CIIS. These advancements, he said, aim to facilitate the delivery of “highly credible, confidential, and timely intelligence reports” that Customs can rely on and utilize for efficient and effective security enforcement, apprehension, and profiling.

LTO falls short by 690k driver’s licenses—DOTr

WORLD OCEAN DAY CLEANUP.

Volunteers conduct a clean-up drive along the shore of Dolomite Beach in Manila Bay to celebrate World Ocean Day on Thursday. The UN reiterated that this year’s World Oceans Day aims to generate a new wave of excitement toward cherishing and protecting the ocean.

Pimentel: Recall Maharlika bill

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday stressed that the only viable course of action for Congress to fix some serious errors in the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill is to recall its approval and bring it back to the plenary for reconsideration.

“Congress’ imprimatur is needed to rectify the MIF. The discrepancies and ambiguities found in the approved bill cannot be corrected without the risk of falsification of legislative documents,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel was referring to what he described as “glaring errors and discrepancies” in the MIF that Congress

President urges LGUs to support economic plans

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday called on local government officials to support his administration’s socioeconomic agenda and legislative priorities.

Mr. Marcos made the call during the oath-taking of the new set of national officers of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines (VMLP).

“So, I take this opportunity to rally your support behind our socio-economic plan and the administration’s legislative priorities. To this day, our vice mayors are important instruments in our bureaucracy and our delivery of services to the public,” he said in a speech delivered before the vice mayors.

“It is now upon us to solidify the groundwork upon which this transformation is based, and to make sure that it gains traction, especially at the local level,” he added.

The President stressed the importance to ensure the full implementation of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, an economic recovery roadmap that outlines the strategies to attain economic and social transformation for a “prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society.”

IN BRIEF

passed before it adjourned sine die. He had earlier cited, for instance, the different terms and prescriptive periods found in Sections 50 and 51 of MIF, saying that it could be that the intention might really be two different things –for which only the plenary can clarify.

By returning it to Congress, there

will be more opportunities to fine-tune the measure and clarify ambiguities surrounding the “hastily-enacted” MIF, according to Pimentel.

Pimentel said, however, that the bill is unsalvageable and reiterated his opposition to the measure.

Earlier, Pimentel said that the secretariat of both houses of Congress are not allowed to change the words embedded into the measure by elected officials of Congress.

Pimentel had earlier warned of potential legal cases such as “falsification of legislative documents” if the text of the bill--which both houses of Congress had already passed on third reading-was changed.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri meanwhile said those who will steal more than P50 million from the fund will be slapped with plunder, a nonbailable offense that carries a penalty of 20 years to a lifetime jail term and other multiple charges.

Zubiri said provisions of the law on plunder were among the safeguards included in the controversial MIF bill which was certified as “urgent” by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. He urged the public to forego their worries about the misuse of investment funds to the reiteration of the different laws under the penal code. The penal provisions, he said, are part of the law.

Canada

selects PH as agri-food hub in Pacific

CANADA has picked the Philippines as its new agriculture and agri-food office in the Indo-Pacific region after considering Manila as an “important partner” to build more economic relationships and peopleto-people ties.

Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on Thursday announced that Manila will be the intended home base for the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and AgriFood Office after discussing the Canadian strategy in the region with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA).

The new office is a joint venture between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which will consist of a mobile team working directly with Canadian diplomatic missions, Canadian stakeholders, foreign interlocutors, and decision-makers in the region to advance mutual trade objectives for the sector. Rey E. Requejo

DOJ: More convictions vs. erring policemen

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday said it expects more convictions of unscrupulous policemen involved in illegal drugs after another policeman has been found guilty by a lower court for the death of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo.

“We expect more of that (conviction of policemen) because many of the men in uniform did not do their jobs properly and probably even went to the other side. So, if they are caught doing their thing, the law will not choose who to convict. If it is the cops or the other violators of the law, so be it,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an interview.

Remulla made the statement after SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel was convicted for the death Jee Ick Joo. Rey E. Requejo

Israel envoy vows to address OFW concerns

ISRAEL has reaffirmed its interest in hiring more caregivers from the Philippines and also assured that it will discuss with Filipino officials labor concerns related to Filipino domestic workers.

Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said made the statement due to the Philippine government decision to put hold since October 2022 the deployment of Filipino caregivers there due to challenges in Israeli legislation and the Philippine regulations.

Fluss did not mention which particular Israeli and Philippine laws and regulations are in conflict with one another, but among concerns for Filipino caregivers he cited was the “basket of services,” or the salary and benefit package, they ought to receive in Israel. Rey E. Requejo

Private firms urged to pay proper wages to workers on June 12

By Vito Barcelo

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded private sector employers to provide proper pay wages to workers who will report for work on June 12, a regular and special holiday in celebration of the country’s 125th Anni-

versary of Independence Day.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 13, Series of 2023, stipulating the proper computation of workers’ wages for the declared regular holiday on June 12.

“If the employees did not work, they shall be paid 100 percent of their wage

SC denies new order on Taguig, Makati territorial dispute

By Rey E. Requejo

SUPREME Court (SC) spokesperson

Brian Keith Hosaka on Friday denied that the SC has issued an order setting the oral argument for the territorial dispute between Taguig and Makati City that has already had a final and

executory decision.

It can be recalled that the SC had ruled that the disputed 729-hectare Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation where the Bonifacio Global City is located and some other barangays in Makati City are under the legal jurisdiction of Taguig City Hosaka stressed that he was not

aware of the order about the alleged setting of oral arguments. “I have no information about this,” Hosaka said, in a text message to reporters. Hosaka explained that if the SC has indeed issued such an order, it will be published on the website and social media accounts of the high court.

MMDA, GSIS sign deal on use of Pasig property

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday signed an agreement with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the temporary use of its property in Pasig City in connection with the MMDA’s Motorcycle Riding

Academy program. GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso gave MMDA chairman Don Artes the go signal to use for one year the 5,977-square meter vacant lot property of GSIS at the corner of Doña Julia Vargas and Meralco Avenue in Barangay Ugong.

The agreement stated that the MMDA shall clear the property of all impounded vehicles and will construct, renovate, and improve the site for the establishment of the Motorcycle Riding Academy, including the cost of maintenance and security services, which will generate P 1 million worth of savings for the GSIS.

for that day, provided they worked or were on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the regular holiday. The computation is basic wage x 100 percent,” he said.

When the day immediately preceding the regular holiday is a non-working day in the establishment or the scheduled

rest day of the employees, they shall be entitled to holiday pay if they worked or were on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the nonworking day or rest day.

Meanwhile, for work done during the regular holiday, employees shall be paid 200 percent of their wage for the first eight hours.

VIRTUAL MEETING. Embattled Negros Congressman Arnie Teves speaks via a Zoom conference during a media forum at Kamuning Bakery Cafe’s Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on June 8. Teves said he will return to the country if he will be treated fairly. Manny Palmero

Norman Cruz

‘ARTISTICK PINOY.’ Students and shoppers look at sticker designs of artists from different towns at SM City Taytay’s ArtiStick Pinoy, an inter-town competition that celebrates culture, diversity, and creativity. Artists and designers from various towns showcase their works in celebration of the122nd Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal. Norman Cruz

“THE rule of ‘double jeopardy’ had a settled meaning in this jurisdiction… [i]t meant that when a person is charged with an offense and the case is terminated either by acquittal or conviction or in any other manner without the consent of the accused, the latter cannot again be charged with the same or identical offense” (Melo v. People, G.R. L-3580, March 22, 1950).

It is found in the common law of England, the Spanish law, the Constitution of the United States, and in our own Constitution as one of the fundamental rights of citizens.

“‘(T)he fundamental tenet animating the Double Jeopardy Clause is that the State should not be able to oppress individuals through the abuse of the criminal process.’ Because the innocence of the accused has been confirmed by a final judgment, the Constitution conclusively presumes that a second trial would be unfair” (People v. Arcega, G.R. 237489, August 27, 2020). The protection of the Constitution against a person being put twice in jeopardy for the “same offense” extends to an act that is punished both by law and ordinance.

Hence, the “conviction or acquittal under either shall constitute a bar to another prosecution for the same act” (see Section 21, Article III, 1987 Constitution).

“The phrase same offense… has always been construed to mean… that the second offense… is exactly the same as the one alleged in the first (criminal) information, [and] that the two offenses are identical. There is identity [of] offenses when the evidence to support a conviction for one offense would be sufficient to warrant a conviction for the other” (Melo v. People, G.R. L-3580, March 22, 1950).

“Under [the] Rules [of Court] there is identity between two offenses not only when the second offense is exactly the same as the first, but also when the second offense is an attempt to commit the first or a frustration thereof, or when it necessarily includes or is necessarily included in the offense charged in the first information” (Melo v. People, G.R. L-3580, March 22, 1950 citing U.S. v. Lim Suco, 11 Phil. 484).

The protection of the Constitution against a person being put twice in jeopardy for the ‘same offense’ extends to an act that is punished both by law and ordinance

“In other words, one who has been charged with an offense cannot be again charged with the same or identical offense though the latter be lesser or greater than the former… the Government cannot begin with the highest, and then go down step by step, bringing the man into jeopardy for every dereliction included therein…” (Melo v. People, G.R. L-3580, March 22, 1950).

However, “where after the first prosecution a new fact supervenes for which the defendant is responsible, which changes the character of the offense and, together with the facts existing at the time, constitutes a new and distinct offense…, the accused cannot be said to be in second jeopardy if indicted for the new offense.”

In the case of Melo v. People, Conrado Melo was charged with frustrated homicide for allegedly inflicting serious wounds upon Benjamin Obillo with the use of a kitchen knife, requiring medical attention for more than 30 days.

On the morning of December 29, 1949, the accused pleaded not guilty to the offense charged, and in the evening of the same day the victim Obillo died from his wounds (G.R. L-3580, March 22, 1950).

“In order that the protection against double jeopardy may inure in favor of an accused (defendant), the following requisites must [be present] in the original prosecution: (a) a valid complaint or information; (b) a competent court;

(c) the defendant had pleaded to the charges; and

(d) the defendant was acquitted, or convicted, or the case against him was dismissed or otherwise terminated without his express consent” (People v. Obsania, G.R. L-24447, June 29, 1968).

In the case of People v. Obsania, Willy Obsania, armed with a dagger, raped the complainant Erlinda Dollente, in the rice fields of Sitio Cawakalan, Barrio Capulaan, Pangasinan. The accused Obsania pleaded not guilty upon arraignment and moved for the dismissal of the

Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023 B1 OPINION

Climate change challenge

THE Philippines is once more at the front door of the rainy season, which puts into sharp focus yet again the challenge of climate change in this basically agricultural economy of 114 million people.

case for the failure of the criminal information to allege “lewd designs” (G.R. L-24447, June 29, 1968).

Despite the inclusion of the allegation “lewd designs” in the criminal information, the accused claimed that it did not cure the jurisdictional infirmity.

The trial court granted the motion and ordered dismissal of the action, causing the prosecution to file an appeal.

The question to be answered was whether the appeal of the Government (through the prosecution) constitutes double jeopardy.

To answer this question, it must be determined whether the dismissal or termination of the original case was with or without the express consent of the defendant.

“[W]hen the case is dismissed with the express consent of the defendant, the dismissal will not be a bar to another prosecution for the same offense; because, [it]… constitutes a waiver of his constitutional right or privilege,… prevent[ing] the court from proceeding to the trial on [its] merits and rendering a judgment of conviction against him” (G.R. L-24447, June 29, 1968).

“In essence, this Court held that where a criminal case is dismissed provisionally not only with the express consent of the accused but even upon the urging of his counsel, there can be no double jeopardy… if the indictment against him is revived by the fiscal” (G.R. L-24447, June 29, 1968). In the case of People v. Alejandro, the accused was charged with two counts of rape of a 12-year old minor, AAA.

After the prosecution presented AAA as witness, accused manifested in open court that he would no longer present any evidence for the defense and submitted the case for decision (G.R. 223099, January 11, 2018).

The Regional Trial Court promulgated a decision acquitting the accused.

On the same day, the RTC recalled the decision upon motion of the prosecution that there were Orders that were inadvertently placed in the record of the case involving the same accused but with a different private complainant-victim. The accused filed a Motion for Reconsideration arguing “that a judgment of acquittal is immediately final and executory and can neither be withdrawn nor modified, because to do so would place him in double jeopardy.”

The motion was denied, and the accused was found guilty of two counts of rape.

“What is peculiar in this case is that a judgment of acquittal was rendered based on the mistaken notion that the private complainant failed to testify… allegedly because of the mix-up of orders with a different case involving the same accused-appellant” (G.R. 223099, January 11, 2018).

This, however, does not change the fact that a judgment of acquittal that had been promulgated is final, unappealable, and immediately executory.

“The rule on double jeopardy, however, is not without exceptions, which are: (1) Where there has been deprivation of due process and where there is a finding of a mistrial, or (2) Where there has been a grave abuse of discretion under exceptional circumstances.” The exceptions are not present because the prosecution was able to present their case and their witnesses.

In the case of People v. Arcega, accused Domingo Arcega was charged and convicted with attempted rape in the RTC of Iriga City.

The accused appealed to the Court of Appeals, which modified the judgment of the RTC, finding him guilty of acts of lasciviousness only (G.R. No. 237489, August 27, 2020).

The issue to be resolved was whether the Government may assail the Court of Appeals’ decision modifying the RTC Judgment from attempted rape to acts of lasciviousness.

The Supreme Court, citing People v. Balunsat, declared that “[w]e can no longer review the ‘downgrading’ of the crime by the appellate court without violating the right against double jeopardy, which proscribes an appeal from a judgment of acquittal or for the purpose of increasing the penalty imposed upon the accused”

(G.R. 237489, August 27, 2020).

“(T)he underlying idea,… is that the State with all its resources and power should not be allowed to make repeated attempts to convict an individual for an alleged offense, thereby subjecting him to embarrassment, expense and ordeal and compelling him to live in a continuing state of anxiety and insecurity, as well as enhancing the possibility that even though innocent, he may be found guilty” (G.R. 237489, August 27, 2020 citing People v. Hon. Velasco).

I AM saddened to learn that the iconic Manila Central Post Office Building at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila was destroyed by fire last May 21.

Irreplaceable cultural treasure pieces like its collection of rare and vintage postage stamps, and postal souvenirs went up in smoke.

The Post Office Building is an architectural marvel. One writer refers to it as “an enduring legacy of the obiquitous Beaux Arts Movement of the American colonial period.”

Built in 1926 by the American colonial government in the Philippine Islands, the Post Office Building was destroyed in part in 1945 during the Battle for the Liberation of Manila during World War II. Fortunately, it was rebuilt thereafter.

According to the master plan American architect Daniel Burnham designed for early 20th century Manila, the Post Office Building was constructed right beside the south bank of the Pasig River so that mail destined for the provinces could be easily brought to the port area through riverboats.

In the years before commercial aviation, that was the fastest way to deliver the mail.

Estimates peg the damage caused by the fire to around P300-million.

By way of consolation, however, the Government Service Insurance System said the building is insured for P604-million. That ought

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself has underlined that “Developed countries have a moral obligation to support adaptation and mitigation efforts of the most vulnerable countries through technology transfer, capacity building, and climate financing, this to address loss and damage, and to achieve necessary breakthroughs for climate action at a global scale.”

His statement was contained in his call last month for unity among 10 ASEAN member states at their 42nd Summit Plenary Session in urging developed countries to fulfill their longstanding commitments to the Paris Agreement.

Sans doubt, the climate crisis poses an existential threat to the world, especially to unguarded countries like the Philippines, and the President was on track in urging the commonality of ASEN states in tackling these shared challenges.

“Although developing countries such as the Philippines only account for less than one percent of global emissions, our countries bear

The climate crisis indeed poses an existential threat to the world, especially to unguarded countries like the Philippines

the brunt of the devastating impacts of climate change,” President Marcos said. Weather authorities have said there is a 60 percent chance for a transition from ENSO-neutral to El Niño during May-July 2023, and this will increase to about 70 percent in June-August and

80 percent between July and September. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation is a recurring climate pattern involving changes in the temperature of waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

The Geneva-based World Meteorological Organization has described the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere during the 20th century as resulting ”from the growing use of energy and expansion of the global economy.

In 2009, the Philippine Congress passed the Climate Change Act which created the CCC to develop policies and coordinate government programs on climate change.

The CCC in turn developed the National Climate Change Action Plan that serves as a road map for all climate change programs in the Philippines.

In 2021, the Philippines committed to reduce 75 percent of its emissions by 2030 and quickly scale up efforts to adapt to a changing climate, setting itself one of the most ambitious targets among Southeast Asian countries. Weather experts have underlined that changes due to the variability and intensity of rainfall in the country and increased temperatures will affect food security and the safety of the population.

Multiple indices rank the Philippines, where impacts of climate change are immense, as one of the countries most affected by extreme climate events.

WHEN business tycoon Roberto “Bobby” Velayo Ongpin died last February 5 in his sleep “cradled in the arms of his beloved Balesin,” as a columnist poetically put it, media was abuzz with the passing of the taipan, billionaire, technocrat and visionary and chairman and CEO of Alphaland, the multi-billion high-end and debt-free developer of Balesin Island Club and many other prime property developments.

Among all the attributes of Bobby, aside from being a tycoon and billionaire, was that of a visionary that he was.

Being a good friend when Bobby was at the old Ateneo de Manila High School at the Loyola Heights, Quezon City, we had frequent intimate conversations about his plans for the Balesin Island Club, a debt-free multi--billion high end property development in the Philippines. Ongpin had envisioned the Philippines to be a great country. What I miss most was his monthly letters to Balesin Island Club members and guests where he would detail what he has done and what he will do.

I do wish that Eric Ongpin Recto, a former finance undersecretary, now the Chairman and CEO of Alphaland, could resume that monthly letter to Balesin Island Club members and guests.

I have said and, I repeat, Eric Recto is more than qualified to take over Alphaland as chairman and CEO. Eric was with RVO and his associates and coworkers knew him. I knew Eric when Bobby first started Alphaland because he was with Bobby from the start, but somehow they parted ways when Eric went on his own. I knew when Bobby started his signature property development, Balesin Island Club.

It was a small island off the coast of Quezon province, then owned by his former undersecretary when Ongpin was then minister of trade under then President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Actually, Balesin Island was then jointly owned by Ed Tordesillas and industrialist Baby Ysmael.

After Ongpin returned to the country from Hong Kong, where he was after the exile of Marcos Sr. he started doing business.

As Tony Lopez of BizNews Asia described him, he was a management expert, entrepreneur and wheeler-dealer par excellence.

I was then the government nominee of the sequestered ETPI (Eastern Telecommunications of the Philippines, Inc.), when, as its chairman, I helped Bobby buy out the firm.

Bobby soon sold ETPI to Ramon S. Ang, chairman and CEO of San Miguel, who in turn sold it to Smart and Globe. Santa Banana, would you believe that an Australian firm, minority stockholders of ETPI, sued me, accusing me of bias. Of course, I would sell ETPI to a Filipino rather than to a foreign firm, which the Australians wanted me to do.

As I said, Bobby is truly a visionary. Would you believe he was then with the Highlands Group of Tagaytay where he envisioned it as it is now.

When he started Balesin Island, with pride I saw him build the island to become a premiere paradise destination in the Philippines, building 7 themed villages, 28 restaurants for members only, each unique in many ways, with a 2.5 kilometer runway with its own fresh water fish, crab and shrimp sanctuary. Debt-free Alphaland Corp. is now expanding into nearby 732 hectare Patnanungan Island called Balesin International Gateway (BIG) with a 2.5-km runway, five five-star hotels and 18-hole golf courses and 1,834 luxury beach and golf course homes.

The idea: Attract the world’s high-end network individuals to enjoy the most unique beach resort and nature enclave.

Eric Recto is now pushing through with the development.

I could not believe it when I read the dominant broadcast network GMA-7 now has partnered with its foremost competitor ABS-CBN

And with the arrival of high-end jet hydrofoil, Balesin members and their guests could spend a whole day at BIG and return at night.

Santa Banana, with one-minute spots at CNN, Ongpin aimed to attract millionaires and billionaires from Japan, South Korea, and even from China to become members of Balesin.

With Bobby’s midas touch and with Eric Recto’s genius, all this will be realized.

RVO has indeed built a billion dollar fortune from scratch. I must add RVO had guts and a midas touch which many taipans and tycoons do not have.

Bobby’s last vision was to make Balesin the off-weather destination of premier soccer leagues worldwide.

In fact, he had built an entire soccer field area in Balesin where soccer players could play, complete with a grandstand and an entire airconditioned dormitory under it. In fact, he had invited American football players from Laguna to play regularly at Balesin, hoping that he would popularize soccer in the country.

He often told me that Filipinos should play soccer more than basketball, where height is not needed.

Forbes Park of Baguio

Another signature project of Alphaland— the Baguio Mountain Lodges, which I call the Forbes Park of the summer capital, Baguio—is an 8-hectare fully secure community, barely nine kilometers from Baguio central, where Alphaland

Mayor Lacuna, Postal chief Carlos must explain Post Office Building fire

to cover the reconstruction cost.

From available indications, the structural shell of the burnt Post Office Building remains intact.

However, some experts say it was too weakened by the nearly day-long fire, and may not be strong enough anymore to accommodate another reconstruction.

The ensuing investigation of the fire indicates that the Post Office Building did not have a sprinkler system. Had a sprinkler system been installed, the fire could have been controlled, and the damage could have been minimal. At the very least, a sprinkler system would have been given postal personnel enough time to evacuate the priceless cultural treasure inside the building.

Why wasn’t a sprinkler system installed in the Post Office Building? Postmaster General Luis Carlos has some explaining to do. So does Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna.

As the Postmaster General and the visible boss in the Post Office Building itself, Carlos must have been aware of the irreplaceable cultural heritage inside the building, and their sheer vulnerability to fire.

Thus, the least Carlos should have done was to install a sprinkler system inside the building. He did not do so.

A possible excuse is that the water that will be released by the sprinkler system would have destroyed whatever valuable cultural materials are inside the building anyway. That excuse is untenable. The valuable

cultural materials are kept inside protective transparent containers, so any damage from water would have been superficial.

What is important is that had a sprinkler system been in place, its operation would have bought postal personnel valuable time to evacuate the priceless artifacts. At the very least, Carlos should have installed an alternative safety system. There are modern fire safety and protection systems that use chemicals, not water. Why wasn’t one installed by Carlos?

Were there sufficient fire extinguishers all over the building? If there were, when were they purchased and installed, and what is the expiration date of the fire extinguishers?

Was there an adequate fire warning system installed at the building to forewarn postal personnel to evacuate the precious cultural heritage materials?

Based on news reports covering the investigation of the fire, there was none.

That said, Carlos may be liable for criminal and administrative raps for gross inexcusable negligence.

As for Mayor Lacuna, she must explain why Manila City Hall allowed the Post Office Building to operate without the installation of a sufficient fire safety and protection system, including a sprinkler system.

ManilaStandard ONLINE Chin Wong Associate Editor Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle News Editor

Identity of offenses leads to double jeopardy MEMBER Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers PPI can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

has built lodges for the rich and famous.

It is now a fully occupied hillside community, with all the amenities like a gymnasium where the young can play basketball and tennis, a chapel and even a high-end spa.

The residents do not have to go to the city since Alphaland has provided well-known restaurants rent-free at the entry.

It’s complete with helipads for those who want to go to Baguio by helicopter.

I saw the place when Ongpin’s three- room cottage on a hill was the only habitable thing built, serving as Ongpin’s getaway when he was managing partner of SGV.

I was there to have lunch with Bobby.

Now, it’s a sprawling community, a getaway for the rich and famous.

Oh, I had wished to have one of those units, but at the pricey cost of P40 to P50 million a piece, I couldn’t dream of buying one.

The Alpha Suites and CityClub

This column on “Missing Bobby Ongpin” would not be complete if I do not include the hotel residence that Ongpin built on the former property of Goodyear at the end of Ayala Avenue.

That residence hotel has been called the best place to stay by a survey on hotels.

And, of course, there is the City Club, the premiere leisure and sports club of the country.

Yes, my gulay, I’m a member of the City Club, my eternal thanks to Bobby, who gave me a complimentary membership, minus the eating in its beautiful restaurants.

An era of partnerships

I could not believe it when I read the dominant broadcast network GMA-7 now has partnered with its foremost competitor ABS-CBN.

This was after Congress failed to renew, Santa Banana, its 25-year lease franchise by the National Telecommunications Commission.

This announcement was made by no less than GMA-7 chairman and CEO Felipe Henry Gozon himself amid a slowdown of advertising revenue and expensive production costs.

Gozon said “we are now in an era of partnerships and this has led our expansion to new genres and diversified our revenue streams.”

Gozon was referring to deals with global platforms and even with ABS-CBN, once the giant network, GMA-7 continues to produce its own shows like the highly-rated Filipino-made live action reboot of the 1970s anime classic Voltes V, which Gozon said came with a price tag of P500 million.

Apart from its core business, GMA-7 also invested its excess cash in US telehealth startups.

These include a $2 million commitment with Wavemaker Three-sixty Health (Wavemaker 360), a healthcare focused-US venture capital firm.

My congratulations to GMA-7 and its chairman and CEO, Henry Gozon.

The law requires such installation, and it appears that Lacuna has been negligent in seeing to it that the Post Office Building is regularly inspected by her city hall personnel to find out if the building is compliant with fire safety and protection standards mandated by law.

It seems that Lacuna is so occupied with her advance campaign to get herself re-elected to city hall in the May 2025 midterm elections such that she has not been doing her duty to ensure that buildings in her city are compliant with the law. For that, and like Carlos before her, Lacuna may also face criminal and administrative raps for gross inexcusable negligence.

What happened to the Post Office Building should prompt the authorities to inspect other historic buildings in Manila and to make sure that no fire destroys them in the predictable future.

The inspection should start with the buildings of the University of the Philippines in Ermita, Manila, the Philippine Normal University, and the Far Eastern University; the old MWSS building along Arroceros Street near Manila City Hall; and the buildings at the Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, among others.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Indonesia seeks Malaysia support to fight EU palm oil ‘discrimination’

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia - Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday called for stronger collaboration with Malaysia to protect palm oil products threatened by a European Union trade law he termed “discrimination”.

The European Parliament adopted the new legislation in April that will ban imports deemed to be driving deforestation, throwing the bloc’s trade muscle behind a global fight against climate change.

The law, which is awaiting final approval from EU member countries, would restrict imports from around the world on coffee, cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubber.

Imports that come from land deforested after Dec. 31, 2020, will be prohibited in the huge EU market -the third-largest for both Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Do not let the commodities produced by Malaysia and Indonesia be discriminated by other countries,” Widodo said at a joint press conference alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“We need to continue to strengthen this collaboration,” he said after the two leaders met in Malaysia’s administrative capital Putrajaya.

Indonesia accounts for more than half the global supply of the edible oil, used in making foods such as cakes, chocolate, and margarine as well as cosmetics, soap and shampoo.

However, palm oil is a controversial commodity, blamed by environmentalists for fueling the destruction of rainforests in Malaysia and Indonesia, which together produce 85 percent of global output.

Green groups say the rapid expansion of plantations has destroyed rare animals’ habitats, while there have been allegations of foreign workers being abused and mistreated on some estates.

Widodo said he “deeply appreciated” ongoing cooperation between the two countries, referencing a recent visit by Indonesian and Malaysian officials to Brussels to combat the EU deforestation law. AFP

Stock market retreats; Ayala, BDO top gainers

STOCKS retreated Thursday as renewed fears the US Federal Reserve will lift interest rates next week sent most markets into reverse, tracking losses across Wall Street and Europe, while traders were looking for measures from China to boost growth.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index shed 25 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 6,539.36, as all six subsectors ended in the red.

The index representing all shares also lost 10 points, or 0.31 percent, to settle at 3,484.71 on a value turnover of P3.86

WhatsApp launches new offering: one-to-many broadcasting

SAN FRANCISCO, USA—WhatsApp on Thursday began letting select organizations try a new feature called “Channels” that lets them broadcast to followers on the popular, Meta-owned messaging service.

The debut comes as an array of agencies and organizations grow disenchanted with Elon Musk-owned Twitter in the face of fees, performance problems and dramatically scaled-back content moderation.

Meta described Channels as “a simple, reliable and private way to receive important updates from people and organizations, right within WhatsApp.”

A video shared by Meta showed the potential for Channels to keep people up to date on race results, soccer match outcomes, weather, and traffic, and even share cooking or home repair tips.

“We think the time is finally right to introduce a simple, reliable, and private broadcast tool,” Meta said in a post.

Meta said WhatsApp’s priority will continue to be private messaging, but that users have been asking for a feature like Channels for years.

WhatsApp is known for encryption that protects against snooping.

More than two billion people around the world use WhatsApp, according to the platform.

Meta said it is exploring the option of making encrypted channels available for groups such as nonprofits or health organizations where that level of security might be needed.

Channels was described as a one-way broadcast tool that lets account administrators sent text, photos, videos, stickers and polls.

Global launch partners include the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization as well as the FC Barcelona and Manchester City football clubs, according to Meta. AFP

billion. Losers outmatched gainers, 105 to 69, while 51 issues were unchanged.

Only three of the 10 most active stocks ended in the green, led by Ayala Corp. which rose 0.45 percent to P677.00. BDO Unibank Inc. gained 0.29 percent to P137.80, while AgriNurture Inc. added 0.14 percent to finish at P7.21.

The peso closed lower at 56.11 against the US dollar, compared to 56.09 Wednesday.

Most Asian equities markets also traded lower. Equities have enjoyed a broadly healthy run-up so far this month as recent data suggested the US economy was holding up after 10 straight rate hikes but the Fed had enough room to skip another increase this month.

However, a surprise lift by the Bank of Canada on Wednesday -- a day after Australia lifted rates to an 11-year high -- dealt a blow to those hopes and reminded investors that more work was

still needed to fight still-too-high inflation.

The Fed’s June 14 decision comes just after the release of figures on the consumer price index, which could play a major part in policymakers’ thoughts, with the board still split on whether or not to pause.

“Canada’s central bank is viewed as one of the leaders when it comes to being proactive with monetary policy,” said OANDA’s Edward Moya.

“They were the first to raise rates in 2022 and then put them on hold earlier this year. The BOC is signaling that more rate hikes could come and that has everyone rethinking that the Fed will be done after the July hike.”

The news compounded the already gloomy mood on trading floors following weak trade data out of China and the United States as well as subdued German industrial production. With AFP

MOST ACTIVE

Other Matters

11. Adjournment

Only stockholders of record as of 10 June 2023 are entitled to notice and to vote at this meeting.

For the health and safety of the stockholders and all persons in light of the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company will not hold a physical meeting and will instead conduct the meeting via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can therefore only attend and participate in the meeting by remote communication. Stockholders also have the option to vote in absentia or appoint the Chairman as proxy. The meeting will be presided by the Chairman in the Principal Office of the Company at Brgy. Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City. Stockholders who intend to attend by remote communication shall inform the Company by email to corpsec@apmciloilo.comon or before 23 June 2023 subject to the procedure set in the Information Statement which will be posted in the Company’s website www.apmc-iloilo.com.In the same website, stockholders may access the following: (a) Minutes of the Meeting on 29 September 2022 and (b) Proxy Form for Attendance at Meeting and other meeting documents required under Section 49 of the Revised Corporation Code. The link for the Zoom webinar will be sent to the email address of the stockholders who registered to attend via remote communication.

To those who would opt to participate by voting through the Chairman as proxy, the deadline for submission of proxies will be at 5:00 pm of 23 June 2023.

Those who are unable to join the meeting via remote communication but wish to vote on items in the agenda may appoint the Chairman as proxy with specific voting instructions which will be duly counted. Proxies can be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary or via email to the aforementioned address.

For individual stockholders, the submission must be accompanied by a copy of a government-issued ID as proof of identification. For corporations, the submission must be accompanied by a certification from its Corporate Secretary stating the corporate officer’s authority to represent and sign on behalf of the corporation. Kindly submit to the Office of the Corporate Secretary the original signed and notarized documents within a reasonable time after the resumption of regular business operations.

During the meeting, the Company shall entertain questions and comments from the stockholders after the presentation of the Annual Report. Questions which were not answered during the meeting shall be forwarded to the Office of the Corporate Secretary for the appropriate response via email.

For ASM-related queries, you may send an email to corpsec@apmciloilo.com or contact the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 3215748, 09292703169 and 09452331438. For concerns regarding shareholdings, please contact Toni Dinah Cheer D. Fernandez of the Investor Relations Office at 3215748, 09292703169 and 09452331438 or via email directly to corpsec@apmciloilo.com

‘Channels’

MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

WAX MOLD. Bees cover with wax a 3D printed simile of an ancient bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, created by Slovak artist and designer Tomas Libertiny, Israeli beekeeper Rafi Nir and curator Dudi Mevorach that will serve as a template for a bronze mold at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem on June 7, 2023. The method is a reflection of the ancient ‘lost-wax’ technique which created a mold that melted once boiling bronze was poured over. The new model will be displayed alongside the original Hadrian statue in a few months. AFP

Bangko Sentral cuts banks’ reserve requirement ratio by 250 bps to 9.5%

By Julito G. Rada

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday reduced the reserve requirement ratio of universal and commercial banks by 250 basis points to free up more funds.

It also brought down the RRR of nonbank financial institutions with quasibanking functions by 250 bps, of digital banks by 200 bps and of thrift banks, rural banks and cooperative banks by 100 bps.

RRR refers to the minimum reserves required for depository institutions. A change in the minimum reserve ratio affects the deposit base a financial institution can lend out.

The BSP said the reduction would bring the RRRs of universal and commercial banks and NBQBs from 12 percent to 9.5 percent; those of digital

banks from 8 percent to 6 percent; thrift banks from 3 percent to 2 percent; and rural and cooperative banks from 2 percent to 1 percent.

The new ratios will take effect on the reserve week beginning June 30, 2023 and will apply to the local currency deposits and deposit substitute liabilities of banks and NBQBs.

“The reduction in reserve ratios is intended to coincide with the expiration of alternative modes of compliance with reserve requirements by end-June 2023 and thereby ensure stable domestic liquidity and credit conditions,” the

BSP said.

“This operational adjustment is in line with the BSP’s ongoing efforts towards a more active and flexible approach to liquidity management through marketbased monetary operations. This includes the inaugural offering on June 30, 2023 of the 56-day BSP Bill, which serves as an additional instrument for absorbing system liquidity,” it said.

The BSP clarified that the lower reserve requirements do not constitute any shift in monetary policy settings. “The BSP continues to prioritize bringing inflation back towards a target-consistent path over the medium term and will continue to signal its monetary policy stance through the key policy interest rate, or the rate on the overnight reverse repurchase facility,” it said.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said

DBP offers to assist water districts, utilities

the latest RRR cut would infuse about P325 billion into the financial system, or about P130 billion for every 1-percentage-point reduction for large banks.

Ricafort said “more peso supply will be infused into the market; more peso could be used for lending activities; purchases of government securities/other fixed income investments, equities/stocks, forex, property, other investments/assets, other spending/ consumption, other business/economic activities, among others.”

He said this could be siphoned off with the upcoming 56-day BSP bills starting June 30, 2023 to help stabilize the exchange rate and overall inflation.

“The RRR cut is also fulfilling the promise/target a few months/years ago to bring down the large banks’ RRR to single digit levels by the end of the BSP Governor’s term on June 30, 2023,” Ricafort said.

STATE-RUN Development of the Bank of the Philippines offered to provide credit assistance to water districts, local government units and water utility firms to expand production capacity and explore additional water sources amid the looming onset of El Niño phenomenon at the latter part of the year, a top executive said Thursday.

DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus said the funding assistance would be channeled under its pioneering Water for Every Resident program, which was designed to support projects that would provide affordable water supply at the community level.

“DBP’s broad experience in bankrolling water supply projects would be a boon to our collective efforts to find suitable and sustainable solutions to address the rising demand for an important natural resource such as water,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier raised an El Niño alert, which it expects to emerge by June and persist until the first quarter of 2024. Julito G. Rada

Quirino Mabini for the 2nd Tour de McDo in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The latest ride brought together several cycling communities and personalities simultaneously in three key areas across the country – Pampanga, Intramuros and Tagaytay. Tour de McDo is a multiple-stage bike challenge introduced under McDonald’s Green and Good campaign – the QSR giant’s initiative to do better for the environment by implementing sustainable and alternative solutions in their restaurants and operations.

Accerated decarbonization to leave $10b worth of stranded coal plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE World Bank said Thursday an accelerated decarbonization scenario would leave the Philippines with $10 bilion worth of stranded coal-fired power plants.

“The accelerated decarbonization scenario will have a tremendous impact on the power system technology mix.

What this tells us is if the Philippines is aspiring to reach carbon neutrality by mid-century, it really has to ramp up renewable energy investment dramatically

and at the same time start to phase down coal-fired power around 2030,” said WB senior energy specialist and infrastructure program leader for the Philippines Feng Liu.

This is because coal still accounted for about 43 percent of the country’s installed capacity as of 2021, based on Department of Energy records.

The WB’s Philippines Economic Report said phasing down coal-fired power would result in substantial stranded assets. It said less than three gigawatts (3,000 MW) of coal-fired power plants

would be in operation by 2040 under the ADS, compared to about 14 GW under the current power scenario.

“The present value of the financial losses due to stranded CFPPs is about $10 billion under the ADS. Current CFPPs (11 GW in 2020) in the Philippines are relatively young, most of them having been commissioned no early than 2010,” the report said.

It said the coal power plant phasedown would take place from 2028 to 2040 under the ADS, requiring effective solutions to address the financial cost of

the stranded assets of privately owned CFPPs.

The WB said the Philippines should conduct a better assessment of the economic, social and financial risks of stranded assets, not only for coal but also for natural gas infrastructure, as it pursues an accelerated decarbonized pathway.

“While the Philippines has limited domestic production of coal, coal mines as well as the existing 30 or so CFPPs will need to be gradually retired to achieve the net-zero goal,” it said.

DTI warns e-commerce platforms on online sales of fake, pirated items

By Othel V. Campos

TRADE Secretary Alfredo Pascual on Thursday ordered the country’s two major e-commerce platforms to submit an explanation on recent cases of deceptive, unfair, fraudulent and unconscionable online sales practices.

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEUR. Converge ICT Inc. co-founder and chief executive Dennis Anthony Uy is representing the Philippines in the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Monte Carlo, Monaco. He is joining 44 other global business leaders in the global competition for entrepreneurs on June 6 to 9. The Converge CEO was recognized the Philippines’ EY Entrepreneur of the Year and Master Entrepreneur in November 2022 after he bested 17 other Filipino finalists for his pivotal role in bringing digital connectivity to Filipinos across the country. Uy’s rise from a young migrant with a hunger for technology and innovation to a major player in the telecommunications industry exemplifies the persevering spirit of Filipino business owners.

“We received a report regarding scammers and sellers of defective, fake and pirated products in e-commerce platforms. I have already issued a letter addressed to two big e-commerce platforms for them to remove unregistered and unlicensed online merchants. Following numerous notifications, they were given 72 hours to explain,” Pascual said in a statement.

He said the DTI was undertaking appropriate measures to intensify the campaign against fraudulent sales practices, particularly in the virtual sales platform.

“I assure Filipino consumers that we are here to promote and protect their

welfare and make sure that these sellers will be made accountable. As we promote the use of e-commerce platforms, we want to make sure that these spaces will be safe for consumers,” Pascual said.

The report received by the department indicated that several consumers lodged complaints against various online sellers of fake, defective or undelivered parcels.

The DTI said sales malpractice is a criminal offense under Republic Act Nos. 7394 and 8293, and Joint Administrative Order No. 22-01, Series of 2022 or the Guidelines for Online Business Reiterating the Laws and Regulations Applicable to Online Businesses and Consumers.

Pascual urged e-commerce platforms to immediately address the concerns of consumers who fell victim to deceptive sellers and seriously adhere to the prohibition against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable online sales and practices.

Pag-IBIG released P15.82b in cash loans in four months to help over 700,000 members

PAG-IBIG Fund released P15.82 billion in cash loans in the first four months of the year, an increase of 5 percent from P15.10 billion in the same period last year, agency officials said Wednesday.

The amount of multi-purpose loans disbursed by the agency helped 728,653 members with their financial needs, it said.

“We at Pag-IBIG Fund exert all efforts in providing our members with assistance on their financial needs. We are happy to note that through our Pag-IBIG Multi-Purpose

Loan, we were able to aid more than 700 thousand Filipino workers gain added funds to tend to their needs. All our efforts are in line with the call of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to provide the best service to the Filipino people,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who leads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees. Pag-IBIG Fund’s MPL is the agency’s affordable and easily accessible cash loan.

Under MPL, qualified members can borrow up to 80 percent of their total Pag-IBIG regular savings, which consist of their monthly contributions, their employer’s contributions and accumulated dividends earned. The proceeds can be used to pay for tuition fees, medical expenses, minor home improvement, a family trip or even serve as capital for small businesses. The loan is payable in 24 or 36 monthly installments, with the first payment deferred for two months.

The Pag-IBIG MPL comes at a low interest rate of 10.5 percent per year. In the past years, the agency has returned more than 90 percent of its income to its members in the form of dividends.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta said the agency provides members with numerous ways to conveniently apply for a Pag-IBIG MPL through more than 200 branches, the online facility Virtual PagIBIG found on its website and the Virtual Pag-IBIG mobile app.

SPNEC prepares to start Nueva Ecija

expansion

SOLAR energy provider SP New Energy Corp. is set to break ground this year on the 3,000-hectare Nueva Ecija expansion project, dubbed as one of the world’s largest solar power plants.

SPNEC founder and president Leandro Antonio Leviste said the Nueva Ecija expansion project, which would house over 3,500 megawatts of solar power farms, would be whollyowned by the company.

“This year we will break ground on the Nueva Ecija expansion project, which will be one of the world’s largest solar plants, which will be wholly owned or fully controlled by SPNEC,” Leviste said.

Leviste said the company secured 2,000 hectares of land between Bulacan and Nueva Ecija provinces and is on track to complete 3,000 hectares and convert the usage for the land to industrial use within the year.

Leviste said SPNEC used the proceeds from its recent capital raising activities and initial P2-billion capital infusion by Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to complete the land acquisition.

SPNEC is also starting to construct a transmission line to connect to National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ substations that supply the Greater Manila Area. Jenniffer B. Austria Gov’t

to decide on best model to privatize NAIA

THE unsolicited offer of the Manila International Airport Consortium to upgrade and rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is still alive even as the Department of Transportation submitted a solicited public private partnership model to the National Economic and Development Authority.

“We are proceeding right now in parallel ... at the moment. That’s where we are,” Transportation Undersecretary for aviation and airports Roberto Lim said in a virtual briefing.

“We will coordinate with NEDA. We just submitted it, and they are still evaluating it. It’s under evaluation. We hope that the decision will come soon, maybe in a month or two,” he said.

The DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal for the P141-billion NAIA solicited PPP project for approval by NEDA board, giving the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment. Lim said the NEDA board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., would decide the best model to privatize the NAIA.

Darwin G. Amojelar

PGMPI eyes partners in extraction of rare earth elements in PH

A CONSORTIUM of institutional investors from South Korea and the Philippine General Minerals Project Inc. are actively exploring opportunities for collaboration and partnership for the sustainable extraction of critical minerals and rare earth elements in the Philippines.

PGMPI president and chief executive Antonio Parlade Jr. said the business consortium Busan Equity Partners led by Yonsung Lee and the firm he founded had made several significant discussions and steps towards a potential privatepublic-partnership with the South Korean investors, aligning with the Korean government’s requirements for strategic metals.

BEP officials visited the country in April, days after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed intention to source critical mineral requirements from the Philippines and Indonesia, aiming to reduce their reliance on China by at least 50 percent.

“These metals are of utmost significance and importance to South Korea’s highly industrialized sectors, including prominent manufacturing giants such as Samsung, Hyundai, and POSCO, thus highlighting the urgency of the Philippine government’s response on the matter,” said Parlade, a retired military general.

BEP officials, accompanied by PGMI executives, met on different dates with Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual Jr. and Board of Investments vice chairman Ceferino Rodolfo, Development Bank of the Philippines director Maria Lourdes Arcenas and president and chief executive Michael de Jesus.

The DTI and BOI expressed optimism about the project and pledged to coordinate with counterparts for the Philippines-South Korea Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to facilitate future collaborations with PGMPI.

BICYCLE DAY. McDonald’s Philippines president and chief executive Kenneth Yang joins cycling participants at McDonald’s

Singson rolls to 3-shot title romp

ANTIPOLO—Mafy Singson closed out with a steady 71 that proved too much for her rivals to overcome as she bested Daniella Uy by three while thwarting fellow amateur Lois Kaye Go’s late rally to secure the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge crown here on Thursday.

It was way off her superb 69 in the weather-suspended play that drove her past a throng of rivals Wednesday for a one-stroke lead over Uy and Korean amateur Min Yeong Kim but enough to hoist a second Ladies Philippine Golf Tour trophy with a 54-hole total of 219.

Uy bogeyed three of the first five holes but went on a three-birdie binge from No. 10, only to struggle with a bogey-birdie-bogey run from No. 14 for a 73 and a 222 while Sarah Ababa matched Singson’s second round three-under card to tie Go, who put in a 71, at 223.

Team PH matches Surakarta games’ haul with javelin gold

PHNOM PENH—The Philippines secured its 28th gold medal from javelin thrower Andrei Kuizon and is now poised to eclipse its previous showing in the ASEAN Para Games.

Kuizon, a 22-year-old Pampanga native plucked out of the wheelchair basketball team, took the mint after organizers decided to separate the winners of his F54 class from F34 as the Philippines matched its golden haul last year in Surakarta, Indonesia.

The reigning shot put gold winner was initially awarded the silver Wednesday with a 19.03-meter heave with Vietnamese Vivan Tung, seizing the mint with a 21.33m heave at the Morodok Techo National Stadium

That was until fate intervened to hand the wonder thrower from Las Pinas, a protégée of former national team member Nixon Mas, his second gold.

“Nag-decide ang TIC (organizer) ibigay ang gold kay Andrei. Meron na kami papel na pinadala nila na nagpapatunay at nakuha na din namin gold medal niya,” said national track and field assistant coach Bernard Bren, speaking in behalf of head coach Joel Deriada.

Kuizon’s triumph thus capped a spectacular performance by the 23-strong athletics squad as it finished

with a 10-gold, 10-silver and 11-bronze harvest that surpassed its 6-4-14 effort a year ago.

It also put the whole Philippine Para team in a position to eclipse its 28-30-46 performance in Surakarta as it currently has a 28-31-39 harvest at press time.

It will now boil down to the country’s entries in chess, badminton and table tennis, which have still ongoing events at press time.

But it is more likely that it would come from the Filipino woodpushers, who have accounted for a whoppingseven mints from rapid and standard events—four from Darry Bernardo in the men’s B2B3 class and three from Cheyzer Mendoza in the women’s PI section.

After three of the six-round blitz chess action, four Filipino players—Bernardo, Mendoza, Arman Subaste (B2B3), Henry Lopez (men’s PI) and Francis Ching (men’s B1)—were currently at solo first place or tied for it.

In swimming at the Morodok Aquatics Center, Gary Bejino and Marco Tinamisan settled for a pair of silver medal finishes in the 100m freestyle S6 and S4, respectively.

Bejino, who captured two gold medals in recordbreaking fashions entering the final day of pool competition, clocked a minute and 15.09 seconds in ending up behind eventual gold medalist Auyng Myint Myat of Myanmar, who timed in 1:14.90.

For Tinamisan, it was a bittersweet effort as he checked in at 1:47.45 in finishing behind Vietnam’s Danh Hoa’s 1:36.23.

Vargas voted swim chief; Buhain is secretary general

By Peter Atencio

RETIRED government employee and longtime swimming supporter Michael Vargas would have chosen to stay in the background, away from the limelight, quietly supporting th e swimming activities of former Olympian and Batangas Rep. Eric Buhain and his group.

But this time, the 43-year-old Vargas took a new direction and accepted the lead role of Philippine Swimming, Inc. president.

“Me and Cong. Eric (Buhain) have always been working together. I have been an unnamed supporter of swimming for a long time. That’s because, my support was to Cong. Eric and his activities. ‘Yun na nga, iyung mga regionals,” said Vargas.

A recently retired government service officer at the Bureau of Customs, Vargas garnered 10 votes from the 11 board of trustees following a series of elections

held under the supervision of a Philippine Olympic Committee-designated electoral committee on Thursday.

Buhain, who was tipped to be the next PSI chief, decided to take another path, though, as secretary general dur-

Jack Animam poised for even bigger things

By Randy Caluag

JACK Danielle Animam, arguably the most accomplished homegrown Filipina basketball player today, was not exactly sure about her future when, at 12, she left her hometown of Lugam, Malolos to try her luck in the Big City.

Thirteen years later, she recounted her blessings—from fruitful campaigns with the National University and the national team, an overseas stint as an import in the Serbian women’s basketball league to being part of a cover of a sports magazine and Nike brand ambassador.

“Siksik, liglig, umaapaw,” was how she began her long social media post.

“I was 12 years (old) when I left Lugam (Malolos). I didn’t know what kind of life is waiting for me in the Metro, all I know is I can study for free and that was enough for

me to have the courage to leave my comfort zone. And as they say, what happens next is history.”

The past weeks have been an overwhelming experience for Animam, a 6’5” lady cager who was born to a Nigerian father Ayo Jackson Animam, and a Filipina mother Erlinda Santo Tomas.

“Sabay-sabay lahat. From (Cambodia) SEA games, to the launch of the first-ever SLAM (Magazine) issue in the PH and my Nike campaign. I never imagined these things, and it is my reality now. I can’t still even fathom everything that happened.”

Animam said her plan was just to get free studies in college and get a good job. “That’s why I studied hard. ‘Di ako matalino pero masipag ako. Kasi ‘di ba sabi nga nila ‘pag may tiyaga may nilaga? So I used basketball to study. Little did I know, God has a different plan for me,” Animam added.

“If you told me this 10 years ago, that I would be able to do this and that, I wouldn’t believe you.”

Animam was encouraged by her high school principal to try basketball to become part of the school squad. With hesitation, she obliged. But her skills were further developed under coach Pat Aquino, when he took her under his wings at NU where they built the Lady Bulldogs’ empire that won six straight UAAP titles during her stay in the school.

Then, she joined Shin Hsin University for her master’s degree in public relations and helped the school clinch the2020–21 season of the Taiwan University League with an 18–0 win–loss record.

As a national player, also under coach Aquino, Animam was a two-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games. Her pro basketball career brought her to Serbia and France as an import.

ing the World Aquatics-ordered polls at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Paranaque City.

“We are like brothers, who have been helping Philippine swimming. I asked him to come out and show himself,” said Buhain, adding his role as secretary general will bring him close to the heart of activities in swimming.

Vargas and Buhain, who also got 10 votes as secretary general, have been involved with organizing events put up by the Congress of Philippine Aquatic, Inc.

“He asked to be in that role. He wants to be in the heart of swimming (as secretary general) para hagip niya kayong lahat,” added Vargas. The 11 new members of the board of trustees will come from 19 representatives of over 300 swimming clubs, which earlier participated in the National Congress held last May 25.

But while Singson claimed the championship trophy, Uy, who scored her maiden win at Riviera in 2021, took the top purse of P90,000 while Ababa pocketed P64,500 as the second-best pro in the sixth leg of this year’s circuit sponsored by ICTSI.

“Since I was leading most of the way, I just played it steady and told myself, ‘if it’s for me, it’s for me,’” said Singson, who upstaged pros Harmie Constantino and absentees Chanelle Avaricio and Sunshine Baraquiel by one for her breakthrough victory at Splendido Taal last year.

But thoughts of a second win hardly crossed her mind with a game that borders on mediocrity the past few months. She ended up tied at 11th at Caliraya Springs and wound up joint seventh at Villamor while faintly helping the national team in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

Add to that an opening 79 at the challenging Valley South Tuesday, things indeed didn’t seem to look good or promising for the Team ICTSI spearhead.

But she made a big U-turn in the second round, bucking all the odds, including tough conditions at the hilly layout and a two-hour long weather delay to produce a 69, the huge 10-shot recovery netting her the lead which she never relinquished.

Knights come from behind to frustrate Lions in finals’ opener

Games Today 2 p.m. – Univ. of Perpetual Help System Dalta vs EcoOil-La Salle 4 p.m. – Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran vs Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda

ANOTHER overtime game, another wi n for Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran.

Wangs Basketball @27 Strikers-Letran battled back from a 24-point deficit and stunned Marinerong Pilipino- San Beda, 93-87, in overtime on Thursday in Game 1 of the 2023 PBA Aspirants’ Cup semifinals at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.

Kurt Reyson took over in extra time, hitting seven straight points to key the win as the Knights grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

It’s the second straight OT win for the Knights, who also worked overtime to beat the Centro Escolar University Scorpions on Tuesday to reach the Final Four.

“Uulitin ko lang na praise God kasi binigyan kami ulit ng pag-asa na manalo. Puro ganito ang game namin pero pasalamat kami dahil nao-overcome namin ‘yung ganitong trial, especially against a very strong team like San Beda,” said Letran coach Rensy Bajar.

“Ang sama ng simula namin. Pero ‘yung mga players namin, kumbaga sa ilang taon na, they’re born winners. Alam nila paano maglaro sa ganitong sitwasyon. Para sa amin, depensa lang talaga.”

Reyson scored 32 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter to keep Letran in the game.

Kevin Santos tallied 17 points and 13 rebounds, Vince Cuajao added 12, while Kyle Tolentino chipped in 10 and hit the game-tying triple in the last five seconds in regulation to force overtime.

It was a frustrating defeat for the Red Lions, who blew an early 34-10 lead and a 44-28 advantage at the half.

Jacob Cortez led San Beda with 24 points.

Jack Animam

Mafy Singson soaks it in up in victory as she gets a douse from Chihiro Ikeda, LK Go and Sheryl Villasencio. Manny Marcelo

Andrei Kuizon

Newly elected PSI officers, led by president Michael Vargas and Rep. Eric Buhain, are sworn into office by POC chief Rep. Abraham Tolentino.

Spoelstra: We didn’t offer much resistance

MIAMI—Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra admitted his team had been “pummeled” in the paint in their 109-94 defeat to the Denver Nuggets and had failed to respond to the challenge.

The Nuggets out-scored the Heat 6034 in the paint and also won the rebound battle 58-33 meaning that Denver’s miserly five of 18 three-point shooting didn’t matter.

“They just pummeled us in the paint,” Spoelstra said. “They didn’t really have to shoot threes. They had, whatever, 60 in the paint. There wasn’t a need to space the floor.

“We didn’t offer much resistance....I thought offensively, we actually did get a

lot of opportunities in the paint.

“You do have to credit their size and everything like that, but we have proven that we can finish in the paint when we’re at our best,” he added.

However Spoelstra knows he has some work to do on the offensive side.

“Definitely some things where we got flattened out, and they jammed us up in possessions, got us late into possessions. Then sometimes we’re forced with those plays, and that can kind of

Battle royale up in Subic IRONMAN

WHILE focus will be on the Century Tuna full IRONMAN Philippines, a mix of fearless bidders from at least 29 countries mount their own drive for top honors in the Subic IRONMAN 70.3, which reels off Sunday (June 11) in Subic Bay August Benedicto and Ines Santiago, who topped their respective sides in the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21km run event in Cebu last year, lead the chase for the overall Open championship and age-group honors in an explosive racing weekend at the country’s premier triathlon hub.

It will be ushered in by the IRONKIDS on Saturday and highlighted by the third staging of the grueling 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42km run race, also on Sunday.

But Benedicto and Santiago brace for a tougher challenge this time with a slew of aces all primed for a crack at glory, including 12 bidders each from Taiwan and the US, 11 from Great Britain and eight and seven from Japan and Australia, respectively.

But the 301-triathlete strong local contingent is out to keep the title at home with John Alcala, who stole the thunder from

“Coach, he knew how they were going to come out aggressive, and we just didn’t—we didn’t match the force...we didn’t play with the force we needed to play with,” he said.

“I think that was their objective, to get in the paint, get inside and use their size and physicality. And that’s what they did,” he added.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both had triple doubles for Denver and Caleb Martin said despite their pair’s quality, Miami had to be self-critical.

have a different flow and feel to it than if it’s just in our typical rhythm of our offense,” he said.

But Jimmy Butler, who top scored for the Heat with 28 points, said the key change needs to come from the players not the playbook.

“We didn’t play our best tonight. I feel like we just got to come out with more energy and effort, and that’s correctible. That’s on us as a group. No X’s and O’s can fix that.

“So come out, dive on the floor, get loose balls, get defensive rebounds and maybe, just maybe, it would have been a different game,” he said.

Kyle Lowry said Miami head failed to heed Spoelstra’s pre-game warning of what to expect from the Nuggets.

the big guns to snatch the Puerto Princesa 70.3 trophy last November, leading the challenge, along with Jonathan Pagaura, Yoejan Prudente and Jocel Rendon. Celma Hitalia, Mary Baluyot, Mae Cunanan, Vanessa Agdon, Eliza Fulgencio, Nerza del Rosario, Lourdes Ramos and Ma. Lourdes Cabero, on the other hand, seek to stop Santiago’s domination of the distaff side of the event organized by The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc.

Keen competition is also seen in various age-group categories, including the 18-24 division, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 4044, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 7074 and 75-and-above, both in the men’s and women’s classes.

For details and updates, visit www. ironman.com/ironmanphilippines or www.ironman.com/im703-subicbay.

Also to be disputed are the IM 70.3 relay titles, including the all-male, allfemale and mixed.

Backing the event are Asia supplier partners Always Advancing, Ekoi and Nirvana; media partners Outside and Sportgraf.com; venue host Subic Bay, and Lightwater, NLEX/SCTEX, 2Go and Prudential Guarantee.

Arcilla targets top finish in Bautista Open

“They are two great players. They obviously had triple-doubles and they can get it done, whether that’s passing, playmaking, shotmaking, whatever it is. They are one of the best duos in the league.

“But I don’t think that we did enough, as much as we are capable of doing, and making it tough on those guys, kind of like we did in game two. Just find ways in adjusting to the fact they are getting to their spots,” he added.

“We just have to have a better approach mentally,” Martin said. “Whenever their shots are falling, we can’t let that trickle into our offense. Make sure we stay with it and put more pressure on those guys.” AFP

Jaraula keeps lead, matches Alido’s 72

ANTIPOLO—Reymon Jaraula dealt with Ira

Alido’s unceasing jab and Clyde Mondilla’s searing strike with the poise of a seasoned campaigner, coming away of the third round skirmish unscathed and still on top by two with a 72 to zero in on the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge crown here yesterday.

The Del Monte did pull away by five shots with a solid frontside 34 but bogeys on Nos. 10 and 18 enabled Alido, who endured a wild five-birdie, five-bogey round for his version of an even-par round at Valley South, and a charging Mondilla, who turned in a second straight 69 highlighted by an eagle on No. 7 for the second straight day, to set the stage for a furious chase for the crown worth P360,000.

“I made a good start but I struggled with my putting again at the back and missed a number of (birdie) chances, “ said Jaraula, whose even-par round and a nine-under 207 aggregate moved him 18 holes away from posting his second career victory.

“I think I need to shoot a three-under to win (again),” added Jaraula, hoping to find his (putting) touch in his biggest test since upending Tony Lascuna on the second extra hole to snare the Pueblo de Oro crown in 2019.

Ranged against Alido and Lascuna after emerging on top of a weather-suspended play

A ‘Weiss’ decision

THE Philippine Azkals’ road back to redemption will begin next week with a pair of friendlies against Nepal and Chinese Taipei. And somehow, the same gaffer that led them to several successes almost 10 years ago will be the same coach who will, hopefully, lead them again to relevance after being in the shadow of late and in the afterthoughts of long suffering football fans and supporters now pinning their attention and time to the FIFA World Cup-bound Philippine Women’s National Football Team.

Yesterday, the Philippine Football Federation, led by President Nonong Araneta, Secretary General Atty. Ed Gastanes and Philippine Azkals’ Team Manager Dan Stephen Palami formally introduced the comeback

Wednesday, Jaraula said he didn’t flinch, stressing: “I wasn’t rattled since I’ve been playing with them for quite some time.”

Bogeys on Nos. 2 and 3 likewise failed to fluster Alido, who battled back with three straight birdies from No. 5 for the second straight time, although the Bacolod leg winner scrambled with a two-birdie, three-bogey card in the last 10 holes for a pair of 36s and a 209.

“Those (miscues) didn’t really affect me that much because I knew I could turn it around soon with all the par-5s coming up,” said Alido, whose rebound, however, got stalled by three flubbed birdie putts from short range.

Still, he liked his chances.

“I just need to put the pressure on Reymon with my shots and get better with my recovery shots,” said Alido.

Completing Friday’s championship flight is Mondilla, another Del Monte ace whose frontside 32 put him back in the thick of things at 211 after starting the day seven shots off the pace despite a three-under card halfway through the P2 million championship put up by ICTSI.

But errant drives and botched putts led to his two backside bogeys and Mondilla missed joining Alido at second although he stayed within striking distance for a shot at ending a long title spell in the Philippine Golf Tour.

kid, Hans Michael Weiss, as the “new” coach of the Azkals. This will be the second time that Weiss will handle the team after parting ways with the squad in 2014.

Weiss coached the Azkals for 44 games from 2011 up to 2014. Compiling a record of 21 wins, 11 draws and 12 losses.

“We won 50% of our games,” Weiss immediately reminded everyone while he was being introduced during the presser in Pasig.

He also made it clear that despite being away from the squad for almost a decade, Weiss maintains he has never forgotten his beloved Azkals. Even if he had spells in Romania, Mongolia and Laos, Weiss says he remained in contact with several Azkals throughout the years. He made it clear that accepting the opportunity to coach the Azkals once more was a no brainer. He said he is very happy to be with the team again.

Weiss assures, too, that he feels no pressure from the challenges of bringing back the team once more to its glory days. To win the games, however, against Nepal and Chinese Taipei will be a good start for his second tour of duty with the team.

Weiss is also looking ahead past the friendlies.

“If we can get four or six points (in the November qualifiers), we are in a good place.

This is what I will be working for,” he said.

To do this, Weiss said he needs to bring

in the best available players for the qualifiers, which is short saying that he will do everything he can to make a very competitive team. He is also open to the possibility of tapping new players or the next generation of Azkals in November.

“I think in some ways that it is better to build up on what we have and to build on the match window. There are exciting prospects for the future. We might have to change a few players who are over there (overseas). We will see who will be ready in November.”

Weiss said the national training camp will start this coming Monday, June 12, which is a very significant date in our history and perhaps for the team as well.

“At the end of the day, we are here to push the whole program, asking the media and the fans, in particular, to come back, to attend the games and support us even if it is not the most exciting time as it has been in the last couple of months. We want to start again,” Weiss said.

Araneta, for his part, made it clear that the Azkals, not the under-22 or any other youth teams, will be Weiss’s utmost priority. Weiss is also expected to bring good results as the squad opens its campaign in the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers in November this year will be his main task.

“The June friendlies are part of the prepa-

ration. I think we have quality players, who will suit up against Nepal and Chinese Taipei. And I hope the fans will support the team, ‘yun ang kailangan natin. Hindi lang ‘yung expectations nila para at least mabuhay ulit ang suporta sa Azkals natin,” he said.

Palami, on the other hand, said it is already clear with Weiss what his targets are.

“He needs to get the players that will help the team qualify to the World Cup or at the very least, get the wins needed. I think that’s the first order for him as the coach. He has to impose his system to get the points,” Palami said.

The long-time Azkals manager also made it clear that giving Weiss a one-year contract, which is a major improvement compared to the goldfish like memory of a tenure given to the last three coaches of the team, will give him at least enough time to form a better team. Moreover, the German mentor will no longer go through the getto-know-you stage with his players.

“One thing going for him is that he is already familiar with his players, unlike other new coaches, who will need a lot of time to assimilate in the culture and assimilate into the team,” Palami added.

As early as now, Araneta said the PFF is arranging friendlies against several national teams for the FIFA windows in September and October before the Azkals compete

MULT-TITLED Johnny Arcilla hits the hard courts again down South, aiming not just for another Open championship but also the top purse of P80,000 in the men’s singles of the PPS-PEPP Mayor Bradly Bautista Tennis Championships, which got under way yesterday (Th ursday) at the Malita Tennis Club in Davao Occidental.

The top seeded Arcilla, 43, and the other ranking bets, including No. 2 Jose Maria Pague, Joshua Kinaadman, Vicente Anasta, Eric Jed Olivarez, Nilo Ledama, Ronard Joven, John Mari Altiche, Jeleardo Amazona and Eric Tangub, took opening round byes but all are slated to kick off their respective campaigns in second round play set Thursday afternoon.

Tennielle Madis and Nicole dela Rita, on the other hand, banner the women’s singles cast that also includes AJ Acabo, Danna Abad, Elizabeth Abarquez, Rose Bacaron, Rovie Baulete and Nicole Bautista also tipped to contend for the crown worth P30,000.

The P664,000 tournament, dubbed as the MBLTL (Mayor Bradly Bautista Lawn Tennis League) Season 2, also features the men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles and the juniors category. The 10-day tournament, put up in coordination with Davao Occidental Governor and tennis buff Franklin Bautista, is the biggest event staged in Davao region in terms of prize money and participation.

It is also held to inspire the host city’s youngsters to get into sports and held in conjunction with its Paugnat Festival celebrations.

Arcilla’s thirst for victory has never waned through the years. Multiple winner of the PCA (Philippine Columbian Association) Open, the veteran Davis Cup and Butuan City pride has dominated the country’s premier circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro, winning five Open diadems last year while trouncing younger, stronger rivals.

in the qualifiers in November. From what I have heard these friendlies will involve at least Middle East-based teams.

While the Azkals stumbled, to say the least, in their past campaigns due to various reasons, the arrival of Weiss offers some sort of hope, of optimism that somehow the team is at least on the right track to reclaim respect and the love, not only of its long-suffering fans but also the present generation which has not seen good results from the team of late.

Hopefully, the move to tap Weiss will be the much needed kick and direction the team needs.

And for the nth time, I would like to hope, too, that the next few months will bring joy and more reasons to once more rally behind the team.

On a personal note, The Designated Kit Man would like to greet Dan Palami a very Happy Birthday! We may not agree on several things when it comes to our beloved Azkals, but then again, let’s talk about these things some other time. For the meantime, enjoy your day!

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets battles for the ball against Haywood Highsmith and Caleb Martin of the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. AFP

Reymon Jaraula waves to the crowd. Manny Marcelo

ENTERTAINMENT

Vince Tañada draws inspiration from Cannes experience, set to explore new

themes and expand film portfolio

By Nickie Wang

FILM producer, actor and director

Vince Tañada’s experience at Cannes has inspired him to explore more themes and translate them into films. The exposure to a global film festival like Cannes, with its diverse range of films and international filmmakers, has undoubtedly broadened his horizons and fueled his creative aspirations.

“It’s a life-changing experience for me and my team,” Tañada told Manila Standard Entertainment in an interview.

“Being in the presence of renowned directors, actors, and film enthusiasts from around the world has sparked new ideas and perspectives within me. At Cannes, there are no stars, only artists. Witnessing the power of storytelling on an international stage and seeing the impact it can have on audiences worldwide has undoubtedly motivated me to further his own storytelling endeavors,” he went on.

Straight from Cannes, France, the group of Tañada, with Johnrey Rivas and OJ Arci, was immediately greeted with intrigue. The group went to the Cannes International Film Festival to screen their films Ako si Ninoy and The Embalmer at the Marche du Film.

Some camps claim that they were sent by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to represent the country. Second, they allegedly paid to have their movie screened.

“They are not true,” Tañada said. “I never said that the FDCP sent our group to Cannes, and it is very unfair because Maison ZBZ, represented by Evelyn Vargas, and Philstagers, would lose their significance. We never mentioned FDCP at all.”

A million-dollar search for the empowered women

MILLIONAIREASIA

MILLIONAIREASIA (MA), a leading multi-channel platform that connects highnet-worth individuals (HNWIs) in Asia, is spearheaded by Peter Tan, the CEO of Millionaireasia, based in Singapore. In an exciting partnership with Queen of the Orient Philippines Group, Inc., MA recently launched the revolutionary MsMA 2023 Competition at Okada Manila.

MsMA 2023 (or Ms. Millionaireasia), with the theme “Women for Women” and the slogan “Asians for Asia,” invites women aged 18 and above to embrace the challenge of becoming icons for empowering women and serving as role models in Asia. It is important to note that MsMA2023 is not a beauty pageant, and there will be no judges in this competition.

The focus of the MsMA 2023 competition is on the contestants’ ability to promote their Personality (Quarterfinals), Ideas (Semi-finals), and Values (Finals) through digital media and the sale of their videos. The engagement, support, and voting of their families, friends, and followers (FFFs) will play a crucial role in determining their success.

treated to a week of millionaire’s lifestyle program in Singapore before the Grand Celebration on October 1. Millionaireasia will announce the Champion, first and second runners-up (with a minimum of 3,000 votes), who will receive prizes worth Singapore Dollar $1 million (comprising Singapore Dollar $200,000 in cash and an exclusive 10-month contract with Millionaireasia worth Singapore Dollar $800,000), S$50,000, and S$25,000, respectively.

* * * Japan-based Filipina

wins Mrs. Tourism Ambassador Universe 2023 in Malaysia

Congratulations to Japan-based Marivel Kawajiri for winning Mrs. Tourism Ambassador Universe 2023 held on June 5 at the Ming Garden Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Kawajiri also won Mrs. Intelectual and Mrs Model Culture, while another compatriot, Wanie Ono was adjudged Best in Gown and Mrs. Congeniality.

‘Ako si Ninoy’ joins other Filipino films as part of this year’s Marché du FilmFestival de Cannes or the Cannes Film Festival

“As for the payment, we had a booth there where we could hold meetings. We shared it with others. It is not true that if you have money, you can screen your film anywhere. We went through the accreditation process, and Cannes granted us permission to screen our movie after we submitted the requirements and had our movie reviewed,” he Tañada.

Tañada is happy because Philstagers became part of Cannes. It served as the world premiere of The Embalmer (Ang Bangkay).

And he also explained that Cannes Film Festival is not just about competition.

“People often think of Cannes as just a competition, but it also involves gatherings of film enthusiasts and artists from all over the world. There are 3,500 participants, and we are fortunate to have two movies being

Sparkle artists partner with well-known nail salon

NAILANDIA, owned by Noreen Divina and Juncynth

Divina, is a reputable chain of nail salons and foot spas that has been in operation for 12 years.

Noreen’s passion for spa visits sparked the idea for Nailandia. When her husband asked where she was, she often replied, “I’m at the spa,” leading him to suggest she start her own humorously. Inspired by the idea, Noreen pursued local and international studies in nail salon and foot spa services. She made it a point to learn all the different services in the industry and personally attended to clients, even in busy salons with long queues.

Noreen’s commitment and hands-on approach reflect her dedication to providing excellent service. She recognized that different services required specialized training, such as nails, spa, massage, waxing, and eyelashes. Although she initially planned to travel to California for training, she was fortunate that the instructor came to the Philippines, allowing her to study under their guidance.

To date, Nailandia now has branches in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. “And soon baka sa UAE or sa US,” Noreen excitedly declared.

In an exciting development, three Sparkle/Kapuso female stars and Voltes V: Legacy cast members franchised ‘Nailandia.’ The co-franchisees are Elle Villanueva (Eva Sanchez), Sophia Senoron (Ally Chan) and Ysabel Ortega, Voltes V team member Jamie Robinson. Expressing deep gratitude to the Lord, Noreen feels blessed by this opportunity. She acknowledges the significant role that actress Marian Rivera played as the sole endorser of Nailandia for almost a decade.

screened,” he related.

“Our film is not part of the competition, but we are part of the Marche du Film. We are still lucky because we are representing our country, and no one was included there because it is true that we are from the Philippines and we are representing our country,” Tañada added.

Meanwhile, the controversial director shared the good news that the screenings of Ako si Ninoy and The Embalmer at Cannes were productive.

“There are a lot of enthusiasts and distributors who showed interest and approached me because our screening for Ako si Ninoy was full.

“For The Embalmer, many desire to collaborate with us, and international film festivals invited us, such as in Barcelona, New York, and Nicaragua.

“We are proud that we are from the Philippines. We think that there will be more job opportunities for our people once we have investors in the movie. Darwin Reyna of Barcelona mentioned to me that he is not bringing our film Ako si Ninoy to the Barcelona Film Festival because he believes in artistry. He is bringing the film because he is a vanguard of truth.”

“The screening of Ako si Ninoy at the Barcelona Film Festival will push through,” said director Tañada.

Philstagers is currently in a celebratory mood, and Tañada has set the record straight that Katips did not fail, and neither did Ako si Ninoy, despite claims being spread by his critics.

“If our movies flopped, why are we continuously making films?” he asked.

It is the group’s first time attending Cannes with the said films being screened.

“It hurts to be divirginized because there are critics. Why are they getting angry?” Tañada ended in jest.

entrepreneurs will provide coaching

During the final stage, reputable entrepreneurs will provide coaching to the contestants, and the winner will be solely decided based on the highest number of votes received. Each sale of a video represents a vote, and voters have the flexibility to purchase videos from different contestants.

The quarter-finals, which allow contestants to showcase their personality in a one-minute video, takes place until June 21. The Semi-finals, where contestants will campaign their ideas and advocate for “Empowering Women” through a twominute Idea video, will be held from June

minute Idea video, will be held from June 24 to August 9. To qualify for the finals, contestants must rank in the top twenty in terms of votes, with a minimum of 2,000 votes.

The finals, the stage for promoting their “value proposition” and endorsing “Empowering Women” through a three-minute video, will be held from August 11 to September 28.

All finalists will be

PEOPLE …are talking about

‘Eat Bulaga!’

From the departure of TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon) and Dabarkads to having new hosts for the noontime show, Eat Bulaga! has been on everyone’s lips for the past weeks. Although the trio found a new home with TV5, controversies surrounding their sudden exit and relationship with TAPE Inc. continue to grease the rumor mill as both sides claim unfair treatment. All that’s left to do is wait for any developments that show whether both parties made the right decision.

Vice Ganda and Ion Perez

Happy Pride Month! But even if it’s not the international celebration that commemorates the LGBTQIA+ community, love always wins–as Vice and Ion showed during the Your Memejesty, Queen VG concert of the former. While flipping off their bashers, they shared a passionate kiss on stage after professing their steadfast love for one another. Over the years, Vice and Ion overcame challenges in their relationship but continued to fight for their devotion because it’s not every day that one can find their other half.

…are not talking about

Zack Tabudlo

It’s not that people are not talking about Zack that irks us. It’s the fact that they’re not talking about him enough. He’s a casualty caught in the crossfire between Jason Hernandez and Moira Dela Torre’s breakup (something that should’ve been quieted by now). Zack’s unfortunate attempt on his life, stemming from his silence about the matter and the subsequent

Not many knew about the pageant Mister, Miss, Mrs., Prince & Princess Tourism Ambassador Universe 2023, now in its 5th season, if not for the Sashing & Crowning ceremony of two representatives, held in Okada Manila last May 29.

Wannie Ono was named Mrs. Tourism Ambassador Universe International Philippines 2023 while Marivel Canillo Kawajiri was named Mrs. Tourism Ambassador Universe International Japan 2023. The ceremony was presided by Myla Villagonzalo Tsutaichi, Mrs. Tourism Ambassador International 2020 and CEO, Mrs. Tourism Ambassador International Japan.

Present at the event was Tintin Uy, founder of God’s Angel Little Miracle, a chosen beneficiary for the outreach mission of Villagonzalo-Tsutaichi. Ono

Present at the event was founder of God’s Angel Little Miracle, a chosen beneficiary for the outreach and Kawajiri.

show my talent in the coming competition,” said Ono. have always prayed to have a purpose in life, and I’m grateful to find my mission,

the multi-category pageant are Marissa Olano, Chris John Suratos, Brandon Juan, Althea Cassandra

“It’s been my mission to support our fellow Filipinos in Japan. I’m thankful for this opportunity to be able to show my talent in the coming competition,” said Ono. Kawajiri, a businessman’s housewife in Japan, teared up when asked if she was happy about her crowning and coming competition. “I have always prayed to have a purpose in life, and I’m grateful to find my mission, to help the children of God’s Angel Little Miracle,” an emotional Kawajiri said. The country’s other delegates in the multi-category pageant are Marissa Olano, Chris John Suratos, Brandon Juan, and Althea Cassandra Wyona Wilson

Miss Philippines Water 2022 Angel Santos is one of the participants of this year's MsMA 2023 Competition

public backlash, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of rushing to judgments and engaging in bullying. It is crucial for us to realize that our actions and words carry consequences.

Paolo Contis Sure, the public didn’t welcome the new hosts of Eat Bulaga! with open arms, but they also have reservations about seeing Paolo be part of the noontime show lineup. One reason is likely that he cheated on his ex-wives and never learned from his previous actions. Yes, it’s personal, but thousands of women related to LJ Reyes and Lian Paz because of the ordeal they had to face. It may damage Paolo’s reputation in showbiz, but he has yet to show some responsibility in a commitment.

Sparkle artists and Voltes V: Legacy stars Ysabel Ortega, Sophia Senoron, and Elle Villanueva start their new business venture with Nailandia

Noreen Divina, one of the owners of the beauty and wellness spa, Nailandia

Vince Tañada shares his experience in Cannes as a life-changing moment for him and his team

Tañada, together with Johnrey Rivas and OJ Arci, during the Cannes International Film Festival

Embracing queer club culture

BY supporting LGBTQIA+ communities globally, COS aims to foster respect, safety, and visibility for everyone.

In celebration of Pride and the importance of queer club culture as safe spaces, COS is presenting a limited-edition T-Shirt capsule collection that features unique designs created in collaboration with four iconic clubs worldwide: Horse Meat Disco, House of Yes, Sink The Pink, and Churros con Chocolate.

These club spaces have faced challenges such as transphobia, homophobia, and gentrification, leading to a decline in their numbers even before the pandemic. However, they remain vital to queer communities, providing spaces for connection, celebration, and self-expression.

Each collaborator’s T-shirt design embodies their creativity and individuality. Horse Meat Disco’s

design features a bold and colorful DISCO motif, symbolizing the community’s love for disco and dancing.

House of Yes, based in New York, presents a powerful heart-shaped design with interconnected lines representing love and the creation of something unique and beautiful.

Sink The Pink, a legendary UK collective known for advocating selfexpression, offers a playful Queen of Clubs design that represents their legacy. Churros con Chocolate, Spain’s festival of fun, recreates their iconic poster designs, showcasing dress-up and their flamboyant guests. The campaign, shot by Brett Lloyd, showcases the faces that form the heart and soul of LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide. All profits from the sales of this collaboration will be donated to Metro Manila Pride, a volunteermanaged organization dedicated to

educating, equipping, and empowering the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, working towards a future free from discrimination and prejudice.

The COS Pride collection will be available globally at cos.com and the COS Store Manila in SM Aura Premier starting this month. COS, a London-based fashion brand, draws inspiration from contemporary culture and is renowned for its iconic wardrobe pieces, elevated essentials, and innovative designs built to withstand the test of time. Committed to quality and sustainability, COS takes a bespoke approach to design, creating unique collections that blend function with timeless style. The brand frequently explores experimental design details

COS aims to foster respect, safety, and visibility for everyone with its limitededition T-Shirt capsule collection

and material innovation, incorporating the latest sartorial advancements and ensuring the thoughtful use of fibers, whether recycled, renewed, or sustainably sourced.

Why outing someone is no fun

How to raise the rainbow flag and create a safe space for LGBT friends

hurting another being? There is always a way of sharing your thoughts and beliefs without being forceful. Honor and affirm the identities of your LGBT friends. Respect their journeys and the labels they choose for themselves. Showing them genuine curiosity and asking openended questions will allow our friends to share their experiences and personal growth.

HAVE you ever found yourself making comments like “That’s so gay!” or bragging about having an accurate “gaydar” or ranting about a malfunctioning one?

In my case, I admit to having made assumptions in the past about people’s sexual orientations based on their Facebook profile pictures or Instagram feeds. I feel ashamed of the numerous times I acted like a foolish detective, hastily concluding that someone is gay solely based on gym selfies, poses, or even fashion choices.

While the world has been gradually becoming more accepting of diverse sexual preferences, orientations, and gender identities, there are still many harmful assumptions and biases that hinder us from fully embracing individuals who are part of the LGBT community.

As someone who has had more than ten people come out to me in recent years, I have seen a pattern. A lot of these friends and acquaintances who mustered enough courage to break down their walls, become vulnerable, and share their stories with me in secret worked their way through internal and external struggles. For many of them, personal acceptance of their sexual preference or orientation alone is hard enough and the burden is compounded by society’s and their own families’ expectations and demands that they are so scared not to meet.

By Nickie Wang

THE growing popularity of TikTok has led to an increase in people filming videos in public spaces. While many TikTok creators are respectful and mindful of their surroundings, there are instances when the behavior of individuals filming TikTok videos in public can be considered annoying.

One common annoyance is when TikTokers obstruct pathways or busy areas—like mall escalators or street pedestrians—while filming. This can cause inconvenience to others trying to navigate through the area. It is important for TikTokers to be mindful of their surroundings and choose filming locations that minimize disruption to others.

In light of this, leading mobile service provider Smart has listed essential etiquette for fi lming TikTok videos in public:

1. Respect the personal space and privacy of others

When filming TikTok videos in public, remember that you are sharing the space with others. Strike a balance between creating engaging content and respecting the boundaries of those around you. Avoid excessive noise and always seek consent from people you include in

As an ally who is grateful for the trust I have been given, I admit that I still have so much to learn. I am still on the journey of gaining a better understanding of the community and the members’ needs. As Pride Month begins, I reflected upon what works in creating a safe and loving space for LGBT friends and would like to share a few I picked up from personal experience:

Be mindful of the language you use and the stereotypes you perpetuate. I learned that we should avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes. Similarly, we should be conscious of the subtle microaggressions that may unknowingly perpetuate discrimination. It is best to reassess commonly used expressions or

running jokes to ensure we are taking other people’s feelings into consideration. The ‘Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast’ by directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac has a highly informative episode on LGBT microaggressions with LGBTQIA+ advocate Thysz Estrada on Spotify. Do not out or attempt to out someone. The choice of coming out and revealing one’s sexual orientation is solely that person’s decision. It doesn’t matter if something is seemingly an unspoken truth or an open secret. A person chooses not to come out of the closet for a reason and we can only respect that.

In reality, what’s in it for us if we put them in an awkward situation or

subject them to a court-like interrogation? That is just too mean a method to satisfy our curiosity. Unless there is accountability or responsibility expected from the subject, they do not owe us any explanation.

I learned that intrusive or prying questions about their personal lives can be invasive, disrespectful, and traumatic. While others may say that each of us has an inner Marites, well, another person’s sexuality is still none of our business.

Respect and reaffirm. While we may not necessarily agree with everything that the LGBT community stands or fights for, respect is at the core of creating a safe space. What use does standing by Bible verses on sexuality have if it would mean

Learn to listen. Active listening is an important aspect of creating a safe space. When LGBT friends share their experiences, struggles, or triumphs, it is essential to lend an ear without judgment. We should allow them to express themselves openly, giving them the space to be heard and understood. Let them find comfort in your presence.

Educate yourself. To be a supportive ally, we need to educate ourselves about LGBT experiences, identities, and issues. Understanding their journeys will allow us to understand them better. We need to familiarize ourselves with appropriate terms and respectful language. Education and the right information will also equip us in furthering causes that will potentially benefit them.

Being a safe space for LGBT friends requires compassion, empathy, and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment. We also ask them to be more understanding and patient if supposed allies or other people they interact with suffer from plain ignorance or lack of education on certain issues about the community.

By exerting effort and operating from a place of love from both sides, we can foster a safe and accepting space for everyone. May we embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and work towards a world where everyone feels valued, loved, and accepted for who they truly are.

As we enter Pride Month this June, this piece is dedicated to all my friends who raise the rainbow flag either as a proud member or a supportive ally.

For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.

Essential etiquette for filming TikTok videos in public

3. Be mindful of your surroundings and safety

While creating captivating TikTok videos is exciting, never compromise personal safety or the safety of others.

Stay aware of potential obstacles or hazards that could put you or those around you in danger. For example:

• When filming near roads, maintain a safe distance from traffic.

• In crowded areas, be considerate of people’s movements and avoid blocking pathways.

• Respect restricted access signs and warnings in certain areas.

Always be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution, especially in busy or unfamiliar environments. Remember, the pursuit of a viral video should never come at the expense of your well-being or that of others.

4. Be respectful of the environment

When filming in public spaces, be mindful of the environment and preserve it for future generations. Properly dispose of litter and follow the “leave it as you found it” principle when using nature as a backdrop.

An example in China showed the importance of responsible behavior when tourists damaged Cherry Blos-

som trees for photos. Cherish and respect the environment when filming.

On TikTok, uphold social etiquette when fi lming in public spaces. Set a high standard of responsible behavior for an enjoyable content creation experience.

Each collaborator's design embodies their creativity and individuality, ideal for celebrating Pride Month